✲⋅*♚ ,∴°

𝕭𝐎𝐎𝐊 𝐈: 𝖂𝐈𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝖂𝐀𝐑

𝕮𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝕱𝐢𝐟𝐭𝐞𝐞𝐧: sword and shield

THE SUN SEEMED TO BE SHINING even brighter that morning. As if even nature itself celebrated the Pevensies being reunited. Soft pink clouds turned the sky into a fluffy blanket and the green grass swayed gently in the warm summer breeze. Ashara decided not to put on her boots that morning, her feeting still aching from being on the move all night. Besides, the feeling of the cool grass against her bare feet was pure bliss. It also helped her feel grounded whenever she trained with her sword. Which was exactly what she was planning on doing today.

When she left her tent, most of the camp was still asleep. Only a few guards were awake, standing ready at their posts. But on a hill in the distance she could see two people who had also awoken early, or perhaps hadn't even slept at all. The sun bathed them in golden light as Aslan was talking softly to Edmund. Their words unheard by anyone else, meant only for the Son of Adam, engraved forever in his heart.

Ashara wondered if Aslan would tell him about the fate that awaited him. To die, alone, on the stone table. Or if he would choose to spare him the burden of that knowledge for a little while longer. The thought alone was enough to make her heart ache painfully in her chest and she averted her eyes. She wondered how she could ever face the Pevensies again, knowing that their brother was doomed to die.

Perhaps that was why, as she turned around and was met with a pair of ocean blue eyes, her heart skipped a startled beat. She didn't allow herself to think about another possibility.

Peter didn't even have to speak, the question was written all over his face. She answered quickly, anything to wipe that horribly tortured look of his face.

"He's okay," she said with a small smile and gestured at the hill behind them, providing him with proof.

He could try all he wanted to hide it, but Ashara could see some of the tension leave his body. Though he was careful to keep his face covered in a neutral mask, unsure if he should embrace his brother or berate him.

She took a small step forward, resisting the urge to take his hand by folding her hands on her back instead. "It's alright if you're not ready to forgive him. But know that he suffered for his mistakes, don't add to his burden."

Peter's eyes strayed from the hill back to her and he nodded slightly. The smallest of smiles pulled at the corner of his lips, but it disappeared quickly beneath the wave of emotions threatening to drown him.

She offered him a reassuring smile before taking her leave, giving the siblings a moment alone to work through all that happened to them since arriving here. Though she couldn't resist looking over her shoulder. She watched as Susan and Lucy just made their way out of their tent, their eyes glued to the sight of their little brother. A smile brighter than the sun broke through on Lucy's face. She cried out her brother's name, launching forward.

But Peter stopped her, earning a confused look from his younger sister.

Her shout had taken Edmund and Aslan's attention and after one last look being exchanged between them, they descended down the hill. That's when Ashara turned back forwards and continued her way towards the training grounds. She'd eaten some of Penelope's delicious strawberry cakes back in her tent, giving her all the energy she needed to start her busy day.

She'd asked Mrs. Beaver to send the Pevensies to the training grounds after they had their breakfast. She'd offered both Edmund and Peter to teach them how to fight with a sword, and it was time to deliver on that promise. Something told her they were going to need those skills very soon...

The White Witch wouldn't be happy after last night. A handful of Narnians managing to sneak into her camp and free the Son of Adam, right under the nose of her guards, was not an offense she'd take lightly. For a moment Ashara wondered which poor creature would have to suffer her wrath but she had to remind herself that most of them willingly chose to be there. Pitying those she had to fight would only make everything more difficult.

One thing was certain, the Witch would retaliate and Ashara was determined to prepare the siblings for whatever would come next. If they were to rule Narnia one day, they would have to learn how to defend themselves and their country. She'd make sure Father Christmas' gifts would be put to good use.

Before they could use those though, they would have to start with wooden swords. Which was why, once she'd reached the training grounds, she started with looking for weapons fit for their size. She was far less experienced with the bow herself, which was why she'd asked Tasmus to teach Susan how to use it instead. She would've loved to work on her archery skills but she didn't have the luxury of such distractions. It would be better if she were to focus on her lessons with the Sons of Adam.

"You're up early," a voice came from behind her.

She turned around, greeting Oreius with a smile. "I can sleep in after we win the war."

"Yet we both know you will find another excuse to get up early after that," the centaur teased her with a grin, knowing her all too well.

"Someone has to guide them," she said, not needing to say their names for her friend to know who she was talking about.

"You have done well leading them this far."

