Chapter Two
***
Eustace and Jill arrived at their base camp in the Western Wild, carrying the food supply. They met with Tirian and the rest that were there.
"Eustace, Jill", said Tirian, "So you met with Emeth, I take?"
"Well, yes", said Eustace, "We also met with his friend, Chlamash. Look, they even gave us some exotic fruit from Calormen, as well as chocolate hazelnuts and Turkish Delight."
"Oh, remember that tavern maid that was dancing in the streets of Chippingford?", asked Jill.
"Why, yes", said Tirian, "Did you see her?"
"Yes, we did. And well, it's kind of hard to explain..."
"We think she's somehow involved with Emeth", said Eustace, "But no matter. Anyhow, Chlamash even showed us the temples and palaces that are being constructed."
"Is that so?", asked Poggin, "Well, for a high class Tarkaan, Rishda doesn't believe in Tash or even in Aslan."
"Chlamash told us of that. He doesn't even understand why this is, even though he serves under him as a solder."
"Perhaps we shall enjoy these food that these two young warriors have given us", said Jewel.
They sat around and ate some garlic, onion, and pavenders that were cooked in a stew. While they were doing this, Jewel and Puzzle were grazing on the grass. Everyone enjoyed the meal during their time of survival.
****
Chlamash went over to where he and Emeth were staying while looking over at the construction sites of the temples and palaces. He could also smell that a meal has been cooking. Then he came in.
"Chlamash", said Marietta, who had been cooking a meal of roast lamb, sage, onion, garlic, "You're just in time for dinner."
Then she handed Emeth and Chlamash each a plate before serving herself. They sat around and ate the meal.
"So I take that Eustace and Jill made their way back to their base camp", said Emeth.
"Oh yes, they did", said Chlamash, "I even showed them the construction sites on the way."
"How long do you think it will take for the palaces and temples to be complete?", asked Marietta.
"It is something I fear, though", said Emeth, "Rishda is a very powerful man... I do think he finds his way to work his slaves even to the bones. He was no different when we lived in Calormen."
"I know that he has tried to propose to me a few times.... and I keep turning him down."
"Oh yes. Though I'm still determined he shouldn't have you, dear one."
"However, once the temples and palaces has been completed", said Chlamash, "Rishda wants Emeth and me to attend his council meeting."
"You don't intend to attend, do you?", asked Marietta.
"We must, since he is our captain", said Emeth
****
In the meantime, Rishda, his servants, Shift, and Ginger were watching the construction sites.
"My lord", said a servant, "What do you propose we do?"
"I'm proposing for a meeting once the temples and palaces has been established", said Rishda, "I even invited Emeth and Chlamash to attend."
"Is that so?", said another servant.
"Why, yes. They are both blood of a high ranking Tarkaan, so they should attend."
"Certainly can't argue with that", said Shift.
****
It was night fall and Marietta sat down looking over, being in deep thought. Emeth came to sit down beside her.
"What is it, fairest of maidens?", asked Emeth, "A lot on your mind?"
"Well, yes", answered Marietta, "Seeing what has happened to Narnia and hearing of what has happened to my home country of Archenland, I don't even know.."
"I'm sorry for what happened", and Emeth put a hand on her shoulder, "I may be a soldier and blood of a Tarkaan. Yet, seeing how Rishda has been treating even his own slaves..."
"Oh yes. Slavery is part of the Calormene culture."
"Yes.. though I sometimes wish it wasn't. Not all high class Calormenes own slaves."
In the meantime, Chlamash had join them to see how they were.
"I've been assigned to keep watch for tonight", said Chlamash.
"So what should we do?", asked Marietta.
"I can keep watch here", said Emeth, "If you need me too."
"Oh yes, Emeth, please do", said Chlamash, "Perhaps you should get some rest as well."
"I'll sure be glad not to sleep in a tent, once the palaces have been completed."
They all looked at one another for a moment. Then Emeth put his arms around Marietta and shared a kiss with her. Chlamash watched for a moment, then continue on his way to be on night watch.
"Alone at last", whispered Emeth.
****
It was morning, and Poggin woke up. He was an early riser and the air felt fresh that morning. He wondered about waking up the others or should go ahead and fix breakfast. Then Eustace and Jill woke up.
"Good morning, Poggin", said Eustace.
"Morning Mr. Eustace, Miss Jill", said Poggin, "It's quite a morning. Isn't it?"
"It sure is", said Jill, "What's for breakfast?"
"I was thinking of cooking fish over the fire as well as some apples."
"It sounds good to me", said Eustace.
Tirian, Jewel, and Puzzle woke up. Jewel and Puzzle were grazing on the grass as Poggin and Eustace went to catch some fish. After catching the fish, they cleaned the fish and started to cook them over the fire. As they were doing this, Jill went to cut up the apples. Then there was a breakfast of fish and apples. After breakfast, they sat around and talked what do next.
"So what's on the agenda for today?", asked Tirian.
"Well, we could gather up more food supply", said Eustace, "Though I think we have plenty. Maybe we can visit with Emeth and Chlamash."
"There is that", said Jill, "Though it is still early. I don't even know if they would be up for a visit."
"What if they come to see us? Wait, wouldn't Rishda get suspicious?"
"He might", said Poggin, "But I think he's been overseeing the temples and palaces being built, he hardly notices anything else going on, even with his own soldiers."
Eustace and Jill looked at one another. It was going to be harder than they expected. Yet, after meeting with Emeth and his friend Chlamash, perhaps not all Calormenes were the same.
[Well, the palaces and temples are still being built. Now some of you may even wonder what would they look like in Narnia and Archenland. All soon to be revealed.]
Statistics: Posted by jasmine_tarkheena — Sat Dec 16, 2023 2:45 am
]]>
Chapter One
****
Tirian, Eustace, Poggin, Puzzle, and Farsight were out in the Western Wild, where they have set up a base camp. It was a good distance away from Calormene spies yet close enough to keep an eye out for any other Calormene or Narnian who joined the Calormenes. In the mean time, Tirian had sent Jewel and Jill to get some food supply for the base camp they had set up.
"Sire, it was good for you to set up base camp here while Narnia is under Calormene rule", said Poggin.
"Yes, and as outlaws", said Tirian, "We shall keep an eye out for any enemy that come."
"Sire, in the world I come from", said Eustace, "They have a legend of an outlaw, Robin Hood and His Merry Men. He was known to rob from the rich and give to the poor."
"You don't think it will come down to us for stealing from the wealthy Calormenes, do you, sire?", asked Poggin.
"I do not think so", said Tirian, "Not even from the most powerful Tarkaans."
"How long will Narnia be under Calormene rule?", asked Eustace.
"I do not know. Narnia suffered 100 year winter; it was under Telmarine rule for 1300 years. We cannot say for sure how long it will be under Calormene rule. Besides of that, the Calormenes have Archenland as well."
****
Jewel and Jill were on their way back to the base camp with the food supply. It consisted of oranges, bananas, figs, nuts, spices, lamb (a dumb one, that is), barley, pavenders, etc.
"It's hard to believe we've got this much food supply for our base camp", said Jill.
"indeed, sister", said Jewel, "I believe Tirian and the rest are waiting for us."
"Jewel, I wonder, what do you suppose beyond the Western wild?"
"Some say to be Telmar, from where Caspian I marched his Telmarine army to Narnia. King Tirian himself is a descendant of Caspian I."
"Eustace told me of Caspian X and we've met his son Rilian. Are they all of the same family?"
"Oh, yes, They are. Archenlanders and Calormenes and many Narnians that live on the Islands are all from the family of Frank I and Helen, the first king and queen of Narnia."
"This is all so much to take in."
"But we are so glad you Sons of Adam and Daughters of Eve come to Narnia from our own strange place when Narnia is stirred up and upset."
"Do you think we could restore Narnia back to the way it was?"
"Yes, but it may take a while."
