Niki (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
niki_chidon) wrote2007-06-30 01:05 pm
niki_chidon) wrote2007-06-30 01:05 pm
A Housewarming Pressie for Shivi
Title: Etiquette
Author: Niki
Fandom: The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (Yes, it's the movie)
Pairing: Lucy/Tumnus
Disclaimer: C.S. Lewis created the characters, James McAvoy played Tumnus deliciously in the movie, Rachael Henley was the beautiful grown up Lucy... and I don't even know who actually 'owns' the movie
Rating: G
Summary: An old-fashioned romance... sorta.
Notes: Lucy is a consenting adult.
Etiquette
~~~~~~~
Queen Lucy got up from the table abruptly and when her older sister raised her eyebrows at her exclaimed, "Sorry, Su, I've got to go! I'm meeting Tumnus."
She was already halfway out the door when the other girl's words made her stop and turn around.
"Can't blame you, he's a dish."
"Su!"
"What? You mean you don't notice his..."
"Shut up, Susan, I'm gone!"
Hurrying through the palace corridors Lucy wondered why she felt so flustered. Susan was an incorrigible flirt and Peter had all but given up on trying to get her married to some convenient ally.
The trouble with that was, of course, that as Lucy's own 18th birthday had been celebrated a month ago, she was Peter's next target. Why couldn't *he* marry some princess, or Edmund? Why did it have to fall on the girls to make political marriages?
But she was used to the idea, used to Susan's way with men, so why did this one throwaway comment bother her so?
Maybe because... because it forced her to think about her old friend just as ... a man. Not that he *technically* was a man, of course, but the principle was the same.
Tumnus had been her first friend; she couldn't remember a time he hadn't been around. He had been her advisor when she became a queen, so young. Her responsibilities varied greatly from Peter, who was the ruler of them all (just because he happened to have been born first), but she did have her duties and Tumnus's presence had helped her enormously.
It sometimes seemed to Lucy that Tumnus had read every book ever written. He knew everything she needed to know, and had with endless patience guided her through the complicated rules of etiquette she'd needed to get accustomed to.
It was Tumnus who was always there when she had a bad day and she needed a shoulder to cry on, or a good day which she needed to share.
But during all those years, had she never truly noticed that Tumnus was a "dish"? Was Susan going to set her sights on him next? Maybe she had already! Would she have noticed if...? He couldn't. He *wouldn't*. No.
But Susan had always been the beauty of the family, she had all the admirers, and she flirted with them shamelessly. Lucy hadn't minded, really, she was much happier riding or... or with Tumnus.
Oh dear.
Oh dear, oh dear.
These self-revelations were too much for her, and she was quite happy to have reached her own quarters where Tumnus would be waiting (he was never late), on the second hand she was worried about her thoughts being visible on her face.
"Sorry I'm late, dear Tumnus! I was with Susan."
"No reason to hurry on my account, Lucy," the faun smiled, then frowned, "you are all flushed! You really shouldn't have rushed so!"
She was, wasn't she. Well, better for her if he thought it was from the exercise.
She smiled again, and sat down for tea.
Tumnus had finally agreed to call her Lucy in private (when she had used tears as a weapon) but in public he was formal, and expected her to be, as well. It had been like a game when she was a child but now she occasionally resented the ... the duplicity, the reminder of their different positions.
They were having this meeting because she needed to go over some official matters with him - letters directed at her personally, requests for her presence on a specific occasion and so forth, but she could not keep her mind on it at the moment.
Noting her absent-mindedness, Tumnus merely sighed, then smiled, putting the papers away.
"Thinking about the party already?"
"Oh... no! I've completely forgotten! Do you think they have a dress for me?" she asked, innocently like a child, and Tumnus laughed, but kindly.
"Yes, your highness, I'm sure the dressmakers have made something new for the occasion."
"Yes, I think my maid said something about a fitting... I completely forgot!"
"It's quite alright. You wouldn't be our beloved Queen Lucy if you did not forget an unimportant little detail like fitting every now and then. But here comes your maid now, with what looks to me like a ball gown. I'll leave you to your preparations now."
