Chronicles of Narnia: The Warrior of Narnia (Completed)

Chapter Seven: Going Home

"Narnia belongs to the Narnians, just as it does to men. Any Telmarines who want to say and live in peace are welcome to. And for any of you who wish, Aslan will return you to the home of our forefathers." Caspian was certainly getting better at speaking to crowds. Nora approved of the gentle, uncondemning tone the new king used; after all, many of the Telmarine who would likely take the offer to leave were not bad people. They had just had their world turned around, with everything they and their families had known for generations being torn down at an incredibly fast pace. Many were just too set in their ways to live comfortably among the Narnians.
Nora tuned back in to hear Aslan announce that the Telmarines were brigands from... their world? The Pevensies and Nora looked at each other, shocked. They had never really considered that others beside themselves had ever entered Narnia after its creation; they had just assumed that the humans inhabiting this world were descended from the first King and Queen of Narnia, Frank and Helen. Frowning, Nora looked out into the crowd as Aslan told them that the island he would return the Telmarines to was a fair land and a good place to start anew. The Telmarines she knew were not very adventurous. It would take a good leader and a brave person to be the first to enter an unknown world.
Lady Prunaprismia, holding her baby, stepped forward. She trembled slightly, but her voice was sure and strong as she spoke to Aslan. "We will accept this offer." She was speaking for herself and her son, as well as for her father, Lord Scythley who accompanied her.
Prunaprismia and Lord Scythley turned to Aslan. "Because you have spoken first, your future in that world shall be good." He breathed on them in blessing. Both humans stood straighter and, as the great tree in the yard opened, they walked towards it without fear. Prunaprismia stole one last glance at Aslan, and stepped into her future.
Their disappearances startled the crowd, who began murmuring suspicion and discontent. How did they know the lady, her child, and her father had not just been killed by this strange lion? The murmuring grew louder, enough that Reepicheep volunteered to take some of his own people through to prove Aslan's honor. Since Aslan had mentioned taking people home, that'll probably mean they're going home too.
Nora's fears were confirmed as Peter spoke up, his voice clear and firm. "We'll go."
Lucy suck in a pained breath, Edmund laid a gentle hand on her arm. "That's it then?"
Peter turned to him and Nora's heart clenched to see the sadness in his eyes. "Our time's up here." The look he gave Susan made Nora think there was more going on. But Peter put on his unruffled royal face, and walked over to Caspian. Removing Rhindon from his belt, the High King presented his sword to the new King of Narnia. "After all, Narnia is in good hands now."
Caspian, though, looked close to devastation. He tried to remain calm as he took Rhindon. "I will look after it until you return." Nora could tell Caspian wanted to believe they would return in his lifetime, despite the millennium that passed before.
Which was why Nora's breath caught when Susan spoke. "I'm afraid that's just it. We're not coming back."
Nora was glad Lucy was able to ask. "We're not?" Even if her voice was low to keep it from trembling. Her own voice was lost at the thought of never seeing Narnia again, never seeing Aslan.
Peter, though, was quick to try and lay their worries to rest. "No, you three will return." After a quick glancing at Aslan, he continued on. "At least, I think he means you two and Nora."
The two siblings and Nora looked at each other before gazing at Aslan. Lucy seemed just as confused and, as always when she needed help, she turned to Aslan. "But why? Did they do something wrong?"
Aslan smiled at them gently. "Quite the opposite, dear one, but all things have their time. Your brother and sister have learned what they can from this world. Now it is time for them to live in their own." Still not sure if she understood, Nora knew she had to trust Aslan that this was right. It was just... She was just so afraid that this would mean she wouldn't see her Narnian friends again.
"You'll see them again," Aslan told her gently.
Susan was already saying her own farewell to Caspian, presenting him her horn just as Peter had given his sword. Peter gave Rhindon to the young king was all the farewell needed for them. Caspian, who had handed Rhindon to Lord Glozelle for safekeeping, took the horn and bowed, swearing to her that he would keep it safe and use it wisely. Susan dipped her head in response, and turned to speak with the other Narnians who stood nearby.
Caspian barely had time to hand Glozelle the horn when Lucy threw her arms around him. "Be safe, Caspian. And don't be hesitant to use my cordial if it's needed."
Smiling, Caspian hugged her tightly before releasing her. "Farewell, my lady." Lucy gave him a tearful smile before moving over to say goodbye to Trumpkin. Peter went with her with a sad smile.
Edmund smiled at Caspian and the two boys hugged each other. "I hope we'll see each other again."
"Me too." Edmund moved over to say goodbye to Trufflehunter and the other Narnians on the stage. He soon smiled at Nora warmly and the two of them embraced each other before they separated each other.
Taking one last look at Narnia, at their friends and adopted brother, Nora, at Aslan. He turned to the door in the great tree. He glanced at Peter, who smiled and held out his hand. Then Susan took Peter's other hand and Lucy took hers, and the three of them looked to Edmund. Breathing in, he began walking and was the first to step out of Narnia, into the air... and back to the train station.
Once the four siblings stepped into the hole of the tree, Nora stepped from Aslan's side with a sad, but understanding smile. She knew it was time for her to go home too.
Nora turned to those beside her. She shook hands with the Professor Cornelius and Trumpkin. Trufflehunter came up and gave her a hug. Reepicheep and Sharpshooter were both content with bows from each sides. Glenstorm looked down upon her oddly, but then he bent down to her level, and gave her a small hug.
Finally, Nora turned to Caspian. This left Nora and Caspian facing each other and not really knowing what to say. Caspian finally broke the silence. "It isn't fair." His dark eyes were a mix of anger and sorrow. "What is the use of gaining a throne only to lose my family?" Losing his aunt and cousin, and the potential for family there, was hard; losing those he had come to see as siblings, particularly Nora, might be even worse.
She smiled at him gently. "Remember to trust Aslan, Caspian." Trust Aslan and seek his will in all things. As much as even Nora still didn't understand, as much as it hurt to leave Narnia, she had to have faith that it would work out for the best. Because Aslan willed it.
When Caspian reached a decision, it could be seen in how he set his shoulders, and how his eyes shone with determination – and with holding back tears. "I will remember. I will remember all you and our four friends have taught me, and try to be worthy of the trust you have given."
"I know you will." Nora held out her right hand, and Caspian grasped her forearm tightly. In a quick motion, Nora used the grip to pull Caspian into a hug. "Take care of yourself, brother."
Caspian nodded into Nora's shoulder before pulling back. His voice was thick and shaky as he spoke to her. "And you, sister. Until we meet again." Nora felt her own throat close at the faith in Caspian's words.
With a bright smile, she took the reins of Hope and the two partners started heading towards the tree portal. Taking one last look at Narnia, at her friends and adopted brother, at Aslan, Nora turned to the door in the great tree. Breathing in, Nora began walking and was the first to step out of Narnia, into the air... and back to the countryside of London.
After she quickly recovered from her sudden dizziness, Nora noticed that her weapons re-became her accessories and was wearing her riding gear yet again. Nora glanced up at Hope, who nickered and gestured for her to continue their ride together. With a laugh, Nora mounted Hope and they both took off to the field together.