Susan was seated at the head of opposite bed sideways. She stared off into the distance as she remembered her the earliest memory she had of her and Peter. Their family had decided to take a walk at a park one Sunday afternoon. Their mother must have been carrying Edmund at the time they were so young when this happened. There was a goose and her goslings walking along the canal. Peter and their mother had brought some food for them, but Susan knew she was a little too curious for her own good. That mother goose had bit and hissed at her before their father had swooped in and carried her off. Crying and quite scared it was actually Peter who came to comfort her. He had wrapped her in a hug as they sat off a distance away from the geese before she was calm enough to keep walking.
The roles were now switched.
So much has happened this day. From miracles to another hardship everything had seemed to happen today. Furthermore, today was not even over yet. She could her the rustling, laughter, and cheering from camp. Narnia was now free from the grips of the White Witch. The fauns were dancing in the main road as the dryads played their sweet music. It must have serenaded Peter to sleep, and for good reason.
Susan and Lucy had returned back to camp as soon as they could. Alenna and Lalia were nowhere to be seen as they were helping the others who had made it back to camp before they did. They saw Peter, wide-eyed and panicked, holding up Edmund who had looked about as horrid as he did when he was actually dying on the battlefield earlier today. Bloodied clothes and blankets were discarded to the side. Nevertheless there was about four more wrapped around their brother. Peter was rubbing Edmund's back as he went into a coughing spasm as his body seemed to try rid itself of the blood in his lungs from his mortal wound. The cordial had healed the wound, but did not seem to help with the other bouts that were caused from it.
"He's freezing," Peter said simply. He did not even greet them as it seemed to be the last thing on his mind. It was the same for his sisters as well.
As they came closer, it seemed that the spark Edmund had was ebbing away again. His chest hurt, and so did everything else. His vision was still blurry and he wished he could get the metallic taste out of his mouth from the blood he seemed to be expelling.
"They said that there was nothing they could do for him about this. It was just his body repairing itself," Peter added. Every cough seemed to put Edmund into more pain.
Susan could feel tears well in her eyes as he felt her frustration and utter displease for the situation. She just wanted Edmund to be back. She had him back once, the very thoughtful Edmund. Her brother before he had went to the nasty boarding school.
Lucy was clearly upset as well. Edmund had glanced at her once in desperation which caused her to move into action. Susan and Peter watched as Lucy grabbed her cordial. There would be no protest from any of them, because there seemed to be no harm in it. Edmund opened his mouth willingly and Lucy allowed two more drops to fall onto his tongue.
There was a brief pause as Edmund closed his eyes for a moment to feel the warm sensation that flooded his body. His chest finally felt lighter and the coughing stopped.
Edmund thanked Lucy kindly. However, Lucy drew back for a moment confused. "Are you better now?"
Her brother looked down trying to process her question. All those wounds still hurt, but he did not feel as if he was dying anymore.
"It helped Lucy," Edmund replied. Peter then pulled away in bewilderment.
Peter did not like that Edmund did not give her sister a straight answer. "Those wounds healed?"
Edmund shook his head weakly. "They still hurt." He heard his older brother's breathing hitch in some sort of frustration. Susan attention switched immediately as she watched her older brother turn green. Hesitant for a moment, Peter slowly lowered Edmund to the cushions before moving rapidly outside. Susan was behind him, but stopped and turned with her hand on her mouth as he heard him become sick.
Lucy took over for Peter as she sat next to Edmund. Those two knew Peter needed to recover and rest. Something had changed in Peter that was foreign to them all. His protective and nurturing self was still there, but there seemed to be something tearing at him. His youth was being challenged by responsibilities he had never imagined, and he had no idea what to do.
Susan had gained enough composure to go to his side. He washed his mouth out and returned by his dear sister's gentle lead. They all needed to rest. It had been a very long day.
Peter woke stiff and starving. He looked around to see that the tent was dark, but he could still make out everyone's faces. Lucy was on the other side of Susan now both still sleeping. His glance moved to Edmund who was finally resting as well. Although his breathing was still fast and the pile of blankets did not lessen, he was in a peaceful state. At least Peter hoped he was.
The outside was still bustling with movement. He could hear muffled music and voices everywhere. There would be periods of clapping which brought Peter to believe they were dancing. It also smelled wonderful.
He knew he could get something and return without rousing anyone. Nevertheless, as he moved Susan and Lucy were quick to wake. Peter's eyes darted to Edmund hoping it was not the case as well. He did not stir to his relief.
The other two were quiet as they saw Peter's concerns. They all moved out to see that the center of camp was lit with a fire as fauns and dryads danced around it. Just as Mr. Tumnas explained to Lucy. She became excited as what she was told was true. She had to find Mr. Tumnas.
