From Sticks to Stones
Author: Perriannath
Summary: Tales from the early Golden Age as Narnia slips into peace the Monarchs adjust to their new roles; one in particular starts things over.
Warning: none
Rating: k+ just in case of anything
Disclaimer: I Do not own Narnia or anything pertaining to it nut my own plotline it belong in all its glory to C.S. Lewis
Author's Notes: Hello all. The prologue was meant to just be a set up so I am sorry if it seemed rushed, it took more time than I would have thought. This isn't meant to be a long story most likely ending up at four or five (maybe) chapters long. They will be longer I can assure you. Enjoy until I can get chapter eight up!
I. Other Foundations
Peter glanced around the Ballroom, he was admittedly nervous feeling out of place. He nodded at the conversation going on around him before carefully excusing himself and inching towards the edge of the room. Glancing down he noticed for the first time that evening that his hand was wrapped tightly around the hilt of his sword and he grinned wryly. Some High King he was showing himself to be couldn't even brave a crowd during a party in their honor? Chuckling he looked around to see if his siblings were faring any better.
Finally he caught sight of Susan talking with a few of the cats who were to be part of her militia, seeming nervous as she kept glancing up looking as though she desperately needed help. They met eyes and he smirked at her nodding to say that he knew exactly how she felt.
Susan looked into his own and averted her eyes, somewhat embarrassed. Weren't they supposed to be enjoying this evening? How could they though when they were almost afraid to be apart from each other in a sea of strangers?
Susan, Peter noticed, positioned herself so that her back was to a wall, protecting herself from a attack that would never come from a enemy that didn't exist. He had to grin at the fact that his normally fearless socialite sister was faring about the same as he was. Now to find Lucy and Edmund. Hopefully Peter could round them up to release tension before they all went back out to brave the crowds.
Peter made his way through the crowd stopping to talk when one of his new subjects stopped him, but with his mind on his younger siblings. He imagined Lucy was doing alright she seemed to get along with everyone well, but his thoughts turned to Edmund, imagining that the boy would feel a little more out of place. His betrayal seemed to hang over the ten year olds' head though everyone but Edmund himself seemed to have forgotten all about it. Peter hoped to spot him and relieve any fears his brother might hold. Peter knew he had enough for the both of them.
Finally on his second circuit of the Ballroom he spotted not his brother but younger sister, and he laughed. Even Lucy, normally so open, was all but clinging to Tumnus though she did participate in the conversations around her. She stayed close to the faun answering questions but in a quiet voice. Peter's face took on a worried look, where was Edmund? Finally he spotted him as he came to stand in the doorway leading to the East Sea Balcony. He watched as Edmund paused in the doorway looking left and right sheepishly before entering the room and spotted a small group nearby. With a quick flash of a grin Peter watched his brother move back over to the group.
He was welcomed with smiles and calls of greeting. The creatures had tried to bow but that was forestalled by his brother who instead turned the conversation right back to whatever topic they had been discussing earlier. Curious Peter came closer hoping to catch whatever it was that kept them in such lively discussion and was soon gaining interest by other guests.
As Peter came closer he could begin to hear snippets of the conversation and realised it was a military debate going on. Wondering exactly how Edmund was going to hold his own Peter even closer.
"Now Rilian how can you expect the…." Peter couldn't hear everything but he was surprised by how much his brother did know. That was something to think about, and likely put to good use in the future. Peter turned back to the group in time to hear them all break out into laughter apparently, he had missed something.
Satisfied and pleased with how well Ed was faring he made his way back to his sisters grabbing them and coming to stand near the door.
"Where's Ed?" Susan asked worriedly. But Peter grinned nodding his head over to the far end where Ed could still be seen chatting away with the group, though the conversation seemed to have changed as Ed was now deep in conversation a light frown on his face.
