AN: After considerable thought and reading your reviews, I have decided to return this story to its original time—not the one that it took place in during the time I mentioned in the author's note in the beginning of the previous chapter, but two years earlier, right after The Voyage of the Dawn Treader. I have made a few minor changes in the first chapter and I recommend you read it again, but it is not 'a must'.
A little Narnia trivia: the Last Battle only takes place in 1949; hence Susan's family is still alive in this story (which happens in the summer-fall of 1942).
Also, while this is written as a Susan/Peter story, it is also very much a Susan/Caspian story. In the first part of this story you can see mostly the dialogue between Peter's and Susan's coping with the situation, which is why I decided to categorize the story so. When we get to the second part I'll change it to a Susan/Caspian story.
So, after I have finished my ramblings… on with the story!
Hello my friend, we meet again
It's been awhile, where should we begin?
Feels like forever
…
We've seen our share of ups and downs
Oh how quickly life can turn around
In an instant
-My Sacrifice, Creed
2. Strange Letter
"Is there anything for me?" Peter asked the elderly Mrs. Macready.
She shuffled through the letter and then handed him one. "I believe this is from your mother," she said.
Peter snatched the envelope from her hand, thanked her, and raced up the stairs to the library. He closed the door behind him, and hurried to find a letter opener on the big desk.
This part of the library provided him his own private study room. It was the ideal place: it was at the very far edge of the library, the desk next to a window which provided good lighting, and sitting in the library meant he would not have to lug books and his study things around the house.
Peter cut the top of the envelope open and pulled out a sheet of paper covered in his mother's neat cursive letters.
"My dearest Peter," it read,
"I worry about your sister; she's changed, and I fear not for the better. I did not worry when she turned down the first invitation, saying she's feeling ill. My suspicions began to rise when she turned down a second invitation nearly a week later, and with no excuse this time. It was odd behavior; you know how Susan's been—she's a girl of society, lively, cheerful, flirtatious even.
Peter, she's gone now. That girl is gone.
Susan has not accepted an invitation in weeks, and has been turning down every offer of an outing and leaving the house. She has even turned down her courtiers, whose attentions she used to relish in. She doesn't leave the house anymore, only leaving her room to go out to the garden, where she wanders around or sits for hours. She is becoming more and more silent every day. She refuses food, and is growing paler and thinner with each day that goes by. Her eyes are no longer gentle and happy, but saddened and pained, at times red from crying.
I am worried an illness has come over her. I have tried to ask her, but she only shakes her head and turns away. She refuses to speak with us, or anyone. At night she wakes screaming, tears in her eyes, and an expression so terrified, one might think she saw a ghost.
I fear for her, my son. She is slipping away; I do not wish to lose my daughter.
I know you have a special bond with her. Write to her Peter. She writes considerably, but never sends any letters. Perhaps if you write her she shall write back.
I apologize for my morbidity, dear. Your father and I have been doing well, all things considered. There is talk about the Germans making the voyage back to England difficult, but as of now, our plans remain the same. We will be leaving in a few weeks' time.
I hope you are well, and that you are faring well in your studies.
Much love,
Mum
P.S. - Say nothing to your siblings in the matter of Susan.
Peter folded the papers and sighed deeply. He put them back in the envelope and put it on the corner of his desk.
He sat in the big leather chair, thinking.
The behavior his mother described truly was strange—especially for Susan.He remembered how she had been after they had come back from Narnia; she had grown distant from them, and turned into a lady of society, preferring outings and courtiers to quiet nights in front of the fireplace with her siblings. She had even forgotten about Narnia. She had become lively, spirited; yet closed herself to her family.
What could have happened that had caused Susan to change her behavior so? What could be so great, so terrible, to cause his sister to sink into such a depression?
Peter thought back to the days of their reign during the Golden Age in Narnia. After leaving Taashbaan and fleeing from Rabadash Susan had been distant. She could be easily distracted, and was often wandering Cair Paravel's gardens on her own. She scarcely ate; more often than not she had to be reminded of meals and of her body's need for nourishment.
Peter's heart missed a beat. Could it be that she had been…? He couldn't finish the thought.
No, he concluded, if Susan had been… attacked, surely their parents would have noticed. She would have had bruises or wounds; this kind of things did not go unnoticed.
Peter shook the troubling thoughts from his mind as best as he could, and returned to his studies.
AN: So… what do you think? Review and let me know!
I want to thank all those who follow this story, made it a favorite, and/or
reviewed! It really makes my day!
