Entering the Wasteland {Plot ? Part 3}

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[Prince Caspian is out on DVD! Go buy one for yourself, and another as a Christmas gift for someone else!]

Prince Caspian is out on DVD! Go buy one for yourself, and another as a Christmas gift for someone else!

[Prince Caspian]

Caspian stood at the entrance of the cave filled with trepidation. The rain was slowing, dying and it was about time. They had been hiding away inside the caves for? what, four days, five days? A week? He had lost count ? though he didn?t doubt someone knew. Still, even if they had only been holed away for a day, that was still a day far too long. All this time hiding from the rain had been a rather big waste. Caspian hadn?t been able to do much battle planning, nor had he been able to meet with anyone to discuss matters. Everyone seemed to be falling ill ? some seriously, and some not so much. Nevertheless, it had been a strain on everyone and no one had been in the mood to discuss upcoming battles, Caspian included.

It was almost time to journey back out into the open area around How; almost time to leave the cave. In fact, Caspian had already ordered everyone to start getting things together, ordered them to get ready to leave. The moment the rain stopped, they would be outside. He wasn?t concerned about it starting again any time soon ? he was surprised it had even managed to last as long as it had.

They needed to get outside. They needed the fresh air, and the space to set everything up again. They needed to get on with it ? they couldn?t win a war from inside a series of tunnels and caves. He stood there staring blankly out at the falling rain, a troubled sigh escaping him.

Had he done the Old Narnians wrong by not waiting for Aslan? By not waiting for help? Would they fail now, because of his impatience? Shaking the thoughts off, he knew he had to stop doubting himself, stop doubting their mission. This was what the great Lion Aslan would want; he would want his people restored to peace and safety? restored to their rightful ownership of Narnia. Granted, the doubts were lessening. It was only in those spare moments when he was all on his own that they came creeping back to haunt him. But he would conquer them; at least, he hoped so.

It was not a sudden noise that startled him from his thoughts; rather it was the lack of noise. Lack of rain falling and hitting the ground. He glanced up and looked outside, peering around for the sight of rain, the sight of little droplets hitting the massive puddles gathered on the ground. But there was nothing. The rain had stopped! Thank Aslan, the rain had stopped!

?The rain is done!? He shouted, the boyishness within him that had been long hidden away breaking free for a moment as he bolted from the entrance of the cave and ran farther in. ?The rain has stopped! Tell everyone! It?s time to get back outside and win this war!?

Everyone around him looked up, amused by the exuberance of the recently weary Prince. Still, as his news began to sink in, creatures all around him rose to their feet and followed him. Even the most ill among them wanted to get out into the air and survey the damage that the storm had done.

Chaos erupted as everyone jumped to their feet and followed Caspian to the entrance of the cave. It was such a lovely sight, to look out without the rain getting in the way. Caspian hurried from the cave and down towards the camp? and stopped short.

Eyes wide as he stared at the mess, he drew in a sharp breath. This was going to be a major setback. A major setback. Everything that they had been unable to bring with them was either gone, or so badly mangled that it was beyond repair. There was water positively everywhere ? the trenches that had been dug were now deep pools of the frigid stuff. They would have to start over.

Caspian turned back to survey his tired, sickened army and brought a hand to the back of his head. He only hoped that Miraz?s army suffered as badly as his. He coughed then, which took him very much off guard. It was a painful, wrenching cough that, while ending quickly, was a rather bad sign of things to come, he feared. Nevertheless, he nodded to some of the more able-bodied Narnians to start bringing out supplies. They needed to set everything up soon, so they could get back to work.

[Senzi Naffis]

Senzi, who had been lounging in a secluded little corner, raised his head at Caspian?s cheerful yelling. ?Was it really necessary to yell?? Senzi thought, getting up. He was hoping to get some sleep today. He had been out almost all day the previous day. Despite his dislike of running, Senzi wished to be out of the cramped little cavern. He bounded past all the other creatures making their way out of the How and darted out into the open. He had a surprising amount of energy today. It was probably from being stationary for so long. He stopped and looked down in disgust at his muddy paws and then dismissed it. It was just mud.

