[IC] Narnia: A time of need (Eyeris & Raven)

[Ravenwoodwitch]

Lysander's trip would take the rest of the day, given the distance between the two. As their trusted aly carried their warning across the seas, Celine made an effort to keep herself busy, trying not to think of what may have become of her people, and the fate of her parents. She explored the refurbished castle with her childhood companion, delighting in seeing the hallways the two of them used to chase each other through. The whole time, it was hard for her not to notice how much her friend had grown; he was still head-strong and boyish at heart, but he had become quite the king.

But the tour could only last for so long. The next morrow had left the red-head to her own devices, and to stare at her father's sword with sad eyes. That was, until the noble mouse from before discovered hr, ad inquired to her skill with that blade.

Well, one couldn't leave a challenge on the table, now could she?

Thus, that found her in the courtyard. Familair in the more painful fashion, Celine buried herself in the sparring match with Reepicheep. Steel clashed on small steel, as Celine found herself unable to cope with the enemy being of such small stature. Thus, after several attempts, she lost.

"I'm...impressed..." she said, wiping the sweat from her brow. "You have the advantage of the ages,friend. If only my army fought so well."

"I hone my skill for the good of the crown, my lady," Reepicheep(who was trying not to look as tired) smirked, also panting. "But you...were close. Don't give up."

The red-head laughed, taking a drink from her waterskin. She'd made the switch from her dress to something easier to move in; a leather jerkin with a plain tunic, trousers and boots. If her mother could see her now. she'd balk at her little angel looking so unfeminine. The thought made her sigh, face forlorn, and slowly removing the tye from her copper-red tresses.

"I wonder if he'll be back soon," she muttered.

[Eyeris]

Lysander was delivered across the sea. He was in a bitter mood, and seasick to boot. He did not like large bodies of water, it reminded him of the long days and nights he himself had been stranded upon that endless blue expanse.

He walked up on the cold shore. He was nearly as pale as the snow around him. Many Atlanteans had pale hair like him, but few were so pale as Lysander, it was a trait in the royal bloodline, they had no pigment in their skin. (On earth the scientists might call him 'albino', but on Atlantis and in Narnia it was merely a trait of the royal line).

As Lysander traveled toward the frozen palace his bad memories were forgotten, he was in awe of the power displayed around him. An entire kingdom frozen in a day? Marvelous...

He wondered if he would meet the bodyguard that the girl had spoken about, or even the queen herself. This would only be possible if they didn't kill him on the spot...

"They could try." He muttered and put his hand on his curved sword. It had been made for him by the Narnian smiths under his careful instruction to be like an Atlantean sword. Prince Caspian could best him with a rapier, but not when he held the bade of his people as he was accustomed to.

If only he could see the princess now, he might think twice about crossing her.

She battled the young mouse bravely. Caspian watched, at first from a high window. A large hen was chirping at him about trade agreements and diplomatic agreements and how their message was being received across the land. Caspian found himself entirely distracted by the princess's blade flashing in the sunlight, her fire hair flying in the wind, she was dressed like a man, but it suited her in it's own way. He was seeing so many sides to her that he had never imagined...

He dismissed the hen and made his way toward the courtyard and found the rat and the princess sweating and smiling at one another.

"Well played." He hadn't seen the conclusion of the fight.

The loyal mouse quickly bowed and saluted the king. "Your Majesty! The princess has fought most honorably and bravely!"

"Indeed." He smiled toward Celine. "Where did you learn to sword fight?" He was genuinely curious. Under his uncles Caspian had grown up seeing very traditional gender roles, but since the revolution he had seen plenty of strong women. The old queens of Narnia had few equals on the field... if only they could meet Celine now. He felt a pang of sadness at the thought of his earthbound friends. He knew in his heart that his old friends were living their own lives in their own world as they must, but still he missed them dearly.

[Ravenwoodwitch]

Lysander was met half-way by a sword; a big long one.

"Speak quick, stranger," the Mathian man growled. "You approach the palace of Jadis, and she is not receiving visitors."

"I doubt this is a visitor, Carlisle."

The man of the hour himself approached, and appeared to have been well rewarded for his treachery. Guard Captain Dumas was a man of strong build, and unfortunate face, with a nose a size too big for his face, and eyes like two stabbing daggers. Dressed in icey-black armor, and carrying one of Jadis's own weapons, he eyed the visitor curiously, before smirking.

