The Naiad and Her King

Chapter 4

The Naiad Trilogy

Part 2: The Naiad and Her King

Chapter 4

Ava and Caspian stood side by side on the deck of the Dawn Treader waving goodbye to the kind citizens of Galma.

"Well that was...something," Ava said with a sigh as she lowered her arm once they were far enough away.

"So it was. Join me in the Map Room for a drink? I think after that visit we could all use one," Caspian said. Ava smiled and nodded. They entered the cabin to find Drinian already there. He promptly poured each of them a glass of mead.

"How about a toast," Ava said. "What shall it be for?"

"To adventure," said Caspian.

"To the open sea," added Drinian.

"And to all that lies beyond," Ava finished. They clinked their glasses together and took a sip. Caspian wandered over to look out the window, while Ava took seat in one of the chairs. Drinian remained where he was by the table.

"The Lord Peddelton seemed quite taken with you, Ava," Drinian said.

"That pompous fool," Ava groaned.

"Was he really as bad as all that?"

"He thought a few silky words would win me over, that a few lines of poetry would leave me glassy-eyed and unable to stand on my own two feet. He knew nothing of me, and even if I tried to tell him he'd not have the ears to listen. I can't believe he actually thought I'd court him."

"What? He made no request of courtship known to me. Did he ask you for permission, Lord Drinian?" Caspian asked turning away from the window. The sudden talk of Ava's potential courtship had aroused Caspian from his contemplative thoughts.

"No, Your Majesty, he did not," Drinian replied.

"And why should he have to ask either one of you for permission?" Ava suddenly became angry. "Why should I not be allowed to speak for myself?"

"Ava, you must know the proper Narnian etiquette when it comes to such matters as courtship. If your father Dr. Cornelius were there, then the Lord Peddelton should have asked him. It may have been proper in Galma to not ask the father of a Lady, but is different in Narnia." Caspian declared.

"But in Father's absence, who should one ask?" Ava stood up and took a step towards Caspian.

"The ship's captain? You? You think I belong to either of you?" With each question, she took a step closer until she was standing in front of him.

"No, My King, I do not think it would be proper for the Lord Peddelton, or any Lord, to ask you for my hand, nor do I think it proper he ask the professor. If one truly wanted to court me properly, he must call up the great River God and ask him, or else ask all the talking beasts and creatures of Narnia for it is to them that I truly belong."

Ava breathed deeply to calm herself. It seemed that all of her frustrations over the week were finally expressing themselves. "And what, My King, would you have said if he had asked you?" She asked quietly.

"I would not have allowed it!" Caspian declared. "That Lord was as vile a man as I've ever seen. I am sure Drinian would agree with me on the matter." Caspian looked over to Drinian, who rather looked like he'd rather not get involved. Drinian had no chance for any response however, because Ava beat him to it, angry once more.