Hi there and welcome back. This chapter gives us the first glimpse of the characters Peter and Susan, through their written letters. Hope you enjoy!

The Water is Wide

Chapter 10

Letters

The Twenty-Third day of the Fifth month in the Ninth year of the High King's reign

Peter, my Brother and King,

Fate is a cruel mistress in that she would find me so far from you when I find I need you most. Before I say more, let me first say, stay your fear. Our sister is fine and the crew well. We have had neither danger nor toil since our time with the tempest. Apart from the tempest, and what came of it, our voyage has been, or would have been, quite dull. As it is, our newest comrade, Estelle, has made things, well I suppose the best word would be entertaining.

Lucy, as she does with most anyone she meets, quickly befriended Estelle. Now, one cannot go anywhere on the Splendor and see one of them without also seeing the other. They are at times an odd pair. Our sister is boisterous and forward, while Estelle is quiet and a bit shy. I have, however, come upon them a time or two when they are deep in chatter and I have seen great animation from the reserved Estelle. These moments most occur when Estelle is deep in a story. She loves to tell a good tale. She has many to tell and she tells them well, just as our own sister Susan used to do long ago when I was but a young chap.

Estelle provides us merry entertainment in another manner as well. She sings. She not only sings, but hers is the finest voice I have ever had the pleasure of hearing. I tell you this in confidence, Brother; do not, under any circumstance, reveal this to the Mermaid Mareena. I still have a bruise from the last time I said another had a finer voice than she.

It is when Estelle sings that she truly shines with the beauty Aslan intended. When she sings she does not merely form beautiful notes, but she infuses each note with vibrant emotion. You can visibly see the song take hold as she is lost to the emotions herself. It is when she sings that she is at her most vulnerable. I swear it to you, Brother; I have even seen the prick of tears in her eyes in one particularly moving song. I feel no shame in admitting to you, that I felt their sting also. That, as you know, is talent at its finest and rarest form, to move a man such as it moves me.

There can be no question that she was touched by the mighty Lion when she was gifted the gift of song. But I fear to say she does not know Him like we. Just the other day we were at meal together and Lucy mentioned Aslan by name, I have never heard such a gasp of horror or seen a face so pale with fear as I heard and saw that day from Estelle. Even the name Jadis did not strike such fear in her, though it still struck a good amount of it. Jadis, in all her vileness, had banned the use of His name, and any who were heard muttering it were taken from the islands never to be heard from again. Estelle later confessed that she often heard her mother speak His name, and she spent most of her young days fearing the sudden departure of her mother. She never thought she would hear the name so casually, nor so boldly as she claims, from another. I have tried to tell her that it is right to fear His name for He is mighty, but that He also loves deeply and it is because He loves that we may speak His name without fear. She does not see His greatness.

This is what leaves me craving thy guidance, Brother. How do I open her eyes to see Him? How do I convey the love He wishes to share? How do I share the peace He longs for her to have? I know it will only be by His love and peace that she will ever come to be at peace herself. She hides it well, or she tries to. She smiles and laughs often, but I can see the great pain hiding just beneath the surface. And I know it is for her siblings that she grieves. I cannot help but wonder, was there more I could have done to help her? Could I have made the scouts search longer or harder? Should I have directed the ship towards the Estelle's last heading? Did I do enough, or is there yet more I could still do?

Please, Brother, any counsel you have to offer would be most valued.

Eternally in the Lion's paws,

Edmund

31 May 1009

Edmund, my Brother and King,

I will never understand why you consistently choose to make things more difficult than they already are. (I direct you to the date above for reference.)

I am pleased to learn that your voyage has been made smooth at last, and I pray it remains that way. It furthers my pleasure to hear you and Lucy are well and well entertained by the sound of it. It grieves me to know, however, that your entertainment comes at such a high cost. Have you confirmed that Estelle is indeed from the Lone Islands? If so, that would make her one of Ours and give us the right to take action should anything foul have happened to her siblings. Not that it would matter if she were not Ours; you know I would still do all I could to help her and to help you.

As for the counsel you seek, I'm afraid there is little I can give that would be of any use. I do not doubt that you already had the scouts search as hard and for as long as they could. I rather imagine that they probably already searched harder than you would have directed them to. Judging by the depicted map you sent, your scouts covered a vast area. Furthermore, I do not believe that directing the Splendor to the Estelle's last known location would have served any use. From what I gather, the ship was likely blown quite far off course and there is no way to predict her course during the storm. You could have tarried longer and searched more, it is true, but to what extent? I doubt you would have found anything more than what you have. Any further delay would have put you far behind schedule and that could have served against us in these upcoming peace talks with Redhaven. My counsel to you, Brother, is to take what comfort you can in knowing that you did all you could for the betterment of your kingdom, and that you have provided a lone citizen with food, shelter, and perhaps most importantly friendship.

For the other matter of counsel you seek, I regret to again say there is little I can give. I understand your concern and your desire to share the love Aslan has to offer. You, above all of us, know how great His love is. You are right in saying Estelle will only be at peace when she accepts His love and the peace He offers. If she cannot see on her own, though, we cannot force it upon her. All we can do is continue to live each day as He would have us live it, and continue to let His love burn in us. We must be the example of what His love can do. Only by seeing the love others have for Him, will she be able to see the love He has for others.

It is likely that you will reach Redhaven before this letter reaches you; nevertheless, may your winds remain fair and may His breath guide you to safe harbour.

