goodbye.

21.

Later that day, whilst everyone was celebrating the defeat of The Grey Lady, Aslan called Andrew, Caspian, Lucy and Edmund to the courtyard. The four looked about them and realised it was the same courtyard they saw Caspian's aunt and advisor disappear from many years before. Lucy started to quietly weep. Edmund put an arm around her and said something the others couldn't hear. "You have come far. Your journey ends now." Aslan suddenly said. The tree that had twisted and warped over the years. Caspian sighed as he knew what was to happen. Edmund and Andrew looked uncomfortable for a moment. Lucy wiped her eyes with the back of her hand. The Great Lion purred as he made his way towards the tree. The creaking and snapping caught the attention of everyone. Turning back, the lion spoke again more softly. "Lucy. Daughter of Eve. Come here." Lucy walked towards the lion. "You are a lioness." He whispered as she rested a hand on his head and stroked him. "Oh Aslan!" Lucy wept as she buried her face into his warm yet coarse mane. "You are braver now, young one."
"Do we have to go?"
"That is up to you, my Child."
Lucy bit her lip, turned around and ran over to Caspian and threw herself into his arms. He wrapped his strong arms around her. He stood there in half surprise and half shock. He closed his eyes and buried his face into her neck. Lucy tried to fight back tears but then pulled away from him. She looked at the King she loved and felt tears sting her eyes, she smiled melancholically and whispered, "Goodbye." Before Caspian could even reply, Lucy walked through the crack in the tree and disappeared. Edmund walked to Caspian and together the two Kings gave each other a bear hug. "You've been like a brother to me, Ed. Thank you." Caspian said once they had pulled away. They shook hands and soon Edmund had, too, disappeared into the tree. Andrew was the last to leave, he said his thanks and shook Caspian's hand only to hear Caspian say, "Take care of her." Andrew laughed a half hearted laugh and then left. They were gone. All what was left was Caspian and The Great Lion in the courtyard. The crack in the tree was long gone. Caspian sighed and walked back towards his castle only to be stopped by a sudden roar of the Great Lion. He smirked to himself. They'll be back he thought as he continued his walk.