fic: Where I Belong
Nov. 27th, 2008 10:22 am![[identity profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/openid.png){kind=small}
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narniaexchangeTitle: Where I Belong
Author:![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
liminalliz
Recipient:athousandwinds
Rating: PG-13
Possible Spoilers/Warnings: Everything movie and book is fair game.
Summary: Edmund Pevensie is many things; he wears many hats .
Original Prompt: Pevensie gen, set in England post VDT, how they get on in life. Tennis, school, party.
A/N: Tennis… seriously? A huge thanks tosloanesomething and bantha_fodder for their kind handholding and most excellent beta; and to pwincess for her advice!
*
The air is crisp and cool when his father teaches him the game. Edmund holds the racket with reverence and looks up into his father's face as he speaks. The ball drops from his hands and he swings, hoping beyond hope that it will sail over the net and land with such a velocity that his father will be impressed, will glow, will tell him how much better Edmund is at the game than Peter.
Later, as he sulks, his cheeks crimson from embarrassment, he says, "no, I won't, I won't." His father wraps an arm around him and holds him for a moment. Edmund feels small and insignificant but he focuses on his father's deep and steady breathing and it calms his temper.
"You have to have the courage to face your problem, to get up again after you fall down," he says at last.
Edmund considers this before looking up at him. "I just want to go home."
*
There are no more games after war is declared and his father leaves.
Edmund starts a list of all the changes the war brings until he loses count, loses any hope that life will return as it was.
The shock of being dismissed from home to the country distresses him. He fights to find the courage to face this adventure, this change; but he feels his anger coil like a snake in his belly.
*
"Walk with me," Aslan calls to them and his children follow. His paws make small imprints on the sand and Lucy is careful not to walk in them but beside them.
Edmund lags behind a little, his lips still burning from betrayal; redemption is a long road to travel, he thinks. Susan turns to look at him and slows her gait so that they will walk together. He is grateful to her.
The lion stops at the edge of sand and water and shakes his mane, his face to the east.
Edmund reaches him and touches the golden fur. "Sir," he says, "do you miss your home?"
Breathing deeply, the lion says, "My heart lies in Narnia."
*
Spring comes at last to Narnia on the tenth year of their reign. For the tournament portion of their annual revels, King Edmund proposes a new sport.
The leopards sniff that only creatures with opposable thumbs may play; but the fauns smile mischievously at the concept and help the dwarfs fashion rackets, balls, and netting.
Edmund and the High King play the first tennis match after Lucy asks a blessing from the Lion. More than one lady gasps at her sovereigns' skill; and many a courtier burns with eagerness to try this new sport.
Susan waves her handkerchief at Peter as he pauses to wipe his brow; he takes it with a broad smile and kisses her fingertips in thanks. Lucy whispers in Edmund's ear, "his right side is weak, attack him there." The match resumes.
The game brings him more pleasure than fencing or jousting, Edmund thinks, and reminds him vaguely of a time and place he's forgotten.
*
Soon, the lands of Narnia and beyond know of King Edmund, the great sportsman, and call for him to play at their courts. He travels with a full entourage of smiling dryads, foxes, and fauns. Lucy accompanies him on occasion, and laughs as the ladies of foreign courts sigh in unison at his relentless backhand stroke.
Later, she listens with interest as he tells her of his meetings with his network of spies, and the information gathered and instructions given. Their home will be safe from danger, he tells her. He will ensure it.
*
For all his knowledge and plans, his detailed maps and faithful network, King Edmund the Just blunders through the woods and into the back of an English wardrobe.
*
Of the four, Edmund forgets the fastest. At school, he signs up immediately for fencing and other various sports. It takes him time to get accustomed to his weak child muscles, but he is not discouraged.
He wins the tennis tournament and looks up to see Lucy's smiling face but it is only the school master who stares down at him with wonder.
*
He reads of the war, hoping to distract himself with the strategy of the enemy and the bravery of his nation. He fears these modern tactics, weapons of unspeakable power, and longs for the simplicity of his sword, shield and a good horse.
*
"We are kids!," he says; and yet he flinches at Susan's resignation.
