~

The air grew warmer as they made their way through the forest. Slowly the white was replaced with greenery and spots of bright colours. The sounds of chirping birds and creatures rustling about were comforting and a sudden change from the dead silence of the winter season. 

Narnia was changing, and Adeline could feel her magic responding to it. It was calmer, and drummed deeply in her rather than crashing about like a raging ocean. 

After the rough journey, they had had, it was nice just walking peacefully, but they still wouldn't be safe until they reached Aslan's camp. Her clothes had fully dried from being drenched in the river, her emerald skirt rustled and caught on the growing flowers and bushed and the warm air caused her to push back the sleeves of her white turtleneck, which now stood out against the forest. The wet coats were soaked all the way through and were becoming too heavy to carry so Susan suggested they leave them behind on branches. Adeline did feel bad for leaving behind her grandfathers' coats but losing the weight had been a relief.

Adeline used her magic to try to take the water out of most of their clothing but after the debacle, she was rightfully drained. She managed to take most of the water out of her journal which was soaked from being in her pocket. The pages were wrinkled and some of the ink was smudged but thankfully the leather had protected most of the writing, leaving it legible. Her daggers, thank goodness were perfectly fine, save for the small bit of water in the sheath which she dumped out.

Ahead of her, Peter and Lucy trekked behind the beavers as Adeline and Susan led the back of the line. They broke through the trees and walked onto a beautiful plain. The sun was bright and there was a cool breeze blowing her loose hair about. For the first time a while Adeline allowed herself to relax. She jogged to catch up with Peter and nudged his shoulder.

"It's beautiful isn't it?" she asked, "Finally a break from the cold."

He hummed a yes, "Are you nervous?" he asked suddenly.

"Pardon?"

"Are you nervous?" Peter repeated, "You know, about meeting Aslan. And you being... a princess." he murmured the last word as if saying it would have consequences.

Adeline furrowed her brows, the whole princess thing still hadn't fully dawned on her. She hadn't had the time to sit down and think about everything that had happened. They had been shoved to the back of her mind by the worry and excitement from the past day.

"Well... I'm not exactly sure." she looked up to him, the sun making his golden hair glow. "If the prophecy is real, which at this point I'm positive it is," she chuckled softly, "Then you're royalty too. I don't know how to run a country or act like a queen but I know that whatever I do, you and the others will be by my side."

"That's actually," Peter pondered, "a good way to look at things."

Adeline smiled, "And as for Aslan. A part of me knows he's good, and I just- I'm not scared at all."

Peter smiled, "Me too, I guess. I mean," he hesitated, "I'm a bit nervous but I know that when I face him, everything will be alright. And I know he'll help us get Edmund back."

Adeline took his hand, and wove her fingers through his, providing a bit of comfort, "Edmund will be alright. I have faith in Aslan, and in us."

Peter squeezed her hand tightly and looked up suddenly, his attention shifting somewhere else. Adeline followed his gaze and her view was filled with red and golden tents, contrasting against the green hills. Aslan's camp, they were finally here.

Adeline looked back at the girls and the beavers, joy filling their expressions, their long journey was over.

The camp was overtaken with movement and Adeline's eyes jumped over everything. There were so many different creatures, centaurs, fauns, tree spirits and talking animals, which she recognized from old books of mythology she would read in her grandfather's library. They were all about their business. Clangs of metal against metal rang through the air as they worked on armor and moved weapons about. Chattering also was thrown about but quickly her attention was diverted when a deep horn sounded among the hills. 

As they all approached the camp, many of the creatures stopped and turned to them. Adeline wanted to melt under their gaze but made sure to hold her head high, she was a princess after all. Susan and Lucy lined up on her right as Peter squeezed her hand one last time before letting go. Adeline was now fully aware of her arms dangling uselessly as they walked through the camp and tried resting her right one on Sol.

Adeline marveled at the various creatures around her. Behind them, a crowd was forming as they made their way deeper into the camp.

"Why are they all staring at us?" Susan asked between her teeth.

Lucy spoke up with a giggle, "Maybe they think you look funny."

Adeline huffed fondly at the retort and looked straight ahead. Creatures began to pile up on their sides and made way for them to reach one final red and gold tent which sat on a ledge at the end of the camp.

There stood a large centaur with a blank flank. He had high cheekbones and a solemn face, and his black hair fell in waves down his back. 

