Morning came earlier than expected now that spring had begun once more. The sky turned a shade of pale yellow, mixing harmoniously with the blues that often contrasted. There were no clouds, but it was still beautiful.
Aslan and Aramis spent their first few waking hours by the side of one another. They found it peaceful, as plans were silently exchanged.
When Edmund arose, it was before most of the Narnian's, which came as an advantage. Many of them were still unaware to his presence in the camp, his siblings included. Their ignorance was a blessing in disguise, as it gave them an opportunity to brief the Pevensie boy once more.
He still felt alienated from the beauty round him. It would take time, but it would be well-earned. Soon enough, he would connect to the land, as it did to everyone, and he would feel the sense of home that was so common for the rest of them. There had not been a day in Aramis' mortal life where he could not say Narnia had not been a comfort.
But he listened intently to what Aslan had to say, and that was important. Edmund showed remorse so swiftly it was as if he never wanted to cause problems in the first place.
And then, suddenly, their conversation was broken.
"Edmund! Lucy's voice echoed throughout the camp and up onto the cliff where they stood. Their heads snapped towards the noise; the girl was being held back by her elder brother, wanting to run as fast as possible.
Aramis couldn't blame her excitement. If given the opportunity, he would have been just as enthusiastic to see his brothers and sisters too. But it had been far too long for him to dwell.
"You have done what you could to survive, Edmund." Aramis informed the boy, who looked slightly more relieved. "A man will be made of you yet, but I see you are already on your way."
Aslan nodded in agreement, allowing Edmund to leave. He was more than excited to see his family, and feeling the relief was immense.
The entire thing was bittersweet to watch. A reunion so awaited that it hurt his heart. Aramis and Aslan stood not too far behind the young Pevensie boy, overseeing his movements.
"What's done is done." Aslan again, softly, informing his siblings. "There is no need to speak to Edmund about what is past."
Then, the lion left. He knew that they had no reason to listen any more, and so, took Aramis with him. Though, the star felt as if he could not fully disconnect himself to the conversation. His eyes were trained upon their hugs and subtle movements.
It was his job to understand them, and guide them... but perhaps he was taking it a little too seriously.
"You are melancholic, my friend." Aslan stood by him, his eyes forwards too, understand exactly what it was that Aramis was thinking.
He sighed. "I am happy for them."
"You are not sharing your whole truth."
Once more, he seemed restrained in his speech. However, he knew there was no point withholding it. "They are unaware of the trials ahead."
There were not many words that could have been shared in that moment... but Aslan knew the few that would work. "As are we all."
After Edmund took a well needed nap, despite having had most of a full nights sleep, he and Peter went off to train. It took a couple of days before he became confident enough to ride one of the horses, but once Oreus showed him the basics, he flew through it.
Susan and Lucy soon decided that they would have to jump on the band wagon, so to speak, if they didn't want to be left behind. Although, if she hadn't been so determined, Lucy would have been able to sit out. She was the only exception to battle as she was far too young.
The girls were on the edge of the camp with a few archery targets set up for them. A few of the fauns had been practicing earlier in the day, so had courteously been left up for the royals.
Susan was so-so with her shots. Almost all of the arrows hit the targets, but never accurately. Of course, she was aiming for the middle. However, that middle was scarcely touched.
Teasingly, Lucy threw her dagger, and on her first attempt, managed to outdo her sister. The bullseye belonged to her.
Aramis sat not too far from them, keeping half an eye on their situation. He had little to do throughout the days now that he was not awaiting premonitions on the whereabouts of the Pevensie's. It was odd to feel less useful, but that was the way it had to be.
The rock he was leant against was not too comfortable, but crossing his legs seemed to outweigh that feeling. The grass was soft, and cushioned his seat, allowing him to just be.
Soon enough, the boys came rampaging past, battling like school children. The horses they used, in Peter's case, a unicorn, were strong. Phillip was especially trustworthy- Aramis had played much a part in raising him. From a foal, he was kind, and teaching him was a pleasure.
"Do you not want to join us, Aramis?" Peter called from atop his steed. "We could use an extra soldier."
"I am much more a strategist than a fighter, my King." Aramis excused himself, rather meekly. "But your offer is a kind one."
"Have you ever ridden before?" Edmund questioned, rather quietly. His voice was still lost, waiting to be found.
"A long time ago, my King." He bowed his head.
"Do you mind us asking how old you are?" Peter wondered.
"Us?" The younger brother raised his eyebrows. "I'm fine not knowing. It's rude to ask, isn't it?"
"Only women." The elder shushed.
"I do not mind." Aramis promised them. Their interest was welcome. "But I am afraid that you do not understand... I am much older than you may expect."
"A hundred years?" Asked Edmund, softly.
Peter replied curiously. "A thousand?"
"One and a half billion." Aramis said, monotonously.
"Years?"
"Yes, my King."
"You must have seen so much." Edmund don't understand how someone so flawless could have aged so easily. He still looked twenty, younger even. "And experienced the entirety of the world."
"It is a long story, and something that would take an age to share."
"The witch has demanded a meeting with Aslan." Their conversation was cut short when Beaver ran over to them. He didn't want to waste a second. "She's on her way here."
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Disclaimer!!!!
I do not own these characters. I do not own the Narnia series. I do not own the actors, or the characters. The only thing I own is my adaptation of the story, and my original character.