(no subject)

[called_lioness]

Susan is not here as much as she once was.

This is right, and proper, and as it should be.

Lucy's still impatient, a bit, for her to get back.

Comments

[once_a_queen]

She walks in a few minutes later, her hands full of shopping bags and her cheeks pink and rosy from being out of doors.

"Hello, my dear! I brought you some surprises."

[called_lioness]

"I've a surprise for you, too," she grins, "though a different sort, I think. What did you bring, then?"

[once_a_queen]

"I stopped at the bakery, and I saw some darling blouses on sale, in colors that would look better on you than on I," she says, unpacking the bags and setting eveything on the table.

"What's your surprise?"

[called_lioness]

"Guess," she says calmly, and rests her chin on her hand.

She's grinning.

[once_a_queen]

"Ummm... someone else from Narnia's here?"

No, that's not it. Susan knows it as soon as she says it.

[called_lioness]

"No," she says anyway.

"Two more tries, and I'll tell you."

[once_a_queen]

"Oh heavens, are you alive again?"

If so, that can't be good - going from dead to alive to dead again and alive again. The Antichrist had best stop fiddling with her sister, or she will have a strong word with him.

[called_lioness]

That gets a wince.

"No, Su, not that. Try again, last time."

[once_a_queen]

"Sorry, Lu. That was crass of me."

Susan takes her hand. "Is it- could it be something to do with Caspian, then?"

[called_lioness]

"Yes, it could."

She's smiling, a little.

[once_a_queen]

Her mouth forms an "O" as her eyes light up.

"Oh, Lucy, what? Tell me!"

[called_lioness]

"What are your thoughts on throwing a bridal shower, Susan?"

[once_a_queen]

She gasps and then squeals as she hugs Lucy terribly hard.

This goes on for a few moments, until she pulls back, attempting her best to look stern. "Wait a moment, young lady. The younger sister isn't supposed to marry before her elder. It's just not done."

The last sentence dissolves into giggles. "Oh Lucy, this is marvelous news! When, where, how!?!"

[called_lioness]

"Terribly sorry, Su," she says, without sounding sorry at all.

"A few days ago, at the bar, I was dressed as a boy. It was very memorable."

[once_a_queen]

"Dressed as a boy? Oh dear. I hope he doesn't prefer that sort of thing," she says cheekily. "Was it terribly romantic? Or a suprise? Or what?"

[called_lioness]

"In general," Lucy says serenely, "I assure you, he does not. And it was--a surprise, yes, and romantic, and...perfect, I suppose."

She's still smiling.

[once_a_queen]

She takes both of her sister's hands, and she is beaming.

"I'm so happy for you. For you both. It's a good match, dear. A terribly good match."

[called_lioness]

"I'm rather pleased with it," she laughs.

"It's--Lord, Su, I don't know. It's what I want, though. I know that."

[once_a_queen]

"Well, when are you setting the date? What kind of gown shall you wear? Oh, do let me make it for you."

[called_lioness]

"I don't know?" she says, a little helplessly. "As soon as possible, is really all the thought I've given to it. And of course you may make it. I...haven't planned much of it out."

Or, well. "Any" of it.

"I want--I want to give him something, though. I don't know what. Not because I have to. I just...would like to."

[once_a_queen]

"Lucy, I can help you. I have some knowledge of these kinds of things, and I shall do whatever I can to help you. This is a joyous thing, and you shouldn't worry overly much. And of course you want to give him something. He's going to be your husband."

[called_lioness]

"Not too fancy, Su?" she pleads. "But I don't know what."

[once_a_queen]

"You shall have whatever you want; this is your special day. I can bring the pattern books for you to look at, and we'll decide together."

Susan knows of a style of gown she'd suggest. She won't find a pattern book from London of 1952 for it, but she can draw Narnian gown designs from memory.

[called_lioness]

"All right," she agrees, and smiles.

"Help me think of a gift, too? Or help me get it, at least, if I do?"

[once_a_queen]

"I'll be happy to. Have you got rings for each other yet? That might be good a gift for him. If it's a surprise, that is."

