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β€’ chapter twelve



Sarina stood at the edge of the river with the Narnians, her gaze fixed on the unfolding scene before her. She didn't blink, the magic within her sparking to life as she watched. Her eyes were drawn to Aslan, the Great Lion. From where she stood, she could feel his magic radiating toward herβ€”pure, ancient, and powerful. Though she had never met Merlin, she sensed that Aslan's strength surpassed even that legendary wizard's.


Aslan nodded to the river-god, who had just risen to defend them. With that acknowledgment, the river-god began to settle back into the water, surrendering to its depths once more. But Aslan's gaze then shifted, moving from the Pevensies to Caspian, and finally landing on her.


"Why didn't you use it, young one?" 


Sarina heard Aslan's voice resonate in her mind. She understood the question immediately; he was referring to the grimoire he had entrusted to her that night. A weak smile crossed her lips as she replied silently, I didn't know how.


As the battle raged on, Sarina's thoughts drifted to the grimoire tucked safely in her dress pocket. She had thought about pulling it out to help, but each time she tried, a wave of doubt washed over her. She hadn't taken the time to study it, to explore it or learn how to wield its power. The realization struck her hard: she simply didn't know how to use it. And so, she had done nothing.


A sense of guilt began to settle in her heart as she bowed her head slightly, feeling unworthy in Aslan's presence. But there was no time to dwell on her failure. She shifted her focus to the battle, rushing forward to help the Narnians by disarming the Telmarines, pulling weapons from their hands.


"Come here, young one."


Suddenly, all eyes were on her. Sarina felt a surge of anxiety; She didn't really want to go there, she felt... unworthy in their presence. But there was something in Aslan's gazeβ€”a gentle encouragementβ€”that urged her to step forward. With a deep breath, she began to walk towards them, feeling the weight of their stares.


"Aslan, this is our cousin, Sari!" Lucy exclaimed, her voice filled with excitement as Sarina reached their group. Aslan turned his head and nodded in acknowledgment.


"We have met already, Lucy," he said, and the words sent a ripple of surprise through the group.


Peter's eyes widened in disbelief. "When? How?" he asked.


"Why didn't you tell us you had met him?" Edmund chimed in, "Was it before the battle, during, or after?" Susan followed.


She felt overwhelmed by the rapid-fire questions. Just then, she felt a familiar comfort behind her; Caspian had stepped closer with his hand on her back, offering her silent support.


"Let her breathe, first," he said to the Pevensies. Sarina took a moment to gather herself.


"Thank you," she whispered to him. Caspian smiled back at her, his hand still resting gently on her back. 


"Anytime," he replied softly.


Sarina turned her gaze to Aslan, locking eyes with the Great Lion. "I'm sorry," she said softly, her voice barely above a whisper. The others exchanged confused looks, unsure of what she meant.


When Aslan remained silent, she felt a gentle push to continue. "I thought about using the grimoire," she admitted, her voice trembling slightly. "I really did, several times. But I don't know how to use it..." Her words grew smaller, and she could feel tears beginning to well up in her eyes. "I doubted myself, and that's why I didn't use it."


Aslan's gaze remained steady and understanding, and for a moment, Sarina felt as though he could see right through her insecurities. The weight of her unspoken fears hung heavily in the air, and she could feel the support of her cousins surrounding her, even as they looked on in concern.


"I didn't want to let you down," she added, her voice breaking. The tears she had been holding back began to spill over, and she quickly wiped her cheeks with the back of her hand, embarrassed.


Aslan stepped closer, his presence comforting and warm. "Have you tried opening it?" he asked and she shook her head.


"Do you remember the words that I said to you when I gifted it to you?"


"Fill it with your knowledge, young one. Take care of it and it will care for you."


"Take care of it, and it will care for you..." Sarina murmured, her gaze shifting to Aslan as realization dawned on her. He nodded thoughtfully. "What you know is your power, Sarina. You sought the answers on your own, but sometimes you need the guidance of others to uncover what you might be missing."