"He's doing better than any of us at the moment in any case." Peter grinned as he once more turned to look at his brother, however Edmund had moved with the group to a side table and with several others watching intently were pouring over some kind of piece of parchment. His sisters looked over to where Peter was and then gave him a questioning glance. Peter however held up his hands, "I have no idea Edmund hasn't told me anything, I don't even know for certain that he's planning something they were talking battle strategies apparently earlier."
This did nothing to satisfy the girls and they stared at Peter a moment longer in hopes to find something out. However, after a moment they relented seeing that their brother truly knew nothing, perhaps they could pry it out of Edmund later.
Edmund, from across the Grand Hall looked to where his siblings stood and had to grin he had a secret project hopefully none would find out. Glancing at Lucy and then at Mr. Tumnus Edmund began to plan he needed Lucy to keep the faun busy all day tomorrow could he find a reason for her to do so without giving away anything and without causing worry to everyone? This could be very difficult to get to play out just right yet Edmund was determined to see things through and hopefully without getting caught. One of the other fauns tapped him on the shoulder and brought his attention back to the piece of parchment stretched before them. With a sheepish chuckle, he dove back into the planning.
The party had gone well and everyone had survived though all but Ed seemed to be very glad when the guests left. They needed some peace and quiet. Edmund himself had turned in early, though all he gave as explanation was that he was still tired from the battle and everything else. It had been accepted without question as everyone was tired and weary thinking of bed themselves. With Edmund retired in his room Peter lay on his own bed and wondered how exactly he had gotten into this position in the first place. Though he had the utmost trust in Aslan he still didn't feel worthy or at all capable. His thoughts turned to his siblings grinning softly as he remembered their faces, realising that he was not the only one who felt incapable. Frowning when he thought of how well Edmund had handled himself he wondered if Edmund was making the first very difficult push towards gaining the Narnians' trust. For the younger felt as though he still should not be made King and even tried to offer the crown up in place of a lower position but the Narnians would have nothing of it. Resolving to get at least some sleep that night rather than worry of things past Peter turned onto his side and immediately fell asleep.
Edmund woke the next morning earlier than any of his siblings and almost beating the sun itself. Dressing warmly in rough traveler's clothes he slipped into soft leather boots, grabbed a change of clothes and stuffed them into a cloth bag before slipping out of his room and heading down the corridors towards the kitchens. There he made a quick stop grabbing a few pieces of fruit and several water skins then left heading towards the stables.
Philip stood ready having already been told the plan both short and the entire idea about to be put into motion. He nickered in greeting, "Good Morning King Edmund." And bowed slightly though he knew it made the boy uncomfortable.
Edmund bowed his head a moment replying, "Well met Philip are we ready to go for a ride?"
"Yes, this was a very nice idea you had, so many have volunteered to help as well they will all meet us at the rendezvous point. Now you must tell me what did you do to keep Mr. Tumnus busy all day?" the horse asked as Edmund mounted.
"Ah that, well I mentioned to Tumnus that she had yet to explore down the shoreline and hadn't seen much of the west part of Narnia. He decided to solve that with a picnic and expedition down the beach. I imagine it will take up most of the day." Edmund explained grinning.
Philip whinnied, laughing and they took off down and out from the castle towards the Edge of the Western Woods. They had a plan to put into action, with many other volunteers already heading out or already there helping with the first stage of his plan.
They arrived in short amount of time just before midday and Edmund smiled at what he saw. Creatures were getting things in order waiting for him to get things started. With a grin he unclasped his cloak, took off his crown stuffing it into the bag calling, "Well met!"
Everyone started and looked over before grinning back and calling out greetings.
"King Edmund is here we can start!" someone cried out and the creatures gathered themselves quickly becoming organized before their monarch. Edmund smiled gratefully holding up his hand for silence and quickly all fell silent.
"We are all here to begin to rebuild what was destroyed by the White Witch! Now we need to find a good piece of sturdy timber, without damaging the forest who will volunteer?" he called, several people raised their hand including several dryads.
