JUST AND MAGNIFICENT
Volume 3: The Price We Pay For Love
3.10: Gentle Vs. the Just
Part 1
Most of Volume 3 of Just and Magnificent takes place in the 3-6 years after the events of the movie. It is the last of three volumes. It is AU and if you haven't figured out, contains slash and incest. Hopefully you find it handled in a way that is as pure as possible.
Summary: Peter's recovery continues. Relations continue to strain between Edmund and Susan. Lucy recieves an urgent message.
Warnings: Slash, Incest, Love, Romance, Adventure, Mystery, Action.
Disclaimer: Only characters that are mine are the Pretty Eyes People from Shian! And since they're all dead except Orrin, well I only own him now! Well actually, he's dead now so now I own no one! sniff All the rest belong to that master of awesomeness, C.S. Lewis.
JUST AND MAGNIFICENT 3.10 – GENTLE VS. THE JUST, Part 1
TO HEAL THE WOUNDS OF WAR
Peter's recovery was two fold. His grievous injuries were the first, and the battle in his heart and mind the second. Each night he would toss and turn, before waking in a cold sweat with the screams of those who died on the battlefield ringing in his mind. His failure in the north, and the great cost of life in the battles against Lejious's armies were ever present.
They manifested themselves in dark circles beneath his eyes. Though he had ventured out for Prince Orrin's funeral, most of his days since then had been confined to his chambers. His face was gaunt and he barely ate unless Edmund sat down and forced him to. Sick as he was however, he performed his duties to the best of his ability. His chambers became a hub of activity, something which seemed to frequently annoy his husband.
Tonight, like many other nights, Peter awoke in a cold sweat, his body shaking and every healing wound on his body seemed to burn like fire. It still hurt him to move, even though his greatest wounds, particularly where Lejious ran him through, seemed to have sealed. Thanks to the talents of the Galma healers who lived in sanctuary within Narnia, and to Lucy, his recovery was much faster than expected. Yet it was still the wounds in his heart that seemed as raw as ever.
"Peter?" Edmund moaned in his slumber, his hand delicately searching out Peter's face, careful to avoid his chest, "It's alright, Peter."
Peter would nod his head and his breathing would steady. He would clasp his hand firmly to Edmund's and let a whimper escape him. As if Edmund were the only warmth in this world, he pulled him close, even though it caused him a great deal of discomfort.
"It's alright, Peter." reassured Edmund, gently stroking Peter's arm, "It's alright."
"So many, Ed … so many lost. I can still hear them."
"This war must end soon, Peter, for it has claimed far too many lives. Just as I witnessed the deaths of thousands on the Eastern Seas, I too hear them cry out to me. We must use their memory to inspire us to save those who remain behind."
"I know, Ed. I know." Peter said, rolling over on top of Edmund.
Before Edmund had time to argue, Peter smashed their lips together. His kiss was not tender or gentle, it was needy and all encompassing. His doubt-bucket was the only thing that felt real. The only thing that grounded him to a sensation called hope and warmth. He needed to feel that sensation physically as much as in his mind. Not since his return had they once made love, for his injuries had prevented it. Tonight he did not seek the permission or approval of his husband, he simply demanded to feel that warmth. He demanded it to fill the gaping cold within his soul that had grown ever deeper since the day he returned from the north, after a failed campaign.
The cold that occupied his soul was that of death and suffering. He had fought many battles and seen many fall under his command, but never in the numbers they had lost in the north. Never before had the largest Narnian Armies suffered such a staggering defeat. Even if technically the campaign was a draw, with Lejious retiring to recover from his duel with Prince Orrin, Peter considered it a defeat far greater than any in Narnia's history. For the life of him, he could not guarantee that such a defeat would not happen again. It was for this reason, to give him hope, and to push aside the chilling voices of those who died on the battlefield, that he sought his husband's lips.
When Edmund muffled a response to his actions, Peter silenced him with a tongue that pushed past teeth. He used sheer will alone to dominate the moment with as much strength as he could.
"Peter, no!" Edmund yelled, "We can't. You're hurt."
"Let me deal with my own discomfort." said a Peter who bordered on anger at Edmund's reluctance, "I desire to have you now. Give yourself to me."
"Peter, what is wrong with you? I give myself to you gladly, you need not speak to me in such a fashion. I only resist because I do not wish for you hurt yourself."
"I know." Peter said, shaking his head as he burst with tears, "I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I didn't mean it, Doubt-bucket."
Peter covered his face in his hands and rolled over. He knew very well he could not have gone through with his intentions. His body would not have held out, and neither would his heart. He had never before wanted to be so forceful with his doubt-bucket, but right now he was not himself.
"Peter?" asked a confused Edmund, who sat up beside a distraught Peter, "What's going on?"
"You didn't see them. So many of them. They all looked to me to save them, but I could not." cried Peter, his tears tracing a path from his cheeks to his hands, "Their voices are cold. Their memories are colder. I dwell with them every day, Ed. You are what I cling to. You are my warmth to make me feel whole again. It has been so very long and I am uncertain whether I am the same man who left you so long ago."
