Chronicles of Narnia: The search for White Jade (Eyeris & Raven)

[Ravenwoodwitch]

(btw, I may or may not have a troll currently stalking me. If he shows up, just add him to your ignore list and it'll all go away).

Frozen, completely frozen.

Cely felt her anger rise to new heights, standing on the Narnian cost. Over the vast hill was the Kingdom Mathias, once a warm and peaceful, now an utter tundra. Spires from the newly frozen castle shot up into the sky, rising over the Horizon like icy white claws. Now Glacial in standing, Cely couldn't help but think of all the people without her luck, who had not escaped the rushing flow of cold wind and ice that had raced down the shores and hardened the pone warm waters. So many of her people, lost under the sheets of ice, and doomed to die in some crystalline, cold coffin.

She wiped the tear from her face, her mind returning to her present situation. This was hardly the time for tears, with so much at state, and she wasn't about to lose any time from bawling. Her loss was grave, but the loss of this kingdom would be greater if Jadis's plans came to full fruition. Cely bit her lip to stop the waterworks, and and turned her determined eyes onto the walk ahead of her. The castle was quite a ways away from the coast, and would take a good days walk to reach; not helped by the fact that the sun was going down.

She breathed a sigh, near defeat, and turned her back on the ice shelf that was once her home. She vaguely remembered that the prince may have liked to ride out on the coast, but she hadn't seen him now. She wasn't exactly going to be a pretty sight as it stood; red hair scattered and frozen in various places, frostbite threatening to nip at her nose and fingers. The one hand, attempting to hold up a torn dress that was doing more than threatening to fall off her shoulders, tightened it's fist, while the other grew tighter on the sword at her hilt. She stopped, however, when she heard what sounded like horse hooves in the sand...

She turned towards it, seeing a figure ride closer to her position. An attack? Her hand gripped her sword all that tighter. As impaired as she was, she would not die here without a fight.

(Again, I apologize if the length is not spectacular I tried to make the content interesting at least.)

[Eyeris]

“To love at all is to be vulnerable. Love anything and your heart will be wrung and possibly broken. If you want to make sure of keeping it intact you must give it to no one, not even an animal. Wrap it carefully round with hobbies and little luxuries; avoid all entanglements. Lock it up safe in the casket or coffin of your selfishness. But in that casket, safe, dark, motionless, airless, it will change. It will not be broken; it will become unbreakable, impenetrable, irredeemable. To love is to be vulnerable.”

Caspian wondered on his mentors comment, even as he rode swift as the wind toward Narnia's border. Perhaps it was it was this distracting thought that struggled in and out of his consciousness, or simply the urgent nature of the mission that made Caspian depart from his friends. They were responding to grave news that had barely survived it's way across the Narnian border, Caspian needed to see it's truth for himself. He rode the a Horse who fashioned himself the fastest steed in all of Narnia, his name was Krister. Caspian leaned forward, reaching his body across Krister's snowy neck and long grey mane to whispered in his ears. "Let reach the border first!" Krister's reply was the quickening of his hooves against the earth. Their company was helpless against his speed, and they quickly became specks in the distance far behind.

The pair rode through the refreshing sea air, it tousled the boy's dark locks and the horses light ones. Caspian drew himself up in the saddle to his full height, taking in the beautiful coastal landscape as he often loved to do when he rode for pleasure. The world of sea-foam and seagull danced with the many hues of blue ocean and sky.

Yet, there was a chill in the air that was wrong. Krister flared his nostrils, the smell winter in the height of summer was an ill omen in Narnia. They shivered as they came closer to the border. Soon they could see:

An unnatural winter had fallen in Mathias.

"There is someone ahead on the shore!" Krister's better nose and ear detected the girl long before Caspian.

"Steady on." Caspian put his hand on his sword, now that he saw the figure on the shoreline. As they drew closer he saw that they were alone... he bristled at the sight of the sword... then soften as he realized...

"It's a girl!" She was haggard and desperate she tightened the grip on her weapon while Caspian let go of his own.

"Now." Krister warned. "Just because it's a girl doesn't mean that it's not---"

"She's hurt." Krister slowed as Caspian gracefully dismounted into the sand. Krister kept quietly behind, digging into the sand with his sharp hooves; He needed no sword, Aslan had given the Horses natural weapons.

The less-cautious Caspian approached unarmed, his hands raised in a gesture of peace.

"Please, do not be afraid." Her red hair flew about her, her body and dress left in tatters, her skin was beginning to blue, burned by the cold. Whatever she had been through might leave her slow to trust, yet, there was something familiar in her icy-blue eyes. "I am a friend, I am here to help you."

