Ch. 28 Becoming a mother and raising a son
With the end of World War II, a sense of hope and reunion began to fill the air as people prepared to return to their cities. Among them were Helen and Abraham Pevensie, relieved to be alive and eager to reunite with their children, who had been staying in the countryside under the care of Professor Kirke. Their return marked a moment of joy—but it was also a moment of reckoning for Elizabeth.
Elizabeth, twenty again, was pregnant, reached full term, and gave birth to a beautiful baby, a son named Alistair Pevensie, with the love and support of her younger siblings and the professor. However, she knew that explaining her child's existence to her parents would require a delicate balance of truth and fabrication. Professor Kirke, ever a thoughtful guardian, worked with Elizabeth and Dr. Polly Plummer to craft a believable story to ease Helen and Abraham's concerns.
According to their carefully constructed tale, Elizabeth had fallen in love with a man named Adam, the professor's fictional godson. Adam was said to be a military official whose duty called him away before he could learn about Elizabeth's pregnancy. The story paints him as a brave, honorable man who plans to marry Elizabeth upon his return from war. This narrative would not only shield the truth of Alistair's origins but also reassure Helen and Abraham of Elizabeth's character and intentions.
Dr. Polly Plummer supported the white lie, helping to weave details that gave credibility to the story and standing by as a confidante for Elizabeth and Professor Kirke. Her wisdom and kindness ensured that Elizabeth navigated the situation gracefully and confidently.
When Helen and Abraham arrived, the reunion was filled with tears of joy and relief. They embraced their children, including their youngest, Lucy, who eagerly introduced them to her "nephew," Alistair. Though surprised, Helen and Abraham accepted the story with understanding and admiration for Elizabeth's courage in raising her child under such challenging circumstances.
Elizabeth felt a deep gratitude for the professor and Polly. She vowed to ensure that Alistair's life would be filled with love and security, just as Aslan had promised in her dreams of Narnia. Though the white lie obscured the extraordinary truth of Alistair's heritage, Elizabeth knew her son's destiny was far greater than anyone could imagine.
As time passed and life began to settle into normalcy, Professor Kirke grew visibly older. His once vibrant demeanor led to a slower pace, though his sharp mind and warm heart remained unchanged. Elizabeth often noticed the subtle signs of his advancing age—his slower movements, the way he rested longer in his favorite chair, and the quiet moments he spent reflecting on days gone by.
One day, Professor Kirke called Elizabeth to his study. She and her son, Alistair, with Lucy, would visit him frequently whenever they could. The room, filled with memories of Narnia and the adventures that shaped her life, felt nostalgic and comforting. Alistair, now a lively toddler with golden eyes and a bright smile, was playing in the garden under Lucy's watchful eye.
Sitting her down, the professor spoke with gentle sincerity. "Elizabeth, my dear, I've watched you grow from a brave young woman into a devoted mother. You've faced challenges most could never fathom, and you've done so with grace and strength. Alistair is a testament to that strength, and I see so much of you and his father in him."
He reached for a set of papers on his desk, his hands trembling slightly. "I want to ensure that both of you are cared for when I am no longer here. Since I have no children of my own, I've made arrangements. If something happens to me, everything I own—this house, the estate, and my remaining wealth—will go to you and Alistair."
Elizabeth was taken aback, her eyes welling with tears. "Professor, I... I don't know what to say. You've already done so much for us. This is more than I could ever dream of."
The professor smiled warmly. "There's no need for words, my dear. You and Alistair are my family now. You've brought light and purpose to my life. This is my way of ensuring you both have a secure and happy future."
Elizabeth leaned forward, embracing him tightly. "You've been like a grandfather to us. I'll never forget your kindness."
From that day on, Elizabeth cherished the professor's selflessness even more deeply. She vowed to honor his legacy, ensuring that Alistair grew up surrounded by love, wisdom, and the knowledge of the remarkable man who had played such an essential role in their lives.
As the years passed, life unfolded steadily for Elizabeth and her siblings. Each carving their own path while remaining a tight-knit family. Elizabeth balanced the challenges of being a single mother with determination and grace, raising Alistair into a kind, intelligent young boy.
