I DO NOT OWN NARNIA, NOR DO I INTEND TO TAKE CREDIT FOR ANY CHARACTERS, LANDS, OR PLOTS THAT ARE NOT OF MY OWN CREATION (Ex. OC's) ALL RIGHTS BELONG TO ITS PROPER OWNERS.
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Strange, it seems, to pack your life away in a small bag, only to be restored in the room down the hall. Clavel waited anxiously for her things, preparing space in the new living quarters. It was hours away before she says I do. The excitement was transparent on the centaur's expression, and for the kingdom, it seemed. Everyone seemed more than comfortable with the arrangement, though their lives weren't changing in the slightest. Only a simple addition, it seemed, all the while Amy seemed to be driven mad by it all. The stir of emotions bleed to the surface, as an unworldly look captured her sense of chaotic loss in control. Liking some one is one thing. Marriage is another thing entirely.
She could back out, if she wanted... After all, she did have a right to her own life, didn't she? An excuse. Yes, an excuse would be key to unlocking her final door to freedom. Any sank to her bedroom floor, the silent tears steaming down her pale face. She felt the time pass by in a blur, as her shadow moved from one side of the floor to the other. A soft knock brought her out of her self pity, hastily rubbing the tears away from her clouded eyes. Opening the door, she sees a centaur, familiar within her hazy memory. Orieus. Widening the door frame, she allows him to enter the room.
"Your highness." Orieus bows as well as he is able, just before Amy places her hand on his shoulder.
"Please. You don't have to." Orieus looks at the girl, and sees the deep pain captured within her eyes. Shuffling through her bags, Amy packs her emotions into a more presentable front. "I'm sorry, what was it you meant to say?
"I was sent to remind you of your meeting with the Pevensie sisters. Shall I tell them you are unwell?" Unwell, another excuse she could take in an instant. Yet her mouth made no such excuse.
"I'm quite alright. Thank you, Orieus." It sounded final, yet Orieus turned back after a few steps.
"I know that you haven't had the easiest life, and I know the next step in your life is no exception, but know Clavel and I consider you family, and more than adequate for the task." Words were not enough to express the gratitude Amy felt rising up in her chest. Before he could leave, she thanks him with a meaningful hug, taking a deep breath in. She could do this. She will do this. Though comforting, it would never prepare her for the pressure to come.
...
The light thumping of the lion's paw drew Edmund's attention immediately, watching the Great Lion come his way. There was something about him, strong yet comforting in a way Edmund couldn't explain. A wave of peace overwhelmed his train of seemingly never ending thoughts, allowing his mind to focus.
"Aslan." Edmund acknowledges as the Lion stops at his side.
"You've done well, Son-of-Adam. Narnia is proud to have you as their King. I did promise you a choice, and so it shall be. I can only hope that this decision will take you further in your growth and leadership, but know that I support your decision, whatever it may be." His soft spoken words draw Edmund back to his previous encounters and the decisions. Some good, others not so good. Yet here he was, made stronger by the things and people that once made him weak.
"Do you know why it was fate that brought you to Amy, and not another?" Edmund shrugs at the comment.
"She's the daughter of my enemy. The one who will stand beside me despite her generational past."
Aslan ponders on Edmund's thoughts, as if finding a way to communicate his next words carefully.
"That's partly true, Edmund. But first and foremost you must learn that you have an opportunity to work as a team. There is no good or bad here, Edmund. It is together, the two of you will thrive, leading the kingdom to great success."
"And us?" Edmund asks nervously. "What of that? Will success of the kingdom be all I have to live for?" His heart quickens at the uncertainty. "You spared my life for yours, she nearly died at the hands of my enemy. I don't want to fail her, Aslan. I don't want to fail you. But this... this is a lot to ask on anyone. I'll do anything you want, Aslan, so long as the rest of my days aren't as dull as I've imagined them to be."
"She is not so different from you, Edmund. I won't say it'll be easy, but the outcome will be worth the sacrifices. The choice is yours."
...
Amy holds her breath as the knots in her stomach tighten. Perhaps it was the corset fitted tightly around her waist, or perhaps it was the fact that in less than an hour, she'd forever be known as the wife of King Edmund the Just. Her hands shook subtly behind her back, as Amy did everything in her power to keep the smile on her face. Susan smiles brightly, fastening the last button into place. The dress was made with the purest of white material, glistening as the sun takes sight at the dust of diamonds hidden in tool. In the middle of the bodice, curly-q designs embodied all that it was to truly be a Narnian, stitched in a beautiful sandy gold, somewhat resembling the color of Aslan's fur. Out of all the elements put together, it was the vail, a beautiful train that made the outfit worth the trouble.
Susan gasps in awe of the work of art, tracing her hands across bits of the fabric. "You look beautiful." She whispers warmly, hugging her soon-to-be sister. Lucy smiles contently at the ensemble, when catching a glimpse of Aslan within Amy's body length mirror. A gasp escapes her lips, drawing the attention of the three to Aslan's entrance. He staggers just behind the mirror, nodding toward Amy in approval. The daughters-of-Eve approach the Lion. As if they had an understanding between the silence, the Pevensie sisters look to the door.
