This was really cool! I liked your insight into the Calormene lifestyle and the way Aravis grew up (before the evil stepmother). I also liked your ability to get into the Calormene view of Narnia, while still letting the characters recognize that there seems to be something very different and not altogether bad about Narnia.
A most excellent story.
- foolofatook :)

This was really good! And while I was reading it I had the thought of a sequel to this one, where the aging Tarkaan is sent on a diplomatic mission to Archenland where he meets the Crown Prince and his Princess. Aravis confronts her father (gently) and informs him of how wrong the beliefs of the Calormen are.

wow! this is an extremely good written story. The way the golden age of Narnia is seen through the eyes of a mis-informed Carlomene, who is not a "bad guy" (it's so easy to brand all the carlomenes as such... and a complety idiocy), but whose ideas an upbringing make him see things different and thus vilifies narnians (just as narnians vilify carlomenes). It reminds me of what Aslan told the young carlomene soldier in The Last Battle "all good made in the name of tash I take it as my own and I will reward you. As well, all bad made in My name, tash takes it as his own and he will reward you.". So, from Kidrash tarkaan's point of view, Narnia is the land of devil because he doesn't understand ... something people constantly forget in both worlds...

Anyway... great job! D

Very, very good story. It was fun to see a Calormen perspective on Narnia. You imitated their storytelling style quite nicely, too.

Wonderful, wonderful job! Truly exquisite.

Go with God,

Eavis

Hmm. Interesting dialouge. The White Witch being aided by Tash the Inexorable is very plausible, too.

Wonderful writings style. :) It really flows well. It would be nice if there's a companion piece to this -either the Kidrash Tarkaan's whole experience in Narnia, or Aravis' reaction to actually meeting the Four Monarchs. :) Though I already know you haven't written such.

Thank you. :) Keep writing.

Great idea to have the story told from a Calormene's point of view!

A very interesting perspective on the Calormen view of Narnia and Aslan. I enjoyed it very much. I like how Aravis's father is portrayed, before he remarried as being a real father and not someone out to get her.

Do you mean to tell me you write like this and you've only done this one story? It's exquisite-subtle and leisurely and yet never dull. This early glimpse of Aravis gives full promise of her later intrepid behavior. and the view of the four monarchs is perfectly calibrated. You manage to give us a completely Narnian portrayal of the Four, yet you do it in a Calormene idiom. Really a wonderful effect. I'm so pleased to have come across this story, and I do hope you write more.

This is a lovely little tale that shows what fanfic can do - it adds another thread to the vast tapestry that is the source material, blending in with the canon world while exploring what might have happened offscreen. I particularly liked the chance to see the Pevensies, so soon into their reign, through the eyes of an outsider. This story struck the perfect note. A very enjoyable read.

"My lord Kidrash Tarkaan, you should know that it is not the custom of Narnians to speak of Jadis as a Queen of Narnia. For she seized and ruled our fair land as a vile, bloody, unnatural and foreign usurper. Moreover, her defeat came not by our power alone but by the power, will and authority of Aslan, who is our good Lord and the High King over all High Kings of Narnia."

This is a fine line, and you have Lewis' voice perfectly. It sounds just like something Peter would say.

I love the contrast between how Kidrash thinks of the Lion (with fear and revulsion), and how Aravis thinks of him-with appropriate fear, but drawn to him. Your last line hearkens to what Aslan says to Jill in the Silver Chair. Very good. Only some can understand... there is devouring, and then there is devouring.

The names were believable. And little Aravis was so cute! :D

Great story!

After I wrote my Aravis story, I encountered this, I wish I did sooner. I love your descriptions of Aravis' life in Calormen and Kidrash's experience of the Narnian monarchs. It's really well-thought out. This one goes on my faves list.

This was absolutely fascinating, it gives a really interesting look into the perspective of the Calormen culture of the Narnian. I love the way that you have captured Kidrash's reaction to the talking beasts and other creatures of Narnia, as well as the conclusions that he drew overall. It's a fascinating piece and does complete justice to the Calormen culture. You're use of language is excellent and your general style is enthralling.

I loved the look into the relationship between a young Aravis and her father's, it's an endearing and realistic portrait. It's pieces such as this that I find do the greatest justice to fanfiction, exploring pieces of the story that are yet unknown, using characters that have not been previously explored. Thank you very much for a very enjoyable read, I hope to read more of your writing in the future.

Also, thank you for your kind review of 'Daring to Dream', it was a real encouragement to me. I wish you the best of luck in the future, you have a talent here, I look forward to seeing more of it :) !