In The Refiner’s Fire

Fan Fiction inspired by The Chronicles

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gypsevedius
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Re: In The Refiner’s Fire

Post by gypsevedius » Mon May 05, 2014 4:17 pm

I LOVE IT. :D Especially the part about thin ice. :P
If you see a typo in this message, let me know. *facepalm*
^.^ *is such a suspicious looking unicavvey*
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Thanks for the sig, Hobbit! (:
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Lil
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Re: In The Refiner’s Fire

Post by Lil » Sat May 10, 2014 3:01 pm

Thanks Gypsy! :D
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"Maybe Redemption has stories to tell. Maybe forgiveness is right where you fell. Where can you run to escape from yourself? Where you gonna go? Salvation is here." - Dare You to Move (Switchfoot.)
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Re: In The Refiner’s Fire

Post by cor » Thu Aug 14, 2014 4:50 am

Hey could you post the third chapter like you did the other two? I love them! Great job!
*is such a cocky shapechanger*
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Re: In The Refiner’s Fire

Post by Lil » Sat Oct 11, 2014 1:29 am

Sure, Cor. Thanks for your complements.

https://www.fanfiction.net/s/3633998/3/ ... ner-s-Fire
Footsteps echoed in the hallway as guards escorted the young kitchen maid to their sovereigns. As she walked along she pondered her circumstances.

It had been a normal morning and everyone was still talking about the ball, giggling over the handsome lords and the antics of the mouse soldiers, and saying they liked the music performed by the fauns more than song by some of the talking dogs. As Dalia listened to the chatter of the other maids, she prepared the linens for lunch and tea.

"Marie, remember when those dogs asked to sing to Queen Lucy?"

"Awoooo!" Marie howled in an off-key imitation of the dog choir. "That was really funny. Have you got those linens ready, Dalia?"

"Almost I'm just…" Dalia replied, breaking off as a centaur and two fauns rushed into the kitchen. The room fell suddenly quiet.

"By order of their Majesties, Maid Dalia is to appear before them."

From the head cook, a jolly female Dwarf from Clearwater, all the way down to Cecilia, the snooty laundress to Queen Susan, everyone just stood for a moment with their mouths hanging open. Unless it was a special event or they were in trouble, nobody from the kitchen was ever escorted about by guards.

She stepped forward, puzzled but obedient. "I am she."

She could not remember a time before when the kings and queens had sent for her this way. Usually they rang a bell or sent a page to fetch her. Upon
seeing her, the fauns had grasped her arms firmly but not painfully and marched her to the door.

"What did you do now, silly dilly? Poison the Kings?" Cecilia's sneering voice called out as Dalia was marched out the door.

"Quiet, Cecilia!" the top cook's voice rang out over buzz of whispered voices. "And close you mouth. It makes you look like a fish."

Dalia's brow furrowed in worry as they approached the receiving room. She had never been in that room except to clean it, as it was used for important
visitors. Upon entering a sudden fear leapt into her heart as she found herself standing before three of Narnia's rulers. They did not look as pleased to see her as they usually did.

"The serving maid Dalia, Your Highnesses," the centaur behind her voiced as she stepped forward, dropping into a deep curtsy.

"Thank you, Marius," Peter replied, his voice cold and formal.

"Your Majesties, do you require something?" she asked, trying to keep calm. Her young voice trembled with fear and uncertainty as she dropped into another deep curtsy.

"Where is Queen Susan and what you have done to her?" The younger king's accusing words struck Dalia like a blow and she fell back a step, cringing.

So surprised was she at this pronouncement that she stumbled over her own words. "Your Majesty, I k-know not of what y-you speak. I have n-n-not seen her g-grace since the n-night before l-last."

She looked desperately to Queen Lucy and King Peter, pleading for them to come to her defense, desperate to understand what was happening, what she
was being charged with. Queen Lucy gave her a sad, sorry look as if to say she was hurt and disappointed in the younger girl and that pained Dalia more
than any physical attack could have. King Peter's expression was stony, his eyes only betraying a hint of the fury that was being held within.

