We sailed in one of the rowing boats throw a field of waterlilies floats in the water.
'So, what was it like when Aslan changed you back?' Peter asks Eustace.
'No matter how hard I tried, I just couldn't do it myself', Eustace told him, 'Then he came towards me. It sort of hurt, but it was a good pain. You know, like when you pull a thorn from your foot. Being a dragon wasn't all bad. I mean, I think I was a better dragon than I was a boy, really. I'm so sorry for being such a sop.'
'It's okay, Eustace', Peter assures him, 'You were a pretty good dragon.' Peter and Capian chuckle while rowing, Eustace smiles sheepishly.
'My friends', Reep spoke solemnly, 'we have arrived.'
We reach a shore and about 20 feet further a wall of water stands in it's place, what lies behind it, we couldn't see.
'Aslan', Eustace says, causing us all to turn around to the lion who'd started to walk behind us.
'Welcome, children', Aslan greets, 'You have done well. Very well indeed. You have come far, and now your journey is at its end.'
'Is this your country?' I ask him.
'No, my country lies beyond', he tells me.
'Is my father in your country?' Caspian questions.
'You can only find that out for yourself, my son', Aslan tells him, 'But you should know that if you continue... there is no return.'
Caspian walks forward to the wall of water, touches it while hesitating a moment, before returning to stand with us.
'You're not going?' Peter asks surprised.
'I can't imagine my father would be very proud that I gave up what he died for', Caspian states, 'I spent too long wanting what was taken from me and not what was given. I was given a kingdom. A people', then he turns to aslan, 'I promise to be a better king.'
'You already are', he tells him, 'Children.'
'I think perhaps it's time we went home actually, Lex.'
'But I thought you loved it here', I say confused.
'I do', Peter tells me, 'But I love home and our family as well. They need us.'
'Alexa?' I look up at Aslan, 'I think it's time to tell him, don't you think?' I nod.
'Tell me what?' Peter seems confused.
Hesitantly I take his hand and place it on my stomach, his expression shows that he is catching on but doesn't believe what's happening yet.
'Peter...' I breath in and out, 'I am pregnant, with your child.'
'Are... are you serious?' he asks bewildered, I simply nod, 'How long have you known?'
'A month or two before we got to Narnia again', by his reaction I can tell he wants to ask why I didn't tell him sooner, 'I was afraid how you would react... are you angry with me?'
His expression goes from bewildered to a bright smile, in mere microseconds. He picks me up and spins me around, this makes laugh.
'I'm going to be a father!' he exclaims, 'We're going to have a family of our own.' he puts me down and pulls me close.
'Congratulations', Caspian smiles as he pats Peters shoulder and sidehugs me, 'and my best wishes.'
'Congrats', Eustace adds, 'You're going to be great parents. I'm sure of it.'
'Thanks Eustace', I smile.
'Ow what a wonder', Reep exclaims, 'I am very happy for both of you, your majesties.'
'Thank you reepicheep.' Peter says.
He bows, then seems to be thinking about something before turning to Aslan, 'Your Eminence... ever since I can remember, I have dreamt of seeing your country. I've had many great adventures in this world but nothing has dampened that yearning. I know I am hardly worthy but with your permission, I would lay down my sword for the joy of seeing your country with my own eyes.'
Aslan smiles at his words, 'My country was made for noble hearts such as yours no matter how small their bearers be.'
'Your Majesty', Reep bows.
'No one could be more deserving', Caspian states, smiling.
'Well, I...'
'It's true', Peter adds, before bowing to him, Reep bows back.
I bend down, now sitting on my knees. 'May I?'
'Well, I suppose', He begins, 'Just this...'
I hug him close, picking him up as he hugs back.
'Goodbye, Alexa.' We pull back.
'Don't cry', Reep says, walking to Eustace.
'I don't understand', Eustace says tearfully, 'Will I not see you again? Ever?'
'What a magnificent puzzle you are, and a true hero', Reep smiles, 'It has been my honor to fight beside such a brave warrior... and a great friend.' he bows before turnign to the water wall, where a small boat stands for him, 'I won't be needing this.' he lays his sword down in the sand and starts rowing, within short time he is out of sight, over the wall.
'This is our last time here, isn't it?' I ask Aslan, tears forming in my eyes.
'Yes. You have grown up, my dear one.'
'Will you visit us in our world?' I question as I let go of Peter and put my hand through Aslans mane.
'I shall be watching you', he tells me, 'always.'
'How?'
'In your world, I have another name', He tells me, 'You must learn to know me by it. That was the very reason you were brought to Narnia. That by knowing me here for a little you may know me better there.'
'Will we meet again?' I continue.
'Mm. Yes, dear one', he assures, 'One day.'
He roars at the wall, it splits open into a corridor, before returning to us.
'Your child shall have a good life, with extraordinary parents, it will be happy and go on many adventures of his own.' he speaks it as an enchantment, then he blows out, wind stroking my cheeks, it feels like magic, it is.
'You're the closest thing I have to family', Caspian adds in, 'And that includes you, Eustace.' he puts his hand on Eustaces shoulder
'Thank you.' Eustace smiles sheepishly. We all hug Caspian goodbye, when I let go I go over to hug Aslan, tears now rolling down my cheeks.
'Will I come back?' Eustace asks after a moment of silence.
'Narnia may yet have need of you', Aslan tells him.
We walk into the corridor but when we look behind us, it closes. We are under water again and swim to the surface. We have returned to my room, everything is as it was. Water runs out of the room, into the portrait again.
'Eustace?' our aunts voice calls out, 'Eustace... what are you doing up there? Jill Pole's dropped in for a visit.'
Eustace stands up, picks up the painting and hangs it back on the wall. After looking at it one last time, we exit the room, close the door behind us.
We spoke often of Narnia in the days that followed. And when we left cousin Eustace, after the war ended... we missed him with all our heart... as I know all Narnians will miss us all... till the end of time.
Peter and I got married, for the second time. We invited Eustace, he was thrilled. 3 short month later, Peter and my baby was born, a beautiful young boy, he had Peters blue eyes and my dark hair. Welcome to the world, Caspian Pevensie.