He padded over to Caspian, the squishing of the mud beneath his paws giving away his approach. ?It seems we have work to do, my lord,? he said as he got closer. Viewing the destroyed camp, Senzi made to sit down, then decided against it. Muddy paws were enough for him. ?It wouldn?t hurt to do a bit more work anyway, right? Some of these fellows could use it,? he chuckled. It was true. Though some had caught some sort of sickness, there were still some, such as Senzi himself, who were eager to do something.

Senzi made his way down to what remained of  the camp and began to examine everything and looking for things that weren?t ruined. He saw no reason to just stand and stare at the mess. ?Standing there looking at the camp won?t do anything about it,? he called back to Caspian cheerfully. He disappeared into a pile of junk and rummaged around. He came out on the other side and continued this, finding little that could be saved.

?It?s really not as bad as it looks,? Senzi said to no one in particular as he made his way back to the How. He climbed on top of a large rock and sat down, tail neatly placed around his paws as usual.  He looked about him, waiting for someone to call on him for help. There were still creatures of all sorts making their way out of the How. It saddened Senzi to see so many ill. It may have been selfish of him, but the leopard was glad he had not caught the illness.

He looked up to the sky and gazed at the retreating clouds. He was glad the rain had stopped. Everyone seemed to be moody during rain storms. Senzi always kept to himself during such times. He did not like to argue with people who wouldn?t stop. He let out a yawn as he watched the goings-on around him.

[Arina Penley Carison]

Choni couldn't believe it when the news spread through the tunnels like wildfire. The storm was over? Truly? She had rode through most of it -and probably should have continued on in it. The forest had been shelter enough, and much more hospitable.

Reguardless, she picked herself up and grabbed the reins of her horse, gently pulling on them to urge him outside. "Come now, Tyber, the breeze and fresh air will take the musty smell your coat has aquired."

She winced as she realized that she would have to help out. She didn't have any servants here whom she could order to rebuild for her or air out her drenched things, still rolled up in the pack Tyber carried for her. Patting his mane, they left the tunnels and breathed deeply the sweet air that follows a storm.

Her head felt like it was swimming in a thick liquid, trying to pull her to the surface. She grimaced, sincerely hoping the rain wasn't catching up to her.

Letting go of Tyber's reins, he trotted off to graze through the newly grown grass, full, thick, and tall. He was happy enough.

Choni spotted Caspian and stalked over to him, not concerned that Tyber might slip away. She knew he wouldn't. Her cheeks were flushed from her light-headedness, but she ignored it, more fueled by wanting to let the boy who she unwillingly had to follow, now, that their previous conversation was not finished.

She heard his cough and grinned. "Catching ill, are we?" she asked, approaching him from behind. "Perhaps that will teach you not to accuse a lady of being associated with your inept uncle."

Choni folded her arms across her chest. "Tell me, how do you intend to plan battles, rebuild your encampment, face Miraz; lead this army if you let yourself fall prey to illness?"

[Roani Donova]

?The rain has stopped! Tell everyone! It?s time to get back outside and win this war!? Hearing the shouts of Prince Caspian, the girl rose from sitting position near Dar. Wondering if his words were true, Roani ran to the mouth of the main cave. With a whoop of joy she whistled to the gelding and ran outside.

Snorting, the male equine followed his mistress. Roani turned and smiled to her companion. "No more rain Dar! We can fight efficiently now!" Patting the horse, Roani hugged his neck and sighed.

She wondered where Richard was and if he was okay. "We will meet again." the huntress whispered fiercely. She was going to say something else when the wrenching cough of their Prince broke her voice. Turning swiftly Roani walked to where the boy was standing. "Highness?! Are you alright?"

"Catching ill, are we? Perhaps that will teach you not to accuse a lady of being associated with your inept uncle. Tell me, how do you intend to plan battles, rebuild your encampment, face Miraz; lead this army if you let yourself fall prey to illness?"

With burning eyes and a furious look on her face, Roani rounded on the girl. "How dare you? Who are you to question his Highness?!" Placing her hands on her hips, the girl faced the rude little slip. The huntress' face was turning red with fury. "Hasn't he been through enough without you talking down to him and questioning his actions or abilities?!"

