The Greatest Gift of Life, is Friendship for tiabolt
Title: The Greatest Gift of Life, is Friendship
Author: jn208505
Recipient: tiabolt
Rating: K+
Possible Spoilers/Warnings: None
Summary: The Pevensie’s dear friends from Calormen come to visit Cair Paravel for a week! Set in Golden Age. Peter: 19, Susan: 18, Edmund: 16, Lucy: 14.
“Friendship is unnecessary, like philosophy, like art... It has no survival value; rather it is one of those things that give value to survival.” -C.S. Lewis
*-xxx-*
“The Greatest Gift of Life, is Friendship”
*-xxx-*
“They’re here! They’re here!” Lucy called gleefully as she hopped off the window sill and ran to join her siblings in the center of the great hall.
Today was the day their friends from Calormen arrived. While Narnia and Calormen didn’t have the best political relationship, there was one Calormen noble family that was always very kind and hospitable to the Pevensies during their annual visit to meet with the emperor. They had become good friends over the years. They had even decided to start coming to visit the young royals in Narnia at least once a year, and today was the day they arrived.
“Now Lu, I know they are our friends, but they are still visitors from a foreign land, and we must still give them a formal and proper welcome to Cair Paravel. They are our guests,” Peter reminded his youngest sister. Lucy nodded in understanding and straightened up her posture dutifully, though her knees were still bouncing with excitement under her long, blue dress. Susan smiled at her younger sister’s excitement.
Suddenly the large doors to the great hall opened up to reveal two of the castle guards and one of the page boys leading three young Calormenes into the hall. All four Pevensies smiled at the sight of their friends, Brione, Arabella, and Cedric. All three had the tan skin and dark hair of the Calormen people.
Brione was the oldest and the boldest of the three siblings. She was 20 and had dark, wavy hair that rested on her shoulders. She adored the Pevensie family, and always seemed to be the most anxious for their visits together. Arabella was 17 with very long hair and piercing green eyes. She was by far the quietest of the family, but was perpetually in a good mood. She loved to dote on Lucy and absolutely idolized Susan. Finally there was Cedric who was 15 with shaggy hair that rested just below his ears. He, like Edmund, had a great military mind and loved to practice his swordsmanship as often as possible.
“Welcome to Cair Paravel!” Peter greeted happily as they came into the room.
“Thank you for having us,” Brione said with a smile.
Lucy, who was looking like she was going to burst from having to remain formal at such an exciting time, gave a loud squeak as she rushed forward and crashed into Brione with a big hug. Brione laughed and gave her a kiss on top of her head; she adored young Lucy. As soon as everyone saw Brione’s smile at Lucy’s informal greeting they all laughed and followed her lead. The seven of them all smiled and exchanged hugs, kisses, and handshakes alike, each very happy to be reunited with old friends.
The guards and page boys left to take their trunks up to the guest chambers as the four Pevensies led their friends on a tour around the castle.
*-xxx-*
The feast in the dining hall that night was one of the most festive in years! The hall was filled Narnian knights and ladies chatting away gleefully. The Pevensies and their friends sat at the head table on the north side of the room and began to enjoy the feast.
Edmund and Cedric were having an animated discussion on some new military tactics, both thrilled to have someone who understood the excitement of the matter. Peter and Brione were happily chatting together; sharing stories of family and daily life in their respective countries. And Susan, Lucy and Arabella were huddled together on the other side of the table, giddily discussing plans for the remainder of the Calormenes visit!
“Are you ready for tomorrow?” Lucy asked Arabella.
“What’s tomorrow?” Arabella asked with a raised eyebrow.
“The ball, silly!” Lucy clarified.
“There’s going to be a ball?” Arabella questioned.
“Yes, a masquerade ball!” Susan told her.
“That sounds wonderful, but I’m afraid I didn’t bring anything to wear for a ball.” Arabella said, lowering her head and looking slightly ashamed.
“That won’t be a problem, between Lucy and I’s wardrobes we have plenty of dresses for you to chose from to wear.” Susan told her with a smile.
“I can’t wait!” Arabella said with a grin.
*-xxx-*
The music gleefully echoed through the great hall; the masquerade ball was in full swing! Hundreds of Narnians graced the dance floor in their finest formal wear; each and every one of them donning decorative masks of all different shapes and colors. Everyone in attendance seemed to be having a wonderful time!
The four Pevensies were no exception. Susan, who had dressed Arabella in one of her gorgeous, sapphire dresses was taking her around and introducing her to all of her dryad friends as they laughed, ate, and drank. Edmund and Cedric were seated at a table in the front of the room, happily chatting away with Edmund’s date, Cecilia, whom he had been courting for over a month now, and her friend, Emma. The four of them were having the best time as they chatted and laughed amongst themselves.
