back, again | prince capian

three

"See that you fancy being here, aight?" A centaur challenged Caspian, skepticism heavy in his tone as he assessed the young prince.

Before Caspian could respond, Trufflehunter the badger tugged my hand. "Come on, this way," he urged, pulling me along the winding forest path.

"Okay, okay, slow down!" I exclaimed, stumbling slightly as excitement surged through me.

We arrived at our hunting ground, sunlight streaming through the dense treetops. I paused, momentarily mesmerized by the golden light illuminating the vibrant greens and browns of the forest.

"Focus, Elatoria," I whispered to myself, shaking off the enchantment. I scanned the underbrush for a wild bear, determined to avenge our last mishap. Its pelt would provide warmth on our upcoming journey.

Suddenly, a massive bear loomed in the shadows, feasting on a deer. My heart raced with adrenaline. I slipped my sword from its sheath, gripping the hilt tightly, poised to strike. Just then, a piercing scream shattered the quiet.

Instinctively, I dashed toward the sound, urgency propelling me forward. I burst into a clearing, skidding to a halt as I spotted Caspian standing firm, sword raised, commanding a frightened boy.

"Stay back!" Caspian shouted, his voice steady, though I could see uncertainty flicker in his eyes, betraying his youth.

Before I could step closer, Nikabrik seized my arm. "Better you stay at the back," he warned, his voice tense.

I pushed his hand away, refusing to be sidelined. Peering around him, I locked onto the scene—Caspian faced off against the boy, tension crackling in the air.

"Prince Caspian?" a familiar voice called, threading through the charged atmosphere.

"Yes, and who are you?" Caspian replied, his tone cautious yet curious.

"Peter!" a girl's voice shouted, her excitement palpable.

My heart surged at the familiar name, and I nearly leaped forward. "Susan! Lucy!" I exclaimed, a smile stretching across my face as I spotted the Pevensie siblings, their faces alight with joy.

"Tori!" Lucy cried, breaking away from Susan and racing toward me. She wrapped me in a fierce embrace, her warmth washing over me. Susan joined, enveloping us both, a comforting barrier against the tension surrounding Caspian and the boy.

A wave of relief washed over me. As we embraced, a thought struck like lightning: If Peter and Susan were here, then surely Edmund wasn't far behind. My eyes darted around the clearing until I finally spotted him—emerging from the shadows, his expression serious yet softened by a smile.

"High King, Peter," Caspian spoke, his voice steady and regal.

Peter raised an eyebrow, confusion etching across his features. "I believe you called...?"

"Well, yes, but—I thought you'd be older," Caspian replied, half a smirk playing on his lips.

He turned to us, searching for answers to this unexpected reunion. I sensed a current of vulnerability in him, longing for connection amidst his princely façade.

"If you would like, we could come back in a few years," Peter quipped, sarcasm lacing his words. I exchanged amused glances with Lucy and Susan, laughter bubbling beneath the surface, breaking the tension like sun breaking through clouds.

Caspian blinked, grappling with the incongruity. "No, it's just—you're not what I expected," he admitted, his tone softer, particularly as he glanced at Susan, who smiled knowingly.

"Neither are you," Edmund added, stepping forward, curiosity dancing in his eyes.

"A common enemy unites even the oldest foes," Trufflehunter declared, his steady voice cutting through the uncertainty.