[Elba Oimms]

Elba felt the sting of fresh air on her face and smiled slightly. Her chest still rattled enough to worry her and she knew the still damp air wouldn't help. But she didn't mind any more, it was finally time to leave the damp confines of the cave and see the sun again. Slowly she gathered her things. Her broad sword and her shield were wrapped in a long canvas peice and they felt very heavy in her hands as she neared the cave entrance. There were many weak and ill that wobbled out of the How, their faces filled with hope. As she walked she helped as many as she could, stedying a Horse with a wounded leg, carrying an old owl on her shoulder and holding onto the small paw of a beaver as they stumbled out of the dank and the dark.

Finally, as the sun shone on her, she began to recount her duties. Her first was to find her men, who had been scattered about the caves. Most of them were healthy, only a few had even suffered remotely. She looked about, pulling her cloak about her and stepping forward, her pale face a bit worried. Then, as if summoned by her thought, Lucien appearned. Lucien Darmon was the real power behind the Archenland force. There were only about twenty ground troops but Darmon had made them as useful as an entire battalion. She smiled gracefully at him.

"Lucien." she said as the Old Narnians continued their trek "Are you well? The men, have they-"

He nodded, as if he already knew her concerns.

"Milady we Archenlanders are made of more wiry stuff. We await your orders." he smiled slightly then "And they inquire about your healty Lady Oimms."

She stood up straight, as if to reinstate her strength. She'd had enough rest in the caves. For a moment she felt her will weaken but then smiled again, the sun was doing wonders on her mood. She looked to the West where her men carried canvas and supplies needed to start rebulding the camps for the Narnians.

"Tell them they are doing enough to recieve medals of honor twnety times over. And be sure they take care of themselves, you too Sir Lucien."

He gave a stiff nod and returned to the men, giving them the news. Each one seemed relieved. What this army needed was rest and health, but they had no time. Miraz would take just as much advantage of the storm as the Narnian's would. At the thought of Miraz Elba remembered Adimon and hoped that Sir Cross would have an easy enough time with him. They hadn't been able to finish their conversation but he'd seemed docile enough. She would have to finish explaining to him soon...

But before she could even get her thoughts around the Telmarian she heard a familiar voice rising among the ranks. Elba turned, her eyes narrowing in on the fray. Roani seemed to be the source of the noise and beside her Caspian and the woman who called herself Choni (though Elba had a pretty good idea what her real name was) stood. Elba stepped forward and Roani's words reached her.

"How dare you? Who are you to question his Highness?!" Placing her hands on her hips, the girl faced the rude little slip. The huntress' face was turning red with fury. "Hasn't he been through enough without you talking down to him and questioning his actions or abilities?!"

Elba finally made it to where the group was settled and put a gentle hand on her friend's shoulder. She knew that the worry over Richard would put strain on the young woman and felt for her. But this was the last thing they needed.

"Come now Roani." she said with a weak smile "We are out! We're free! Why not enjoy the sunlight? This is no way to celebrate now is it?"

Then she coughed, the sound racking her body. It was small but it was enought o shake her. She cursed under her breath and took a drink from her flask. The thick syrupy liquid helped, but burned on the way down. Then she offered it to Caspian.

"Here your Highness. It will help some."

[Senzi Naffis]

Senzi could not help laughing out loud at the humans before him. They were always trying to bring each other down, mocking each other and separating themselves.  How Senzi wished that humans had never came into Narnia. ?Now now, children,? he said as he leapt off his rock, ?there is no need to bicker among yourselves so. We must stay unified, must we not? Always be a little kinder than necessary, yes?? The humans were indeed acting as children. For Senzi to step into an argument such as this was rare, but he felt that he needed to do so under such dismal circumstances and try to make peace.

A worried look flashed over the cat?s face briefly as two of the humans moved to Caspian?s aid. ?Just give it some time, Majesty. It will go away on it?s own,? he said before quickly adding, ?but of course, your medicines should help it along as well.? He did not wish to offend the woman who had offered medicine to the Prince. It would probably only cause more useless fighting.

Senzi looked at each of the women in turn. The blonde lady had a sour look about her. The leopard guessed that she did not make friends very well, which was why the group had started the scene. "Perhaps that will teach you not to accuse a lady of being associated with your inept uncle,? she had said. ?You should not underestimate the opposition, my lady,? Senzi said quietly, ?though he is hated among us, he is hardly inept.?

