Chapter 11:

Chapter 11: Bad Moon Rising

AN: Thanks to Rasputina's rendition of Bad Moon Rising, I have quite a good tone for this chapter. And the next... and the next... Eventually I should make some fanmix or whatever the heckumacallit that people do to say what they write fic to...

Dedication: To Afxk - the 100th reviewer! Holy green guacamole! Not that that was much of a prize, but hey, I got so many fics in the air right now, but later when things have died down a bit, Afxk will be getting a reward fic! Promise.

Harken was sipping from a small glass cup looking elegant. There was something hypnotic to him, that Caspian couldn't quite place his finger on.

"Supplies? Oh don't be silly, I'd be happy to assist in any way I can," his laugh was warm, head tipped back eyes scrunched closed.

Clearing his throat, Lucy tucked in close to his side, "Even so Magician, I would be remiss if I did not pay you for such things."

"Harken, the name's Harken my dear," nimble fingers made a little glowing pattern as he spelled it out in the air - backwards so it could be read by those looking at it. "And my King, after all that you and your men, as well as the little Queen," gesturing sadly, "have gone through at the hands of my servants, it is the least that I can do."

Caspian shifted, picking at the food on the plate before him, "That is appreciated to be sure, but I do not like to feel beholden to anyone."

"Hmm... then perhaps a different arrangement could be achieved?" Harken leaned forward, chin in his hand, staring off into the distance intently. "I have been having some problems lately, there have been sightings of strange things in these waters and they disturb me. If on your way back you could come and tell me some of the things you've seen, it would be welcome."

Edmund raised an eyebrow, looking to Caspian, a lightening fast conference happening between the two, almost sharing one mind on this. Both thought it was a good idea, yet both thought it was a bad one. Something just seemed off. Yet not the dangerous sort.

Lucy actually seemed to quite like Harken and got up, to explore the dining room seeming none the worse for wear after her ordeal.

"What sort of problems have you been having?" Edmund probed, as Caspian watched both the Magician and Lucy.

"Well there it's hard to say," Harken's gaze flicked over to Lucy, an indulgent smile on his face, "I see you've found my looking glass." Rising gracefully, he went closer to the Valiant Queen, a hand landing on her shoulder, "Would you like to see how it works?"

"What does it show?" Lucy's face brightened.

Tapping it with a finger, then spiralling from the center out with the tip of a nail, "Anything you like. Hmm... how about... oh why don't you pick?"

"Susan - I want to know how she's doing!"

Caspian flinched internally, longing for nothing more than to see his Queen.

"Hmmm," Harken tilted his head, then his fingers twisted into an odd pattern, "Queen Susan."

There was a glow, bluish then violet then green, swirling across the silver. It came into focus, and there she was. It was just her face, and she was looking very intent, a small frown upon her face, teeth sinking into the pink flesh of her bottom lip. Caspian's stomach dropped out from the bottom, and his soul cried out - his Queen. His love. Shaking, Caspian got up from his chair, coming to stand next to Harken.

Whispering, "Does it tell you where she is? Is she well?"

Harken turned to look at him, thoughtful, "I can only get a very light fix on her my King. If I had something that belonged to her it's possible I could do better. But..."

His heart was hammering so hard, Caspian thought he'd be unmanned.

"But..." Harken's voice was gentle, kind, "I can do something almost as good."

"What...?" feeling Edmund's hand on his elbow, the support all that kept him from collapsing.

"A moment," Harken left the three of them standing there, staring at Susan's face. Every now and then she'd look away, her lips moving, but no sound would come.

Lucy and Edmund retreated from him, allowing him to simply stare at Susan's face. Three years, three hellish years, and all he'd had were memories and faded inaccurate paintings. Before him was his Queen. Trembling, Caspian stroked the planes shown through the looking glass.

There was a hustle and bustle behind him, then a smaller mirror was presented to him, "This is a fragment of my old mirror. It's a shame they don't last very long, tend to shatter. Particularly when strong forces move through them regularly."

"I... I cannot... take that, I am sorry - it is too great a gift Sir Harken," though Caspian wished to take it more than anything.