"But you will come back to escort me to the ball?" when she was a child she had needed Tumnus's support in occasions like that, but as she grew up it changed, and she didn't really need him like that any more, but... she couldn't imagine *not* having him by her side.
Was she ready to contemplate why it was so?
Tumnus merely bowed and smiled, "I would be honoured to."
She rewarded him with a dazzling smile and turned to look at her gown to hide the blush that threatened to creep up on her face again. What was wrong with her? It was just Tumnus, after all. Tumnus, her dearest friend. She pretended to be interested in what her maid was explaining about the colour and cut so as not to turn around.
She didn't really care much about what she was wearing and mostly Susan and the dressmakers decided what kind of gowns she should wear. She had to admit they were usually right about what would suit her, like in the case of this dark green velvet dress.
She wore her hair long these days, but still preferred the simpler styling, so the hairdresser merely brushed her hair and arranged it under a crown.
Still, somehow, they spent ages in preparing her and she couldn't wait to see Tumnus again!
*
It was obvious what Peter expected of her when he introduced the dark prince something-or-other to her for a dance. Yet another one of his 'schemes'. She took one look at him, and decided to avoid him for the rest of the night. Oh, he danced well enough, was charming and perfectly amiable and... and Tumnus was dancing with Susan, and laughing to something she said.
She stopped, and her partner looked at her with a worried expression.
"I'm sorry, I... don't feel very good. If we could just... sit down for a bit?"
His attentiveness almost made her feel guilty. Almost.
They sat down and Lucy felt curiously tongue-tied. Last week, yesterday, she would have been chattering away - like a child. Now she was painfully aware that had Susan been in her position she would have been coyly flirting with the man, dazzling him with her wit and looks and... and... been a *woman*, not a child.
She couldn't tear her eyes off Tumnus, his smooth skin, and delicate movement of his hooves... moving with Susan in his arms. The feeling coiling inside her was very familiar. Envy? No, jealousy. She'd often felt it in connection with the beauty that was her sister but never as acutely as now.
Because the feeling forced her to realise the sibling feeling - the deep, burning, possessive love she had for Tumnus. Not child's affection and dependence, no - something much more beautiful and violent.
Her siblings still thought of her as a child and treated her so. It had suited her well because she felt like a child often, and it helped in avoiding responsibilities... but she knew she would have to grow up to deal with this.
It would hurt.
And Tumnus still thought she was a child. Would he - could he - ever view her as something else?
Who could she go for help? In any other problem she would turn to her advisor, her best friend - Tumnus. But in this? How could she?
And Su would know about attracting men but... But could she understand the *feeling* behind her actions? She was such a... well, not a word one wants to use of her sister. And the competition might attract her to Tumnus herself - she'd seen it happen before - and she couldn't risk that. After all, Susan was so much more beautiful - and definitely an adult.
The thought depressed her.
She hadn't even noticed that her companion had disappeared before she saw him dancing with Susan. Good. But where was...?
Right by her side, as always.
"Are you alright, Lucy? You seem pale?"
"Tumnus, I... can we leave? I don't feel well."
"Are you ill, should I...?"
"No, no, I just... I just need to get away."
They walked in silence.
"Susan looked good tonight," she remarked when they had reached her chambers.
"She always does."
Lucy shot him a look but there was nothing personal in his statement.
"I could never be like her," now there was a definite note of wistfulness in her tone and it was Tumnus's turn to look at her sharply.
"And no need to, either. You are you, she is herself. People call her charming, true. But they call you vivacious."
"I suppose there are times I'd rather be charming," Lucy admitted sadly,
"after all, men admire beauty more than spirit."
Now his look was definitely pointed.
"Are you wounded because she lured your suitor away? She was merely following the protocol and dancing with the most important guests."
"My what?"
"You must know that is why the prince is here. King Peter is..."
"I know about Peter's plans and I don't want to marry someone I don't love." There was a catch on her voice when she said the last words, and she could see the comprehension dawn on his face.
