milliways_bar | (no subject)

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In one of the more shadowed corners of the bar something stirs, tawny-gold fur catching the light.

It is a Lion, head coming up off his forepaws, solemn golden eyes watching the patrons as they pass by.

Aslan has been here for quite some time.

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"So can anyone who is willing to listen. You do well for yourself, here."

But his voice is approving as he speaks.

"And as for your mother, I do not deny her name. But if you append enough 'greats', as your world is wont to do, I believe you will find a different answer."

"- you mean," Mary says, slowly, "as in Adam and Eve. I have read about them."

And because, from this lion, it seems possible: "Did you know them?"

The question comes out rather as if they might have been introduced at a dinner party.

"You are clever, indeed, child."

The rumble in his voice is warm, soft and purring.

"I have known many people in my time, as you doubtless will in yours."

"I have met many people here," Mary says, with some pride. "More than I should ever have known else - and not only people, too; creatures of all sorts."

"They are often people, in their own way--though hardly human."

His laugh is quiet, and from another throat might be considered harsh.

He is a Lion, after all.

"This place has, it seems, served you very well, indeed."

"I should say," Mary says, rather thoughtfully, "that people are creatures, rather."

This is more a compliment to people than otherwise.

"And it is not only here," she adds, earnestly.

"The garden and Dickon and Colin and Martha - they have all helped. The garden perhaps the most."

"You, yourself, have done most of the work, daughter. The choice of friends is not so simple as many would have it."

Golden eyes are almost sorrowful, now, as they look at her.

"You have, by now, learned that, as well."

"- I did not," Mary says, simply, "do most of that work by myself."

It is not the choosing of the friend that she means.

"No one would have expected it, child. But allowing others to help is a feat that even some kings have not managed. There is no shame in it."

"That," Mary admits, "is part of what I needed help to find out."

With some hope: "It is another thing I have gotten better at, though."

"You have, child. It is a very great accomplishment."

His tail twitches idly, brushing lightly against his flank.

"Doubtless you will make more, as time passes."

A pause.

Then: "Someone," Mary says, rather hesitantly, "asked me today if I was going to heal people when I grew up. When I told him about my garden."

"And when you answered?"

Golden eyes watch Mary, solemn and unblinking.

The words come out in a rush.

"I think - I think I might like to."

His voice is warm, indeed, when next he speaks.

"Then take heart, child, and set your will toward it. This will do, for a beginning."

Mary lets out a breath that she hadn't known she was holding.

Simply: "I am glad."

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