[Ravenwoodwitch]

She had little trust left in her after the scourge of the white witch, and after so many whom she trusted so much had done so very many bad things. The dark-haired stranger had approached her with no sword nor bow in his hand, and both limbs raised in the universal gesture of peace. He looked friendly, but she could see that it wasn't all chivalry. He saw her as no threat which, given her appearance, wasn't hard.

But he wasn't drawing sword, and was giving her more than enough room if she decided to run after all. If he had truely been eager to hurt her, she would be clashing steel by now surely. So, decideing to use what little she had left, gave her trust to the boy, and let go of the blade.

First she tried to look over the stranger. The hair came down to his chin, waves dark and thick, with bright brown eyes hidden just under the long strands. Skin tanned, very much, and body lean with the muscles of a sword-fighter. However it was his voice that rang the most familiar to the princess. Cely remembered, vaguely, hearing a much more high-pitch version of it chase her through the palace garden paths in a makeshift game of tag, dirtying her skirts as she changed the game to a fight with two thin twigs.

"...King Caspian?" she finally managed to speak, her voice sounding as broken a she felt. She wouldn't have to make that terrible trip to find him after all.

Feeling more relief than ever before, she felt her knees collapse on her. She fell down in the, hand still holding up what little dignity she had left, and feeling the anger rush back in her system, making her limbs shake. She somehow managed to pull her voice together and raise her head back up, eyes hopeful and desperate.

"I am Princess Celine...Princess of Mathias..." she lowered her head in a wince. "...former princess, I suspect. There's..nothing left..."

She bit her lip again, pulling back the wave of grief at the thought of her parents and her people. Putting on the bravest face she could muster, Cely spoke again. With some luck, her desperate situation could be turned around by the boy in front of her, and make something so utterly impossible seem completely possible.

"The White-Witch has completely frozen over the whole kingdom..."she had gotten her voice level again now; her grammar instructor would be so proud. "She...she's planning on crossing the ocean boarder to Narnia..."

[Eyeris]

"C-Cely?" the childhood nickname jumped from his lips. She collapsed to her knees, the regal princess reduced to rags, yet, she kept a brave and royal air as she spoke of her plight, she had come all this way, endured pain and suffering to survive her kingdom, and to send him warning and seek his aid. Yes, he would help her: For he was honor bound, for she had been his friend, but most of all because it was the right thing to do. It was the only course of action; good must stand against the wicked.

May Aslan stand with us!

"The White Witch?!" Krister reared as he spat the name into the sand. Meanwhile, Caspian shed is long thick cloak and took a few steps forward, wrapping it around the girl in one swift motion. Kneeling before her, he fastened it around her neck and pulled the hood over her wild hair. The thing was to-large for her small shoulders, as it had been tailored to fit himself. He folded the fabric over itself, this gave her more coverage and more weight than her own cloak would have to warm her icy skin.

"Princess Celine." He said once again. "Come... let us get you to safety and warmth."

"When, When is she coming?" Krister demanded.

"Krister!" Caspian chided his steed, he did not want to strain the girl further.

"We must know!" He paced the beach in circles.

"Calm yourself." Commanded the prince. "We shall make ready immediately."

Krister flashed pink eyes toward the prince, yet the answer seemed to satisfy him. He lowered himself into the sand, so as to make it easier for the injured girl to mount him.

[Ravenwoodwitch]

He remembered. The years had drifted by as carelessly as the waves, and yet he remembered. He at least remembered her nickname, one he had come up with himself all those years ago. This was at least a positive sign that she had found some kind of solace here, and it was ratified when he wrapped his own cloak around her shoulders.

Cely's eyes met his in surprise, watching him draw closer, and feeling the warm wool drape over her bare shoulders. She shuddered in near delight, no longer feeling the unnatural cold on her already damaged skin. No more cold, no more wind, no more snow...she wanted nothing to do with winter anymore, and would want nothing to do with it for as long as she lived. She let the dress hang limply on her skin now, favoring to pool the heavy wool as tightly over herself as she could. As she managed to pull herself back to her feet, she caught the vague scent of the trees and wind on the fabric...and found it strangely pleasant.

"Thank you," she said, her voice managing to drift back to it's normal quality. Their reunion was sweet, but would have to be short lived. Krister was right to be worried with the white witch's threat hanging over the Narnian border. She would wait, if only to rebuild lost forces, but she would not wait forever. Eventually, talk of her unnatural winter would have to come. Thankfully, it would follow a possible solution.

But, for now, the red-head wanted to put all thoughts of Jadis behind her, as most of them brought to mind other painful ones. Instead, she focused on getting herself to safety. She mounted the horse, bringing chapped lips near his ear in a small thank-you kiss.