Jill looked westward and began to wander what is beyond the Western wild. What is west of Narnia? Telmar was, but there must be something beyond that. Perhaps, it was possible to do some exploration. Yet, Calormenes could get suspicious.
***
Jewel and Jill arrive at the base camp with the food supply. Jill thought of getting dinner ready. Then a willow dryad, Amara, stepped in to help out with preparations for roast lamb.
"Thank you, Amara", said Tirian.
"You are welcome, Sire", said Amara, "I am grateful to be one of the few dryads to be left alive. Yet, many of my brothers and sisters were cut down by the Calormenes at Lantern Waste"
"My cousins have told me that here in Narnia, when a certain tree is cut down", said Eustace, "The dryad would die."
"That is correct. Now with Narnia being under Calormene rule... well, I suppose not all of them are that bad."
"I met with a noble young warrior", said Jewel, "Very energetic and earnest and long to seek the truth."
"You mean, Emeth. Such a kind-hearted young soldier, even though he is Calormene. I've traveled to Calormen before, and I remember when he was just a little boy."
"Hey, maybe Jill and I could go see what he is doing", said Eustace, "If that is alright."
"We'll wait out here for you", said Tirian.
Then Eustace and Jill left to see where Emeth could be in the Calormene base camp.
****
Eustace and Jill arrived at where the Calormene base camp was at. Then saw some construction being done. They figured at once it was that it was the palaces and temples being built.
"I imagine that these palaces and temples will look spectacular", said Jill.
While looking around, they saw two young Calormene men running, and they appeared to have a race. They were racing towards a rock and once they've reached it, they laughed.
"Chlamash, remember when we've raced in Teshibaan?", asked one young Calormen.
"We were only boys, Emeth", said the other, "Now I shall say I am the winner."
"No, I'm sure it was me."
"Hey, is that..?", asked Eustace, "We better go and see."
Eustace and Jill went over to where Chlamash and Emeth were. They were kind of surprised to see two children coming towards them. Not only that, but two children that appeared to be refugees.
"Aren't you some of the refugees from Narnia?", asked Chlamash.
"Oh, we're not from Narnia, exactly", said Jill.
"It's really hard to explain, where we come from", said Eustace, "I'm Eustace and this is Jill."
"I am Emeth", said Emeth, "This is my best friend, Chlamash."
"Emeth", said Jill, "A willow dryad was just telling us about you."
"Amara. Oh yes. I've known her since I was a boy. She traveled to Calormene and stayed with us in Teshibaan."
"Well, I still say I won the race", said Chlamash.
"No, I'm sure it was me."
"I wonder if it's possible that it was a tie?", asked Eustace.
"I'm afraid I'll have to agree with the boy on that", said a young woman with golden hair and blue-green eyes.
"Hey, isn't that the tavern maid?", asked Jill.
"Marietta", said Chlamash, "We do not see you there."
"It is", said Eustace, "Hmm... wonder what she's doing in the Calormene encampment."
"Chlamash, Emeth", said Marietta.
"Hello, darling", said Emeth, giving her a hug and kiss on the cheek.
"Hey, you're that tavern maid, Marietta", said Eustace, "We've met you at the Dragon Inn."
"Oh yes, of course", said Marietta, turning to Eustace and Jill, "Then of course, you might have heard that it has burned down."
"Do you have anywhere to stay?", asked Jill.
"Most of my friends who I have considered to be like family have gone to Aslan's Howe, the sight of where the Stone Table stood."
"My cousins told me of that", said Eustace, "They even said that Aslan died on there, and it broke in two when he came to life."
"I've heard that story myself."
"So you believe in Aslan?", asked Emeth.
"Well, yes", said Jill, "We even met him face to face."
"Since I was a boy, I sought after Tash, a Calormene god. Yet our own captain, Rishda Tarkaan..."
"Yes, Poggin told us about him", said Eustace.
"He doesn't believe in Tash or any of the supernatural", said Chlamash, "He's a very powerful man. He's been overseeing the construction that has been going on, with the temples and palaces. Tell us, where are you staying?"
"Well, we can't really say where we're staying at", said Jill.
"Oh", said Emeth, "Well, here's some extra food supply, for wherever you may be staying."
"What is all this?", asked Eustace.
"Some of these are exotic fruits from Calormen and chocolate hazelnuts and Turkish Delight."
"My cousin loves that sort of candy. Well, are you sure?"
"Please, take as much as you want."
"Thank you", said Jill.
Eustace and Jill each took quite a bit of the food supply that Emeth offered them. They never expect to get more of it. So it would seem now they would have more than enough.
"So Emeth, you really that generous?", asked Marietta.
"Oh yes, sweet one", said Emeth, and he put his arms around her. Then he shared a sweet tender kiss with her. Chlamash have to look away, since this was all too much for him.
"Eew! Bleh!", said Eustace and Jill.
"You know, I think we'll be on our way now", said Eustace, "Nothing to see."
"Come, I'll walk you over", said Chlamash, "As far as I can take you."
"Thank you, Chlamash", said Jill, and they started to walk over as far as he could go with them.
Chlamash was more than happy to walk with Eustace and Jill. He was actually happy for his best friend Emeth. But watching him and Marietta kiss was all too much. It was too much for Eustace and Jill as well.
"Why didn't you say that Emeth was married?", asked Jill.
"Oh, he's not married", said Chlamash.
"Then why didn't you say that he has a girlfriend?"
"Girlfriend?"
"It's a term that we use in our world", said Eustace, "I mean, when two people are romantically involved... it's really hard to explain."
"I see. Well, on our way, I can show you around where Rishda plans to build palaces and temples."
"It's quite a lot of work to do."
"It sure is. Even though Emeth and I serve under him, well, I still quite understand why he doesn't believe in the gods of the Calormene. He doesn't believe in Aslan himself."
"So he believes in neither Tash nor Aslan?", asked Jill.
"So why would he be building temples?", asked Eustace, "Not that Narnia has temples for Aslan"
"What makes you say that, Eustace?", asked Chlamash.
"In a world we come from, there was once a temple that was the dwelling place of Someone who is much bigger than our world."
"Your world sounds very intriguing. Perhaps you should tell more of your world, when you have the time."
"Oh, we sure love to."
In the mean time, they stopped where the Calormene encampment line was. Eustace and Jill said farewell to Chlamash and thanked him for everything. Soon, they went on their way back to the outlaw base camp in the Western Wild.
[Well, it's a start to see how things would've been in Narnia if it had not come to end. And it will make readers wonder what's going to happen. Will Tirian and his friends be able to survive during this time? What will the other Calormenes make of Emeth and Chlamash's act of kindness to the Narnians and Archenlanders? Well, we hall all find out in the upcoming chapters.]
Statistics: Posted by jasmine_tarkheena — Fri Sep 01, 2023 4:05 pm
]]>
I do not own Narnia or any of the canon characters. They all belong to CS Lewis. I only own my OC's (both from my previous fanfic and additional ones).]
Prologue
***
A recap-
When Tirian heard from the eagle, Farsight, that Cair Paravel had been taken by the Calormene navy (which was a really powerful naval force), no one shed a tear or said a word. Now Narnia has been taken by the Calormenes, which they have been wanting to do for a long time. Meanwhile, Poggin had an idea.
"Why not hide in the woods, or even up in the Western Waste beyond the great waterfall and live like outlaws?", asked Poggin.
"Then what?", asked Eustace.
"We might gradually get stronger and stronger, for Talking Beasts and Archenlanders would be joining every day. And at last they’d come out of hiding and sweep the Calormenes (who would have got careless by then) out of the country and Narnia would be revived."
"I see", said Jill.
"After all, something very like that had happened in the time of King Miraz!"
***
A Week Later
A week has passed, and Tirian, Poggin, Jewel, Puzzle, Farsight, and Eustace and Jill have been living as outlaws in the Western Woods. Plus, the bear and boar joined them.
