21. All things end
"I'm still not sure how you did it, brother… but I'm glad it worked," Peter spoke in a heartfelt voice and threw his arm around his brother's lean shoulders.
They had returned to Narnia once more, all of them for the most parts unscathed, and the Pevensies along with Caspian, Aslan, Cornelius, Reepicheep and Trumpkin had gathered in the council room to discuss the latest development. Of course, there had been little discussion after Susan had broken into tears and held her younger brother close to her for a long period before relinquishing her hold on him.
Edmund patted his brother's back in return, equally relieved to be alive and shook his head, "I don't know, Peter… One moment I was thinking I was actually going to miss your ugly mugg, and the next… I felt the life leave my body. In the same heartbeat… it returned."
The two brothers turned to face the mighty lion at the head of the table where he stood next to Caspian but Aslan shook his head stoically and smiled one of his trademark, secret grins. "Do not look to me for the answer. I encourage you instead to look within."
The youngest king frowned. "I don't understand."
"I have an idea about what happened," Lucy spoke up from her seat and gazed at the faces around her. "I mentioned it to Susan when we were at the grove. I remembered when Jadis wanted to sacrifice you, Ed, but Aslan took your place. I thought perhaps such a selfless act could help us once more, even though we weren't at the traitor's stead. We were at a sacred, ancient grove with magic older than time. I thought it was possible, at least. I hoped it was."
"Yes, yes!" Cornelius nodded fervently at the girl. "That's right, my young queen. The grove is sacred, but not for dark magic only. And there certainly doesn't exist any lighter magic than a selfless sacrifice such as Edmund's. Perhaps his actions outweighed the evil of the Sorcerer's ritual, after all, and undid the dark deed."
Aslan bowed his head in Edmund's direction. "Your sacrifice was not equal to mine, but it was nonetheless as great. When one is willing to give everything up for others without any thought for oneself, one can invoke the most powerful of good magic."
"Then... we were right?" the young Pevensie queen asked hopefully. Despite the lion's silence, she could not be fooled. Even though he did not give them the answers they were searching for, Lucy was nonetheless certain he possessed the knowledge. She wondered if Aslan merely wanted them to evolve and find out the truth for themselves, without him offering the true tale so easily.
The lion smiled over at the youngest queen and bowed his head at her. "You have touched upon the core of the matter." Aslan then turned back to young Pevensie king and gazed up at him with knowing eyes. "I am proud of you, King Edmund, you have come far from the young boy you were when you first stepped into these lands."
"Thankfully," the dark-haired boy commented smartly with an impish grin.
"Alright," Peter smiled teasingly and poked his brother in the ribs. "I think you've had enough praise for one day. Wouldn't want it to get to your thick head!"
"Heaven forbid!" Edmund joked back. "Then it might get as thick as yours!"
Susan, who stood by the Telmarine king, dried the last of her joyful tears and turned to face the strong lion. "So it's all over then? We're safe?"
"Yes, my queen," Aslan bowed his head. "The threat has been elliminated. Your heart can rest once more."
Trumpkin cleared his throat and the others turned in his direction. "With your permission, my king… The news of your victorious return will have spread to your citizens by now. May I suggest a celebration to honor your victory?"
"Sentimental over our happy return, Trumpkin?" Caspian asked with an amused glint to his eyes. The red-haired dwarf huffed in good humor and muttered something the others could not make out. "I believe that's a wonderful idea. Today we shall celebrate and honor our dead. Though the Calormene army greatly underestimated our troops, the cost of defeat was still many good soldiers. At least now, it will be a long time before the Calormene dare challenge Narnia again."
"I'll see to the arrangements for tonight then. That is… I'll find someone to see to them," Trumpkin bowed deeply before the royalties and left the hall along with Cornelius and Reepicheep.
"Magic to end magic… how did you figure that out, Edmund?" Caspian asked as he turned to his younger friend.
The king shrugged. "Lucky guess. I figured if he couldn't be injured by our weapons, we needed to take away his advantage. His scepter truly was his lifeline, wasn't it?"
The Telmarine king smiled warmly and clapped his friend on the shoulder. "Clever thinking."