"Bet they set you on a missave for peace," he chuckled. "Methinks Jadis wouldn't listen, even if we wanted to."

~~~~~~~

The sad Miasma broke, and Celine was brought rather pleasantly back to the present.. She turned and smiled at the prince, absently pushing a handkerchief to her face.

"The knights," she said, crossing her arms. "I would sneak into the courtyard, and refuse to leave unless they taught me what they knew. It was against my mother's wishes, so I have to thank them for their courage."

The princess turned, and caught the sad look that quickly passed over his eyes. It occurred to her that, perhaps, she wasn't the one who needed a distraction. She stood, hand on the sword hilt.

"Course, my skill barely measures to the rumors I hear of yours," she added. "Perhaps I'm rested enough to warrant a demonstration? That is-" her eyes playfully glimmered. "If his majesty isn't afraid of dueling a woman."

[Eyeris]

"Perhaps we should not make the queens decisions for her." Lysander had a silver tongue.

"I certainly know that you should want to hear me out. I have heard of you, Dumas, from the lovely lips of a vision-in-red. I heard of your renown and strength... of your betrayal... among other juicy bits of gossip." He meant to provoke the ex-bodyguard, it was clear from Celine's story that this man harbored feelings for him, Lysander wished to know how much. "This country has such a lovely princess, beautiful... and sad, for what has happened to her and her country. For what the people she thought she could trust have done to her..." He wondered if the man even knew if that Celine was still alive. Would her name provoke hope? Anger? Anxiety? He waited, smirking at the man.

Meanwhile, back in Narnia, the princes mentioned offered the King a duel.

"That was clever of you." He commented on her story. "You are a determined woman." He spoke all as a compliment. The skills Celine had forced her knights to teach her might very well save her life someday if they had not already.

"It would be my honor." He bowed low to the lady and drew his own blade. He crossed into the courtyard and the sunlight, his blade glittered and flashed. He took a relaxed defensive stance, his sword point hovering a few inches over the earth. He wondered what kind of technique they knights practiced in Mathias. Celine could unwittingly teach him this, and it might come in handy should they have to fight Mathians in the war that may come...

[Ravenwoodwitch]

Dumas visible stiffened, hurt and hate swirling in his eyes, mixed with very potent lust. But he let it go back to the dull sheen of a commander.

"She is princess no more," he said. "Lady Jadis is the true queen. If you truly wish to continue this futile debate, than I shall escort you to her palace, but mind your sword. My men are skilled, and will all cut you down if they suspect treachery."

He turned his back on the Atlantian, but only as several more soldiers aimed their spears. Over his shoulder, Dumas spoke in a much colder voice. "Do not get comfortable with your 'vision in red'," he said. "She'll not be yours, or anyone else's in due time."

Back in Narnia, said vision of red was eager to get started. She moved into position and drew her sword in the same stance. She kept her arm loose and relaxed, eying Caspian's steps carefully. The princess waited for an opening, and lunged!

Thus the two began the clash of steel on steel. The animals who were working took the time to stop and look, gauging the skill of their visitor. Her style was different, for sure, but the prince held his end up as impressively as always. So they watched, anxious to see if this new challenger could keep up with the lords of the castle.

[Eyeris]

"No ones?" Lysadner stuck out his lip and began to walk toward the palace. He would not, like a proper guest, simply follow the lead of Dumas. But walk beside him as if he were an equal. He'd be able to anticipate where Dumas was walking and be able to keep stride without so much as an awkward step. "That would be a waste... don't you think?" He looked at the taller man sidelong. "I suppose that is will of Queen Jadis? For the entire royal family of Mathias to be... eradicated?" If the bodyguard still harbored feelings for the girl, he would be uncomfortable with his Queens wishes even if he did not defy them out right. Such a fissure in his loyalty to the frozen queen could be... useful.

Lysander wondered if her parents were indeed still alive or not. The Narnians had told stories of how the ice-queen had frozen everyone who defied her, however, it seemed that they melted and came back to life when she weakened. Perhaps Jadis would not be so kind during this invasion...

Meanwhile, Caspian was impressed by the speed and skill of this girl. He took a defensive strategy, trying to learn the sword style she practiced with. It was efficient and smooth. As their blades danced about the courtyard he smiled, laughed, it was a joyful oversize. He tried to mimic some of her moves...

His sword swung wide, he spun and flipped and flourished his blade...

Too wide, too many spins, excessive flourishes... (some of the spectators who knew the princes usual tactics might whisper that he was trying to impress his opponent...)

He felt his foot catch on the stone bench as he tried to jump upon it. And then fall toward his opponent, he was completely and utterly open, unable to block or defend himself as his blade caught in the bush beside the bench. He would be at the mercy of her sword.

[Ravenwoodwitch]

There was no wince, flinch, or even anger flashing by the guardsman now. Oddly enough, instead, there was was a glint of satisfaction, a hidden mystery. Dumas chuckled darkly, lips pulling into a sneer.

"The fate of the former princess is sealed," he said, voice smooth. "She'll learn to accept it when the time comes."

Dumas turned sharply, purposefully making a difficult step to make the prince trip up. He came to two sets of doors, once painted like a green forest, now covered top to threshold in frozen ice crystals.

Dumas knocked. "A missive from Narnia to see the queen."

The doors were pulled open, just as the fight back home was drawing to a close.

Celine was more than impressed with Caspian's technique, fighting now the hardest she had in her life. The earlier exuastion from the match with the mouse was also taking it's toll, forcing the red-head to go on a defensive stance. She, too, noticed that her partner's strikes were wide and well-pronounced, over-emphasized. She smirked.

He wants to...impress me? she thought, her blush thankfully obscured by her tired cheeks. Wow...

But his over-done strikes did him in. His foot caught, and he was wide open. She drew in, but stopped just short of letting the steel hit his neck. They were near nose to nose now, her chocolate brown eyes staring deep into his.

"Checkmate," she joked, smiling. "Well fought."

[Eyeris]

A shadow of a smile flickered across Lysanders face. “Oh?” it wasn’t hard to figure out what kind of ‘fate’ the former captain of the guard had in mind. The man was dripping with envy and lust every time the princess was mentioned, and now that the future was considered there was the pleasant tingling of anticipation. Useful indeed.

Lysander found himself comparing this man to Caspian. Their differences were obvious in mind and body. But each would find a worthy foe in the other should they ever come to quarrel over what they had in common. The girl.

Will Caspian go to war and risk his own country for a girl? Would that make him so different from this man who has betrayed everything he was once loyal to... for a girl?

Lysander also heard the echo of a thought before it manifested in a quickstep to trip up the prince. He didn’t trip as the captain had planned, but he didn’t keep up either, he stood on the spot as the guard wheeled around toward the door. Dumas delighted at first, thinking he had bested the boy, but as Lysander stood still, waiting with his hands folded as Dumas knocked and announced him. Lysander looked at him as he would a servant attending the door. It might remind the captain of what he once was… and what he still was to Jadis. If Lysander had a coin he would have tipped the man to drive the point home, but he didn’t, so he kindly thanked, and breezed by the man toward the new queen of Mathias.

A vision in white. Lysander's eyes widened to behold her. She was different from others, she felt different… and her mind…

… was so cold.

