Just a short one shot thought up while I really should be studying or finishing off my hundreds of other stories floating around. The idea occurred to me when I thought of how from an outside perspective Lucy, Edmund and Peter's deaths were tragic but actually Lewis wrote it as an ultimate happy ending. Also reflecting my thoughts that they can't ever have really, truly settled back in this world after all their experiences in Narnia.
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They could have done so much.
That is the thought hovering on the edge of everyone's mind when the news floods in.
Their fate is a loss of so much potential. A pity that their possibilities were squandered at such a young age. Tragically ironic that they were all taken in their prime of life. It wasn't fair that just as the fruits began to blossom the tree itself came toppling down; what could have been left to mould in the ground.
Who, looking at the three of them, couldn't admit they could have done so much more?
Smiling Lucy; full of enthusiasm and joy and training as a thriving nurse – fuelling her energy, sensitivity and deep compassion into every area of her life. Born to give hope and a future to those who could not reach it themselves. There were so many lives she could have saved.
Serious Edmund; studying law, amazing his professors at the wisdom, thoughtfulness and insight he expressed in their classes. Surely he was destined to spread his immovable sense of right and wrong to those in need? Change the rules of 'fairness' that tangled this world to moral cores of mercy and justice. He could have reignited the conscience of infinite souls.
And of course Peter; shining wherever he was and inspiring whoever he met with his strength, courage and determination. He could have made such an impact, could have given the lost people of this world a direction of purpose and meaning. He could have been a leader, a mentor and teacher to countless numbers.
They cannot believe of course that Lucy has already saved more lives than she can count and been a symbol of hope for an entire nation throughout a hundred ages. They cannot understand that Edmund has already established more laws and sat on more councils than the most revered politicians of the day can dream of. They cannot comprehend that Peter has not only led a country into a golden age but has been deemed a leader above all leaders (save for one) until the end of time.
But they cannot know all of this and cannot know that this world will only ever be a shadow of the other. They cannot know that here, those children could have tried to make a difference and been Valiant, Just and Magnificent to those around them but would have only ever been ordinary. They cannot know that no matter how content they seemed here, this place could never compare to the glory of that other life.
They could have done so much.
No. They already have.
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You might notice I mentioned what Lucy and Edmund were pursuing as jobs but missed out Peter; this is simply because I can't think of what he might do. He studied with Professor Kirke but it never mentions what he was studying. With the others I basically just followed their roles in Narnia (Healer and Judge) but Peter was always a warrior and I can't see him entering the army somehow. If you have any ideas please tell me and I'll see what would fit! I also considered doing a bit on Eustace, Jill and possibly Polly and Diggory (though that's harder as they didn't die so young) but decided it would be better with just the three siblings.
And as always; REVIEW!