*
Caspian's coronation is matched with games and dances, and Edmund chuckles as the new king teaches him the Telemarine rules to the ancient Narnian game.
The grassy court is slightly altered, but the racket feels as sure in his hands as his sword.
"You must learn to use sport as more than an amusing pastime, Caspian," he says before serving, his racket spinning the ball rapidly across the court.
*
At dawn, before being summoned to the tree, Edmund walks to the beach and stares out at the sea. His body aches from the battle, aches from the transition of school boy to warrior king.
At his feet, he sees a small red stone, perfectly smooth and warm from the sun. He takes it and skips it along the smooth, clear waters. He will defend his land again and to the death, he thinks. His lion heart beats fierce in his chest.
*
The railway station is impossibly cold, and he stands, uncomfortable in his child-skin. He remembers, but not without resentment, how to cope with the regression to youth and insignificance. And he wonders how he will respond when the door is closed upon him forever.
He is only initially amused at the absence of his new torch.
*
He studies the war with an agitated eagerness; there are methods to learn, tactics to borrow.
*
Eustace cries for England's shores while Edmund sips his spiced wine and smells the sea air. Lucy's face shines with newfound happiness and she sits close between Caspian and Drinian, drinking in every word they say.
"Your majesty," they call him, and he answers.
At dinner, Lucy claps her hands, begging him to tell the story of his famous match with Prince Cor. As he tells the story, he loses track of the memory and finds himself telling the story of his last match with Eric Swan from St. Crispin's. Lucy's smile falters.
*
The third and final time Edmund returns to England, he feels sick, he feels stretched too thin, unable to straddle his two lives, unable to function as both child and king. He resents his country; the food is less filling, the temperature too cold and rainy, the people too fearful, and its destiny too unsure. The war continues and he wonders what it will be like to be conquered and unable to stop it.
*
His father returns for a short respite, his face haggard and eyes darkened. While his mother recoils before opening her arms to embrace him, Edmund recognizes his father's look at once and feels a connection.
Eager to learn the news first hand, he asks rapid fire questions about Nazi tactics, about Dunkirk and the invasion of France, of machine guns and submarines, of the rumors of gruesome internment camps dotted along the continent. He ignores his mother's pale face or his father's worried look.
Lucy, banished from the room whenever details of the war are discussed, sneaks into his bedroom to hear the stories. Voices low, they compare the facts at length with their own war campaigns, draw up maps of Calormen, of France, of Galma and of the American coastline, and ponder the similarities of modern espionage tactics to their own.
He falls asleep wondering if Caspian rebuilt his ancient network, and if his lands are safe from invasion.
*
His father takes him to an abandoned court down the street to play a match before he leaves again for Scotland to be deployed to who-knows-where. Edmund holds back on the game, allowing his father to win, giving him this small victory.
When his father reaches out to clasp his hand, Edmund pulls him into a crushing hug. "Be safe," he asks.
When he pulls away, his father's eyes are wet. "I had wondered where my little boy had gone."
*
During the summer holidays, they're all invited to a party at the Scrubbs', thanks to an encouraging letter from Eustace. The younger boy's school friend, Jill, drops in and they sit in the guest room with the door closed, stare at the painting of the Dawn Treader, and they tell their story of the lost prince, of the underworld, of giants and an evil temptress.
Peter goes next with the story of Professor Kirke and his great friend Polly. Lucy has already heard this tale and she holds Edmund's hand as Peter speaks of Charn's last queen.
Edmund tells them of the battle at Anvard; Lucy giggles as she tells them of Reepicheep's bravery at Aslan's How.
When Jill asks about Susan, Edmund avoids looking at Peter's face.
*
At Eustace's suggestion, they pile into the car and drive out to the seaside the next day. The beach is full of happy families and couples, of watchful soldiers and the home guard.
Edmund stares out at the open sea, the expanse of water and the promise of what danger lies further east.
Something by Lucy's foot catches his eye and he crouches low to see a small red stone, perfect and smooth. He takes it gingerly, almost afraid of it. Initially cool to the touch, it warms in the palm of his hand.
Lucy wraps her arm around Edmund's and squeezes. "I can't believe that there are so many of us, Ed. We should start a club." Her laughter is joined by Jill's.