"Dalia, we've known you since you were eleven and you've always been a good and faithful servant and friend. Why would you to bring hurt upon Susan? Why
would you betray us?"

"Y-Your Majesty, n-n-no! I didn't! I wouldn't! Never!" She pressed cold fingers to her lips and she slowly shook her head as she sunk to her knees, feeling lost, alone, confused that she should be blamed for any misdeed.

Then door opened and two centaurs came in dragging a girl. Although just a small, slim maid, her uncooperativeness and struggling caused the centaurs more trouble and extra energy than being cooperative. Her stormy face and glaring eyes faded instantly to an expression so deliberately sweet as to be a mockery to the very monarchs the monarchs of Narnia ranged before her.

"King Peter, Dalia the serving…" Fidelia, the centaur, said, breaking off in shock as she saw the serving girl already there. Everyone, all the way down to the real Dalia, stared in astonishment, for this newcomer with her sneering manners was a twin to the Galman maid. In the daylight she looked a few inches taller and while Dalia had fallen to her knees before her sovereigns, this girl stood proudly, even daring to hold her nose in the air as if she had no fear.

"Good morning, Your Majesties. I trust you slept well. Perhaps, I could get you some more milk? Or perhaps . . . " she said, as she turned to Peter, her jade eyes glittering with malice, her voice as cloying as syrup. "You would like to know what became of your darling sister?"

"You forget to whom you speak, waif. You speak to the High King, "shouted an indignant guard.

"Who are you and for whom do you work?" Edmund demanded firmly.

"Who am I? Just a citizen of Narnia like everyone elssse," she said, her last sentence coming out with a snake-like hiss as she twisted in the centaurs' grip. "My Masster…? You will meet him if you care anything about this sister of yours. Such a beauty. Such a shame."

"Where is my sister?" Lucy shouted impulsively, but quieted at the look her dark-haired brother shot her.

"Hmm, what happened to Gentle Queen Susan? That is what you wanted to know, isn't it? You'll never see her again. She's well hidden." The maid retorted smugly, looking contemptuously down on Lucy as if the youngest queen was a sniveling child.

"But don't worry, she's safe..." the false maid said, stopping to gauge the response to the assurance of the queen's safety. "Unless some hunter shoots her down. Swan feathers are in great demand in the Islands these days, or so I hear." she finished with a knowing look at both kings, a look that held no sorrow or regret for what she had done or the pain she had caused.

"You are walking on thin ice, lady," Edmund said, courteously but with warning in his tone.

"You would know, wouldn't you King Edmund? You served the Queen of Ice. I wonder how can a traitor try other traitors?"

"Take her away. Double the guards on her cell," the Just king commanded, his expression and voice unchanging.

"With pleasure, Your Majesty," Marius said, bowing, then he marched the spiteful maid out the door. A collective sigh was heard as the door closed behind the viper.

Leaning over to a faun guard standing beside him, Peter whispered, "Question her. I want to know who she is, who she's working for and why she put the potion in Queen Susan's glass." Then turning to his sister, his voice comforting, he slid out of his chair to help Dalia to her feet.

"Lucy, would you take our faithful little maid in hand? Perhaps some hot chocolate would be in order. Express our deepest apologies for wrongly
charging her. Edmund and I have something to discuss, but we'll join you soon so we may render our apologies in person."
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Re: In The Refiner’s Fire

Post by Lil » Sat Oct 11, 2014 1:31 am

https://www.fanfiction.net/s/3633998/4/ ... ner-s-Fire

Chapter 4: Information
"Your Majesty, King Peter!" exclaimed a young faun, running into the receiving room. He caught himself, bowed, and waited for approval to approach.

"What is your name, young sir?

"Page, Your Majesty."

"Now Page, what news have you?"

"The dryads believe the potion in this phial is what was put into Queen Susan's drink last night. They say it is extracted from a tree found only in the Dark Woods. They ask if King Edmund could help them identify it."

"Where did the phial come from?" questioned King Peter.

"It was found in the pocket of the false maid's apron, Sire. Fidelia and Marius have questioned her, but she has revealed nothing."

"Is that all?"

