Chapter 2: The Pevensies
"Look," a small girl's voice cried, "It's a girl!"
"We can see that, Lu," a pubescent boy's husky voice chided the girl mildly.
"Are you alright?" another, older, boy's just developed voice asked, the crunching of snow nearing me, "I'll help you up."
"Stay back, Peter," an older girl ordered, "She could be dangerous!"
"I'm not dangerous," I muttered grouchily, lifting my head and allowing the stranger to pull me to my feet, "Thanks, Buddy. As I was saying, I'm not dangerous! Unless you piss me off, you bloody walking Jane Austin novel!"
"Oh my goodness," the little girl cried happily, "You're alright!"
The little girl had sparkling brown eyes and lovely red hair. She was small, with lily white skin like mine and lovely freckles. Her skin as about as pale as mine, only I have light acne scars instead of freckles.
The older girl that I had snapped at was a beautiful brunette, her large grey eyes were pools of serious stone, but not cold and unfeeling. She was fleeting, graceful and slender, like a nymph rather than a human. The only thing that disrupted the picture was the harsh glare she was sending me.
The boys were both very handsome. The older one, who had helped me up, was very tall and well built, with golden curls and blue eyes. He was obviously the oldest, and clearly great catch.
The other boy was my age, and much plainer, but held great potential for being far handsomer than the blonde boy when puberty finally finished. Dark, shaggy hair nearly hide his smoldering brown eyes. He was icily pale, his soft pink lips and brown freckles were gorgeous. He was already a little bit taller than me, and obviously not finished growing. Being 5'7", I was already pretty tall for a woman, so I was hoping I was finished growing.
For his sake, he better keep growing.
I soon noticed that they were studying me as intently as I was studying them. I also took note of the silly fur coats they were wearing, and how their clothes looked like something out of Schindler's List. The 1940's seemed to be haunting me.
"Ugh.... Nice clothes," I mumbled, unsure of what to say.
"Um, thanks," the blonde boy muttered, "You too. I'm Peter Pevensie, by the way, and these are my brothers and sisters."
"I'm Lucy," the little girl giggled, hugging me around my middle, "And that's sister, Susan. And that's my brother, Edmund, the one in the girl's coat."
"Lucy," Edmund scolded, his pale cheeks turning red.
"Well, what do you know?" I chuckled, studying his Cruella deVil fur coat as I pet Lucy's head, "It is indeed."
"So, where did you come from?" Susan asked, although she clearly didn't care, "You're clearly not from England like us, with that Yankee accent of yours."
"I'm from Ottawa, Canada, actually, Smart Ass," I smiled, pissing Susan off, "Where in England are you guys from?"
"Finchley," Peter chuckled, clearly taking a shine to me, "What's happening with you guys in Canada? How's the war affecting you?"
"In Afghanistan? I could honestly care less," I admitted shamelessly, "War is for morons who can't sit down and negotiate. I mean, no offense to the military, but they wouldn't be loosing so many soldiers if we had just minded our own business. Other places, innocent people are being slaughtered and dealing with terrorist organizations, but the only reason the Americans bothered the Afghans is for their oil. And besides-"
"Afghanistan?" Edmund piped up, "What the hell are you talking about?"
"What the hell are you talking about?" I spat.
"The big war going on back home, against the Nazi army," Peter said, "You Canadians are Allies like us, so you should know..."
"World War II," I gasped, suddenly realizing what he was talking about, "That's what you're talking about? Where-no....... When are you guys from?"
"1945," Lucy said slowly," What about you?"
"2009," I replied, prying free of Lucy to look at the people who stood before me.
That's why they look like some old war movie, because that's the time period they're from!
"You're from the future?" Peter asked, his eyes wide and disbelieving.
"Apparently," I breathed, "And you guys are from the past?"
"Apparently," Edmund snorted, "So, do we win or not?"
I stared at them all for a long time, contemplating whether or not my answer could change the coarse of history.
".....Yes," I said finally, watching in delight as their faces lit up.
"That's great," Peter cried happily.
"I'm glad you guys are pleased," I grinned.
Peter was about to respond when Lucy cut across him.
"Since you're here too, would you like to come with us?" she chirped, tugging on the sleeve of my hoodie.
"Ugh, where is here, exactly?"
"You're in Narnia," Lucy said it as though it were obvious, "It's a kingdom ruled by an evil witch, who calls herself the Queen of Narnia."
"Narnia? Where on Earth is that?"
"Well, I'm not even sure it's on Earth," Lucy said thoughtfully, "I've been here before, but it's the first time the others have been here."
"What a coincidence," I chuckled nervously, nearly ready to pass out, "It's my first time too."
"Then you must come with us to visit Mr. Tumnus," she laughed, "He's my friend."
"Lucy, I'm sure that she's cold and wants to go home," Susan said, popping Lucy's excitement like a balloon.