"What's the matter, my little friend? Your heart's desire doesn't like you?" his voice was so achingly kind and compassionate she felt like crying.
"Oh, he *likes* me alright. I'm just not sure he could ever feel more for me. Oh Tumnus, would you play for me?"
"If that will make you happy."
"That would delight me over all things!"
She got the shy smile as a reward for her enthusiasm, and smiled back, a little too radiantly after her momentary sadness but luckily he didn't seem to notice.
For the longest time Tumnus had been too ashamed of the first time he played for her to ever play again but she had convinced him that for her, it was not a memory of betrayal, but a memory of the first time she'd seen the visual images that characterise faun music. It was a magical moment, and a magical memory.
Now his music created a ball of their own around her room, and she leaned against the back of the sofa she was lounging on, and followed the little magical creatures dancing all around her.
"What does that precious etiquette of yours say about a daughter of Eve marrying a magical creature?"
The music stopped instantly but Tumnus didn't say a word. She turned to look at him and found him staring at the fire intently. Then he shook himself, and asked her with what she recognised to be false gaiety: "What, have you fallen for Oreius the centaur? I hear he is quite a..."
"If you say 'stud', I am going to hit you," she responded to his attempt at humour.
"I... do not know, Lucy. It is... complicated. I mean, children... that is to say..." he was flustered, and it took a moment for Lucy to catch up.
She turned red. "I... see. Yes, with a centaur it might... Yes, I see your point."
"Dwarfs again..."
"I am not marrying a dwarf."
"I breathe easier, your highness," his voice was dry but amused and it was obvious he thought the awkwardness was over. Then she went for the killing blow.
"What about a faun?"
"I... what?"
"A faun. Could a Daughter of Eve who just happens to be a queen of Narnia, Lady of Cair Paravel, Empress of the Lone Islands, and what not, marry a faun?" no choice but to trample in feet first, now, as she had already opened her mouth.
"I... Lucy, you don't know any..." He got up from his chair and started to pace the room. "Oh dear. No, I... it would not be... no."
"No, I couldn't? Or no, you wouldn't...?" she prompted, unable to make sense of his flustered words.
"Am I to understand that you... Lucy, my dear friend, Peter cannot force you to marry anyone you don't want, you do not need protection..."
"You're right. I don't. I love you." she was sitting up now, holding her hands together so tight the nails were digging into her palms.
Tumnus was looking so uncomfortable, so... so *benign*, as if *humouring* her.
"I know you do, I am your friend, and always will be..."
"Don't give me that. What you mean is, you do not love me, cannot love me, like that."
"Dear child..."
"I am not a child!!" she cried, and stood up.
"I am not a child in this!" she walked closer to where he was rooted to position, now, "Yes, I love you like a friend, my dearest, closest friend. And I love you like... like I'd die if you don't hold me close, tell me... tell me you never leave me, if you don't... love me..." she was crying openly now, wishing she could turn back time.
She had embarrassed herself, and him, and he'd never want to see her again. She turned away, sobbing.
After an eternity, she felt a hand on her shoulder. Compassion? He had that, in abundance, but she couldn't stand it now... Then she was pulled into his arms, and gentle hands were wiping away her tears.
"Don't you see, it could not be," he whispered. "You *are* a Queen of Narnia, Lady of Cair Paravel, Empress of the Lone Islands... a Daughter of Eve. I am a reformed spy, a ... a *servant* to the throne... not to mention, I am not a human."
She raised her head from where it had been resting against his neck and looked into his sad, kind, beloved eyes.
"You have no idea how beautiful you are right now," he said quietly, "and in that lies *your* charm, in your complete lack of self-awareness. But this cannot happen. You have to see that."
"Why?" she asked, happiness sparkling inside her at the implication in his words and actions, and then, amazed at her own boldness, she kissed him.
He tasted of sun and fire and rain and a forest in spring, of apples and strawberries, lightening and stars. Of all things magical she saw and felt when he played.
And he kissed her back, as if unable to help himself. For an eternity or two she was in Heaven in his arms.
And then he was gone.