"Nonsense, now look, see here," a nimble hand grasped his, pressing the shard to his roughened palm, "If you say her name before you sleep, and deposit three drops of your blood on it, you will be able to join her for a while as you rest. That is if she sleeps as well." Fingers kept it held to his palm, while the Magician's free hand cupped his chin, forcing him to look into eyes the colour of gold, "I know love when I see it. And I know pain such as yours - it radiates from you in waves my King. Take it, I would wish to ease that which I see in you. Otherwise it will crush you."

Looking into those eyes, and how concerned they were, the kindness, "Thank you. I cannot thank you enough then Sir Harken."

"It is nothing to me, but if it helps you - then it is useful and good," smiling softly.

He did have something that belonged to her, but Susan's things were too precious to share with others. Even though Harken had taken him aside after their conversation, reminding him that if Caspian were to have something of hers that a stronger link could be forged. Caspian held the sliver of mirror in his hand, it looked so simple. Brushing a finger over her horn that hung at his hip, it was as though Harken hadn't even noticed that either. It didn't matter though.

Harken had left him with one warning - not to use it too often otherwise it would break. And Caspian knew he may have to keep it safe for a very long time before he'd have a chance to see Susan in the flesh. Cutting that thought off - he couldn't count on Aslan to return Susan to him. Not ever.

There was a brisk knock at his door, and Lucy popped her head in, "Hellooo!"

Smiling as he pocketed the small treasure, "You seem in high spirits."

"Because I am!" she hopped into his lap, giving him a hug.

"And why would that be little sister?" squeezing her in his strong arms. She was a little piece of Susan, bright and happy - he wondered if Susan had been like Lucy at her age.

Beaming, "You got to see her! That's why! Well that and Harken told me he'd show me some tricks later if I'm up."

"Tricks?" the Magcian seemed far from harmless, yet for some reason that eased Caspian. It had been his experience that the dangerous things were more predictable, and that would be better in this situation, than being lulled by the apparently peaceful winding up being horrifically violent.

"Yes," Lucy wiggled around until her back was to his chest, legs kicking the air, her head on his shoulder. "He said he'd show me how to use the mirror myself - and that if when I was older I wanted one, then he'd make me one! Isn't it grand?"

Sometimes he wondered at how childlike Lucy was, she wasn't so little anymore as to need to clamber all over him or others for that matter. Yet she got too much enjoyment from it, and Caspian did too truth be known. She was soothing, easy to love, and easy to care for like this. In the years since the Pevensies had gone, he'd been alone, and his little sister was dong what she always did best - chip away at all the grumpy adultness around her. Even if he thought she may do it on purpose at times, it's benefit was too good to ignore.

Plopping a kiss on the crown of her head, "Yes that is a wonderful thing indeed. But why would you wish to have such a thing?"

"Oh so I could show you Su whenever you wanted," shrugging, "or maybe so I could talk to Peter. Or maybe Father. I'd like that. Harken says that someone really strong can do that. And that someone even stronger can send things through a glass."

"Oh?"

"It has to be a big glass though, 'it must be one of comparable size to the object being pulled through and it can't be done by simple will alone'," taking on the Magician's tone and body-language.

Laughing, "You seem to quite like the Magician."

To that Lucy blushed, "Pishaw - boys are yucky."

"That is what Peter says I am sure," hugging her once more, "and that is what I say as well! Too yucky for you my Queen - though I hope I am not?" catching the look on her face, Caspian poked her, receiving a poke in return, which promptly turned into a tickle-fest.

The howling and giggling coming from both of them had Edmund bursting in, weapons drawn, eyes wild.

"Ed?" Lucy's voice suddenly quiet.

He gave himself a shake, and focused on them, "Sorry, it's just the unfamiliar surroundings. When do you think we could go back to the Dawn Treader?"

"Would you rest easier there brother?" ignoring the spacious quarters around them, the three looked at eachother.

Lucy offered, "I like it here, but it is really big. And there's lots of those poor creatures that Harken's been caring for - they're quite distressing. He said that they used to be men before a Magician experimented on them. So he's taking care of them trying to figure out how to fix them."

Caspian hadn't heard this bit of information yet, "Is that so? Fix them..."