I saw Lucy's big smile fall instantly.
"Oh," she mumbled sadly, "I suppose Susan's right."
My heart broke. I wouldn't dream of going back to work just yet; Lucy was to sweet. I glared at Susan before smiling at Lucy.
"I'd love to," I said, lovingly poking Lucy's nose, "This sweater may as well be a coat, and I've got a scarf in my bag. You're always warmer with a scarf on.
"Besides," I grinned, cackling evilly, "Beth can always cover my shift at work..."
"I don't think it's a good idea," Edmund interjected, "We don't know where we're going, and the last thing we need is one more person to worry about."
"Oh, shove off," I snarled, then smiled sadistically, "I'm not the one you should be worried about, Pretty Boy."
The terrified look on Edmund's face was priceless. I squeezed my arms together in a way that drew attention to my large bosom. His face got red like a tomato.
Once again, priceless.
"Well, I think it's a splendid idea," Peter smiled, holding out his arm, "And I would be delighted if you came along..... Ugh......"
"Phillipa O'Brien," I chuckled, taking Peter's arm and Lucy's hand, "But, I'd like it very much if you would call me "Pipa", instead."
"Well then, Pipa it is," Peter grinned, leading us off on a stroll.
Lucy lead us through the forest, her, Peter, and I laughing and playing like old friends. Edmund and Susan merely trudged through the snow, clearly upset about something or another. Lucy told me all about Narnia, and what she knew of the snow and the White Witch. I found it fascinating, like a fantasy novel.
But, this time, it was real.
It has to be...
Peter tripped and ended up sending the both of us and Lucy tumbling down a snowy hill. We all sat up, laughing and tossing snow at each other.
Suddenly, Lucy turned around and gasped. I looked in the same direction as her and saw her reason of discomfort.
Inside the large stone in front of us, an iron stabilized, wooden door had been broken in and knocked off all but the top hinge. Lucy stood up and ran towards the door.
"Lucy," I called, being the first to get up and follow her.
When I got inside of the door, it looked as though a once cosy home had been turned into a war zone. I shuddered at the ugly feelings the wrecked home gave me.
"Hey, look at this," Peter called, bringing everyone's attention to the piece of parchment he held in his hands, "The Former occupant of these premises, the Faun Tumnus, is under arrest and awaiting his trial on a charge of High Treason against her imperial Majesty, Jadis, Queen of Narnia, Chatelaine of Cair Paravel, Empress of the Lone Islands, also to comforting her said Majesty's enemies, harbouring spies and fraternizing with Humans. Signed, Maugrim, Captain of the Secret Police.
"Long live the Queen," he sighed, handing me the piece of parchment to read.
"Now we really should go," Susan chattered, panic set upon her face.
"But, we have to help him," Lucy cried.
"It's out of our hands, Lu," Peter stated firmly.
"You don't get it, do you?" Lucy said miserably, "I'm the human. She must have found out he helped me."
I couldn't help but notice Edmund shift uncomfortably.
"Look, since I just met you guys, I know that my opinion doesn't count for much," I started.
"You've got that right," Susan mumbled.
"But, I'm with Lucy on this one, you guys," I continued, paying her no mind, "We have to do something."
Peter sighed, looking at Lucy and I in defeat.
"Maybe we could go to the police," he suggested.
"These are the police," Susan pointed out, snatching the decree from me.
"I think Susan's right," Edmund spoke, his voice raspy from the cold, "We can't do anything. Besides, he's a criminal."
"Back off," I snapped, holding poor little Lucy close to me.
"Don't worry, Lu," Peter consoled her as we all walked outside, "We'll think of something."
"Psst...."
We all looked up and looked around. All we saw was a bird.
"Did that bird just "Psst" at us?" Susan asked, bewildered.
There was a rustling in the bushes, and a beaver emerged. Peter waked up to it and started clicking his tongue, holding out his hand. I smiled as the beaver got up on his hind legs.
"Come on," Peter cooed softly, "Come on, Boy..."
The beaver looked from Peter to his hand and snorted.
"I ain't gonna smell it, if that's what you want," he stated plainly.
Lucy and I giggled as Peter retracted his hand and apologized. The beaver looked at Lucy.
"Lucy Pevensie," he said gravely.
"Yes," Lucy said slowly, stepping forwards.
The beaver held out a hankerchief with the initial "L" stitched onto it. Lucy's shoulders fell.
"I'm sorry," he said solemnly, "We did all we could."
Lucy began to sob. I knew it must have had something to do with Tumnus. I rushed forward to hold the little dear, Peter next to us with a hand on her shaking shoulder.
"What happened?" I asked, "What's going on? Why did they take him?"
"I'd answer all your questions," the beaver muttered nervously, "But, this isn't the best place for a friendly chat. Come."
As he scurried off, we all looked at one another.
"He means the trees," Lucy said quietly.
We all shared one final look before scurrying after the beaver.