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...

Further up river, past the waterfall, Susan was washed to the side of the riverbank. She lay on her front, drifting in and out of consciousness. Aslan calmly walked out of the forest towards her. He gently nuzzled her face, to wake her.

Susan heard the sound of a lion, yet she felt a warm, comforting presence around her. She slowly opened her eyes as she felt it nuzzle her. She turned to him slowly and looked up into a pair of familiar warm amber eyes.

"Aslan?"

"Welcome home, dear one." He said warmly.

Susan sat up weakly and looked around her rather confused. "I'm in Narnia?"

"Yes."

Susan looked at him shocked and rather hurt. She thought it was over... she may have been sent to the world she never wanted to belong to, but the pain of being pulled in and out of both worlds was over. Why was he doing this? "But... I thought we were never to return."

"That's what I needed each of you to believe." Aslan said gently as he sat opposite her.

"I don't understand. You said-"

"That it was time for you to live out the rest of your lives in your world. And you have." He said in a gentle, comforting voice.

Why did he have to be so cryptic? Why couldn't he have been straight with them? But she knew why, he couldn't, for that would strip them of their free will. It would force them towards their destines and make them question if they would have followed their right paths if they hadn't have known their fate.

Susan looked at him sadly as his meaning hit her. "You mean..."

"Yes my child."

She nodded and looked down as tears filled her eyes. Her mind flashed to her mother and father, unconscious in sinking car. A tear fell down her cheek as she looked into his eyes. "Our parents-"

"Are in a better place now. One where they have found peace and happiness, where they live in a land, without war and pain." Aslan said comfortingly.

Susan's lips trembled as tears glistened in her eyes. She quickly looked around as she tried to control her breathing. "Where... where are my brothers and sister?" She asked shakily as tears fell down her cheeks.

"They are safe in Narnia." Aslan said gently.

Susan nodded and sniffled as she wiped her tears. Aslan lay next to her and she leaned into his mane. Strangely enough she did not feel the overwhelming pain and grief she thought she would feel. Aslan's presence filled her with a comforting warmth. A promise that her parents were happier where they were now. She was hurt and deeply saddened that she never got to say goodbye, but she suspected that she would see them again...one day. She stroked his mane softly and broke the silence between them.

"So... what happens now?"

"You may live out your lives in Narnia, ruling united with King Caspian." He said softly.

Susan sat up quickly and gazed into his eyes. "Caspian? He's alive?" She asked quickly. "How long has it been in Narnia?"

"It has been almost four years since you and your family helped him to claim his rightful place as King of Narnia."

"Four years?"

"We cannot determine the meaning of time between the two worlds. The deep magic has brought you here and now for a reason. It has led you towards your destinies."

"I don't suppose you could tell me what they happen to be?" Susan asked with a hint of humour in her voice.

Aslan chuckled warmly. "I'm afraid not all things are set in stone." He said wisely.

"Well you can't blame me for trying. Not everyone has a chance to sit down with God." Susan said with a knowing twinkle in her eye.

Aslan looked at her proudly. "How long have you really known?"

"Awhile. I was just so angry and hurt I didn't want to see it." She admitted rather shamefully. "Can you forgive me?"

"Why do you ask dear one?"

"Because I forgive you." She whispered whole heartedly.

"I forgive you." He said humbly. Susan smiled in relief, feeling a weight lift off her chest. "What you felt was merely human Susan. You should never be ashamed of your emotions. I crowned you The Gentle Queen for a reason. Don't run from who you are." He added wisely.

"Susan!" Lucy shouted.

Susan quickly turned as Peter, Edmund, Lucy and a small group of Narnian's ran towards her. She turned back to Aslan and her face dropped, for he was no longer there.

"Susan!" Edmund hugged her tightly in relief, feeling so guilty for letting her go. "Are you okay?"

"I'm fine. Are you?" She asked the three of them as she stood up.

Lucy threw her arms around her and Peter held her head, stroking her wet hair.

"We're all fine." Lucy said smiling brightly at her "We're in Narnia!"

"Well spotted." Susan said teasingly.

"Your majesties."

They all turned as Gwaine approached them and bowed deeply. "It is an honour to meet the Kings and Queens of Old. I am Sir Gwaine, knight of Narnia, and defender of Cair Paravel."

"Cair Paravel?" Lucy repeated, hoping she had not miss heard him.