"You mean the man who gave me this?" Edmund asked, removing a small note from beneath his pillow, "This note that I woke up to the morning you left me?"
Peter took the note gingerly from his husband's fingers, pausing to read his own handwriting. It seemed a lifetime ago that he wrote this note. A lifetime ago that he left these words for his love. He almost didn't feel like the same man who wrote them.
'My beautiful love,
I could not bear to say goodbye, for fear I would break and have no strength to leave you. If words could give justice to my love for you, I would surely use them here. I can only think of one thing to perhaps remind you of how much you mean to me.
I am, because you are.
I love you always, and should I be taken from you, then please remember those words.
Forever yours,
--Your husband, Peter'
Peter's eyes welled with tears at reading his own note. 'I am, because you are'. Peter believed it then, and he knew it now. It was the very reason he desired to make love to his husband, as if that was some way to become the Peter he once was. The Peter who wrote the note to begin with. The Peter who had not become weary from war and hardened from endless death. For though he had battled many times in the past, the overwhelming shadow that this war cast over him and indeed the world, was far more impacting than anything previous to it.
Edmund took the note gently from Peter's hands, before folding it tenderly and kissing it. Peter could see how very much it meant to his love, as he carefully slid the note back beneath his pillow.
"That was the worst day of my life, Peter." said a tearful Edmund, slathering Peter with a wet kiss, "I was so afraid you would not come back to me."
"Perhaps not all of me did."
"And do you truly believe that sharing ourselves will change that?"
"It would be more for my benefit, than for yours. I need to feel whole, Ed." sighed an emotional Peter, "I need to feel warmth, and you are the only well from which I can drink. Yet I do not feel worthy of the warmth you give me by simply being. My heart is cold, Ed. It's so cold."
"Then let me warm you." Edmund said with a shudder in his voice, leaning down to kiss Peter, "Let me warm you as only your husband can. Let me love you as only I can."
"And only ever will." smiled a grateful Peter, "But … you will forgive me if I am not quite up to task? And for … being so … gruff with you?"
"I will think about the last one." teased Edmund, before his face once again became sober, "Relax, Peter. I will take care of all. You need only lay there and I will do the rest. Do not exert yourself, my beautiful Peter. Let me take care of you."
Peter breathed anxiously as Edmund straddled him and instantly garnered a noticeable reaction. All Peter could do was watch as Edmund slipped off his night garments, exposing the lithe, muscled and pale flesh of the Rogue Warrior. Oh how Peter had missed this. How often he had dreamed of it on far too many lonely nights. Already he felt a stirring that seemed to stretch out from his soul and into his nether regions.
Peter's only garment was that which covered his modesty, and it was quickly pulled away by Edmund. Now both were naked, with Peter laying down so as not to cause himself discomfort or aggravate his still healing injuries.
"Do I still please you, Peter?" Edmund asked, slightly wistful as he knelt on display for Peter.
"Always." nodded Peter, breathless at the long denied sight of his naked love, "Always, my love. Do … do you think I could please you again? One day, when I have recovered, I will be as my old self. Even with my scars, will I still please you too?"
"Oh of course, Peter. Your scars can be rid of, but I will never ask you to remove them, just as you have never asked me to remove mine."
"Mine are bigger." smiled Peter, "Do I win?"
"Tonight you do."
Edmund finally began the awkward task of pleasuring Peter. Peter closed his eyes as Edmund traced his body from his head to his feet with lips and tongue. He slowly set himself down over Peter, careful not to put too much weight on his injured husband. It was not the easiest love they had ever made. Even now it felt rather awkward because Edmund was still careful not to put any pressure on Peter's body. Almost as soon as they were done, Edmund slipped off and lay down gasping next to him. They lay silent in the afterglow, with Peter staring blankly at the stone ceiling as glistening sweat cooled on his body. For some time they were breathless, with Peter coming down from a sensation he had craved for too long.
"Are you alright, Peter?"
Peter only nodded in response before turning his head to face Edmund. He made the smallest smile and without words, told Edmund he wanted a kiss. Gladly, Edmund leaned forward and pressed their lips together in a warm kiss that showed Peter's gratitude. A warm kiss that was filled with as much passion as their love making. Only when they pulled away did Peter speak.
"I really needed that, Doubt-bucket." smiled a sighing Peter, "Thank you."
"A small service to my king."
"I do not always wish to be your king." said a suddenly emotional Peter, "Only the object of your love. I'm sorry that wasn't … well … better for you. But I do love you, and I am very grateful. You are selfless, Edmund, when it comes to me. I do not know what I did to deserve you, but I know I am blessed to have you. I will make this up to you."
"I did enjoy it too, Peter. I have missed your touch, but I feared it would be some time before we could love each other like this, because of your injuries. If you want me, you need only ask. I am yours."
"I am sorry for being so forceful with you. I am ashamed, and yet you still gave yourself to me. I do not deserve such kindness."