She went to sleep dazed - happy and confused, scared that he meant what he said, hoping that he did, and... was surprised to wake up because it meant she had slept.
*
She dressed without the aid of a maid and rushed out of her chambers, intent on finding Tumnus, and kissing him again.
Tumnus found her, and he was smiling happily. "Lucy!" he exclaimed, hugging her close.
"It will be all right, everything will be fine. I saw Aslan."
"Aslan was here?"
"No, not as such but... he told me... things. Lucy, I was going to leave, to go away, and never see you again but now... Now I can tell you that I love you, of course I do. I loved you as a child, a beautiful, brave, careless creature. And I watched you grow into a beautiful woman, and I loved you... more. Differently. I love you, Lucy Pevensie, my Queen, my heart."
"Oh, Tumnus!" tears of happiness were streaming down her face, and he pulled her closer, to kiss the tears away.
"Lucy! Lucy!! Where are you? They have spotted the White Stag again!"
Tumnus released her just before Susan burst into the room.
"Come on!" she urged, clutching her bow, "this time we'll get him!"
"Now?" her tone was incredulous, and she looked at Tumnus.
"It's okay, Lu," said Edmund who had just appeared behind Susan, "you can stay here. I can catch him on my own!"
"Ha!" she heard Susan say, rushing after her brother.
Tumnus smiled at Lucy.
"It's okay, go. We'll talk about everything later."
"Promise?" she asked, and he pulled her close again, and kissed her like she was never coming back. It felt just as magical as the first time.
"I love you so much," he whispered against her neck.
"And I you, my sweet Tumnus. I will see you soon!"
And then she rushed after her siblings, yelling insults at Edmund for his over-confidence.
She was bubbling with joy as she mounted her horse. It was always a pleasure to hunt with her family, and she *was* looking forward to it. Only this time, what really had her bursting with pleasure was the thought of having Tumnus waiting for her at home. Really waiting for *her*.
She'd be back in his arms soon, and everything would be okay.
------ the end -----
Author: Niki
Fandom: The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (Yes, it's the movie)
Pairing: Lucy/Tumnus
Disclaimer: C.S. Lewis created the characters, James McAvoy played Tumnus deliciously in the movie, Rachael Henley was the beautiful grown up Lucy... and I don't even know who actually 'owns' the movie
Rating: G
Summary: An old-fashioned romance... sorta.
Notes: Lucy is a consenting adult.
Etiquette
~~~~~~~
Queen Lucy got up from the table abruptly and when her older sister raised her eyebrows at her exclaimed, "Sorry, Su, I've got to go! I'm meeting Tumnus."
She was already halfway out the door when the other girl's words made her stop and turn around.
"Can't blame you, he's a dish."
"Su!"
"What? You mean you don't notice his..."
"Shut up, Susan, I'm gone!"
Hurrying through the palace corridors Lucy wondered why she felt so flustered. Susan was an incorrigible flirt and Peter had all but given up on trying to get her married to some convenient ally.
The trouble with that was, of course, that as Lucy's own 18th birthday had been celebrated a month ago, she was Peter's next target. Why couldn't *he* marry some princess, or Edmund? Why did it have to fall on the girls to make political marriages?
But she was used to the idea, used to Susan's way with men, so why did this one throwaway comment bother her so?
Maybe because... because it forced her to think about her old friend just as ... a man. Not that he *technically* was a man, of course, but the principle was the same.
Tumnus had been her first friend; she couldn't remember a time he hadn't been around. He had been her advisor when she became a queen, so young. Her responsibilities varied greatly from Peter, who was the ruler of them all (just because he happened to have been born first), but she did have her duties and Tumnus's presence had helped her enormously.
It sometimes seemed to Lucy that Tumnus had read every book ever written. He knew everything she needed to know, and had with endless patience guided her through the complicated rules of etiquette she'd needed to get accustomed to.
It was Tumnus who was always there when she had a bad day and she needed a shoulder to cry on, or a good day which she needed to share.
