Romeo || Edmund Pevensie

I Can't Give Everything Away

Aramis had been alive long enough to know when to separate truth from fiction, and reality from myth. However, there was only one thing that he couldn't identify with full confidence: the uncharted waters surrounding the Lone Islands.

     It had never caused them much of an issue, being so far away from one of their territories, but Drinian made sure that their troubles were lightened by the increasing fiction in his tall tales. The distraction of them was enough to keep their minds from the importance of the challenges they were going to face. Though they were sure that Edmund and Lucy would take on the information without batting an eyelid, they couldn't help but worry. Well, Aramis couldn't. It was simply apart of his nature.

     The seven lords of Telmar were the object of their desire. They had been missing long before Caspian was born, when his father ruled, and he felt it was his duty to find them once again.

     After being informed, they went above deck, to do whatever it was the wanted. Lucy decided that becoming acquainted with the crew was in her best interests. The social aspect of ruling was always a strong point of hers. However, all Edmund wanted was to keep Aramis close to him.

     They weren't exactly hand in hand, because that would have been invasive, and rather quick after no contact for so long. It would have rattled Aramis, and the King knew that. He knew what was right for them, and that whatever they did, it would be perfect.

     The freckled boy stayed only one step behind the spirit, their fingertips touching, but never grasping. It was intimate, yet, completely appropriate.

     Neither wanted to let the other stay out of sight for too long, and they wouldn't for as long as they could. There was a comfort in knowing they would be right next to each other, without having to worry about disappearing.

      Although, within five minutes, maybe less, Caspian and Edmund decide that it would be a great idea if they tested their strength. The Pevensie boy was a little rusty with his swordsmanship, and if they were going into uncharted territory, then he would have to be well versed in the art of battle once again. Otherwise, he would be useless to everyone, including himself. 

     Aramis saw Caspian train quite often. He was a physically fit threat who was forced to battle from a young age. It was only natural that he would have an advantage over Edmund.

However, it was easy to forget that the Pevensie boy was one of the most skilled warriors Narnia had ever had. His skill was something unmatched by many, and his strength was unparalleled. Despite not having half as much training as Caspian, he was more than a worthy opponent.

The determination between Edmund and Caspian really was a sight to behold. So much so that all of the men stopped to watch their sword fight. It was truly end-to-end, and a hard fought battle against the blades.

Though he knew there was no malice, Aramis became slightly afraid. It meant a lot to him to have Edmund back, and to see him in a position where he could have been maimed, made his heart ache. Seeing so much as a scratch on the freckled King would have infuriated him so much that he would have excused himself. And for a spirit, that was a lot.

When it ended, with blades against each others chests, a complete deadlock, there were wide grins upon both of their faces. There were more cheers than had been on the boat since they set sail, and even Aramis could not deny them a simple clap.

"You've grown stronger, my friend." Caspian embraced Edmund, shortly.

The Pevensie boy just grinned. "It seems I have."

"Alright!" Drinian called from the higher platform, rather lazily as he put himself back behind the wheel. "Back to work!"

When everyone eventually got back to their stations, Aramis was able to rejoin Edmund. Despite his sweat, there was a short embrace between the two of them. It was tempting to hold on for longer, and both of them wanted to dwell on the feeling, but because they were so out in the open, Edmund knew it wasn't the right time.