As if in response to their conversation, a bright glow suddenly appeared in front of Sarina, causing the others to alertly turn their heads. But Aslan remained calm and still, his presence steady as the light intensified. To Sarina's amazement, the grimoire materialized out of thin air, its pages glowing with a radiant white light. In that moment, she felt a profound shift within herself, as if something deep inside was awakening.


"Open it, young one," Aslan urged gently.


With a sense of anticipation, Sarina reached for the cover of the grimoire, her fingers gliding over the intricate designs before finding the edge. As she opened it, a brilliant light erupted from the book, flooding the area and momentarily blinding everyone around her. But Sarina's emerald eyes remained fixed on the pages, a radiant smile spreading across her face as joy filled her heart.


When the blinding light finally faded, gasps of wonder echoed around them. The others stared in astonishment at what had emerged from the grimoire, their eyes wide with disbelief and awe.


Sarina stood like a different person, far removed from the armor she had worn during the battle. The shimmering fabric captured the light like fresh green leaves glistening with morning dew, while long, sheer sleeves flowed elegantly, evoking soft breezes through blooming gardens. The intricately designed bodice, adorned with patterns of delicate vines and flowers, enhanced the dress's magical aura and connected her to the beauty of nature. A soft, earthy belt cinched her waist, grounding the ensemble, and the skirt cascaded to the floor with a slight train that whispered like foliage in the wind. Her loose hair fell in soft waves, topped with a delicate headdress resembling a tiara, featuring a bright emerald gem at its center.


Tears began to stream down Sarina's cheeks, glistening as they caught the light. 


"That's what you meant," she said, her voice a mix of laughter and relief. The realization hit her like a warm wave, "I guess I do need help sometimes," she admitted, looking up at Aslan with gratitude shining in her eyes.


It was a moment of vulnerability, one that made her feel both small and immensely brave at the same time. She understood now that seeking assistance didn't make her weakβ€”it made her strong.


"Thank you, Aslan," she said sincerely, her heart swelling with appreciation for the Great Lion. Aslan closed his eyes, the birds started chirping, the dryards appeared behind him, the trees, the animalsβ€” they all stood behind Aslan, their eyes looking at her.


"You have shown courage and compassion beyond measure. You have stood against darkness to protect those who could not protect themselves. The trees have whispered of your deeds, and the very essence of Narnia sings your name."


Sarina felt a wave of warmth wash over her. She had never imagined being honored in such a way, especially not by Aslan himself.


"As a reward for your bravery," Aslan continued, his golden gaze piercing through her doubts, "I hereby crown you, Sarina Silvermist, as the Supreme Sorceress, the Spirit of Life, and Keeper of Narnia."



Β°β€’β€’β€’Β°



After the battle had ended, Sarina marched alongside her fellow Narnians back to the castle, a sense of victory swelling in her chest. The Telmarines greeted their prince Caspian with open arms and cheers echoing through the air as they celebrated his return.


Behind him walked the Kings and Queens of Old while Sarina, the newly-crowned Keeper of Narnia, walked proudly beside the dryads, fauns, centaurs, and other magical creatures, feeling more connected to them than ever.


When Aslan had crowned her at Beruna Bridge, Sarina felt an unbreakable bond with the land and its inhabitants. It was as if Narnia itself had embraced her, filling her with a deep sense of purpose.


As the days passed, the castle became very busy. Peter and Edmund spent their time alongside Caspian, diligently working to root out the remaining loyalists to Miraz within the castle walls. Meanwhile, Susan and Lucy dedicated themselves to helping the Narnians repair the damage inflicted during the battle, their laughter and teamwork lifting everyone's spirits.


Sarina, however, found herself drawn to the forest. She spent hours with the dryads and other creatures, learning more about their ways and sharing her own experiences. Sometimes, she would join Susan and Lucy, and they would sit under the shade of ancient trees, talking about her life as a witch in their world.


