The Great Wood

[Misha]

((So, since there’s no place to post things in Archenland, it’s all going here. And actually, it's not in the Shuddering Wood, but in the Great Wood, but there's no place for that, and the Shuddering Wood is comparatively close. Anyway, be ready for a long post. In fact, all this post really does is get Mel out of the way and get Lucy home earlier, so feel free to ignore it and go to the next post (when I get around to writing it…) ))

Lady Meliara of Archenland entered her chambers at Anvard and sank down into a cushioned chair. What a day this was turning out to be! This morning, she had planned to return to Cair Paravel. Her visit to Anvard had been wonderful, for she had been able to see friends and family whom she had not seen for almost a year. But she was ready to go home to Narnia.

Home. It was strange that she should call it that, for she had spent almost 16 years in Archenland and just the last four in Narnia. Yet while Mel loved her parents and everyone else here, it was Narnia, the place that had healed her heart and soul after her brother’s death, that held her heart. Although she had only been gone for a month, she already missed its majestic forests, lush green lands, and sparkling waters. And of course, she couldn’t wait to be reunited with its friendly talking animals and its four rulers who had become her dear sisters and brothers.

So why was she still here instead of halfway to the Narnian border? She had bid good-bye to everyone last night, for she intended to leave early this morning. Dawn had arrived, and after a hasty breakfast, she had eagerly set out for Narnia, sending Kiki ahead to let those at Cair Paravel know she was on her way. But she hadn’t gotten farther than the gates when a big hullabaloo arose. Horses carrying soldiers and the Royal Guard galloped past her with great urgency, while all around shouts and orders filled the air. Alarmed by all the action, Mel had returned to the castle to see what the emergency was. The news chilled her. That no-good, embezzling Lord Bar had had the audacity to kidnap little Prince Cor!

After hearing the news, all had been a blur. She had done what she could to help King Lune and his army quickly on their way. It seemed to take forever for them to all leave, but finally, they were gone, and there was nothing more she could do to help them find the infant prince. So, she had gone up to comfort Queen Amaris, who held Prince Cor’s twin, Corin, as if her life depended on it. Mel’s heart went out to the older woman. Queen Amaris and King Lune had done so much for Mel over the years, and she considered them almost as a second set of parents. And now, watching, Queen Amaris weep as she held her remaining son, Mel felt helpless. But she did what she could until her mother ordered her to take a break and eat.

And now, here she was in her room, exhausted by the events of the day. Suddenly, she remembered that she had sent word to the Narnian monarchs that she would be home in a couple of days. That obviously wouldn’t happen now, for she planned to stay here until they received definitive news about Prince Cor. But she didn’t want them to worry about her. So she wrote a note explaining her absence, making sure to add that the monarchs didn’t need to come and support their allies. After all, there wasn’t anything they could do, and they had enough going on at home with the tournament coming up so quickly. Mel signed the note…but then paused.

Who could she send with the message? She’d already sent her companion Kiki home, so she didn’t have a bird friend to do it.

A tapping at her window made her look up. Kale! Happy to see the giant eagle again, Mel hurried to the window and lifted the glass.

“Hello, Kale! Back from your wanderings already?” The bird was one of the restless types, so though he loved his homeland, Narnia, he was rarely there.

“Lady Mel! It’s so good to see you again!” The bird’s voice was deep, confident, and filled with genuine joy at seeing her. “Yes, I’m on my way back to Cair Paravel. I heard a tournament’s coming up, and I wouldn’t miss it for anything. But I heard you were here, so I stopped by on my way. Are you going back, soon?”

“Well, I was planning to, but something came up.” Quickly, she explained the events of the day to him.

The eagle looked concerned. “I was wondering what all the commotion was about. Is there anything I can do?”

“Well, I think King Lune already has lots of people with him on the chase, and they left hours ago.” Plus, she didn't think most of the men would be comfortable with having a talking eagle on the quest. “…But I have a personal favor to ask, if you don’t mind.” Mel added, remembering her note.

“Of course, my lady! You know I’d do anything for you,” Kale replied.

Mel nodded. The bird still felt grateful that she had saved his life when he had been severely wounded by a hunter who hadn’t known he was a talking bird. “Could you give this note to their majesties at Cair Paravel? It explains why I can’t come home yet. Oh, and make sure they know they don’t need to come. I know Queens Lucy and Susan especially would hurry over, but there’s nothing they can do, and they’re needed in Narnia.

