A/N Hope you all like the longer chapter. Thank you all so much for reviewing previous chapters. As I said before, it makes for excellent positive reinforcement.

Edmund bit into the piece of honey cake Perna gave it. It melted in his mouth. He'd eaten some of the most marvelous Narnian delights, but there was something wonderful about the honey cake. Perna savored every bit of it, as she did with all the food she ate, but this time she had a dreamy, faraway look in her eyes. Laia, the nurse maid, was delighting in every bite as well. However, her eyes never left Edmund. Although he knew she wouldn't hurt him, she made him feel slightly uneasy.

"We need to take it easy on the cake My Lady," Laia said to Perna trying to keep her voice low. Perna snapped out of her thoughts and nodded her head. "We have little food left, and with another mouth to feed, it's going quickly." Perna glanced up at Edmund who was pretending not to hear their conversation. One tries not to hear things not meant for their ears. Still, it was easy to see he was placing on strain on the two women's limited resources. He was still too weak to make the journey back to Cair Paravel, but he still had to find a way to get food. Fishing… he could use his sword to carve a hole in the ice, and fish like the beavers taught him. He could also look for small animals to hunt. Quietly he stood up.

"Where do you think you're going?" Perna asked as he pulled the tunic over his head. Good thing his brother left him with all his clothing. Even if it was the only garment he had at the moment.

"I'm going to find food," he replied back.

"It's freezing out there. I didn't spend my time nursing you back to health just so you just so you can catch your death." He placed a hand on her arm. It was the first time he'd touched her, on purpose, and she flinched back, but then moved back towards it. His hands were warm.

"May I borrow one of your blankets then, my lady?" She gave him a quizzical look but handed him the blanket anyway. With a couple of ties around the ends Edmund fashioned the blanket into a cape and grabbed his sword. He clipped it carefully around his waist and the blanket to keep the blanket on him when he moved. "I'll be back before dark."

"Wait! Are you going to hunt?"

"I'm going to look for any food I can find."

"Can you teach me to hunt?" A light smile touched Edmund's face and he looked Perna in the eyes. "It's not a skill I've ever learned." She sounded almost embarrassed. "My Father never thought it proper for a farm lady to hunt. Guess he never thought I'd ever need to. But he guessed wrong." His eyes searched her eyes for a moment and he squeezed her shoulder.

"Not today my lady, but I will teach you before I leave. It is a skill all people should know. Weather they are a king, or a knight, or even the simplest commoner, becoming self sufficient is indeed and important skill. Right now I need to get my bearings, stretch my legs, and find whatever food I can. If I'm to repay you for your kindness, I must start by at least earning my keep." She looked at him funny for a moment. "What?"

"It's nothing," she tittered. "It's just when you speak you're… very commanding, like you expect the whole world to listen to you. Even in the simplest phrases, you have such conviction, and charisma. I feel like could believe anything you tell me. I'm sure even kings stay silent when you speak." He smiled. Perna would never know how close to the truth she was. A very perceptive woman she was. Edmund let his hand touch her back as she guided him towards to the door.

"Do you often converse with people who speak to kings?" He teased. She turned and looked him deep in the eyes. His eyes were still bright.

"No, I can't say I have." Her tone was graceful but rather serious. "But I can imagine. One imagines many things when you live in valley." She took a deep breath.

"I must go before it gets too late." He said suddenly, feeling his cheeks get warm and her eyes on him. Perna nodded at bit her bottom lip.

"Good luck sir! Please, for the love of the gods, stay safe." Edmund slipped out into the cold air. It wasn't as harsh as he expected, but the brisk winter air still sting his nose. It had been weeks since he'd been outside and he quickly took note of the trees in the area. Far in the distance he heard a horse whinny. He knew he was deep in the mountains, with trees all around. He was deep in the mountains, and farther west was Telmar, but this was thought to be a no mans land. Until hearing of the valley to the south, this area was for the wild beasts and nomads. Cair Paravel was far away, he'd have to ride slightly north to get to Beaversdam then go east from there. It would probably be a four days ride. Even longer on foot.

