Susan Was Always First

New Beginning

The room was quiet, the reality of what had just happened setting in. Finally, after months, the Pevensies were all free. The broken pieces of the magical relic slowly disintegrated until nothing remained. All that lay before them was body of a witch made more mortal than she expected. 

Aslan shook His mane and dipped His head as He stepped away from Jadis's corpse, examining it after Edmund struck his killing blow. "All traces of the witch are now gone from Narnia. She will never pose a threat to anyone here again."

Peter sighed in relief, sheathing his sword and breathing a bit more lightly now that the witch was gone. His scars would remain, and the life of the child who gave them to him would continue to be spared, but at least the world was finally freed of the evils of the white witch's magic.

"Wait. Where is Susan?" Caspian spoke as his eyes darted around the room. Everyone was present, save his wife and sister-in-law. When had they vanished? Were they okay? Fear would have soon sunk in, had a voice not quickly chimed in.

"Queen Susan appeared to be in labor, and I'd guess Lucy went with her to help deliver the baby." Elda spoke, still slouched against the wall from when Jadis had pushed her aside. The girl appeared to want to try and stand, but ended up not. "I saw them leave the room shortly after the witch taunted them with her plans, your majesty. The were heading down that hallway."

Caspian's eyes widened and his face showed both joy and concern. He dipped his head in thanks and rushed in the direction that Elda had pointed.

Edmund, meanwhile, made his way to the side of the teen girl. As much of a pain as he saw her as, the girl had still saved his life and he still owed her for that. "Are you alright, Elda?"

The girl shook her head. "I don't think I can stand." 

"I can help you up-"

"No, Edmund." Elda interrupted. "My legs aren't working. I heard a snap when I hit the wall and now I can't feel them."

Edmund's eyes grew wide. "Aslan can heal you!" The king turned towards the Great Lion. "Aslan, can you-"

"I don't want to be healed, Edmund." The girl snapped, and Edmund saw that she was conflicted, but determined. "This seems fitting, somehow. My legs for the crimes I've committed." 

"Don't be stupid!" Edmund hissed. "That's not how it should be. You can exchange your crimes with acts of good from now on! And you'll need your legs for that."

"And I am telling you," Elda narrowed her eyes, "I will not be healed."

The two continued to lock eyes, until finally Edmund sighed. "Very well. I cannot make your choices for you, but know I find this to be a very st-"

"Shouldn't you have rushed off to check on you sister?" Elda interrupted. "Go on. I'll be fine here. It's not like I'll be walking away." The girl gave him a cheeky grin with that. 

Edmund looked around and noticed he and Elda were in fact the only ones now left. Caspian had rushed out he knew, but it seemed that Peter and Aslan had gone to Susan as well. "We will discuss this further when I get back. But just to make sure you're alright, I'll step out to tell Ell and the little girl to keep you company."

"If you insist." Elda rolled her eyes, and Edmund shook his head as he left, informing Ell and Sarah of Elda's condition and checking on how Glenstorm was maintaining those who they had convinced to surrender before hurrying to the room his brother and Aslan stood outside. 

"How's Su?" He asked quickly. 

Peter crossed his arms. "She's been having contractions for hours now and lied to Lucy about it, but Lucy says she's doing well and the baby should be here soon. Lu also said Caspian looks like he's going to pass out from worry."