"Only that Queen Lucy asks that both you and King Edmund meet her in the
library."

"Thank you, Page. You may leave now."

Quickly the young faun bowed and left. The High King turned toward his brother. Edmund lifted the top and cautiously sniffed the substance left on the rim. Shutting the lid hastily and coughing, he nodded to his brother, wincing as his headache set upon him again. This was the same potion.

Alarmed, Peter quickly jumped up, taking the phial from his brother's fingers and leading him over to the nearby window

"This headache isn't from the wine, is it?" he confronted his brother as soon as the teen caught his breath.

"I don't know, Peter. I've felt strange all day. I almost collapsed this morning getting out of bed. We both know you and I've drunk more than I did last night and not had as strong a reaction," the dark-haired youth replied with confusion.

"Ed, maybe you should go rest. I'll be fine by myself," the High King stated worriedly.

"I'm fine now," Edmund lied. "But we must look up this Dark Woods. Surely we'll find some clues to where Susan is being held."
-

"Peter! Edmund! Look at what I found," Lucy exclaimed, dragging Peter over to a small table in the dark recesses of the library. Edmund followed behind at a more dignified pace until he met them at a small, round table upon which rested an ancient tome. The book's pages were of parchment, cracked and yellowed with time, and it was open to a page showing bold, flowing script and fanciful illustrations.

Dark Woods / The Black Woods of Ettinsmuir.

The Black Woods of Ettinsmoor, known to legend as the Dark Woods, is said to cover that dread land of fell creatures and poisoned waters between the Dark Castle of Lake Misery and the Ebony Mountains. A nameless Evil dwells here in the forest deep and dark, said to consume all who dare to cross the mountains and enter that malignant land.

"Lu, what does the have to do with finding Susan?"

"Read on, Peter. Right here," she exclaimed, her slim finger pointing to the paragraph below.

It is said a wizard of terrible power and intent dwells in the castle, ageless and cunning, and he keeps unto him a flock of enchanted swans. Each swan is said to have been a noble maiden that fell under his spell, unable to leave the lake unless the enchantment is broken . . .

"Lu, where did you find this book?" Peter questioned, astonishment written clearly across his countenance.

"At back of the library, on the farthest shelf. It was stuffed in at the end of the shelf between two fairy tales. Ed, are you alright?" Lucy asked, suddenly anxious. Edmund's face had taken on a sickly pallor.

"I think I'll just go sit down," he said weakly, sounding as if that morning's breakfast was about to be released.

"Peter, what has befallen our brother?" Lucy questioned, her concern evident as they watched Edmund lower himself into a chair and rest his head in his hands.
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Re: In The Refiner’s Fire

Post by cor » Sat Oct 11, 2014 10:49 am

AHHHHHHHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHH WHY D YOU ST-O-o-op! :cry:
It was amazing! Post as soon as you can! Lil, you are superb! (I am sensing a Swan Lake theme here) Oh and if you could type it out like you did 3 and 4 that would be great! :D
*is such a cocky shapechanger*
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Re: In The Refiner’s Fire

Post by Quill Jill » Sun Oct 12, 2014 12:56 am

I just read the entire thing, it's INCREDIBLE! I actually had tears at a few parts. Wonderful job, Lil! I really hope you write more!
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Re: In The Refiner’s Fire

Post by Lil » Fri Apr 10, 2015 2:18 am

Wow. Thanks, Quill Jill and Cor!

I can try and post another chapter Cor. (yes, Swan Lake was one of my contributing ideas.)
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Re: In The Refiner’s Fire

Post by Lil » Fri Apr 10, 2015 2:28 am

Softness flooded her senses as she awoke, reminding her of the eider ducklings she had met in the kitchen garden this spring, yet much softer.
Where was she? This was not her bed, nor her own comfortable chamber by the herb garden. And Oh! The warmth and silkiness of the blanket, only a great lord or lady might own one such as this! It might even have been woven by the famous naiads of Silver Springs, for they were renowned for making especially beautiful and wonderful textiles of rarity. Dalia yawned and stretched, looking around the spacious room. To her surprise, the sun was already setting in a magnificent display, complementing the rich, fiery-orange curtains that hung by the windows.