But during all those years, had she never truly noticed that Tumnus was a "dish"? Was Susan going to set her sights on him next? Maybe she had already! Would she have noticed if...? He couldn't. He *wouldn't*. No.
But Susan had always been the beauty of the family, she had all the admirers, and she flirted with them shamelessly. Lucy hadn't minded, really, she was much happier riding or... or with Tumnus.
Oh dear.
Oh dear, oh dear.
These self-revelations were too much for her, and she was quite happy to have reached her own quarters where Tumnus would be waiting (he was never late), on the second hand she was worried about her thoughts being visible on her face.
"Sorry I'm late, dear Tumnus! I was with Susan."
"No reason to hurry on my account, Lucy," the faun smiled, then frowned, "you are all flushed! You really shouldn't have rushed so!"
She was, wasn't she. Well, better for her if he thought it was from the exercise.
She smiled again, and sat down for tea.
Tumnus had finally agreed to call her Lucy in private (when she had used tears as a weapon) but in public he was formal, and expected her to be, as well. It had been like a game when she was a child but now she occasionally resented the ... the duplicity, the reminder of their different positions.
They were having this meeting because she needed to go over some official matters with him - letters directed at her personally, requests for her presence on a specific occasion and so forth, but she could not keep her mind on it at the moment.
Noting her absent-mindedness, Tumnus merely sighed, then smiled, putting the papers away.
"Thinking about the party already?"
"Oh... no! I've completely forgotten! Do you think they have a dress for me?" she asked, innocently like a child, and Tumnus laughed, but kindly.
"Yes, your highness, I'm sure the dressmakers have made something new for the occasion."
"Yes, I think my maid said something about a fitting... I completely forgot!"
"It's quite alright. You wouldn't be our beloved Queen Lucy if you did not forget an unimportant little detail like fitting every now and then. But here comes your maid now, with what looks to me like a ball gown. I'll leave you to your preparations now."
"But you will come back to escort me to the ball?" when she was a child she had needed Tumnus's support in occasions like that, but as she grew up it changed, and she didn't really need him like that any more, but... she couldn't imagine *not* having him by her side.
Was she ready to contemplate why it was so?
Tumnus merely bowed and smiled, "I would be honoured to."
She rewarded him with a dazzling smile and turned to look at her gown to hide the blush that threatened to creep up on her face again. What was wrong with her? It was just Tumnus, after all. Tumnus, her dearest friend. She pretended to be interested in what her maid was explaining about the colour and cut so as not to turn around.
She didn't really care much about what she was wearing and mostly Susan and the dressmakers decided what kind of gowns she should wear. She had to admit they were usually right about what would suit her, like in the case of this dark green velvet dress.
She wore her hair long these days, but still preferred the simpler styling, so the hairdresser merely brushed her hair and arranged it under a crown.
Still, somehow, they spent ages in preparing her and she couldn't wait to see Tumnus again!
*
It was obvious what Peter expected of her when he introduced the dark prince something-or-other to her for a dance. Yet another one of his 'schemes'. She took one look at him, and decided to avoid him for the rest of the night. Oh, he danced well enough, was charming and perfectly amiable and... and Tumnus was dancing with Susan, and laughing to something she said.
She stopped, and her partner looked at her with a worried expression.
"I'm sorry, I... don't feel very good. If we could just... sit down for a bit?"
His attentiveness almost made her feel guilty. Almost.
They sat down and Lucy felt curiously tongue-tied. Last week, yesterday, she would have been chattering away - like a child. Now she was painfully aware that had Susan been in her position she would have been coyly flirting with the man, dazzling him with her wit and looks and... and... been a *woman*, not a child.
She couldn't tear her eyes off Tumnus, his smooth skin, and delicate movement of his hooves... moving with Susan in his arms. The feeling coiling inside her was very familiar. Envy? No, jealousy. She'd often felt it in connection with the beauty that was her sister but never as acutely as now.
Because the feeling forced her to realise the sibling feeling - the deep, burning, possessive love she had for Tumnus. Not child's affection and dependence, no - something much more beautiful and violent.
