A/N: Not all gifts are tangible...As usual, the characters of the Chronicles of Narnia do not belong to me but to their esteemed creator. ENJOY!

Gifts

There were four thrones in Cair Paravel, all similarly glorious and equally awe-inspiring. Yet, each was special in their ownership, their royal symbols carved in representation of their respective monarch.

Upon the seat of Queen Lucy the Valiant, there was a carving of a bottle of cordial – her gift from Aslan. Indeed it was befitting, for in her joyous nature, she gave life to those who despaired and in her compassion, she healed those who were suffering.

Upon the seat of Queen Susan the Gentle, there was a carving of a horn – her gift from Aslan. Indeed it was befitting, for in her merciful nature, the brutally ugly battlefield was not a place for one of her beauty and her firm guiding words were far-reaching, sustaining life in the furthest reaches of the land.

Upon the seat of High King Peter the Magnificent, there was a carving of a sword piercing a shield – his gifts from Aslan. Indeed it was befitting, for though his sword and shield might be tools of battle, tools of destruction, Peter only wielded them in the defense of others, his tools in saving lives.

Upon the seat of King Edmund the Just, there was a carving of a sword slicing a wand – a representation of his gift from Aslan. Though invisible to others, Edmund too had received gifts befitting of him, the grace and forgiveness of Aslan and his siblings, and his freedom. Liberated from the tyranny of his resentment, just as his own sword had broken the hold of the Witch on him, Edmund was now free to serve whom he loved, free to follow his brother and be worthy of the protection under Peter's sword.

There were four thrones in Cair Paravel, all similarly glorious and equally awe-inspiring. Yet, each was special in their ownership, each telling different but no less splendid tales of courage and love that were the journeys of four children to becoming kings and queens – destiny's gifts to the land of Narnia.