A knock at the door startled her.

"Come in," she called, sinking back into the bed and closing her eyes, too comfortable and warm to move. The soft tap of leather boots entered and came
around to the front of the divan.

"M'lady, may I have a word with you?" At the familiar voice, she instantly sat up.

"King Peter! I...I…I… My apologies… I did not know… I…" stuttered Dalia, extremely embarrassed at still being in her sleeping kirtle, her cheeks blushing as pink as the rose-colored blanket that covered her.

"As a knight and a king, it is I who should apologize. We wrongfully accused and disgraced you. For that I and my brother are very sorry. He would be here, but he has taken ill." He spoke with the sincere, open friendliness she knew and expected from the High King and his tone was instantly soothing.

"It is alright, King Peter. King Edmund is ill? I hope His grace is not grievously unwell. What of Queen Susan…? Is there any hope for her?" asked the maid earnestly.

"We'll be setting out to tomorrow to find her and break the enchantment." his voice sounded optimistic, but his eyes betrayed uncertainty.

"Have all the preparations been made to depart, King Peter?"

"Mostly, yes. General Oreius is readying the army. There's still a great deal to do with sorting out the weapons and rations and supplies." He smiled. "The healers never feel as if they've packed enough even when we picnic down at Clearwater, so to venture into parts unknown has them all awhirl. I must go see my sister now. Perhaps Queen Lucy has found more information and there are many details to which I still must attend."

"I know I am small and young, but could I be of help with anything?"

"Stay with Queen Lucy and be her companion. She will not like to hear it, but this mission is too dangerous for her and she will need a friend." His expression distant as he voice the command. "But now of pleasanter things! Would you please join us tonight for dinner?" The tone of his voice changed from firm and distant to easy going as he extended his invitation.

"Thank you, K… Sir. But I'm not a royal lady." The small maid smiled sadly, a wishful tone in her voice. Then an older dryad with a kind, wrinkly face entered. In her hands she held a pink dress, the same color as the blanket that covered Dalia.

"But you are our friend, and that is reason good enough. I believe my sister set a dress aside for you." With a faint smile, Peter departed, leaving Dalia with the dryad maid. The
elderly birch smiled as she asked,

"Well now, Miss Dalia, shall we start with your hair?"
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Re: In The Refiner’s Fire

Post by Lil » Fri Apr 10, 2015 2:31 am

The rain pounded down hard on the army, producing a sound like a child banging on pans and the gloominess of the day matched everyone's mood. To add to the misery of the day, wind whipped through the courtyard crowded with soaked Narnians, sending shivers down the spine of all who were gathered to wish farewell and good luck to the departing kings and soldiers.

Lucy hugged her dark-haired brother, who despite his slight cough had convinced elder king to let him come. "You'll keep Peter safe and keep yourself well, won't you?"

"Yes, Lu. You think I want to let him get hurt?" Edmund exclaimed with feigned hurt in his voice. "I want to keep him from harm as much you do. And of course I'll try and stay warm," he replied, his voice hoarse from coughing. "As warm as anyone can, in such wet and misty lands as the moors."

"Oh Ed, I wish I was coming with you. Come back soon, dear brother. Aslan be with you," the youngest queen said as she stood on her toes to kiss his cheek.

"And with you, fair sister. Do keep yourself safe. I love you." Then in one fluid motion he swung up onto the waiting horse's back.

"Peter, are you sure won't let me come? You could get Tumnus to…" Lucy begged turning to Peter.

"Look at your lips. They're turning blue and you're shivering." The wheaten-haired king pointed, a joking smile on his face. "No. Lu," he said, his voice growing firm again. "It's just too dangerous. But if you need any counsel, you can always ask Archimedes. He said he'd be glad to be of help. I will bring Susan back, I promise."

"Do try to keep yourself from being overly heroic and make sure you both get proper rest. Lion be with you."

"He will Lu, and with you too," the High King answered, his voice comforting as he embraced his youngest sister. Then he leapt up on his horse, smiled to his sister and gave command to move out.
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