fic: ordinary (Edmund, Susan)
Ordinary
Disclaimer: I do not own Narnia.
Characters/Pairing: Susan, Edmund
Rating: PG
Warnings: none
Summary: In a world when magnificent and valiant reigns, he thinks ordinary is just as wonderful.
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There is more to her essence than what she veils from the outside world. And, at times, if he watches close enough, there's a slight bounce to her step, disrupting the normal soft glide she usually walks. He spots a flick of her wrist instead of a graceful wave. A sigh, not a smile; a flash in her eyes, and not gentleness. There is simply more to her than she lets on.
Edmund loves the way her hair is not always perfect-how she does not care that it is not always perfect. Unlike their other sister, whose light honey-gold hair is at all times refined and flows with movement, Susan's is long and drifts with whatever the mood is-course when irate, soft when enjoyed. And she does not pay mind to it-he loves that. Being Prince, he's found his own person must always be groomed and polished; however, her apathetic thought on this is carried with more sophistication than offense.
Her head tilts to the side with curious eyes when she studies a person-gaze only slightly narrowed and lips pursed. Edmund likes to watch when her expression turns to genuine vulnerability, as she allows herself to understand the person before her. He knows this unfeigned motion initiates the people's love for her.
As Queen, she wears what is suitable, and as Susan…well, she looks much more than Queen, Edmund concludes.
Lavish wardrobes of clothing are not of her liking; however, gifts are. He'd rather see her in extravagant materials of golds, purples and reds-apparel fit for a queen. So he sends servants with neat and attractive bound gifts to her door, and in them, dresses and robes dyed with colors of his liking. As she crosses him in the corridors, or when they leave on trips, he is pleased when she wears these clothes and has taken heed to his unspoken suggestion.
Though one may believe both king and queen share a strong relationship, Edmund knows the truth: both he and Susan are closer. As he is with her, he sees her strong mask delicately fall away and she's finally Susan. They'll receive each other's council and he is aware of how much she truly listens to every word he says.
Her head has always been held high because of pride and self-awareness. And, sometimes, he catches her eyelids lower with exhaustion for a minute or two until she can build the mask their people are used to seeing.
Despite what appearances she may shroud over her shoulders as the nonchalant Queen of the land; Susan can never keep them from what the kingdom feels. Edmund will often observe as their smiles brighten as she walks their streets, feeling of awe and security in the air she breathes.
In a world where magnificent and valiant rules and has become the norm, Edmund knows when they describe Susan as 'ordinary', its meaning holds 'radiant' and 'brilliant'.
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fin.
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Because I'm sure this is Edmund's perspective of his older sister. Don't try to convince me otherwise.