~~~

Celine moved swiftly and gracefully and suddenly Caspian found himself nose-to-nose with the princess…. and blade to throat.

He swallowed hard, his brow was moist with sweat, and little tendrils of his dark hair stuck to his brow and were beginning to spiral out of control.

His face was so close to hers, he was stunned. Sure he was shocked that he had lost, but more so, he was struck by her blade and her loveliness. Her wild red hair was like a flaming crown, her lips and eyes smiled at their victory. He was sweating too, the adrenaline pumped in his ears. He wanted to lean forward, right then, and kiss her. Taste her smiling rosy lips with his own… it was only inches away...

She’ll cut me for sure. He thought hazily, aware of the cold steel at his throat. He’d lean forward anyhow, slowly, in that moment death seemed to small a risk to be bothered over. She might slit his throat, or top him otherwise… or maybe… just maybe… she’d allow him to steal this one kiss...

[Ravenwoodwitch]

Jadis had changed naught, or little in her absence from the world. She was still mildly pleasing to the eyes, with blond hair streaming behind her, pulled back by an array of white furs. Her eyes were dead cold, black portals of endless voids, and her expression was as calm as snow, though it could easily become a storm if provoked.,She was perched on a throne of ice and rock, her frozen scepter clutched in her hand.

"Well now," she mused. "You are either very brave or very foolish."

Her eyes narrowed. "Dumas...I wasn't to be disturbed."

"He was instant, my lady." Dumas knelt by the witch's side, and brushed his lips over her outstretched hand. "He's a missive from-"

"I know.." The corners of her mouth turned upright. "A fish in a school unlike his own. Tell me, how does it feel to eat scraps from the sharks? Maybe you are here for something more...delectable, my aquatic prince?"

~~~~~~~~~~~~

The prince was not the only one who would be given an eyeful. The distance between them was not even a hair's width, and allowed her to gaze directly into his warm, and soothing brown eyes.She knew the years had been kind to her dark-skinned friend...and yet, she did not know how kind until she was nearly nose to nose with him.

And then, he leaned forward. In that moment, Celine felt her pulse quicken beyond it's threshold (It's beating so fast...can...he tell?). Her nerves spiked, but her body reacted on instinct. As her eyes fluttered shut, she let the blade fall from his neck, and back at her side. Their lips met, warm and inviting, and Celine couldn't stop herself from kissing him back, free hand cupping the back of his neck. He tasted like exotic spices, and the princess felt her legs become quite week.

So warm....

"My Liege! My lady!"

The shock forced her eyes open, and she pulled back. A centaur skidded to a stop, looking grim.

"Unknown enemy approaching the castle..." he said.

[Eyeris]

Lysander watched the interaction between Dumas and Jadis. She had given him an order, but his will had bended quite easily. An impressionable fellow, he will take the quicker route to reward or action I think. Lysander had interested Dumas, likely as he had seen the princess and all, it had clouded his judgment.

On the other-hand, though Jadis chided her captain (So he was her dog, to be chided but not to be blamed for his own basic nature), she did not seem overly angry or surprised. In fact, she called him a prince... "How do you know of me?" Lysander stepped toward her, squintin g, trying to see her more clearly through her glamor (be it magical or natural beauty). The Narnians had not heard of Atlantis, nor did anyone on Mathias have reason to either. He had not announced himself as a prince, or as anything other than a Narnia. But the Queen's cold gaze was knowing. As if she could see through him for what he truly was in a glance...

... and no one had ever given the prince that sort of feeling before.

"Brave? Foolish?" Lysander shrugged. "Both of these describe base and impulsive traits of men... what I am is interested." He gave the Queen a graceful bow. "I am Lysander. And as you already know I am sent from Narnia to know your plans and intentions... negotiate I suppose..." He trailed off, as if bored for a moment, and found himself studying her frosted brow, her sharp jawbone, her white gown. "What is it that you demand?" It was two questions in one. As the ambassador, what did Jadis demand of Narnia and Mathias?

And, as she spoke of delights, what would she demand there? Lysander was not like young Edward to be lured by candies, or Dumas to be foll low loves folly, if he were to betray Caspian and the others for a new master. It would be entirely of his own power...

... Or so he imagined. He underestimated the power of the great queen. Even as he saw her in all her glory, he foolishly thought, as men often do, that he was the wiser one.

Perhaps the Queen had been right to call him foolish.