The river in front of him widened to form almost a small lake between the peaks that flowed down hill into a river due east. No doubt it entered the great river at some point in its journey to the sea. He chipped a small hole into the ice with his sword and waited for a fish to swim past in the flow. With a fast strike with his sword he speared the vulnerable fish. A fine skill the beavers had taught him. They were some of the best fishermen in Narnia. He caught a few more fish filling up the small basket he brought out from the hut. He placed his catch by tree truck knowing the icy air would keep it fresh until he returned. He then set out into the woods. After a couple hours he spotted a small rabbit crossing his path. He watched the rabbit closely to make absolutely certain it wasn't a Narnian citizen. Once he was sure it was just an ordinary rabbit, and not a talking rabbit of Narnia, he took his position. Keeping still as a statue he waiting until the rabbit seemed at ease and started looking to the ground. In a flash he pounced on the small beast and snatched it up with the fluid grace of a warrior.

The smell of the roasting rabbit bought an earthy pungent aroma to the hut as it cooked over the open fire. Laia cleaned and filleted the fish as Edmund tended to the roasting rabbit. It was the first time in a while the two women got to eat meat. It was hard to not devour it as Edmund placed the fresh pan fried fish on the plate and sat down at the table.

"Why this is the finest meal we've had since we left the village," Laia exclaimed. "Maybe rescuing you wasn't such a bad omen after all."

"That's her way of complimenting you," Perna explained to Edmund who looked slightly embarrassed. "Honestly though, thank you for finding us food."

"Think nothing of it. It's the least I can do for all your generosity and hospitality." Perna caught him looking up at her and blushed. He looked away instantly and snuck another look at the woman across the table. Edmund then carved up the rabbit and served it. Perna actually moaned softly as she chewed. She even closes her eyes as she relished the savory flesh. Between the honey cake and the rabbit, Perna had eaten more in one day than she had in weeks previous.

After dinner Perna sat with a pile of sewing by the firelight as Laia washed up the dinner dishes. She hummed softly to her self as Edmund helped sort though the pile.

"Who's Susan?" Perna asked suddenly. Edmund looked taken back for a moment.

"How do you know of Susan?" He replied back, his brow furrowed in confusion.

"You called out for her a couple times in your fevered delusions. I was just curious that's all. You don't have to tell me if you don't want."

"Susan's my older sister. When I was younger she used to take care of me and my younger sister, and to some extant my older brother as well. Normally when I was ill, Susan would sit with the doctors and help watch over me. Like you did taking care of me."

"What's it like having siblings?" She asked in a dreamy tone. "I always wanted a sister, or a brother, but after I was born my mother couldn't carry any more babies." Edmund's eyes lit up at the mention of his siblings. The people in Narnia he cared more about than life itself.

"I'm never lonely, my family sticks together. I think it's mainly my youngest sister, she's as sweet and kind as the day is long, that binds us all together. She looks out for all of us. It's kind of amusing really, but when I was younger and much more foolish, I used to think she was ridiculous. Then I saw that even though she's slightly younger, she holds more wisdom and confidence than any one else I know. She'll always stand up for what she believes in no matter what."

"My elder sister's Susan, she's probably the one I'm closest to. We both seem to share the same logical nature. I could tell her anything because she can keep secrets like no one else." He then chuckled, "my younger sister, just because she's so friendly, likes to talk and talk, she'd tell the world your life story before tea. With my older sister, I think because she took such good care of me, I'll always look for her approval first, before I'm willing to go to my other siblings. Also with Susan I never have to hide what I truly feel. Then there's my older brother… I can't really put into words how I feel about my older brother. He is simply, magnificent." Perna could see the stars in Edmund's eyes shining as he spoke of his beloved siblings. She also noticed the only name she caught from him was his elder sister's name. And that was because she had already guessed it. Why didn't he want her knowing his brother and other sister's name?

"What of your parents? I'm sure they're proud to see their children get along so well."

"My parents?" Truth be told Edmund didn't really think much about his parents. Since he'd in Narnia, remembering them seemed almost like a dream.

"Ahh see now sir, you're dodging the question. I'll tell you about my family, after you tell me about yours."

"I haven't thought of my parents in a long time. My siblings and I were sent away during a war, and we made our way here to Narnia. It's been over ten years since I've seen or heard from my parents. I'm not sure when or if I will again. That must sound awfully strange to you." She offered him a tight lipped smile in condolence. "What about you're family?" Perna bit her lip in recollection and then giggled softly.