Edmund rubbed Peter's arm, as if the gesture said more to show his understanding than words could. Peter appreciated without limit, the selflessness of his husband. He truly hoped Edmund understood that his ill mannered words stemmed from his frustrations. He hoped Edmund would forgive him, and allow him the opportunity to make up for his brief outburst of forcefulness.
"Ed?"
"Yes, Peter?"
"When I am well … I wish to … give you something of me. I wish for you to have me." Peter said, suddenly with tears forming in his eyes.
"No." Edmund said sternly, immediately understanding Peter's implication, "You are not for me to have in that fashion. You are the high king. I won't allow it."
"And I am also your husband." said a rather weak sounding Peter, "And you are perhaps the only person in this world who will ever see me falter in ways that others cannot. You are the only person who sees me. You are the only person … who can make me feel like it is not a crime for the high king to be in need. Sometimes I need you to make me feel as though I do not always have to be brave or strong, and that if I am not, you will brave and strong enough for me. Sometimes, when nobody else can see, I need to be relieved of being the thing that everyone else expects of me. Do you understand what I am saying? I do not begrudge the duty placed upon me, but sometimes, when we are alone, I wish that I could be weak, and you could be strong. Would you?"
Peter's tears were pained and sincere, as his deep blue eyes pleaded to Edmund. Obviously upset, Peter lay his head back and shuddered with weariness that he did not show outside these chambers. Edmund wasted no time in wrapping his arms around Peter, kissing his shoulder and whispering;
"I understand what you are asking of me. It will be some time before we can even consider that. This was enough of a toll on you. But I want you to know, Peter, that you can always be yourself with me. That is why we are married. If I can be your strength, then let me. If you wish me to hold you and take care of you, then I shall do so without hesitation." smiled a teary Edmund, his lips tracing gentle kisses along Peter's cheek, "If at some time you need release from your burdens and responsibility and simply wish to be my Peter, then come to me and I will be your strength. I will never let you fall, and you can always falter to me and I will think nothing less of you for doing so."
"I love you, Doubt-bucket." cried Peter with a deep breath as he gripped Edmund's hand fiercely in his, "I love you very much. Thank you so much for … this tonight. I needed it, my love. Just as I need you. I am, because you are. Never leave me. Please, never leave me."
"We have had this discussion before." smiled Edmund, brushing the sweat drenched wisps of hair from Peter's forehead, "I will not leave you. Not again. I am certain."
And so they slept, with Peter deferring to Edmund to hold him. It would have seemed a strange sight, but on this night, Peter truly needed to be the one who was held. When slumber overwhelmed him, for the first time he did not hear the voices of those he failed. Instead he felt only the warm arms of his love keeping him safe and giving him strength.
RETURN OF THE ROGUE WARRIOR
Ever since Peter's return from the north, Edmund had been able to relegate some of his duties back to him. This had allowed Edmund to focus some of his time on the training he did in his adventures with Aslan. The adventures that made him the Rogue Warrior.
In the crisp air of dawn, Edmund trained just as he had in his journeys to far off lands and finally beyond the veil. Having left a sleeping Peter alone in their chambers, he had ventured to the western end of Cair Paravel outskirts, just as he had every day since his husband had returned. He wore a blindfold as he stood in the middle of an empty field, surrounded by a half dozen satyr soldiers. The field was littered with stumps of varying heights and small ponds so as to stagger the lay of the land. Sweat glistened off Edmund's exposed upper body as he tensed and wielded a wooden staff in his hands.
His bare feet seemed to survey the grass around him and when he suddenly broke into a sprint, they deftly sprung him from stump to stump. All at once the satyr soldiers moved in on him. It was well known that Edmund still possessed some abilities from his time as a fallen king, as well as honed abilities from his time venturing with Aslan. His ability to fight blindfolded was prime example, as was his natural instinct in battle.
As the satyrs surrounded him with actual swords, Edmund leapt from stump to stump, using the butt of his staff to knock satyr after satyr into the surrounding ponds. With utter ease, Edmund made his way through the course of stumps where he ran from the field into a small wood of trees. More satyrs emerged from the woods as he breathed hard, kicking off trees and using his instinct, hearing, smell, and touch to engage his opponents and disarm them.
In the center of the wood was a clearing where Edmund met the last of his training opponents. The ultimate test of his abilities as the Rogue Warrior was now in order. He dropped his staff as three more satyrs surrounded him. Three satyrs he had personally chosen for their prowess with and without a sword. He stood in a defensive pose, letting them come to him. They swung at him with their swords, with Edmund barely able to dodge them blindfolded.
Hearing the whoosh of metal cutting through the air beside his head, Edmund traced the origin and with a blindingly fast flurry of kicks, he had one satyr disarmed and on the ground. The next two were not so easy and managed to score slight slices across Edmund's exposed back. He had already instructed them not to stop the training unless he specifically said 'stop'. He did not.
They came at him again, Edmund hearing their light footsteps approaching. He dropped to the ground at the last moment before spinning out his legs to hit both in the midsection. He spun on the ground, kicking the legs out from under the satyrs before jumping to his feet. He pulled the blindfold from his head to see that one of the satyrs had evaded his sweep and now stood with their sword aimed at Edmund's chest.