Before Aslan temporarily left them to settle the matters of the castle before Caspian was officially crowned as the King of Narnia, Sarina requested an audience. They all gathered in the castle's great hall, and Sarina decided it was time to share her secret.


"I need to tell you all something important," she began, her voice steady but her heart racing. When she revealed her identity as a witch, a hush fell over the room. Faces reflected a mix of shock and uncertainty, but before anyone could speak, Aslan stepped forward.


"She may have been a witch, but she is now a sorceress of Narnia," he declared, his voice powerful and reassuring. "Her magic has transformed, just as she has. Embrace her as one of your own."


With Aslan's support, the initial tension eased, and soon murmurs of acceptance began to ripple through the crowd. Sarina felt a wave of relief wash over her. She knew her magic had changed; it felt different now, more profound and instinctive. As she looked at her wand, she realized it was no longer just a tool.


A wand is the object through which a witch or wizard channels his or her magic. But here, in Narnia, she found she could perform magic without it, the energy flowing through her with an ease she had never known before. It was exhilarating and terrifying all at once.


Sarina sat on a sun-drenched stone in the forest, her thoughts swirling like the leaves in the gentle breeze. She had found a moment of peace among the blooming flowers, but her tranquility was soon disrupted by a familiar voice that sent a shiver down her spine.


"Why do I feel like you're avoiding me?"


She turned her head slightly to see Prince Caspian standing just a few feet away, his brow furrowed in concern. There was a vulnerability in his expression that tugged at her heart. 


"May I?" he asked, gesturing toward the empty space beside her.


Sarina felt a flutter as she nodded, her heart racing just a little. Caspian settled down a few inches away, the distance between them both comforting and charged with unspoken tension.


For a moment, they sat in silence, the sounds of the garden enveloping themβ€”the distant laughter of Narnians, the soft rustle of leaves. Sarina could feel the warmth radiating from Caspian, an almost magnetic pull that made her acutely aware of him.


"How are you?"


Sarina turned to face him, a hint of surprise flickering in her eyes. "Oh? Did you come to check on me?" There was a playful tone in her voice, "Yes," he replied, his tone earnest.


"I've noticed we rarely see each other, even though we're both in the same castle. I thought it was time to change that."


Sarina looked away for a moment, her gaze drifting toward the trees swaying gently in the breeze. "Well, there just hasn't been much time lately. And to ease your mind, I spend most of my days in the forest," she said, glancing back at him, "So I suppose you won't find me wandering the castle much at all."


Sarina gazed at Caspian, her curiosity piqued.


"How about you? How's the royal preparation going?" she asked.


Caspian sighed, a weight on his shoulders. "I always knew this day would come, but I didn't expect it to be so soon."


Sarina's expression softened. "Caspian..."


He continued, his voice heavy with doubt. "What if I fail to be the king they need?"


Sarina took a step closer, placing a reassuring hand on his shoulders to steady him. "Now you sound like me," she replied gently.


Caspian's thoughts raced. "The Narnians had to hide because of my ancestors. They invaded Narnia. What if I turn out like them? What ifβ€”"


"Caspian," she interrupted, firmly but kindly, making him meet her gaze. "You are not them, and you never will be. You are your own king. From the moment I met you, I knew you had a good soul. You will lead Narnia toward a brighter future. Aslan believes in you, and I do too. Narnia deserves a leader like you. So please, believe in yourself."


As she spoke, Caspian felt her eyes lock onto his. Their faces were close, and he was filled with the urge to lean in and kiss herβ€”the woman who had been on his mind so much lately. Her eyes saw the best in him, and her hands were a comfort he craved.


They say the heart and mind often disagree, but Caspian felt a single message resonating from both:



I love her. I love Sarina Silvermist.




"Can I kiss you?" he asked, his voice barely a whisper.


Sarina's eyes widened in surprise, but she didn't pull away. Her hands remained on his face, and the connection between them was electric. She didn't say anything, but her eyes spoke volumes.



She wants him too.



