When the Youngest Goes to War

by Evia Wingjade

A Golden Age fic. What happens between the Pevensie's when Lucy decides she is old enough to go to the front lines of the Narnian battle-field? She wants to save lives, but will her siblings let her risk her own? Probably complete, though there might be a sequel. Rated K plus, as Peter remembers some war-time unpleasantness.

6. Chapter 6

When the Youngest Goes to War 6

Late that night, after a day spent in war council and an almost silent dinner, Peter knocked on his youngest sister's room. When there was no answer, he called through the door.

"Lu, it's me. Open up?" he requested. The door swung inward almost instantly, framing his baby sister for only a moment before she launched herself into his arms. "Oh Lu," he murmured into her hair as he bent to wrap his arms around her. Her hold only tightened when she reached up to his neck, having relinquished his middle when he bent over. Peter lifted her and carried her into the room, easily cradling her smaller much frame. Once Peter nudged the door closed with a foot, he sat on Lucy's bed, holding her close.

"Were you scared?" Lucy whispered into Peter's shirt. "When you realized you were going to be in a battle, were you scared?"

"Yes Lucy," he replied quietly, "I was scared. But do you know why I fought anyway?" Lucy looked up at him, waiting. "It was because of you and Su and Ed. I knew I had to protect you, so it was worth it. I found the strength to fight through the fear because I knew it was the only way to protect my family."

"And now all of Narnia is our family," Lucy said resting her head under her eldest brother's chin. "I know it is right, this battle, but I'm scared."

"You'd be a fool if you weren't scared." He replied, and he felt her nod her understanding. "You'll be alright, Lu." He said.

"What if I can't fight?" She asked. "What if I mess up and get Ed hurt, or even killed?" She asked, and Peter knew that it was this fear, and not fears for her own life, that led her to be curled up in his arms.

"You may mess up. Everyone does, Lu. But Ed will take care of you. And if he gets hurt, you'll be there to take care of him. That's why Ed and I fight back to back when the odds are precarious on the battlefield. We know the other loves us enough to take care of it when we mess up."

"Thank you Peter," Lucy said, looking into his eyes, and Peter saw trust in their chocolate depths.

"Of course Lu…what are big brothers for, anyway?" He replied, jostling her gently, startling a chuckle from her.