Hey everyone! I'm back! Sorry for the long wait, but school was brutal. Anyways, just a quick shout out to all the wonderful people who reviewed the last chapter:
ChocolatSugar: Yes, it is tragic. Lol. Thanks for the review. I thought that letting it build up would be best because I just don't believe the whole fall in love in a week kind of thing. I can't reveal that!
Crystal: Thanks for the review. I am not actually sure what inspired me. Edmund has always been one of my favorite characters, and I thought I would write a story. Also, I love reading Edmund/Oc stories. Just wondering, why do you think that I am trying to out do another story?
Lanthe95: Lol. Yes, poor Cody. Thanks for the review.
I would just like to give a shout out to my wonderful beta, ChocolatSugar! Thanks a million!
Disclaimer: I don't own Narnia. Never have and, sadly, never will.
Careful What You Wish For
Story Telling
"Whoa!" I exclaimed, gapping around at Edmund's study. "I think I owe Lucy an apology."
"What? It isn't that bad," Edmund said, walking in and sitting down at what I assumed was his desk. You couldn't actually see the top though considering that it was covered with papers, books and a bunch of other stuff.
"My room isn't that bad," I said, stepping into the study, trying to figure out where to start. "Heck, Cody's room isn't even this bad. You know, I never pegged you for someone who is this messy."
"Normally I am not, but I have been busy for a while and have not had much time to do any straightening up." He replied, flipping through papers.
"Don't you have a maid or someone to clean in here?"
"No," he said, looking up and smirking, "No one cleans this study anymore. I used to have a maid that did it, but she didn't do it right. I am actually the only one that cleans in here, so really, you should feel honored."
"Really?" I asked, hands on my hips and raising an eyebrow, "Because I don't feel too honored right now."
"Your problem, not mine," he said, before looking back to his papers.
Too tired to argue, I just sighed, before taking a good look around the study. It wasn't actually that bad considering that most of the mess consisted of books. Honestly, I love to read, but how the heck did he read so much?
"You know, this room isn't going to clean itself," Edmund said, not looking up.
"And I wouldn't have to clean it either, if its owner would just learn to put stuff away," I said, grabbing some books that were on a chair, before placing them onto a near empty bookshelf.
"Alphabetical order."
"What?" I snapped. Normally, I wouldn't be so rude, but I was tired as hell and all I wanted to do was have a bath, curl up with a book and just enjoy some peace and quiet.
"I want the books placed in alphabetical order."
Resisting the urge to throw the next book at him, I just gritted my teeth. "How can someone be so nice one minute, and such a pain in the ass the next?"
I think I caught him off guard a bit; he stopped what he was doing and looked at me, wearing a stunned expression. I guess no one ever talked to him like that. Well, if they wanted to sleep in the dungeons they might.
"You know, you really are an odd person." Edmund said, looking at me as if he was studying something under a microscope.
"How so?" I asked, as I kept picking up books, trying to ignore his scrutinizing look.
"Well, for one, you don't like being the center of attention, yet you seem to draw it to you."
"I don't intentionally draw attention to myself. If I'm not aware of people watching me, I don't have a problem with it. It's when I know people are looking at me that freak me out. I would rather just blend in, and occasionally pop out when I want to." I said, placing the last book onto the shelf. "How do you know that I don't like attention anyways?"
"Anyone with a pair of eyes could tell by your reaction when we rode into town today," he said, placing down the paper and leaning back in his chair.
I scowled at him. I knew some of my flaws. I didn't need them thrown back in my face. However, I couldn't help but also be curious. I always wondered what people thought of me, and I was finally getting an answer, even if the answer was from a guy who would've thought I was odd even if we were back on earth. Well, probably not, since he would either be in a nursing home or six feet under.
"So, what are the other reasons as to why I'm odd?" I asked, picking up a fallen map.
"You don't really act like a proper lady."
Okay, at this I couldn't help but snort. This just reinforced his statement, but oh well. "And what exactly do you mean by that, since not being a proper lady could have a variety of meanings. Are you referring to the fact that my manners aren't quite up to par?"
"No," he said, shaking his head. "Though, I do hear that Susan is going to help improve those." I let out a small groan. That wasn't going to be fun. "What I mean is, is that one, you are not married and two, the way you speak to some people. Ladies around here wouldn't dare talk that way."
"Why not?" I asked, sitting down on a rather comfy chair, and fiddling with a piece from what I guessed to be a chess board.
"It is something that is drilled into their heads since they were little," Edmund said, I raised a questioning eyebrow. He explained quickly, "Just something I remember a duchess telling me."
"Well, I guess the reason for both those points can simply be the time period that I was raised in."
"How so?" he asked, leaning forward to rest his arms on his desk, an interested look on his face.
Biting my lip, it took me a few seconds to actually find the reason as to why that was.