~~~

Soft, floral, glorious... Caspian was lost in the moment when their lips met. He felt her hand in his hair as she returned the gesture gladly... he closed his eyes and began to slide a hand around her waist...

Then they were interrupted, he straightened as the Centaur neared. His cheeks were red but his eyes were sharp, focused on the news brought with him.

"Attack?" Jadis moved quickly. "Take us there." He and Celine both had live steel still in hand.

The centaur nodded, and Caspian mounted upon him. He turned toward Celine, and held out his hand toward her. "Hurry." As he looked down upon her, he was reminded of the smell of flowers, and was quite sorry they had been interrupted. Yet, he could hardly ignore an outright attack upon the place. It was also likely to be Show Queen's army, so Celine had as much at steak as he did in this war that had only just begun to touch his own land with her cold fingers... more at steak, as her land had already been consumed by ice and winter.

Jadis her name was a curse in his mind.

"Celine." he held out his hand to her, then the Centaur would take them toward their foe.

[Ravenwoodwitch]

The witch, oddly enough, smiled.

"I know much," she said. "Don't let my youthful look fool you, prince. I am wiser beyond my years. I can tell you are too."

At his inquiry, she went from bemused, to looking very bored. She exhaled, having hopped for something more interesting, and leaned back in her chair. "I believe your prince already knows...if he hasn't forgotten me," she said. "I will have Narnia back under my rightful hand, or I will destroy it; simple as that."

And thus, the queen lost interest in the matter. She would have normally turned the prince into one of her statues by now, and sent him back to Narnia as an example to the rest. But her prodding had struck a chord with him, she could tell. She could also tell that he was interested, beyond his mask of utter boredom. No, this could be much more interesting if she played it wisely.

"Nothing trite as sweeties, I assure you," the queen said. "I am sure you hunger for more austere delicacies, perhaps the most austere of them all."

She leaned forward in her chair, the chill of the room seemed to follow her as she stood up, and descended two stairs closer.

"You hunger for Greatness."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The interruption was corse, but the news pulled her jumbled thoughts back to normal. Celine watch Caspian climb onto the majestic creature's back, and looked at his offered hand. She tried to look serious as she seethed the blade, and took his grip, falling behind the prince. But, inwardly, the little girl inside couldn't help but shriek in delight; she was actually riding a Centaur!

The creature galloped off, and Celine quickly wrapped her arms around Caspian's waist. She ignored the return of her quickening heart as she scanned the horizon, looking for any sign of an army. But, to her surprise, there was none to be found. What she saw instead of was an icy mist skating up the grasses, nearly freezing any animal that drew close. At the center of it was a woman as pale as the snow, with dead eyes staring forward. The closer they drew, the more Celine was sure that the woman was transparent.

"I'll speak to none but the King," her voice and echo of a thousand voices. "Hear me,young-king, lest you lose that which ye hold dear. Heed my warning, or suffer fate's bittersweet sting."

Celine slid off the Centaur when they stopped, drawing her blade. "Who are you?!" She demanded, keeping a good distance from the mist.

The woman lifted her head. "My name is naught my own anymore. In life, I was sister and rival. Now, in death, I am the blood of Jadis, split upon the snow; I am the bitter rivalry of siblings, and the jealousy of kings.."

[Eyeris]

"Why Narnia? There are many lands upon this world, and from what I hear, many others beyond that." The Queen stepped toward him, Lysander didn't show it, but with each step he took he felt smaller and smaller. "Does some treasure lie within that country? Or is this some ancient grudge breaking into new mutiny?"

With each step she took, he felt colder and colder. Yet, the cold invigorated him, made his cheeks turn pink, his eyes sting, and his fingers tingle.