"Such a chivlerous steed.." she said, running her fingers through the mane. "You deserve an answer. I promise not to keep you in the dark longer than need be."

She turned her eyes back up to her old friend. "Nor you...I cannot express my gratitude enough."

[Eyeris]

They mounted Krister. Caspian sat behind the girl, his arms wrapped around her. He was afraid that her frozen fingers would not be able to hold fast. "Let us get you to safety and warmth." Krister took off down the beach.

They shortly reached the rest of their party. Krister halted, the collection of men and talking animals were a bit sour with Caspian for darting off ahead of them. Their attitude changed as they saw the girl, then heard Caspian and Krister relay the dire news.

"Zenith, Bao, and Trevlar stay as scouts along the border. We will send more to keep you company, and relive you at nightfall." A black horse, the orange cat sitting on his back, and a small doe bowed their heads then took of in the direction Caspian and Cely had come. They raced one another to the frozen ocean border.

"The rest of you, scatter to the corners of Narnia with this news: The White Witch has returned." They too bowed and scattered, in the next breath Krister was off again at his full speed.

Soon they would see the heights of Cair Paravel, then soon after pass through it's gates.

Cely might have heard of Cair Paravel, but, when they were children and his uncle had ruled, Cair Paravel had been a ruin. After his uncle Miraz was gone, and Caspian had united the humans and animals of Narnia, there had been much work done to restore and reoccupy Cair Paravel. Miraz's castle was cold, cut out of, dark stone. By comparison Cair Paravel was like a dream.

As soon as they were greeted Caspian gave instruction to care for the girl first, then summon all to meet.

Krister lay down again for ease of the girl and for his own exhaustion. (He would never admit the latter.) A old matronly badger would be charged with the girls care, she had a deep muzzled voice to comfort the girl, and gentle skilled paws to tend her wounds and frostbite. The badger would quickly deem the girl unfit to walk, and Caspian would carry Cely himself. The badger lead the way to a large guestroom lit by a roaring hearth. Caspian lay the girl gently upon the soft bed, while the badger and a few young human attendants brought in warm pots of water, food, bandages, and other necessities of a healer.

Caspian knelt by the bed where he had set the girl down. The ride had been fast and hard, he wondered if he should have slowed Krister for the girls sake. He cursed himself for being so inconsiderate. "Are... Are you alright?"

[Ravenwoodwitch]

Safety was a wonderful notion, given the danger she avoided just to get here. But the promise of warmth was was made her grin in delight. Unable to keep herself up straight, she leaned back against his broad chest and let the horse take off. As the animal carried her past the frozen ocean, and into the temporary safety of Narnia's grasslands, she made a vow to come up with a reward for the tired animal.

They sped past meadows, and into the beautiful arches of Cair Paravel. This was not the dark stone and glass structure she remembered coming to every so often, with looming walls and dark coridors to easily get lost in. This place was absolutely beautiful, covered in gleaming stone and long citadel windows. Cely felt her breath slow a she took in the steps and stairs, the large courtyard, and the hint of a garden just in the back. Somehow, the white-washed walls reminded her of home.

But sight-seeing could wait, as the gust of the opening doors hit her, making her shiver. As the horse bent down, she spotted the arrival of the badger with curious eyes. Mathias was lacking in the magical creatures that populated this place. It was an add sight, and yet the most fascinating thing the redhead had ever seen in her life. She let the female badger look over her wounds, taking in her long brown coat.

Much to her surprise, she was swept up in the King's arms next, practically swept off her feet. She let out a small gasp, feeling his limbs support her weight as she watched the castle pass by. While she could definitely deny expecting this, she couldn't deny the pleasant feeling she got from it all. It almost felt like the beginnings of butterflies, floating about. She felt her fingers tighten on his shirt, a small blush crossing her cheeks.

It passed, however when she saw the guest-room, raring fire, and soft sheets. A relieved sigh passed her lips as she was laid down, and she finally let the heavy blade from her side rest against the bed. The attendents rushed forward immediately, wetting rags, and letting them rest of the mostly affected areas. The warmth spread over the rest of her skin, settling from her head down to her toes. After the nightmare winter from before, this felt like a wonderful dream.

"Better now," she answered him, smiling shyly. "I wasn't looking forward to the walk to begin with...and I'm assuming I would have gone to the wrong place."

One of the female attendants shyly cleared her throat, glancing at the floor multiple times, head bowed. In the hand one one was a clothe screen, the other a set of dry, less ripped clothes.

"P-pardon me my lord.." the girl stuttered.

They shuffled past him, just barely, stretching the fabric out as Cely's tattered garment was tossed over.