"Well, I guess it all boils down to the fact that women aren't as, I dunno, sheltered in my time. They're more independent, and have no problem telling you what's what when need be. They don't rely on a man to protect them. Well, some may, but a lot can fight their own battles. You have to be able to, or else you'll get eaten alive."
"Battles, Women fight in battles? What do you mean by eaten alive?"
"Well, some do fight in wars, but what I mean by battles, would be how people, mainly the media, keep trying to tell us how we should dress, act, look, etc. I guess that is no different than here. What I mean by eaten alive, is that my time has so much violence, hate and death in it, which you have to be able to stick up for yourself if you want to make it."
"That doesn't sound like a nice place at all," Edmund said, looking a little disgusted. "Do people have no honor?"
"I think honor has long been dead and buried," I said, chucking, "but it isn't quite as bad as it sounds. I mean, for all the bad that there is in the world, there is also good. There are cures for diseases that used to kill people, the technology can be wonderful at time and acts of discrimination and violence aren't tolerated anymore. At least, in Canada they aren't."
"That doesn't sound too bad then," he replied after a minute. I guess he needed to let everything sink in. "I mean every place has its problems."
"Narnia doesn't seem to have many problems. Well, ones that people are aware of anyways," I said, resuming my cleaning.
"That is because we are at peace right now, so there are no huge problems, but Narnia does have them," Edmund said. I could hear the sound of rustling paper, as Edmund looked through them. I assumed he was anyways since I wasn't looking at him.
"Hey, Edmund, can I ask you something?"
"You just did, but go ahead."
I rolled my eyes though I couldn't help but smile a bit. "Funny. Anyways, I was just wondering, why are you and your sibling here?"
"What do you mean?" he asked, though I could see him tense a bit.
"Well, when Cody, Jenn and I were walking to the castle, Trufflehunter told us that Aslan had brought us here for a reason. I was just wondering why you four were brought here. Don't even try to tell me that you're from here because if you were, we wouldn't have been questioned about World War Two." I probably didn't need to add that last part, but people have tried to play dumb before and I ticked me off that they thought that I was stupid enough to fall for it.
"We were brought back here because Caspian needed our help in the war against his uncle and the Telmarines."
"A war against his uncle, what? Why?" I asked, completely baffled.
"Caspian's uncle, Miraz, wanted Caspian dead because Caspian was the true heir to the throne. After Miraz's son was born, Miraz ordered his soldiers to kill Caspian. He fled into the woods, and ran into some of the Narnians. He had Susan's horn with him, and blew it, which summoned us back here. We helped him in the war, and once the war was fought and won, thanks to Aslan, my siblings and I were given a choice. We could return to England, or we could stay in Narnia. We chose to stay in Narnia and assist Caspian, who was crowned king. Now, we rule along with him."
I nodded my head, showing that I understood. "You said that Caspian was the true heir to the throne, so that would mean that Caspian's father must have been the king. How did Miraz become king then?"
"After everything was over, Caspian told us that Miraz had murdered his father in order to achieve the throne," Edmund said, looking completely disgusted.
"What?" I screeched, completely appalled. "What kind of person does that? And just so that he could become king?"
Instead of answering, Edmund looking out the window, a deep frown on his face. I couldn't help but get the feeling that I had just put my foot in my mouth. I opened my mouth to say something, when a knock came from the door.
"Enter," Edmund said, going back to his desk.
The door opened, and I saw Striker, Trufflehunter and a mouse wearing the cutest head gear, enter. They all bowed to Edmund.
"Your majesty, we have come with the report from the Western Wood," Striker said, sitting on his haunches.
Seeing as how I was no longer needed, and to be honest, I really didn't want, or need, to hear what they were discussing, I excused myself and left. I stood outside the door, trying to decide if I should go back to my room, try to find Jenn and Cody, or just go exploring, when my stomach decided to put in its opinion.
"Okay, food first," I said, before taking off in a random direction since I had no idea where the kitchens were. Luckily, I was only walking for about ten minutes, when I spotted a cheetah walking up ahead.
"Excuse me," I called out, trying to get the cheetah's attention. I had picked up my pace so that I wouldn't have to shout down the hallway.
"Yes, milady, what can I do for you," asked the cheetah.
"I was wondering if you could tell me where the kitchens were."
"I am actually going there right now. If you will follow me, I will gladly take you there."
"Thank you very much," I said, following the cheetah while really paying attention to where we were going. I didn't want to have to ask where the kitchens were all the time.
After two minutes of walking, we had reached the kitchen.
"Here you go, milady," the cheetah said before walking to talk to a beaver.
"Thank you," I called out, before hunting for some food.
"Are you looking for something, milady?" a woman asked me.
"I was just looking for a snack," I said, smiling, "and none of that milady stuff. It is just Christine."
"Well, then, you may call me Mia," the woman said. She looked to be about thirty, and had black hair and the nicest grey eyes. "If you will wait here, I shall fetch you something."