"A celebration… then I'd better change my dress," Lucy muttered to herself and glanced down at her dirty clothes. They were all still wearing their battle clothes since not much time had passed since their return to Narnian soil.
Peter and Edmund exchanged a look and each lay an arm around their sister's small shoulders.
"Now, Lucy… when you say 'change dress', I hope we're not talking about your last attempt," Edmund said and cleared his throat.
"We hardly call that a dress," Peter said pointedly.
"Oh, you two…" the girl muttered and shrugged off their arms as she briskly headed for the door.
"There is however, dearest sister, another option," Peter continued and the girl slowed down curiously. "Reepicheep told us of a certain type of dress young women of Narnia wear these days when they come of age. With the help of the royal seamstress, we had one made especially for you."
Lucy swirled around to face her brothers, evident joy shining in her bright, pale eyes. "You think I'm old enough for that?"
"Aren't you?" Edmund retorted and the girl hurriedly rushed back to hug both her brothers.
As the trio exited, only Aslan, Susan and Caspian remained in the grand stone hall. The queen cautiously gazed at the lion, whose eyes were upon her already. She knew he had read her mind and already was aware of her fears and doubts. In response to her silent pleadings, Aslan merely bowed his head and too exited the hall without another word.
Once the couple was alone, the tall king reached a hand to grasp the queen's tenderly.
"Caspian, what-" the man held his index finger against her full lips and Susan closed her eyes tight, before she dared to look up at him. The king's smile was unmistakably amused by the blush that slowly crept up her cheeks.
"Susan… We have been through much since your return to Narnia this time. I think we deserve to celebrate along with the others before worrying over tomorrow," he said and squeezed her hand in his. As the queen nodded once, Caspian leaned down and kissed her forehead, before enveloping her in a tight embrace.
A few hours later, Cair Paravel was abuzz with life and celebration of the recent victory abroad.
The sun was slowly creeping towards the horizon, as Caspian found himself alone on a wide, stone balcony overlooking the city. Far below, he could hear the merry songs of his people and could not help but feel his heart elate with their joy and peace. He hoped that peace, this time, could be maintained long beyond these past three years. His mind wandered briefly to the mission he had planned before the Pevensies' return, when he had last believed Narnia to be safe. The quest for the seven lords… Perhaps now, when all was well again, he could finish what he had promised himself and search for the lords. Perhaps, he could even do it with Susan by his side…
The king exhaled as he felt his heart deflate somewhat once more. Though he wanted nothing else, he was afraid he was getting his hopes up to high in that one aspect. He still forced himself to abandon all such toughts from his mind and heart. Any eventual heartbreak could be left for the new dawn, much as he had asked his beloved to stay merry.
"There you are…" Peter's voice suddenly broke Caspian's solitude and he turned to see the Pevensie king stand in the open doorway to the balcony. "Mind if I join you?"
"Please…" The Telmarine waved a hand for his friend to join him in the twilight. Peter walked over to the balustrade and offered him one of the two cups of spiced wine in his hand, Caspian took it most thankfully.
"Don't tell Edmund, but I hid some wine in my chambers," the Pevensie man smirked. "Listen… there was something I wanted to clear up with you…"
"Speak plainly," the king of Narnia encouraged. "Let there never be lies or unspoken words between us."
"Unspoken, no. Unfortunately," Peter grimaced and stared into the bottom of his cup. "It's rather a case of wishing to make somethings unsaid."
"Ah…" Caspian nodded in understanding and ran a hand through his short scruff contemplatively. "Are you referring to when you were trying to protect your sister's heart?"
"Mm…" Peter looked quite boyish as he scrunched up his face in search of the right words. "Of course, she was right. I am over-protective of her. Of all of them."
The Telmarine took a sip of his wine. "As you should be."
"To a certain point you should always be protective, beyond that however… It wasn't my place to speak out. I had witnessed her heartbreak when she thought she'd lost you… I had however failed to notice how your presence slowly healed her heart. Of course, she was denying it herself at the time. But I should have known better."
Caspian ducked his head silently, unsure how to respond to his friend's words. Peter placed a brotherly hand on the other man's shoulder and waited until the dark eyes rose to meet his gaze.