"Your brother needs you now more than ever. Thank you for all of your help." It wasn't a question, the sisters knew very well of that. Susan grabs hold of Lucy's hand, leaving as Amy gives a smile of thanks.
"Is everything alright with His Highness?" Amy furrows her brows in concern. Aslan smiles, sending a wave of relief throughout Amy's body.
He is ready to embark on this next step." Aslan reassures. "Are you, dear one?"
"I don't suppose this feeling bubbling up inside me will ever leave my side until the end of the day. I'm ready, but I can't promise my nerves will settle anytime soon. " Amy gives a weak smile, yet genuine beneath the tired lines.
"There's more power in you yet. You're stronger than you may believe, Amy. But you will be a great leader, one we need to carry us through in the darkest of times." Aslan looks to Amy as her face falls to the floor. She'd known darkness, and if her experiences made her a better leader because of it, Amy didn't doubt that with help, she could become all He hoped her to be.
"Thank you, Aslan." Amy whispers, finally at peace. "I'm glad to have your company."
"Always." Aslan purrs. A knock on the door is heard. Orieus grins at the two, then signals Aslan. Smiling at the bride once more, Aslan steps out of her room, into the abyss of countless rooms that led him to the alter.
...
Edmund paces frantically behind the door full of expectant Narnians. His life, his freedom was ever fleeting and yet, somehow he seemed more than willing to let it happen. A cold sweat forms above his brow as he nervously awaits for the sign that will lead to the beginning of an adventure.
The soles of Peter's dress shoes echos through the hallway, along with the tap of heels worn by none other than Lucy and Susan, anxiously rushing to their brother's side. Edmund turns his eyes to his siblings, smiling effortlessly in ease. Aslan passes the four siblings, smiling at their bond, before entering the Great Hall.
"Ready to run?" Peter jokes the frantic Edmund. He looked pale, as white as a ghost, but the joke seemed to add a bit of color to his cheeks.
"If I am, I picked the wrong shoes to do so." The two chuckle at his remark, Edmund nervously fiddling with his hands.
"You can do this, Ed." Lucy holds him close in a fond embrace, as Peter pats him on the back. The family gather together closely. A bond is never broken in the means of family, especially considering the likes of the Pevensies.
The music starts to sway at a steady pace, allowing time for friends to mingle before the main event. Susan kisses Edmund softly on his cheek, before entering the room to her perfection. Everything seemed to be in place, she wouldn't have it any other way. Peter looks to Lucy, still hugging her brother sweetly. Looking up, the young teen smiles happily, slowly leaving Edmund's sight to greet the Beavers she'd seen while peeking through the space where Susan left to wonder.
Peter looks at his brother with pride, unable to keep himself from reflecting on the man he is today.
"I out of anyone know how strange it all is, the weight of the world on your shoulders as you marry someone you've met in a blink of an eye. This isn't what we wanted for you, it isn't what you wanted, I know. In spite of it all, you're here. You've stood up to the pain and heartbreak and you're here, taking responsibilities for the good of others. Father always told me to take care of you. Perhaps I took it too seriously at times, I'll admit. But I'll always be here, even after today. Just as I hope you'll be there for her." Peter looks at the still man, as Edmund takes in his words thoughtfully.
"How shall I do that? I hardly know her. I'm pathetic enough that It was only yesterday when I asked if her interests, even then she had to bring it up before me. She knows it, and even if she doesn't she'll see I stole an idea for the stupid wedding gift."
"It can't be that bad." Peter insists. "What is it?"
"A picture of the ocean." He huffs.
"You stole the ocean?" Peter mocks.
"Oh, shut it." Edmund bites his lower lip in frustration. "I'm aware of how my ignorance has gotten the best of me, thank you very much..."
"Hey," Peter starts. "You once told me in Aslan's How, just before the Battle of Beruna, that you believed in me. I can't tell you how much it meant, hearing the confirmation I needed to win the battle."
"Yeah, don't get a big head, Pete, it wasn't you alone on the battlefield." Edmund rolls his eyes, still flustered. Yet a tone of playfulness rolled off lo his tongue.
"You're right. You were always there for me. But now it's my turn to return the favor. I believe you can get through this, Ed. Just as you've gotten through many trials in your time you will get through this. And if you can, enjoy this day. It is a celebration after all." Peter smiles, as Clarice calls for his name from the celebration that had begun inside the doors. Peter gives one final brotherly nod before answering his wife's call, shutting the doors from behind. All at once, Edmund found himself alone.
...
Hey everyone!! It's been a long time coming, and I'm so sorry that it's been a long update. I haven't been sleeping on the fanfic, I am just a bit of a perfectionist when it comes to getting this out to the public. I'm still not 100% confident in it, but that's what this first draft is for. I can't wait for the next chapter, and I hope you all enjoy! Do you have any suggestions or anything you hope to see in the wedding? I'll do my best to implement it in the scene if there is a response on review! So if you have any ideas, you know what to do!! Thanks for reading!