"Thank you," I said, before she disappeared.
"Here you are," Mia said, handing me a sandwich and an apple.
"Thank you, Mia," I said, taking the apple and sandwich.
"You know, you say thank you a lot," she said, laughing, "I wish all the ladies that come to the palace are as nice as you."
"Are they not?" I asked. First Edmund's reaction to talking about some of the ladies, and now hearing Mia express her opinion. I got the feeling that ladies of higher status weren't that pleasant.
"Some of them are, but some are rather horrid," Mia said. "If you'll excuse me, I really must be getting back to work."
"Of course," I said, taking a look around, "and if you ever need help, I'm available. I loved to cook and bake."
"No, no," Mia said, "I couldn't ask you to do that."
"I insist," I said. "Besides, it's not like I have much else to do around here."
"I…thank you," she said, smiling, "I shall keep that in mind."
"See you, Mia," I said, waving before walking out of the kitchen.
As I munched on my sandwich, I decided to go visit Apollo. I hadn't been to the stables yet, and I wanted to stretch my legs. After a few minutes of walking, I was finally able to find the entrance of the palace. Feeling quite proud of myself, I walked towards the stables. I saw some workers along the way, who I waved to, but didn't stop to talk to. When I reached the stables, I saw that Apollo was in the paddock area, grazing.
"Hey, Apollo," I called, hopping onto the fence.
"Hello, Christine," Apollo said, walking over to me. "How was your day?"
"It was good, thank you for letting me ride you today," I said, offering him the apple, which he took.
"It was no problem," Apollo said, "If you want, I could be your horse."
"Okay, but I don't feel like I should be calling you my horse, considering you probably have as much intelligence as I do," I said.
"Well, we shall just call each other friend then," he said, giving me a horsey grin.
"That sounds good," I said, grinning back.
"So, what do you think of Narnia, now that you've been able to experience it for a day?" Apollo asked.
"It is a wonderful place. Everyone is so nice, well, all the people that I've met," I said. "It almost feels like something out of a fairytale. Don't tell anyone I said that though. Cody would never let me live it down."
Apollo made a sound that sounded like he was laughing. "Don't worry; your secret is safe with me."
As I sat, talking with Apollo, I didn't notice that the sun was going down until the sky was filled with pinks, purples and oranges.
"Apollo, it is time to come in now," a voice yelled from the entrance of the stables.
"I should go, and you should too," Apollo said. "Best get inside before it gets to dark out."
"I'm sure I will be fine. It isn't like someone is going to attack me," I said, giving Apollo a pat on the neck. "After all, Narnia is at a time of peace."
"Yes, but one can never be too careful," Apollo said. "Well, have a pleasant night, Christine."
"You too, Apollo," I said, "and thanks for being concerned."
He nodded his head, before walking toward a faun who was waiting. Smiling, I turned my body, so that I could see the sunset. It was a truly beautiful sight. The pinks, purples, reds and oranges made Narnia look even more magical. As I sat there, I couldn't help but feel at peace. When twilight started to set in, I slide off the fence and made my way back to the palace.
"Hey, Cinderella, where have you been?" a voice that I recognized as Cody's yelled from somewhere above me. Looking up, I saw him, Jenn, all the Pevensies and Caspian on one of the balconies. Cody and Jenn were leaning on the railing.
"Why am I Cinderella?" I asked, though I knew why.
"Because you clean people's places for them," Cody said, grinning. I knew that he was joking and I couldn't help but laugh.
"Yeah, I did that once," I said, "and I'm not Cinderella."
"You're right," Cody yelled, "You're not pretty enough or lady like enough."
"Ouch," I said, placing a hand over my heart. I knew that he was just kidding though.
"Don't listen to him, Tina," Jenn yelled. "You're very pretty!"
"Thank, Jenn," I said, "and don't worry. I take whatever he says with a big grain of salt."
By that time, I had reached where they were sitting on the balcony, and was now looking up at them.
"What were you doing anyways, Chris?" Lucy asked me, coming to stand at the railing. I smiled at her using one of my nicknames.
"I was just visiting Apollo, and was watching the sunset from there. What are you all doing?"
"We are just getting some fresh air before we retire for the night," Lucy said, smiling at me. I really liked the girl.
"Well, I think I'm going to bed," I said, covering a yawn, "Or else I will be sleeping outside."
Everyone chorused goodnight, before I walked into the castle and up to my room. Flopping onto the bed, after I had gotten ready for bed, I couldn't help but wonder about how Edmund had acted after I had voiced my horror at what Caspian's uncle had done to his father and tried to do to him. However, I didn't dwell on it long before sleep started to overtake me. I leaned over and blew out the candle, before falling back onto the bed and allowing sleep to come.
And that's all she wrote ladies and gentlemen! Hope you liked it! Let me know! Wink wink. Till next time!
Sweet Country Girl