"Harken put a spell on them so they didn't have to look at eachother - they were scaring themselves badly, and hurting eachother. So he made them invisible," she sounded proud of the Magician, almost as though she approved. "They thought it was all his fault, and to counteract the spell they needed a female to read it. So that's where I came in..."

Grunting, Caspian let Lucy slip from his arms getting up to pace, "You do not think it odd that they would fear him?"

"Well no, they're pretty well.. it's not nice to say 'stupid' but it's a good word for it," Lucy picked at the hem of a dress Harken had given her.

Edmund was leaning with his back to the wall, arms crossed, eyes closed, "I have to agree with Luce on that, I did some poking around and our host may be a bit... strange... but he takes good care of those things."

"What about the others who have obviously been here though before?" that bothered Caspian as he cleaned beneath his nails with Lord Krispen's dagger.

"I don't know," Ed shrugged, a blue-brown eye cracking open, "That's part of why I want to go back to the 'Treader."

Lucy huffed in irritation, "Well who knows? But Harken isn't likely to lie I don't think. He's a bit weird, but he's nice. Not fake nice either. Oh don't give me that look Ed!" throwing her hands up in the air at her brother's raised brow. "I think you're just being silly frankly. I for one wish to have a night in a real bed. Just once. It's been two months already, and I just..." there was a hiccup.

Caspian was alarmed at this, he hadn't realized she wasn't happy aboard the Dawn Treader, "Lucy, it is alright, come," grabbing her into a tight hug. "if you wish to stay tonight, then so shall I if it will please you little one."

Knuckling an eye, "I'm okay, really. It's just.. it's... I'm tired, I'm sorry. I want to walk around, I want to not feel so confined... just for a day or so. Please?"

Rocking side to side, unable to deny the little Queen much of anything, "Of course."

Afterall, he could use some 'real' rest himself.

Caspian balanced the tip of Krispen's dagger on his thickly calloused finger. It was well past midnight, Lucy was asleep, and even Edmund seemed to be resting easy. The blade started to wobble, and Caspian shifted his arm just a hair, keeping the weapon expertly upright. A children's game he'd played long ago, seeing how long he could hold something sharp and deadly - many of the scars he bore on the tips of his fingers came from such things. Should he try to sleep? It had been days he mused since he'd closed his eyes. Manic energy was what usually kept him going, but even so, he still was naught but a man, and needed sleep. Tonight though he had a decision to make. Would he use Harken's gift? Or would he simply force his eyes to close - for he wouldn't take any of his poppyjuice laden whiskey this night, for he was in unfamiliar surroundings, and should be able to be at least semi-alert.

There was a soft knock upon his door, but since it did not burst open immediately, Caspian knew it wouldn't be Lucy or Edmund.

"Come in," his voice pitched to only carry just far enough.

It opened a bit, enough for Harken to lean in partially, "I was wondering if there was anything you needed? It's seldom that I get to really entertain guests you know."

Gesturing for the Magician to enter further, "No I am quite fine thankyou. But I did wish to ask you a few questions if I may?"

"Of course," gliding into the room, tapping his chin while surveying it briskly. Walking about it in a slow circle then flopping in boneless grace into a chair, "What did you wish to know?"

Flipping Krispen's dagger in the air, and catching it, "This dagger belonged to a Lord Krispen. He was one of my fathers advisors."

"You don't say?" twirling one of his long locks about his finger, shifting on the chair. "I wonder how it got here then. But I come and go so often, it's hard to keep track of everything." Amber eyes closing for a moment, full mouth pouting in thought, "It's possible that he may have run afoul of my charges. Either that or it may be something brought by the pirates that ply these waters. I trade with them frequently you know."

The open admission to illegal activity should have put him on edge, instead it amused Caspian, "Pirates? That sounds lively. Have there been any recent sightings?"