"What do you suppose the Calormenes plan to do?", asked Eustace, "Now that they have Narnia?"
"They have been wanting to do this for a long time", said Poggin, "I have a feeling that they will want to build palaces and temples in the regions of Narnia."
"Is that so?", asked Jill.
"Oh yes. Even Rishda Tarkaan, a very powerful man, will want to build himself a palace in Narnia."
"What I don't understand why would he want to build temples when he doesn't even believe in his own gods or any of the supernatural", said Tirian.
"And what about the tavern maid at Chippingford?", asked Eustace, "What has happened to her?"
"I do not know. Rishda could have kidnapped her as he intended to. She could have got away at one point. Wherever she may be, well, who knows?"
****
In the meantime, Rishda, Shift and Ginger were looking over the temples and palaces being constructed. Many were slaves and professional builders who have come to build.
"Just imagine Narnia with great cities, palaces, temples, and pyramids", said Rishda, "It shall be one of Calormen's greatest achievements."
"Oh yes, captain", said Shift, "And you have us as your humble servants."
"Oh yes, and I received word that the warriors of the Tisroc (may he live forever) have the city of Anvard, in Archenland, under siege. It's been a successful raid."
"And how many more Calormenes would arrive here?", asked Ginger.
"Oh, a great deal more than the 30 of us when we first arrived. Yet one of my young officers..."
"You mean Emeth", said Shift.
"Yes, the rash boy... the nerve that he turned back on Tash for a naive barbarian."
"The tavern maid", said Ginger, "If I recall, you'd kidnapped her to make her your wife."
"Yes, yet she she was clever enough to get away."
****
The city of Anvard had been under siege by Calormenes. Homes and palaces were burning. Even the castle was ablaze. The Calormenes took those who lived there captive and they were being sold as slaves. After awhile, the Tisroc's banner raised over the castle of Anvard. Now it has seemed that Calormenes have conquered the Northern countries.
Statistics: Posted by jasmine_tarkheena — Wed Aug 30, 2023 9:26 pm
]]>
Chapter 12
****
Narrowhaven
Months has passed since Gale and his comrades have arrived at the Lone Islands. He would often greet the people there, and gone to town meetings with the mayor of Narrowhaven. He even broke bread with him at one time or another. However, one night, he had troubled sleeping. He had so much on his mind.
"My lord king", said Ischar Tarkaan, "What is it? Trouble sleeping?"
"Yes", said Gale, "So much I have on my mind."
"What is about? Your country? Your subjects?"
"Well, yes."
"I'm sure you miss Carlotta a lot", said Lord Callahar, "I'm sure she can't wait for you get back home."
"I'm just hoping she's alright. I trusted Zoggin the dwarf and Cloudwit the Centaur to look after her until I got back. Yet it's been months since we came here. There still hasn't been any word about the dragon."
"i don't think she's forgotten about you", said Ischar Tarkaan, "In my country, Calormen, well, they don't have as much freedom. Husbands or wives are often chosen by parents. Even a Tarkaan has been known to have a younger wife."
"That is just wrong!"
"I'm actually thinking the same thing."
"Perhaps, my king, you should get some rest", said Amari, "We'll speak more in the morning."
Gale nodded, blew out the candle, and went to sleep. Even as he did, he kept thinking of Narnia during his absence.
***
Cair Paravel
It was night fall in Narnia, and Carlotta looked out the window from the bedroom where she was staying. The palace seamstress, Miss Althea, had come to see her.
"I was about to measure you for your wedding dress", said Miss Althea, "Even for your queenly garments. Perhaps we could do it another day."
"Gale has been gone for so long", said Carlotta, "It's been months since he's left for the Lone Islands."
"Have you heard from him?"
"Not in a quite a while. I'm beginning to think something has happened. I don't even know if he's alive."
"I did promise to keep you safe", said Zoggin, who came up, "Now I'm beginning to think the same."
Carlotta looked out and wondered if it was all a dream or reality. She sang as she pondered on this-
Carlotta:
When our love all began,
We knew there'd be a price...
Once upon a dream,
We were lost in love's embrace.
There we found a perfect place,
Once upon a dream.
Once there was a time,
Like no other time before,
Hope was still an open door,
Once upon a dream.
And I was unafraid,
The dream was so exciting!
But now I can see it fade...
And I am here alone!
Once upon a dream,
He was heaven-sent to me,
Was it never meant to be?
Was it just a dream?
(spoken) Gale, if you are still out there,
Could we begin again!...
Once upon a dream.
"I'm sure he'll be back", said Cloudwit.
"Yes, but when?", asked Carlotta.
****
Narrowhaven
It was morning in Narrowhaven and Gale was having breakfast with his comrades. Soon, after breakfast, they were having another council meeting.
"It's been months since we came here", said Amari, "We still haven't heard word of the Dragon."
"I know", said Gale, "I am to get back to Narnia real soon, but it may be delayed."
"But your subjects may think you're dead", said Ischar Tarkaan.
"I am well aware of that. But I will stay unless I hear otherwise."
Gale went to his quarters for some privacy. All of a sudden, Aslan appeared before him.
"Aslan", said Gale, who kneeled before him, "How?"
"Son, your subjects back home think you are dead", said Aslan, "Even Carlotta, your fiancee, has been wondering the same thing... if it was all a dream."
"I've thought a lot about her, wondering if she's safe."
"Yes, she is. Now, you must come with me. I am to show you something."
"What is it?"
Aslan showed Gale of the eternal winter, the return of spring, and four children reigning at Cair Paravel. Even more so, Aslan showed Gale the kingdom of Archenland, who has been Narnia's friends and allies. Then showed him twins being born to the king of Archenland. One of the twins was stolen, and was adopted by a poor fisher man from Calormen.
"What is that?", asked Gale.
"Keep watching", said Aslan.
Then Aslan showed Gale a boy and a Talking horse, along with a Calormene girl and talking mare making a journey. Then the boy was reunited with his birth father and twin brother. Calormenes have come to invade Archenland and Calormen, but it be saved by one boy, a prince of Archenland. Then there was another vision... another enemy, the Telmarines, coming to invade Narnia. They attempt to wipe out old Narnia, yet would one day be restored by a young prince with help from four children. Then there was another vision. About 30 Calormene soldiers were disguised as merchants, and they were making a deal with a talking ape. Then the Calormene navy taking on Cair Paravel.
"Aslan, what is all this that you're showing me?", asked Gale.
"These are what are to come to pass for many years to come", said Aslan, "For a time, Narnia will be at peace. It will one day be taken by the evil sorceress, Jadis, who will make herself Queen. Then her reign will come to an end at the arrival of four children from another world. They will rule during the time when Calormen will attempt to conquer Narnia and Archenland, but it will be stopped by a young prince of Archenland. Then the Telmarines will come and take Narnia for their own, and try to remove old Narnia. Then a young Telmarine prince, with help of the four children, will bring back the old days. During that time, there will be peace and rest in Narnia. Then, afterwards, the Calormenes will once again attempt to conquer Narnia. For a while they will succeed, but their victory will be short lived."
"So you're showing me the future?"
"Yes, and it will all come to pass. You and Carlotta are to rule your country well with mercy and justice. One more ruler, a Queen, will follow you, before the Tree of Protection dies, and Jadis comes down to conquer Narnia."
"So my child will be the last monarch of Narnia?"
"Yes, right until the four that is to come from another world."
After awhile, Aslan took Gale back to his quarters. Soon, Aslan disappeared at a moment. Gale could not believe what he had just seen. It was almost crazy to think that Aslan was showing him the future of Narnia, even right to the end.
***
["Once Upon Dream" from Jekyll and Hyde @Frank Wildhorn and Leslie Bricusse, all rights reserved.]
Statistics: Posted by jasmine_tarkheena — Wed Aug 30, 2023 6:29 pm
]]>
The Utter East
From the stirring in his heart to the day he finds what he seeks, this the heart of Reepicheep's voyage.