Lucy and Mr. Tumnus were dancing out on the center of the floor. The two friends were having a wonderful time as they hopped and swayed to the music, occasionally running over to join Mr. and Mrs. Beaver as they moved, surprisingly graceful, across the dance floor.
After a few very upbeat numbers, Mr. Tumnus and Lucy made their way to the side of the hall to get a drink and catch their breath. Lucy smiled as she looked around the massive hall. The dance floor was filled with Narnians! The masks were all so unique. She was finding it difficult to recognize everyone. The only people’s masks she really knew were her siblings and their friends’ from Calormen.
Lucy immediately spotted Peter dancing with Brione in the far corner of the room. She smiled as she watched them. Her eldest brother was always so kind to Brione during visits. She continued to scan the room, spotting Edmund, his girl Cecilia, Cedric and another girl at the front of the room, then saw Susan and Arabella chatting with the dryads. Susan was chatting animatedly as always, and even through her mask, you could see the joy on Arabella’s face at being involved in the conversation. She clearly loved every minute of it.
The next hour of the ball was a blur of music and dancing, laughing and drinking. Everyone was having a wonderful time!
Edmund was still chatting with his friends when suddenly Lucy bounded over to him. “Ed!” she called loudly.
“What’s up, Lu?” Edmund asked, smiling at his sister’s energy. She had been going practically nonstop all night!
“Where’s Peter?!” she asked.
“Not sure, around here somewhere, I’m sure.” Edmund replied nonchalantly.
“I haven’t seen him in about an hour, and that was when he was dancing with Brione.” Lucy explained.
“Is everything okay, Lucy?” Cecilia asked with concern.
“Yes, fine. It’s just everyone is in masks, I like to know where the few people I’m able to recognize are at.” Lucy said with a cheeky smile.
“Perhaps he went for a nap. Once you get Brione talking about politics, it’s hard to get her to stop. That’ll put anyone to sleep.” Cedric joked. Lucy smiled at him.
“Pete loves politics, that wouldn’t knock him out.” Edmund said with a smirk.
“Wait, isn’t that him?” Cecilia asked, pointing towards one of the small doors to the kitchen storage room. Edmund, Lucy, Cedric, and Emma all looked over to where she was pointing and she was right. Peter slowly stepped out through the door and took a moment to straighten his tunic and messy hair before putting his mask back on and making his way to the front of the room.
“What was he doing in there?” Lucy asked, looking back at her brother in confusion.
“Who knows, perhaps he was hungry.” Edmund said with a shrug. As the five of them discussed Peter’s odd appearance, none of them noticed the storage door open a second time, this time, Brione sneaking herself out. She quickly ran her fingers through her hair and put on her mask as she glanced around the room making sure she was undetected.
“Thank Aslan for masks.” she sighed happily under her breath before making her way back into the crowded dance floor.
*-xxx-*
As Brione, Arabella, and Cedric’s departure was getting nearer, they happily spent every moment with their dear friends, the Pevensies. Peter and Brione were merrily talking politics in the library, Edmund and Cedric were contentedly training with their swords, and even challenging some of the knights to some playful sparing. Susan and Arabella spent their time sewing dresses and chatting with the Dryads. Lucy happily tagged along and enjoyed laughing and chatting with them. Arabella helped teach Lucy how to knit so she could have fun making garments as well!
All in all, it was a terrific visit with good friends. When the week was over and goodbyes had to be said, the seven of them gathered outside Cair Paravel by their carriage. Tears were shed as hugs and kind words were exchanged before the three climbed in to leave.
“When do we get to see them again?” Lucy asked hopefully, as their friend’s carriage rode off down the path back to Calormen.
“In a few months when we have the annual conference in Calormen,” Susan answered, wiping a tear off her cheek.
“I can’t wait!” Lucy said. Peter kissed the top of her head dotingly.
“Me either,” he said. The four young royals stood and watched the path until the carriage was out of sight before heading back inside to return to daily life after a very fun week with friends!
*-xxx-*
*-xxx-*
Original Prompt that we sent you: What I want: (e.g. specific ship or character, England fic, Golden Age fic, AU, set during a ball, someone falls ill, whatever, etc.) political intrigue, spymasters, women in power, Calormen, worldbuilding, masquerade balls, unacknowledged romance, strong friendships, etc.
Prompt words/objects/quotes/whatever: “like diamond studded fire”, “your eyes where nothing is revealed/ of bitter or sweet,/ are two cold jewels where are mingled/ iron and gold.”