"And who are you, old wise woman, to think you could satiate my... 'appetite'?" He couldn't help but allow a small smile to curl upon his lip.

~~~

Caspian helped Celine onto the horse, after the kiss, he was more than glad to feel her on the centaurs back beside him. Though, he could not forget the purpose of their ride was less than romantic.

He saw the frost on the grass, the animals shied away from frostbite. "The Witche's Magic!" Caspian growled under his breath as he saw his land of spring transforming.

But the witch was not Jadis, Caspian would have recognized her instantly. She had a strange look about her, certainly magic... was she bewitched by magic? or---

Caspian was impressed that Celine showed no fear, she demanded the identity of the intruder, flying from the centaurs back with blade in hand.

Caspian quickly followed, and stepped between the ghost and the girl. She wishes to speak to me, I'll not have Celine harmed in my name...

"What do you mean? Sister? You scorch our shores with frost, do are you her messenger then? I am King Caspian, speak your intent, or suffer upon the blade of Aslan." He had not yet drawn his sword, but held his hand firmly upon it. She spoke in riddles, either because she was an emissary... or sought to distract him from the real danger. He was ready, to parley word or sword with the witch-woman... or her sister, as it were.

[Ravenwoodwitch]

She smiled. "How little you know of the land that keeps you so safe," she said. "It doesn't matter. My reasons are my own, and all will know when the time as is right."

As for his other question, she could only continue to smile; not in a sense of superiority, but like the cat who finally found the mouse. It was that of a woman who knew a secret, and was having her fun wagging it in front of him.

"I am the future Empress," she said. "With lands to spare, and need to fill them. I am also only offering, Prince, not demanding..."

She finished then, and turned her back on him. If he so much as tried to attack her, he'd be dead on the spot, so she confidently walked back to her throne.

"Come find me, should your paradise become insufficient," she said, sitting down. "Tell me of the prince and his budding princess. Keep me 'enlightened' to their plans, and I will be generous. If not, than never come back, unless death is your ultimate wish."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The ghost lifted her head, eyeing Caspian coldly.

"I turn to frost all that are not my mission," she said. "I'll not be stopped; I shall be heard."

"Than speak!" Celine said. Maybe she sounded brave, but inwarldy she was shaking. Her skin caught the chill from the wind, much to similair to the chill she felt on her escape from the frozen tundras that were her home. It was only nerves of steel that kept her blade from shaking in her hands, even if her whole body was alert from fear.

The ghost nodded, and moved only inches closer. "I come baring a warning," she said. " Lest that which befell Charn befall you as well. Know that the witch seeks the last stand of The Lion, to turn those once loyal to traitors.."

But actions would always speak louder than words. The White Lady raised her hands into the sky, blue magic paining over the landscape. Celine's breath hitched, and she drew closer to Caspian, feeling a chill run through the air. Before them lay an illusion, a vision of the future. The land of so much magic was once again snow-packed, and covered from end to end in ice. The animals were no longer of their own minds, each one moving in lines, carrying massive burdens on their backs and heads. In the distance, the destruction of ,monuments could be heard, as all things dedicated to Aslan were torn away by the very creatures who worshiped him.

And just like that, the spell ended. They were back in the frosted field with the White Lady, who looked rather sad.

"You harbor a snake in your Eden," the ghost said. "Guard your friends well. They will turn your people from The Great Lion, lest you help your people keep their faith."

[Eyeris]

Lysanders smile faded. "Well... as they sent me here, so, it would seem that no one keeps me safe."

Yes... I'm on my own. Always have been. It was a hard lesson the young prince learned early. Sure, he was pampered and spoiled as a child, but as soon as he said or did something they didn't like he was shut up or locked up, no one wanted to listen to what he had to say. That made him realize that everyone close to him only did so out of obligation. He could hear their thoughts after-all, he disgusted them. He was told that he was adored by the people and when the revolution happened... well... the people who supposedly adored him tried to kill him.

Titles and power meant nothing. Celine would now know this, her title had earned her exile just as his own had. The Queen offered him land... and he'd once again be hated monarch. Or he could keep sides with Narnia and play in Caspians shadow forever. Caspian might offer him land as well, but, the Narnians did not like him or trust him, the result would be exactly the same. Was one opportunity any better than the other?

Faith. That was all Caspian had. They had a magical summer-land where the trees dance and the animals sang, but they all just seemed to be biding time until a magic talking lion appeared to save them. What made Narnia so different from Mathias? Why would the talking-lion save Narnia rather than Mathias? Paradise Jadis said the word and it was salt in Lysander's ears. Narnia was hardly his paradise, Atlantis had been grander by far, more beautiful, but it was lost forever under the sea.

Magic. The Queen had magic and real power. She turned the whole land to ice with her thoughts. Lysander could not read her mind as he could the others, her heart was cold to his empathy, her motives remained her own. She must be powerful indeed.

"You offer a piece of the world, a fair price for any man... yet... I wish to be more than your puppet or your spy... I'd be your apprentice, and learn the secrets of magic itself, should I be worthy of it."

He had restrained and repressed his own gifts in an attempt to please his family when he was young. That had been a mistake. He had regained a bit of the talent he had shown in childhood... and surely that was only a shadow of his true potential. But he could not do that on his own...

... Perhaps Jadis would not want to offer any other a taste of the power she had earned. Lysander, for once, had no idea how she would react. He remembered when he was young and in his power felt so alone... he had felt alone ever since. Perhaps she felt the same at times, and might prefer the company of someone other than Dumas...

"Is there a way that we might commune? Surely you have some magic trick to suit that purpose. The King of Narnia has my trust, the princess will soon-after. If I could remain in that trust and feed you information, well, that would be most efficient to your cause." He took a step toward her on her throne. His eyes fixed upon her frosty brow, her delicate fingers, her pale cheek. "I shall prove myself to you in this mission, then, I would humble myself before you." He knelt before her icy throne, and leaned forward in a bow, he lifted the hem of her white skirt from the floor and kissed it.