"In your absence King Caspian gave orders for it to be re-built in honour of your memory. A sign of hope for all Narnian's."

"He had it re-built?" Susan asked breathlessly.

"Not a stone was missed. Though parts of the castle is still under construction as is the town."

Susan smiled, completely taken aback as she felt a wave of love rush through her.

"I can't believe it!" Peter exclaimed joyously.

"Has he returned from his voyage?" Edmund asked hopefully.

"No. Not yet, though hopefully he shall return soon. His has been greatly missed. As have you all." Gwaine said tenderly.

...

Peter, Susan, Edmund, Lucy and Gwaine all sat around the campfire wide awake. They were now less that a day's ride away from Cair Paravel.

"So what we're you doing by the Great River?" Peter asked Gwaine.

"We were scouting the land, searching for any sign of danger." Gwaine explained. He reached over for his wine skin and uncorked it, taking a large gulp of strong faun wine.

"Well we usually show up when danger is just around the corner." Edmund said with a slight smile.

"Actually..." They all turned to Susan as she looked at them with mixed emotions "That's not the reason we are here."

"What do you mean?" Peter asked.

"When I drifted further up river, Aslan came to me."

"And we missed him?!"Lucy exclaimed in disappointment.

Susan nodded, taking a deep breath, preparing herself to deliever the news. "He told us it was our time to live out our lives in our own world. And we did."

They all looked at her with un readable looks on their faces. Peter was the first to find his voice. "You mean?"

Susan felt a lump rise in her throat as she nodded gently. "We no longer exist in our world, and neither do our parents."

"W-what?" Lucy asked quietly as they all stared at Susan with frozen expressions.

"He told me they are in a better place now. One created out of peace, a land where there are no wars, no hate and no pain." Susan said gently.

They each took a moment to register this information. "Heaven." Edmund said in understanding.

Susan nodded to them sadly. "We get a second chance of life, here in Narnia."

They each registered the news as Susan had. They would miss their parents greatly, and they would always love them dearly, but they took comfort in them being in Heaven.

A few tears fell down Lucy's face. Susan immediately moved next to her and hugged her tightly as she stroked her hair. Lucy exchanged a glance with her brothers as she pressed her lips together, breathing heavily. Peter and Edmund glanced at each other with tears in their eyes. Peter patted Edmund on the shoulder and they looked to Susan as she held back her tears and nodded to them supportively.

Gwaine shifted uncomfortably and slowly exhaled a long heavy breath. "You need this more than I do." He said holding out his wineskin to Edmund.

Edmund swallowed back his tears and took it. "Thanks."

The wine burned down his throat, making him hiss at the strong sensation. He definitely wasn't used to such strong anymore. He passed it to Peter as his eyes watered and he looked to Gwaine as he chuckled.

"A bit of courage." Gwaine said with a rebellious grin.

"Woah, that's strong." Peter gasped.

"It's my own mix of faun wines."Gwaine said.

Edmund took another gulp and wiped his mouth as the burning trickled down his throat. "It's good." He said hoarsely.

Gwaine chuckled as Edmund handed it back to him. "How about it m'lady?" He said playfully as he waved it in his hands.

Susan smiled sadly at him. "No thank you. I'm not really one for drinking."

"That's a shame. My guess is you're an amusing drunk."He said making her smirk. He took another gulp from the wineskin and tossed it aside casually. He lay on his back and shifted his position trying to get comfortable. "You should try rest your majesties. We still have a half a day's ride to Cair Paravel."

Susan nodded to her brother's agreeing that they should at least try to get some sleep. She squeezed Lucy and kissed her head before settling down, staring thoughtfully into the fire.

...

Further into the night Lucy lay on her side unable to sleep. She turned on her stomach and propped herself up on her elbows looking at Susan.

"Susan, you awake?" She whispered.

"Hmm?" Susan turned to face her. "You alright?" She asked sleepily.

"Do you think we'll see them again?" Lucy asked sadly.

Susan didn't need to ask to know that she was speaking of their parents. "I hope so. I mean, Aslan is god, so there must be a heaven."

"Do you think Aslan's country is heaven?" Lucy asked thoughtfully

"I suppose so. Maybe one of them..." Lucy looked at her confused. "Perhaps there is one for each world... each world knows him by a different name... I don't know... but I do know wherever they are, they are happy."