"Good now the dryads will lead you to the wood we can use without harming their trees. I need volunteers to help clear away the broken door, it is good timber and heavy." Several fauns and centaurs volunteered for this. He placed Lotan in charge and then directed, "The rest of you are with me we will be cleaning up the inside of the house the best we can. Now let's get to work!"
He snagged a dryad's arm and pulled her aside, "if I might have a moment?" he requested.
She bowed her head and answered smoothly, "Always my prince what may I do for you?"
"I have a special project for you if I may be so bold. The frame that held his father's picture was broken. The picture itself is undamaged but I would have it sit proudly in a frame once more. May I ask of you to find a few good pieces of timber that I can build a new one?" he asked.
She looked pleased and answered, "What a wonderful idea Sire I will find the best timber I can find, do you want it carved as well or?" she asked.
"I will do that myself I am after all only cleaning it will not take long." With exchanged smiles the two headed off to their designated positions.
Edmund helped put everything back on the shelves and right all the furniture. Anything that was damaged too badly he had cleared out to be repaired later that day. Almost all the china had been cracked, though Edmund had already sent for a new set to be brought also later and the furniture was in decent condition, enough to be out to the side and taken care of. The work was hard and the house was covered in dust coating everyone and thing. Soon Edmund's face was streaked with dust and other grime as he set to work washing the dishes and knickknacks he could careful not to chip them.
It was well past midday and the house was clean, Lotan and several dryads were busy at work with the door carving new designs into the front with a small peekhole in the middle of the intricate design. Edmund smiled looking over the door before Anile came over with several small pieces of wood.
"I found good timber Sire do you need anything else?" she asked bowing slightly. He smiled and replied, "No thank you this is perfect." Moving of to one side, he took out his knife and began carving details into the pieces. All around him, people continued to work even as a cart came a dwarf driving the team. Edmund looked up from his work and grinned at the dwarf calling out, "Well met Sir!" the dwarf started but grinned bowing at Edmund even as he climbed down from the cart.
"Well met indeed Sire I have all that you requested we are more than happy to serve the Crown of Narnia."
"The Crown of Narnia asks again to pay for this great favor you have done." Edmund responded but the dwarf stubbornly shook his head refusing the offer.
"Nay Milord this is a wonderful plan I am glad to be part of it. Will you need anything else?" the dwarf asked.
"No thank you, though you are welcome to stay we work until nightfall and longer if necessary. There is a fire nearby and drink and food." Edmund offered and the dwarf took him up on the offer staying a bit longer and helping with unloading the items and placing them carefully on the shelves after dusting them off.
"The door is finished Milord shall we get it mounted?" Lotan asked. Edmund hurried over to see it and grinned, "That is fantastic yes please I am almost finished with the frame. We will be done with plenty of time to spare for the ride home." Edmund grinned.
While the centaur and several others got the door into place Edmund put the last carving into the frame slipping the portrait inside and smiling as he slipped a folded note between the frame back and portrait, a secret gift. That finished he set it on the rebuilt table and continued through working diligently to clean any marks left.
One last hour cleaning supplies and the job was finished, to everyone's relief and joy the house looked wonderful. Edmund stepped back even as Philip came forward leaning his head on the top of Ed's shoulder "He will be pleased Highness, will you not tell him who did it?" the horse asked.
"Nay Philip I would rather Tumnus thought Lucy or a fellow Narnian did this rather than myself and have him think it was out of obligation." Edmund said refusing the thought.
Edmund turned to the Narnians and With one clear whistle brought everyone to silence. Standing before them he called out, "I couldn't have done this without your help I am forever grateful now go home and rest you have managed a great feat today!"
Everyone cheered heading home as Edmund mounted Philip and did the same. Lotan rode with them having designated himself as the young king's guard as he insisted on these endeavors. They made it back to Cair Paravel as night was falling and Edmund barely managed to dismount Philip and remove the bridle, stumbling into the Castle and flopping onto the bed asleep immediately from exhaustion. A smile flitted across his lips as he thought of the good that had been done that day; the faun had certainly done much to deserve the small honor he had been given. He deserved much more but it was all Edmund could think to offer. He hoped it would be enough.
