Halrloprillalar   hal@prillalar.com   http://prillalar.com/

June 18, 2003

RATING: PG.

FANDOM/SPOILERS: Narnia. The Last Battle.

SUMMARY: Tirian/Jewel. Running away.

DISTRIBUTION: Archive anywhere. Email forwarding allowed.

DISCLAIMER: Lewis, not me.

NOTES: Rishathra, yes, but not explicit.

Thanks to Kest for beta.


PRESSING ENGAGEMENT
by Halrloprillalar - hal@prillalar.com

"We're running away," Tirian said. "To the lodge." He shouldered a
pack and rested a hand on Jewel's flank.

"And why does a king need to run away?" Jewel asked.

"Oh, from tiresome men telling him what to do," Tirian said. "Best
we go now." They walked through the courtyard, Tirian looking back
over his shoulder at intervals.

"The tiresome men don't know we're leaving?"

"It wouldn't be running away if they did," Tirian said. "I've left
a note. Perhaps we should walk a little faster."

They made it away from Cair Paravel without being seen and took the
path through the woods. It was several hours walk to the lodge and
they passed the time with stories and songs. The air was keen and
they breathed deeply.

It was dusk when they arrived, too late to do much more than eat.
Tirian had food in his pack and Jewel grazed on the spring grass.
Tirian opened a cask of wine and they drank for thirst, and then
for joy, and then for friendship.

"For never will I have a better friend and companion, Jewel,"
Tirian said, and twined his arms around Jewel's neck.

Jewel touched Tirian's cheek with his nose. "Nor I, Sire, nor could
I want one."

The night was cool and firelight flickered in Tirian's eyes.
"They're after me again," he said. He sighed and rested his head
against Jewel's neck. "They want me to get married."

"You didn't care for the lady?" Jewel asked.

"I didn't even see her," Tirian said. "I didn't need to." He was
silent for a while, then he turned and looked at Jewel. The light
was almost gone, but for the fire. Jewel's white flank glowed in
the firelight and his horn shone blue as ice. "You saved my life,
once, Jewel, do you remember?"

Jewel looked back at Tirian and his eyes were deep and black. "I
only recall that you saved mine."

They were silent for a while, leaning against each other. Jewel
nuzzled Tirian's cheek softly as Tirian stroked Jewel's ears and
forehead.

"I suppose it wouldn't do any good to insist I won't be married,"
Tirian said.

"You must have an heir," said Jewel and Tirian sighed. "If you are
married, Sire, perhaps I should be married too," Jewel added.

"Why, do you want to be?" said Tirian. He had never before
considered this.

"No," said Jewel. "While you are with me, there is nothing more I
desire." Jewel stretched out and ran his head, warm and strong,
along Tirian's neck. And then Tirian felt the smooth curve of
Jewel's horn drawn along Tirian's jaw, then last of all the point,
needlesharp, just brushed his cheek.

"Nor I, Jewel," said Tirian. "Perhaps I can insist that I need not
be married yet. Twenty-five is quite young enough for that and that
is four years off."

"Mayhap something will happen by then to prevent it," said Jewel.

"May it be so," Tirian said, and embraced Jewel and kissed him.

F I N I S

Halrloprillalar   hal@prillalar.com   http://prillalar.com/