Disclaimer: I don't own Narnia or any characters you may recognize from the books or the movies, I wish I did but I don't... I also don't own the Narnian Calendar. It belongs to Elecktrum who was kind enough to let me borrow it for my story. Her own stories are awesome and you should go read them too.
Summary: When memory is veiled, can the love forged between two hearts survive?
A/N: If you have not read the first seven stories in the A Light in the Darkness main story arc (Awakened, Shadowed, Revealed, Concealed, Rekindled, Refracted, and Reflected), I highly recommend you do so for the full experience. However, I have included a quick summary of the previous stories so if you want to give this one a whirl on its own, you can.
Chapter Twenty-Nine: Separating
Oreius stared after Tanith as the Centauress drew back. No, he was not widowed. But, still, she should know better than to act so forwardly. He had once thought she was a most levelheaded filly, certainly demure but now…
He glanced at the library door. He had thought he had heard something but no one was there. For that, he was very grateful as he would hate to have Cair Paravel gossiping about things they knew nothing about and making assumptions. He turned back to Tanith. "Explain yourself."
The mare blushed but still met his eyes steadily. "Because I stood by, waiting and hoping, until it was too late the last time. I… This time is an opportunity I did not expect or look for and I promised myself that I would not simply stand by and hope to be noticed. If you know, then it is not quite so foolish for me to wait and hope for your decision." Her hand was still resting on the crook of his elbow.
Aslan's words about Tanith pushed their way to the fore of his thoughts. Tanith's warm brown eyes stared up at him and there was hope in them. She gave him a tentative smile. "I believe I have imposed on your time long enough, General." Oreius said nothing as he watched her leave the library.
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16 Stormfall 1008
Peter crept up behind his wife then wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her back against him, and kissed her silky hair. He didn't care about how Sekhmet and his Tigers were watching. "What are you looking at, Flower?"
"General Oreius attempted to speak to Alambiel. I do not think it went well. She left rather quickly."
He glanced out the window. Oreius was in the courtyard but Kat was nowhere in sight. The Centaur abruptly turned and headed toward the training yard. Peter couldn't help but wonder how many of the training dummies would be immolated by Oreius this time.
Thalia looked up at him. "Is there nothing we can do?"
"We can hardly tie Kat up and put her in a room so Oreius can talk to her. I just told Lucy and Susan they couldn't do that yesterday." Pleased he had coaxed a small smile to his wife's lips, Peter gently turned her to face him. Her arms came up around him and her hands pressed flat against his back. Peter tilted her chin up so he could look her in the eyes. "Kat needs time, Flower. And she and Oreius did spend a little bit of time together last Sixthday just after the patrol returned. It's possible something made her feel uncertain about Oreius. He does tend to intimidate people who are unused to him and Kat's…no longer used to him."
She sighed. "I know but your sisters have told me that the Princess Royal never behaved as though he intimidated her even from their first meeting. It must be very difficult for him to watch her react in such a way."
Peter kissed her. "You've a very gentle heart, Thalia. But we can only be patient and respect Oreius' decision not to inform Kat of their courtship. He won her once and Kat turned down or chased away more suitors than even Susan. There's no reason to suspect he won't win her again."
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23 Stormfall 1008
Susan scratched out a name then consulted her original list. It was most difficult to organize her list of things that must be done for Yule when her mind kept wandering to how Kat had avoided Oreius twice yesterday. She sighed as she misspelled 'holly boughs' of all things. Susan shook her head then set aside her quill and stoppered the inkwell. There was simply no help for it.
Walking down the corridor, her steps slowed when she heard Edmund snapping, "Because you have to, that's why. And do not give Vahan any trouble this time." Boots stomped across the floor and then Edmund's study door flung open. Her brother's arm thrust into the hall, all but one finger curled into a fist as he pointed. "Go on, Romulus. You know if you're late, the General will just make you have a double session." A Wolf slunk past him, looking rather dejected. Susan raised a hand to hide a smile as Edmund's stance and tone softened as he dropped his hand to touch the Wolf's grey head. "Don't worry, Romulus. Remus and I only have to run down to the docks for an hour and we should be back in the Cair before you finish your lesson with Vahan. And remember it's an honor to train with the Windwolf pack."