Kale nodded. “I will do that right away. It was nice to see you again, my lady. Come back to Narnia soon.”

“Thank you, my friend. I will come as soon as I can.”

**********

Kale made it to the Narnian border in no time. It was a perfect day for flying, and he was used to traveling great distances. As he flew through Narnia, he felt a great satisfaction. It was so good to be home. True, he’d probably leave again as soon as the tournament was over. But that was because, as much as he loved Narnia, the wanderlust was strong in him, and he wouldn’t be able to rest until he had seen as much of the world as he could.

Soon, he noticed a rider in the distance. I wonder who that is? There weren’t that many humans in Narnia, after all. He changed his course slightly so that he could see who it was. Why, it’s Queen Lucy! Fulfilling his mission would be easier than he thought.

**********

Lucy and Cassie moved forward at a steady pace, their amiable conversation making the hours fly by. They were about halfway to the border when a giant eagle glided to the ground in front of them.

“Hullo, Queen Lucy, Cassie!” The bird spoke as he landed.

The horse and the girl returned the greeting enthusiastically. Then Lucy asked, “Are you back for the tournament?”

“Of course, your majesty! I wouldn’t miss it for anything. But here, Lady Mel sent me this note to give to you or one of your royal siblings.”

“But why couldn’t she give it to me herself? She’s coming home soon.” Puzzled, Lucy hopped of Cassie and took the note from his talons. She read the contents quickly. “What? Baby Prince Cor has been kidnapped? How terrible! Why, we must go at once!”

“I’m sorry, your majesty, but Mel made it quite clear that they would be fine. They have several ships on the chase, and you would get there too late to join them. And those left at the castle have plenty to do and to think about without worrying about royal guests. You need to stay for the tournament. Besides, your siblings wouldn’t know where you were.”

“You can tell them,” said Lucy, as she quickly mounted Cassie again.

“Queen Lucy.” The bird’s deep voice held a note of reproach.

Lucy sighed. “You’re right. I’ll go back.”

At her mournful face, Kale quickly changed his plans. “Tell you what, your majesty: I’ll go back to Archenland and send your good wishes and condolences. Then I’ll bring you back any news, assuming Mel isn’t back by then to tell you herself.”

“But...what about the tournament?” She hated to think that he would miss it just for her.

“Oh, this should be over by then. And if not, I’ll survive. I’ve seen plenty of tournaments before.”

“Thank you so much, Kale!” She watched the bird nod and fly off. With his powerful wings, he was soon out of sight. “Well, Cassie, I guess we should bring the news back to Cair Paravel. And then we have a tournament to finish planning. …Oh, I hope they find the prince alright!”

Soon Cassie and Lucy were headed back down the road they had just come from minutes ago.

[Zao]

Thump thump, thump thump, thump thump. The sound of horse hooves upon the leaf covered earth was growing louder. Then suddenly, a lady, mounted upon a magnificent steed, rushed out of the forests that bordered the roads. The lady trotted along forward as if nothing had happened, but when seeing the startled queen upon her horse, careened around.

This post has been edited by Zao on Sep 13 2006, 02:49 AM

[Misha]

((I was really just trying to get Mel out of the way w/the story about Prince Cor (because I don't have time to RP as 3 characters). And it worked, because he would have been kidnapped about this time. I don't think we want to go into that RP, because there aren't enough characters to have two major plotlines. Besides, from THHB, we know how it turns out. They chase via ship for 6 days and have a battle, which they win. Howver, they don't end up rescuing Prince Cor, who's rescued by a fisherman and renamed Shasta. So yeah, I planned on having Iahna meet Lucy, not Mel. And don't worry about the short post. Mine was long because, as I said before, I was trying to "get rid" of Mel, and bring Lucy home earlier.))

Cassie started as a woman rode past out of nowhere. In the not very distant past, this would have tumbled Lucy. But since coming to Cair Paravel, the young queen had found great pleasure in her frequent rides. Thus, her skills had improved drastically, and she easily stayed on, despite the fact that she had no saddle.

When the lady turned back around, Lucy took in her appearance quickly. She still felt a bit surprised at the other's appearance, not so much because it was sudden, but because so few humans could be found in Narnia. And she had definitely not met this lady before. With her black clothes and blue cloak, heavy makeup, and an aura that radiated strength and self-confidence, Lucy couldn't help but question the origin of this newcomer.

