Chapter Text
The Pevensie golden age was a bright and happy one. People and creatures alike came from far and wide to establish trading routes or even just to catch a glimpse of the Narnian crown jewel.
Cair Paravel.
Where the Great River poured out into the glistening Eastern Sea. The very same that lent its name to the valiant Queen Lucy, who ruled alongside her sister and brothers.
Iara sighed and happily traced her fingers over the history book, like she had done so many times before. Narnia had known peace for 7 long years after the White Witch’s rule and Naiads who had been frozen under the thick ice for a century were now free to enjoy the wonders of the world around them that had changed so much.
Iara had been born at the beginning of the Long Winter, years before the Pevensies entered Narnia from the Wardrobe in the far land of Spare Oom, which according to Their Majesties, bordered the great Western Woods, the domain of the just King Edmund, Lucy’s elder brother. She spent the frozen years traveling the waterways, searching for a way to escape the cold.
“Iara!” A sweet voice called and she slammed the book shut and stood up, smoothing her dress out and rushing out of the library.
“I’m here, sorry Your Grace, I was reading and I must’ve lost track of time.”
Queen Lucy giggled, a beautiful sound, like sunlight on a warm day. “I wish you’d stop calling me that. How many times do I have to tell you that Lucy will do.”
Iara couldn’t help but smile. “Alright. Lucy it is then.”
They rushed through the corridors, seemingly in a hurry to be somewhere.
“Lucy, might I ask where we’re going?”
“My eldest brother, High King Peter has convened the council. I don’t know what for yet, but we’ll find out soon enough.”
“Why am I going?”
Lucy stopped for a moment. “Because you’re not just my lady-in-waiting, Iara. You’re my friend and I trust you. And my siblings will too. I promise.”
The dark haired Naiad nodded in slight apprehension and the two of them continued on their way till they reached a great oak door that was cracked open, allowing voices to filter out of the room.
Lucy squeezed her friend’s hand and led the way in, making her way the the middle of the room.
Iara had never seen a council room before, and she was surprised to see books, maps, charts, navigation devices and other things covering every inch of available space. And in the center of it all sat the kings and queens. Iara gaped for a moment then shut her mouth quickly. She hadn’t noticed Lucy had left her side.
She watched as Lucy curtsied then sat and the meeting officially started.
“Friends, I’ve called you all here in hopes that we can settle a dispute between two nations.” Iara watched as the magnificent High King Peter, whose eyes were as bright as the Northern Sky on a clear night, began the conversation swiftly. “Days ago, in the high mountains between Narnia and Archenland, there was a escalation in a conflict between two groups of travelers. King Lune has asked for our help in settling this.”
“I believe that we should send King Edmund. He is our best diplomat.” The Faun, Mr. Tumnus spoke up and was rewarded with agreements from The Beavers and Orieus the Centaur.
“I believe I am inclined to agree with the council.” Gentle Queen Susan, who radiated beauty like the Southern Sun, said. “Edmund is our best shot. We cannot afford to start a war with Archenland. They are our greatest ally.”
“I accept the proposal.” Edmund says with a nod. “And I shall like to bring our dear Queen Lucy along with me. King Lune is always writing in his letters that he looks forward to going riding with our sister, since she knows all the the best places. And she is training alongside me in the ways of diplomacy. I think this will be a good first mission for her.”
The council room filled with various murmurs as they attempted to form a semblance of an agreement and one came eventually.
“Wonderful,” Peter said with a clap. “we have come to an agreement to send Edmund and Lucy to meet King Lune at the foothills and then travel to meet the two groups. We shall reconvene at the end of the week.”
The room cleared out, leaving Iara alone with the four siblings.
Lucy stands and walks around to the other side of the table. “Peter, if I may, I’d like to bring Iara along. She is my lady-in-waiting and a Naiad. She has knowledge that may come in handy during the journey.” Lucy pleads with her eldest brother.
The remaining siblings exchange glances and Susan and Edmund nod their heads in agreement with the youngest of them.
Peter thoughtfully strokes the beginnings of a beard forming on his chin and looks at Lucy. “Are you sure Lu?”
“I trust her with my life, brother.”
The eldest Pevensie sat back in his chair and thought for a moment. “Alright, if it’s okay with Ed, she can join you.”
Said brother joined his younger sister on the other side of the table. “If our sister trusts Naiad Iara, then I do too. She can come.”
“Oh thank you Edmund!” Lucy threw herself not so gracefully at her brother and he laughs.
“You’re welcome Lu.” He says softly and with a smile.
Iara watched as Edmund linked his arm with his little sister’s. “Pack your things and rest for awhile. We leave at dawn.”
And with a whoosh of capes and curly blonde hair, the two siblings disappeared down the corridor and out of sight.