Despite the responsibilities of motherhood, Elizabeth pursued higher education, earning a degree in World Literature, inspired by Professor Kirke's wisdom and passion. She cultivated her intellect, becoming as sharp and insightful as her beloved mentor. Alongside her studies, Elizabeth took care of her health, staying active and strong, not just for herself but also for Alistair.
She used Professor Kirke's funds sparingly, relying on them only in emergencies. She wanted Alistair to grow up appreciating hard work and the value of life's blessings. Her wisdom and resilience made her a guiding light in her family, and her home was always a welcoming haven for her siblings.
Peter grew into a steadfast and honorable man, earning an education before following in their father Abraham's footsteps by serving in the military. His discipline and leadership shone brightly, but his deep love for his family always brought him back to spend time with Elizabeth and Alistair whenever possible. He became Alistair's father figure, teaching him the values of bravery and responsibility.
Edmund matured remarkably, though his mischievous streak remained, making him the family's spirited anchor. He, too, pursued an education and joined Peter in military service. As the "fun uncle," Edmund always found ways to surprise Alistair with gifts and stories from his travels. His bond with Elizabeth remained strong, and he often reminded her of her unwavering strength.
Susan grew into a stunning and sophisticated woman, but her belief that Narnia had been a dream distanced her from their shared experiences. She moved to America, met and married an American, and built a life far removed from her childhood. Her letters to her family in England grew infrequent, though Elizabeth still sent updates about Alistair, hoping to keep some connection alive.
Lucy remained the heart of the family, kind and warm as ever. She pursued an education and found joy in simple, meaningful work, whether at a library, a coffee shop, or a flower shop. She adored spending the most time with Elizabeth and Alistair, bringing joy and light into their lives. Her stories and gentle encouragement nurtured Alistair's imagination, keeping the spirit of Narnia alive in their hearts.
Alistair flourished under Elizabeth's loving guidance. With his mother's pale golden hair and his father's bright golden eyes, a honey color (a mix of gold and brown to the human eye), he grew into a compassionate and intelligent boy. He admired his uncles, Peter and Edmund, found joy in Lucy's company, and listened intently to Elizabeth's tales of Narnia. His unwavering loyalty to his mother and strong sense of justice reflected the best of both his parents.
Through the ups and downs of life, Elizabeth and her siblings remained a family bound by love and shared history. While their paths diverged, their connection to each other—and the memories of Narnia—kept them united in heart and spirit.
Elizabeth poured her heart into countless diaries in her quiet moments, chronicling every detail of Alistair's life. Each page was filled with meticulous updates—his first words, his golden eyes lit up when he smiled, his love for books, and his growing strength and character. She adorned these pages with drawings, photographs, and even pressed flowers from their walks in the countryside. Each entry was a testament to her love for her son and a promise to herself to share these memories with Aslan one day.
When she thought of Aslan, her emotions were sadness and resilience. The ache of missing him was a constant undercurrent in her life, but it also fueled her determination to be strong—for Alistair, her siblings, and herself. Aslan's unwavering faith in her, his love, and shared memories were a source of comfort and inspiration.
Elizabeth often found herself gazing at the horizon, imagining Narnia and Aslan's roar echoing through its valleys. She prayed silently that he was well, that Narnia thrived under his protection, and that he still held her in his heart as deeply as she held him in hers. These thoughts strengthened her, reminding her that their love transcended time and distance.
She hoped that one day when fate allowed her to return to Narnia, she could present these diaries to Aslan—tangible proof of her love and devotion and a glimpse of the incredible son they had brought into the world together.
In Narnia, Elizabeth and her siblings' absence left a void that time could not fill. The once-unified land began to unravel, its peace fractured by disputes and rivalries. Neighboring kingdoms, encouraged by the Pevensies' sudden disappearance, began waging wars to claim Narnia's borders, coveting its lush lands and magical essence.
Although still the mighty Emperor of the land, Aslan heavily bore the weight of these changes. His once-resounding roar seemed subdued, and his silver-white hair seemed less radiant. The sorrow of being separated from Elizabeth was etched into his every word and action, a silent grief that all of Narnia noticed but dared not speak of.