Harken tipped his head back, slumping further in the chair, fine leather leggings revealed beneath the purple robes he wore as he draped a leg over the arm of his seat, "That's part of what's been disturbing me lately. I've not seen hide nor hair of them in some months. Actually," one eye blinked open lazily, "it's really been two years - odd I hadn't thought that much time had passed. Oh well. Time flies and all that." Gesturing while snapping a soft word, "Nyritonil," and a decanter of something spicy and alcoholic appeared. Swirling his fingers the cut crystal poured into midair where a wine-flute appeared, to be caught in the Magician's hand, gently. A sip, as Caspian watched all this careless display, then, "Not only that but I've been sensing disturbances in the fabric of reality. Great ones, tears that shake the foundation of this world. It's been positive centuries since I've felt the like. Well no, again, I forgot - how remiss of me, I must be getting senile - three years ago there was one. Then recently another. And just the other day, I felt something again..."

Caspian didn't feel it wise to mention the fact that three years ago the Pevensies had come to Narnia. Or that a few moths ago that Edmund and Lucy had returned once more. Leaning forward, hands on his knees, "Do you think these things may be interrconnected?"

"Oh," a delighted laugh, "of course they are. Everything is in the long run. If you live long enough everything circles back. Hmm but it's doubtful you'd live as long as I. You haven't enough Talent to do so. But, that's neither here, nor there," waving airily.

The Magician's arrogance was almost... refreshing... here was a man who was secure in his power and didn't really care what others thought about him. Nor did he make any bones about his ambiguous ethics. Yet at the same time he seemed decent enough - afterall Lucy liked him, and she was probably the soundest judge of character that Caspian had ever come across.

"So the missing pirates, a few tears in the fabric of reality - anything else I should worry about? Like the world ending? Or maybe that I am going bald," Caspian jibed just a touch, relaxing.

Harken's lips curled at the corners, "That'd be an interesting sight. But you my dear, don't have to worry about that anytime soon I should think."

"Ah good, otherwise I would have to request whatever serum you use on yours..." waving at the heavy sheaf of hair that hung about the Magician in ruby waves.

"Oh I know - I'm so vain, but a fellows got to have a few vices," snickering. "Besides, what else would I do with the Power that I have?"

Refraining from pointing out that Harken could use it to help others, Caspian leaned back on his hands, looking at the ceiling, "I cannot guarantee we shall be coming back this way, but if we are and are able to, I will see what can be done about the few problems you have mentioned. Though," shrugging minutely, "I do not think a simple King can do much about disturbances in reality."

Rustling as Harken rose to leave, "That's quite alright, but anything you observe or learn would be welcome. As are you and your crew. Now, if that is all I have a few things to attend to for the night."

Nodding, eyes slit as he watched the man leave, "Good evening to you then."

Before the door closed behind him, "Remember - three drops. And it'll only work if her mind's receptive - either from sleep, or another type of relaxed state."

Caspian sat there for long moments, watching the door. It was as though Harken was aware of his inner struggle. Reaching into the place by his heart where he'd tucked the fragment away - vowing to think of a safer place to put it later - Caspian pulled it out. The shard looked so simple. Just like a piece of any broken mirror. Tilting it this way and that, catching sight of his own haggard appearance, Caspian frowned. He looked disreputable, dirty and unshaven. Sighing, he got up, gingerly putting the fragment down to think about later. First things first he needed to clean up some - even if he didn't wind up using the magical instrument.

The chambers he'd been given were the height of modern convenience - there was even a bathing-room instead of just a wash basin. Inside there was a small pool that was filled to the brim, and it looked big enough for ten. Caspian shook his head at the extravagance. Peeling his worn clothes, wrinkling his nose when he realized he'd worn them several times too many, then tossed them aside. Testing the water with a finger, he found it warmer than he'd expected - he should ask Harken how such things were managed, otherwise it may be magic. But, it was possible there was some mechanical way of doing all that. Random musing aside, he slipped into the water, sighing in relief. How long had it been since he'd had a bath?

Leaning his head on the lip of the basin, he let himself go for just awhile. Caspian's body's needs made themselves known as stress sped from his muscles, the aches and pains from the days travails being lapped away by the buoyant water. Eyes closed, Caspian breathed deeply, adjusting his rapidly forming erection. Privacy was a thing of the past recently after the appearance of Lucy and Edmund so he'd been unable to sate himself as often as was his preference - even if his satisfactions were hollow, his body still had demands. Sighing, wrapping long fingers around the shaft, throwing his free arm above his head to hang off the side of the tub, Caspian thought about Susan.