But her natural friendliness quickly surpressed any uneasiness, and when she spoke, her smile was genuine. "Why hullo, there! I'm sorry if we were in your way. My name's Queen Lucy." She stated her title as simply a part of her name, without any arrogance or intent to impress the other.

[Zao]

Iahna smiled, but her smile hinted nothing of kindness. "I know." she replied simply, "I have heard much about the Kings and Queens of this Narnian land...good people. You are on your way to Cair Paravel no doubt?" She moved her horse next to hers.



OOC: Okay good idea . Oh and I completly forgot about that! I'm sorry lol. I have not read THHB in so long.

[Misha]

Lucy nodded. Yes, she supposed there weren't many humans around here, and her fine riding clothes would have, at the very least, shown that she was nobility.

When Iahna smiled and moved her horse closer, Lucy took it as a gesture of friendship, for she was prone to think the best of everyone she met. Still, something about the other made her a little wary, as did the fact that the usually easygoing Cassie was stirring uneasily. She had learned to be more careful ever since Mr. Tumnus had tried to kidnap her. True, the faun had become her close friend, and hopefully the person next to her would too. But still, the incident combined with other experiences in Narnia had made her much less naive, though still quite innocent.

"Why, as a matter of fact, I am!" the queen stated with authentic friendliness. "I wasn't a moment ago, though. Cassie and I had planned to meet a friend who was supposed to be on her way home from Archenland. That's where she's from, y'see. But little Prince Cor has been kidnapped, and so she decided to stay. I wanted to go to them, but..." Suddenly Lucy stopped and looked contrite. "I'm sorry. Here I am, chattering away, and I don't even know your name! Ed sometimes says I talk too much. He's probably right, but I..." She stopped once more, this time laughing infectiously. "See, there I go again! But tell me about yourself. What's your name, and where are you from? Are you going to Cair Paravel?"

[Zao]

Iahna smiled, this time it was genuine. She tossed a strand of wavy blond hair from her eyes as she spoke, "My name is Lara, and I come from the southern lands of Calormen. And I am indeed headed to Cair Paravel too, for the tournaments." Ihana often chose a random name to give out to protect her true identity from those who she knew must never ever know it. "I am so sorry to hear about the prince." Not! That's an opportunity of a life time right there! She thought, No, no more work, no more killing and rewards. Just for some time...

Iahna sensed the uneasiness about the queen, she understood it, her apperance and self presentation was strange and mysterious and it made even the most feared a little uncomfortable and cautious. This journey she had decided was about finding herself again and taking a step back from her normal wearisome life, the trouble was she did not know exactly how to do that, to actually relax for once.



OOC: Iahna only knew that fact that Lucy was a queen because her occupation demands this. If she did not know who was king/queen of where she would be a very successful bounty hunter .

This post has been edited by Zao on Sep 13 2006, 08:53 PM

[Misha]

((Yeah, well, of course, Lucy doesn't know she's a bounty hunter. She'd be more than just uneasy if she did. But she's not too surprised when people know who she is. The Pevensies have become quite reknowned, and the fact that she's in Narnia and wearing a crown makes most people at least suspect her identity.))

Lucy accepted the explanation without question. "It's nice to meet you, Lara! I haven't met many people from Calormen, though I'm hoping more will show up for the tournament." Those she had met dressed and spoke differently than Lara, but there could be plenty of reasons for that, and she didn't want to pry. "Well, since we're both going to Cair Paravel, would you care to accompany me? I would love some more company."

[Zao]

"I would, thank you. I am in no hurry after all anyways. I was only galloping for the pure thrill of it." Iahna laughed, "Now tell me, you look to be around 16 and you have the responsibility of an elder, what is that like?" Actually, Iahna was sincerely interested to know. She had been skeptical about the Kings and Queens of Narnia as the high King Peter was about her age, and Queen Lucy, only 15.



OOC: yeah ok lol.

[Misha]

Lucy smiled. "Wonderful! We should reach Cair Paravel in a few hours." With that, she urged Cassie forward, and the horse began to walk. Suddenly, she realized that she had never introduced her friend. "I'm so sorry, Cassie. Lady Lara, it is my pleasure to introduce you to my friend, Cassie, one of the finest talking horses in Narnia."

The horse shifted embarrassedly at the praise. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Milady."