Her siblings still thought of her as a child and treated her so. It had suited her well because she felt like a child often, and it helped in avoiding responsibilities... but she knew she would have to grow up to deal with this.
It would hurt.
And Tumnus still thought she was a child. Would he - could he - ever view her as something else?
Who could she go for help? In any other problem she would turn to her advisor, her best friend - Tumnus. But in this? How could she?
And Su would know about attracting men but... But could she understand the *feeling* behind her actions? She was such a... well, not a word one wants to use of her sister. And the competition might attract her to Tumnus herself - she'd seen it happen before - and she couldn't risk that. After all, Susan was so much more beautiful - and definitely an adult.
The thought depressed her.
She hadn't even noticed that her companion had disappeared before she saw him dancing with Susan. Good. But where was...?
Right by her side, as always.
"Are you alright, Lucy? You seem pale?"
"Tumnus, I... can we leave? I don't feel well."
"Are you ill, should I...?"
"No, no, I just... I just need to get away."
They walked in silence.
"Susan looked good tonight," she remarked when they had reached her chambers.
"She always does."
Lucy shot him a look but there was nothing personal in his statement.
"I could never be like her," now there was a definite note of wistfulness in her tone and it was Tumnus's turn to look at her sharply.
"And no need to, either. You are you, she is herself. People call her charming, true. But they call you vivacious."
"I suppose there are times I'd rather be charming," Lucy admitted sadly,
"after all, men admire beauty more than spirit."
Now his look was definitely pointed.
"Are you wounded because she lured your suitor away? She was merely following the protocol and dancing with the most important guests."
"My what?"
"You must know that is why the prince is here. King Peter is..."
"I know about Peter's plans and I don't want to marry someone I don't love." There was a catch on her voice when she said the last words, and she could see the comprehension dawn on his face.
"What's the matter, my little friend? Your heart's desire doesn't like you?" his voice was so achingly kind and compassionate she felt like crying.
"Oh, he *likes* me alright. I'm just not sure he could ever feel more for me. Oh Tumnus, would you play for me?"
"If that will make you happy."
"That would delight me over all things!"
She got the shy smile as a reward for her enthusiasm, and smiled back, a little too radiantly after her momentary sadness but luckily he didn't seem to notice.
For the longest time Tumnus had been too ashamed of the first time he played for her to ever play again but she had convinced him that for her, it was not a memory of betrayal, but a memory of the first time she'd seen the visual images that characterise faun music. It was a magical moment, and a magical memory.
Now his music created a ball of their own around her room, and she leaned against the back of the sofa she was lounging on, and followed the little magical creatures dancing all around her.
"What does that precious etiquette of yours say about a daughter of Eve marrying a magical creature?"
The music stopped instantly but Tumnus didn't say a word. She turned to look at him and found him staring at the fire intently. Then he shook himself, and asked her with what she recognised to be false gaiety: "What, have you fallen for Oreius the centaur? I hear he is quite a..."
"If you say 'stud', I am going to hit you," she responded to his attempt at humour.
"I... do not know, Lucy. It is... complicated. I mean, children... that is to say..." he was flustered, and it took a moment for Lucy to catch up.
She turned red. "I... see. Yes, with a centaur it might... Yes, I see your point."
"Dwarfs again..."
"I am not marrying a dwarf."
"I breathe easier, your highness," his voice was dry but amused and it was obvious he thought the awkwardness was over. Then she went for the killing blow.
"What about a faun?"
"I... what?"
"A faun. Could a Daughter of Eve who just happens to be a queen of Narnia, Lady of Cair Paravel, Empress of the Lone Islands, and what not, marry a faun?" no choice but to trample in feet first, now, as she had already opened her mouth.
"I... Lucy, you don't know any..." He got up from his chair and started to pace the room. "Oh dear. No, I... it would not be... no."
"No, I couldn't? Or no, you wouldn't...?" she prompted, unable to make sense of his flustered words.
"Am I to understand that you... Lucy, my dear friend, Peter cannot force you to marry anyone you don't want, you do not need protection..."
