Re: Alyssa and Ed (Day 1 evening)
Laughter - real laughter - was cathartic after the past few days. Edmund joined in. "The feast before Caspian's coronation," he explained when he was able. "All dished out like that it did look a lot like chocolate cake. I thought with magic, you never know…" He appreciated being able to talk about magic again. That had always played a part in drawing the Friends of Narnia together: that knowledge that the world - worlds - contained more than most people acknowledged. "I have never had goldfish, live or otherwise, but I've eaten a few odd things."
That was a fair reason for getting to know someone, and not unlike Edmund's own. "Caspian is a good judge of character," he said. "And we can all use more friends, especially here." He spread the remaining berry sauce on a roll. White bread was a treat even in London.
I doubt he'd like me very much. Edmund heard Alyssa's other words, as well, and the homesickness was familiar, but those struck the strongest echo. "I've never found anything quite so terrifying as coming face to face with someone who knew me perfectly," he murmured. His thoughts drifted to waking up on the beach next to his brother. "And I do hope to see something more after I leave here, but that isn't quite what I mean by 'better.'" Their discussion of friendships provided an example. "We know it's a better thing to be trustworthy than not, but how do we know? There's something in us."
The touch on his arm startled him a little, but he didn't flinch. "And home is still there." Her comment about getting along made him smile. "I think we will," he agreed. "I look forward to it." For as long as they remained. "And I hope you see home soon."