Hearts Connected As One

Chapter 11 - Pep Talks From A Brother And A Just King:

I sat still in our makeshift armoury. It was just a room off of one of the corridors we used to store the little armour and weaponry we have. The atmosphere in the room was tense, everyone was either talking or thinking about tonight's raid on the castle.

I couldn't stand the stressful environment, so I got up and began my search for my brother. Maybe he could give me some form of pep talk, to make me feel slightly better about our plans. He knows the castle better than anyone else here.

After searching with no luck, I decided to head outside to get a bit of fresh air. I walked to one of the lookout ledges, a slight breeze covered the air and the sun was already starting to set, leaving us with a few hours before we had to leave for the castle, just the thought was making me all the more nervous. I don't understand why I'm so nervous, Edmund said Peter was sure of his plan... I guess that is sort of reassuring.

"Gwen?" A familiar voice made me turn quickly, I let out a sigh of relief when I saw Caspian.

"Hey, Cas." I smiled only to get a smile back.

"Care for some company mi pequeño ángel?" He asked and I smiled as he sat down next to me. I didn't realised how much i liked the nickname, I think Cas felt the same. Afterall he missed out on 15 years of being able to use it. He looked at me for a moment before staring out into the giant green field.

"You seem anxious..."

"Why wouldn't I be?" I admitted as I looked down at my hands.

"Last time I saw the castle, I was kidnapped, ridiculed and almost executed... and before that, I was a baby who people wanted to murder because our mother died after giving birth," I added with a hint of sarcasm, mainly to hide the extent of my nervousness.

Honestly, I really didn't want to go back to that castle. I'm terrified, more so than I would care to admit. I've always grown up being taught to be brave. How am I supposed to do that if I'm frightened and worried about the people I love? I guess I just have to hide it.

"Gwen, I know you are strong enough. You have lived with the Narnians and hidden from the Telmarines your whole life. I know you can handle whatever is thrown at you. But I have to admit, I'm scared of losing you again. You are my pequeño ángel." Caspian said, pulling me into a protective hug. It was surprising how much we care for each other, considering we have only truly known each other for 24 hours.

"What about you?" I asked when he stopped talking.

"What if something happens to you? I just got you back, Cas." I confessed, I could have sworn tears were in his eyes. "You are the only brother I will ever have, so we are going to do our jobs well. Not only for the Narnians but for each other." I pulled him in for another hug, my head resting on his chest, whilst his head resting on top of mine. He pulled away and turned to look down at me.

"When I first saw you, you were so small and tiny, thats why I call you my pequeño ángel. Then when mother died and I was told you were with her... You know, when I was younger I used to gaze at the stars and try to speak to you and mother. It was a comfort thing I suppose. " He admitted with a sheepish sad look on his face. I smiled and looked at him, we are more alike than I realised.

"When I was younger, I used to talk to my family wondering why I was given up, but when I found out the truth I used to write letters to all of you and burn them." Caspian looked at me again and smiled. I was his baby sister and we had always had a strange level of trust between us that neither of us really knew about or understood. Caspian pulled me in for one final hug.

As we pulled away once more, Caspian spoke up again, "Just promise me one thing."

"Depends on what it is," I responded sarcastically.

"Promise me you won't get hurt." I smiled at his request and nodded.

"So long as you don't do anything stupid," I said sarcastically and he chuckled. We both smiled at each other before I went to go and get ready.

"I have to go and get ready." I explained as I began to walk back to the armoury.

. . .

Once I made it to the armoury, most people were already prepared and had cleared out, only a few people remained to gather their weapons. The atmosphere was quiet, but not in a comfortable way, it was too quiet, eerie almost.

I collected my gear and put on my outfit. Trufflehunter had helped me make it recently, when he, Trumpkin and Nikabrik decided that I was old enough to help out with the Telmarine watches alongside the fauns and centaurs.

My outfit was some tighter olive green leggings to allow maximum movement and a jacket made of stolen dark-coloured Telmarine materials. I also had my usual leather boots and belt, with an attached sheath. Quietly, I braided my hair into two tight plaits so that it would be kept out of the way. Finally, I grabbed my sword, bow and quiver.

Looking down I realised I should probably add some protection to my forearms against my bowstring. If I'm in the middle of the battle I highly doubt I will be worrying about whether the string will hit my arm so the leather guard may help.

I began to search through the remaining pieces of leather armour and found one that looked like it might help. It slid on my wrist rather easily, it was when I had to attempt to lace up the string to hold it in place I faced a problem. How is anyone supposed to do this single-handedly? I let out a frustrated sigh.

"Need some help?" A voice sounded, causing me to look up. The Just King looked at me with slight amusement in his eyes and I laughed sarcastically. He walked over slowly and began helping me secure the leather armour around my wrist and forearm.

"Are you still anxious?" Edmund asked; me being the sarcastic girl I am, I simply raised my eyebrows.

"Why do you wanna know?" I asked as he just shrugged as he finished trying the cuff.

"Merely curious." He commented with a small smirk. "I figured you would be calmer now since you spoke to Caspian." I looked at him. How did he know I had been talking to my brother?

"Were you spying on me?" I said, unable to hold back a smile as he turned tomato red.

"I... Uh... u-uh." He stuttered and I smiled at him. "Well - I can explain... I mean."

I ended up laughing at his sudden awkwardness and embarrassment. His cheeks were so red I thought he might explode.

"So you were spying on me?" I asked once I was able to speak again.

"I was just walking around!" He defended, "And then I started admiring you from a distance..." That caused me to laugh further. Nobody has ever made me laugh like Edmund can. It's nice...

"Alright, Ed," I said and he held a cheeky grin at the nickname. "Are you nervous?" I asked him.

"A bit." He admitted whilst holding my hand. He held it gently and at his touch, I felt my cheeks redden as well. He smiled which caused me to smile too.

"Gwen..." His brown eyes softened when he spoke and he looked into my hazel ones. "I will be by your side the whole time." He reassured quietly as he pulled me into an embrace. I feel safe when I am with him. I rested my head against his chest.

I smiled sadly as we pulled away because we had to go and leave for the battle. Edmund and I walked out of the armoury, over to where the others were gathered ready to leave, hand in hand. This time, when we reached our destination I didn't let go.