The Wolf brightened and wagged his tail. "I'll make you proud, King Edmund. Don't let Remus get stuck, though, because then you'll have to dig the silly pup out."
An indignant shout came from the study, "I'm not a pup! You're the pup!"
"Remus, hush." Edmund shook his head then nodded to Romulus. "Go on then. Stay out of trouble. And no running inside!" he added as the Wolf bounded down the corridor, tail wagging.
Susan giggled. "Why isn't Remus going to?"
The Wolf in question stuck his grey head between Edmund's legs and gave her a big doggy grin with his pink tongue lolling out. "Because Alpha rolls in the mud, but then he growls about it and Mrs. Bridgewater gets mad too. She dives at us!"
She couldn't help another laugh at the thought of just how intimidating the Osprey housekeeper must be to the Greyback twins in particular (they were quite infamous for littering Edmund's quarters with frogs whenever they thought he was sick). Remus ducked back into the room when Edmund growled at him. Susan laid a slender hand on her brother's shoulder then straightened his tunic so it didn't look quite so rumpled. "What have you found, Ed?"
Edmund sighed, enduring her adjustments. "You're worse than Martil." He led her into his study, shutting the door behind them, and guided her to a chair. "My spies are still searching for Mordad."
"What about the assassins? Were you able to confirm the men claiming to be Achan's cousins left Narnia?"
"They've disappeared, Su." Edmund gestured at a map covered with pins. "I can't find Mordad or the assassins. The only people I can find are the Giants and that's because they're busy bashing boulders against each other!"
Susan patted his hand. "It will work out. Your spies will find something."
Remus rested his chin on Edmund's knee, yellow eyes full of adoration. "King Edmund always finds something when he hunts!"
It was rather adorable how much the Wolf pups looked up to her brother. Susan smiled. "And what are you hunting at the docks?"
"Oh just inspecting a new shipment from Terebinthia. And seeing if there's any news that might prove helpful to us." Edmund rose from his chair. "We better get going, though. Su? Don't worry about the assassins or Mordad. They won't have another go at you and Lu. I promise."
The promise in his dark eyes was as sincere as ever and she pitied the ones foolish enough to cross her family, especially Edmund. Susan rose as well, smoothing her skirts, and then she rested her hand on Edmund's arm once more and kissed his cheek. "I know, Ed. Besides, we're ready for them now." As her brother strode off with Remus happily trotting by his side, she called out once more, "Try not to roll in the mud this time!"
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She sat on the lip of the fountain, waiting for someone to come get her. Tuulea said she had to be careful today not to get into a mess. She sighed as she propped her chin on her hands. "Cadfael, when are my brothers going to be back?"
The large Centaur emerged from where he had been standing partially concealed in the shadows of a large oak. "They should return any day now, Your Highness. As will your sire."
She missed her brothers and Da. Leith was the only one who stayed home this time and he was so busy, she never got to see him. Tuulea and Stonebrook said she had to be patient because that's what was required of the royal family. She hoped that one day she could help Da and her brothers with the royal duties. The last time she had asked to help, Da told her she was still too young. But, today was her birthday. Maybe Da would let her help now that she was eight.
A light touch to the top of her head made her look up. Cadfael smiled gently then nodded to the garden entrance. She sprang up. "Da!"
"There's my little star!" Da swept her into a tight hug and kissed her cheeks, his beard scratching and tickling. He shifted her so she was sitting in the crook of his arm even if she was almost too big now. "Have you behaved yourself while I was gone, Alambiel?"
Giggling, she wrapped her arms around his neck. "Yes, Da. Well…"
Da's eyebrows rose. "Well?"