"I'll check on him a little later. It's best just to let him be," said Peter giving himself permission to leave.
Lucy was gone before the two knew it. She had found her dear friend who greeted her warmly. Peter smiled as he observed.
"Ah, I was almost worried for troubles in which your majesties would never come out of that tent. Lalia was about to check on all of you," greeted Aeren who was off to the side.
Susan was quick to give an explanation. "We all needed to rest."
Aeren nodded, understanding. "All is well. Many tried to come into your tent this evening. We assured them that you were all just resting and would join soon. You must be hungry."
Peter agreed instantly. Aeren led them both towards the cooks who were talking and laughing amongst themselves. Happy to see them, they led them to a seat where Peter instantly took an apple from the center. After a few moments just as Peter finished the apple they were served. They thanked them gratefully.
"Your majesty, it has come to my concern that your brother is very ill. It shall not be a problem if I must make something for him," said the cook after taking their courtesies.
"I'm afraid I do not know what he want or could even have. I think soup would just be enough," Peter replied. Susan nodded in agreement.
The cook bowed and went to honor the request. Peter did not remember what they were served. All he knew was that it was the only he had that day. That morning they were all too nervous even though Aer had told them that they both need to eat something.
As Peter took his first bite, he could hear a horn in the distance. He looked in that direction to see a single torchlight in the distance rapidly approaching. It was not a warning horn which Peter thought to be a good sign, but he wondered why a single rider from King Lune's conquests be returning. He worried that it might be a messenger bringing urgent word to Oreius or even himself that they needed reinforcements.
The cooks began to squabble and gawk at the incoming rider wondering who it could be. The one who had spoken to them before returned just after they have finished and gave them a tray with soup with a bowl. There was also the milk and honey concoction which Edmund drank before.
Before they could take their things and go, Lucy had rushed over pulling at Peter's arm. "You have to come and see! It's wonderful!"
"What is it Lu?" asked Susan.
"Lalia found her husband!" Peter and Susan looked at each other bewildered. Aeren shot up from the table almost taking it with him and followed her to the dancing lawn. Peter and Susan followed at a slower speed. The dancing had stopped and everyone was cheering. Before them all was a couple in a well needed embrace with one another. The man had black curly hair and towered over Lalia. The couple both had tears streaming down their faces as Lalia's brothers approached them. The man hugged them both as well.
"By Aslan's Breath, Rhys of Stormness lives! He was freed from the stone!" Someone had called out.
Peter and Susan stood their distance watching with traces of appreciation on their faces. They were all silent except for the crowd as the Archenlander's just enjoyed the reunion. The man then looked to both of them bewildered. Words were muttered to him by Lalia as they watched his gaze turn into excitement. The White Witch was defeated and the prophecy was fulfilled. Rhys moved towards them and reached for his sword. Nothing was in his scabbard as a distant memory came back to him. The witch had kicked it away from him that night he was ambushed. Rhys looked to Lalia desperately for a moment before she drew a sword carefully and handed it to him with a smile. It was his sword. Lalia would have to explain. There was much that needed explained.
Peter stood awkwardly holding the platter of his brother's food as the couple bowed before him and Susan. He could not find any words to say at that moment. Susan glanced at Peter for a moment before speaking up. "Please rise, it is a joy to all to have you with us."
Peter nodded and thanked Susan silently for saving him from the moment. There was no appropriate pleasantry that came into his head. As it was the last thing on his mind.
"Indeed my Queen. There is much I need to speak with you about. The times have changed for me and I must give my allegiance to the monarchs of this land," Rhys said. His voice was deep, yet gentle. If they both knew more that the time about Rhys they would discover he was the only brother to his four sisters. Driven to keep his family alive, but words were graceful for him.
The soon-to-be High King swallowed thickly has he glanced down at the platter. He had to get back to Edmund. If he was famished, then hunger would be an understatement for his brother.
Peter was next to reply. "Indeed, but I must tend to my brother. He is not well."
Rhys eyes gave a look of concern. "I understand your majesties. For I would do the same."
The two nodded as they finally had the chance to return to the tent. As he entered he gasped. His brother was on the floor, but trying to pull himself back up. His breaths were racing and short as he shivered profusely. Peter was careful the place the platter on a table close by and come to his brother's aid. He nearly stepped in Edmund's blood sick which he just noticed. Peter folded the rug and pushed it to the side.
Susan was gone without a word. Leaving the two alone once again. Peter took Edmund into his arms and lifted him back onto the bed. "What were you doing Ed?"
Edmund looked at Peter, his lip trembling. Unable to speak he turned his head away. His older brother would not let him go. Peter asked again.
