𝐋𝐔𝐌𝐈𝐍𝐄𝐒𝐂𝐄𝐍𝐂𝐄 | edmund pevensie

chapter twenty-seven

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- Unspoken Reconnections -

As we lingered, we eventually decided to change out of our uniforms and into something from our golden chests.

Fortunately, I discovered an outfit that fit perfectly—a relief, considering most of the other clothes were double the size I’d worn as an adult in Narnia.

The Pevensie boys stepped outside to change, giving us girls a moment of privacy as we selected our outfits.

I carefully picked a dress from the chest—a dark green garment with a squared neckline and elegant sleeves that draped gracefully over my arms. As I fastened it in place, my snowflake pendant shimmered, hanging delicately and catching the light, its intricate design drawing attention. The rich green of the dress complemented the pendant perfectly, crafting an ensemble that radiated quiet elegance and a subtle, enchanting presence.

I skillfully braided the two distinctive white strands framing each side of my face, weaving them gently in front before letting them gracefully trail around the back, where I secured them together. Meanwhile, my long, wavy brunette locks cascaded effortlessly behind me, framing my appearance with an air of natural elegance as they flowed down my back, adding a touch of effortless charm to my attire.

Once the three of us finished changing, we stepped outside to find the two boys already in their new attire, signaling that we were all ready to continue the next part of our journey.

As I took in Edmund’s new attire in Narnia, I couldn’t help but be captivated by the striking figure before me. His long, flowing dark blue sleeves reached gracefully to his wrists, exuding both elegance and ease. Every fold of the fabric seemed to speak of quiet sophistication, framing him as a figure of understated charm against the enchanting Narnian landscape.

The deep blue was paired perfectly with brown trousers, the earthy hue complementing the richness of his top. The combination created a harmonious balance, highlighting his refined appearance and lending him an air of effortless grace that drew my gaze again and again.

My focus had been consumed by the reunion itself, the whirlwind of emotions and the sheer joy of returning to Narnia. Only now did I truly take in the brunette Pevensie standing before me.

Over the past two years, he had changed in more ways than one. His stature had increased significantly, now towering above me. Standing beside him, my height would barely reach the midpoint of his neck, a clear testament to the remarkable growth and maturity that had unfolded during our time apart.

I couldn’t help but notice the subtle changes in him. His chocolate-brown hair had grown slightly longer, falling in soft waves that framed his now more defined, mature face. The gentle sweep of his locks added a quiet elegance, emphasizing the features that had gained depth over time.

His rosy cheeks, dotted with those familiar freckles, seemed to glow in the sunlight. The freckles, now more pronounced, gave him an even more charming, boyish allure that made his presence both comforting and captivating.

"Take a picture, it might last longer," his voice suddenly broke through my thoughts, snapping me out of my reverie.

I couldn't help but feel a bit flustered.

Was I staring for that long?

Surrounded by the Pevensies, their collective laughter filled the air in response to the moment. Yet, amidst their amusement, I noticed Edmund fixing me with a smug smile, his gaze carrying a playful sense of knowing. It seemed he had caught on to my prolonged glance, finding some amusement in the situation as he watched my slight embarrassment unfold.

“Shove off,” I huffed at the brunette boy, striding ahead of the giggling siblings who followed as we set out to explore Narnia.

As I wandered along the winding paths, bathed in the enchanting aura of the forest, a familiar presence fell into step beside me. The steady rhythm of footsteps mirrored my own, carrying a quiet assurance that could belong to no one else but Edmund. He had slipped away from the others, his calm confidence a steadying presence at my side.

The forest seemed alive around us, every rustle of leaves stirred by a gentle breeze, painting shifting shadows across the lush ground. The crunch of twigs beneath our feet blended with the soft murmur of a nearby stream, creating a delicate melody that danced through the serene woods.

“Do you feel… that this place isn’t quite the same as before, or is it just me?” he asked, his voice cutting through the gentle hum of nature.

“No, I’ve felt it too,” I replied, my eyes sweeping across the familiar yet subtly changed landscape.

“The atmosphere… it’s…” I trailed off, choosing my words with care. “Different.”

Edmund’s brow knitted as his gaze drifted toward the distant horizon, searching for something intangible amidst the subtly altered landscape. “I can’t quite explain it, but… something’s changed,” he murmured.

The breeze swirled around us, the rustling leaves seeming to carry our unspoken thoughts, as if the forest itself acknowledged the shift we both felt.

"Do you think it's because we've been away for so long?" I questioned, casting a glance at the boy beside me.

Edmund paused, his eyes sweeping the horizon before settling on mine. "Maybe… but it feels more than just time passing. Almost as if Narnia itself has changed while we were away."

His words mirrored the subtle shifts I had sensed. The leaves whispered around us, as if the forest itself listened and responded to our thoughts.

"But apart from that, it's still good to be back," Ed remarked, his gaze fixed on the ground as our stroll continued.

A soft chuckle escaped me. "And it's good to be back with you as well."

Suddenly, I caught Ed's gaze, and after a brief moment, a smile slowly graced his features in response to mine.

Unnoticed by the two, who exchanged subtle smiles that spoke volumes, the Pevensies, following a few paces behind, observed with tender smiles gracing their faces.

Lucy, her eyes alight with joy, nudged her elder siblings, drawing their attention to the heartening scene unfolding just ahead.

Peter, wearing a soft smile, leaned in toward Susan, his voice hushed. "Looks like they're glad to be back together."

Susan, nodding in agreement, replied in hushed tones, "It's nice to see them reconnect. Narnia has a way of bringing people together."

Meanwhile, Lucy's eyes sparkled with the joy of a secret observer, her excitement barely contained as she reveled in the scene before her.

"They've missed each other, haven't they?" she whispered, prompting a soft chuckle from her older siblings.

As Ed and Cora exchanged glances, their smiles spoke volumes, an unspoken understanding, a connection quietly reshaped by time.

The Pevensies watched them with warmth, savoring the sight of friendship—and perhaps something beyond—blooming anew beneath Narnia’s timeless magic.