The Pevensies: The Art of Adjusting

Lucy's Nightmare

Friday 4th April, 1941 (2:05am)

57 Eversleigh Road, Finchley, NW London

(8 months after the Pevensies return from their first trip to Narnia)

"Tumnus- no! Not Edmund- please! Oh Aslan! Aslan you have to-"

Susan's eyes flew open at the sudden outburst of her younger sister's pleas. The cries for help dissolved into frantic whimpers, almost as fast as they'd erupted. Susan slid out of bed and crossed the room before shaking her sister as carefully as possible. "Shush- shush shush, Lu. It's fine- we're okay."

Lucy's eyes flew open as she sprang into a sitting position, arms around her older sister's neck, sobbing to her hearts content as her sister did her best to offer comfort. It wasn't often Lucy was the one to have such nightmares. That was usually Edmund. However, this still wasn't uncommon. From these experiences, Susan knew there was only person who could truly console Lucy when she was in such a state.

"Peter!" She announced, half relieved, as her brother was across the room in seconds. Lucy immediately released Susan, her arms around Peter's neck as he scooped her into his lap, one hand cupping her head against his shoulder. He fiercely, yet somehow gently, whispered words of comfort to her, the other hand running circles around her back. Edmund appeared a little after Peter, tying the cord of his dressing gown around his waist, his voice woven with the sleep he was trying to shake off. "What- oh... I guess I don't' have to ask what troubled you, right, Luce?" he asked, empathy radiating off him as he placed himself at the other side of a stressed-looking Susan, a comforting arm pulling her in so her head was against his shoulder. Despite his sister having 2 years on him, Edmund had quickly followed Peter's protective role, his recent growth spurt meant he was now almost the same height as Susan, allowing him to offer both more emotional and more physical protection.

Edmund had come to a realisation whilst he and his siblings ruled over Narnia, the dynamics of their relationships. Peter looked after them all, but mostly Lucy and Edmund. Susan also looked over each of them, but mostly Peter (as someone had to). Lucy brought light to all of them, her unwavering faith got them all through the darkest of times. But no one looked over Susan. Susan took on the mothering role, in which she played well. Edmund couldn't fault her (perhaps her bossiness, but overall that wasn't important anymore). However, Edmund would always try to retaliate his sister's orders. When he was younger, this was him just being awkward and childish, but now it was because he didn't agree, full stop. She was a child, like the rest of them. Sure, Peter would play 'Father' but Susan was always there to take his weight, even if he didn't realise this.

But no one took Susan's weight, not even for a moment, and this worried Edmund. He didn't want to make things harder for Susan, but hopefully make her realise the way she ought to be- at least occasionally, carefree. And so, one late night as they sat, fighting sleep on their thrones, Edmund vowed to himself to watch over all his siblings, equally, whether they be older or younger than him.

Perhaps this is why, in the present, Edmund squeezed his exhausted older sister next to him a little bit tighter. Whenever any of them had a nightmare, it affected them all. The gut wrenching screams and memories the victim's experience was all to familiar to the others. Edmund wiped a few of Susan's stray tears in which she'd fought to hold back. Only he had seen.

Lucy had begun to calm down, her breaths steadier as she nuzzled into her eldest brother. Peter attempted to lay her down, but still she clung to him, his nightshirt balled up in her fists. The others gave a small nod, the understanding of what it's like to lay awake, alone, post-nightmare, until the sun rose.

The Gentle Queen moved towards her younger sister, tucking the loose strands of hair behind her ear, cupping her cheeks as she kissed her forehead firmly. She whispered her thanks to her brothers before climbing back into her own bed. Edmund held the door for Peter as he carried the already sleeping Lucy to his bed, curling up protectively around her as Edmund climbed into his own bed.

Friday, 4th April, 1941 (7:15am)

"Why didn't you wake them, Ed? I asked you twice! Peter! Lucy! Get ready or we'll be late!"

Peter opened his eyes to the shrill voice of his eldest sister, her form dashing frantically around his room, throwing various items of School Uniform and books in his direction. He chuckled quietly as he watched Edmund hop around the room whilst attempting to pull on a sock, a piece of toast held in his teeth.

"Lu. Lucy, wake, sleepy head." He told her quietly, moving her off him so he could get up. She returned a small murmur and sat up with a stretch. Within 10 minutes, the Pevensie's were flying down the street, bags bouncing off the backs of their legs as they dispersed into their different school buildings.

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This one's super short- sorry! I believe this was the shortest and again, I was more focusing on setting up the characters...

I hope you enjoyed and any feedback/ constructive criticism would be completely appreciated :)

Thank you! x