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/14223995/1/The-Utter-East
(ff.net is not affiliated with TLC, click at your own risk)
Statistics: Posted by Ariel.of.Narnia — Thu Apr 20, 2023 7:49 am
]]>
Chapter 11
***
Narrowhaven
There was a procession in the town of Narrowhaven, on the Island of Doorn, in the Lone Islands. Many of the citizens gathered around to see what it was.
"Make way for Gale, King of Narnia", said a crier as the procession was going on.
"Is that him, the king of Narnia?", asked a little girl.
"It must be", said a little boy.
There were many welcomes and greetings from the town of Narrowhaven. After the procession, King Gale and his comrades arrived in the chambers where they were to stay.
"So this must be the place where we'll hold council", said Amari.
"I think you're quite right", said Gale, "But first, we should get some rest before we hold any council."
So they decided to rest awhile and waited until the next day to hold council. While there, Gale thought of Narnia, his home and kingdom. He thought of Carlotta, his queen-to-be. But how long would he be away? There was no knowing. Then he thought of the dragon that has been terrorizing the Lone Islands. Could it be possible that this dragon was a human turned into a dragon? Then he remembered hearing about Aslan turning Calormenes in Telmar into dumb beasts for their wicked behavior. And could one of them have been a dragon? There was no knowing as of yet.
***
Cair Paravel
Carlotta was taking a stroll in the castle garden at Cair Paravel. She sure missed having Gale their with her, since they've often taken strolls there together. They even enjoyed riding out to the woods together. Then she saw Aslan appeared before her.
"Aslan", said Carlotta.
"Daughter, come with me", said Aslan, "I want to show you something."
Then Aslan showed Carlotta Cair Paravel and of all that it is.
"Gale must have told you of what is to come in Narnia", said Aslan.
"Yes, he did", said Carlotta, "He even told me of Jadis making herself Queen of Narnia and how four children will come from another world to put an end to her reign."
"Yes, they will. You and Gale are to rule Narnia with wisdom and justice and mercy and love. Some kings or queens will follow after you. But that day will come when Narnia will be oppressed by Jadis. She will care nothing more or less for mercy or justice."
"Oh my. What I am to do?"
"You must care for Narnia as a mother would care for her child. You and Gale must raise your children right."
"Do you know when he'll be back?"
"It all be revealed in time. Now, see those four thrones. Two Sons of Adam and two Daughters of Eve will come from another world and sit on those four thrones."
"Gale has told me of this before. And you say they will come from another world."
"There is a secret passageway between worlds that you may not be aware of. They will when the time is revealed."
Then Aslan took Carlotta back to the castle garden at Cair Paravel. It was almost beyond words of all what Aslan was showing her. She decided to write to Gale to tell him of that Aslan has showed her.
***
Narrowhaven
In the meantime, Gale and his comrades were holding council, concerning the dragon that's been terrorizing the Lone Islands.
"So is this dragon is a demon?", asked Ischar Tarkaan.
"It must have been once a human", said Gale, "Aslan turned Calormenes in Telmar into dumb beasts."
"I've heard of that", said Lord Alvin, "I wonder what the dragon would be terrorizing the Lone Islands for."
"Please forgive me for interrupting", said a servant.
"Oh, no, not all", said Gale.
"Sire, a message came from Narnia. It's from Carlotta" and he handed Gale the letter.
Gale opened the letter, and he read it through. Carlotta said in the letter of all that Aslan had showed her, and how her dream or vision was similar to his. And of course, they would not reveal it to anyone else.
"So the dragon, a man?", asked Amari, "I wonder what his beastly behavior was."
"And what a dragon could have his eyes on", said Gale, "Great caution must take place. We do not know when it will be back in Narrowhaven."
"Quite right, Sire", said Ischar Tarkaan.
***
Cair Paravel
Zoggin was running things in Cair Paravel. He had a council meeting with the nymphs, Cloudwit, a Faun. He invited Carlotta to attend as well, since she was to be the future Queen of Narnia.
"So we hear of your engagement to his majesty, King Gale", said a dryad, "The other nymphs and I will be more than happy to make you a dress."
"I appreciate that", said Carlotta.
"A cherry blossom dryad, Miss Althea, is the palace seamstress", said Zoggin, "And of course, my fellow dwarfs and I will make you a crown."
"So what is there, concerning our new queen to be here?", asked a faun.
"She and Gale will rule Narnia with the help of Aslan and they have our council as well", said Zoggin, "Oh, I just received a message from his majesty. He says that he may be in the Lone Islands for a while. There's no knowing when the dragon will show up to terrorize the Lone Islands."
They all said a prayer to Aslan for protection of the Lone Islands and for their King Gale. Carlotta even said a prayer to bring Gale back to Narnia safely.
Statistics: Posted by jasmine_tarkheena — Mon Apr 10, 2023 11:49 pm
]]>
As for our intergalactic guest, I’m afraid I can’t be of much help except to say that I shouldn’t mind reading more about him. My Star Wars knowledge is spotty and the only instalments I’ve enjoyed were Mando and Rogue One (not that I’ve seen anything else but the Luke and Anakin trilogies and Book of Fauxba Fett). So kudos on introducing a new-to-me character, I guess is what I’m trying to say.
Statistics: Posted by Ariel.of.Narnia — Wed Jan 25, 2023 2:49 am
]]>
Sleeping Akin to Beasts
(Narnia, 6 years after the Battle of Anvard)
It started as a loud screeching sound of uncertain origins, quickly followed by the crash of broken branches and a powerful thud into the ground, the soil around them reverberating under the painful impact.
The children shrieked.
“Lion gracious, what was that?!” Lindendell cried out and hugged the smallest to herself protectively. Myrtledove, of course, protested that treatment, because she resented always being the smallest, and not even such strange happenings could quench her spirit for long.
At first, though, only Thistledown dared emerge aboveground, and so it was him who first caught a glimpse of the large, metallic, bird-like structure crushed and half-buried into the soil, and the Son of Adam who had fallen to the ground about ten feet from it.
Thistledown ran to him, and noticed the man was bleeding from his right arm. He seemed to have instinctually protected his head with that arm, even though he was also wearing a helmet. He was now yanking the helmet off, struggling to rise and looking around himself in confusion.
“Come help!” Thistledown shouted for the rest of his family, because he would certainly need help with tending the poor soul. Sons of Adam were always on the larger side and this one was definitely a grown adult. “Do not trouble yourself, sir, we will see to that arm of yours at once.”
“Arm---?” the man said, and only then seemed to notice his own injury. “Oh.”
As Lindendell emerged and gasped, Thistledown told her:
“Dearest, your eyes are better than mine, you can treat him better.”
And to one of his older sons, now that the children had ventured out behind their mother:
“Clovedeep, bring some water and bandages!”
The man who had found himself so unceremoniously thrown into their lives was, though he did not know it, perhaps lucky to have crash-landed where he had: that is, in a clearing littered with Mole-hills. He was certainly lucky not to have crashed into a tree. And had he landed elsewhere, his hard-edged face bisected by a nasty scar might have made a very different first impression on some other peaceful woodland creatures that could see it more clearly.
As it were, though, this family’s first impression, after the first glimpse of him as someone injured, was that of a man running back to the metallic structure which was now starting to spout fire, shouting for (as they eventually realised) his friend, and at them to try and douse the flames, not with water, before any of the Trees catch fire.
They were Moles. Soil was always at hand.
He managed to extricate his friend out of the crumpled metal just in time. As the man backed away, dragging the friend with him, and collapsed on the ground again, his sleeves and the edges of his cloak were already smouldering from the flames he had had to push through. His friend suddenly sprouted... something... and shot a misty substance at the man that both doused the smouldering cloth, and forced the man to cough. The friend looked very strange indeed; but Moles rarely bother themselves too much with appearances and there were more pressing things to worry about.
