The Pevensies: The Art of Adjusting

A letter from Tumnus

This is no longer in chronological order... sorry!!
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It was a drizzly afternoon, just a week after the Pevensies' second visit to Narnia.
Neither of Peter's other siblings had seen Lucy that day, and so this soon lead to his search for her.
It didn't cross his mind, until he'd scoured every inch of the house, to look outside. Besides, who would go willingly out in such miserable weather?

His anxiety rocketing at the thought of 10 year old Lucy out of the house alone, he grabbed his jacket off the hook and fled down the garden path.
The Magnificent King skidded to a halt just moments later as he spotted a figure curled up beneath a willow, seemingly untouched by the rain, under the cover of the leaves.

"Lucy!" He approached, cautiously as he noticed tears streaming down her cheeks.
"Whatever's bought you out here?" He asked, ducking into the leafy hole and sitting beside his sister.

"I- I wanted to be alone to read it..." she sniffled, holding up a rolled up piece of parchment.

"What is it? Is this Narnian?" Peter asked shocked, taking it from her and checking the wax seal.

"This- Lucy... isn't this Tumnus' stamp?"

His sister nodded as her tears sped up.
"Oh, Lu. How do you even have this?"

"It was in the my chest when we arrived... I've been wanting to read it since I found it but..."

"Do you want me to?" He asked carefully, pulling her to his side and under his arm.

After her nod against his side, he opened it, reading it aloud. The writing was written with care, each letter formed in beautiful cursive. Undoubtedly, the writing of a Faun.
The letter must've been so carefully written, if not repeatedly rewritten, Peter decided.

'My Dearest Lucy,
My Valiant Queen,

It has been 25 years today since you and your siblings disappeared so suddenly.
And, if might I say, it's been an awfully dull 25 years without your dances. Narnia is fairing as well as it could be.
At late, there has been talk of a potential attack on our beautiful Cair- however, I'm sure there is little need to worry. All will be perfectly well as Oreius is leading any battles we face, protecting Narnia as well as anyone could.'

Peter couldn't help smile slightly. Of course Oreius had taken military control. There was no one else Peter would have had protect Cair in it's final hours (if not himself, of course).

'However, with heavy hearts, we all still miss the gentleness, valiance, that only you and your sister could offer us.
I stood in the Courts when they needed as they struggled greatly in the absence of the Just, I pray he would appreciate our efforts.
I am old now and growing weak. I believe I have but days left. The only fear I have for Narnia is it's new occupants, I do believe they're approaching from the Southern Border.'

"The Telmerines." Peter pauses to mutter to himself as he felt his face drain of colour. This must've been but days before. And with Tumnus being so old...
He glanced up at Lucy, his eyes meeting her tear-filled ones but she nodded to continue reading.

'There is no blame on you, however, nor the High King, the Gentle Queen nor the Just King. We understand that it must have been Aslan's doing. Yet, we do wish you to return some day.
And if I may ask, rather selfishly, before I move onto to the Promise Lands.

I would have given up all my scarves not to be the one to break this to you in such a way, however, Mr Beaver passed 10 years ago. 2 years later, Mrs Beaver passed on also.'

Peter swallowed a lump in his throat.
They'd been the closest to parents himself and his siblings had had in Narnia and the thought of the Beavers passing away was almost incomprehensible to Peter. He looked up to meet Lucy's gaze, the most forlorn expression on her face he believed he'd ever seen.

"Lu-"

"Keep reading." She urged quietly, positioning herself better under his arm, head on his shoulder so she could read along with him.

'Oh, how they loved you all so dearly. Mrs Beaver was indeed, perhaps the most heartbroken of any of us when she learnt of your disappearance. I do believe she saw you as her pups. However, it was great comfort to us all to know that Aslan would have you only where is safe.

I do believe you shall return, some day. When the time is right and Narnia needs you once more.
When that time comes, I hope you find this note. I shall ask the guards to put it in your chest. We gathered what we could of your possessions for your return.'

"He was so sure we'd return..." Peter heard Lucy mutter, followed by a small sigh.

'I do hope you may remember me,'

"Of course I do!" Lucy spoke again, as if having a conversation. Peter was slightly shocked at his sister's voicing of her thoughts, but was honoured she was willing to share what would've been such a touching conversation with him. He was also happy that her tears seemed to have subsided.

'But if remembered I am not, I am far from angered. For I shall never forget you, my Dear Lucy, and nor shall Narnia.

I am writing to thank you.
Thank you, daughter of Eve, for stumbling upon us from your strange town of Spare Oom.
Thank you for your forgiveness, valiance and most delightful flower crowns you so enjoyed weaving. I shall never forget those summer afternoons.
We shall miss you dearly, your brothers and sister also.

But thank you, dear, dear Lucy Pevensie for allowing an old fawn like myself to experience something as precious as your friendship.

Thank you
And many centuries of love,
Your friend, Tumnus'

Peter blinked back his own tears and held his sister tighter as her fingers traced the words.
"He loved you, you know. You were his best friend."

"I know." Lucy replied with a smile. "He was my best friend, too. I'm just sad I never got to say goodbye properly."

"I'm sure he knew." Peter replied, casting his eyes outside, only realising now that the rain had stopped. "Come, now. You'll catch a cold out here. How about a hot chocolate? I think Susan's been baking, too... or maybe a nap first would do you best..." He added with a smile, looking down at his worn out little sister.

Crouched down, he managed to climb out of the willow's cover, Lucy scooped in his arms, the letter cuddled to her chest, eyelids dropping shut.

"I'll wake you soo, Lu. I love you." He told her quietly as he began walking back to the house.

"I love you, too." She managed through a yawn, her words almost slurred.

The High kind laughter softly, shifting his younger sister's weight slightly as he headed back into the warmth.