Lost boy || Prince Caspian

26

Otto watched his lover think for a moment before striding towards the water. He hung back with anxious but silent acceptance as the dark haired man's boots touched the surf and he trailed a hand in the water. The water flowing up around it towards the top of the wave. For a second Caspian stood there, then he turned around with wet vulnerable eyes and his gaze met Otto's. He stepped away from the water and came back to them. Otto reached out a hand and the other man took it, gently interlocking their fingers together. He would have gone with Caspian, if he had chosen it. He just needed to let the man make the decision himself.

"You are not going?" Edmund asked.

Caspian blinked the tears from his eyes and glanced over at the Pevensie children. "I can't imagine that my father would be very proud if I gave up what he died for". His voice was heavy with emotion. "I've sent too long thinking about what was taken from me and not what was given. I was given a kingdom. A people", he met Otto's eyes and squeezed their joint hands. "I was given love". Then he turned to Aslan. "I promise to be a better king".

"You already are", Aslan replied. Then the lion was turning to the rest of them. "Children".

"I think it's time we went home actually Lu", Edmund spoke up. Lucy blinked at her brother.

"But I thought you loved it here".

"I do", Edmund spoke with passion. "But I love home and our family as well. They need us". Lucy's face creased but anything she might have responded was interrupted but a soft cough. They all looked down as Reepicheep crawled across the sand towards Aslan.

The mouse removed the golden ring from around his ear and bowed. "Your eminence. Ever since I could remember I dreamt of seeing your country. I have had many great adventures in this world but nothing has dampened that yearning. I know I am hardly worthy but with you permission, I would lay down my sword for the joy of seeing your country with my own eyes".

"My country was made for noble hearts such as yours, no matter how small their bearers be".

Reepicheep lit up with joy. "Your majesty".

"No one could be more deserving". Caspian smiled at the mouse.

"It's true", Edmund bowed his head and the mouse bowed back.

"May you find many more adventures there", Otto wished as he also bowed his head. The mouse swept his arm in a bow.

Lucy was quiet as she stepped forwards and folded herself until she was knelling before him. "May I?" she asked.

"I suppose, just this once", Reepicheep replied before letting out a noise of surprise as Lucy promptly swept him up in a gentle hug. He chuckled as he hugged her back. "Goodbye Lucy". Then she was placing him back down and stepping away. Eustace taking her place. "Don't cry", Reepicheep soothed as the boy inclined his head.

"I do not understand", Eustace sniffed. "Will I not see you again? Ever?"

"What a magnificent puzzle you are. A true hero. It has been my honour to sight beside such a brave warrior and a great friend". Eustace let out a loud sniff and bowed to the small creature. Reepicheep bowed back and scampered towards the towering wave. A tiny boat, not much bigger than a basket, had appeared. Eustace stood and joined them as they watched the mouse stick his sword into the sand and push the boat out onto the wave. He hopped inside and took hold of the paddle. He looked back once as he was carried up with the current, before turning to see what was beyond as he crested the wave and vanished from sight. Eustace blinked back tears.

"This is our last time here isn't it", Lucy asked though they knew the answer.

"Yes", Aslan nodded. "You have grown up, my dear one. Just like Peter and Susan".