"You're a great king, Caspian," the Pevensie said and hoped the truth was conveyed in his pale eyes. "And… Look, who knows what will happen now with me and Susan. … I trust you. You're family to us. To me, Edmund, Lucy and, of course, to Susan. Should it come to it, I don't think my sister could ever find a better match than you."
"I'm touched," the taller man smiled genuinely warm inside and held up his cup to toast with his friend. Peter smiled back as he touched their cups together and both men then turned to gaze out at the view.
The sky was darkening above them and you could already see one or two stars twinkle in the endless depths above.
"Of course…" the Pevensie man continued into the evening. "Hurt her and I will hunt you, just as I promised."
"I expect nothing less."
"Susan, do you like it? Honestly?" Lucy asked in a low voice and felt heat rise to her cheeks. Unconciously, she tugged at the sleeves of her dress and gazed down at it. Not counting the hideous dress she had worn to the last feast, this certainly was the most mature dress she'd ever worn. Peter and Edmund's arrangement was very kind, and the young girl had to admit she did fancy the dress quite a lot. For the first time, it actually made her feel pretty like her sister.
The dress was violet and pink and had a wide neckline, without showing off any cleavage, and clung to her body in a way that created curves she wasn't aware she had.
Susan smiled at her sister and for the first time realized just how grown up her baby sister was. She remembered last time they had been here, and how she had been forced to look down to meet her sister's gaze. Now, Lucy was just about her length, and that didn't include her hight alone. The elder Pevensie girl knew her sister had grown in every sense of the word, inside and out.
"Lucy… you look beautiful," Susan reassured and squeezed her sister's hand. "You look just like mother."
"I do?" there was a light in Lucy's eyes as she beheld her sister.
"Just like her. You're beautiful, Li. Soon the boys will be swarming all around you... if they can get close enough with Peter and Edmund guarding you!" the elder brunette said encouragingly and noticed her sister's surprised face. She knew Lucy had never seen her own beauty, but it had always been evident to Susan.
"Thank you, Su… You look pretty, too, of course!"
Susan wore a dress made of two golden colored fabrics that hugged her slim shape wonderfully. Atop her head reasted a simple, gilded tiara, which made her appear all the queen she was. Her long hair was down and slightly curly, but despite her sister's flawless appearance, Lucy for the first time didn't feel jealous of her sister. For the first time, she instead felt as her sister's peer in that respect.
"Shall we join the others?" Susan asked and offered her arm to her sister who smiled from ear to ear in reply.
"I don't believe it…" Edmund greeted his sisters as they descended the stairs.
"Don't believe what?" his younger sister frowned as they came to a halt before him.
"That Peter and I could possibly be related to you two," the dark-haired boy smiled and offered one arm to each of his sisters. "You both look very lovely this evening."
"Thank you, Edmund," Susan smiled as she accepted his arm.
"I said 'this evening', Su. You might not be tomorrow," the cheeky boy commented and both sister slapped the back of his head. He cringed and suppressed the grin on his face as he led them over to the balcony. As they walked out into the cool evening air, Peter and Caspian turned in their direction.
The eldest Pevensie hurried over to compliment his youngest sister, as Susan released Edmund's arm and joined the Telmarine man by the balustrade.
"You look…" the handsome king seemed at a loss for words and the queen was grateful the darkness of the evening hid most of her blush. Caspian stepped closer to her and gently pressed his lips to her cheek, she in turn leaned closer still to savor the moment. For all she knew, this could be the very last time she could be this close to the man she had grown to love with all her heart.
"The sentiment goes both ways," she mumbled back and took in his own appearance. He wore a purple shirt rich with golden embroidery and it suited his strong face, long hair and short scruff perfectly. He still took her breath away with his mere appearance and Susan relished in that thought.
Edmund, Peter and Lucy joined them by the balustrade and looked down. All through the city, small beacons had been lit in honor of the fallen men who had died in the battles by the grove, but still the joy of the victory echoed through the crowds below and music danced through the evening.
"I'm glad that, despite everything being different this time around… we still came out on top," Edmund admitted to the night and gazed up at the stars in the clear sky.