About her mouth, those full lips whispering his name. Of how her hands had stroked his shoulders and chest, mouth fastened to his, their tongues tangling. Floating freely, the scrape of callous on the underside of his length, fingers squeezing and flexing rhythmically, his weight heavy in his hand. How soft Susan's breasts were, how firm and how good her nipples had felt as they poked his chest when he rode her. The warm water reminded him of the slippery slickness of her juices, and Caspian let out a groan. It wouldn't take him long to come, but Caspian held off, taking pleasure where he could, for it may be a long time before he had another night to himself. Calming his already ragged breathing, swallowing, then letting go of his prick, to fondle his velvety sac, massaging it, hefting it lightly. Susan had been a bit fond of his testicles, and he quirked a smile at that - he'd never payed much attention to that part of his body, but after the few times she'd sucked him he'd changed his mind about that. Rolling their weight, remembering how her slender nimble fingers had caressed him as her mouth would open wider to take more of his cock, tongue lashing at his tip. Unable to keep from biting his lip, Caspian continued to torture himself with light touches.

Rolling over as he floated in the water, head still propped up on the ledge, the angle was a bit uncomfortable but he didn't really care. Using his free hand, Caspian pushed his foreskin back, revealing the crown of his penis, thumb stroking circles over the tip. Squeezing firmly at his testicles, while using short pressing strokes over the head of his manhood, a few harsh moans welling up from deep in his chest. As a wake-up call, Susan had done this to him that morning, her hands busy over his body, her lips on the back of his neck. She was skillful and seemed to know his needs better than he had - that was the best morning of his life he decided, even as he thrust against his hands. A little whimper, his face creasing in concentration, his abdomen tightening. His blood was thick and hot as it raced through his veins. Caspian sped up his ministrations, thinking about Susan's curvy body, and how her thighs felt pressing to him. Wishing - for many reasons - that Susan was there, he'd want to have her beneath him as he came, because he was close, so very close, as he grunted, nearing a point where he'd be unable to stop. If she were there, Caspian would be over her, stroking himself, bringing himself to completion, with her hands and words urging him on. Gritting his teeth, painful electricity tingled at the base of his spine and from his sex, he would let his release loose all over her stomach, marking her as his.

Gasping, "Yes... yes..." then a rolling growl, "Susan..." as his orgasm welled up, unstoppable.

Grunting, Caspian shoved away from the lip of the bath, and just kept his eyes closed, daydreaming that Susan was in the water with him somewhere. He'd take his relief as far as he could. Dunking his head under, letting out a string of bubbles, and opening his eyes, Caspian debating taking in a deep breath. But he wasn't a coward, and he sat up, water pouring from the crown of his head down his shoulders and chest. Eventually he'd find Aslan and make his demands - and if He didn't grant him what he needed... Well Edmund was there to help. Glancing around Caspian spied what he assumed was soap and got clean quickly, then scraped his stubble from his face with the knife he'd brought in with him, done with his empty solace. But... maybe he'd try the mirror tonight.

Clambering free of the marble and grabbed a towel off a convient rack, drying himself off. Draping it over a shoulder, head cocked to the side as he made his way back into what was to be his bedroom for the night, roughly rubbing the cottony material against his hair, eyeing the silvered glass in speculation. Picking it up, Caspian hefted it in his palm, trying to decide.

"It would be just three drops..." muttering. Licking his lips, "Just three... no more than a pinprick... oh Caspian what is wrong with you?" huffing at himself.

He was reluctant to use it - how many times could it function before breaking?

With a sigh, Caspian moved to put it away, but it slipped and with a hiss as a sharp edge nicked him. Cursing Caspian switched hands quickly - and saw one perfect drop laying on its smooth surface. Looking from the tiny cut on his finger, with little tears welling up then to the glass... Before he could question his motivations, Caspian let two more fall next to the first on the mirror.

"Susan..." following the rest of Harken's instructions.

Sudden lethargy swept over him, but not so strong he couldn't fight it. Stumbling the rest of the way to his bed, he collapsed, still damp from his bath, curled into a ball and slept.

