Prompt: Pick up the closest book to hand. Open at random and place your finger at random on the page. That word must either begin your story or end it. You have one freebie if you don't like your first word choice. (My word was Doctors.)

This story is a collection of letters from Peter to Edmund and Lucy (and vice versa) while he was at medical school. Peter said in the 2008 Prince Caspian, "I was thinking about a career in medicine" so that's where this came from.

Doctors in England versus Narnia are very different from each other, I've found. You remember when we learned about the training house for healers and how simple it all was. All they had to learn was the various herbal remedies, how to harvest those herbs, first-aid, and a basic knowledge of surgery. It was all so simple.

I don't have to learn surgery, thank Aslan, but I've got to learn all about different diseases and the different stages of disease, then I've got to learn all the different medications and vaccines for the different cases and diseases and when to use each medication, all besides the regular study of the human body. I do believe, royal brother, that it is more of a headache than the most complicated law and court study we ever did in Narnia.

I hope you and the girls and Mum and Dad are well. Write soon.

Always,
Your brother,
Peter, High King of Narnia

Dear Peter,

I think, Peter, in your headache of learning all those different subjects, you forget that the healers in Narnia had to learn much the same things. They had to learn the herbal remedies, as you said, and when and how to use them in each situation. Maybe they didn't have as many medications as we do here, true, but I doubt it was any easier.

The family is well. The Friends of Narnia had a meeting last week. When you come home we'll have to have one every week at least, preferably twice. These letters will fuel some discussion next meeting, I think. The Professor especially will be interested.

Have you found out anything about the requirements for law school? You know that was one of my biggest interests. If not, no problem at all.

It was lovely to hear from you. Please write again soon. You don't do it near enough.

Your faithful brother,
King Edmund of Narnia

Dear Edmund,

Sorry for the long delay in writing. You're right, I do it far too little, but if you were here you'd understand. There are exams and tests every week, and so many papers to write. This letter will have to be shortened considerably from what it could be, as I have two papers due tomorrow morning.

Perhaps you're right, but at least in Narnia it was a more pleasant learning environment than white halls and lecture rooms. Not that they're bad, but the cool woods of Narnia would be so much more pleasant.

Please tell me more about the FoN meetings. I love hearing about them and can't wait until the holidays till I can talk to you all. Say hi to the Professor, Aunt Polly, and everyone else for me.

I need to end or I fear those papers shall not get done at all. Have a good day.

Yours,
Peter of Narnia

P.S. I will look into law school for you as soon as I can. On my honor!

Dearest Peter,

Is what Edmund said true? You think your training is harder than the training in Narnia? Let me assure you, it's not. (And please know I'm not saying this in an angry way; rather, it made me laugh.) If you'll remember, I trained in healing so that I wouldn't need my cordial constantly but could help in other ways as well and it is every bit as hard as what you're describing. Possibly harder, because in Narnian training you've got to learn the anatomy of dozens of different creatures so as to minister to them properly. I do understand how hard it is though. I wish I could help you (maybe by tutoring you on the side?), but the studying here is so different from Narnia.

Do you have many friends at university? Or are you mainly concentrating on your studies? I would bet it's the latter, seeing as how serious you are about this.

I've got to say, I never thought you'd go into medicine, but it suits you perfectly. In Narnia you were always so attentive to the needs of your subjects and I think you'll be a wonderful doctor.

Your loving sister,
Queen Lucy

P.S. Why haven't you written me? It's been so very long since your last note. Please write soon!

Dear Lucy,

I'm sorry for neglecting to write. As I told Edmund, I've been so busy and your analysis was right, I am concentrating mainly on my studies.

You might be right, in which case the healers of Narnia deserve the most respect for all the headache they've gone through!

I will keep this letter short, as I will be coming home in two weeks. Yes, two weeks! It's a surprise holiday for us. The school is having some repairs and everyone is being sent home, those who can anyway. Please tell the others so you can plan to get the FoN together when I return. I can't wait to see them all again, and you too. Please tell Susan hi for me and that I miss her, even though she's drifted away. (Maybe leave off the last bit.)

Love,

Your Royal Brother,
Peter

Dear Edmund,

As I told Lucy, I will be home in two weeks! So I will not say anything except that I can't wait to see all of you.

See you soon,
Peter