One moment, one difference can change whole lives, whole dynasties, whole worlds.
This change happened before its subject was even really alive. One cell was faster, better, and an x chromosome made it rather than a y.
Edwina was a middle child, always somewhat ignored and much the worse for it, selfish and contrary. She had none of Susan's beauty or Lucy's faith and was merely an in between, a stepping stone to someone else.
Even in Narnia with a crown upon her brow and a throne as her seat, she was still just the second of Peter's three Sister-Queens, Just to Susan's Gentle and Lucy's Valiant.
But while Susan was radiant and Lucy was bright and gay and between them they drew the dynasties from everywhere the golden sun touched, Edwina was always better at changing. It had first been her that took on the formal speech of Narnia, who felt the mantle of royalty settle upon her shoulders and bore it with the correct dignity. It would be this, shall we say flexibility, that would see her finally stand one step higher than her sisters, would see her crowned High Queen of Narnia.
Now, Narnia is not as our world, or it may be said it is much like our world, though in ancient times and royal lines. The people could not see one who would be worthy of a Son of Adam, their king and Aslan's chosen, it was also why Susan, as fair as she may have been and equally sought after, would never marry any of these far off kings with their promises and dowries. They told the suitors, the people, that she did not wish to leave the fair land of Narnia and her beloved sisters and brother, but behind that, in the world of shadows and knives, Susan would never marry because there was no one of Adam's blood to be found for her.
But Peter, Peter could not so easily be relegated to a life without mate, because he at least must breed an heir. Sons of Adam and Daughters of Eve did not live eternal and there must be those to come after, because Narnia was born in the eyes of the Sons and Daughters and thus must it be ruled.
Edwina never thinks of the fact that they started with Susan, began to judge the ways her ideas had changed, her level of flexibility. They did not need to judge Peter, while Edwina may have been the first to take to the ways of Narnia, it was Peter who embodied them, took them into every part of himself until they flushed away every memory and belief England had placed in him. Susan however failed, Edwina does not believe she ever knew what they were doing, many years under hostile hands had instilled impressive subtly in the creatures of Narnia, but something of England lingered in Susan and she would never be what they needed.
Edwina watched them watch her, and while she never spoke a word, and no question was ever asked, her answer was clear.
No one ever did something so crass as raise the topic with Peter, but truthfully they had no need to, Peter saw the same people they did, heard the same whispers and understood the meaning when the considering eyes stopped on Edwina.
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timeasmymeasure
Part 1
Date: 2010-10-30 11:16 am (UTC)This change happened before its subject was even really alive. One cell was faster, better, and an x chromosome made it rather than a y.
Edwina was a middle child, always somewhat ignored and much the worse for it, selfish and contrary. She had none of Susan's beauty or Lucy's faith and was merely an in between, a stepping stone to someone else.
Even in Narnia with a crown upon her brow and a throne as her seat, she was still just the second of Peter's three Sister-Queens, Just to Susan's Gentle and Lucy's Valiant.
But while Susan was radiant and Lucy was bright and gay and between them they drew the dynasties from everywhere the golden sun touched, Edwina was always better at changing. It had first been her that took on the formal speech of Narnia, who felt the mantle of royalty settle upon her shoulders and bore it with the correct dignity. It would be this, shall we say flexibility, that would see her finally stand one step higher than her sisters, would see her crowned High Queen of Narnia.
Now, Narnia is not as our world, or it may be said it is much like our world, though in ancient times and royal lines. The people could not see one who would be worthy of a Son of Adam, their king and Aslan's chosen, it was also why Susan, as fair as she may have been and equally sought after, would never marry any of these far off kings with their promises and dowries. They told the suitors, the people, that she did not wish to leave the fair land of Narnia and her beloved sisters and brother, but behind that, in the world of shadows and knives, Susan would never marry because there was no one of Adam's blood to be found for her.
But Peter, Peter could not so easily be relegated to a life without mate, because he at least must breed an heir. Sons of Adam and Daughters of Eve did not live eternal and there must be those to come after, because Narnia was born in the eyes of the Sons and Daughters and thus must it be ruled.
Edwina never thinks of the fact that they started with Susan, began to judge the ways her ideas had changed, her level of flexibility. They did not need to judge Peter, while Edwina may have been the first to take to the ways of Narnia, it was Peter who embodied them, took them into every part of himself until they flushed away every memory and belief England had placed in him. Susan however failed, Edwina does not believe she ever knew what they were doing, many years under hostile hands had instilled impressive subtly in the creatures of Narnia, but something of England lingered in Susan and she would never be what they needed.
Edwina watched them watch her, and while she never spoke a word, and no question was ever asked, her answer was clear.
No one ever did something so crass as raise the topic with Peter, but truthfully they had no need to, Peter saw the same people they did, heard the same whispers and understood the meaning when the considering eyes stopped on Edwina.