Narnia: The Fallen Angel

03 || Winged Creatures

Stirring awake from her slumber, Lucy groggily glanced around her dark surroundings. After a few seconds, she was able to make out the familiar fireplace and knicknacks that could only belong to Mr. Tumnus. It was dark and cold, making her wonder if the faun had already retired to his chambers. "Oh, I should go," Lucy whispered as she was pushing herself up off the couch. She wasn't supposed to stay this long in Narnia, hoping that her siblings aren't too worried back in the Professor's Mansion. The last thing she wanted was to further worry Peter and Susan, since Edmund didn't care much.

"It's too late now." A voice said, making Lucy whip her head around to look at the corner where it came from. She was shocked to see Mr.Tumnus hunched up in the corner, quivering in fright with his head hung low in shame. "I'm such a terrible faun," He whispered to himself, letting a sob slip past his lips. He had been wallowing in guilt all through Lucy's rest, forcing his eyes away from her innocent frame after an hour of staring.

Lucy caught his distressed tone, treading carefully towards Mr. Tumnus. "No! You're the nicest faun I have ever met!" She cried out, trying to comfort him. "What terrible thing could you have possibly done to make you think so lowley of yourself?" She asked gently as she neared him.

Tumnus let out a bitter scoff. "It's not what I have done, it's what I'm doing," he replied, still avoiding her gaze. He could think of a number of terrible things he had throughout his life, but surely enough, what he had done now was the worst. Lucy's smile faltered, her eyebrows furrowing in confusion as she stared down at the saddened faun.

"What are you doing?" She whispered. Fear had begun to swirl in her, twisting her light-hearted thoughts into bitter and dreadful ones. Lucy let all of the most terrible things run through her mind, nitpicking which ones the faun might have done. Yet none seemed to fit with how the faun is. The faun is gentle and kind, with a brilliant charisma that could brighten anyone's day.
But when he finally looked up at her, that wasn't the case. He no longer held mirth in his light eyes, guilt and fear overpowering any innocence in his stare. "I'm kidnapping you."

Lucy gasped, recoiling in shock as Mr. Tumnus stammered to formulate an explanation. "I-it's the White Witch! She gave Narnians direct orders that if we were to encounter a human, we are ordered to turn it over to her! And I-I..." He trailed off, sobbing into his hands. It was futile to try and justify his actions, the terror etched on Lucy's face proving so.

"But you wouldn't do that," Lucy whispered, gaining no reply in return. "...Would you?" She asked, her voice growing so small and frail as worry started growing in her stomach. He surely wouldn't do that; after all, they just had a wonderful afternoon tea and chatted as great friends always do. He gave her cookies, told her of wonderful tails, and played a delightful song for her! Why would he do such a thing if be was desperate for a friend?

His silence confirmed her suspicions and so she continued to step away. "How could you? I thought you were my friend," She muttered painful disbelief, feeling fear crawl up her spine as the sharp knife of betrayal penetrated her heart. Mr. Tumnus jerked up his head, her phrase repeating in his mind. I thought you were my friend. Just like that, he yanked her out of his house by the hand and started leading her back to the light pole. "You must go back. The White Witch must already know you're here!" He said to Lucy as he rushed through the dark woods, since it was already nightfall in Narnia.

"The forest is full of her spies! Even some of the trees are on her side!" He cried out as Lucy glanced at one of the trees in utmost fear. Despite the frigid air and encased her, the realization of the White Witch's spies chilled her to the bone. Mr. Tumnus continued pulling her through the forest, dodging trees and obstacles before they finally reached the lamp post. He stopped, looking in the forest around him for any unexpected visitors. Mr. Tumnus didn't need to encounter any wolves or goblins of sorts, especially with a human by his side. They will both be in grave danger if that was to occur. Lucy looked up at the panic-stricken faun and asked a question. "Will you be alright?"