The friend warbled at the man.
“It would not help if you burnt yourself,” he replied to them, wearily.
“Don’t you worry none,” Myrtledove told him in a hopefully cheerful voice, trying valiantly to sound as reassuring as she knew her father to be. It took some effort; it was the largest fire she’d ever seen and she could feel the heat even here where her mother had commanded her to stay away from the fire.
“Mum and Dad will have it done in no time, and then we can take care of you. Do you like worm pie? We’re having worm pie for supper.”
“I’ll take whatever you’re willing to offer,” he said, in a rather shaky voice.
“We have lots,” she assured him, even though she secretly regretted the loss of seconds.
He smiled, she was sure. She could already tell that expression on humans: Lord Peridan smiled often, when he came to visit. This man’s smile did not look quite as nice as Lord Peridan’s; she could not put her paw on why. But she did not let it bother her too much, because the smile was definitely in his voice when he said:
“I hope I won’t be intruding on your hospitality too much, and that it is all right for humans to eat.”
“Well,” she considered, “most humans don’t seem to like it. But Lord Peridan always has some and says it’s very nice and very…” she pondered the big word she never could say properly and settled on a different one, “- filling.”
He gave a short bark of laughter, and she was certain there was another of those grown-up jokes she did not understand behind it. That was not fair, but it probably wasn’t his fault. She was resolved to like him because someone who had run into a fire to save a friend could not be a bad person and probably did deserve her worm pie seconds.
Moles are efficient with soil. The fire was, indeed, soon put out, and the parents could now also turn their attention fully to their unexpected guests. The man explained to them that Deefore – that was his friend’s name – was an astromech droid (whatever that was) and would not have any worm pie. Myrtledove had already figured out as much, really; Deefore felt different.
The man’s own name was Kenix Kil. It did not sound anything like any other human names they knew, but then who knew how they named people where he was from – wherever that was. There was little consistency in human names, except perhaps for the way Archenlanders sometimes named their sons.
Lindendell sent Myrtledove for a plate of food for Kil and then proceeded to bandage his wounded arm. He insisted it was not serious. She pointed out to him that mere scratches did not bleed quite so much and that he should not underestimate any wounds, and he seemed so genuinely confused that she climbed up his good arm and checked his head.
It seemed it was alright, but just in case, she ordered him to sit up next to one of the Trees, Cersis, a gentle Redbud friend of theirs who could keep an eye on him while Lindendell saw to it that none of her family had suffered from the fire and checked with Thistledown which of their burrows had suffered from the crash.
* * *
Truth be told, the worm pie, while dubious in appearance, was positively delicious. Kir Kanos had already eaten many a worse thing in his life – ration bars swallowed in haste, raw meat forced down in hiding from pursuit, bugs on their own... This had not just the worm meat but also flaky pastry, what was probably cream and eggs, some sort of vegetable, and salt and spices, and after a year of eking out a living in the far reaches of the Outer Rim and Unknown Regions, it felt like the height of luxury, reminiscent of his time with the D’Astas – not even Imperial Guardsmen ate so well on a regular basis. That impression of a fancy meal was only heightened by the fact that what for the Moles had to be a large plate, for him was just a small dessert plate, which he could easily balance in the air in one hand.
And whoever the Lord Peridan the little Mole had mentioned was (presumably a local nobleman), he actually may have been telling the literal truth when he’d said the pie was filling.
Whoever these Moles were, they were living the good life, a charmed life.
It was dawning on him that it was also a very low-tech life, and that he was stranded. He had wished to stay away from galactic events. He was clearly getting his wish in a most spectacular fashion.
The world he found himself on, it turned out quite soon, was not only low-tech, but also populated by some creatures even stranger than the Moles, a fact Kanos was alerted to when the tree above him suddenly spoke.
“Thank you for taking us Trees into consideration.”
Kanos jumped in surprise and dropped the plate. Fortunately he’d already finished the pie and the plate was wooden and did not break.
“My apologies,” the tree said – it really was the tree speaking. It had a female-sounding voice, though deep like a large wooden wind instrument, and when Kanos looked up at it, he realised it also had a rather feminine humanoid face, though surrounded by branches full of heart-shaped leaves. He had heard stories of sentient beings that resembled trees. He had always thought them to be just tall tales.
“I should have realised there would be no Talking Trees where you come from,” she said. “My name is Cersis.”
For several moment Kanos only gaped at her.
“Kil. Kenix Kil,” he finally managed.
He’d given them that name, the name he’d been introducing himself with for years. The name he intended to keep – Kir Kanos was dead.
Even though it was not quite as easy to forget that was who he was, in his own mind.
“So I have heard. What brings you to our neck of the woods, Kil?”
“I’d like to hear that myself,” the first of the Moles – the pale-coloured adult he thought was named Thistledown – said.
Slowly, with many side explanations, he related to them his story – or at least the relevant parts: delving into his whole history would do him no favours. No, just the relevant parts: The experimental hyperspace lane through the Unknown Regions, the singularity that had pulled him from hyperspace and above this world, so devoid of any technology his snubfighter could pick up on, the collision with – he was still not sure what.
The fact that he firmly intended to live and let live (with reservations for particularly abominable wrong-doers like child-killers, he had to admit when they asked what he meant by that), and stay out of trouble. That part was important.
When he was finally finished, night was closing in. The adults in the group started wondering what should be done with him and Deefore.
“We should send for Lord Peridan. Sons of Adam should be with Sons of Adam,” Cersis said sagely. “You cannot feed him on Mole diet all the time. And those wounds of his should be looked at by someone with the eye for it.”
Kanos had originally dismissed his wound, but he had to concede that in the absence of bacta – his own medpack, he realised, had been in the section of his X-Wing that had suffered the greatest fire damage – or even any of its inferior substitutes, he would much prefer to have it treated by more expert hands.
“But it’s so far away!” Thistledown said.
“Not for Trees,” Cersis replied. “We can pass on the message. The Beeches stretch far.”
“Do, please,” Lindendell begged.
The leaves and branches of the trees around them began whispering, as if a breeze had picked up, though Kil could not feel the air moving. This, he realised in wonder, must be the private language of Trees, or at least some part of it.
“Consider it done,” Cersis said. “You can rest easy now. I will watch over Kil.”
“Will you be alright at night? Should we bring you some blankets maybe?” Lindendell asked him.
“Do you have any big enough for me?” he wondered.
“Well, no.”
“Don’t worry about me, then; my cloak will suffice.”
It certainly would not be the first time it had to.
They wished him good night in their pleasant high yet earthy voices and disappeared into their underground burrow.
He settled down between Cersis’ roots – she assured him she was used to it from various travelling beasts – taking care to lie on his left side and keep his injured arm safe. She moved her roots slightly – and a very odd sight it was – to accommodate him better, since, as she said, he was “a bit larger than usual.”
“Do you want me to tell you a story?”
“Story?” he asked, confused, and then laughed and added: “It’s been a long time since I was the age for bedtime stories.”
“How old are you, then?” she asked.
“Thirty-six... Thirty-seven... thereabouts.”
“Not a sapling anymore,” she chuckled.
“No. Not for a long time.”
“Then perhaps I can tell you a story for fully-growns,” she said, and after a couple moments she asked: “Do you know the history of the Stone Table?”
“I know none of the stories of your world.”
“Of course,” she said, slightly embarrassed. “Well, then, let me instead tell you how Aslan created Narnia...”
Her voice lulled him to sleep. He was vaguely aware of her protective and gentle yet solid presence even with his eyes closed and while the words blurred. He was not sure if what he saw playing out in his mind was mental images subconsciously induced by her story, a fully-fledged dream, or some sort of vision.
A vision of a great golden feline, shining with Light, and pulling many beings to their feet.
