Inheritance: Scales of Change

Chapter Twenty Five - Home

"You're actually just in time," Caspian turned to you after Cornelius left, "We're discussing the construction of the meeting hall."
    You glanced down at the newly drawn, detailed map of your island. There were tiny model houses and buildings scattered about it, representing the current locations of them in real life. You found the one representing the inn, and Raxe's old house, the bakery, the butcher... you never realized how many buildings were compressed into one area.
"Where are we thinking?" You asked.
"Here." Tavros pointed to an open area a ways up from the docks. "It's the only space big enough, unless we want to tear down buildings."
"Well, it's your island, you'd know best." You smiled up at Tavros. "Unless any of you men have any complaints?"
Some murmuring and shrugging from the other Lords indicated they didn't.
"Alright then, have the plans drawn up." Caspian clapped Tavros on the back.
    "And the rest of you are free to find lodgings for your crews. Just remember to tell them that they are to care for their temporary homes with respect." You released the other Lords, and one by one they shuffled out. Once it was just you, Caspian and Tavros, Tavros cleared his throat.
"So. Were you not going to tell me about that?" He asked with a smile, his eyes heavily focused on your ring.
Caspian grinned at you, "We weren't sure when we would announce it."
"I am happy for you two, truly, though this may complicate things in the line of succession..." Tavros' ears flicked in thought.
"Funny thing, that." Caspian began, and explained everything.
"Ha!" Tavros bursted out. "You're pulling my tail!"
"No." Caspian beamed. "It's all legitimate."
"Well in that case, we must organize a feast for the announcement! Sisni is going to be absolutely giddy."
"How is she?" You asked.
"She has been a perfect little lady. She has really taken her position as my ward to heart and has become a sort of leader to the other children. They really look up to her. I don't think I would have been able to organize their departure to the safe house without her help."
You smiled to yourself. "When will they be back?"
    "It shouldn't be long now, it takes my men about half an hour to hike to it, but with all the children and elderly I would estimate double that time." Tavros flicked his ears again. "Would you two like a tour of the palace while we wait on them?"
"That would be nice." You looked up to Caspian for his agreement.
"Lead the way." He stepped aside to let Tavros pass.

    Tavros led you around the courtyard, explaining the purpose of each room bordering it. One was the classroom where Cornelius taught the children by day, and had begun teaching night classes for the adults who wanted to further their studies as well. Another was an armory, with an attached outside forge. "I can't wait to show Raxe the size of this one." You commented. Then Tavros led you inside the main building.
    It was clearly styled after Narnian architecture but did keep touches of local influence. He showed you the grand halls, kitchens, ballroom, dining area, and the bedrooms. You paused when you came to Sisni's room, unsure if you should look in uninvited.
"Go ahead. She won't mind." Tavros urged.
    You opened the door and found a surprisingly tidy room with a large four poster bed. Sisni had decorated in her favorite color, orange. Orange bed sheets and an orange pattern on her quilt. Her curtains, and rugs, this whole room was so very her. And on a small armchair by the fireplace, curled up in a little ball, was a grey tabby cat.
"You let her get a cat?" You chuckled at Tavros.
"Her friend has one... so of course she wanted one." He sighed.
"You big softie." You laughed as you approached the cat. It looked up at you with sleepy yellow eyes and began purring when you pet it.
Tavros shrugged. "She could have asked for worse."
    You all moved onto the room Tavors had designed and prepared for Caspian. A dark wood king size bed, with a very comfortable looking silken sheet set was the focal piece. The dark red comforter had decorative gold stitching to match the curtains around the bed and rugs.
"I suppose this room is for both of you now." Tavros smiled as he stood in the doorway.
Caspian inspected the room. "It's beautifully designed, Tavros, well done."
You ran a hand over the dark wood fireplace mantle. "It feels so... new."
"Well it should. No one has yet to stay in here." Tavros agreed.
"I didn't even think about where I was going to stay when I came back..." You thought out loud to yourself.
"If you rather stay at the inn..." Caspian offered.
"No. They're going to have their hands full, and Sisni is going to be here, and you..."
Caspian walked over to you and took your hands. "I will stay wherever you do."
Tavros cleared his throat. "I will leave you two to discuss it." He smiled, then closed the door on his way out.
"Wherever you are most comfortable, My Love, that is where we will say."
"I just never thought of not calling the inn my home."
"You can have more than one home." He smiled and pulled your chin up to him.
    What a simple, novel thought. More than one home. The inn was home, but it was your childhood home. The Shade was also your home... and now... your home is wherever Caspian is. Sooner than later your home will be Cair Paravel... when you become Queen of Narnia.
"Let's say here then. That bed looks way too comfortable to pass up." You smiled at him.
"We can always test it... make sure it's to our liking..." He gave you a suggestive smirk.
"Caspian..." You giggled.
"Mmm, I like it when you say my name." He purred as he bent down for a kiss.
A horn blew from somewhere outside the palace, startling you.
"That must be the children and elders returning." Caspian sighed.