narnia au;

[illuminescent]

how did you get here? through a wardrobe, or through death, or maybe a portal gone terribly astray. a ring. the roar of a lion. in the bottom of a cup. because you were looking for something, or missing something. no matter how you got there, this is where you belong.

Comments

[curlytop]

[George is there, of course. He much prefers to be Lucy's shadow than Rabadash's lion. At the sound of her voice, he appears.]

My queen?

[illuminescent]

[He's there, and whatever worry she had vanishes. She comes out of her room fully, her robe tied tight.]

I cannot sleep.

[She looks at him.]

Do you ever leave my side?

[But she knows the answer. He sleeps, of course, but nearby, in a side room, whenever he gets tired.]

[curlytop]

[He looks her over quickly, and once he's determined she's okay, he relaxes a little.]

Never when you need me, your majesty.

[illuminescent]

You should not say such things, or I will be greedy and always need you.

[She holds back from reaching for him, even though she wants to, desperately, and instead she goes to sit in one of the chairs in her sitting room, curling up so her legs are tucked up next to her.]

I think wherever you came from, they must miss you greatly.

[curlytop]

[George follows her, dropping to sit on the floor next to her, resting his arms on his knees. He tries not to think about home, like he tried not to think about freedom. It's pointless, and it only makes him miss it more.]

I think they believe I'm dead, majesty.

[illuminescent]

[She feels the tears, hot and sudden, and is suddenly grateful it is dark and he cannot see. She manages to keep her voice steady, at least.]

Perhaps they do.

And they should miss you still.

[curlytop]

Aye, but they won't be hoping for me to come back. They'll...move on.

[Despite his best efforts, he has thought of this. Of what his family thinks, and his friends. Of what their lives must be like now.]

[illuminescent]

Does that mean you forgive me for my desire to keep you?

[curlytop]

[Now it's George who's grateful for the darkness as his eyes fill with tears. This is something else he's thought about. Would he go home if it meant leaving Lucy. Another pointless question.]

I think I'd forgive you anything at all, majesty.

[illuminescent]

Oh, you should not say such things.

[She says it carefully, and reaches for him, but stops. She does not touch him.]

You will spoil me.

[curlytop]

[It's not so dark he doesn't see her reach for him, and he shifts, moving onto his knees in front of her.]

Can't I spoil you? When you won me from Rabadash, you said I could do whatever I wanted. What if I want to spoil you, majesty?

[illuminescent]

[She smiles in the dark.]

Yes.

Just so, you are right.

If you wish to spoil me, I will be grateful. I would be grateful for anything you gave me, George.

[curlytop]

[George takes her hand, moving cautiously, still a little wary of the divide between them.]

I'm grateful too. I'll always be grateful to you, your majesty.

[He hesitates a moment, just a breath to get up his courage. How this is harder than going into battle is something George will never understand.]

If you'd let me, I'd also like to love you.

[illuminescent]

[He takes her hand, and she tightens her grip.]

Yes.

[There is no hesitation.]

Yes, a million times, yes, by the Lion, yes.

[curlytop]

[George smiles, then laughs in relief.]

I'm still a little worried what your brother will do if he finds me kissing you.

[illuminescent]

Oh, they had no right to opinions.

[She says it and sinks out of her chair, and into his arms, into his lap.]

You are a thousand times the man Susan's choice is, and they are amenable to that.

[curlytop]

Don't bring him up right now. You'll only spoil the mood.

[He curls his arms around her like she's something precious he might accidentally break, and he kisses her.]

[illuminescent]

[She clings to him when they kiss, and holds on so tightly, and loves him. Truly loves him. She thinks that the Lion gave him to her, brought him here for her, like a gift.]

Do you wish to keep this for us? We do not have to tell a soul.

Half the kingdom already thinks you are bedding me. Or me you. I am not quite sure.

[curlytop]

[George shifts to hold her cradled against his chest.]

If you want to keep this private, I will. It would be the wiser course.

[illuminescent]

I do not care-

[And she doesn't.]

The entire world can know we are in love and I will be just as happy for it. But-

[But-]

-I should like to keep you for myself, for a time. If you do not mind.

[curlytop]

[George touches her cheek with his fingertips and smiles.]

I don't mind. I think I'd like that as well. I like being your shadow.

[illuminescent]

Yes?

[She presses her face against his cheek.]

I like you as my shadow.

[She takes his hand and kisses his palm, and then up, to kiss his mouth again.]

But I like this. Being in your arms. I like it far more.

[curlytop]

[George leans into the kiss, pressing his forehead to hers.]

Aye. So do I.

[Another kiss, lingering.]

Can I give you something? Something to wear for me?

[illuminescent]

Yes.

Yes, of course, if I can do the same.

[curlytop]

Of course. Anything you like.

[He reaches for a leather cord that disappears under his breastplate and pulls out a small pouch. He pours the contents into his hand, a small rod of crystal that almost seems to glow in the darkness, containing its own light, and a heavy ring with a Celtic-style knot design. The rod, he puts back, the ring, he holds up for her to see.]

It's my family ring.