* * *
He woke up early, cold and cramped, and thus not quite rested. He was now feeling the lack of bacta keenly; his arm was aching and throbbing, although, when he took a careful peek under the bandage, it seemed, thankfully, clean of infection. The bandage would need changing anyway, though.
“Good morning,” he said to Cersis, suddenly self-consciously aware of how odd and unfamiliar it was to wake up curled up next to a living being like that. Last time he had slept close to someone had been a couple hours of snatched sleep next to Mirith Sinn, almost three years ago; before that... before that on Yinchorr, next to Lemet Tauk.
After Tauk’s death, he had been a Royal Guard, and had always had a right to a bunk of his own. That whole memory hurt.
Neither of those experiences had prepared him for waking up next to a Tree, anyway.
Cersis only hummed in response, but Deefore tweeted at him, and Kanos rubbed his face and said:
“Good morning to you, too.”
He was not really in the habit of treating his droid like a person as some other people did, though in his solitary existence he had certainly led conversations with him before. He was beginning to suspect that, stranded as he was now, that would change. It already was changing. That familiar trill of binary and that silver dome of the droid’s shell already seemed like a welcome touch of home in a foreign land, despite the fact that home had long been elusive.
Or maybe not. Maybe in the past couple of years, home had been the X-Wing, and R2-D4 therefore certainly had been part of it. Maybe that was the reason Kanos had asked the D’Astas to get him his X-Wing and Deefore back, after Boba Fett’s “invitation” to Devian’s stronghold and all the subsequent mad-dash events had forced him to leave them behind. It had certainly felt right to have them back, the X-Wing now no longer a means of studying an enemy but a part of him, and if still anything to do with Luke Skywalker, then a relieved admission that their differences did not matter to him anymore.
He turned his attention to the ruins of that tentative home. The starfighter itself was unfortunately a definite write-off. In other circumstances, it may have still been salvageable, with lots of work and spare parts, but on this world, spare parts were clearly unavailable and any work therefore just a waste of time.
Many other individual objects, however, seemed to have survived both the crash and the fire. To his immense relief, one of them was the mobile solar charger: that took care of Deefore’s needs. In addition to the unexpected sentimental connection, the astromech and his databanks were now his only link to civilisation, his only proof in this forested, pre-industrial land that his life experiences were valid and true.
The charger would also take care of his blaster energy packs. That was no less a relief: he hated being vulnerable; it was bad enough that his small hosts certainly were. It would be a poor repayment of their hospitality if he proved nothing but a liability in danger.
Next order of business: food and drink. His water bottle had cracked in the crash. He did find three ration bars that were only lightly scorched. Still, if he could find anything else to eat around here, and the pie last night had been more than promising, he’d much prefer to save those for emergencies.
His catalogising of the damage and salvage was interrupted by the sound of – was it hooves? It proved to be so. Into the clearing rode a human man on a brown-coloured equine, leading another, grey one, by the reins.
“Good morning,” the man said, dismounted, and led both the horses towards Kanos.
He was of a height with Kanos, a pleasant fact after the small Moles and the tall Tree, and similarly leanly muscled, though much of his figure was obscured by the loose belted tunic he was wearing. He had a sheathed sword at his left side – an honest-to-goodness long, straight blade, with a rather ornate yet well-worn hilt and crossguard that suggested perhaps an heirloom – and a similarly sheathed dagger or knife at his right side. Kanos saw no particular danger in his approach; those weapons were simply the man’s low-tech versions of the ordinary carry blaster you could see on many beings in the Outer Rim.
He had short dark hair and brown eyes, aquiline nose, and a tan shade to his skin that may have been an inborn trait and may have been simply the result of spending time in the sun – it was hard to say with his features. He was, Kanos guessed, about as old as him or a little younger, although that, too, was rather hard to tell with his features, at once young and very mature. His face was open and friendly, but his eyes were shrewd, despite the obvious differences in appearance somehow reminiscent of Leia Organa-Solo, and Kanos concluded that the man was almost certainly no fool.
“My name is Peridan. I am here to take a look at your arm. And to see what we can do about you,” the man said as he bound his horses to a bush and turned to Kanos.
“Kenix Kil,” Kanos said, and then belatedly recognised the man’s name from the conversations the day before. “Lord Peridan?”
“That would be me, yes,” the lord said. “I assume this is Deefore?”
Deefore replied with a trill.
“Ah. This will be somewhat more complicated, I’m afraid I cannot understand,” Lord Peridan observed.
“He simply said ‘Yes’. I think,” Kanos explained.
Lord Peridan nodded and reached into one saddlebag for a bottle and washed his hands with a clear liquid with the unmistakable scent of alcohol. From what he had seen so far, Kanos frankly would not have expected that degree of medical knowledge on such a wayward world. Nor would he have expected that degree of medical knowledge from someone who was not a medic.
“Do you not have medics for this?” he asked in surprise.
“Not as such, no,” Lord Peridan replied as he expertly removed the bandage and checked the wound. “At least not any who would be available right now and know enough about humans. I do know what I am doing.”
“I can see that, I was merely wondering...”
“About a lord who can do this?” the man shrugged. “I’d be a fool not to learn anything that can help my people, Mr Kil. And one does not always have the luxury of a medic.”
Kanos nodded numbly. That he did know all too well. But even on a backwater world, it still surprised him that a lord would have that experience as well and apply himself to rectifying the situation.
“It looks clean and safe. Lindendell knows what’s what, too. How does it feel?”
“I definitely feel it, but I’ll take that as a good sign.”
“Yes, I suppose at this point it is. Well, I’ll change the bandage. I would like you to go with me to my house so that I can keep an eye on it. You should definitely go easy on that arm for a while – stretch your muscles too much and it will pull on the wound and re-open it.”
“You do not mind putting me up?” Kanos asked while Peridan suited action to words and re-bound his arm with fresh bandages. “I’m afraid I cannot repay you; I do not know what currency this world uses but it’s bound to be different from what I have, and – and most of my things perished in the fire.”
“Will you mind me putting you to work in exchange?” Lord Peridan shrugged. “Obviously nothing strenuous, so maybe some help in the kitchen for now. If you want to stay beyond that, we can discuss further options when it comes to it. Did you say this world? You come from a different one, then. I thought so.”
“And you would trust a complete stranger like me?”
Peridan’s keen dark eyes were focused on his face now. Kanos could almost taste the lord’s consideration.
Nothing to see here, he thought. Just a stranded traveller. It’s not even a lie.
The man’s mouth quirked, as if he could hear his thoughts.
“I was a complete stranger once. Welcome to Narnia, Kenix Kil,” he said and offered him his hand.
Kanos took it, wondering what he was getting himself into.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I forgot to say the title of the fic comes from a U2 song, "Ordinary Love".
The title of this chapter is also from a song. “Under the night sky we sleep, akin to beasts.” It's a pretty obscure Czech song, “Podobni zvěři” (“Akin to Beasts”, “Alike to Animals”) by the band of the same name, based on a poem (or maybe two poems) by Géza Včelička. I found it in a tangent while searching for something else... I think in part it sprang to mind also because another line in it goes “The stars are looking on with gleaming eyes,” and that’s a very Narnian mental image, isn’t it?
Kanos’ age is 100% a guesstimate. I don’t think it says anywhere how long exactly he’d been in the Imperial Guard, either. So I went with a lower estimate for it, with him being a bit older than Luke and Leia but not by much. So the Empire would basically be everything he ever knew.
(I edited this chapter slightly to take out some "bad language", in Star Wars terms. It's a made up word, but still, I felt safer posting it here without it. In the original form of the fic, it mostly just serves to paint a fuller picture of Kir Kanos as a bit of a hardened individual confused by his surroundings.
)Statistics: Posted by marmota-b — Sun Jan 22, 2023 7:02 pm
]]>
A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away....
No one is quite sure exactly how long ago or how far away, especially because time and space are rather famously – relative. Time can move strangely between places, and as some people could tell you, sometimes there can be an entire world inside a wardrobe.