Author: jn208505
Recipient: tiabolt
Rating: K+
Possible Spoilers/Warnings: None
Summary: The Pevensie’s dear friends from Calormen come to visit Cair Paravel for a week! Set in Golden Age. Peter: 19, Susan: 18, Edmund: 16, Lucy: 14.
“Friendship is unnecessary, like philosophy, like art... It has no survival value; rather it is one of those things that give value to survival.” -C.S. Lewis
*-xxx-*
“The Greatest Gift of Life, is Friendship”
*-xxx-*
“They’re here! They’re here!” Lucy called gleefully as she hopped off the window sill and ran to join her siblings in the center of the great hall.
Today was the day their friends from Calormen arrived. While Narnia and Calormen didn’t have the best political relationship, there was one Calormen noble family that was always very kind and hospitable to the Pevensies during their annual visit to meet with the emperor. They had become good friends over the years. They had even decided to start coming to visit the young royals in Narnia at least once a year, and today was the day they arrived.
“Now Lu, I know they are our friends, but they are still visitors from a foreign land, and we must still give them a formal and proper welcome to Cair Paravel. They are our guests,” Peter reminded his youngest sister. Lucy nodded in understanding and straightened up her posture dutifully, though her knees were still bouncing with excitement under her long, blue dress. Susan smiled at her younger sister’s excitement.
Suddenly the large doors to the great hall opened up to reveal two of the castle guards and one of the page boys leading three young Calormenes into the hall. All four Pevensies smiled at the sight of their friends, Brione, Arabella, and Cedric. All three had the tan skin and dark hair of the Calormen people.
Brione was the oldest and the boldest of the three siblings. She was 20 and had dark, wavy hair that rested on her shoulders. She adored the Pevensie family, and always seemed to be the most anxious for their visits together. Arabella was 17 with very long hair and piercing green eyes. She was by far the quietest of the family, but was perpetually in a good mood. She loved to dote on Lucy and absolutely idolized Susan. Finally there was Cedric who was 15 with shaggy hair that rested just below his ears. He, like Edmund, had a great military mind and loved to practice his swordsmanship as often as possible.
“Welcome to Cair Paravel!” Peter greeted happily as they came into the room.
“Thank you for having us,” Brione said with a smile.
Lucy, who was looking like she was going to burst from having to remain formal at such an exciting time, gave a loud squeak as she rushed forward and crashed into Brione with a big hug. Brione laughed and gave her a kiss on top of her head; she adored young Lucy. As soon as everyone saw Brione’s smile at Lucy’s informal greeting they all laughed and followed her lead. The seven of them all smiled and exchanged hugs, kisses, and handshakes alike, each very happy to be reunited with old friends.
The guards and page boys left to take their trunks up to the guest chambers as the four Pevensies led their friends on a tour around the castle.
*-xxx-*
The feast in the dining hall that night was one of the most festive in years! The hall was filled Narnian knights and ladies chatting away gleefully. The Pevensies and their friends sat at the head table on the north side of the room and began to enjoy the feast.
Edmund and Cedric were having an animated discussion on some new military tactics, both thrilled to have someone who understood the excitement of the matter. Peter and Brione were happily chatting together; sharing stories of family and daily life in their respective countries. And Susan, Lucy and Arabella were huddled together on the other side of the table, giddily discussing plans for the remainder of the Calormenes visit!
“Are you ready for tomorrow?” Lucy asked Arabella.
“What’s tomorrow?” Arabella asked with a raised eyebrow.
“The ball, silly!” Lucy clarified.
“There’s going to be a ball?” Arabella questioned.
“Yes, a masquerade ball!” Susan told her.
“That sounds wonderful, but I’m afraid I didn’t bring anything to wear for a ball.” Arabella said, lowering her head and looking slightly ashamed.
“That won’t be a problem, between Lucy and I’s wardrobes we have plenty of dresses for you to chose from to wear.” Susan told her with a smile.
“I can’t wait!” Arabella said with a grin.
*-xxx-*
The music gleefully echoed through the great hall; the masquerade ball was in full swing! Hundreds of Narnians graced the dance floor in their finest formal wear; each and every one of them donning decorative masks of all different shapes and colors. Everyone in attendance seemed to be having a wonderful time!
The four Pevensies were no exception. Susan, who had dressed Arabella in one of her gorgeous, sapphire dresses was taking her around and introducing her to all of her dryad friends as they laughed, ate, and drank. Edmund and Cedric were seated at a table in the front of the room, happily chatting away with Edmund’s date, Cecilia, whom he had been courting for over a month now, and her friend, Emma. The four of them were having the best time as they chatted and laughed amongst themselves.