"Sorry, Majesty." the satyr soldier said with a bow, "Again?"
"Again, Sir." sighed Edmund, "This time, no breaks between stages. Just keep coming at me. Was anyone hurt?"
"Not … badly, Sire."
"Sorry." grimaced Edmund, "I'll get the staff wrapped in feather down at the ends."
"You know, Sire, I believe your ability as the Rogue Warrior is beyond what anyone expects of you."
"If that was truly the case, this war would never have begun." Edmund said as he shook his head in disappointment, "I will face him again and this time, one of us will die, and I will do my very best to make sure it is not me. For all our sakes, I cannot fail. Again!"
PREPARATIONS IN WAR
The night after Peter made love to his husband for the first time since their reunion, he felt like a new man. He felt as though somehow Edmund had drawn the burden from his shoulders and given him a warmth and strength that he sorely needed. How long it would last, Peter was uncertain, but he was grateful nonetheless.
Today was the first day he had ventured out of his chambers into the war room. He wanted to see first hand the activity that he had hitherto directed from his chambers. He stood with the help of a crutch, but stood proud nonetheless. Orrin's death had cast a shadow, but in the weeks since his funeral, the despair of the northern campaign's failure was replaced with a new sense of hope. Narnia's returning Northern Armies were almost home. All of Narnia's forces would be once again reunited, with Calormen's ships and a huge swath of sea based battalions serving as a deterrent to the ever threatening Lone Islands invasion from the annexed Galma. Five of Archenland's battalions and its Elite Guard had also formed with Susan's triumphant Southern Armies.
In the aftermath of defeat, there was somehow an air of anticipation. A sense of camaraderie between those nations who had declared their unity against the darkness, and against him, against the one who is many. A unity that would make its stand in Narnia, led by Narnia, and with Aslan's grace, won in Narnia.
At the sight of his husband, the just king, entering the war room, Peter's face lit up with a beaming smile. Though it still seemed strange for some to see the two kings so open with their love, it was pleasantly received by all. Not just for the sake that they were the two kings of Narnia, but simply because any sign of love in these dark times was a reminder of why this war must be won.
"Hello, my love." Peter said without hesitating to greet Edmund with a warm and love smitten kiss.
They lingered for a moment, with Peter's hand firmly on the back of Edmund's neck as he placed two more chaste kisses before they separated. Smiling somewhat bashfully, Edmund tried not to blush and turned his focus to the map laid out on he table before him. Peter slid his hand into Edmund's and interlaced their fingers before raising Edmund's hand to his lips.
"Peter …" said Edmund, somewhat distracted by Peter's unrelenting affection, "This is a war room, not a love room."
"When this war is over, perhaps we'll make it one."
"Susan is not here?" said Edmund rather seriously, trying to refocus Peter's attention on more important matters, "Has she already planned the strategy for the Southern Armies?"
"No …" said Peter, disappointed that relations were still tense enough for Susan to avoid anywhere she knew Edmund would be, "She said she had … other obligations."
"Right." sighed Edmund, "Or perhaps once again she knew I would be here and made certain she was not."
"Contrary to what you may think, this world does not revolve around you, Rogue Warrior." Susan said as she surprised all by walking through the main doors.
Without making eye contact with Edmund, Susan nodded to Peter and stood to his left, with Edmund at his right. Surrounded by their greatest generals, the three monarchs began mapping out the defensive plans for Narnia. War and grief had hardened Susan. The gentle queen had earned quite the reputation for being a formidable war commander. And as the only monarch to complete their campaign successfully, with her defense of the south in Archenland, her reputation only continued to rise. To all who knew her, this was not the Queen Susan the Gentle who ascended the throne years ago. This Queen Susan the Gentle, who did not linger in the archer's lines, but joined the thick of battle instead.
"Susan, we will need the Southern Armies to guard the east. We have reason to believe the Lone Islanders will begin moving against us within a week. They will come at us from Galma …" Peter said as he tapped his right index finger over the table map, "You will need to work with Calormen's forces currently in dock. Will this pose a problem for you?"
Peter knew that Calormen was somewhat of a sore spot for Susan. Though Tisroc Lash was not responsible for what Susan had suffered, or the death of her child, she still found it difficult to work with Calormen. In spite of this, she nodded her acceptance, but said nothing.
"If we can rebuff the eastern invasion before his army enters from the north, we will stand a better chance of consolidating our forces and mounting an effective defense on both fronts."
"In other words, you would like me to defeat the Lone Islanders quickly." asked Susan with a raised eyebrow, "You wish me to do what King Edmund the Just so obviously could not."
Susan's barb was not lost on Peter or Edmund, but neither said a word, though Peter's unimpressed glare said enough. Bitter was perhaps the first word that sprang to Peter's mind. He had forgiven Susan many of her thinly veiled attacks on Edmund's character, but his patience was continually growing thin. He had hoped that over time Susan's animosity toward Edmund would dissipate, but her bitterness seemed to only grow.
