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[callmegentle]

They had written to Peter, of course, soon after the Battle at Anvard had concluded and Rabadash was sent on his way back to Calormen. They hadn't expected much of a response other than the 'message recieved' one-- time was short for letter-writing in the North. They all knew that.

But Susan also knew that her brother would likely want to have words with her when he returned. So, when he did return and the feast celebrating his return had ended, Susan found herself waiting on the balcony staring into the night.

When she hears her brother's footsteps behind her, she lets her shoulders slump just slightly.

"Go on, then. Say 'I told you so.'"

Because he had told her so. And she had failed in her promise to him.

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[callmegentle]

"I have every faith that you have taught them a lasting lesson," she tells him, squeezing his arm just slightly, "And now, Lion willing, you'll have a little bit of time before your next campaign."

She doesn't say time to rest-- Lion knows they never get that-- but at the very least, he'll have time before he has to go into combat again.

[magnificis]

"So I hope," Peter agreed fervently. "I'm getting bloody well tired of riding off to deliver a lesson in manners to some idiot bungler just on the principle of the thing." Regardless of his skill in battle, of his courage and bravery in leading his people on the field of valor, Peter still viewed war as one of the stupidest things. There were other ways to settle disputes, by the Lion's great mane.

But he hadn't secured his borders nor the safety of his subjects, as well as his family, by backing down from any threat, either.

His lips twitched. "You'd think folks would realize by now that we mean what we say when we say it." He gave Susan's hand a squeeze, saying with a tired sigh, "I suppose it'll always be like that, though. Jolly fun, really."

[callmegentle]

"There'll always be someone trying something somewhere, unfortunately," she reminds him, "That's why you and Edmund need to take turns more often in leading the army, instead of you running yourself ragged trying to deal with them back to back."

Or Lucy, really. Their brave sister was proving her mettle in battle more and more often. Not that they desired for her to be in battle, but certainly they'd all feel more comfortable if Peter wasn't taking on so much of this load on his own.

[magnificis]

Peter sighed, pausing before the doors to Susan's quarters. "Which is why our work will never really be done." He put his hands on her upper arms and leaned in to kiss her forehead. "Don't fret for me, Su. I'm a big boy, I can take care of myself."

Although "myself" usually came dead last on Peter's to-do list.

"Get some sleep," he told her, taking another squeeze for himself. "And I'll see you in the morning at breakfast." Although his door was always open, should she need him before then.

[callmegentle]

"I know. The question is will you take care of yourself."

Which all of their siblings know is a problem they all face-- they'd rather take care of one another than themselves. She returns the embrace affectionately.

"You get some rest as well, Pete. And welcome home."

It's good to have him here.

[magnificis]

His lips twisted in a wry smile. "If I don't, I can always count on one of you to do it for me, right?" Whether he wanted them to or not. It was one of the things he both loved and hated about his siblings.

Another kiss to her cheek and Peter stepped back, nodding. "Thanks, Su. See you in the morning." He chucked her chin and flashed a rare smile before moving on down the corridor, headed for his own quarters and hopefully, a decen night's sleep.

[callmegentle]

"Always, Peter." And that was just the way it was, between the four of them. It was something they simply had to accept.

"Sweet dreams."

And it's good to see him smiling before he leaves. Has a small one touching her lips as she turns in for the night, herself.