"I believed this place destroyed..." Cely called from behind. "I'm amazed to see it stand at all. It's so...beautiful..."

[Eyeris]

The king quickly turned away to preserve her dignity, he was about to leave, then she addressed him. He clasped his hands behind him, and spoke to her with his back turned as the healers did their work.

"I thought so too when we were children." His mentor, Cornelius, had shared a few of the 'old fairy-tales' with the young Cely when she came to visit. "Everything here has changed since then. What I thought impossible became real..." It had run both ways, he had been amazed and delighted to discover the talking animals and mystical creatures, yet heartbroken to learn his family's murderous secrets. "This castle, Cair Paravel is the true capitol of Narnia, we had to rebuild it. It is from this place I rule... I have come to love it very much."

The attendants stayed out of the conversation, working quickly, talking to one another in soft whisper. Finally, a young girl politely 'ah-hem'-ed and tugged at the King's elbow to indicate that it was safe to turn-about.

And so he did. She still looked worn and tired, but her skin was flushed pink with warmth. A pair of twin chipmunks combed through her hair, working out the knots. It was as if she began to glow with life.

They brought in a tray of hot tea and hot foods for the girl to replenish her strength.

"I do not remember if Cornelius ever told you the story... that the White Witch once held Narnia in her cold grip." He sat down in a chair set beside the bed. "The land was frozen, it was the darkest time this land has ever seen, it was always winter and never Christmas. The folk lived in fear, all the White Witch touched turned to ice..." He spoke softly, knowing her own tragedy was still fresh in her spirit. "Yet, spring came... and all that was turned to ice became green once again... and all those she had turned to ice... returned to life."

He leaned toward her, driving his point. "There is hope, Cely, for your people and your kingdom."

[Ravenwoodwitch]

His voice was as warm as the blankets, attempting to reach out and smooth away the wrinkles that had occurred in her life. But this was not some platitude, a mere speech give to all who suffered a great loss. There was real hope in his voice, real genuine concern, and an attempt to see her in better spirits. he was leaning closer to her now, giving her a new view of those warm brown eyes. She felt her face soften in that moment, her fingers resting by her chin. He meant well, he really did, and she believed him in that moment that things could heal.

"I hope so," she answered, finally tearing her gaze back to the tray in front of her.

She took a long drag from the tea, feeling the liquid warm her bones, and pour some life back into her. As her hair was finally combed back, looking presentable and clean at last, she let out a breath. She pressed her clasped hands over her lips, pulling together the entirety of her tale. Now seemed like the opportune time to let the chilling tale spill, as she had to come forward with it eventually.

"It was our Guard captain..." she said. "I don't know if he harbored a hate for my father, or a dismay that we could go no farther in the relationship between us. Either way, something pushed him to summon that evil woman in the castle, and set her free. I was just on my way to the throne room to address the people, when I heard this crackling noise from the water..."

Her eyes glossed over. She wasn't in that room, then, but back in the terrible day with her mind. She had traveled back in her memories, reliving the incident vaguely with a near horrified look on her face. She was back in that castle, dodging a massive wind that froze everything that passed it, and snow that buried all creatures it touched.

"The noise reached the castle. It was ice, ice forming over everything. I ran to find my parents, and saw my father fighting the captain, and my mother...the witch...got her first..." She stopped, moving a hand to wipe her eyes. No no no, she couldn't bawl now. "Than the captain killed my father, who was given a frost burial. The guard-captain demanded I join him, but I didn't want anything to do with this. I grabbed father's blade and ran; the castle froze behind me, and the water around it too. I only managed to get here on a piece of drift wood."

She stopped, feeling suddenly chilled. She grabbed the food and took a bite.

[Eyeris]

Perhaps it was not prudent, nor appropriate, but it deed feel right. He reached out to her, placing his hand atop her's. He south to comfort her mourning heart, though he knew it would do little.

"I myself have felt the sting of betrayal. Your father was a good man and a good King. I do not think that any of your people would have had true reason to resent him, the White Witch can seduce the purest of hearts." Such as had happened with young Edmund. It was not hard for evil to seduce lost soul... A lonely heart perhaps. He wondered what was implied by 'their relationship' but it would be improper to ask at the moment. Yet, he knew that a broken heart would be easy pray for the dark magic. "But, those hearts, they can be won back. Even your father..." He was not truly certain of this claim, but he had to put complete faith in Good and in Aslan. If he allow doubt to cling to his mind, it would only tighten it's hold on Cely and even Narnia itself. So he squeezed her hand gently in reassurance.

"Rest." He spoke softly, "When you wake we will call everyone together, and decide upon our strategy."