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

[Ravenwoodwitch]

They were alive, at least. Still, the thought of her mother and father stuck in the ice made her shudder, wrapping her arms around her body. But Lysander was right, there was hope in getting them back. So she smiled at the pale prince, and nodded her head.

Caspian's entrance drew quite a different reaction. As Lysander's hand dropped, the princess felt her face flush. She desperately tried to suppress the memories of that kiss, but they came back one at a time, and it became very tricky to keep her mind straight.

"She...wants me?" That news was enough to get her to stop, eyes widening. They quickly narrowed then, clenching her fists. "It's Dumas...that...that-" She couldn't finish the sentence. "I'm not foolish enough to fall for his lies twice; nor to think Narnia would be spared by my sacrifice. This is a lie, plain and simple."

That meant war, though. The princess groaned, turning away from the two, and pacing back and forth. They'd be fighting for her sake, animals and people alike would die because she couldn't save herself. "I...I can't ask for this," she said, putting her hands over her forehead. "I cannot ask for blood to be shed for me, not like this. Isn't there anything we can do?"

[Eyeris]

Caspian continued to pace and fume, and Lysander continued to look dour and sad.

“We can not negotiate with her! It is surely an evil trick! She would attack us anyhow. To regain Narnia is the desire of her black heart…” Caspian turned to his companions, tightening his fist.

“Are you certain?” Lysander looked confused. “Pardon me… but I know less of her and Narnia’s history than yourselves. Mathias is the one that she invaded, not Narnia. Are you so certain she is not satisfied with her conquest?” He shook his head. “Even so, I doubt she is wholly in control of Mathias anyhow. There are still rebels factions and loyalists both about their countryside… She is still working to subdue the Mathias just so as it was in Narnia's winter days. She will be quite occupied with Mathias for some time. We need not rush to conclusions or actions. We have time to plan.” He folded his hands on the long table. “Pray tell me… how was it, in legend, that the Ice Queen was defeated last time?”

“By Aslan’s just paw!” Caspian was red in the cheeks. “Aslan was even slain by her own blade on the ancient stone table. She thought that she had gotten the best of him, while he sacrificed himself for King Edmund… but Alas, Aslan can not be defeated! He rose from the dead and surpassed her power and killed her the next day!” It was an old strange story… on of his favorites.

“It seems he did not kill her. Do we wait? Will this battle-beast only defend Narnia or will he fight for Mathias as well?”

“Battle-Beast?” Caspian turned, offended.

“Every story I hear of him is in the fray… killing the snow-queen, or the armies of your uncle… I meant no offense highness…” he raised his hands in the air like white flags of surrender and lowered his head. “Still… I wonder… do we wait? or act?”

[Ravenwoodwitch]

Wait, or fight; never had a choice felt so deadly. Celine stood, motionless and frustrated for the longest time. She cringed, and brought her hands up to her face, balling them into fists at her forehead. She had to be calm, she had to think like her father. He was always so good at these types of strategies, and would have had a solution for them nearly right away. What would he do now....?

"A man who stands alone has but one title to his name; dead."

"We'll be slaughtered if we don't do something," she said aloud. "But there may be a way we can wait and protect ourselves."

She opened her eyes again, and spoke to the two princes. "I'm sure Narnia has allies besides Mathias, right? If we had more countries fighting for our banner, surely it would stall the witch from attacking too soon. My country is mighty, but the army is no match for several at once."

"We we sit on our haunches anyway?" Reephicheep said. "I don't know..."

"Surely there's a way to search for Aslan," Celine said, more confident. "Once we figure that out, we can find him. In the meantime, what's the harm and getting more soldiers on our shores?"

She winced, and looked down. "I...would hate for more to die for my name...but..." she drew in a breath, and proudly brought her chin back up, all the pride of her kingdom in her eyes. "This is not for me; this is for the greater good. Should the witch succeeded here, she will be nigh unstoppable to others."

[Eyeris]

"Search for Aslan..." Caspian sat down at the long table. "That is an idea..."

Lysander rolled his eyes quietly. He was not entirely convinced that this 'Aslan' character even existed.