Edmund pockets the red stone and smiles at his sister.
Author:
liminallizRecipient:
athousandwinds Rating: PG-13
Possible Spoilers/Warnings: Everything movie and book is fair game.
Summary: Edmund Pevensie is many things; he wears many hats .
Original Prompt: Pevensie gen, set in England post VDT, how they get on in life. Tennis, school, party.
A/N: Tennis… seriously? A huge thanks to
sloanesomething and bantha_fodder for their kind handholding and most excellent beta; and to pwincess for her advice! *
The air is crisp and cool when his father teaches him the game. Edmund holds the racket with reverence and looks up into his father's face as he speaks. The ball drops from his hands and he swings, hoping beyond hope that it will sail over the net and land with such a velocity that his father will be impressed, will glow, will tell him how much better Edmund is at the game than Peter.
Later, as he sulks, his cheeks crimson from embarrassment, he says, "no, I won't, I won't." His father wraps an arm around him and holds him for a moment. Edmund feels small and insignificant but he focuses on his father's deep and steady breathing and it calms his temper.
"You have to have the courage to face your problem, to get up again after you fall down," he says at last.
Edmund considers this before looking up at him. "I just want to go home."
*
There are no more games after war is declared and his father leaves.
Edmund starts a list of all the changes the war brings until he loses count, loses any hope that life will return as it was.
The shock of being dismissed from home to the country distresses him. He fights to find the courage to face this adventure, this change; but he feels his anger coil like a snake in his belly.
*
"Walk with me," Aslan calls to them and his children follow. His paws make small imprints on the sand and Lucy is careful not to walk in them but beside them.
Edmund lags behind a little, his lips still burning from betrayal; redemption is a long road to travel, he thinks. Susan turns to look at him and slows her gait so that they will walk together. He is grateful to her.
The lion stops at the edge of sand and water and shakes his mane, his face to the east.
Edmund reaches him and touches the golden fur. "Sir," he says, "do you miss your home?"
Breathing deeply, the lion says, "My heart lies in Narnia."
*
Spring comes at last to Narnia on the tenth year of their reign. For the tournament portion of their annual revels, King Edmund proposes a new sport.
The leopards sniff that only creatures with opposable thumbs may play; but the fauns smile mischievously at the concept and help the dwarfs fashion rackets, balls, and netting.
Edmund and the High King play the first tennis match after Lucy asks a blessing from the Lion. More than one lady gasps at her sovereigns' skill; and many a courtier burns with eagerness to try this new sport.
Susan waves her handkerchief at Peter as he pauses to wipe his brow; he takes it with a broad smile and kisses her fingertips in thanks. Lucy whispers in Edmund's ear, "his right side is weak, attack him there." The match resumes.
The game brings him more pleasure than fencing or jousting, Edmund thinks, and reminds him vaguely of a time and place he's forgotten.
*
Soon, the lands of Narnia and beyond know of King Edmund, the great sportsman, and call for him to play at their courts. He travels with a full entourage of smiling dryads, foxes, and fauns. Lucy accompanies him on occasion, and laughs as the ladies of foreign courts sigh in unison at his relentless backhand stroke.
Later, she listens with interest as he tells her of his meetings with his network of spies, and the information gathered and instructions given. Their home will be safe from danger, he tells her. He will ensure it.
*
For all his knowledge and plans, his detailed maps and faithful network, King Edmund the Just blunders through the woods and into the back of an English wardrobe.
*
Of the four, Edmund forgets the fastest. At school, he signs up immediately for fencing and other various sports. It takes him time to get accustomed to his weak child muscles, but he is not discouraged.
He wins the tennis tournament and looks up to see Lucy's smiling face but it is only the school master who stares down at him with wonder.
*
He reads of the war, hoping to distract himself with the strategy of the enemy and the bravery of his nation. He fears these modern tactics, weapons of unspeakable power, and longs for the simplicity of his sword, shield and a good horse.
*
"We are kids!," he says; and yet he flinches at Susan's resignation.
*
Caspian's coronation is matched with games and dances, and Edmund chuckles as the new king teaches him the Telemarine rules to the ancient Narnian game.