[called_lioness]

"...Bugger, rings. Er. No, not yet."

[once_a_queen]

"Lucy Pevensie, what language!" Susan laughs again. "It's not like this is a royal wedding. That is, it could be one, but I doubt either of you'd like that. So he hasn't gotten yours yet, either?"

In their mother's jewelry box is a diamond solitaire ring that had been their grandmother's. If Caspian hasn't another ring yet, Susan will make sure he's welcome to it.

[called_lioness]

She looks mildly horrified at the idea of a royal wedding.

That may answer that question.

"I--don't know, Su. You'd have to ask him. Perhaps you should ask him." Ed and Peter have not so much been told yet.

[once_a_queen]

"I shall. Oh, this is marvelous, marvelous news. I'm so happy for you. For you both."

She hugs Lucy again and gives her a kiss on the cheek.

[called_lioness]

"So'm I, Su."

It's quiet.

But it's meant.

[once_a_queen]

She keeps an arm around Lucy's shoulders. "I remember when we first met him. Even then he was an exceptional fellow. I'd never have thought then that he'd be a part of our family. I think he'll make a fine brother for me and an even finer husband for you."

[called_lioness]

"Mayhap, Su."

Mayhap more than mayhap.

She's still smiling, as she leans against her sister.

"Scary, a bit."

[once_a_queen]

"A bit, yes. But you'll be happy. I know this."

Susan holds her closely.

"You'll be a beautiful bride."

Although, Susan reflects, 'til death do us part will mean something quite diffrent for these two. This is joyous news, but it's, as usual, complex.

[called_lioness]

Perhaps they'll edit the vows, a little.

"I hope so." It's a moment before she says, "I'm asking Adam to give me away."

[once_a_queen]

She bites her tongue slightly. Adam is a different choice, but Susan understands that Lucy is Lucy and this is her wedding. If she wishes to ask Adam to give her away, then give her away he shall.

"That will be fine, dear. Oh- where shall you have it, do you think?"

[called_lioness]

"It was him or you, really," with a crooked grin. "...I'd like to by the lake," Lucy says, slowly, deciding as she says it. "I think Caspian will, somehow, too."

[once_a_queen]

"I should imagine so, yes. That will be lovely, now that the weather is warm. What of- will you have an officiant?"

Surely there is a man of the cloth here. Somewhere. If not, well then, this is a different kind of event.

[called_lioness]

...Well, maybe not a man, exactly.

"I don't know, Su," she admits. "I have to speak with Caspian."

[once_a_queen]

Susan nods. She's certain the happy couple will do, well, what makes them happy.

She has other priorities.

"Trusseau. You must have a trousseau. I know you said no fancy wedding gowns, but oh please do let me find you just the right garments for your trusseau."

[called_lioness]

She has to laugh.

"As you like, Su. Exactly as you like."

[once_a_queen]

"Well, that is what I like. It will be a grand wedding. I suppose the dragons will act as ring bearer and flower girl?"

[called_lioness]

At that, Lucy giggles.

"Well, I think Mary Lennox shall be flower girl, but perhaps each dragon can carry a ring. Maybe they'll like the idea better if they're involved."

[once_a_queen]

"Oh, poor Caspian. Poor, poor Caspian. The latter part of for better and for worse includes those dragons, I fear."

[called_lioness]

"Yes, well. They're like children. You take them as they are."

It's a little quiet.

[once_a_queen]

Susan hugs Lucy. They both know that natural-born children will not bless this union, but that's best left unsaid. This news is too good to be sullied.

"Of course you do. Do you think the bar at Milliways would provide pattern books?"

[called_lioness]

She knows.

But she still hopes.

Because--well.

It's hard not to, a little. With a life made up of impossible things.

"I'm certain if you ask she will."

[once_a_queen]

"Then let's go ask."

Susan is on a mission. A GIGGLY MISSION. Queen Susan the Gently Giggling must not be denied. She pulls Lucy to her feet.

"I can't wait, dear sister. We'll have such fun!"

[called_lioness]

"We will," she smiles, and giggles a bit herself.

It will be perfect.

And this, she knows without a doubt.