The High Queen II

Goodbye

Caspian stood at the front of the gathered crowd, his presence commanding attention. The sun was beginning to set, casting a warm golden glow over the courtyard where both the Telmarines and the Narnians stood side by side. The atmosphere was heavy, yet filled with anticipation, as the moment for change and reconciliation had finally arrived.

Narnia had once again become a land of freedom, but it was now time to build a future. Caspian, having won the trust of both his people and the Narnians, was about to make a proclamation. The weight of his words was not lost on him, and as he raised his hand to silence the crowd, his eyes swept over the assembled faces.

"Narnia belongs to the Narnians," he began, his voice clear and firm. "And just as it does to the creatures of this land, it belongs to the men and women who have come from far-off places. Narnia is a world of peace, where all are welcome, regardless of their origins. For any Telmarines who wish to stay and live in harmony with us, I offer my full support. But, for those who wish to return to the home of our forefathers, Aslan will guide you to a new beginning."

The crowd shifted slightly, murmurs running through the air. Some Telmarines looked uncertain, others hopeful. Caspian's gaze locked with the faces of his people, his resolve unwavering.

Aslan, who had been standing at the edge of the gathering, nodded solemnly, his golden eyes watching over them all. His deep voice echoed across the courtyard. "We do not speak of Telmar, the place you once knew. Your ancestors were but pirates who landed here by accident, not the rulers they thought they were. And it is to that place—your true home—that I will guide those who wish to leave."

The air seemed to shimmer with magic as the Pevensie siblings stood silently behind Caspian, all of them knowing the moment was at hand.

Glozelle, a Telmarine lord who had aligned himself with Caspian's cause, was the first to speak. "I will go," he declared, stepping forward. "I will accept your offer."

One by one, others followed, including Prunaprismia, who was carrying her child. The sight of them walking toward Aslan filled the crowd with a sense of hope. Aslan's deep, resonant voice followed them as they entered the portal he created.

"Because you have chosen to embrace peace, your future in this world will be bright," Aslan intoned. A single breath of magic, and the ancient tree behind Caspian twisted and groaned, opening into a swirling door of light. The people who had chosen to leave Narnia stepped through, disappearing from sight.

The remaining Telmarines stood uncertain, but Caspian, who had seen the bravery in those who had chosen peace, stood firm, ready to lead Narnia into its future.

Reepicheep, standing proudly at Caspian's side, turned to Aslan with a gleam in his eye. "Sire, if my example can be of any service, I will take eleven mice through with no delay," he declared, showing no hesitation.

Peter and Susan exchanged a brief glance before stepping forward. Aslan's gaze turned toward them, understanding deep in his eyes. Peter stepped forward first, his expression resolute.

"We'll go," Peter said, his voice clear. "Our time here is done."

Edmund raised an eyebrow at Peter. "We will?" he asked, glancing between the two.

Peter nodded. "We're not needed here anymore, Ed. It's time to go home."

The words hung in the air for a moment. There was no denying it, no pretending that they weren't part of the past now. The Pevensie siblings had come to Narnia as children, but now, they had grown. They had learned, loved, and fought for this land. But their time here had come to an end.

Caspian turned his eyes on Peter, a flash of concern crossing his face. The idea of losing Eleanor—Ellie, who had become more than just a companion to him—struck a chord deep in his heart. He had fought beside her, laughed with her, and grown to care for her in ways he never imagined. He stepped closer to Peter, his voice filled with urgency.

"You can't leave. Not all of you. Ellie... she—" Caspian faltered, realizing he couldn't quite put his feelings into words.

Peter placed a hand on Caspian's shoulder, giving him a small, sad smile. "We're all family, Caspian. But you're the future of Narnia now. And Ellie, well, she... she belongs here."

Eleanor, standing beside her siblings, felt her heart tighten as she heard Peter's words. She had always known her time with her siblings was limited, but hearing it from Peter now, so final, made the pain all the more real. She had always thought of Narnia as home, but she wasn't sure she could bear to see her family leave.

Her heart ached as she turned to Aslan, who was watching her with deep, knowing eyes.

"Eleanor," Aslan's voice was soft but clear, "Narnia is not just a place for you; it is a part of you. When you defeated the White Witch, you sealed your fate to this land. Your heart belongs to Narnia, just as much as this world belongs to you."

Eleanor's breath caught in her throat, and she felt a rush of emotions flood her. She wasn't leaving, not in the way she had feared. She was bound to Narnia in ways that could not be undone. She was a part of it, and it a part of her.

It was too much to process, and Peter's voice faltered.

"Ellie, I... I'm sorry. I wish I could have been a better twin. I've been unfair, and I—" His voice cracked, but before he could say more, Eleanor punched him lightly on the arm, a playful smile breaking through the tears in her eyes.

"You're a pain, Pete," she teased, "but you're my twin. I'll always love you." Then, without another word, she pulled him into a tight hug, feeling the familiar warmth of their bond.

"I'm going to miss you so much," Peter whispered, holding her close. "We'll see each other again, I know it. You'll always be a part of us."

Susan stepped forward next, her arms opening wide. "I don't think I can do this without you, Ellie," she said softly, a tear slipping down her cheek as she pulled Eleanor into a tight hug as well.

"I know you'll be alright, Susan," Eleanor said, her voice steady despite the lump in her throat. "I'll always be with you, even if you can't see me."

And then, her moment with her youngest siblings came. Edmund and Lucy, who had been silent for so long, stood by her side, their faces a mixture of sadness and love.

"Don't worry," Eleanor said, bending to look into Lucy's eyes. "We'll see each other again. You'll be alright."

Edmund, looking at her with uncertainty, nodded quietly. "I'll miss you, Ellie. We'll never forget you."

Eleanor smiled, kissing Lucy's forehead as she straightened up. "And don't forget what I said—Narnia will always be in your heart."

As Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy made their way to the portal, Caspian caught Eleanor's eye once more. His expression was filled with a mixture of sadness and determination. He could feel it deep within him: Eleanor's place was here, in Narnia. And as much as it hurt to see her stay behind, he knew it was where she truly belonged.

One final glance, and with that, the Pevensies turned to walk through the portal, leaving Eleanor behind, their presence lingering in her heart.

"Take care of Narnia," Peter said over his shoulder, his voice soft but full of hope.

Eleanor nodded, watching as they disappeared from view. And though her heart was heavy, she knew one thing for certain: Narnia was her home now, just as it would always be.