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In the two weeks since the Ordinary Princess was last here, autumn has arrived in the Forest of Faraway. But this is that perfect moment in autumn, the one you remember. The leaves have turned, but few have fallen. The weather has turned cooler, but it's still warm in the sun. It's a beautiful day for a picnic.

The Ordinary Princess stands very still in the clearing, head tilted back to look at the trees and the sky, the squirrels chasing each other around her feet. "This is the Forest of Faraway," she says, eyes still on the trees. And then she turns to look at Caspian. "This is home."

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"Ah," he says, understanding dawning. "She who gave the gift of Ordinariness."

"Yes. She told you that, did she?"

"She did, among other things. Such as a plan to lock her in a tower until she could be rescued, simply so she could be married off to an unknowing prince or lord, and how she escaped into the Forest."

He keeps his tone light, but there's anger clear at anyone who would try to lock Amy up, for her own good or no.

"There's no need to take that tone with me, young man. I've never shut anyone up in a tower for any reason at all. I happen to think Amethyst is a very sensible child."

"I didn't mean you," he says. "And she is. Very sensible, and sweet, and kind, and wise." He looks a little amused. "Along with all those other gifts."

"None of which explains where she got a brother."

He sighs, a little.

"No, I suppose not. Well, then, let me start at the beginning. I am Caspian the Tenth, and when I was a mortal man, I was king of Narnia, a country not of this world or time. When I died at the age of three score and six, I was woken with my youth and health restored, by the gift of Aslan. At that point in time, I opened a door in a wall and found myself at a place where worlds and times and universes meet.

"That is where I met Amy."

He takes a beat before continuing.

"We were good friends right away, and she was a great comfort to me and, I hope, I to her, when it was needed. Last week we adopted each other as brother and sister. She is beloved of me, and I have taken it upon myself to ensure that nothing save our separate bloodlines prove us to be less than brother and sister."

He waits.

There's a long moment, as she looks at him, and then her eyes begin to twinkle.

"You'll do," she says.

"So tell me how Amethyst is doing, in this place 'where worlds and times and universes meet.'"

Caspian looks steadily back at her, and then the corners of his mouth begin to quirk.

"I am glad to hear it," he says, his eyes twinkling right back at her.

"And she's doing very. She has many friends, and is currently capturing the heart of one of the best men in that or any other world, my lord and friend Peter Pevensie."

"And I trust you're keeping an eye on her?"

Caspian raises an eyebrow.

"I'm her brother," he says, by way of explanation. Meaning, of course.

"And I'm her godmother. I have a perfect right to ask, you know, child."

"A very good right indeed, madam," he says with a smile and dancing eyes. "But yes, I am indeed keeping an eye on her."

He looks curious.

"Don't you speak to her when she's here?"

"I have once. She told me the whole ridiculous dragon story. But I'm a busy woman, young man, and I'm not always here."

"No?"

He looks surprised.

"Where else are you? Off gifting other godchildren?"

Cheeky Caspian.

"Young man, I am the fairy-in-charge-of-water, which makes me the head fairy for all seas, lakes, rivers, ponds, pools, and streams."

"Then you and I should get along very well indeed," Caspian says, and there's no more teasing in his tone, only respect.

"I'm known as the seafarer in my own world, and would be friends with those who ruled the waters."

"If you take care good care of Amethyst, I see no reason why we shouldn't get along."

But he probably did just go up in her estimation.

"Now, if you'll excuse me," she says.

And she's gone, and there's nothing to show she was ever there except widening ripples in the middle of the pool.

Caspian bows low, and stands, watching the ripples widen and fade, thoughtful.

The Ordinary Princess is back, Simon Perryvall peeking out from the apron pocket.

"I'm sorry, Caspian, that took much longer than I thought it would."

He turns from the pool with a smile.

"It's quite alright," he says, with an odd sort of smile. "I had company, it turns out."

She looks around, a little confused. "Company?"

He nods.

"Your godmother."

He points to the fading ripples in the pond, and grins.

"I think she wanted to make sure you were being properly escorted."

The Ordinary Princess looks at the pool. "Oh, I missed Godmama Crustacea?"

Her face falls a little.

"She's a dear, isn't she?"

"She's very impressive," he says, truthfully. "I liked her very much." More truthfully still.