For a second Ashara froze in her movements of sorting through the wooden swords. The inevitable fate of Edmund washing over her like a tidal wave. She might've saved three of them but she failed one. She hadn't done well enough to spare him from his fate. She cleared her throat and turned back to Oreius, who'd been watching her with a small frown.

"It's what any Watcher would have done." Her eyes saddened. "What my father would have done."

The centaur placed his hand on her shoulder. "He would've been proud of you."

A small smile appeared on her features, the weight in her chest a little lighter. There were times she still missed him terribly but she knew he lived on through her. Everything he taught her, his sword attached to her hip, her determination to protect Narnia, it was all a reflection of him. So, in a way, he was still here with her and forever would be.

"Promise me one thing," Oreius said, looking at the two practice swords in her hands.

"What?" She frowned.

"Go easy on them."

She chuckled. "Easy doesn't win battles."

"That is true my friend," he said, his eyes drawn to something behind her. "But it might win hearts."

With a frown she turned around, watching as Peter made his way towards her. She couldn't blame the way her heart fluttered in her chest on anything else this time. No matter how much she wished her feelings for the future King were merely out of friendship, deep down she knew that somewhere along the road he'd slipped his way into her heart.

"What is that supposed to mean?" She asked Oreius, trying her hardest to maintain an innocent look on her face.

"It means that usually, when someone is knocked on their arse too many times, they might start to resent you." He winked at her before leaving her alone with her thoughts.

She inhaled deeply, trying to shake his words from her mind before turning to face the future High King. He seemed far less tense than before. She could only hope it was because he'd taken her advice to heart. The siblings would only manage to heal their wounds with kindness, not more anger and animosity.

"Mrs. Beaver said you were expecting me," Peter said as soon as he reached her, a curious frown on his features.

"I did," she replied. "You and your brother."

"He's getting some rest."

She nodded in understanding. "Then he can join us later." Then, without an explanation, she handed him the wooden sword she'd picked out.

Realization dawned on his features and he took a deep breath, steadying himself before reaching out and taking it from her.

"Take off your shoes," she ordered while taking her own position.

He frowned but didn't question her request and did as she asked. He tossed them aside and mirrored her stance, his sword in a tight grip.

"Let's start with the basics," Ashara said, slowly starting to circle Peter. He moved with her, perfectly in sync as though they'd been practicing together for years. "First, always be aware of your surroundings. Bright sunlight can blind you, stones can trip you and a slope can make you stumble. Always force your opponent into the position with disadvantage and stay aware of your escape options. Second, always keep moving. Coming to a stand still will make it easier for your opponent to strike."

She raised her eyebrows at him, silently questioning if he understood.

He nodded, face drawn in concentration.

"Good. Now," she came to a stand still and showed him her hands. "Your right hand should be at the top end of the grip and your left at the bottom, close to the pommel. This will give you a firm grip and make it harder for your opponent to knock the sword from your hand. Keep your elbows bent and close to your body."

She studied him as he adjusted his position, eyes focused on her to try and mirror her stance. Only when she was satisfied with his stance did she continue.

"Always hold your sword at the ready, meaning upright in front of you with both hands. This will give you all the space you need to move. Place your left foot ahead of your right and always, always keep facing your opponent. Now, there are eight different angles of attack. Mastering all eight takes time. Time we don't have. So, I hope you can keep up."

She flashed him a quick smile and her heart skipped a beat when he smiled back at her, his eyes glowing with confidence.

"Are you suggesting I can't do this?" He said, smirking.

"On the contrary," she replied. "I'm suggesting I'm skilled enough to make you a swordsman in the short amount of time we have."

"What are we still standing around here for then?" He rolled his shoulders, eyes filled with determination as he grinned at her.

Ashara realized she liked seeing him this way, confident and proud. It suited him. She blinked, pushing those to the back of her mind and forcing herself to return to the lesson.

"Follow my steps," she instructed.

Slowly she took him through the different angles of attack, using the same pattern her father had taught her. Each step followed the other, until it looked like a dance. This dance was repeated, again and again, until it could be done without thinking about it. Until the sword had become an extension of the arm holding it.

She feared they didn't have the amount of time needed to get that far but she hoped to at least teach Peter a few angles. Because attacking wasn't everything, she needed to teach him defense skills as well, especially if he would be fighting with his shield as well. But until that time, she'd decided to focus on these steps.