Susan had grown increasingly distant since Orrin's death. She did not attend any of the traditional meals that the monarchs attended daily. Instead, she chose to eat with her infantry or in the encampments outside Cair Paravel that housed the Galma and Terebinthia refugees. She seemed to spend less and less time within the castle walls, coming in only when duty forced her, or to spend time with Lucy. The growing tension between Edmund and Susan was felt throughout Cair Paravel and indeed Narnia.
For the rest of the meeting however, Susan remained silent. In herself, she was disappointed for being so petty with her comments. She could see her sting clearly affected her brother, and for a time she felt as though all she wanted to do was rub his back and tell him everything would be fine. Then she reminded herself why it wouldn't be fine. She had not forgiven him or the Order of Justice, and her heart was still too raw to consider showing him any kind of warmth. Yet still she felt a growing seed of regret, made even more evident when she would catch him casting heartbroken looks at her when he thought she was not looking.
"Alright, that's it." said Peter, "That's it for today. We will need to reconvene tomorrow. Might we see you before then, Su? Lucy is having guests tonight. She is hosting some of the refugee children from Galma in an attempt to raise their spirits in these difficult times. Isn't that wonderful of her?"
Susan nodded sincerely, "It is wonderful, Peter. That is Lucy for you. She is nothing if not warm and caring."
"Like … yourself, Su?"
"Now, now, Peter. Let us not jest." Susan sighed.
"Would … would you come, Su?" asked a nervous Edmund, "It has been some time since we were all together. It has been an even rarer time when we have done something that did not involve war or de…"
Susan knew what Edmund was about to say even before he cut himself off. She considered what they both said, and more importantly, could see the hope in Edmund's penetrating brown eyes. Perhaps it would not hurt to spend one evening in their company, but how could she do so when she had not forgiven Edmund for his actions? Would tonight be an opportunity to try and mend the broken bridge between them?
"King Edmund! An urgent message from the Order of Justice's steward. You are needed in the Hall of Justice." called a herald messenger as he entered the room with a bow.
Susan immediately stiffened at the very mention of the 'Order of Justice'. Her lips tightened and she raised her eyebrow before adjusting herself stoically. With a small nod, she quickly excused herself.
All Peter could do was shake his head as Susan left the room as abruptly as she had entered. He could take no more of this tension between his siblings. Turning to Edmund, he made his point directly.
"The Order of Justice can wait. Go and speak to her." said Peter sternly, "This has gone on long enough."
"She will not hear me, Peter."
"Then make her." Peter said as he took Edmund's hand and kissed it, "Please, Edmund. Fix this."
"I will try, Peter. I will try."
GENTLE VS. THE JUST
"No, Promised One. Like this." Orrin said as he stood behind Susan.
The gentle queen held his two long swords in her hands as he moved with her in motion. He brought her left hand up to her shoulder height, before bringing her right hand to intersect just beneath it. She stepped in with her right foot, before Orrin gently led her left hand to cut horizontal. Again they started from scratch, repeating the motion over and over together, with Orrin standing next to Susan like her shadow. Finally, when Susan had the motion nailed, Orrin stepped back with a proud smile.
"That's it, Promised One." beamed Orrin.
Susan watched as her husband returned to the water's edge where he took off his tunic and immersed it. He pulled his tunic out and squeezed it of excess water. He stood up, sweat glistening off his torso as he returned to Susan's side. He tenderly wiped sweat from her brow with his soaked shirt, cooling her. She smiled at the gesture, taking the opportunity to place a brisk kiss upon her husband's lips.
"Again, Promised One." Orrin said as he walked away from Susan.
Susan's eyes traced her husband as he picked up two sticks and wielded them as if they were his own long swords. Susan could not help but marvel at the definition in each limb and exposed muscle of her husband as he performed a series of deft moves. As if satisfied at acclimatizing himself to the sticks weights, Orrin stood up straight and stepped toward Susan.
"This time, make sure you step in with your right foot as I go for the death knell. Master this move, and you will defeat any warrior who wields two swords." said a straight faced Orrin as he assumed a battle stance.
"Like yourself?" smirked Susan.
"Believe me, Promised One, you had me defeated the moment you laid eyes on me."
Without a word, Orrin came at Susan using a swift set of some of his most potent moves. At first somewhat tepid, Susan lunged forward and exacted out every step her husband had shown her. She used his two swords against him just as he had shown her, and in the end, she countered his offense. The motion ended with Orrin's neck surrounded by two swords with threat of being decapitated.
"Very good, Promised One." Orrin nodded, "I have shown you counters to some of my most potent moves. You could defeat me with ease. You could defeat anyone who wields two swords instead of a sword and shield."
"I will never need to, because you will always protect me."
"Well … there may come a day when I cannot protect you. On that day, what I have taught you may be quite useful."
"Then I hope that day never comes. For I do not wish a day to go by without you by my side."
Unfortunately for Susan, many days had gone by without her husband by her side. The time since his funeral seemed to go by far too fast. All she had now were memories. As she ran her fingers along the two long swords that he had given her as part of her wedding present of Shian armor, she could still remember the days when he would teach her the art of Shian swordplay.
