The Untold Tales of Tumnus and Lucy

Part Seven: Red Glass Bottle

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Lucy watched as Tumnus unwrapped his packages from his most recent trip out. With one though he was particularly careful with. It was a glass bottle deep red in color and very delicate looking. Being curious but holding her manners close to herself, she didn't inquire to it for the look upon his face was one she had never seen before. They had their tea and no other motions were made to the bottle and she soon forgot about the whole ordeal.

Until the next day when again, he unwrapped what seemed to be the same bottle. Unable to contain herself she asked why he had bought the same thing that he had the day before?

Tumnus looked to her, a sad look in his eyes, and smiled softly, "I buy three every year. The day before, day of, and the day after my mother died."

Realizing what she had done, Lucy made to apologize for intruding, but Tumnus waved away her attempts. "Don't worry. It's another silly Faun tradition, that's all."

Lucy, who did not find Faun tradition silly but rather intriuging, told him so and then asked, "Is it red because of the Color she chose?"

"Yes," he caressed the second bottle carefully, putting it beside the other one, which was on the mantle.

A thought then entered the child's mind, and being Queen, she found a dignified way (or at least she hoped it was dignified) to put it, "Do you not have any portraits of her?"

"No," his eyes went to the one of his father, "they were stolen long ago. But it's no matter. I have a very clear picture in my mind thanks to my father's teachings of her. And I get to speak with her often, so the gap is not as wide as it once was."

"You…get to speak with her?" She frowned; the scarf tradition was easier to follow, but with determination she focused on his words.

"Yes, you put parchments in the bottle…and lay them on the gravestone." His voice broke then, and he took a moment to gather his thoughts. "Then, the next year, you read what was written and by then you know the answers."

"Does it …"

"Work?" He smiled warmly, "Yes, I have never been let down."

Lucy was silent, looking to the bottles before asking quietly if she could join him tomorrow for the last one.

Tumnus grinned, "Yes, you may. That is the other part of the tradition. You are not to do it alone."

And with that, they made plans to purchase the last bottle, together.