At his side, a beautiful lady with raven hair draping down her back stood regally, a hand on the hilt of her sword as her purple eyes took note of each and every one of them.

Peter pulled out his sword and pointed it into the air. "We have come to see Aslan," he proclaimed.

Booming whisper then sudden silence encompassed the camp as the creatures talked amongst themselves. The centaur nodded and turned to face the lone tent.

The flaps of the tent shivered in the breeze as Adeline held her breath. Behind them, every creature, big to small, bowed. They lowered their heads not out of fear, Adeline noticed, but out of the greatest respect. The respect you would have for a king. 

The flaps of the tent parted gently, a golden paw emerging first. Then with it the most beautiful being she had ever seen. A magnificent golden lion, twice the size of a regular one and far more majestic stepped out. His mane shook with every step he took, and his eyes which reflected oceans in them seemed to pierce her through.

Adeline's breath caught in her throat and she wanted to look away, and yet somehow, she couldn't rip her gaze from him. At once all four children fell to one knee.

The voice which spoke sent vibrations through the ground, reaching Adeline as she dared to look up again.

"Welcome Peter," Aslan said, "son of Adam. Welcome, Susan and Lucy, daughters of Eve."

Adeline's shoulders, which had been tense, relaxed as he spoke her name, "And welcome Adeline, daughter of King Caleb and the fae Astraea."

His gaze turned to the beavers, "And welcome to you beavers, you have my thanks."

"But where is the fifth?" he asked, the dreadful gut feeling returning to Adeline's stomach. 

"That's why we're here sir," Peter, along with everyone else in the camp rose, "We need your help."

"We had a little trouble along the way," Susan explained.

"Our brother's been captured by the White Witch."

"Captured?" Aslan asked as gasps and whispers grew in the camp. "How could this happen?"

Peter looked down shamefully as Mr. Beaver spoke up for them.

"He betrayed them, your Majesty." The whispers behind them grew louder as Adeline looked down at her feet. It was partially her fault for not being careful or paying attention.

The centaur at Aslan's side spoke up, "Then he has betrayed us all!"

"Peace, Oreius," Aslan growled, "I'm sure there's an explanation."

The children were all silent for a moment before Adeline opened her mouth, wanting to rightfully take the blame. Unfortunately, Peter beat her to it.

"It's my fault really," he hesitated, "I was too hard on him."

Adeline's stomach clenched as she reached out a hand and rested it on his shoulder before addressing Aslan, "We all were."

"Sir," Lucy's small voice perked up, "he's our brother."

"I know, dear one," his solemn voice a small comfort to Adeline, "But that only makes the betrayal, all the worse."

He turned to the eldest children, "This may be harder than you think."

Adeline stepped forward, letting go of Peter, "I'm willing to do anything it takes," she offered.

"So am I," Peter took her side.

"I understand that," Aslan said, "But you have had a long journey, I'm sure you are tired. Come, you must change out of those old clothes and rest first."

His head turned to the regal lady beside him as she stepped forward, "Lady Morgana will lead you to your tents where naiads and dryads will get you settled in."

With a final nod, Aslan returned to his tent. The moment he was gone the camp went up in noise as everyone returned to their duties.

"This way your Majesties." Lady Morgana went ahead of them, deeper into the camp. The children followed behind, Adeline grabbing Lucy's hand and taking her along.

"Your name is Morgana?!" Adeline stepped up to match Morgana's pace, "Like in King Arthur?"

Morgana's brows furrowed, "In what?"

Adeline blushed at her excitement and brushed it off, "Oh um, nothing." She cleared her throat and tried to change the subject. 

"You don't have to call 'Your Majesties' you know." Adeline spoke for the rest of them, "We're still just children, and we haven't done anything to deserve it." 

Morgana turned a raised brow to them as they twisted their way through the camp, "Then what would you like to be called?"

"Our names please," Peter caught with Morgana, "I'm Peter, her name is Adeline," he pointed to the girl in question, "and my sister's names are Susan and Lucy."

Morgana stopped in her tracks and turned to them, her stern gaze assessing them all before she gave a thin-lipped smile, "Well then, Peter, Adeline, Susan, and Lucy." She gestured behind her, "These are your tents. Peter to my left and the girls to my right." 

Only now did Adeline realize that they had indeed stopped in front of two similar tents, Peters was gold with red details and the girls red with gold.

"There are fresh clothes for you to change into and food will be brought later on for lunch." her deep purple eyes surveyed them all, "If you are up to it, the training fields are open and Oreius and I will be available if you require us."