Having excused herself from the war room early, she had taken the time to practice some of the moves her husband had taught her in life, and merge them with her own style of fighting. She had grown a reputation as a fierce warrior who could easily shift between sword and bow. From now on, she would fight with two swords and no shield, in much the same way her husband had.
As she stepped in and out of set moves, Susan felt her adrenaline rising. She had drawn a small crowd in the inner courtyard, who seemed intrigued to see the gentle queen outside, for she was rarely seen in public now. Yet she soon found one set of eyes upon her that she did not wish to see. They were the eyes of King Edmund, her brother.
Susan paid him no heed and continued practicing her moves as Edmund stepped toward her. Unmoved by his presence, she continued to spin and wield her swords around. Still he continued to move toward her, and now Susan took offence. Instead of speaking to him, she turned to face him with her two swords crossed over as if she were a Shian.
Her eyes were intent and without saying a word she warned Edmund that she would not speak to him until he drew his sword. She would not speak to him until they dueled together. So fierce and unrelenting was her gaze, that soon Edmund realized he had no choice but to comply.
"Defeat me and we will talk. If I defeat you, then you will stay away from me. Heart and neck score the points." said an emotionless Susan, her stern tone ringing out.
"Is that a promise?"
"It is."
With a stoic sigh, Edmund heeded Susan's words. He drew his sword, drawing gasps of surprise from the onlookers. As if consigning himself to this moment, Edmund assumed a battle stance and readied to face Susan. He knew he was more than a match for her. Fierce as she was, he was the Rogue Warrior.
When their swords met, it was with a ferocity that Edmund did not expect. This was not the practice duel he believed he would get. Her blows intended harm, of that he could be certain. Where he held back, she did not. Her two swords to his one was more than an even match and forced him to step his tactics up a level.
"You assume too much, Rogue Warrior." said a bitter Susan, "Underestimating me, are we?"
"Underestimate the only royal who actually left her campaign victorious? I think not, Su."
Again their swords met in a clang of metal. A flurry of strikes and parries that ended with Susan using one sword to trip Edmund up, while the second spun to his throat. A collective gasp echoing out of the ever growing crowd.
"First to three points." said Susan as she stepped back.
Edmund stood up and in no time, Susan was back at him. Much to his dismay, he was forced to fight her with intensity that would render a lesser opponent dead in a heartbeat. Though he always admired Su's courage, he truly did not expect her to be able to match him. Yet her anger clouded her judgment as she went for an angry back slice that Edmund jumped over and countered with his sword at Susan's chest.
"One all." said an intent Edmund, "Two to go for both of us."
Again their duel resumed, with Edmund trying for a quick point with a flurry of lightning fast strikes. Susan was forced to step backwards with each strike of Edmund's, but she countering all of them. Her final counter ended with her two swords threatening to cut Edmund's head off.
"You're holding back." growled Susan, "How dare you. You think I am unworthy? You think I am afraid of you?"
Their fighting resumed with concerned onlookers sensing the increase in tempo and volatility. Though it was classed a friendly duel, there was nothing friendly about it. Strikes were not reigned in. Sweeps were not staggered. And when Susan's swords were knocked from her hands, she used her bare hands to punch Edmund square in the jaw to distract him long enough to get her swords back. Though initially surprised, Edmund went for her before she could raise her swords, successfully gaining a point with his sword against her neck.
"Final point." said a breathless Susan, "You want this conversation? You better get me good, and make it count."
Angry cries erupted between them as Susan used her environment to her advantage and stagger Edmund's momentum by weaving in and out of them. Edmund used his speed to counter all of Susan's movements and her attempts to strike him. Her double sword skills were great and there were many times when Edmund thought he would actually die from many of her well aimed strikes.
So fierce was their parrying that in a mighty clash, their swords went flying away from them. At that moment to all onlookers, it was obvious this was no friendly duel. Even without swords, Edmund was deadly and still came at Susan, trying to earn a quick point to end this 'friendly' duel. Susan for her part managed to trip Edmund up, causing him to stagger backwards before she kicked off the wall in a fashion much like her husband would have. Before she landed, Edmund struck a casual but ferocious blow to Susan's midsection, just missing the chest that would've given him the victory.
Susan rolled up after landing on the ground, too overcome with adrenaline to let herself feel any pain. As Edmund reached down to pick up his sword that was impaled in the ground, Susan ran at him. She leaped off the hilt of his sword, stepping on his hand and kicking off with a flat kick to his chest. It was strong enough to send Edmund to the ground. On instinct, Susan picked up his sword, before Edmund swept her feet out from under her. Susan felt herself growing wild with frustration, for she could not help but think that Edmund was still holding back, as if she wasn't worthy of being considered a real threat. With her hand still on Edmund's sword, she kicked to her feet and swung at him. In two quick steps however, Edmund stepped inside her strike, using his elbow to knock the sword from her hands before catching it with his free hand. In a flash, the duel was over as he used the momentum to swing the sword at her neck, stopping just short of the flesh.
"I win." said a heavily breathing Edmund, "Now we talk."