?So, my lord,? the cat said, trying to change the subject and avoid more bickering, ?Have you any plans for the reconstruction of the camp? We must make all haste before Miraz learns of this little? unfortunate event. There is no doubt in my mind that the so-called 'king' will attack as soon as he can if he learns of his enemy?s setback.? He scratched at his ear as a fly landed on it.

Finding a little grassy spot not covered in mud, Senzi sat down near the group. ?You must have been warned against letting the golden hours slip by,? he said to Caspian. The leopard licked his paw clean of the mud that had dried on it. He quickly put it down and tried to get the horrible taste out of his mouth.

*?Always be a little kinder than necessary? and ?golden hours? quotes both go to J.M. Barrie.*

[Arina Penley Carison]

Choni was really beginning to dislike this Roani, she believed her name was. She wouldn't even be in such a distainful disposition if it weren't for her and her little knight. She set her mouth in a hard line as she looked at the woman.

"For one, I'm technically talking up to him since he's taller than me." Choni knew perfectly well that wasn't what Roani meant, but she also liked to be particularly difficult with people she didn't like. "For two, I think I have as much right as anyone else. They are valid questions and if I'm to be staying here and helping, I want to know how he's going to support this army when he can't even take care of his own health! He is the king, or will be soon anyway, so he should be aware of the concerns of his encampment, should he not? As I am now a member of this little settling, I'm making my concerns known about his Highness' fitness to lead when he's fallen ill."

When Lady Elba joined the little group forming, Choni inclined her head and curtsied slightly in respect. She had nothing but respect for Lady Elba, which was more than she could say for Roani.

She glanced down when the Beast spoke to her and she stood speechless for a moment, marvelling at his beauty. Choni was still a little more than star struck that all the creatures from legend were real live breathing things, not just stories. After her moment of amazement passed, she also inclined her head to him.

"He may not literally be inept, but I'll not stand here and give Miraz praise he does not deserve," she explained. "Besides, the statement is not far off. In all my visits, I came to the conclusion that he is a bumbling fool who is easily influenced by his wife, Prunaprismia, and his Lords, Glozelle and someone else, I can't remember his name. He's a puppet and the three of them take turns pulling the strings."

She sighed and glanced around at the washed out wreckage. What would Karth do in such a situation? She rolled her eyes at the thought. Karth would do the same thing she would- order someone else to fix it. What would her servants do?

"Hmm... We need new... wood. But... If the legends are true, then we'll scarcely be able to find any usable wood that isn't home to a nymph..." She was mumbling to herself now, trying to figure out how she had survived so long without knowing these things and why she hadn't paid more attention to the work of her servants. Her face formed a pout as she tried to prove to herself that she knew something about survival and building, which of course, she didn't.

[Prince Caspian]

Quite unfortunately, it seemed as though his little coughing fit had caused quite a stir. The one who called herself Choni seemed to enjoy the opportunity this presented to call more doubt upon his ability to lead this army. She also seemed quite insulted that he had supposed she was nobility from Miraz?s court. He rolled his eyes and did his best to ignore her, though he could feel illness swiftly coming for him.

Roani was by his side in mere moments, defending him and saying that he had already been through enough. She was an amusing little one, indeed, though Caspian would not say so aloud in fear he?d harm her pride. His first encounter with her, and the characteristics that he saw in her now, were enough to tell him he didn?t want the girl on anyone?s side by his own. She and Richard would certainly make an interesting pair ? for everyone had noticed their growing closeness.

?Thank you Roani, I think?? He trailed off, sighing slightly as even more gathered. He saw the Lady Elba ? a wondrous woman in his regard ? try to calm Roani before sipping from a flask. She then offered some to Caspian, who hesitated. There was an inward struggle as he wondered what might be better; to not take any, attempt to look stronger than he really was and likely end up growing ill faster? or take some, show some weakness but let everyone around him know that he was willing to do something about it, regardless. He didn?t think long as he took the pro-offered flask and sipped from it. It burned his throat as it slid down, but Caspian could feel a little bit of a difference already.

?My thanks, milady,? he said, bowing slightly to the healer. He turned to Choani then, his face hardly a picture of pleasure.