"I have come to realize," the mighty voice of Aslan spoke from somewhere behind all of them, and the five of them turned to see the lion sit on the balcony behind them, illuminated by the light from inside, "… that all five of you are capable of much more than you believe yourselves. Though you trust in others, you must all grow to trust more in yourselves."
"Aslan…" Edmund smiled tensely and threw a glance at his siblings. "Are you here to celebrate with us or…?"
By his side, his siblings, too, stiffened as their brother's voice trailed off into the night. They all shared the same fear that the mighty feline would send them back to England so soon. The lion smiled warmly and the Pevensie siblings felt their fears wane.
"Yes, tonight I am here to celebrate with you," the lion assured. "I would like to see you tomorrow morning in the Pevensie garden. But do not to worry for tomorrow today. Please, enjoy this victory. You have earned nothing less."
The lion rose and bowed deep before the kings and queens before he walked back inside. For a minute, there was only silence between the group on the balcony as all were lost in their own world.
"I haven't had a chance to properly talk to Trumpkin since our return!" Lucy proclaimed all the sudden. "Peter, Edmund, will you join me in my search for our DLF?"
The brothers happily agreed and soon disappeared inside with their sister, leaving Susan and Caspian alone on the balcony. The silence lingered between them a few seconds longer as the sounds of the celebration below grew louder, before the brunette stepped closer.
"Will you…" the queen began hesitantly. Without thought, or perhaps with too much thought, she played with one of the buttons of his shirt. She felt her cheeks burn like a mild fire as she invaded his personal space and tried to keep her mind clear, "... stay with me tonight? Unless, you don't want to?"
The man leaned his forehead against hers as his hands ran up and down Susan's arms. He leaned close to her ear and breathed, "Oh, I do."
Susan smiled and her eyes fluttered shut as his breath tickled the side of her neck. "Are you sure?"
"Yes."
"And would you just please... kiss me?" the woman whispered as one of her hands travelled to the back of his neck and she tugged him closer.
"You need never ask for that, my queen," Caspian smiled and pressed his lips against hers with all the love he could muster.
For all of them, the next morning came far too soon and the joys of the celebration ended quickly along with the birth of a new day. As the sun slowly ascended on the sky and the birds flew to wake everyone still asleep, the Pevensie siblings gathered in the small, familiar Pevensie garden.
Peter sat on the bench, with his gaze turned up into the tree's young crown. Beside him, sat Susan and distantly twirled a pale, pink flower between her fingers. Over on the low, stone wall both Lucy and Edmund reclined, back to back with each other. None of them said a word, though their hearts and minds were thinking the same thing. Not even the serenity of the garden could ease their troubled thoughts.
Suddenly, Edmund sat up straight. "Someone's coming."
All four looked towards the entrance of the garden as both Caspian and Aslan walked into the serene garden.
"I have asked King Caspian X to be with us for this, for he deserves to hear what I have to say," Aslan explained as the Telmarine man walked over to the bench and placed a hand on Susan's shoulder in support.
"Will you…" the queen swallowed and forced her voice to be steady. "… send us back now that we have accomplished our task here?"
"I told you last time, Queen Susan, that you and King Peter had learned all you could from this world," Aslan began solemnly as he held the queen's gaze.
"It's not fair!" Caspian breathed and knelt down beside the woman. His dark eyes shone with emotion and the gentle queen reached out a hand to touch his cheek. She remembered their last goodbye and felt nasty tears sting her eyes already. She had been expecting this day since she returned, but despite this her heart was not prepared for it. For the first time, she wished her rational mind had been wrong in predicting their return to England.
She whispered into the man's ear, "I'm glad we had more time together."
The king's smile was bittersweet as he nodded faintly and pulled back an inch. It was evident their last goodbye was on his mind also. "Me too."
"I suppose," Susan's lower lip quivered. "…it's time to say goodbye."
From the entrance of the garden, Aslan raised his voice, "Shall you keep interrupting me, or will you let me speak?"
Everyone turned their attention back to the lion. The eldest Pevensie queen felt confusion rise in her wounded heart. "I thought…"
"Last time," Aslan repeated and there was a twinkle to his kind, golden eyes. "...was long ago. When you were summoned back to Narnia now, you changed much that would have been. And you have clearly learned more about yourselves. All of you. These lands now have more to offer you. Possibilities unseen before, possibilities created by yourselves this time."