They practiced the same movements, over and over again. Every time Ashara sped up a little, trying to see how far she could go until he could no longer keep up. But she'd underestimated his determination, or his pride, because despite his arm shaking from the effort to keep going, Peter still managed to follow her.

The training ground was slowly filling up with more Narnians trying to polish their skills for the battle to come. Far in the distance she could see the archers training and she couldn't suppress a smile when she saw Susan managing to hit the target in the center. Finally they were fighting back.

"Alright," Ashara said, coming to a halt. "You've learned the movements. So, use them."

Peter frowned but when she raised her sword, her intentions became clear. He clenched his jaw and took his stance.

She raised a brow at him, challenging him to come and try his luck. He was smart, of course he knew he didn't stand a chance, but he was also proud and not willing to give up that easily. He rushed forward and tried to swipe at her but she blocked his blow with ease.

He took a step back and slowly they circled each other. Then he moved again, striking at her from the right. Again she managed to block his blow. His strikes weren't presice yet, of course they weren't, but they were strong. Which was good, he was going to need that strength.

Peter came at her again, but she blocked his blow with ease. This time, though, she didn't let him retreat, but instead came after him. She stepped forward and knocked the sword from his hand and pointed her own at his throat. Only when she came to a stop, did she realize they were standing so close she could feel his chest against hers when he breathed.

For a moment she was frozen, a chill crawling down her spine and suddenly her heart seemed unable to function. His eyes had turned a dark shade of blue as he watched her, standing just as still, waiting for her next move, completely at her mercy and content to stay there. And before she knew what was happening, golden strings started to appear, crawling from her heart to her arm holding her sword.

That was all she needed to snap out of it. She stepped back and the string broke, leaving the two of them standing there, breathing heavily. Ashara cleared her throat. "So, ehm, now you've seen that knowing to attack isn't everything. Being able to defend yourself and block your opponent's blow is just as important."

Peter nodded wordlessly, still catching his breath.

Her eyes flickered around the training grounds and only then did she see how high the sun had climbed while they'd been training. "Get something to eat, we'll continue when you're done," she said to Peter as she placed her own sword down.

He put his sword next to hers and began to walk away, only to turn back when he realized she wasn't following him. "You coming?"

It took a moment for her to realize what he meant. She hadn't expected him to want to spend his break with her. She thought he would've wanted to see his siblings, instead he asked for her. Her heart glowed in her chest, despite Ashara trying her hardest to get it to stop.

"Sure," she replied, smiling as she followed him.

They made their way back to the camp, towards the long table that had been placed in the center. It was filled with fruit, bread, eggs and all different kinds of cake. A few weeks ago Ashara had been worried about their provisions running out and now, with summer returning, there was enough to feed an army.

"So what do you do when you're not fighting?" Peter asked as they filled their plates. "I've never seen you without a sword."

She frowned, it'd been so long since she'd let herself have some fun. But there was something she loved to do when Narnia had been peaceful and her skills with the sword could've been used for something else...

"I loved to dance," she admitted, somewhat shyly.

But Peter didn't judge or joke, instead he seemed genuinely curious to hear more.

She shifted in her seat, smiling wistfully at the memories of Narnia long ago..."We used to have a lot of feasts but my favorite was always the Midsummer's Eve festival. The Dryads and Nymphs would open the feast by making the trees and the water itself dance. The Fauns played their music and always managed to get everyone, even those who hated dancing, moving. That's what I loved to do."

Peter watched her in silence for a moment and Ashara knew she must've looked homesick. Longing for a time she would never get back, a family she'd never see again.

"I promise I'll do everything I can to help rebuild Narnia the way it was," he whispered softly.

Slowly she lifted her gaze to meet his eyes and she saw that same confidence, that same fierce determination shimmering there that he'd shown earlier that morning. And she believed him. She no longer feared he would leave now that he was reunited with his brother. He promised to help and fight and she believed him.

"Then let's make sure you can survive first," she smiled, getting to her feet again.

He got to his feet as well, blue eyes glittering. "Well, with a teacher this skilled I have no doubt I will."

✲⋅*♚ ,∴°

Hey guys! 

I was smiling the entire time I was writing this chapter. I swear Ashara and Peter are SOULMATE MATERIAL. Of course I couldn't resist using one of my favorite tropes: training with lots of sexual tension. I honestly never get tired of seeing this in movies or books. It's just so good. Also Oreius giving Ashara love advice is hilarious to me.

I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter! Please leave some comments if you did. Your support gives me motivation to keep writing!

Thanks to everyone for reading. I love you guys and I'll see you next time!

xx Nelly