"Well you saw my father, Chief Renlon. He is our chief mainly because our family was the first to settle the area generations ago, but our people love him so much they accepted it happily. My father's a kind man. He used to bounce me on my knee when I was a child. Read me tall tales before going to bed. After every planting season he would host a festival feast for the whole village. We'd sing, dance, and eat until we felt we'd burst open. Then the solstice festivals my mother, who is a great beauty in our village, the Lady Carlyn, would bake honey cakes and sweeties for all the children. She would stay up late to teach all the young maids in the village to make holly wreaths. We were supposed to present them to the gentlemen we fancied. But I would always give it to my father. I never really fancied anyone in our village like some of the other young girls." Then her voice turned solemn. "I've not seen my mother in over a half a year. With my father gone most of the time with the men in the village, my people started to look to my mother for further guidance." She trailed off as she noticed that Edmund, who was trying to listen patiently, was starting to drift off the sleep. His eye lids kept drooping down and he'd have to jolt back to stay awake. "I think you sir, should rest for the evening." Perna set about moving the rugs and the blankets back by the fire so Edmund could retire for the night. He nodded in sleepy agreement and a yawn escaped past his lips.

"I apologize for not listening more carefully, but perhaps you are right my lady. Sleep seems to be intent on taking hold of me. Good night dear ladies." She helped him out of his heavier garments while still keeping modest, and tucked him under the covers. As he drifted off to sleep, she bent down and kissed him on the forehead.

"Good night dear knight," she whispered softly. He was already fast asleep.

The next day Edmund wasn't able to catch any fish from the lake, but he did find a small wild turkey that crossed his path in the woods. When he brought it back Laia quickly took it and clean it off. Later that night a fierce winter storm blew though and dropped many inches of snow and ice. The cracks in the hut whined harshly as the powerful winds blew in. The three occupants could do nothing but huddle by the fire pit with the blankets pulled tight. They had to stay close and use each other for warmth and comfort. It was too treacherous for Edmund to hunt so they three of them had to make due with what was left. Perna, Laia, and Edmund spent days eating nothing but the morsels of left over honey cake, seeded breads, and the thin broth that Perna made from the left over turkey. She was able to save of the liver from the bird so they ate that the first night on bread.

During the cold they had very little to do so Perna often filled the long hours telling the tales her father used to tell. One was about a mortal man who fell in love with a fairy queen. The queen would make the man go through many unimaginable fetes to win her affection. She also happily chattered about growing up on the farms with fields of heather, and the orange tree outside her window. Every summer morning she'd wake up with the sweet orange blossom sent wafting thought her window. Edmund also indulged Perna with his tales of battles in the far north, and of the sea to the east. She could listen to him talk about the ocean all day. The way his deep voice would talk about shades of blue, and greens of the water. And of the beautiful sunrises gleaming off the water with reds, and golds, as if the sky itself was exulting Aslan.

During this time Perna also fashioned Edmund a proper cloak from one of the more tattered blankets. It didn't look like much but it would keep him warm.

About a week later an unseasonably warm wind from the south blew up through the mountains. Edmund poked his head out of the hut and breathed deeply the sweet, humid air. Today he was hoping to get a deer. "Wait," he turned towards the husky voice. "You promised you'd teach me to hunt," she reminded him gently.

"I did," he replied, "but we're in desperate need of food. The weather's right for a deer. Some of them will be emerging from their sleep thinking this is spring air." She nodded in agreement, but wouldn't let up.

"Ed- sir, you promised." He sighed deeply and motioned for her to get her cloak on and to be hasty.

"I was also wondering if you could teach me to use this." She pulled from behind the door a bow and quiver of arrows. Edmund stood speechless for a moment with his mouth slightly open.

"You had a bow and arrows all this time and didn't tell me?" He asked her exasperated

"I apologize sir, I forgot I had them. My betrothed… late betrothed brought them to me for protection but never showed me how to use it. I tired on my own, but ended up with a nasty gash in my hand and lost about a dozen arrows in misses. I don't have that many left and I want to make them count."

"I could have made them count when I was hunting earlier."

"But you were doing so well without them. I didn't think you'd need them." Her tone was rather sarcastic and Edmund had to bite his tongue. Still he couldn't stop himself from rolling his eyes. "I wasn't lying; I sincerely forgot I had them. Well how about it?"

