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[treading_dawn]

The night is cool and clear, stars twinkling above, reflected cleanly in the lake below.

And in that soft light there is another light, brighter, if more contained.

The Lion is here, pacing out of the forest.

There is something solemn about him tonight.

Solemn, and perhaps a little sad.

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[treading_dawn]

"Oh, my daughter. So wise, and so brave, and yet still so very young."

All the gentleness in the world is in his voice.

"It has always been you and your choices that guide my hand."

That is the price of being born of a human mother, a human father.

The price, and the reward.

[called_lioness]

"I don't like it right now," and it could sound petulant but it just sounds tired and worried and frightened.

[treading_dawn]

"I know it well, child. But I am here, now, and will be so for some time yet."

He licks at her face again, velveted paws settling around her.

"I have always been with you, in one way or another. That does not change--not even here. You have but to look for me."

[called_lioness]

"Except sometimes it feels like you're not," half-whispered, though it's steadier.

Lion bones and lion blood and lion meat and lion fur and no Lion.

[treading_dawn]

"There can be no faith without doubt, dearest."

It is not an easy truth to bear, and his head is heavy where it leans against her shoulder.

[called_lioness]

"Oh Aslan," pressing her face against his.

"I still don't understand it. It's--"

His paws are so huge, and they tied so easily to a table.

"Will you stay with me for now, at least? Please?"

[treading_dawn]

"There will be a time for understanding, dear heart."

He nuzzles against her, whiskers brushing against her cheek.

"I will always be here when you need me, and I will stay as long as I can."

[called_lioness]

Her eyes close as she leans against him and tries to just breathe and not think.

"It's very hard to watch."

[treading_dawn]

"I know, dearest. I know. But for now you do not have to."

His breath matches hers, sides rising and falling in time.

"And never alone."

[called_lioness]

Her own breathing slows, and evens, and she finally says, "I'm sorry," for all she meant it when she said it.

[treading_dawn]

"You need not be."

Those great golden eyes are still solemn, two tiny suns glowing against the night.

"It has been a diffcult night for you, and the morning may be worse yet. But while this is not my country, you and yours are still of Narnia, and I have always protected those who are willing to follow me."

It is less promise than reminder, in its way.

[called_lioness]

She smiles, a little, at that, and murmurs, "I know," which is something, at least. Maybe not as much as she'd like, but something.

[treading_dawn]

There is a softly rumbling purr from Aslan's direction, deep and comforting.

"This, too, shall pass, Lucy. You need only hold hard to your courage, and your faith, and your heart."

[called_lioness]

"It can't pass quickly enough for me," wryly.

But it will.

[treading_dawn]

"Nor for me, daughter. Not this time."

Far behind the words is the faintest rumbling of a growl.

Aslan, you see, has little love for witches of a particular type.

[called_lioness]

Nor does Lucy, and she finds the rumble a comfort, in truth.

"Someday, will you explain the whys to me?"

[treading_dawn]

"I look forward to that day, Lucy."

He nuzzles her cheek gently, fur soft and warm.

"It will not be so long in coming. Not as I reckon things."

[called_lioness]

"All times are soon?" she murmurs with a smile.

[treading_dawn]

He rumbles a quiet laugh.

"I have learned to cultivate some degree of patience. Though it was not so arduous a task."

This might translate to 'yes'.

[called_lioness]

"I wish I had some of it. Waiting is hardest." Wistfully, as she combs through his mane with her fingers.

[treading_dawn]

"You are right. But waiting alone is worse."

Far better to be spared that, if possible.

"And you will not be waiting long."

This, now--this is a promise.

[called_lioness]

Good news or bad, it's something she's grateful for.

"Not alone, no," she agrees quietly. And no one else will be, if she can help it, either. "Thank you."

[treading_dawn]

"Ah, Lucy."

His voice is almost quiet enough for a sigh, and he rests his head against her.

"Thank you."

For tonight, in a way, and for another night so very long ago.

[called_lioness]

She very gently kisses golden fur before closing her eyes and enjoying his warmth and the peace that's coming with it and she's able to accept now.

"You're welcome."

Because if you can't stop things, at least you can be there when they happen.

She'd rather never do it again, and later she'll think that many times, but for now she is content to sit with him and smell sunlight and find that smiling is not so hard as it seemed just a bit ago.