"What do you mean?" Caspian began and tried to voice his hopes that got caught in his throat. "Are you saying she will return to Narnia one day?"
"I am saying, last time I interrupted something before its time was up. This time, I leave the decision entirely into your hands."
The Pevensies all found themselves dumbstruck as they gazed between each other. Once more, it was the Telmarine king who found the words the others could not. "Do you mean she can stay then? Forever?"
"Forever," Aslan clarified. "If she chooses it."
Susan could not help but recall the devilish foresight the Erinye had shown her and whispered, "Aslan, if I stay-"
"I know your fears, dear one," the lion interrupted. "Do not worry. To give up one life does not mean to settle for a lesser one. No, I believe this is the far superior choice for all of you."
"Ehm, question," Edmund cleared his throat, "…when you say 'all of you', you do mean…?"
Aslan smiled and shook his head, "The sons of Adam always ask questions they know the answers to already. All of you can stay, yes. If you choose it."
"Hell yes!" the Pevensie king practically shouted and then met the lion's gaze. "I'm sorry. I mean… we'll consider it."
"Bear in mind, sons of Adam and daughters of Eve, that this decision is not to be taken lightly. It will mean leaving behind your lives in England. You may never return there if you should decide to remain in these lands. Your life in Narnia will become your reality, and not your escape."
"We lived here for many years once, Aslan," Peter spoke thoughtfully as he gazed between his siblings beaming faces. "I think I speak for all four of us when I say that those years… was the only time we've ever felt truly alive and at home. We belong in Narnia."
"After everything you have done for Narnia, you, more than any other, deserve to have your wishes granted," Aslan bowed his strong head. "You may all stay then."
Lucy skipped off the wall with a huge smile on her lips. "I have to tell Reepicheep!"
"And Trumpkin! I don't want to miss the dwarf's tear fest when he hears the great news!" Edmund jumped down and the two hurriedly rushed out of the garden.
"Hey! Wait for me! Lu! Wait up, Ed!" Peter jumped from the bench, bowed once to Aslan and then rushed after his siblings.
As Caspian took Peter's place on the bench, Susan turned her gaze to meet the lion's.
"Thank you, Aslan…"
The lion nodded before exiting the garden the same way Edmund, Lucy and Peter had just rushed off. Susan swore she heard the lion's rumbling laughter echoe between the pillars as the happy shouts of her siblings sounded further up ahead.
Caspian grasped her hand in his and the queen turned towards him with a wide grin on her face. She'd never been this happy and she wanted the Telmarine man to know he was the main reason for that.
"I never want to leave," she promised and threw her arms around his shoulders without giving him a chance to react.
"And you'll never have to," the man said and his voice was muffled against the masses of her long, dark curls. He grabbed hold of her arms and gently pushed her back far enough so that he could see her joyous expression once again. Caspian knew the same joy was matched only by the look on his own face.
"It's a wonderous thing," the Pevensie girl mused and her eyes danced across her loved one's face. "…when your greatest fear is overcome and removed from your path. It's like I can finally breathe…"
"Peace of mind suits you," Caspian commented in amusement and kissed her cheek gently. "Susan… I admit, I dont know what traditions are to be taken into consideration for what I'm about to offer. You're already a Queen of Narnia, as you and your siblings always will be. I wonder, however… if you'll do me the honor of also becoming my most beloved wife?"
Susan's reply was swift and short as she passionately pressed her lips against his and it was a long while before she pulled back to breathe. Her eyes danced like starlight as she nodded, "You need never ask for that. The answer is yes!"
"Together, Susan," the king began as a wide grin spread across his face, "we'll lead our people in a new Golden era as King and Queen of Narnia."
The young woman laughed as Caspian pulled them both onto the grass beside the young tree. As the Telmarine man rolled on top of the queen, she happily embraced her fiancé. As he teasingly kissed her neck, the man held her close in an embrace that spoke of a promise. A promise that she would never have to part from his side.
Susan was certain her new life in Narnia would be a constant adventure, and certainly not safe all the time, but along with her siblings and Caspian, she felt ready to face all that would be thrown their way.
The end.