Author's Note: Went back to the other chapters, edited a few things. Nothing drastic (mostly dealing with ages), and the plot hasn't really changed, just a few technical errors. I also figured out how my timeline works!
In the days leading up to the celebration, Emeth, who always seemed to be underfoot thanks to Prince Corin, ended up aiding in the preparations as much as any servant. He did not particularly mind, actually, finding that he liked being helpful. He really had no purpose on the diplomatic mission other than to gain life experience. And apparently, to learn the correct way to hang tapestries. It would have been an extremely useful lesson- had Calormenes decorated with tapestries. And had he been a girl.
King Edmund and Queen Lucy could frequently be seen about Anvard, the queen usually in the company of Princess Aravis and Prince Corin (and thus Emeth by extension), while the king spent much of his time with King Lune and Prince Cor. If Emeth had thought the Archenlanders were relaxed, they were nothing compared to the Narnians. The centaurs were easily the quietest of the bunch, always exuding the presence of great warriors. The fauns, while occasionally reserved, were a cheerful bunch, and Queen Lucy's intoxicating laugh could often be heard ringing. Emeth had never seen anyone who took as much joy in being with other people as the lovely queen. She always greeted him kindly, as though she took a genuine interest in how he was. When he remarked as such to Prince Corin, the prince had nodded sagely.
"Lucy loves everyone. I'm sure she could charm the grumpiest Cal- er, that is to say..."
Emeth fought back a laugh as Prince Corin put his foot in his mouth. Where Prince Cor was reserved, if polite, his younger brother frequently said things which could be insulting if one was not used to his ways.
"I am certain she could, your Highness," Emeth finally cut in, saving Corin from too much more embarrassment. "Ashri Tarkaan seems quite taken with her."
It was, in fact, the truth. The middle-aged tarkaan, notorious for his gruff, silent exterior, seemed to take actual pleasure in speaking with the queen. She herself did not seem to mind either, and they often discussed poetry and the merits of the Narnian style versus the Calormene style. Emeth, who had read a small volume of the former kind, found himself more prone to agree with the queen.
The two weeks between Princess Aravis's birthday and her anniversary were some of the nicest Emeth had ever known. He spent an extraordinary amount of time with Prince Corin and very little with his own people, who all looked at him with disapproving faces. He had, however, gained the approval of the northern 'barbarians' and was thus not reprimanded too harshly.
It was a novelty, the feeling of being liked and having friends. Emeth had grown up a lonely child. Any others around his age had been below his station and his mother had refused to let him associate with them. As such, he had very little idea on how to interact with people his own age, and had always felt more comfortable around those who were older, perhaps the reason for his developing friendship with Prince Corin. The desire to return to Calormen was not strong in him, and he could not bring himself to feel at all sorry about it.
OoOoOoO
The morning of the day before the party dawned bright and clear. The Narnians, Archenlanders and Calormenes were set to go out on a hunt, and Emeth was rather excited. He had never been on a real hunt, thus the idea intrigued him.
Just after ten o'clock, all those who would be going were gathered in the courtyard. The area was filled with the sounds of whinnying horses and talking people. Emeth struggled to disappear into the masses, feeling overwhelmed. He backed up until he bumped into something. Thinking it was another person, he turned to apologize, only to be met with two very large, very brown eyes gazing at him impassively. It was a horse.
"Sorry, old fellow," he apologized rather politely.
"Are you alright, youngling?" a male voice asked. With a jolt, Emeth realized he was speaking with a Talking Horse. Not just any Horse, but King Edmund's Horse.
"Yes, fine thank you. I- I am sorry. About bumping into you, that is!" Having never spoken to an animal before- at least, one who spoke back- he was understandably a little nervous.
"No harm done. I would assume you are joining the group?"
"Er, yes, I will. I mean, I am. Excuse me, but I have to go find a.. well, a horse."
He hurried away, and thus did not see the amused look the Horse gave him. Even if he had, it is likely he would not have recognized it for what it was, for horses and Horses alike show their amusement in a very different manner than humans.
King Edmund, who of course recognized the look for what it was, fell in next to his Horse, leaning on the familiar strength of one of his closest friends. With obvious affection, Phillip nudged his Boy.
"Well, what do you think of him Phillip? Does he have potential?"
"He practically exudes it, King Edmund. Not many Calormenes, even other foals, would be so polite to one they thought was a dumb beast."
"I am glad you think so. Lucy likes him; she finds him 'endearing', as I think she put it."
"Then why do you ask the opinion of a humble Beast?"
"Because, while Lu is the best judge of character I know, she is a little odd in who she actually likes. Take that one Calormene with the funny beard."
"They are all odd in their choices of facial fur, King Edmund, and all except the youngling have beards. I do wonder what you humans qualify as 'funny' though, as King Peter himself has a furry face." Edmund snorted and bumped the Horse.
"Hey, that's the High King you speak of. Anymore and I shall have to promote you to some ridiculous title, and believe me, your name is long enough already."
"How kind of you, King Edmund. Now up you get. I feel we'll be leaving soon."
Edmund, never one to disagree with the words of his Horse, stepped into the stirrups and pulled himself into the saddle. His sister managed to maneuver her own horse so that she was almost bumping his knee with her own. Under her incandescent smile, Edmund could see what she was truly thinking.
"What lovely weather it is, Ed!" she said cheerfully. Her eyes spoke another story.
"I am sure we'll have great success," he replied evenly, nodding a little to show he'd understood her meaning. Her eyes flashed her gratitude before smoothing out to plain enthusiasm.
A horn sounded and they were off, heading out of the courtyard and away to the chase.
Author's Note: Yes, ye precious few readers, I have returned. I think I finally know what I'm going to do with this story, and will work to finish it before Summer comes. Yes, I do realize that is fairly broad, but unfortunately I have other duties that also require my time.
As always, read and review. :D