The Lost Elf of Narnia

Chapter 4: The Professor

Lucy and I played in the library, Edmund sulked in after awhile and read a book on the couch.

Peter and Susan were occupying themselves in their rooms.

We spent the whole day like that.

Doing absolutely nothing.

When it was Lucy's bedtime, I brought her back to her room, then went back to the library and sat in the chair across from Edmund.

I flipped open my book and curled up, soaking up the heat from the fireplace.

"3 years."

I jumped and looked up, Edmund was watching me curiously.

"Sorry?"

"How have you survived 3 years here? There's literally nothing to do."

I closed my book slowly.

"Well, I spend most of my time in the woods outside. This may sound silly, but I actually have trails worn through it."

He smirked a little, amusement shining in his eyes.

"It's not silly. I can't blame you for wanting to get away from everyone."

I tilted my head to the side, watching him.

"I see you speak from experience."

Edmund grunted and stood, heading for the door.

"Try living with Peter. Goodnight Elentiya."

"Goodnight Edmund." I stayed there for a few minutes then trudged to my room.

I changed into my night clothes and sank into bed.

○●○

About an hour later I woke to the sound of rapid footsteps and Lucy shouting.

I slid out of bed, wrapping a robe around myself and stumbling out into the hall, attempting to run my fingers through my hair.

Susan and Edmund were going into the boys' room, I followed them in and leaned against the door frame.

Peter was sitting up in bed and staring at Edmund.

"You saw the faun?"

I blinked. Lucy had found the magical land again.

"Well, he didn't exactly go there with me. He...." Lucy turned to her brother. "What were you doing Edmund?"

He opened his mouth then closed it, sitting on his bed.

"I was just playing along."

I scowled as Lucy's eyes filled with tears.

"You know how little kids are these days. They just don't know when to stop pretending."

Lucy burst into sobs and ran out past me.

I ran after her, Susan and Peter on my heels.

When we caught up to her, she was hugging the Professor and crying yet.

I halted in my tracks and Peter ran into me.

Macready came down the stairs, saying rather unflattering things.

She stopped, looking between Lucy and the Professor.

"Professor. I told them you were not to be disturbed!"

"It's alright Mrs. Macready, I'm sure there's an explanation. But for now, I think this one is in need of some hot chocolate."

While he was talking, I turned and started shoving Peter and Susan back down the stairs before someone cleared their throat behind us.

I cringed and turned, the other two did the same.

The Professor had us come into his study,  I stood beside Peter across the desk, waiting for the lecture.

"So what seemed to upset the delicate balance of my housekeeper?"

Peter grabbed my arm and Susan's.

"We're very sorry sir. It won't happen again."

He started pulling us to the door, I tripped over the rug and made an embarrassing little squawking noise.

The Professor chuckled and lit his pipe as Susan escaped from Peter's grasp, walking back to the desk.

I followed quickly.

"It's our sister, sir. Lucy."

"The weeping girl."

"Yes. She's upset."

"Hence the weeping."

I looked down to hide my grin.

Peter stalked back over to us, jaw set.

"It's nothing, sir. We can handle it."

"Oh I can see that."

I let a chuckle slip and Peter glared at me.

"She thinks she's found a magical land." Susan sighed.

The Professor grinned a little.

"In the upstairs wardrobe."

Now we had his attention. He stood, shock and joy mixed on his face.

"What did you say?" He walked around the desk and sat us all on the couch as Peter spoke.

"The wardrobe upstairs. Lucy thinks she found a forest inside."

I stayed silent, examining my
fingernails.

Peter sighed for a good five seconds before adding: "She won't stop going on about it."

"What was it like?" The Professor asked.

"Like talking to a lunatic!" Susan cried.

"No not her, the forest."

I grinned, looking up and watching Peter's face settle into bewilderment.

"You aren't saying you actually believe her?"

"You don't?"

"I do." I said quietly, earning glares from Susan and Peter.

"Of course not! I mean, logically it's impossible." Susan said, spreading her hands out.

"What do they teach in schools these days?" The Professor muttered.

"Edmund said they were just pretending."

"And he's the more truthful one is he?"

"Well, no... This wouldn't be the first time."

The Professor nodded.

"So she's not mad and she's not lying, so logically we must assume she's telling the truth."

"You're saying we should just believe her?"

He put his pipe back in his mouth, leaning forward.

"She's your sister isn't she? You're family! Maybe you should start acting like one."