The grassy court is slightly altered, but the racket feels as sure in his hands as his sword.
"You must learn to use sport as more than an amusing pastime, Caspian," he says before serving, his racket spinning the ball rapidly across the court.
*
At dawn, before being summoned to the tree, Edmund walks to the beach and stares out at the sea. His body aches from the battle, aches from the transition of school boy to warrior king.
At his feet, he sees a small red stone, perfectly smooth and warm from the sun. He takes it and skips it along the smooth, clear waters. He will defend his land again and to the death, he thinks. His lion heart beats fierce in his chest.
*
The railway station is impossibly cold, and he stands, uncomfortable in his child-skin. He remembers, but not without resentment, how to cope with the regression to youth and insignificance. And he wonders how he will respond when the door is closed upon him forever.
He is only initially amused at the absence of his new torch.
*
He studies the war with an agitated eagerness; there are methods to learn, tactics to borrow.
*
Eustace cries for England's shores while Edmund sips his spiced wine and smells the sea air. Lucy's face shines with newfound happiness and she sits close between Caspian and Drinian, drinking in every word they say.
"Your majesty," they call him, and he answers.
At dinner, Lucy claps her hands, begging him to tell the story of his famous match with Prince Cor. As he tells the story, he loses track of the memory and finds himself telling the story of his last match with Eric Swan from St. Crispin's. Lucy's smile falters.
*
The third and final time Edmund returns to England, he feels sick, he feels stretched too thin, unable to straddle his two lives, unable to function as both child and king. He resents his country; the food is less filling, the temperature too cold and rainy, the people too fearful, and its destiny too unsure. The war continues and he wonders what it will be like to be conquered and unable to stop it.
*
His father returns for a short respite, his face haggard and eyes darkened. While his mother recoils before opening her arms to embrace him, Edmund recognizes his father's look at once and feels a connection.
Eager to learn the news first hand, he asks rapid fire questions about Nazi tactics, about Dunkirk and the invasion of France, of machine guns and submarines, of the rumors of gruesome internment camps dotted along the continent. He ignores his mother's pale face or his father's worried look.
Lucy, banished from the room whenever details of the war are discussed, sneaks into his bedroom to hear the stories. Voices low, they compare the facts at length with their own war campaigns, draw up maps of Calormen, of France, of Galma and of the American coastline, and ponder the similarities of modern espionage tactics to their own.
He falls asleep wondering if Caspian rebuilt his ancient network, and if his lands are safe from invasion.
*
His father takes him to an abandoned court down the street to play a match before he leaves again for Scotland to be deployed to who-knows-where. Edmund holds back on the game, allowing his father to win, giving him this small victory.
When his father reaches out to clasp his hand, Edmund pulls him into a crushing hug. "Be safe," he asks.
When he pulls away, his father's eyes are wet. "I had wondered where my little boy had gone."
*
During the summer holidays, they're all invited to a party at the Scrubbs', thanks to an encouraging letter from Eustace. The younger boy's school friend, Jill, drops in and they sit in the guest room with the door closed, stare at the painting of the Dawn Treader, and they tell their story of the lost prince, of the underworld, of giants and an evil temptress.
Peter goes next with the story of Professor Kirke and his great friend Polly. Lucy has already heard this tale and she holds Edmund's hand as Peter speaks of Charn's last queen.
Edmund tells them of the battle at Anvard; Lucy giggles as she tells them of Reepicheep's bravery at Aslan's How.
When Jill asks about Susan, Edmund avoids looking at Peter's face.
*
At Eustace's suggestion, they pile into the car and drive out to the seaside the next day. The beach is full of happy families and couples, of watchful soldiers and the home guard.
Edmund stares out at the open sea, the expanse of water and the promise of what danger lies further east.
Something by Lucy's foot catches his eye and he crouches low to see a small red stone, perfect and smooth. He takes it gingerly, almost afraid of it. Initially cool to the touch, it warms in the palm of his hand.
Lucy wraps her arm around Edmund's and squeezes. "I can't believe that there are so many of us, Ed. We should start a club." Her laughter is joined by Jill's.
Edmund pockets the red stone and smiles at his sister.
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Date: 2009-09-30 01:51 am (UTC)