"I just want to go home," Edmund whimpered.
Peter bit his lip as he felt his throat dry. Edmund had enough. He had to keep strong though. "Eddy, I don't think you'll make it there on your own. I think this is our home now. Everything is safe now. The witch cannot hurt you anymore. Aslan defeated her," Peter coaxed.
Edmund shook his head. Peter watched a tear roll down his cheek. He could see that it was long from over for him. Something wanted him to die.
Before Peter could say another word, there was an outcry. "She's there in my sleep. All I want to sleep! I cannot sleep!"
There was a pause as all could be heard was the outside music of joy and the inside sound of Edmund's sobs. Their old home could make all of this end for him. It was home or nothing. The curse raged through him hunting his sleep. Edmund did not tell anyone what the White Witch said to him as she stabbed him.
"You will live the rest of your short little miserable life cursed."
Peter was relieved when Susan came back with Alenna. The centaur carried a small bottle with her. Surveying Edmund's starving frame she was determined to help him beat this. She had a decision to make. Edmund could be cleaned up before or after attempting to eat something. Whichever way had a downside. He could eat before, but get sick as he became even more distraught. Afterwards, he might be too upset to even eat something. The smell was becoming unbearable though. It was of old blood and death.
"He needs to bathe," Alenna suggested. Peter nodded in agreement.
His older brother would help him at first. A tub was brought in and the same cook brought buckets of warm water in. Susan waited outside and Alenna left to get more bandages. She did not have plans to change them that night, but that changed as he saw the state he was in.
Peter had to keep a hold of his little brother he was so weak. Although, he was hesitant to sit down. Those slashes would feel on fire when they touched the water. Edmund could not stand much longer.
Susan heard and splash and a strangled scream. She turned to the flap, "Is everything all right?"
She could hear Peter shushing Edmund before he answered. "We're okay."
Susan nodded to herself and took a deep breath. She continued to do some since it was the only thing that she could do. She wanted this night to be over.
Inside the tent Peter needed to find another way to calm Edmund down. Those same words were just repeated as his little brother's exhaustion continued to take a toll on him. He just wanted his father. This hurt Peter as well because all he wanted was the same. This was their home now and they all knew that. Edmund knew when Aslan spoke to him that day when he arrived at camp. However, he wanted nothing of it anymore.
Peter knew he had to do something. "Eddy…Edmund? Hey, did you ever see of into the distance Cair Paravel?"
Edmund shook his head. His eyes still downcast.
"I saw it in the distance here on top of one of the hills. It's huge! Bigger than anything we have ever seen. It was built long ago where other Kings and Queens lived. Everyone will have their own rooms about the size of houses. (Peter hoped he was not lying to him.) It seems all white in the distance, but apparently up close there are many colors, gardens, and even orchards. We will have so much to do."
"Seems nice," Edmund replied brokenly.
There was a pause for a moment. "Eddy? What's wrong? You had another nightmare? That was why you were out of bed."
There was a nod. "The witch took a knife and gutted me. I tried to fight her off, but she cornered me in this room. She told me that I was always a traitor and a thousand deaths I deserved. I won't go to heaven either since I caused all this."
Alenna finally came back with a gentle soap, cloths, salve, and that same bottle. She glanced at Peter once seeing his face crumble. She asked him what had happened, but there was no answer as he ran out of the tent away from his brother.
Peter nearly collided with Susan as he continued to run away from the camp and up a hill. Susan chased after him yelling out his name. Winded, she watched Peter collapse at the top. He lay prone in the grass with his face buried in his hands. Susan lowered herself to the ground next to her brother. Those two were not the only people who went up that hill.
Susan felt a soft brush of fur across her left arm. "My children, much has happened this day."
I know I turned the emotional level up a 1000% for all that is happening to them. I don't think the Pevensies could be as stoic in this situation. They had kept their cool for so long I think it was time they just lost it. What also adds fuel to the flame is probably the frustration both Susan and Peter (and even Edmund most likely) were feeling as they had to deal with an agonizing scene inside a tent, but look like they were enjoying the celebration that was happening outside. Furthermore so many people just want to talk to them and they just do not want to talk. This is one things I am changing in this storyline. I think Susan and Peter would only want a few people they have grown to trust help in the situation. It is to keep to Edmund's wishes of not letting everyone know of his troubles, even though they do.
Once again my life got in the way. It's finally spring break for me and I managed to speak this chapter out before I had to go back. I don't usually travel for this break. I just do my best to regroup.
I will do my lovies shout out during the next chapter. I do not know who really did what for the last one, but for anything I thank you all.
All forms of support are greatly appreciated.