Everything looked distant, a bit foggy, but it all slowly came into focus. He was in a room, plaster walls, bare wood floors, and a small bed. It was so spartan - but a small vanity held soft feminine mysteries along with a wide paddle brush. Next to it there was a tall slender bookcase - and Caspian smiled. This must be Susan's room. Taking a deep breath, a familiar scent washed over him.

"Caspian?"

Turning and there she was, standing there a confused look on her beautiful face, hand on the doorknob.

Unable to contain the grin that tugged his features, "Susan..."

She practically tackled him, squeezing him tight. His arms wrapped around her just as strongly, crushing her to him. He didn't want to tell her that this was more than a dream, he couldn't bring himself to. What if this was the only way he'd ever see her again? Why bring her hopes up, why tell her of his quest when it may prove fruitless? So he just held her, burying his face in her hair.

Susan was dressed strangely, a gray skirt that showed off part of her shapely legs, yet made her look frumpy. It was very unlike her, but he didn't care. Cupping her cheek, tilting her face up, Caspian just looked into those eyes of the deepest sky blue. How he'd hated blue of late, the colour hurting more than anything... Yet Susan's eyes drew him in, filling him up, as they shined. His mouth captured her lips, moving over them, tenderly exploring her mouth.

Breaking apart, resting his forehead against hers, "You are beautiful and such a balm to my soul."

"Caspian.." sighing, fingers gripping his shoulders, and he realized he was wearing the same clothes he had on the day she'd left him. How strange he must look in this small little room with its custard painted walls, its worn floor, and tiny bed. "I miss you so much Caspian."

Tugging at the ties to her braid, Caspian worked her hair loose, "And I you my love. I think of you every minute of every day. Know that. And know how much I love you."

Her locks were like heavy mahogany silk, and he ran his fingers through them, reveling in the cool feeling of it against his skin. Harken's gift was phenomenal, it was allowing him to not just see Susan, but to hear her, to feel her, to smell her. Allowing Susan to leave his arms, Caspian watched as she moved around the room, a small chest of drawers being opened and closed, the clothes she was wearing removed and hung up.

"You can sit anywhere you like Caspian," tossing over her shoulder while tugging on a short dress.

Drinking her in as he made himself comfortable on her bed - other than her vanity there was no where else to sit, "Those underthings look strange. What are they?"

"Huh? Oh!" gesturing at her chest - now covered by the dark gray dress, "Well um... I wear a brassier - it's like a corset and instead of bloomers I wear panties. Clothes are different here in case you didn't notice."

"Oh I did, it is very odd," just soaking up her presence. "I like seeing your knees though, but it is quite scandalous, do you not think so?"

She laughed, "Here girls show them all the time."

"Then the men must be driven to constant distraction."

"What? By seeing knees? Don't be silly, there's nothing sexy about knees Caspian," picking up the brush she started to drag it quickly through her hair.

"I think your knees are quite alluring, mainly because they belong to you," pointing out. "Stop," his voice soft yet commanding not liking how Susan jerked the brush through her tresses.

"Caspian?" halting mid-stroke to look at him questioningly.

Waving his hand, "Come, come let me do that," making room on the bed so she could sit between his knees. How many times had he thought of doing that for her? Time passed and it felt like heavenly hours, their voices quiet in the room, not really talking about anything at all. Curling around Susan, Caspian just enjoyed this, and it seemed to do her as much good as it did him. Even knowing that when he awoke he wouldn't be holding her tightly any longer, or that he may never get to see her in the flesh ever again... this... this was peace...

Eventually as they lay there, face to face, his arm pillowing their heads, free hand stroking her arm or her cheek periodically, his eyes started to blink open and shut. It wasn't like he was sleepy exactly...

"Caspian I love you... please know that... wherever you are... I know this is a dream... but.. I love you Caspian, I'll always be with you," murmuring against the knuckles of his hand as she held it to her lips.

"I know Susan, I know..." as he slid farther into a dreamless state, still enveloped in the sense of security Susan gave him even in this state.

AN: Dundundun... Who likes Harken? C'mon tell me tell me! So... what y'all think will happen next?

Reviews? Ego stroking? Flames or praise? C'mon gimme sum luv. It's always welcome... So press de review button thingamajigy down there.