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[called_lioness]

She doesn't, actually, want to tell him this.

But she is, because--well.

Wives do things like that, she's certain, tell their husbands about magic compasses.

...Maybe. There isn't a book. She rather wishes there were.

But there isn't, and it's been a week, and it's harder to make herself dream apart from the woman she knows is waiting for her, and so she pulls the silver object out of its drawer and sighs as she goes to find her husband.

Lucy supposes the honeymoon had to end sooner or later.

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[called_lioness]

"I don't know," and this time it's honest and simple. "I don't know what it is yet."

But Lucy adds, softly, "But I would want you to be with me," as she looks at his lap, and it's a little bit more hopeful than she'd thought it would be.

[the_seafarer]

He reaches out to take her hand, and gives it a reassuring squeeze.

"If you want me there, then that is where I will be," he promises, in what he hopes is rather a more confident tone than what he feels.

[called_lioness]

There's something of surprise in her eyes as he says that and her hand holds his tightly.

"I married you, didn't I?"

[the_seafarer]

He looks up, and smiles at the surprise in her face.

"Aye, so you did. I'm sorry, Lu, of course I'll be there."

[called_lioness]

"Caspian..." And it's sighed as she reaches out to touch his face again, hesitantly.

"That's what I want most. Whichever way I go, to have you there." If she can have it.

[the_seafarer]

"Then I will," he promises, and for the first time, looks down at the compass, more curiously.








"I miss her," he says, softly, putting an arm around Lucy and drawing her closer.

[called_lioness]

"I know." It's soft, as she leans over to softly kiss his cheek and then joins him in looking at the compass.

"She's here enough, though."

[the_seafarer]

"It isn't," he says, ruefully, "terribly kind of me, but--I rather envy you, Lu. I haven't dreamed of Susan in a very long time. I wish--"

But he stops, smiles wryly.

"It hardly matters. I'm glad you see her, at any rate."

[called_lioness]

"Don't envy me this." It's almost sharp, for a moment, before it softens and she repeats, "Not this, Caspian. Not even for Susan."

[the_seafarer]

"Why not?" he asks, almost sadly though he still smiles. "It is the same choice that has always pulled at me. My dreams, however, remain unhelpful."

[called_lioness]

"Because it means much less peace, whether in waking hours or sleeping," she murmurs and moves her hand to touch his smile.

"And I would have only peace for you, and joy, if the choice were mine."

[the_seafarer]

"Perhaps it has been better for me that the choice has not been yours, then," he says, smiling more at her touch, and kissing the fingers that touch his mouth.

"Peace and joy is our reward, perhaps."

[called_lioness]

"Aye," she allows, and her own mouth smiles at his kiss, "but I can wish such things for you anyway, in the present, can't I?"

[the_seafarer]

"As I wish them for you," he agrees, moving his hand to cover hers and leaning forward to kiss her gently.

[called_lioness]

It's soft and slow and when she pulls away it's only enough to lean her forehead against his.

"I do have you, anyway."

[the_seafarer]

"For always," he smiles, putting a hand up to her cheek.

[called_lioness]

"Then I've more than joy enough," she concludes, simply, and leans into his touch.

[the_seafarer]

He smiles again, kisses her again, and says "I love you," gently, because he does and he never does say it often enough.

[called_lioness]

"And I love you." Her arms are firm around him as she says it, softly. "Never, ever doubt that."

[the_seafarer]

"I shan't," he says, and kisses the soft skin under her ear, gently. "I wouldn't dare, likely you'd get terribly angry with me, and I shouldn't like that at all."

[called_lioness]

"I should have to punish you," she says solemnly, and sighs a bit at the kiss. "Tell the twins where you hide your clothing."

[the_seafarer]

"Cruel," he grins. "Besides, you wouldn't want them to cause any trouble in Amy's rooms, would you?"

[called_lioness]

"I don't know. She's your sister, she might appreciate my evil scheme," she muses and grins back at him.

[the_seafarer]

"She appreciates my having clothes," he points out cheerfully.

[called_lioness]

"But I suspect she'd appreciate your exasperation, and the mischief, too," she counters, and pulls him closer for a brief kiss. "I'll have to appreciate your lack of clothes enough for everyone, then. Hard lot, mine."