Hearts Connected As One

Chapter 15 - A New Plan:

We all rushed down to the Stone Table room, to come up with a new plan. This needs to be done quickly, but intelligently if we want to have any chance at beating Miraz. But most of all this has to be done together as a team, a united front for the Narnians. After all, they have seen what happens when we aren't.

Edmund and I walked hand in hand. Lucy looked at us and started whispering to Susan, both girls then started giggling. Seriously I understand being curious about what is going on but there is a time and a place. On the brink of a battle is not the time nor the place. However, I cannot blame them, I would probably be doing the same thing if it was Caspian in the situation.

As we all entered the room we each sat down on or lent against separate rocks.

I sat next to Edmund, he gently wrapped his arms around me and pulled me closer. I blushed at the situation we were in. I know I said I didn't want to tell anyone, but we most definitely were not being subtle about our current situation. I'm definitely not complaining, it was very comfortable and if I'm honest, he smells like pine, another reminder of my home tree with Trufflehunter.

However, we're surrounded by Caspian, his brother and sisters and countless Narnians.

Lucy and Susan noticed us again and began whispering and giggling. Caspian was continuously looking at Edmund with daggers like he wanted to kill him, I guess I'm his baby sister after all.

Peter began to discuss the plan, but I have to admit I was distracted by the peculiar behaviours of Caspian, Susan and Lucy.

Next thing I know Trumpkin started yelling and snapping me back to the situation we were in.

"Cakes and kettledrums." Trumpkin muttered. "That's your next big plan?" He continued bitterly.

I left Edmund's side and stood next to Lucy, she was being extremely brave, for everyone but I can see past her façade. She needs support right now, I gently wrapped my arm around her shoulders giving them a light squeeze.

"Sending a little girl into the darkest parts of the forest? Alone!" The red-haired dwarf continued to yell.

"It's our only chance," Peter told him, he'd seemed to regain the slightest bit of faith in Aslan, especially after the White Witch situation.

"And she won't be alone." Susan stepped up next to her sister. Both of them were going, and Trumpkin didn't appear pleased with this plan. He had definitely grown to like the Pevensies (especially Lucy).

"Haven't enough of us died already?" He asked Lucy desperately. I knew he was referring to Nikabrik as well as all the Narnians who died back at the castle.

I tried my best to hold my head up and ignore his comment. Edmund had moved towards me and Lucy, stopping at my side. He took my hand, squeezing it lightly for support.

"Trumpkin, Nikabrik was like a father to me..." I tried to explain. It was finally sinking in that Nikabrik was dead and that I would never see him again. I clasped my hand over my mouth to hide the small sob escaping. I couldn't continue with my 'pep-talk'.

Thankfully, Trufflehunter took over as Edmund wrapped an arm around my shoulders, I leaned closer to him as Lucy hugged my waist, snuggling into my side. I held both of them close as a few stray tears rolled down my cheek, whilst I tried to compose myself.

"Nikabrik was my friend too." He continued. "But he lost hope." I looked at him as he spoke. "Queen Lucy hasn't, neither have I or Guinevere."

"For Aslan." I encouraged quietly.

"For Aslan!" Reepicheep exclaimed as he crossed his sword across his chest, hearing my words.

"For Aslan!" A brown bear repeated in a monotone voice. I smiled at him and he gave me a bare smile in return. (A/N - Pun Intended)