Furious with herself, Susan walked away, before picking up her two long swords. She stood with her back to Edmund for some time, staring down at her swords as she bit back frustrated tears. She chided herself for being unable to match Edmund's Rogue Warrior skills. She did not believe she even posed a significant threat to him. She wished she was the fighter her husband was, because she believed that he would be one of the few who could perhaps best Edmund in a duel. Then she reminded herself that it was because of Edmund that she would never see her husband again, and in that moment her resolve hardened, but she kept her word. She raised her head and turned to face him as he waited patiently for her to acknowledge him, paying no attention to their crowd of subjects who were as fearful as they were intrigued.
"Speak." said Susan as she sheathed her swords in her back plate.
"This has gone on long enough, Su. I cannot bear your hatred for me, and neither can Peter or Lucy. For their sake, we must end this."
"That is a low blow, Edmund. How dare you bring them into this? It could be a lot worse, you know." said Susan as she wiped sweat from her brow, "A lot worse. Have I caused you trouble? Have I moved against the Order of Justice? I could make your life very difficult, Edmund. Yet I have done nothing."
"Orrin wouldn't want this, you know he woul..."
Susan slapped Edmund before he even finished speaking, "Don't you ever speak his name!"
"I didn't kill him!" yelled Edmund angrily, before he closed his eyes and bit back tears, "What do you want me to do, Su? What will make you understand that I had no intention of causing anyone any harm. I didn't mean for any of this to take place. You are holding onto your anger, because you believe it is all you have to hold onto. But it is not. I am your brother and I am here for you. All you need do is … let go of your hatred for me and let me be here for you. Su, I love you, and though I know I will be a constant reminder of what you have lost, I wish for nothing more than to be by your side and have you love me too."
"That is where you are right, Edmund." said a surprisingly frank Susan, "You will be a constant reminder of what I no longer have. You and Peter. You have your love because he saved Peter. Both of you remind me of what I no longer have. It is not just you, but I blame you first. I blame you most." she continued, honest and hurt tears streaming down her face, "You forced Orrin into a situation that as a Shian, he could not let pass. You humiliated my husband and forced him to retake his honor so that I … would no longer be shamed with him. So that I …" sobbed Susan, "For me … for me … he did it for me …"
The very words falling out of her mouth caused Susan to stagger and falter to the ground. Her face was hollow and devoid of hope as she sat dumbstruck on the stone tiles of the courtyard. She sobbed low and drawn out cries causing a circle of concerned Narnian to hover around her, though she was oblivious to them all. Her own words had given her the realization that she did not wish to face. Her own guilt was as strong as her hatred for Edmund's actions that humiliated and dishonored her husband.
"Su, please." begged Edmund, a crack in his voice as he knelt down, daring to wrap his arms around her, "You don't hate me. You don't. You are hurt and you are angry, and I am sorry, Su. Do you hear me? I am sorry. I am so very sorry. Please, I beg you, forgive me and let me help you."
"Ed, I don…." Susan began to say before Edmund silenced her with a fierce hug.
For a time Susan faltered, letting her sobs be soothed by the just king. Yet when she regained herself, she stared at him in surprised horror, realizing how close he was to her. She pulled herself away and stood to her feet, shaking her head as if it would quell her tears. Edmund seemed to falter at the rejection and slumped to the ground with a defeated gasp. Susan suddenly found herself torn between the hatred fueled by the long seeded grief for not just her husband, but their child and their marriage, and between her natural instinct as an older sister. No matter how hurt she had felt toward him, the look of shattered rejection in Edmund's eyes was starkly sobering. Instinctively, she reached down and placed her hand on his shoulder, before their eyes met. For a time there was a peace between them, and a shine of hope in Edmund's wide eyes. It was short lived however, when the voice of an unwelcome dwarf interrupted them.
"King Edmund! Top of the day to you." sung Likatrik, 'apparently' oblivious to the siblings near moment of forgiveness, "You do know that you are required urgently in the Hall of Justice. Oh hello, Queen Susan. Am I interrupting something, Majesties?"
"You!" Susan glared, grabbing the dwarf by the neck and hauling him off the ground with strength that surprised all who watched, "You dare show your face before me!"
"Is this about that business with your husband?" said a surprised Likatrik, "I only did what was in the mandate! It's what King Edmund wanted!"
Again Susan's eyes turned to Edmund, this time with no softness or hint of sympathy in them. Her face tightened as Edmund stared up at her shaking his head. In that moment, something snapped inside Susan. Resolve, hope, maternal instinct, logic. It all seemed to give way to anger near on hatred, and intent to go with it. In that moment, the look that passed between her and Edmund was not peace, it was war. When she turned her face back to the dwarf who she still held by the scruff of his neck, he almost seemed a little pleased with himself.
"You can be certain I'm well aware of your role in these events, Dwarf." growled Susan, giving the dwarf a threatening glare before she threw him hard to the ground, "Do not dare show your face before me again, lest I take real offence to it."