In His mane I take comfort,

Peter

Oh, and give my love to Lucy and Mr. Tumnus.

15 June 1009

Dearest Susan,

Redhaven is wonderful. The people are friendly and the land lovely. The castle is further inland than our precious Cair, so I cannot see much of the pebble beach. I do, however, have a great view over the woodsy terrain of Brenn. I do not see the trees dancing like our Dryads often do, but they are beautiful nonetheless.

I'm sure you already know this because I know Ed told Peter and I'm certain Peter's told you, but we arrived in Redhaven near two weeks ago. Negotiations are going well, but they are so boring. We spend all day behind closed doors with the Redhaven Court discussing each and every minute detail. I know it is all for the best and it is all necessary; the court does not want another Jadis ruling Narnia. I had no idea that the Witch was so paranoid in losing her crown that she tried to extend her hand beyond the Narnian borders and dictate how many children the Redhavens were allowed to have. She did the same with the Lone Islands, but there her spies enabled her to carry through with her threats. It amazes me that nine years after she died we are still learning new things of her wickedness. I respect the court for their cautiousness, but must the process be so dull? Edmund and I are, of course, doing everything we can to show the Redhavens that we four are nothing like Jadis. I think Estelle is a large reason for our success thus far.

Estelle has not been allowed in on our meetings unfortunately, I would quite enjoy her company among such dull hours, so she has in no way done anything intentionally or knowingly to help us. Rather it is her naivety, innocence, and genuine honesty that has put us in such good favour of the court. The court was made well aware of her situation upon our arrival. Estelle herself shared with the members of court the story of the tempest that destroyed her ship and separated her from her younger siblings. And she told them how we found her and gave her aid. Her character is not one of deceit and so her story has surely shown the court that we are not like Jadis. Though, perhaps it is just her singing which has won them over.

Oh Susan! Estelle's voice is truly remarkable and breathtaking. I know I cannot describe it properly. When you hear it, you will understand. She has Edmund enraptured. He is completely lost whenever she sings. No, he is not merely lost; it is more like he is taken to another world. He cannot take his eyes from her when she is singing, and he has enough trouble with that on a regular basis. He won't admit it of course; he is our Edmund after all. He looks at her when he thinks none will notice, but I notice. He fancies her. I think she fancies him too. I have not asked her about it, but I think she too would deny it anyway. I do not understand why they would deny such feelings. Why won't they allow themselves to be happy? Do you have any insight into the complexities of the heart you can share? If so, I would greatly appreciate it.

They would make a handsome pair on the dance floor, if only Edmund would ask her to dance at the ball the Redhavens have planned. Though, I know he will never ask her himself. Perhaps I could arrange something so as to force them into it? Oh! but then he would know I was behind it and he would not be pleased with me. I don't yet know if the chance to see them together is worth his wrath.

I do hate that Edmund and I shall miss Peter's birthday. That has always been the worst part of this trip, even when planning it. I know there was no way around it as this must be done and the sooner the better. Still, he is our brother and I feel we should be together as a family to celebrate his day of birth. You will see that he receives the present I left behind, won't you? If I cannot be there in body, as I wish to be, I will be there in heart. I am sending another letter in this one, addressed to Peter, but he is not to read it until his birthday. Make sure he does not read it before hand.

Well, I suppose that's all I have to say for now. Gosh this letter is long! The longest I've written, I think.

Ever listening for Aslan's roar,

Lucy

23 June 1009

Lucy,

I gave Peter your gift and letter yesterday after we returned from our trip to see the Beavers. It was difficult to convince Peter to leave the castle, but in the end I was able to impress upon him how diligently Oreius would guard the Cair in our absence. I decided not to make a huge fuss over Peter's birthday until you and Edmund have returned to us. He did not say anything, but I know he wished you to be here. So instead of a large feast, Peter and I travelled to the dam and had lunch with Mr. and Mrs. Beaver. It was delightful as our visits with them always are. Peter accepted your gift very graciously and I believe he admires the craftsmanship of his new staff greatly. I must say I find it quite beautiful myself. The Lion's head and inscription were a nice addition. I will not ask what your letter to him said, as it was between you and him, but whatever it was it made him laugh manically. Am I correct in assuming that was your intent?

I know sitting in the meetings must be difficult for one as vibrant as you, but I do hope you are being careful and discreet with showing your boredom. One wrong look or one roll of the eyes could be detrimental to the process and undo everything Edmund and I worked so hard on. You know I would have gone in your place, as it should have been, were it not for that bit of cold I contracted. Please, I implore you Lucy, be careful.

You ask for insight into the heart. Perhaps I do have a few. However, you request insight into a man's heart, more so into Edmund's heart, and I'm afraid there are none who have sight that strong. As for arranging something so that he is forced into a dance with your new friend, I do not recommend it. I think it would be most unwise, Sister, to meddle in their affairs however strong you find the urge. Some things you must simply let be and allow them work out as they should on their own.

May you be ever with His steady gaze,

Susan

So, not much happening here, I know, just some passing in time. Up next though, Edmund and Estelle in Redhaven where they have known each other for a little more than a month and things begin to get...interesting between them. Here's a quick peek.

"Would it have been so bad if you had come to my rooms?" I asked teasingly. I had no idea what prompted me to ask such a question, but the smile I received in response was worth it.

"I suppose that depends," he said.

"On what?"

"The circumstance."

There was something about the way he said "circumstance" that made my breath hitch and left a strange fluttering in my stomach. My heart beat a little faster and my ears grew warm under his stare.