Without Elizabeth—the heart and soul who had united Narnia's people and given them hope—Aslan felt an unshakable loneliness. He ruled as he always had, dispensing justice and protecting his realm, but the warmth and joy he once radiated were now tinged with melancholy. The love he had shared with Elizabeth, so pure and eternal, left an ache in his heart that no amount of duty could heal.
The Pevensies' absence, significantly Elizabeth's, weakened the alliances that once held the kingdom together. Old rivalries resurfaced, and neighbors who once pledged loyalty to Narnia began encroaching upon its lands. The court of Cair Paravel, where laughter and harmony once reigned, now echoed with debates over strategies to maintain the fragile peace.
Despite the challenges, Aslan refused to waver in his resolve. Though the strain was evident, his faith in the prophecy—that one day, Elizabeth and her siblings might return—kept him anchored. Every sunset that painted the Narnian skies reminded him of her, and every whisper of the wind seemed to carry her voice.
The Narnian people, too, mourned the loss of their beloved Empress and her siblings. They held on to stories of their reign, hoping that one day, the skies would part and their protectors would return to restore balance to the land they loved.
Aslan, determined to bridge the unbearable distance between himself and Elizabeth, embarked on a journey across the vast expanse of the world. His travels took him beyond the borders of Narnia through enchanted lands, uncharted wildernesses, and mystical realms. Driven by the hope of finding a portal that could lead him to Elizabeth's world, he combed through ancient ruins, sought the wisdom of forgotten beings, and listened to the whispers of winds that carried secrets of time and space.
This quest, though noble, came at a cost. Aslan's long absence from Narnia left a void in its leadership, and the once-great kingdom faced a period of upheaval. Over centuries, the land changed drastically. The Telmarines, a people from another world who stumbled into Narnia through an ancient doorway, rose to power. They seized control of the land, ruling in cycles of peace and tyranny. Some Telmarine rulers sought to bring order and prosperity, while others used fear and violence to maintain dominance, oppressing the native Narnians and driving many into hiding.
The golden age of the Pevensies became a distant memory, passed down only in fragmented stories and legends. The Narnians, who had once thrived under the Pevensie siblings and Aslan's rule, became marginalized and forgotten. Talking animals, dwarfs, fauns, and centaurs retreated into the shadows, their voices silenced by the Telmarine rulers who dismissed their existence as myths.
Despite the centuries that passed, Aslan never gave up his quest. His love for Elizabeth and longing to reunite with her kept him going, even as the world shifted and transformed. Yet, each portal he discovered proved to be a dead end, and each path he took brought him further away from the Narnia he had known and loved.
Unbeknownst to Aslan, his absence became the catalyst for a new chapter in Narnia's history. The oppressed Narnians clung to the hope that Aslan would one day return and that the stories of the past were not just fables but promises yet to be fulfilled. The world waited silently for the day when the Emperor would roar again and reclaim the heart of the land—perhaps, the heart he had left behind.
As the years turned to centuries, those who had known and served the Pevensie siblings became legendary figures in the annals of Narnia's history. Their tales, preserved through generations, were passed down as sacred stories of Old Narnia—a time of peace, unity, and the guiding presence of Aslan and the noble rulers who sat on the thrones at Cair Paravel. Their descendants lived in quiet hope, readying themselves for the promised return of the Emperor and the rightful rulers.
Oreius, the valiant centaur general who had loyally served Empress Elizabeth and her siblings, became a symbol of unwavering duty and honor. His descendants upheld his legacy, training as warriors and guardians of Narnia's ancient traditions. Among them was Oscar, a centaur of extraordinary skill and strength. Named for his ancestors' courage and godly dedication, Oscar carried the weight of their legacy with pride. A master of spear and strategy, he prepared tirelessly to protect the Narnia he dreamed would one day rise again under Aslan's reign.
Tumnus, the kind-hearted faun who had been the first to meet Empress Elizabeth and then Queen Lucy and became her devoted ally, left a unique legacy. His family line blended with humans over generations, resulting in descendants who bore traits of both races. From this line came Thomas, a young man of Telmarine appearance but with the spirit of Narnia deep in his heart. Thomas worked alongside his mentor, Doctor Cornelius, an old and wise scholar who quietly nurtured the heritage of Old Narnia. As Prince Caspian X's trusted companion, Thomas shared his mentor's secret devotion to the Narnians and harbored a quiet hope that the rightful heirs would return one day.