"Yesterday Melissa said I was behaving contemptibly. All I did was tell Gavyn he didn't have Truffle's saddle straps right. Gavyn didn't mind. We didn't want the straps to chafe Truffle. I wasn't behaving contemptibly, Da. I was behaving helpfully. I know because I asked Stonebrook what contemptible meant."
"I see." Da looked at Cadfael. "Did your family make it back safe?"
Cadfael nodded. "They did, Your Majesty. My sire sent word of their arrival a fortnight ago."
"Good. Now," his gaze focused on her again as he added in a thoughtful tone, "I believe that there is a celebration that we simply cannot miss for you, my dear little star, are the guest of honor."
"With everyone?"
"With everyone."
Da set her down and then they raced through the garden. She only slowed when they reached the garden that Grandda said was her mama's favorite (and then she decided it would be her favorite too). All her brothers were there as well as her four sisters-in-law and her nephews (she usually called them cousins). Grandda was also there with Uncle Pholus and Tuulea and Stonebrook were there too. She didn't care about the gifts. Instead, she immediately threw herself into the arms of each brother (even Leith because it had been forever since she last saw him without a pinched mouth) and Grandda and Uncle Pholus. Uncle Petraeus and Aunt Briarwind must not have been able to come because their foals were still too little.
After hugs and kisses had been doled out, Tuulea said she had to pay attention to the gifts. The only ones that truly impressed her were the gifts from Uncle Pholus and Da. Da presented her with a drawing kit and Uncle Pholus gave her a small intricately etched dagger that he promised he would start showing her how to use very soon. The Centaur just shrugged when Melissa protested how dangerous it was and commented that since she didn't hardly hit herself with the wooden practice sword anymore, it was more than time enough for her to move on to a real blade under supervision. She reminded herself to give Melissa the biggest slice of chocolate cake to cheer her up.
They had finished everything except the cake when Grandda cleared his throat. "There is one more gift for you, little star." She thought there was the faintest sheen of emotion in Grandda's eyes as he set a square leather case in front of her. She opened it and froze. The necklace was a silver pendant. The biggest piece looped and crisscrossed in a sort of figure eight (the bottom loop was much larger than the top) then transitioned into a trinity knot with an upside-down small three-leaf crown on the bottom. Grandda cleared his throat again as his large dark fingers picked up the delicate necklace. "This was your dam's from the time she was about your age, Alambiel. I have kept it until the time was right to give it to you." He fastened the necklace around her neck then kissed the top of her head. "She would be very proud of you, little star."
She reached up to clasp the pendant. Something of Mama's. She wouldn't ever take it off…
She reached up to touch the silver and amethyst pendant. She was more than pleased he had chosen this one.
"Where are your thoughts?"
"I was just thinking about something…pleasant." She smiled when he wrapped his arms around her and tugged her back to lean against him. She could feel his warmth radiating through his tunic. "Part of the reason I keep going back to my Grandda's house is I have the silly hope that somehow I'll find my mother's necklace. He gave it to me and then I lost it when I left Narnia."
"I will help you look for it next time." She closed her eyes as he pressed a kiss against her cheek. Then she turned in his arms. Calloused fingers lightly skimmed her jaw and chin. She didn't open her eyes as warm breath not her own tickled her lips. "You are my heart, do not forget."
Her own voice echoed in her ears, a contented whisper. "Never, I promise." She opened her eyes, needing to see him.
Alambiel opened her eyes, wondering what had woken her. The scent of rich coffee filled her nostrils and she heard the light tread she had come to associate with Leeta. Sitting up, she pulled on a thick robe then went to her jewelry box. The necklace she had dreamed of, her mother's necklace was not in there, nor was there any sign of a silver and amethyst pendant. Her inability to see the face of the owner of that voice was niggling at her. Was it possible that her mind had simply dreamed it all up? A… Perhaps another type of coping mechanism?