~~~

As the vision overtook them, Caspian garbed a hold of Celine least the witch cast some spell to transport them or harm them...

... Instead was only a vision. A terrible vision. His grip on Celine tightened as he saw the animals and people enslaved.

The magic left Caspian feeling cold and empty. His eyes wide and he stared at the sad ghost.

"You have turned against your own sister? Or... perhaps, it was she who turned against you..." Caspian understood that family matters could be complicated, his own uncle nearly had him disposed. He hadn't thought of the Snow-Queen as humane before now, as anything more than a force of icy evil. Yet before him was evidence of her history. Perhaps her sister was the first heart she had broken.

Or, perhaps they were being tricked, some part of Caspian was certain that anyone related to Jadis must be evil themselves.

Yet there was something in her face, in her ghostly eyes, that made Caspian trust her words. Sorrow and Regret."I thank you for your words, kind ghost. May Aslan guide you..." He looked to his sword, a gift from Aslan. "You shall be avenged... Narnia shall be protected... and Mathias redeemed."

As the vision departed, Caspian's arms had loosened around Celine, and slid down her arm to grasp her hand. "I swear to you both by the sword of Aslan."

If what she said was true, then they had to keep faith in Aslan. Surely, Caspian thought, such a thing should be easy...

[Ravenwoodwitch]

This was a surprise, though her face would not betray it. Jadis had taken him for a common prince, eager for more land, more wealth, and perhaps the hand of a pretty lady. Such things were likely the result of spending too much time with Dumas, the fool who believed he'd get his fairytale ending at the point of a sword. No, this one was different. He recognized her potential, and wanted it for his own.

This was a seed of loyalty, and she would be a fool to pass it up.

"I will send a familiar," she said softly. "Look for the white wolf at your window. Do as I say, and I shall give you a taste of true power. It will be more than enough for whatever your heart desire..."

She bid him rise then, and turned to Dumas. "Take him back to his ship," she said, than turned to Lysanner. "Be warned...I am not kind to traitors. Tell them what you wish, but avoid the truth at all costs. Are we in understanding?"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Celine wasn't herself, not until the snow and ice vanished from her eyes. It was only when she saw Narnia's warm grass, and bright sun did she exhale. She gripped Caspian's hand tightly, wanting to feel any of that warmth again from before. No more cold, no more ice, no more of anything winter...

"I take your word, my prince," she said, staring back into his eyes. "Always."

The ghost lowered her head. "May the fates be kind," it whispered, voice oddly human, before it dissipated. All that was frosted, animals and plant, were now as good as new. They stood slowly, as if waking from a dream, before stumbling forward.

"My lord, my lady," one of the foxes inquired. "I fear...I know not what has occurred. Was the creature dealt with?"

[Eyeris]

"Understood." Lysander bowed and took his leave. He'd give Dumas a cheerful smile before he departed toward the ships. "Should I give your lady a message for you...?"

On the way home he stared at the stars. He thought about what he would say to the Narnians, to Caspian and Celine... What he could do with the power should she grant it to him.

