After reading dozens of Narnian fanfics, I decided to try writing one! This fic is dedicated to all wonderful writers of Narnian fanworld and fellow fan readers :)

The idea came to me quite naturally, as I major in psychology and I always find identity development an interesting subject to study.

Disclaimer: I do not own anything Narnian that you can recognize.

Moratorium

Identity moratorium is one of the four stages of James Marcia's identity status paradigm. It is characterized as a status in which one is in the midst of an identity crisis, without commitment to a clear or definite identity.

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Chapter 1. A Lone Campaign

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"You sure Ed? Are you- are you really sure?"

The High King over all of Narnia trailed closely behind his little brother, who was busily moving about in their shared chamber to put on the gears for the impeding campaign.

"Yes, I'm quite sure that I can manage a campaign by myself," the Just King replied bemusedly. He absently noted that his older brother looked like a spring-frenzied hare. Not that he would ever tell him. He valued his life, after all.

"You know, if you just postpone the departure for a week – or maybe a few days, I may be able to jo-" Stopping in mid-sentence, Peter was once again seized by a coughing fit. Edmund quickly abandoned his gauntlets to be near him, gently pounding on his back when he was close enough. After a couple of agonizing minutes, Peter gathered himself, still heaving rather heavily.

"I guess I don't have to reply to that?" Edmund said in a teasing tone, trying to lighten the gloomy mood the High King had been wearing of late.

The Narnian Kings have been planning for what they labeled as a "Southern Campaign" ever since they learned of the remaining Fell Beasts gathered in the border area to Archenland, harassing the inhabitants of both countries. Everything was going according to the plan, until the day Peter came down with a nasty cold that left him feverish for many days and nights.

Naturally, none of the royal siblings deemed him fit to leave the Cair, let alone go on a campaign. Peter argued, reasoned, and even pleaded, but they would have none of it. He was to stay behind with the Queens, while Edmund led the troops to the southern land as planned. The Kings had rarely gone on any military operations without each other during their four years' reign, and even less did Edmund lead the army all by himself. Yes, good and wise Oreius would accompany him, and yes, the troops were more than ready to fight and win – Peter himself had made sure of this. But the High King still worried and fretted over his younger brother.

And thus the sore mood he was sporting on the day of the troops' departure.

"I hate this," Peter murmured, feeling anything but magnificent at the moment.

"Believe me, Pete, I do too. But this's how it's going to be," Edmund sighed, and smiled as he turned to face his brother once more, gesturing at the gauntlets left on the bed, "help me with those, will you?"

Edmund was perfectly capable of putting on the gears by himself, and if not his valet was just outside the door, waiting to be called. But he knew that his brother needed this, needed to act, even if it was nothing more than tying a few stripes of leather.

Ever so carefully, Peter helped putting the glittering silver gauntlets on his fellow king's forearms. He then moved onto help him with his shin-guards. Edmund let him, wearing a gentle, mildly exasperated smile that not many outside Narnia thought he was possible of expressing.

When at last Peter re-tied the bootlaces for the second time and found that he could have no more excuse to help his brother with his equipping, Edmund picked up his helmet from where it had been lying on the top of the drawer.

Before the younger could say anything, he found himself tightly held by two strong, slightly trembling arms.

"Be careful out there. I'm going to miss you," Peter murmured, hiding a tender kiss on the crown of the unruly dark hair. He pulled his brother, his most cherished treasure to his chest as close as he could manage, not caring that he was only wearing a light garment while the other was fully armored.

"I know," Edmund whispered, returning the hug just as fiercely. "Walk with me to the gate?"

"Of course," Peter answered, pressing one last kiss on the forehead before letting him go. They knew that once they leave the privacy of their chamber, they were no longer just brothers – they were sovereigns, responsible of the lives and wellbeing of their subjects. They had to appear strong and calm in front of them.

When they reached the gate, their sisters were already there, waiting. So were the whole troops and quite a number of Narnians, who gathered to see off their family members and friends.

"Take care of yourself, and have a swift trip," Susan said as she hugged her brother. Edmund gently kissed her cheek, saying, "I will."

Next, Lucy gave her hug as she whispered, "Aslan will guide your way. Trust in him, and remember that we're all here, waiting for your return."

"Yes, Milady," Edmund raised her hand and brushed his lips against her fingers, which sent her to giggles, discarding her attempt at appearing solemn for once. Edmund relished in that bell-like sound, determined to engrain it in his memory to accompany him along the journey.

He then turned to his brother, who pulled him into a tight embrace. "May Aslan's blessing be with you."

"And with you too, my Liege."

With the final node at his siblings, Edmund gracefully hurled himself up on Philip's back.

"For Narnia, for Aslan!" Edmund shouted, to which all the gathered Creatures answered with a loud, resounding cheer. Then he charged forward on his steadfast steed and friend, leading his army towards the southern land.

So... how was it? *sheepish grin*

Please review! Any comments are welcome :)

I will try to upload once a week. I already have next two chapters written, but I need to revise them before I deem them presentable!