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28 Stormfall 1008
The sky was grey and the clouds pregnant with rain but it hadn't fallen yet. Lucy was glad for a relatively dry day even if the sun was hiding his face. She skipped across the courtyard, smiling when some of the Tiger cubs and a Fawn gamboled after her until their parents called for them. She had just drawn even with one of the smaller training yards when she heard them.
"My Lady?" Oreius sounded as steady as he ever did but she could not help but think he was being cautious.
Kat's voice was carefully moderated, almost as impassive as Oreius, which was not normal for her at all. Not when she was with friends, anyway. "Is training not over, General?"
"It is. However, I wondered if you might care to join me in the library. There is a chessboard we might use."
Lucy clapped her hands over her mouth to keep from shouting for Kat to accept. Kat's voice sounded slightly strained this time. "I- I am afraid that I have already made plans. I can't accept. Please excuse me, General. I don't want to be late."
Squeezing her eyes shut, Lucy bit her lip to keep from exclaiming in dismay. She shook her head and opened her eyes in time to see Oreius watching Kat hurry toward the stables. Anyone who didn't know him well would think his features were set in a solely impassive mask, but she caught a glimpse of something beneath the impassiveness. It looked a lot like resignation. No, don't give up on her, Oreius. You just have to make her see the things that won her heart in the first place. Please don't give up.
She had to do something. Asking Kat why she was avoiding Oreius wasn't the same as telling or hinting to her that she and Oreius had been courting. If she could just figure out why Kat was acting this way, she could tell Oreius and he'll be able to coax Kat out of her shell.
Lucy hurried after Kat. Entering the stable, she found her brushing Pepin's coat. "Kat, may I ask you a question?"
"You just did, but you may ask another."
"Why have you been avoiding Oreius? Has something happened? Did he say something? Do something?"
The brush slowed for a moment then steadied as Kat kept tending to Pepin, not even looking at her. "No."
"Then what's wrong?"
Kat shook her head, still not turning around. "I just… Things are not clear and I am doing my best to act within the proper bounds. It's a little too confusing right now. I just need more time to figure things out."
"Oh, Kat…" Lucy couldn't think of anything to say that would help her. She wasn't even sure if she could repeat this answer to Oreius. It seemed too private. Instead, she grabbed a currycomb and helped with grooming Pepin. If she couldn't help mend Oreius and Kat's relationship the way she had hoped, she could at least stay out here and help Kat to remember that she's not alone.
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Oreius showed no mercy to the training dummies. He did not care how many of them splintered and cracked beneath the strikes of his claymore. Alambiel… Oh, Alambiel.
He sliced the head off a dummy then split the torso before swinging at the next dummy. He had thought, no, had hoped that if he had approached her carefully, it would make a difference. She had almost relaxed around him once but since then she had been drawing back. She was wary and continually shied away from him.
What had he done? He did not know. But, considering how often his interaction with her caused her to have horrible flashbacks and nightmares, it could have been anything. He had put off severing the last tie to his Alambiel, calling her his lady instead of formally addressing her. Another dummy cracked beneath his strike. He had been delaying the inevitable, attempting to hold together a severed string of hope simply with his own heart. It was not enough. He knew it, but he had not wanted to take the final step necessary for letting her go.
It was unfair to Alambiel. He could not keep trying to hold her back and confuse her at the same time he made her wary with his attempts to spend just a little time in her company. He had to sever the last tie and he had to cease trying to interact with her outside of necessity. He was panting and it had begun to drizzle when he finally stopped. All of the training dummies had been beheaded and the majority of them had fallen to the ground. Oreius set the tip of his claymore against the ground and bowed his head. He would no longer address Alambiel as his lady and he would no longer seek her out. He would not force his presence on her and exacerbate her wariness of him. He would let her go completely.
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A/N: Please Read and Review! Well...the good news is she had a pleasant dream for once, right? Leave a review and let me know what y'all thought about this one.