"You're right. I don't. I love you." she was sitting up now, holding her hands together so tight the nails were digging into her palms.
Tumnus was looking so uncomfortable, so... so *benign*, as if *humouring* her.
"I know you do, I am your friend, and always will be..."
"Don't give me that. What you mean is, you do not love me, cannot love me, like that."
"Dear child..."
"I am not a child!!" she cried, and stood up.
"I am not a child in this!" she walked closer to where he was rooted to position, now, "Yes, I love you like a friend, my dearest, closest friend. And I love you like... like I'd die if you don't hold me close, tell me... tell me you never leave me, if you don't... love me..." she was crying openly now, wishing she could turn back time.
She had embarrassed herself, and him, and he'd never want to see her again. She turned away, sobbing.
After an eternity, she felt a hand on her shoulder. Compassion? He had that, in abundance, but she couldn't stand it now... Then she was pulled into his arms, and gentle hands were wiping away her tears.
"Don't you see, it could not be," he whispered. "You *are* a Queen of Narnia, Lady of Cair Paravel, Empress of the Lone Islands... a Daughter of Eve. I am a reformed spy, a ... a *servant* to the throne... not to mention, I am not a human."
She raised her head from where it had been resting against his neck and looked into his sad, kind, beloved eyes.
"You have no idea how beautiful you are right now," he said quietly, "and in that lies *your* charm, in your complete lack of self-awareness. But this cannot happen. You have to see that."
"Why?" she asked, happiness sparkling inside her at the implication in his words and actions, and then, amazed at her own boldness, she kissed him.
He tasted of sun and fire and rain and a forest in spring, of apples and strawberries, lightening and stars. Of all things magical she saw and felt when he played.
And he kissed her back, as if unable to help himself. For an eternity or two she was in Heaven in his arms.
And then he was gone.
She went to sleep dazed - happy and confused, scared that he meant what he said, hoping that he did, and... was surprised to wake up because it meant she had slept.
*
She dressed without the aid of a maid and rushed out of her chambers, intent on finding Tumnus, and kissing him again.
Tumnus found her, and he was smiling happily. "Lucy!" he exclaimed, hugging her close.
"It will be all right, everything will be fine. I saw Aslan."
"Aslan was here?"
"No, not as such but... he told me... things. Lucy, I was going to leave, to go away, and never see you again but now... Now I can tell you that I love you, of course I do. I loved you as a child, a beautiful, brave, careless creature. And I watched you grow into a beautiful woman, and I loved you... more. Differently. I love you, Lucy Pevensie, my Queen, my heart."
"Oh, Tumnus!" tears of happiness were streaming down her face, and he pulled her closer, to kiss the tears away.
"Lucy! Lucy!! Where are you? They have spotted the White Stag again!"
Tumnus released her just before Susan burst into the room.
"Come on!" she urged, clutching her bow, "this time we'll get him!"
"Now?" her tone was incredulous, and she looked at Tumnus.
"It's okay, Lu," said Edmund who had just appeared behind Susan, "you can stay here. I can catch him on my own!"
"Ha!" she heard Susan say, rushing after her brother.
Tumnus smiled at Lucy.
"It's okay, go. We'll talk about everything later."
"Promise?" she asked, and he pulled her close again, and kissed her like she was never coming back. It felt just as magical as the first time.
"I love you so much," he whispered against her neck.
"And I you, my sweet Tumnus. I will see you soon!"
And then she rushed after her siblings, yelling insults at Edmund for his over-confidence.
She was bubbling with joy as she mounted her horse. It was always a pleasure to hunt with her family, and she *was* looking forward to it. Only this time, what really had her bursting with pleasure was the thought of having Tumnus waiting for her at home. Really waiting for *her*.
She'd be back in his arms soon, and everything would be okay.
------ the end -----
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Broke my own heart writing this... Because we all know how the story must ultimately end, I tried to keep the other angst in minimum.
Never written or even read any Narnia fics but saw a request for something like this somewhere, and my friend just said 'yes please!' and ... well. And now the sequels are clamouring for attention in my head...;P