"And we shall seek allies. Reephicheep? Can you please let me know the status of our ambassadors abroad? If they have not already been sent messages, be sure that they are now." The mouse saluted and scurried off down the corridor. King Caspian sighed and slumped in his chair a bit. The mouse was his friend, but not like Celine and Lysander, whom he could relax around more easily. It was like when the Kings and Queens of old were still there after the revolution, true friends.

"Celine, I am sorry that there is not more we can do." He reached out to hold her hand. "I'll never let the queen take you..."

"Where does the lion live?" Lysander interjected over the sensitive moment.

"I... I'm not sure..." Caspian shook his head. "We shall have to consult the histories."

[Ravenwoodwitch]

"Aslan's country," Celine answered, voice clear. "Narnia is but a shadow of that world. But one cannot find this holy land by foot or by ship. You must be chosen to go..."

That was what she remembered from her readings. It was all very vague, and part of it she wasn't paying attention to. She mentally vowed, if they all survived this, that she would better memorize those histories, and so would any children she bore; they were more important now than ever before.

Caspian clasped her hand, a sensation that brought warmth not unlike their shared moment in the garden. She gazed down on him to see him so sad and crestfallen, perhaps believing he had failed her. It hurt her heart to see him in such a state, and she longed to caress away those worry lines from his kind face. She clasped his hand tighter, and held it with both her own, bringing it up higher.

"You judge yourself poorly, my old friend," she said softly, smile warm. "You've already done so much for me, t'would be selfish of me to ask for more. I have all my faith in you, and in the Great Lion; There isn't a soul I trust more than you."

She turned her head. "Lysander, you have my thanks," she continued. "I am sure his lordship would be kind enough to allow you some rest; I'm sure your trip was a grueling one."

[Eyeris]

Lysander bowed his head to the King and his lady "Indeed, and goodnight. I know when I am no longer needed." He smiled then stood, stiffly, and left to retire.

'Best let them enjoy their time together while they still may. The more they grow attached to one another the easier they will be to manipulate...'

Meanwhile, Caspian sighed. He felt reassured as Celine's hand coiled around his own. "Celine... I shall with all my heart strive to be worthy of your trust and faith." He turned to her. "I only wish that it was not this tragedy that had brought you to the shores of Narnia..." Their hands clasped, her voice was soft and affectionate. "I will fight for you and your people, summon Aslan, and save your people because it is right... but I also harbor a selfish hope in my heart that... after we find peace we might... spend more time... together..."

He could feel his heartbeat in his ears. He remembered the mouse urging him to be forward with the girl, and declare his intentions honorably. Yet, here, holding hands, alone, their eyes locked, wasn't it obvious? Yet... if it was so obvious, and the words so certain, why were the so hard to say?

Frankly, it was hard to say anything at all. He was trapped by her gaze now, helpless. He felt like he was a stranded ship set afire whilst crashing against the rocks. Wasn't there something more gallant he could say? Poetic? He was the king of Narnia and this was the best he could manage?

"... if you would like."

[Ravenwoodwitch]

The moment made the princess suddenly very glad that they were alone; and very glad Lysander had especially left moments before. Staring back at her friend, king,and hero of his country, and hearing him speak so frankly made her heart pound frantically in her chest. There was no mistake for that look, and the gentle tone in his voice. In a moment, her cheeks became the very same color of her hair, her surprise clear on her face.

Even now, she could hear her mother's guidance. Be coy, and demure. No king wants a woman who challenges his affections...

The last part was true, but she decided that this wasn't the time for games. Instead, the princess grinned, shyly looking away.

"I had always hoped..." she began. "I mean, when we were younger, I had secretly hoped for something like this, but I thought myself too boyish...I..."

This was inadequate. She centered herself, despite the pounding in her chest, and bound herself to her next move. She gently stood up, bringing Caspian with her, and beamed up at him, face bright, albeit vulnerable.

"If his majesty will pardon my boldness," she said. "I would like that very much....and, I believe I owe you this."

Then, with little hesitation, she leaned up to him and gently kissed his warm lips, letting that exotic taste of him linger on her yet again. Her mind panicked, thinking perhaps this was too bold. But that moment in the courtyard, the way his eyes heatedly met hers...surely they were coming from the same place now?