An indeterminate time ago, in one of many galaxies, on one of many planets. This one orbited a duo of stars, was covered in deserts, and was known as Tatooine.
On said planet, there was a city (at least in Tatooine terms it was considered a city, although people from less backwater planets closer to the galaxy's Core might call it just a town) named Mos Eisley. And in the city of Mos Eisley, there was a cantina. It did not differ much from any other cantinas in Mos Eisley: it was fairly crowded, filled with odd lights and shadows, and with the clanking of glasses, the hum of the voices of many species, and music.
In a booth halfway from the main entrance, strategically facing both the entrance to their left, the bar in front of them, and the barely visible back door to their right, sat two people who were ever so slightly set apart from their surroundings, by something in their bearing: one human male and one... creature.
The human, who was nursing a glass of Corellian brandy (or, rather, Tatooine’s cheap equivalent, a regrettable choice), was fairly tall, well-proportioned though somewhat wiry in his build, and wore a hooded robe. The cut of that piece of clothing, in combination with the barely visible metallic cylinder at his belt also marked him out as someone not quite one with the seedy environment.
His companion, pointy-snouted and covered in velvety black fur, was so small they had to sit on the table. They had a glass of non-alcoholic jawa juice in front of them, and were contentedly munching on the contents of a large bowl of fried and spiced local bugs and worms. The human occasionally snuck his hand in and crunched on a snack of the odd selection himself.
“He’s taking his time,” the furry being remarked, sounding a little worried. “At least I can’t sense him anywhere near.”
“He’ll be here on time,” the knight replied. “He has a reputation to uphold. He’d have already let us know if he wasn’t going to make it.”
It was another ten or fifteen minutes until the front door opened and in walked a figure that had them both straightening their backs in anticipation. They were not the only people in the establishment with that reaction. Theirs, however, came before the man entered.
“Oooh, here we go,” the furry creature said softly.
The newcomer, clad in a gray flightsuit and Mandalorian armour with chipped paint done mostly in shades of green, was probably well-known throughout the galaxy, certainly well-known in all of its seedier corners. He had taken one look around the cantina and immediately spotted the duo in the booth. He bought a drink at the bar and walked with his glass towards them.
He sat down in the corner of their seat so that he could face them but still keep command of the whole room. He acknowledged them with a nod. The knight returned it. The furry being waved at him in greeting.
“Up front,” the bounty hunter said, “your order can’t afford me.”
The knight flipped a piece of flimsi in his fingers and laid it down on the table between them.
“This change your mind?”
The bounty hunter looked at the flimsi and then up from it to the knight’s face.
“When do we start?”
Statistics: Posted by marmota-b — Sun Jan 22, 2023 6:37 pm
]]>
It started with a gift exchange prompt in 2020 - I happened to be paired with an online fanfiction friend as my recipient, and she asked for a lot of things I like as well. One of her "maybe" prompts was a crossover with Star Wars - and I happen to know she likes some specific Star Wars characters a lot, and they're among my favourites as well. The whole idea majorly got away from me. So I gave her a slightly different story for the exchange, and started writing this big thing, currently still unfinished.
Warning that Star Wars bring with them some heavy themes. On the other hand, I don't think anything this touches on is worse than some things touched upon in the Narnia books as well; after all, they deal with some pretty heavy themes as well. It only tends to be on a larger scale in Star Wars, because it deals with a whole galaxy instead of one world or two... Just - a warning that this isn't exactly a fluffy story. There is a lot of fluff in it nonetheless, and I fully intend to keep it light in places to balance things out, and of course, because it's a Narnian story, things do work out and there absolutely is a happy ending.
Also, the main character isn't well known, so here's a rundown of his story prior to the events of this one:
Kir Kanos was one of the Royal Guards of Emperor Palpatine. He'd been trained in a gruelling program that drilled into him unquestioning loyalty and ruthlessness. In Star Wars Legends, Palpatine was briefly revived through the use of clones (something New Canon picked up but many years later than it happened in Legends) but ultimately he was defeated and died for good, partly through treachery of his own people. One of them was an ambitious, Force-sensitive Royal Guard (named Carnor Jax - he gets a brief mention in my story somewhere) who, with the help of the Sith Dark Lady Lumiya, hoped to become Emperor himself. Because the rest of the Royal Guards were still loyal to Palpatine and would never allow his rise to power, he had them killed. Kir Kanos was the only survivor and swore revenge on everyone responsible for Palpatine's death - including Luke Skywalker.
Along the way, though, Kanos met other people from the former Rebellion, and started working as a bounty hunter in the Outer Rim, under the name Kenix Kil: bringing criminals to justice, and meeting various regular people who needed help, et cetera. He began to realise things were not as simple as he had been led to believe. He got his revenge on some of the people he had sworn revenge on, and in the end, partially under the urging of one of his new Republic friends, he swore it off on the rest of them who were not really so bad.
In the last part of the story, he even decided to warn Luke and Leia of a danger to Coruscant and the New Republic that he became aware of, and started working with them to bring about final peace between the New Republic and the Imperial Remnant, where he had some friends. Due to machinations by the enemy of the day and other events, it did not quite work out, and he had to fake his death and disappear again.
Which is where this story picks up.
Well. After the prologue.
I'll post that and the first chapter now, and I would welcome your thoughts. Statistics: Posted by marmota-b — Sun Jan 22, 2023 6:32 pm
]]>
Location: Cair Paravel- The Garden
Cyfrin and Andrya were walking through the palace gardens. Andrya noted something was different about Cyfrin. He seemed distant.
“What’s wrong?” she asked
“Hmm?” he replied. “Nothing.”
“Cyfrin, there’s something wrong”
“No there’s not”
“Yes there is”
“No there’s not. I was just uhhh…. thinking”
“About what?” she prompted
“About you”
“Me?!”
“Yes.” Cyfrin stopped walking. “I needed to ask you a question”
There was a pause. Andrya looked at Cyfrin. “What is it?”
Cyfrin looked slightly nervous.
“Will you marry me?”
“WHAT?!” she exclaimed. “But I….. My father…….”
“I already asked your father. He approves….. Unless you don’t want to….. Maybe I shouldn’t have asked…..”
“Oh, Cyfrin!” she interrupted. “I will!”
Cyfrin, looking extremely releaved and started singing:
Cyfrin:
I suppose that I look different without the robes and crown
I come this day before you with no riches, no renown
For here I am no leader, I am just a humble man
And I only ask you take me, you take me as I am
I'm not looking for perfection, I'm not offering a saint
I'm not looking for a pretty bird to put in some restraint
The only thing I want is that you love me if you can
And I only ask you take me, you take me as I am
I offer you a look inside, I offer you that trust
I need your strength to help me fight the battles that I must
I need you to remind me of the light we bear within
That there's more to life than struggle and the things we seek to win
Don't take me out of duty, don't take me out of pride
Just take me if the man you see is one you'd stand beside
I'm offering an open heart, I'm asking for your hand
And I only ask you take me, you take me as I am
As I Am by Heather Dale from Avalon, 2010
Statistics: Posted by NarnianAtHeart — Thu Nov 10, 2022 9:53 pm
]]>
Chapter 10
***
Cair Paravel
Zoggin and Carlotta looked at the window from Cair Paravel. It's been a day or so since Gale have sailed for Archenland. They both prayed for his safety as he go and investigate the dragon on the Lone Islands. As far they knew, the dragon could come back and terrorize the Lone Islands once again.
"When do you suppose Gale will be back?", asked Carlotta.
"I do not know", said Zoggin, "I've served under his father and now him. He's been a great king, like his father. Their lineage goes back to Frank I and Helen, the first king and queen of Narnia."
"He has told me of his family history before. Do you think there's any rules in society, where a royalty or nobility could only marry other nobles or royals?"