Susan stood over the dwarf with a raised eyebrow, before turning on her heels. With a quick and determined step, she left through the crowd and disappeared. She left behind her a horrified Edmund who glared at Likatrik. Around them stood a surprised mob of Narnian who could not believe what they had just witnessed between two of its monarchs. Little did they realize, that this was just a sign of things to come. Little did they notice the small smirk on Likatrik's face, as though he had played all for fools. And indeed, perhaps he had. For what reasons, and for how long, no one knew, except himself. And with Prince Orrin dead and out of the Order of Justice, he imagined that would not change anytime soon.
A VALIANT CALL
Lucy walked through the refugee camps outside Cair Paravel, doing her best to bring some joy to those who had been displaced from their homes in Galma and Terebinthia. She was followed by her ever loyal companion, the faun Tumnus. Lucy had grown much in the last few years, yet she was still very much the younger sister to the other monarchs. The baby of the four. A title she was increasingly frustrated with, for she felt she had more to offer than the other three would give her credit for. Something other than turning up with her cordial or getting rescued from Calormen. Though she found a great amount of joy in being able offer comfort to those whose lives had been turned upside down in this war, she sought to prove herself in other ways. She truly believed it was time for her to come of age and emerge from the shadow of her older siblings and prove her worth to them and to Narnia.
"There must be something more I can do." sighed Lucy as she walked among the refugees infirmary, offering a friendly smile and a soft touch, "Something I can do to help end this war. It's horrid, Tumnus. It's so horrid. I must do more."
"You have arranged this evening for the children of these refugees. That is an extremely noble and thoughtful act." added Mr. Tumnus, "When you are older …"
Lucy tried her best to bite her tongue, but she could not. When she turned to meet the faun's eyes, she spoke again, this time with insistence in her voice;
"I am older now."
Tumnus studied Lucy for a moment and realized that she was right. He was so used to Lucy being the innocent girl who stumbled through from Spar Oom. He was so used to her being the baby of the four monarchs that he had not noticed, intentionally or otherwise, that Lucy was growing up rather fast. In the years since she had arrived in Narnia, Lucy had grown taller, older, and a great deal more mature. And as she grew older, so too did the demands she placed on herself. Much to Tumnus's delight however, she still retained the sweet and innocent mischief that had captured him since the moment they met.
"Yes … you are." Tumnus said with a nod, "You certainly are."
Before Lucy could respond, she found herself feeling a little light headed. She looked at Tumnus feeling a little confused. For a moment, she could have sworn she saw …
"Lucy …"
The voice echoed through her mind like a whisper. A whisper so quiet she could barely hear it at first. A whisper that seemed so hauntingly familiar, but still she could not quite make it out.
"Lucy …"
Again the voice echoed, growing slowly stronger. Growing from a whisper into almost a slight … growl.
"Lucy …"
Though all she heard in her mind was one word, it meant so much more. With eyes that were wide with both excitement and fear, she grabbed Tumnus's hand.
"We have to go!" yelled Lucy, "We have to go now! He needs us!"
"Who needs us?" Tumnus asked as Lucy dragged him through the crowd of refugees, "Lucy?"
"Aslan!"
- To Be Continued -
3.10 - Gentle vs. the Just, Part 2
Susanmoves againstEdmund and the Order of Justice as outside influences continue to threaten and destabilize Narnia's monarchy from within. Lucy sets sail on a mission to aid the great lion. The Lone Islands begin their invasion of Narnia from Galma.
A/N: It is slowly being revealed that Susan has been somewhat of a pawn in a plan to shake Narnia's monarchy from within. Obviously that wicked little dwarf has been Lejious's little spy for some time. Yet even without the influence of Likatrik, there is still a lot of anger in Susan, though as we can see, much of it is to herself.She'sreally fighting a battle within herself as much as she is against Edmund. Lucy finally gets some more screen time as we lead into the endgame of this entire story. I'm guessing this third volume of JaM will be bigger than the whole of COS! Blimey! I think it is already actually. Now that Lejious is weakened from his encounter with Peter and Orrin,sois his influenceand power that has kept Aslan away. Both Edmund and Susan are stepping up their combat training, with Edmund going Rogue again, and Susan simplywanting to master the fighting style of her dead husband for reasons thatare more important than she or even Edmund understand now. Peter let some of his vulnerabilitiesshow as war weariness and his responsibilities as high king began to show with Edmund. Obviously their marriage is a great source ofstrength for Peter, andnow that they are reunited, that will only increase.Edmund is selfless as always. I hope you enjoyed this chapter. It has the air of anticipation for what is coming in the end ofthis story, and not so much angst(Yay!), but a littlewith Peter/Edatfirst and ofcourse, Susan/Edmund. Susan and Edmund had a bit of a kickass duel, though Edmund obviously held back. As far JaM is concerned though, Edmund is unmatched in his one on one combat skills, being the Rogue Warrior. He could best Peter, Susan, anyone, with his closest match probably being that of the dead Orrin. Though Susan gave him a run in their 'practice' duel, he was never really in danger of losing. As the title suggests, expect the tension between the siblings to continue with surprising consequences. I sure hope you enjoy this story, and if so, let me know why. Thanks so much for reading.