"Peter I just got the news Edmund, Philip and Lotan all just arrived back at the Castle but everyone seems to refuse to tell or not know where they were!" Susan exclaimed hurrying into the Throne Room.
Peter raised a eyebrow curiously stating, "Then we will go and ask Ed ourselves shall we?" he stood and headed off to his brother's room intending to give him a piece of his mind; worrying them all to death like that telling no one where he had gone!
They met with Lucy who had been searching all along the beach and the smaller chambers of the castle to no avail.
"They just came back Lu he's fine we're just about to go find out where he had been." Susan exclaimed.
Lucy looked almost angry as she replied, "Tumnus was here late helping to look I had to send him home just before dark!" her worry was shining through as though her mind had run through all sorts of horrible situations her brother could have found himself in.
They hurried to Ed's room but seeing no lamp lit under the door, they entered quietly. Their brother lay curled on his side asleep but still looking exhausted. Susan made a soft noise and drew her sibling's attention to her as she pointed to Ed's face; it was streaked in dust and dirt, and there were wood shavings in his hair and clothes, travel wear as though he had been out all day.
Lucy looked ready to wake him but Peter shook his head; Edmund looked exhausted better to let him sleep and scold him thoroughly in the morning.
Morning came and Edmund woke earlier than his siblings; sore, tired but completely satisfied. He went down to the kitchens and was surprised to hear a excited voice exclaiming, "The house was rebuilt I got home last night and everything had been replaced or fixed! I must know who did this!"
Edmund grinned fondly surprised that the faun had made it back so quickly, though he assumed a remodeled house could do that to a person.
He entered the kitchens and greeted Tumnus warmly as he could unwilling to meet his eyes for any longer than necessary.
"Morning Sire!" Tumnus replied before babbling excitedly, "my house was fixed yesterday sometime everything is back!"
Edmund grinned replying, "How wonderful I believe I heard a few Narnians claiming of wanting to help rebuild your home. It seems they have done so."
The faun picked up something he had placed on the counter and murmured, "The fixed it, my father sits in honor again. I have never seen such beautiful carving I wish to find who did this and thank them." Tumnus held the frame almost reverently tears building.
Edmund smiled softly before saying, "I Wish you luck in finding them if I hear anything I will let you know. A good day to you!" he snatched an apple and left the kitchens. He had no plans for the day but to work on the second part of his 'campaign' that and finishing up paperwork.
Not much later Lucy and the other three had woken and entered the Hall to find Tumnus who greeted Lucy still ecstatic over the previous days' events.
"Queen Lucy you'll never imagine what happened!"
"What is something wrong? What brings you back so early?" Lucy asked.
"My house is fixed! The door is back and all of my tea set is put back into place!" the faun was almost shouting.
"How is this possible?" Susan asked.
"King Edmund told me he had over heard some Narnians who had wished to help but he seemed slightly skittish did I say something wrong?" Tumnus asked.
"How wonderful, but what is that you're holding?" Peter asked.
"Why someone made a new frame I have never seen craftsmanship such as this." Tumnus told them, handing them the frame.
Peter took it a thoughtful look crossing his face; the style seemed familiar but he couldn't place why. Handing to Susan he found she was having the same problem. Neither could remember so all Peter said was;
"We will let you know if we hear anything of how has done this fine deed."
Susan nodded with a smile and Tumnus bowed leaving with Lucy chasing after him. They would meet and try to decipher this mystery later. Hopefully they could come with an answer to this strange circumstance.
TBC
AN: Hello again well this chapter turned out longer than I had thought it would be but that's a story for you. Well the next chapter will be up soon I hope as will the eighth chapter of Recalled Home. I promise it will be up by this weekend, I hope. I am hoping this will tide you all over until then and I do apologise for the wait!