"Do you think this was how it was always supposed to be? That we were meant to leave the first time, to come back 1300 years later and help Caspian. To help him on his voyage." Lucy said thoughtfully.

"It's a possibility. Maybe we had to leave Narnia because we couldn't co-exist between two worlds, we were just waiting for the right time when we no longer had to."

Lucy nodded and smiled sadly. "I'm happy we're here." She admitted, unsure whether she should feel that way.

"So am I."

Peter and Edmund were lay on their sides listening to the girls. They were filled with comforting, warmth that feeling made the guilt of being happy and relieved of being in Narnia, fade away.

...

Trumpkin was sat on a large wooden chair in front of the thrones in the great throne room, taking audiences with the people. He couldn't wait until Caspian returned. He would certainly never complain at the way Caspian handled matters after he had taken the role as Lord Regent. He had basically walked a mile in Caspian's shoes and they were rather too big to fill.

Gwaine and the other Knights walked towards Trumpkin, with their hands on the hilts of their swords. They stopped in unison and fisted their hand over their heart and bowed their heads.

"Lord Regent." Gwaine greeted him in an honourable tone.

"Sir Gwaine, we did not expect your arrival for several days." Trumpkin said calmly, even though he felt worried.

Gwaine walked over to his side and whispered in his ear. Murmurs filled the room as they saw Trumpkin's face drop in shock. Gwaine nodded to the Knights and they parted to the side in an orderly fashion. Trumpkin rose from his seat slowly.

"Beards in bedsticks." He murmured in utter shock.

Everyone followed his gaze and gasped in shock as they saw the Kings and Queens of Old standing in the entrance. They kneeled before them as they walked towards Trumpkin who was stood with his mouth gaping wide open, frozen in complete shock. He slowly kneeled before them and bowed his head.

" Your Majesties."

"Hello DLF." Susan said smirking at him. He smiled up at her as he rose, trying to process their return.

He glanced to Lucy as he awkwardly tried not to hug her. Lucy recognised the look in his eyes and hugged him anyway, not caring for appearances.

"Surprised to see us dear little friend?" Lucy asked as she pulled away from him.

Trumpkin chuckled as he glanced between the two Queens. He never realised how much he had missed them calling him that.

"Forgive me your majesties. Aslan himself said you weren't returning to Narnia." He said still taken aback.

"Here we are." Edmund said with a grin.

"And we're here to stay." Peter added loudly for all to hear.

The crowd erupted in loud cheers. The Pevensie's all smiled brightly as they looked around at their people and the perfect replica of the throne room. There was only one new addition. Caspian's throne was placed on the lower level, in front of and between, Peter's and Susan's. It was fashioned in the same style, with an engraving of the Dawn Treader above the head.

"This is joyous news! We shall host a great feast in honour of your return!" Trumpkin shouted happily, making the crowd cheer more.

...

Peter, Edmund and Lucy were lead by their maids towards their chambers which had been re constructed exactly how they once were.

Susan followed her maid. A young Telmarine girl around her age with hazel eyes, tanned skin and short straight black hair.

"What's your name?" Susan asked. She always liked to get better acquainted with those around her, no matter their station. Which for someone of Susan's status, was rather rare.

"Elena, your majesty."

"It's a pleasure to meet you." Susan said sweetly.

"And you m'lady." Elena said, already taken with Susan's kindness. As they reached the door she turned to Susan and smiled. "I hope you like it."

Elena opened the door, allowing Susan to step inside. She gasped softly at the sheer magnificence of her chambers. The cream marble pillars in each corner of the room had golden veins and leaves weaving up them. The boarders around each cream wall were painted in the most beautiful, vibrant flowers, with exquisite detail. Velvet royal blue drapes hung at her windows, and one set lead onto the balcony which overlooked the castle gardens and the sea. A brown fur rug was placed across the floor adding warmth to the room. Two comfy chocolate brown chairs, with velvet blue cushions, were placed opposite each other by the fire. Her cream and gold marble fireplace was carved into the most beautiful Narnian design of veins and clusters of flowers.

She turned to the archway, positioned in the centre of the opposite wall and stepped into her bed chamber. Her four poster dark oak bed was draped with a cream see-through material, with golden gems embroidered into it. Her bedding was royal blue with gold trim to match her window drapes. There was a smaller fire place, positioned by one side of her bed, near the door leading to her bathing chambers. Her stunning vanity, wardrobe, chest of drawers and two bed side tables matched with the same design as her bed.