"I will show you." Perna flashed him a grateful smile as they set out into the forest. Edmund decided to try some target practice with a tree. He found one that had a good knot in it to target. After he tested the string, he showed her how to string the arrow. She watched him with full attention and even allowed him to guide her hands on the bow to feel what he was telling her. Her palms started to get sweaty. She barely heard him move away and say. "Now you hold your stance like this."

Edmund looked at her expectantly as he handed her the bow. She took the stance that he showed. "Pull your arm down like this," he guided as he brought her elbow down. "Now position your front leg a little closer to your body, you look like you're wobbling." Even though she felt awfully awkward copying him, she did exactly as he told her. "Sight with your left eye forward, and use your mouth to anchor the arrow." He came up behind her and moved the bow in her hands and she could feel the heat from his body as he pressed close to her. As he pulled away she felt her mouth follow his. "Watch it," He called, "keep your eyes on the target. Alright, now let it the string go." She did exactly as he told her and missed the tree completely. Perna let out a disappointed sighed. Edmund went to retrieve the arrow.

"Well that wasn't the worst I've ever seen. You didn't hurt your self this time. Let's try once again." She felt self-conscious from her failing, but Edmund didn't seem to notice. He positioned himself right behind her and repositioned her body to match his. In all honestly, she like having him guide her. Something about it felt comfortable in a strange sense. Even if he was teaching her just to repay the favor for saving his life. "Don't close your eyes," he barked snapping her back to attention. She let the arrow go again and this time hit the knot. It wasn't a prefect shot, but enough to build Perna's confidence. They tried a couple more shots, and managed to hit the tree each time. Perna's aim improved with each try. "If my sister's were here they would be far better instructors than I. My two sisters' are the best archers in Narnia."

"Really?" Perna asked as she sat down and rubbed her now sore arms.

"Yes," He smiled and offered her a hand up. "Your muscles will harden with practice. It's a strange motion at first, but your body will get used to it. Now let's go find some food for dinner. I've been frightfully hungry for several days now."

They spend several hours looking for tracks on the ground. Edmund taught Perna how to distinguish certain animals by their tracks. He also explained how to tell between a Narnia citizen, and a wild beast. Narnian talking animals were generally much larger than their wild counterparts. They were also usually more aware of their surrounding and would often greet you if you approached them. Wild beasts were skittish and very suspicious, where as Narnian animals were normally confident. They knew they would not be hunted. Finally Edmund spotted deer tracks. The two of them followed silently as they approached the large buck. He stood tall and regal, but at first glance Edmund knew it was a wild deer.

"I want you to take the first shot," he told Perna who had strung the bow and tried to hand it to Edmund.

"I can't what if I miss. We'll lose the deer. It would be so much easier if you did it."

"Shhh, talk in low tones he knows we're here." Perna looked up and saw the deer's ears twitching. "Stay still for a moment let him get comfortable again." They sat quietly as the deer settled back down and started nibbling on the brown grass. Perna slowly got up and took her stance. She let the arrow fly hitting the beast in its flank. She gasped with delight.

"Ooh I did it," she exclaimed. Edmund then held her back as the deer tried to get up and spring off. Finally the deer fell and Edmund gave the animal its final blow with his sword. "I actually did it." She jumped up and down and then did something she never thought she'd do. In her fit of excitement, maybe mixed with a little adrenalin, and lack of food, she grasped Edmund and placed a large kiss right on his lips. He jerked back completely stunned and a little confused. No woman had ever been so forward with him, with the exception of his sisters. Then again, all the women he'd met knew he was a king and would never dare try. Unlike Peter, Edmund wasn't exactly the desired brother. Why marry a king when you can marry The High King? All of the haughty, self absorbed women would come to Cair Paravel trying to catch the High King Peter's attention (though none of them ever did). Edmund thought himself an after thought when it came to women. "Oh gods, sir, I'm so sorry I-I don't know what came over me."

"It's all right my lady," he replied in a quieted tone trying to contemplate what happend. "By the mane," he muttered to himself. It was an odd feeling indeed, but the more Edmund thought about it, the more he realized he'd rather liked it. Perna looked as if she was about to cry from her humiliating faux pas. But she was strong and she tried to hold her head up. He walked up towards her and put his hand under her chin.

"Sir?" She questioned, she was about to say something else but he pressed his own lips against her lips.

A/N Now we're getting into the meat of the story. :)