Bodhi the Weasel, once a fierce fighter and loyal ally to the Pevensies, became a legend among Narnia's creatures for his unparalleled skill and determination. His teachings were preserved through countless creatures, inspiring warriors even in the darkest times. Among his most devoted successors was Reepicheep, a daring and noble mouse with a heart as mighty as his blade. A swashbuckling hero in his own right, Reepicheep became a close ally to Oscar, determined to protect the memory and ideals of Old Narnia at any cost.
Though the Telmarines ruled with an iron fist and sought to suppress Narnia's true history, these descendants and their allies kept the stories alive in whispers and hidden places. They trained, learned, and waited, believing that the prophecy of Aslan's return and the reappearance of the Pevensie siblings would one day come true.
Their lives intertwined with the present-day struggles of Narnia, and they became pivotal figures in the quiet resistance against oppression, ready to rise when the time was right.
Back on Earth, Alistair grew up with a magnetic presence that seemed to naturally draw people to him, even if he didn't always notice. His life, marked by a unique blend of kindness, humor, and fiery determination, often reminded his family of his heritage, even if he himself felt the pull of a world he'd never seen—Narnia.
Everyone admired Alistair's courage. Whether standing up to bullies or helping a friend in need, his actions spoke volumes about the depth of his compassion. His kind soul, a reflection of Elizabeth's influence, made him a dependable friend and an inspiring presence.
With a quick wit and a penchant for dry humor, Alistair's words often brought laughter to his family and friends. His sharp tongue and clever comebacks, which Peter teasingly blamed on Edmund's influence, made him a joy to be around, even if his sarcasm occasionally got him into trouble.
Alistair's physical resemblance to his father, Aslan, and his uncle Edmund gave him an intense, almost rebellious look, which belied his warm and empathetic nature. His "brooding" demeanor sometimes led people to misjudge him, but those who knew him saw his tender heart.
Alistair's fierce loyalty to his mother and strong sense of justice sometimes led him to act impulsively, especially when he saw someone mistreated. Peter often worried about his rashness, while Edmund encouraged him to embrace the wildness of youth.
Despite the attention he received from classmates—both girls and boys—Alistair was seemingly blind to the admiration. Lucy found this endearing, though she often teased him for missing the obvious in other aspects of life, including people's feelings or intentions.
Alistair shared close relationships with his family, each contributing uniquely to his growth.
Alistair's bond with his mother was the deepest. Her wisdom and love shaped him into a kind and thoughtful young man. He went to great lengths to make her smile, feeling an innate responsibility to protect her happiness.
Peter served as both a father figure and a mentor to Alistair. He admired Peter's sense of responsibility and leadership, though he often felt pressure to meet such expectations.
The mischievous uncle dynamic between Alistair and Edmund brought out his rebellious side. Edmund's advice to "live a little" often clashed with Peter's seriousness, but it gave Alistair a balance between discipline and freedom.
Lucy's gentleness and optimism made her a confidante for Alistair. She understood his dreams of visiting Narnia and often encouraged him to hold onto that hope, believing wholeheartedly that one day, they would return.
Alistair's connection to Narnia, though unspoken, was undeniable. Growing up, he heard stories of the majestic land and its noble lion Emperor, and he often dreamed of stepping through a portal into that world. He longed to meet Aslan, not just as the legendary ruler of Narnia but as the father he had never known.
Alistair's temper was both a strength and a weakness. While it fueled his courage to confront injustice, it also led to moments when his impulsiveness got the better of him. Elizabeth and Peter worked to teach him patience, while Edmund reminded him that passion wasn't something to suppress—it was something to master.
Through it all, Alistair's journey toward maturity was shaped by his family's love, the stories of Narnia, and his determination to forge a path that honored his earthly life and the legacy of the world that called to him in his dreams.
~*~
James McAvoy as Thomas
" Look, Caspian. Dr. Cornelius entrusted me to look after you until the true rulers of Narnia arrive to help us. Please, do not get us killed until we seek them." - Thomas
Age: 25
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