December 1st: Autumn turns into winter
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Peter slowly sat down on the bench next to Edmund, not saying anything, but leaning back and smiling as he watched the last of the autumn leaves fall from the tree, floating down and joining the frost covered grass that shined in the early morning sun.
Edmund took a deep breath, turning his head to face his older brother, and hesitating in saying anything.
So Peter spoke instead. "You're up early." He said gently, voice quiet so as not to ruin the comfortable peace.
Edmund sighed, turning away and staring at his feet. "Yeah." He all but whispered. "I couldn't fall back to sleep."
Peter nodded slowly, taking the cloak he'd brought out from under his arm and wrapping it around Edmunds shoulders. "You'll catch your death one of these days." He teased gently.
Edmund pulled the cloak tightly around him, smiling weakly. "Thanks." He murmured, voice grateful.
The two sat in silence for a while, before Peter took a deep, silent breath. "Autumn's pretty much over." He mumbled.
Edmund nodded slowly. "It is." He agreed.
"You reckon you'll be okay with winter this year?" Peter asked, sounding a little worried, but a little hopeful too.
Edmund shrugged a little. "I was okay last year..." He said slowly. "Well, better than the year before."
Peter hesitated. "I wouldn't say you were okay." He sighed. "But yeah, you were better than the last year, the last year was... horrible."
Edmund snorted thickly. "The first year was horrible." He muttered.
"The first year was understandable." Peter corrected.
Edmund glanced at him, before taking a deep breath. "Maybe I'll get through this year with only a few nightmares." He breathed.
Peter placed a hand on Edmunds shoulder, giving him a sad, comforting smile.
Edmund leant a little into his touch. "The snow still reminds me of her..." He admitted. "But the thought that's it's not because of her softens the blow a little, which is nice. The nightmares happen of their own accord, and I would rather stay inside with a book during the season. But I'm getting better, I know I am."
"I know you are too." Peter told him, voice gently. "Compared to the first winter, you're doing so much better."
Edmund gave him a greatful smile and a small nod, before turning back to stare at the icy grass.
"You wanna head inside for some breakfast?" Peter suggested after a while of silence.
Edmunds stomach rumbled almost on command, and he couldn't help but laugh.
Peter chuckled. "I'll take that as a yes." He breathed, before standing. "Come on then."
Edmund smiled and stood, following Peter back towards the castle.
"No matter what happens this winter," Peter spoke up. "I will be by your side the whole time."
Tears sprung to Edmund's eyes, and he had to quickly blink them back as he looked up at his older brother. "I know." He choked out, lips curling into a smile, weak smile. "Thank you, so much."
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