?My apologies, once more,? he said, his voice tinged with sarcasm once more, ?oh wondrous lady who both will not reveal her true identity, nor where she really hails from. At this present moment, I have little care for your words, or your actions and if you leave my camp, then good riddance; there is more than enough drama here and I daresay you won?t hesitate to stir up more yet.?

The leopard, too, was there and he told them all that there was really no gain in arguing. The cool, calm tone of his voice was a little frustrating to Caspian, though he did not let it show upon his face. ?Yes, I realize we must re-build. The only matter his how. I suppose the best route would be first to clear the camp of debris ? all the wood and whatever else the might be able to be reused ought to be put to the side for later evaluation... He paused and took a deep, shaky breath. "Once everything is cleared, what we still have should be put up and we can go from there. But it must be done quickly ? Miraz likely weathered this storm far better than we and his army will be attempting to force us to fight before we?re ready.?

[Nirvelli]

It was so dark and humid in the caves that morning. That rain had really made the air almost unbearable to be in. She hated how muggy it was, and how miserable some people looked. She had awoken early, making sure that there were no troops near. She climbed up the ledge of the caves, and saw the clear area. She assumed that was all she would see, but she didn't want to rely purely on assumptions. She sighed as she climbed down, knowing the worst was yet to some upon them. She dreaded it, but she had the heart of a stone for battle. She was ready, and she was willing to fight for Narnia and her people.

She came back in from the rain, and waited for an hour or so. She didn't quite know how fast time was moving here. She was just ready to get out of here. She needed some fresh air. It was just too stale in the cave.. She looked around as a few creatures were waking, and getting their things ready. She too prepared her sash, as well as her sword. She sharpened it as she waited for any word on what they planned on doing. She looked around as she sharpened, until hearing the words of the prince. It was time to get out.. Thank heavens! She slid her sword back in its sheath, and stood. She walked through the group, looking around as the walked out. So many willing to stand for there people... It was a great push for her to really be ready for what all was to come...

She walked out, and stretched, "Pure air at last.." She said, in a pure angelic voice. "Oh sweet freedom by name of nature." She said, glad she was finally out of the caves. She walked around the crowds as she heard the voice of the one everyone seemed to call Choni. Or so she had called herself.  She had heard a quarrel with her before in the cave, and the peace needed settle once and for all. Indeed, the last thing people needed was tension that was already high due to Miraz. Drama seemed to follow everywhere this woman went, but it was not the appropriate time for Nirvelli to say anything.

She looked to the prince as he spoke about the matters of what they should do. She wasn't there to lead, but to help. He seemed to have a fairly good idea of what they were to do. She wasn't sure what to say, so she felt it was best she let the prince do what he was to do. She looked around at the drenched ground. She looked at the wood, getting a good idea from it. She would let them group as she began to work. She put her hand at the wood, her necklace having the light glow as the water was pulled from the logs. She repeatedly did this process, only taking moments. A few centaurs helped her stack the heavier logs she couldn't life herself. "Thanks." She said in her soft voice, and they nodded helping. The debris needed moved and they needed to salvage what they could. She and the two centaurs obviously couldn't do this all alone.. "Could anyone lend a hand?" She shouted out.

[Roani Donova]

?Thank you Roani, I think?? The fierce huntress smirked on the inside. Their Prince wasn't entirely sure he should thank her, but nonetheless Roani would give her assitance to him and any Narnian that needed it. Whether her help was wanted or not. It was one of her qualities some found a boon, others found it annoying.

Turning, the girl patted Elba's arm. "Thank you friend. I assure you, I am calm now." With a bright smile she faced the opposing woman. "Don't you think his highness is well aware of the concerns of this encampment?! I should think so, for he has been more than happy to deal with them thus far. And why do you think his fitness would affect his leading abilities? I don't think our Prince would back down just because of a little cold!"

With fire in her grey eyes, Roani stood still and glared at this so-called Choni. Who was she to question Caspian's judgement and leadership? And if this woman thought just because she could make some snide comments and brush her ignorant way into the camp, well Roani wouldn't back down from a challenge. She never would, that wasn't how she functioned.

All this fighting made her think of Richard and when he saved her from the Telmarines. Oh how she wished he was here right now. The knight wouldn't let this rude female question their Prince or his people. A low fire burned in her gut, she longed for Richard's company and reassuring words.