Lucy and Mr. Tumnus were dancing out on the center of the floor. The two friends were having a wonderful time as they hopped and swayed to the music, occasionally running over to join Mr. and Mrs. Beaver as they moved, surprisingly graceful, across the dance floor.
After a few very upbeat numbers, Mr. Tumnus and Lucy made their way to the side of the hall to get a drink and catch their breath. Lucy smiled as she looked around the massive hall. The dance floor was filled with Narnians! The masks were all so unique. She was finding it difficult to recognize everyone. The only people’s masks she really knew were her siblings and their friends’ from Calormen.
Lucy immediately spotted Peter dancing with Brione in the far corner of the room. She smiled as she watched them. Her eldest brother was always so kind to Brione during visits. She continued to scan the room, spotting Edmund, his girl Cecilia, Cedric and another girl at the front of the room, then saw Susan and Arabella chatting with the dryads. Susan was chatting animatedly as always, and even through her mask, you could see the joy on Arabella’s face at being involved in the conversation. She clearly loved every minute of it.
The next hour of the ball was a blur of music and dancing, laughing and drinking. Everyone was having a wonderful time!
Edmund was still chatting with his friends when suddenly Lucy bounded over to him. “Ed!” she called loudly.
“What’s up, Lu?” Edmund asked, smiling at his sister’s energy. She had been going practically nonstop all night!
“Where’s Peter?!” she asked.
“Not sure, around here somewhere, I’m sure.” Edmund replied nonchalantly.
“I haven’t seen him in about an hour, and that was when he was dancing with Brione.” Lucy explained.
“Is everything okay, Lucy?” Cecilia asked with concern.
“Yes, fine. It’s just everyone is in masks, I like to know where the few people I’m able to recognize are at.” Lucy said with a cheeky smile.
“Perhaps he went for a nap. Once you get Brione talking about politics, it’s hard to get her to stop. That’ll put anyone to sleep.” Cedric joked. Lucy smiled at him.
“Pete loves politics, that wouldn’t knock him out.” Edmund said with a smirk.
“Wait, isn’t that him?” Cecilia asked, pointing towards one of the small doors to the kitchen storage room. Edmund, Lucy, Cedric, and Emma all looked over to where she was pointing and she was right. Peter slowly stepped out through the door and took a moment to straighten his tunic and messy hair before putting his mask back on and making his way to the front of the room.
“What was he doing in there?” Lucy asked, looking back at her brother in confusion.
“Who knows, perhaps he was hungry.” Edmund said with a shrug. As the five of them discussed Peter’s odd appearance, none of them noticed the storage door open a second time, this time, Brione sneaking herself out. She quickly ran her fingers through her hair and put on her mask as she glanced around the room making sure she was undetected.
“Thank Aslan for masks.” she sighed happily under her breath before making her way back into the crowded dance floor.
*-xxx-*
As Brione, Arabella, and Cedric’s departure was getting nearer, they happily spent every moment with their dear friends, the Pevensies. Peter and Brione were merrily talking politics in the library, Edmund and Cedric were contentedly training with their swords, and even challenging some of the knights to some playful sparing. Susan and Arabella spent their time sewing dresses and chatting with the Dryads. Lucy happily tagged along and enjoyed laughing and chatting with them. Arabella helped teach Lucy how to knit so she could have fun making garments as well!
All in all, it was a terrific visit with good friends. When the week was over and goodbyes had to be said, the seven of them gathered outside Cair Paravel by their carriage. Tears were shed as hugs and kind words were exchanged before the three climbed in to leave.
“When do we get to see them again?” Lucy asked hopefully, as their friend’s carriage rode off down the path back to Calormen.
“In a few months when we have the annual conference in Calormen,” Susan answered, wiping a tear off her cheek.
“I can’t wait!” Lucy said. Peter kissed the top of her head dotingly.
“Me either,” he said. The four young royals stood and watched the path until the carriage was out of sight before heading back inside to return to daily life after a very fun week with friends!
*-xxx-*
*-xxx-*
Original Prompt that we sent you: What I want: (e.g. specific ship or character, England fic, Golden Age fic, AU, set during a ball, someone falls ill, whatever, etc.) political intrigue, spymasters, women in power, Calormen, worldbuilding, masquerade balls, unacknowledged romance, strong friendships, etc.
Prompt words/objects/quotes/whatever: “like diamond studded fire”, “your eyes where nothing is revealed/ of bitter or sweet,/ are two cold jewels where are mingled/ iron and gold.”