He would sew the seeds of dissent among the Narnians, and eagerly await the white wolf.

~~~

Caspian blinked as the specter vanished completely. He felt Celine shivering beside him and drew her close that they might warm one another.

"The creature was a woman." Caspian informed the foxes. "Or rather, what was left of her. I believe she used the last of her magic to strengthen us against our true enemy. The Witch." He glanced into the woods around them, looking for some wisp of magic that might be left behind. There was none. The trees around them shivered, but began to sway and sigh relief as the cold magic passed over them.

"Let us return to the palace." He suggested to the company. "We must plan our defense."

[Ravenwoodwitch]

The castle was fortified near immediately. It was very safe to assume everyone was spooked by the visage in white, and was bound and determined to make sure no such creature got past their defenses again. It was a sight to see, all these different creatures, and even some humans, all ready for battle, marching side by side. It was glorious, and Celine could barely take her eyes off the spectacle.

She was watching from a window in the castle salon, resuming the role of the waif waiting for some kind of news. They'd changed her back to her dresses, opting for something very similar to the color of her hair, and laced with gold. It was lovely, but only a minor distraction. Besides, it was hardly worth the thought, not like....that moment.

She and Caspian hadn't discussed what happened in the training yard, all the commotion making them too busy. But she remembered, and shuddered with delight at the thought, fingers trailing over her lips. Was it a brief moment of whimsy that led to such delight? Or perhaps it was something she always felt, but only just now was able to understand. Furthermore, she had no idea what was to come from it...

She decided to wait on it, as she spotted Lysnader's escort approach the castle. She rose immediately, and ran towards the Great Hall.

[Eyeris]

Caspian was forced to focus on preparing for war. There was quite a lot to do. Apparently 'fight for Aslan and justice' was to vague to be an efficient directive...

In his spare moments he would think of Celine. She must think I am horrible, to kiss her and then hardly speak to her afterward...

The mouse duelist, Reepicheep, was the only one to confront him on that particular matter.

"My King! Have you spoken with your beloved since the day of thy fateful duel!?" He bowed low and spoke cordially, but that question among all the questions related to war, battalions, food rations, numbers, diplomacy, and weapons threw him quite of his guard.

"Ah... well... only... a few words here and there..." My beloved... He felt his cheek turn red.

"Sacrilege! Have you not pledged your heart and allegiance to her?"

"Dear Reepicheep, there has not been time we might be at war..." Caspian fumbled for excuses.

"But you had time to steal a kiss!" Reepicheep raised his tiny mousey brow at the young King. Only in Narnia could a mouse speak so go a King... and such a speech be welcomed. "You dishonor your lady... y-you've done it all backwards!" The little mouse huffed. "My King, you must first confess yourself, humble yourself before her... imagine if she did not return your feelings, you would surely have embarrassed or dishonored her. Your station in our country makes it even more important to act with chivalry and humility!" the little mouse was getting worked up now. Speeches about honor were his favorite.

"Aye, you are right. Yet... she does return my feelings... or... at least I think she does..." Or had she been only afraid to reject him as the mouse had suggested, they were in a public garden after all... The more Caspian thought of it the more guilty he felt for avoiding Celine afterward. "Oh, I am a fool!" Caspian threw up his hands. "What do I do now?"

"The brave an honorable thing my King!" There was a twinkle in the mouses eye. "Go to her!"

"But what of the war? I am needed..."

"Do we not fight a war to preserve love?" The mouse swooned.

"You are right. I will go to her now and--"

The door to the chamber opened. There was a bear with a message. "The Calormen Ambassador is here. He is quite cross. And threatens to leave if you do not speak with him immediately."

Caspian gave the mouse a helpless look.

"I shall deliver a missive to your lady, my King!" He bowed low, and began to leave.

"Wait!" Caspian stood, "I have not yet told you the message for her... I'd like to... say... um... er... ah..." Caspian found himself floundering under the steady gaze of the bear and the mouse.

"Fear not my King! I know exactly what you might say!" And the mouse disappeared.

Caspian went with the bear...

The meeting with the Ambassador did not go very well.

"Have you any proof that your Ice Queen has returned? Perhaps this is only a tale you tell to put our armies at yourbidding!" The Calormen scowled as Calormen often did.

"We have testimony from the Princess of Mathias, and we have sent forth our own Ambasador--"

"Who has conveniently not-yet-returned! Yet you demand action immediately!"

"Please, I do not demand, I only warn you. If Jadis has taken one country and she will not stop until she has frozen them all---"

There were horns heard from afar, and the bear returned. "Lysander's ship has landed."

"I hope your Ambassador has brought proof with him, I will await his testimony." The Calormen crossed his arms and would stay there, stubborn old man.

Caspian nodded and took his leave of the Calormen.

~~~

Lysander was glad to be off the boat, he found himself to be clumsy, still on his sea-legs. Narnia felt so warm compared to the land of ice... oppressively warm and humid. He found himself sweating and weary. He sat in an armed chair "I'll speak to Caspian... and maybe Celine... no one else...." He told the Narnians.

He wanted to sleep, he had not been able to rest at all upon the ocean. Every time he closed his eyes he had nightmares.

The king and the princess would not want to wait for this... news...

Lysander smiled.

[Ravenwoodwitch]

Celine pushed past quite a few guards to get to the carriage. It was undignified for a princess, and she could already hear her mother's cross words with her for it. A lady must be dignified she said. She mustn't rush, and she mustn't be rough. The world must come to her when she is good and ready...

"Well the world has been ready for awhile," she muttered. "The time for pleasantries is over..."