Introductions made, Lucy pondered Lara' s question. "Well, I hardly remember any other life." The time before she she had come to Narnia had faded to almost a dream now. "It was hard the first few years, as we had no idea how to rule a country. But everyone was so patient with us, and now it's not bad at all. It's a lot of work, true, and sometimes we just have to get away." Lucy laughed a little, remembering the times she and her siblings had escaped from the watchful eyes of the advisors. Those times were few and far between, as they were all well aware of the responsibilities they had. But sometimes, they just needed to be kids. "But it's also a lot of fun, especially when your three best friends in the world are in it with you." She felt so lucky that she had Peter, Edmund, and Susan as her siblings. They didn't always get along, but they were family, and she loved them more than she could ever express.

[Zao]

Iahna smiled at the horse and explained that her horse was the muted kind of her land.

“To be honest,” she began, “I was always unconvinced of Narnia’s prosperity over the years your family has been ruling.” She smiled softly. “But I think you all have great potential.” She looked away as she changed the subject, “Now will you be participating in the tournaments?”


OOC: I don't know how long you want to continue in the conversation? I'm just waiting for the next few days to get over for the others so I can use Kodea again.

[Misha]

((We can continue this conversation as long as you wish. I was kind of waiting for some more time to pass at Cair Paravel before Lucy returns, as they don't even know she's gone, but we can do a short time skip and return whenever you'd like. (As I doubt we want to actually rp hours of travel time.) ))

Lucy smiled at the compliment. She and her siblings all did the best they could, but sometimes she wondered if Narnia would be better with adults in charge. She knew she shouldn't doubt Aslan's wisdom. Still, it was nice to hear the affirmation.

At Lara's question, the young queen nodded. "Yes, I will. I've been practicing my archery for years, and it will be interesting to see how I compare with others. I may try my hand at some of the other events, as well, but just in the junior matches. And you? Will you be participating?"

((I apologize for the short post. I have extreme writer's block.))

[Zao]

OOC: Oh that's perfectly fine, I usually keep my post fairly to the point anyways.


"Oh, I do not know. I was really only going for the sport of it and as a spectator. I didn't know who was allowed to participate."

They were finally coming out of the thick of the woods into the warm sunshine. Cair Paravel in all its majesty was now in sight, shining as the beacon of Narnia on the sea cliff of where it stood.



ooc: I'd say ther're still quite a few miles off so you still have all the time you need.

[Misha]

"Anyone is allowed to participate!" Lucy explained eagerly. "It'll probably be mostly nobles, as they are the ones who have both the training and the time to come, but it's open to everyone. So you can compete, if you'd like, or you can just watch, which I think is just as fun." As Lucy finished speaking, they emerged from the forest.

"There's Cair Paravel! We should reach it in a couple of hours," Lucy remarked happily to her companion, pointing out the magnificent castle. She knew Lara would probably have guessed it, but she just wanted to say it out loud, as she was very excited to see her siblings again. She had just spent time with them at breakfast that morning, but they were all close -- though as siblings, they didn't always get along -- and she rarely was away from all of them for a whole day.

[Zao]

Iahna thought about this, it would be rather fun to pick on these "nobles" in the tournament, she thought laughing. "You know, I think I just might participate." she saw the young girls face beam with joy as she looked ahead to the great castle. "You miss your family don't you?" Iahna's heart began to ache, and a sickening feeling came to her stomach as she remembered her family that she had left so long ago. She could not quite understand why she missed them so much; maybe it was the longing for the sense of home; a place to return to. But she could never go back...but she again did not understand why.

[Misha]

Lucy smiled. "Yes, though I suppose it's silly, as I just saw them this morning. We just spend so much time together that even a day seems a long time to be without them."

Looking at Lara, she saw a sense of longing there. "You seem to know a lot about my family, but I don't know anything about yours," the queen stated simply. If her companion wanted to talk about it, she would take the opening. If not, Lucy would not pry. She knew Aslan had blessed her greatly with her family, but for reasons known only to Himself, He did not always grant that blessing to others.

By now they were on the beach, for they would follow the shoreline up to Cair Paravel. This way was slightly longer, but Cassie knew Lucy loved it best. The sea shimmered on their right, as a gentle breeze ruffled through the two young women's hair. Lucy sighed with contentment. She adored riding along this beach, especially at times like this, where the hottest part of the day was over.