Lucy the Valiant

Lucy stood on the balcony, looking out over the courtyard with anticipation. No sign of him. She paced back and forth, her breath showing in the cold morning air. Now 18, Lucy still had a childish impatience about her, a never-ending curiosity, especially when it came to surprises or pleasant treats. Today was a special day indeed, a long awaited arrival of a dearly beloved friend.

Lucy hadn't seen him in months; he'd been off to send an important message to her brother Edmund, who ruled the neighboring kingdom. Then, she also granted him permission to visit his family on the other side of the country. She was beginning to wonder if she should've allowed him to step foot off of castle grounds in the first place, but knew that was a selfish thought to think. After all, he had his own life before he met Lucy so long ago.

Thinking more about it, this was the first time they'd ever been this long apart since she became queen. Lucy shivered and a nervous frown fashioned itself onto her mouth. She clutched the sides of her crimson dress, examining the golden embroidery and patterns woven into the fabric. This was one of her favorite dresses. She had the tailors specially decorate and iron it. The hair dresser had made some of her rich red hair into a braid, letting the other half down underneath so that it cascaded down her shoulders and back.

A faint call was heard below. Lucy peered down and saw someone being escorted through the gates. She grinned widely, glad to see he had arrived. She'd hired escorts and even a small band to welcome him home. The drums started a beat. She couldn't contain herself any longer, her green eyes shining as she flew down the steps of the palace floors towards the entrance.

The gaurds hadn't had the time to yet open the doors, when Lucy swung them open and ran out into the courtyard. She saw him ahead, smiling bashfully back, and sprinted at him, not caring anymore about her hair or dress.

"Tumnus!" she shrieked with delight. The escorts stepped to the side and a trumpet and horn joined the booming drums, announcing Mr. Tumnus's return. She threw her arms around his bare back, nearly knocking him off his hoofed feet. He laughed and drew his arms around her.

"Your majesty." Tumnus croaked. "Your fellow subjects are watching." She did not lessen her grip. She loved how wild and curly his dark hair grew. She could feel his ear tickling the side of her head. She took a small step back, holding onto his shoulders at level with her own.

"You smell of Autumn." she said, her face radiant as she sniffed him again. "Of pine and leaves and mud." she giggled. He looked down shyly, embarassed at the attention. "I've missed you." she said, meeting with his eyes again.

"I've missed you too my queen." he admitted. She stood staring and smiling at him for a moment.

"Aren't you cold at all?" she asked, knowing how he hated to wear tunics and coats. He shook his head, his ears flapping. Lucy took his hand and walked with him back to the palace, almost skipping with happiness. "You must tell me everything of your journey. Tell me all about your family. Tell me what Edmund's reply to my letter was." she rushed.

"I will, your majesty." he promised. "But first, I shall ask permission to go to my quarters and bathe. It's been a long time since I properly cleaned myself."

"Of coarse." Lucy said, letting go of his hand, a smile still plastered on her face. Tumnus didn't look a bit older. Fawns aged slowly and he looked exactly the same as he did when Lucy first saw him by the lamppost.

They reached the grand hall, where Lucy persisted to hug him again. She closed her eyes and let out a deep sigh.

"Oh, I feel like I could breathe again with you here." she confessed in a whisper, feeling like a huge weight was lifted. Tumnus patted her back gently. He broke away and bowed. Lucy watched as he headed up the stairs to the second floor where his room was.

She felt free and safe, knowing he was home with her. However, she also felt another familiar feeling; something almost like that of a butterfly caught in her stomach.

She ordered cooks to prepare a feast and servants to prepare and decorate the banquet hall, all the while skipping around the palace with a joyful disposition.