"It's enchanting." Susan said breathlessly.

"King Caspian ordered each of your thrones and chambers to be re-created in your memory. Though many have said that he was holding onto hope, that one day you would return to Narnia." Elena said rather dreamily.

"I'm glad he did." Susan said tenderly as she looked out to the ocean, wishing for his return.

...

Each of them freshened up and changed into their royal garments before they were led to the grand feast, hosted on the outskirts of the forest as it was such a beautiful autumn evening.

A large bonfire was built as some of the fauns, dryads and the people danced around it merrily. The Pevensie's all laughed and smiled relishing in the joyous freedom of being home. Peter raised his goblet for a toast and his siblings mimicked him.

"To a brighter future."Peter said beaming at them.

"To Narnia."Edmund said in a kingly voice.

"To love. May it be the strongest force in all the worlds." Lucy said looking mischievously at Susan who pursed her lips and smiled knowing that she was hinting at her and Caspian. Peter and Edmund smirked trying to hold back their chuckles.

"To our family." Susan said softly.

They each smiled tenderly as they clinked their goblets and took a sip of their spice faun wine.

"Your Majesties." They each turned and smiled at an old friend approached them.

"Professor Cornelius! How are you dear friend?" Susan asked sweetly as she hugged him.

"Tremendously well, with the joyous news of your staying in Narnia. King Caspian will be most pleased of your return. He had missed you greatly." He replied smiling brightly at them as he mainly looked to Susan. She blushed and tried to hide her smile by looking at the floor, yet she didn't fool any of them.

"Actually Lucy and I joined him on his voyage." Edmund said joyously.

"You did? How is he? Is he well?" The professor exclaimed, clearly worried about him.

"He's fine. Well he was when we said our farewells and returned to our world. But we shall leave the story telling for when he returns." Edmund said reassuring him.

"Which hopefully shall be soon. The people have missed their King." Professor Cornelius said tenderly.

Gwaine approached them with Nymeria at his side. "Your majesties my I introduce Nymeria, she is within Caspian's most trusted circle of loyal friends and supporters."

Nymeria bowed to them.

"We are pleased to make your acquaintance."Lucy said sweetly.

"It is an honour Your Majesties. King Caspian has told us so much about you." Nymeria said gently.

Lucy tried to refrain her giggle as she sensed Susan tensing up each time they glanced at her meaningfully.

...

"Believe me when I say no man can never out drink a dwarf."Trumpkin said smirking at Peter and Edmund, who were sat opposite him at a wooden table with goblets of wine placed in the centre.

"Well we are much older than we look. I like our odds, don't you Ed?"

"Bring it on."

7 goblets of the strongest faun wine later.

A small crowd surrounded the kings and their regent each cheering them on. Peter and Edmund finished their goblets and slammed them down. Edmund was slumped over the table swaying as he struggled to sit straight. Peter belched loudly as he leaned into Edmund to support his body weight. Edmund couldn't take both their weight and he slowly slipped off his chair, with Peter following him to the ground as they laughed.

The crowd cheered and laughed as Trumpkin held his arms high in victory.

"Ha-ha! I told you no man can ever out drink a dwarf." Trumpkin slurred.

"Maybe next time your majesties. Someone needs to wipe that dwarf's smug look off his face." Gwaine said grinning at them.

"I do remember being able to handle my drink better." Peter slurred as he and Edmund sat up.

"Well you were older then." Susan said gently as she smirked at them offering her hand out to help them up. Peter grabbed hold of her arm but his sluggish weight was too much for her so Gwaine laughed and grabbed him by the shoulders, hauling him up to his feet and then turning to help Edmund. "Plus your bodies are no longer used to the intake of faun wine. It's much stronger than ours back in England, you should have remembered. Especially after trying Gwaine's concoction." Susan continued in a logical manner as Peter and Edmund swayed looking at her rather confused.

"I have... no idea what you just said...but whatever it was...I'm sure your right." Edmund slurred as he leaned into Gwaine. Susan and Gwaine smirked at each other wickedly.

"Isn't she always? Su you're like a walking talking book!" Peter exclaimed flapping his arms around.

"A big book!" Edmund added a little high pitched. He and Peter burst out laughing uncontrollably, leaning into each other.

Susan chuckled at them as she shook her head. "Well at least you know what they think of you now m'lady." Gwaine said laughing at them.