[Arina Penley Carison]

Choni glared at the Prince. "My real name is Choni and I hail from Archenland. I was never asked where I came from and therefore, never lied about it. I'm a farmer's daughter and I left home because I didn't want to marry. No one here thought to ask me anything but my name and all were quick to assume I came from Miraz. I had been riding for several days. The last news I recieved was that the Queen had a child and you disappeared." The lie slipped easily off her tongue and she almost believed it herself.

"I am not a difficult person to get along with, but false accusations and concerns will make me an easily adgitated person and I suppose you'll just have to put up with it because I don't have else where to go."

Choni turned her attentions, rounding on Roani. "One cannot be aware of someone else's concerns unless they are conveyed through a form of communication, in this case, the communication is verbal. Caspian's fitness does effect his leading capabilities. He can't very well lead an army and effectively plan from battle if he's bed ridden which is why-" She turned back to the Prince. "-I suggest you listen to Lady Elba. Take her medicines because I assume you'd rather have your men see you taking care of yourself than waiting for it to get worse."

She felt as if the earth beneath her were shifting below her feet, trying to throw her off balance. She set her feet a shoulder's width apart to assure herself that she wouldn't topple over. She swallowed hard.

"Some of the... healthier men should search for materials... salvage what can be from the old camp. Training needs to continue as soon as possible. Warriors get sluggish when they haven't practiced in a while." She only knew this because of her observations of Karth. He had once fallen ill and couldn't train for two weeks. He could hardly defeat a blade of grass, much less a trainer.

Choni closed her eyes for a moment, telling herself that she was fine. And even if she wasn't, it wasn't anything bad, she could feel it. "I think I'll go find someone to help," she murmured. It was a poor excuse, but she wouldn't have herself looking ill in front of this lot. Especially the prince and this Roani.

She turned and started towards the ruined campsite where others were already pulling things apart to see what they could use. She trained her eyes on the grass below her and walked slowly with deliberate footsteps meant to keep her from falling over.

After a moment, the dizziness passed and she walked with her head held high. She was fine. She thought.

[Senzi Naffis]

"Would you please be quiet," Senzi snapped at Choni, "I think everyone has heard quiet enough of your chatter. If you keep going on like that you'll start attracting the squirrels!" Regaining his cool, the cat looked toward the Prince. "Maybe you should dispatch some scouts, Highness," Senzi said to him, "best make sure. Who knows? Maybe they were all washed away!" He laughed heartily at his own little joke as he made his way back down to the camp to help.

"Hello," the leopard said cheerfully as he approached a dark-haired lady, "may I help with anything? That is if you could use a paw instead of a hand." He chuckled at the little joke. He was very happy today despite his being deprived of sleep. Thinking back on his words, Senzi doubted very much that the Telmarine army had been washed away. He was just trying to brighten everyone's moods. Rain storms always brought out the worst in people.

He examined the remains of the camp around him. As far as he knew, all the food had been moved inside. Though there were some rather thick people around the How, none of them were that dense. He turned his attention back to the darked-haired lady and waited for instructions.

[animeangelfish]

Ignoring the other inhabitants of the cave was easily done once Reina set her mind to it. Every little thing in the soil, or falling from the sky outside their cave sang to her. Sure, she could have very easily escaped once the storm started, but she preferred to continue in her little escapade and had stuck close to the walls and away from anyone who might question her or try and engage in conversation. Her intention had been to find out what the group of Narnians were doing bulked together but she?d found herself ushered into the cave alongside the rest as the storm had began.

It was pure childish glee that kept her going when most had fallen ill or were stir crazy. All these Narnians in one place! It was simply astounding! So, by the third hour she?d found herself playing in the water next to a centaur and a few other creatures that were curled up with their limbs awkwardly folded under themselves. She?d assured them, with cheeks stained a pleasant pink color, that she was far from sick despite her odd behavior. It wasn?t her fault that the rain was so exhilarating. Blame her genetics.

Though slightly more subdued then before, Reina bounced out of her spot into the fresh air with her arms spread wide. Instead of stopping to examine the damage, as she had little to no knowledge of how their camp had been previously, she darted forward to the filled trenches. Folding her feet underneath herself she reached out and giggled as she skimmed the top of the water with her palm. The fallen rain certainly didn?t speak to her far as much as the standing water, but if left unattended to it would be singing to her as loudly as the rivers of Narnia.

