Daughter of Aslan

18.

"Let's go and practice battling." Julia said, she stood up from the seat she had been sitting on for quite some time now. As much as she enjoyed sitting down on a chair and putting her hands on the table, she also realised that she would barely have any time to adjust as the threat of war came closer and closer.

"You mean with a sword or... Like fighting fighting, because I don't fight girls." Peter asked, his hands folded over each other. Even though he meant it as a sweet gesture, it sounded a little cocky and so Susan rolled her eyes.

Ed nodded, and quickly added. "Neither do I."
He wouldn't want to fight Julia. Not only because she was a girl but also because he knew she was going to be strong and he was afraid she would think of him as weak and stupid if she won.

Julia whined. "Oh come on guys, you aren't afraid of me now, are you?"

They both shook their head. "No, that's... That's not what we meant-" Ed began but got cut off by Lucy.

"You nosey boys are just a bit in love and you don't want to hurt that girl." Susan laughed at Lucy's statement. Edmund hissed as his sisters embarrassed him in front of Julia.

"Right, fighting it is." Peter said, giving Lucy a look.

Peter just didn't want to admit he may feel a slight bit for Julia. He had just known her for a few days and they hadn't really talked much yet. She is just so pretty and brave, she has a bright personality and he cannot help himself being drawn to it.

But, to admit that he was interested in her would show emotion. Showing emotion was something for girls, they are allowed to show their feelings. All the men that ever spoke to him told him that and so, he knew it wasn't a guy's thing to show feelings. Only hard work and protecting family. Peter's seen Edmund show emotion quite a lot. Edmund is way younger than him and that is why Edmund doesn't know that he shouldn't show his emotions. Ever since he and his siblings live without their parents, he has tried to make it clear to Ed that feelings shouldn't be shown. His brother just still needs to learn and he doesn't have a father around to teach him.
It is conflicting for Peter though, he is their oldest brother but he also feels like he needs to be their father figure which is hard at times. In a way, he is grateful for Aslan as the great lion takes good care of his siblings.

Peter got up from his seat as well and his actions were followed by his siblings.
Everyone went outside and grabbed a sword.

"Who's first to fight against me?" Julia asked the boys.
Lucy and Susan weren't the actual fighters for a sword. Susan walked to a place where she could practice with her bow and quiver.

Lucy just stared at the things Susan was doing.
Lucy didn't want to fight as she was not only afraid to get hurt, she was also afraid to hurt others. As she was so young, it was unanimously agreed she wouldn't have to fight in the war that was likely to come.

"Well, one of you two gotta be the first." Julia furrowed her eyebrows. What could be so difficult to fight a girl? They weren't fighting to hurt one another, they just needed to practice. More importantly, she needed to practice as she never had to fight with a sword as a lioness. She only knew what to do from what she saw the army and other practioners do.

"uhhm... I'll do it I guess?" Edmund stood up grabbing his sword. He was confused by Peter's behaviour. It is obvious that Peter has a crush on Julia, and it wasn't surprising at all that Peter agreed to fight. Peter always tries to be the 'cool' guy. However, now that they are at the point where they actually need to fight, he remains quiet. Ed values the act of doing as said and so he decides to take the stand and fight her. It was just practice after all, right?

Julia nodded, then turned to Peter.

"Could you tell us when to start?" She asked him.

"Yeah. Sure"  He said.