After the End (Narnia)

Chapter XXI - For All Things New

Caspian and Susan were one of the many couples spending their days together in the lead up to the war. Susan had found it difficult to believe the amount of abuse Caspian had suffered at the hands of his former wife. From Lucy's descriptions, Susan had thought Lilliandil to be a pleasant and kind woman, the sort that was a puzzle-piece fit for Caspian. But then, some things change, she thought.

She had spent the morning with Caspian on the archery range, the wartime preparation put on hold for a day's rest. More practise seemed to be a noble and sensible option in such dire times, and Caspian wholeheartedly agreed to shoot alongside Susan for the morning. He lost graciously every time her arrow nudged closer to the bullseye. A good archery partner, she thought with a laugh. He knows how to lose well.

The next challenge came in the form of horseback riding. All of the horses had to be ridden regularly in the lead up to the inevitable battle, to keep them mobile and ready to carry their riders. Caspian chose two of the most unpredictable horses for them to ride through the trail in the forest. The person who arrived the first - and safest - of the two would win the competition.

"I'm going to win, and you know it," Susan boasted.

"I wouldn't be so sure about that!" Caspian yelled, bolting into the forest.

Susan was soon on his heels. "I'm not too fond of cheaters, but I'll let this little mishap slide." She paused for a moment with a deep grin. "That doesn't mean I'll let you win, though!"

The two returned from their lap of the forest at almost the same time, eliminating the competitive intent of the ride. Caspian sighed. "I think we defeated the point. We'll never know who won!" he whined. Susan smiled at him.

"We had fun, and that's all that counts," Susan said amiably. "Now, come on, I think it's time for lunch. Let's go see what we can find."

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Lucy Pevensie was bored. She had been almost entirely forgotten in the war preparations, having been delegated to the kitchens on washing-up duty for most of the previous week. Worst of all, most of her closest friends were occupied either with the upcoming war or with their various love interests. Even Edmund of all people was spending an inordinate amount of time with Harriet. Susan was with Caspian, Jill was with Eustace, Polly was busy with research work. There was no one to talk with and nothing to do.

Tumnus approached from the woods, a large grin on his face. "Lucy, I just had a wonderful idea!"

"Tell me it doesn't have anything to do with war or spying on my friend's romances," Lucy replied glumly.

"Absolutely nothing associated with it," Tumnus replied, annoyingly cheerful to a cross Lucy Pevensie. "I-I'll just show you. Follow me!"

Lucy reluctantly took Tumnus' outstretched hand and allowed him to lead her to the forest. A carpet of leaves crunched beneath their feet as the sunlight filtered through above them. The air was sweet as Tumnus lead Lucy through to a clearing. "So, I was walking, and I found a heap of dry material that had been blown down from the storm. Some of it looks like a little shelter already, and I had a genius idea," he explained with a grin.

"And?" Lucy said unenthusiastically.

"We're going to build a fort!" Tumnus said simply. Lucy's eyes lit up as she clapped her hands in glee. She began searching around for additional materials.

"I used to do this in Girl Guides. I loved it," Lucy reminisced. "I won a prize once for building the best shelter."

"I'm sure this one will be even better than the one you built then. For one, we have better materials. But also, I'm helping you build it," he said with a laugh and a wink. Lucy returned the wink and continued to pile leaves on the frame of the fort.

In less than half an hour, the fort was complete, covered in colourful leaf litter and wildflowers. The two sat inside underneath the relative shade of the structure, playing a deck of cards Tumnus kept with him. The worries of the world seemed less pressing here. The world was just this forest clearing, this little fort and Tumnus' kind smile.

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Caspian met Peter later that night in his chambers, his hands shaking as he ascended the stairs. This question seemed all-important, more important than this war, more important than the past. He had known after today, when Susan had talked to him about the family she wanted, the family she wanted with him. How she wanted to get married. He was going to grant her wish.

Peter answered the door with a solemn look in his eyes. "I heard you and Susan today," he said bluntly. "I think I know what this is about." Caspian nodded as he followed Peter into the room. This is integral to your future, Caspian thought. Don't mess this up.

"Go ahead," Peter said softly. Caspian took a deep breath.

"Ever since I got to know your sister, I have loved her. Even in the times when I truly loved Lilliandil, she never left my mind. And I've been a second chance at love, it seems." His voice slowed, becoming more measured and solemn as he continued. "Susan and I have talked about marriage for a while now, but I realised there is one step I would like to take, for English tradition's sake. I would like to ask you, as I cannot ask your father, for permission," he paused. "To marry Susan."

Peter took a deep breath. Caspian had made mistakes, that was certain, but he was a man of integrity. A man who would protect his sister and love her unconditionally.

"Yes. Just, please, stay with her and love her devotedly. I love her as much as you do, and I would never want to see her hurt," Peter responded.

"Thank you!" Caspian exclaimed, throwing his arms around Peter.

"Just one condition though," Peter smirked as Caspian paused. "I have to be your best man."

"Deal."

[Author's Notes]

Hey Readers!

*smirks* you're welcome. The proposal was a little slower this time coming! Hopefully it was more realistic, too!

Have a great week and I'll see you next Sunday.

Sincerely,

The Author