"Yes indeed." She said humorously. "I'm afraid they'll certainly regret this in the morning."

"They certainly will."

"Peter, Edmund! Come dance with me!" Lucy begged as she ran over to them panting heavily. Her brothers collapsed back down to the floor and groaned.

"I'm afraid you're brothers don't know how to handle their drink your majesty." Trumpkin slurred as he walked over to them with a wide grin upon his face.

"Oh, well will you dance with me dear little friend?" Lucy asked sweetly as she beamed at him.

Trumpkin's face immediately dropped. "Oh, I don't dance." He said quickly.

"Nonsense, everybody dances!" Lucy replied. She grabbed hold of his arm and dragged him towards the bonfire to dance to the Narnian music.

"So how do you know Caspian?" Susan asked rather intrigued how two men with such differences became friend.

"We used to train together as boys. Though his family disapproved of a Prince playing with the son of a mere blacksmith."

"How did you become a knight?"

Gwaine smiled warmly. "Since I was a boy, I had always dreamed of becoming a knight, but of course, only those of noble blood could become a knight. And that never sat right with Caspian. He always believed a man could change his stars if he wasn't afraid to fight for it. So when he became King he placed the law that any creature worthy of the title could become a Knight of Narnia." Gwaine said warmly. "I fought my way through the trials and became a Knight. I owe him everything."

"He's a great man." Susan said gently. Gwaine observed her thoughtfully as he noticed her eyes sparkle with the deepest warmth and love.

"Clearly." Gwaine said tenderly. "If he makes everyone feel the way you do. At least now I know why you haven't fallen for my charms." He added with a dashing grin.

Susan felt her cheeks grown warm as she tried to splutter her way out of it. "It's not just me who says that." She said quickly.

"Of course not." Gwaine said knowingly. he winked at her making her feel more at ease with him knowing she was still in love with Caspian. "Now if you excuse me your majesty, there happens to be a group of ladies that need my attention." He added gesturing towards the small group of ladies that eyed him flirtatiously.

Susan rolled her eyes at herself as she puffed out a heavy breath. She knocked back the last bit of her wine and went to see to her brothers.

...

In the thick of the night Susan decided to rest from dancing with Lucy and the dryads and fauns. She sat against an ancient tree with a blissful look upon her radiant face. Nymeria approached her quietly.

"May I sit with you, Queen Susan?"

"Of course." She said softly.

"It is such an honour to finally meet you face to face., I've heard so much about you, I feel like I know you already." Nymeria said with a hint of embarrassment.

"I hope I don't disappoint, the history books can tend to over exaggerate." Susan said humorously.

"Oh, not at all. King Caspian always spoke so highly of you."

"He spoke of me?"

"Yes. He will be most happy to see you m'lady. You in particular. Though he has prospered in his duties as King, he was left with a great emptiness inside of him once you left. He misses you greatly, of that I am sure." Nymeria said with an underlining of sadness in her voice.

Nymeria could hear her heart rate speed up as Susan grew thoughtful and sad. She smiled at the young queen.

"Perhaps it is safe to say that you have missed him too?" Nymeria said softly, a little unsure whether or not she had over stepped. Susan turned back to her with an unreadable expression, though her eyes were warm and gentle. "Forgive me if I have overstepped, it's just the people still speak how you kissed him farewell."

"It's alright." Susan said gently. She felt a little embarrassed that it was still spoken of. "I suppose it was rather improper of me to act in such a manner, but in that moment... for the first time... I didn't care."

"You just followed your heart." Nymeria concluded.

Susan nodded and smiled sheepishly. "So how long have you known Caspian?" She asked causally, trying to divert the topic at little and find out as much as possible at the same time.

"Several years. He has come along far from when you were last here. And much more handsome too... well for a human."

Susan smiled at her widely. Caspian had always been the handsomest man she had ever met. It was hard to think of him able to be much more handsome than he already was.

"We owe him a lot, for all he has done for Narnia and our people. In almost four years too, that's most impressive. " Susan said. Her voice was warm and dreamy as she thought of the young King.

She smiled down trying to repress her excitement to see him and fiddled with her fingers idly.

Could this be it? Could they really be together the way she had secretly dreamed for so long? After what Lucy and Edmund had told her, after what his closest friends had said or subtly insinuated, she dared to hope it was all true. That he still loved her as much as she loved him.