So lost in her thoughts was she that she only just missed stepping on her sparing partner. She gasped and moved back, putting a had to her breast when she saw that the mouse was unharmed. "Reepicheep," she said. "Forgive me, I didn't see you..."

"Twas not the first time, My Lady," he said, sounding ruffled. She had a funny feeling that this was one of many things the little mouse wasn't satsified with when it came to his station in life. "Not important; my dear, I have an important missive from his majesty-"

Celine's heart leapt, but her head took control. Not now, it told her, later.

"Later," she repeated to the mouse. "Lysander has returned, I need to speak with him."

"But My lady-"

Celine bent down, and picked the mouse up, much to his displeasure. She put him on her shoulder, and continued walking. "I may need your counsil as it is, brave warrior," she said. "This way you can tell me later, without any prying ears."

That seemed to settle him for now. Celine was the first to approach the tired looking prince, finding him stumbling into the entrance hall. Celine greeted him with a relieved smile, drawing closer.

"I'm glad you're well," she said. "I feared that...that witch wouldn't let you go."

She bent down, and put the mouse on the floor. She was scared to ask the question hanging by her tongue, for what the answers may have been. But she knew that no one else would, and that she would have to get the news in one fashion or another. So, she drew in a breath, and spoke.

"Did you hear anything of my parents?" she asked. "I know it's foolish, in the midst of a war, but I must know; do they live?"

[Eyeris]

"She nearly made me another ornament in her ice-garden. Yet, she agreed to parley with me in order to reach the ear of the King..."

"Of course you are concerned about your parents..." The question made the seasick prince realize he had not really asked any of the questions he was supposed to...

... Yet, if he were siding with the ice-queen anyhow, and would learn true magic soon enough, he did not need to speak the truth. He only needed to speak what would... interest... them the most. What would provoke them, what would make them venerable, what would make them trust him and look to him for even more answers...

"Your parents are alive, but I could not speak to them, I am sorry, but I must tell you that they are frozen by the queen. I remember Caspian's stories from the ice-age of Narnia. When the defeated the Queen that time the frozen Narnians returned to life... perhaps they are simply her hostages, which means there is still hope for them." He would reach out a hand and touch her elbow as a comforting gesture.

He could see a silhouette of the monarchs in his mind's eye. They became clearer the more Celine thought on them. Lysander was delighted. It was as if the prospect of learning magic from the queen was already invigorating his gifts.

"Not everyone you once knew was frozen, however, the Captain of the Gard... Dumas? I saw him. He is doing quite well for himself actually... He serves the Ice Queen now." Lysanders look of disgust was genuine.

Caspian entered, and set his eyes upon Celine and Lysander. Lysanders hand would still be upon her arm, and he would remove it quickly under the Prince's eye.

Caspian felt many things at once, so I shall try to dissect each one.

He was delighted to see Celine of course. Her beauty always warmed his mood, but, he was yet unsure of how he had received their kiss... exactly... and the mouse was upon her shoulder, so, had he delivered the message? And what exactly had he said? Caspian felt his cheeks redden as he felt a bit embarrassed...

Then there was the fact that Lysander had been touching her arm, surely to comfort her, but if that was the case why did he withdraw it so quickly? He dismissed the jealousy thought and trusted his two friends (but as Lysander designed, he would not forget it.)

He was glad to see his friend Lysander alive and well, weary from his journey, but returned with serious news... Lysander had put himself at risk to reason with evil. He was very proud of his friend... but also very concerned and worried about the message he might be bringing with him... "Lysander. It is good to see you well." He approached and Lysander rose from his chair as the two young men embraced in a quick but strong hug.

Lysander collapsed back in the chair. His eyes slid across the King to the Princess... he sensed a tension between the two...

"It is good to see both well." Celine's red dress brought out the fire in her hair. "I know that you await the news I bring... It is true that the Queen has frozen the land of Mathias."

"Always winter and never Christmas." Caspian spoke under his breath, he recalled the tales told by the kings and queens of olde.

Lysander did not know what Christmas was, nor how that was relevant. He continued "Celine's parents are her prisoners as statues, and it seems that is the case for many other important loyalists."

"And, does she set her sights on Narnia?" Caspian paced the room as he listened to Lysander. "Or some other country near us? Or the world itself?"

"Actually... the Queen let me go so that you would hear her message." Lysander straightened himself and set his elbows on the table. "She will leave Narnia in peace in exchange for something..." His eyes worriedly passed between the King, Princess, and Mouse. "... If we give her Celine she will leave Nania be."

The color drained from Caspians face. "We will not do that! Never!"

"Of course." Lysander nodded his head. "I told her as much, she tortured me for my defiance." He grimaced. "She sent me back anyhow." He folded his hands and bowed his head.

"Never. We shall Never do that!" Caspian's face turned from white to red. He was furious. His blood pounded in his ears.

"Vial Witch!" The mouse chirped from Celine's shoulder. "Let her try to take the princess! We shall defeat her then on the fields of war!"

Caspian