?Hi, what?s your name?? Ringlets of auburn hair fell across the pale girl?s forehead as she craned her neck down and listened to the whispers.

[Prince Caspian]

He was glad for Roani’s loyalty, and Richard’s too… and for the devout loyalty of most everyone in the camp. But there were those few who just made him want to turn around and crawl up under some silken sheets and turn everything back to the way that they had been – his ignorance had been, for a time, bliss indeed. Lirain, and this “Choni” – a girl he was quite certain was lying about a good many things.

She told him, looking rather angry though he wasn’t sure whether it was genuine anger, or perhaps just a cover, that she was from Archenland and that she was the daughter of a farmer. ”You,” he muttered, ”Are no child of a lowly farmer. No farmer’s child would speak to me in such away. Granted, few royals would either. However, your mannerisms suggest you can be nothing but the daughter of a Lord. If not a Lord of Miraz’s, then perhaps one from Calormene or Archenland. T’is a pity I don’t recall from where.”

Caspian tuned her out, turning away as she began to explain how his health did influence his ability to lead. He saw how she faced him, heard how she told him he’d be best to take Elba’s medicines and not wait for his illness to get worse. “I had every intention of doing just that,” he said coolly then, scowling at her. ”Now if you’re quite done?”

He hid a laugh as the leopard, called Senzi, snapped at Choni then, telling her to be quiet. Caspian quite agreed, he was certainly done with her chatter! The girl stalked off and he smiled to himself, choking back a cough, which he managed to cover up as though he was merely clearing his throat.

From the looks of it, the group was clearing up in order to get back to work. There was much that needed to be done, though a good many others seemed to know more than he what they ought to be doing. He looked around, putting a hand to his forehead as he found himself quickly getting lost in his thoughts. Caspian knew he shouldn’t worry – Aslan would provide, somehow and someway. After all, they were fighting his war, for his people.

Wandering down in the direction of the camp, Caspian decided to make himself useful. He’d help get the tents up, perhaps, though he would definitely have to get back to strategic planning soon. He had a lot to plan and not too much time to do it – who knows how Miraz weathered the storm?

And most of all, he wanted some sleep. Maybe just a quick nap, he thought, blinking back the fatigue in the hopes he could at least accomplish something useful first. He coughed again, his throat burning as he did.

[Arina Penley Carison]

When Choni reached the old campsite, she began gathering the old canvas' together. She decided that the bigger ones could be sewn together or patched up to be used for new tents. They were all pretty ratty, but she would use her own clothes to repair them if need be. They usually used at least ten yards of fabric than weren't needed. But she did so love her clothes...

She whistled and Tyber trotted over. She pulled down her pack and searched for a needle and thread. She knew she packed them somewhere.

Her mind would not leave what Caspian had said to her. She wasn't do a very good job, acting like a farmer's daughter and she knew there were already those who knew her real name, but she had to stick to her story. She would not go back. She wouldn't allow it.

She wiped her eyes dry when she realized that their watering was the reason her vision kept getting blurry. Choni scoffed at herself and hung her head. Bear the weather, argue with the true King, but cry over a stupid arranged marriage. I have the right, she thought stubbornly to herself.

If Choni got married, it would be because she was in love, though she also didn't see that happening, so she would be happy to grow up to be an old spinster, living alone with no fat Baron for a husband. She cringed as his face filled her mind. It would work itself out. He didn't like her anyway. Something about intelligent women not knowing their place...

She was surprised to find herself holding the needle and sack of thread she had been looking for. Choni set them on top of everything else to spread out the largest canvas she had discovered and pick out smaller ones to cover the holes. It took her longer than she wanted. Everytime she stood, she became light-headed and had to wait for it to stop.

When it was finally finished, she was able to sit and sew. She cried out every two or three stitches when she poked herself in the finger. She had never really sewn before. There was always someone else to do it for her. After a little while, she got better and her cries came only once every six or seven stitches and then every twelve or thirteen stitches. Soon, she didn't cry out at all- she just groaned and put her finger in her mouth to wait for it to stop bleeding.