"Thank you," Susan spoke first before quickly rushing into the tent, Lucy giggling and following suit. Adeline didn't blame her, she wanted to get out of these old clothes as soon as possible as well. Peter gave a curt nod to Morgana and went into his tent leaving Adeline outside alone with her.

Adeline turned to follow the girls before Morgana stepped ahead of her, blocking her way. Adeline gulped as she looked up to the older woman.

"Princess Adeline," she began, "May I speak with you for a moment."

Adeline just gave a quick nod and rocked on her toes in with anxiousness. Morgana seemed to notice and gave a huff. "You need not be nervous," she began, "I just wanted to let you know that I knew your mother. We were friends as children and I was there when you were born."

Adeline froze as the words processed before blurting out, "You knew her?" she eyed Morgana up and down before suddenly noticing a soft humming coming from her. Morgana's mouth wasn't moving and the hum felt strangely like small vibrations emitting from her.

"You're a fae," Adeline said breathlessly.

Morgana dipped her chin, "Yes, I'm surprised you didn't realize earlier. We are the last of our kind and that small hum you're feeling is our similar magic, reaching out to each other. Your powers recognize me and since you've probably haven't seen another fae for a long time, you're magic is excited."

Adeline glanced at her hands before fisting them, making that humming feeling dull.

"Good to see you can control it," a small breeze picked up, Morgana's silky black hair floating in the air, making her look ethereal, "As I said before I will be in the training fields. I can help you learn how to control your magic and use it to your benefit without tiring yourself out."

Adeline's head shot up and she smiled brightly, "Really?! That would be wonderful. I want to help save Edmund and my friends but I can't be useful without actually knowing how to control myself.

Morgana's brows rose at her sudden outburst and something almost close to a smile appeared on her face, "Well then your majesty," she bowed her head, "I shall be waiting on the training field. It will be an honor to teach you." she nodded one last time before setting off, leaving Adeline on her own.

With an excited smile, Adeline ran into the girls tent, where Lucy and Susan had already changed. The cotton gowns were sticking, Susan wore a dark green one and Lucy had changed into a light blue one.

"Isn't it wonderful!" Susan spun around before flopping onto her bed, "Finally out of those terribly stuffy clothes."

"I feel like a princess," Lucy giggled before pointing to a cot in the corner of the room, "There's one for you as well Adeline." Susan had gotten up and opened the tent flap.

"We're going to go meet the naiads and dryads," Susan said, "Perhaps they can help us with our hair. Heaven knows how terribly tangled mine is." she giggled, "You coming Adeline?"

Adeline looked over to the dress on her bed before shaking her head. "I'll change now and be there in a bit, there's something I have to do first."

Susan nodded with a smile and herded Lucy out, "See you in a bit." she said before Adeline was left on her own.

Immediately, Adeline sat down on her bed, her aching legs finally taking a break. Her hand reached up to her neck to clench the pendant sitting there. She was finally safe, but unfortunately, she knew this wasn't over yet. Taking her leather journal out of her pocket and unbuckling her belt, she shucked off of her old clothing and slipped on the sapphire blue dress. It had a simple crescent neckline and fitted her perfectly, hugging her frame and the bottom half of the dress allowing her to move freely. The sleeves weren't too tight as well and reached her wrists, allowing her free wrist movement. She switched her shoes for the brown slippers which had leather straps crisscrossing up her leg and were very snug. 

Adeline did a twirl smiling at the way the dress flowed smoothly along with her movements. Grabbing her book from her bed she sat down at a beautifully carved wooden desk and chair at the end of the tent, near Susan's cot.

On the desk were already some quills and pots of ink along with paper. Grabbing the sharpest quill she dipped it into ink and opened her journal to a new page.

Adeline had been waiting for this since their adventure began. Her journey was something worth noting and she wanted to remember every moment of it from the terrifying ones to the most exciting.

Adeline smiled as the tip of the quill met the blank page.

~

Hey, I'm back. Finally made it to Aslan's camp and more than halfway through. The next couple of chapters will probably be more chill and we'll see more of Aslan's camp which is exciting.

Thank you so much for 5.1k reads! I'm so glad so many of you enjoy this story.

Question of the day:

~ If you could be siblings with any Narnia character who would it be? ~

Thank you so much for reading and don't forget to vote and comment!

Until next time,

StoryTeller5678