"In some countries, yes. In Calormen, for instance, a husband or wife are chosen by the parents and arranged."
"That is outrageous! I know Gale wouldn't stand for that kind of practice!"
"I actually agree with you. And I am happy for you both."
"Will you officiate, I mean, once he comes back?"
"I haven't thought of that. I suppose we should speak with him about that, once he comes back."
***
Anvard, Archenland
Gale arrived in Anvard, the capital of Archenland. It was mountainous countries, and the castle was small, compared to Cair Paravel. Over the years, Archenland has been friends and allies of Narnia. Upon his arrival, Gale was greeted by a man.
"Lord Alvin", said Gale.
"Your majesty", said Lord Alvin, "A pleasure to see you. What brings you here?"
"Well, to spend a day or two here", said Gale, "Then Lord Alvin, I need for you to come with me to the Lone Islands."
"This must be about the dragon that has been terrorizing the islands", said Lord Alvin, "That dragon is sure powerful."
"Yes, and we fear that it could come back to terrorize the islands once again. You will be representing Archenland and I would be representing Narnia. We'll be accompanied by other nobles- Ischar Tarkaan of Calormen, Amari, the Duke of Galma, Lord Callaher of Terenbithia, and Filister, the Duke of the Seven Isles."
"Ah, well, you may lodge at our place for the night. We have plenty of room."
"Thank you. Oh, and I also got engaged. You're invited to the wedding, of course."
"Congratulations", said Lord Alvin.
They went to rest for the night. Gale stayed there for about two days. Then Lord Alvin hugged and kissed his wife goodbye, promising he will be back. King Gale and Lord Alvin set sail for Tashbaan, Calormen, to meet with Ischar Tarkaan.
***
Tashbaan, Calormen
Gale and Alvin arrived in Tashbaan, and were greeted by a dark man with a great beard. They knew at once he was a Tarkaan with the gold ring on his arm.
"You must be the Ischar Tarkaan", said King Gale, "I am Gale, King of Narnia."
"Oh, yes, of course", said Ischar Tarkaan, "The Tisroc (may he live forever).. has told me that he would sent me to accompany you to the Lone Islands."
"Yes, to investigate the dragon that has been terrorizing the islands. Oh, and this is Lord Alvin who will represent Archenland. I will represent Narnia, and you will represent Calormen."
"I see. Are there others who will accompany us?"
"Oh yes, other nobles will as well, each representing their country or region."
"But we are staying here for a day or two, aren't we?", asked Lord Alvin.
"Oh, yes, of course", said Ischar Tarkaan.
They stayed there for about two days. Then they set sail to the Island of Galma, where Galma mentioned that many shippings and navigation take place.
***
The Island of Galma
King Gale, Lord Alvin, and Ischar Tarkaan arrived at the Island of Galma, and were greeted by the Duke of Galma, Amari. They shook hands, and he invited them for a dinner.
"So what brings you here, your majesty?", asked Amari.
"Well, now that you've met the Lord Alvin of Archenland and Ischar Tarkaan of Calormen", said Gale, "I need for you to accompany us to the Lone Islands. You will represent the Island of Galma."
"We are investigating a dragon that has been terrorizing the islands there", said Lord Alvin.
"I've heard of that", said Amari, "Do you suppose the dragon is from the North? Could Jadis have something to do with it?"
"You mean the powerful sorceress of the North", said King Gale, "The Tree of Protection still strives, and she cannot come down to Narnia. But we fear she is growing stronger."
"We do not know if whether she sent the dragon or not", said Lord Alvin, "It's possible, I suppose."
"It could be a demon in form of a dragon", said Ischar Tarkaan, "That's what Calormenes fear, at least."
"Once we meet with the Lord Callaher of Terenbithia and Filister, the Duke of the Seven Isles", said King Gale, "And arrived at the Lone Islands, we'll hold council concerning the dragon."
They stayed a day or two there at the Island of Galma. Then, they sailed on to the Island of Terenbithia, to meet with the Lord Callaher.
***
Island of Terenbithia
They arrived at the Island of Terenbithia, and were greeted by a man named Lord Callaher. He asked them to stay at his place for a day or two.
"Your majesty, you say you'd like me to accompany you to the Lone Islands, concerning a dragon", said Lord Callaher.
"Yes, that's right", said Gale, "We're not certain of what this dragon might be."
""Is it a demon? Was it once a man turned into a dragon for his beastly behavior?"
"That I do not know. That's what we're going to find out. And you are going to represent the Island of Terenbithia.
They stayed at the Island of Terenbithia for about two days and they had one more stop to make before they head for the Lone Islands.
***
The Seven Isles
They arrived at the Seven Isles and were greeted by a man named Filister, the Duke of the Seven Isles. He invited them to stay for about two days before they headed for the Lone Islands.
"So I hear of this dragon that has been terrorizing the Lone Islands", said Lord Filister.
"Yes", said King Gale, "We are to investigate it. And you, of course, will be representing the Seven Isles."
"Oh, your majesty", said Amari, "I've also heard of your engagement to a young woman named Carlotta, the noblewoman from here, the Seven Isles."
"I guess word got out fast then."
"By means, congratulations", said Filister.
"Thank you. And of course, you're all invited to the wedding that will take place once I get back to Narnia."
"How soon will it be?", asked Callaher.
"That we don't know. That will depend on how long we are at the Lone Islands, if we can make it out alive."
"You don't mean that.." asked Ischar Tarkaan.
"Oh, I suppose nothing will happen to any of us."
They stayed two nights at the Seven Isles then sailed on to the Lone Islands. It was going to be the adventure of a lifetime. They were to find out what the dragon could be and why it would be terrorizing the Lone Islands.
Statistics: Posted by jasmine_tarkheena — Wed Nov 09, 2022 3:51 am
]]>
My goal in this fanfic, is to describe the way Jadis started her 100 years of winter reign.
According to Jewel, in LB, Swanwhite was the last queen to rule before Jadis.
I thought, "What if I could elaborate on this? How did Jadis come into Narnia?"
As you may have guessed already, Jadis has made her first move; Lord Mortholt.
Please send me a PM if you have any suggestions to improve this fanfic (and any others if start more).
Enjoy!
Statistics: Posted by NarnianAtHeart — Mon Nov 07, 2022 7:48 pm
]]>
Eirlys was packing for her journey to Cair Paravel that night. She knew that being requested to stay at Cair Paravel for the Choosing was a big deal. Out of all the people in the land she had been chosen to represent her work.
After she had accepted the invitation, she had learned that Cyfrin would be there. Cyfrin was a painful subject for her. She hated the idea of working with the person who killed her parents. She hadn’t entirely forgiven him for that.
At least she would be staying in the most luxurious castle in all of Narnia and Archenland, and she could reconnect with Andrya. They hadn’t seen each other since Eirlys started her job. The girls had grown up going to parties together, since their guardians knew each other and ruled Archenland and Narnia. She remembered staying up late at night giggling endlessly.
She smiled. Even with the thought of Cyfrin being there, she was looking forward to going.
Statistics: Posted by NarnianAtHeart — Sat Nov 05, 2022 11:28 pm
]]>
The Library
“Cyfrin!”
Cyfrin stood up to see the elegant young girl running toward him. “Hello, Andrya.”
Andrya stopped seeing the distressed look on his face. “What happened?” she asked quickly.
“Lord Mortholt disappeared yesterday.”
Andrya gasped. “Lord Mortholt?! How?”
Cyfrin shrugged. “That is what we cannot figure out. Oddly, they found a realistic replica of him made out of stone right after he disappeared! What’s more, the statue had been placed where he had been seen last, walking in the woods. ”
“Oh,” Andrya said softly. “I’m sorry. I knew how close you were to him.”
“Yes…" He agreed "It remains a mystery.”
Statistics: Posted by NarnianAtHeart — Thu Nov 03, 2022 7:37 pm
]]>