That realization filled Caspian with a rush of confidence. Leaning in slowly, he watched for any sign that she might pull back, but she stayed right where she was.


They weren't sure how long their lips had been touching, lost in the moment, but eventually, they pulled apart, gasping for breath. Their eyes remained locked, and they could still feel the warmth of their breaths mingling in the space between them.


Sarina noticed that Caspian's hands rested gently on her waist, while her hands pressed against his chest, fingers gripping his shoulders. Neither of them moved away; the connection between them felt too precious to break. Caspian brushed his thumb softly across her cheek, his gaze earnest.


"I love you, Sarina," he confessed.


A smile spread across her face, but instead of responding with words, she leaned in and placed a tender kiss on the corner of his lips. Caspian didn't push her for more; instead, he nestled his head against her neck, placing gentle kisses there. Sarina leaned into him, resting her head against his shoulder as they enjoyed the quiet embrace of the forest around them.


They stayed in that serene moment, enveloped by the trees and the gentle sounds of nature, their hearts in perfect harmony as they cherished each other's presence.




Β°β€’β€’β€’Β°



Today was the day, and the Narnians entered the castle in a wave of triumph, fireworks lighting up the sky. As Caspian descended the steps into the courtyard, he spotted Aslan speaking with Peter, Susan, and Sarina. His gaze lingered on Sarina, who wore the same beautiful dress she had on when she was crowned as a Keeper of Narnia. She looked stunning, her white-blonde hair cascading down her shoulders and perfectly complementing the forest green dress that hugged her figure.


Caspian hadn't received a response to his confession of love, but he didn't mind. He was willing to wait for her, no matter how long it took.


When they noticed him, Caspian called out, "We are ready. Everyone has assembled."


Outside the castle, all the Telmarines and Narnians had gathered, eager and expectant.


Caspian spoke clearly, "Narnia belongs to the Narnians just as much as it does to humans. Any Telmarines who want to stay and live in peace are welcome. For those who wish to leave, Aslan can return you to the land of your ancestors."


A Telmarine lord interjected, "It has been generations since we left Telmar."


Aslan replied, "We are not talking about Telmar. Your ancestors were sea-faring brigands, pirates who ended up on an island. There, they discovered a rare chasm that brought them here, from the same world as our kings and queens." He turned to the Pevensies, his gaze steady. "It is to that island I can return you. It's a good place for those who wish to start anew."


There was a brief pause, and then Glozelle spoke up. "I'll go. I accept the offer."


"So will we," Prunaprismia added, cradling her baby, followed by another Telmarine lord. They stepped forward to stand before Aslan.


"Because you have spoken first, your future in that world will be bright," Aslan assured them.


With a breath, Aslan opened a doorway in the tree behind Caspian, revealing a round opening. The group walked through it and vanished, leaving the crowd gasping in surprise.


A concerned citizen exclaimed, "How do we know he's not leading us to our deaths?"


Reepicheep addressed Aslan, saying, "Sire, if my example can be of any service, I will take eleven mice through without delay."


Peter and Susan exchanged glances as Aslan looked at them. Peter stepped forward and declared, "We'll go."


"Will we?" Edmund asked, surprised.


"Come on. Our time's up," Peter replied, walking over to Caspian and offering his sword.


"After all, we're not really needed here anymore," he added.


Caspian accepted the sword. "I'll look after it until your return."


Susan interjected, "I'm afraid that's just it... we're not coming back."


Lucy gasped, "We're not?"


Peter looked at Aslan. "At least, I think he means you two will stay."


"But why? Did they do something wrong?" Lucy asked, confused.


"Quite the opposite, dear one," Aslan explained gently. "But all things have their time. Your brother and sister have learned what they can from this world. Now it's time for them to live on their own."


"It's alright, Lu," Peter reassured her. "It's not how I thought it would be, but it's alright. One day you'll see too. Come on."


He shook Glenstorm's hand, and Edmund, Lucy, Trumpkin, and Cornelius bowed respectfully. Lucy curtsied to Trumpkin, who nodded in

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