Evelyn looked at the whole lot of them, all indecisive. "Oh, for heaven's sake, come on," she said, leading the way and going after the beaver.

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Felicity shook her head slightly and followed her cousins, and the others followed as well after a moment.

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Evelyn followed the Beaver, still amazed by the scenery. "Come on," said Mr. Beaver, "We don't want to be caught out here after nightfall."


They eventually reached a hilltop overlooking a clearing, in which stood what looked like a hut or cabin made of logs. "Ah, blimey! Looks like the old girl has got the kettle on. Nice cup o' Rosy Lee," he said.

Evelyn looked down at it and smiled. "It's lovely," she said.

"It's merely a trifle," he said humbly. "Still plenty to do. Ain't quite finished yet. It'll look the business when it is, though."

Evelyn grinned as she followed him down the hill. She suddenly heard a female voice - presumably Mrs. Beaver.

"Beaver, is that you? I've been worried sick!" she said, coming out of the door. "If I find you've been out with Badger again, I-" she stopped at the sight of the humans. "Oh!" she said. "Well, those aren't badgers. Oh, I never thought I'd live to see this day!" she said happily, stepping towards them. "Look at my fur," she told Beaver quietly. "You couldn't give me ten minutes' warning?!"

"I'd have given you a week if I thought it would've helped," said Beaver. Evelyn laughed quietly.

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Felicity and Lucy both giggled softly, and Peter was hard-pressed to keep from laughing.

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"Oh, come inside," said Mrs. Beaver. "And we'll see if we can't get you some food, and some...<i>civilized</i> company," she said, looking at Beaver, then going inside. Beaver chuckled embarassedly.

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Lucy and Felicity followed Mrs. Beaver inside, as did Susan after a moment, and Peter followed after her.

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"Now, careful, watch your step," said Mr. Beaver as they went inside.

"Excuse the mess," said Mrs. Beaver as she led them inside. "Can't get Mr. Beaver to get out of his chair," she said, laughing softly.

Evelyn followed after Peter, but Edmund lingered outside for a bit.

"Enjoyin' the scenery, are we?" asked Beaver, looking at him. Edmund looked down at him, then went in.

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The girls laughed softly at Mrs. Beaver's last comment, and both looked back as Edmudn finally came in.

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Evelyn sat down next to the table, sitting almost on her hip, her legs off to the left and bent heavily, and her right hand on the ground. She looked up at Peter as he spoke.

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"Is there nothing we can do about Mr. Tumnus?" Peter asked the Beavers.

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"They'll have taken him to the Witch's. You know what they say. There's few that go through them gates that come out again."

"Fish and chips?" asked Mrs. Beaver cheerfully, trying to lighten the mood.

Evelyn smiled and obligingly reached for some.

Seeing Lucy looking said, Mrs. Beaver touched her arm and said, "But there is hope, dear. Lots of hope."

Mr. Beaver choked on his drink. "Oh, yeah, there's a right bit more than hope!" He leaned in and said quietly, "Aslan is on the move."

Evelyn nodded, though she had no idea what he was talking about.

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'Aslan?' Felicity mouthed, looking at the Beavers.

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"Who's Aslan?" asked Edmund.

Beaver burst out laughing. "Who's Aslan? You cheeky little blighter."

Mrs. Beaver saw the looks on their faces, and elbowed Beaver. He looked at them. "You don't know, do you?" he asked.

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"Well, we actually haven't been here very long." Peter replied.

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"Well, he's only the king of the whole wood. The top geezer. The real King of Narnia!"

"He's been away for a long while," said Mrs. Beaver.

"But he's just got back!" said Mr. Beaver. "And he's waitin' for you near the stone table!"

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"Waiting for us?" Lucy asked, looking a little confused.

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