Disclaimer: I don't own Narnia or any characters you may recognize from the books or the movies, I wish I did but I don't... I also don't own the Narnian Calendar. It belongs to Elecktrum who was kind enough to let me borrow it for my story. Her own stories are awesome and you should go read them too.

Summary: There was no escape from winter's chill...until he felt spring's warmth.

A/N: This is part of my A Light in the Darkness universe.

Spring's Warmth

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His wounds didn't hurt quite so much, the ache of the bruises and sting left behind by Ginarrbrik's whip faded under the ointments and salves the Centauress applied with gentle hands. She was kind…too kind considering all the things he had done. Did she know or guess? A rush of shame made him look away from her kind eyes only to meet the shuttered gaze of the avenging angel. What was he thinking?

The Centauress stepped back, drawing his attention just in time to see her too-kind smile. "We are finished, Prince Edmund." He hid a flinch at the title he had so aspired to achieve. What had seem so sweet and nothing less than he deserved, now seemed laughable to think someone like him, the poisonous little beast, the traitor, would ever deserve. The Centauress was still speaking as she replaced the jars on a long table. "If anything pains you later, please send for me." She looked at him then, grey eyes filled with a firm resolve that reminded him of his mum. "There is no need for you to be in pain if there is a way to relieve it."

She couldn't know. If she knew, surely she wouldn't care if he ached or not. He gave a slight nod as he stood, afraid he would reveal his shameful behavior and lose even that meager show of kindness, but the Centauress took no offense as she returned her attention to the jars and vials on the table. Edmund swallowed hard then turned the avenging angel, err, Centaur. "My family?" Though he was almost afraid of facing them again, he wanted to see for himself that they really were safe and well, that his idiotic and horrible actions hadn't caused the same fate to befall them as had befallen the Fox and Lucy's Mr. Tumnus.

The Centaur opened the tent flap, causing Edmund to blink as the sunlight blinded him. The low chatter of the camp rose around them as Edmund realized it wasn't as late as he had thought, just sunrise. He scanned the nearest tents, hoping for a glimpse of his siblings, but then the Centaur stepped in front of him and gestured for him to follow. "Soon. First, Aslan wishes to see you."

Edmund paused mid-step, lowering his head. Aslan. Aslan, whom he had betrayed. Aslan, whose plans he had revealed and location he had given away to Jadis. How could he face Aslan? Why would Aslan even want to see him? Maybe Aslan was simply waiting to see him before casting him out as a traitor deserved. He started slightly when a heavy weight landed on his shoulder, but then he realized it was the Centaur. There was something flickering behind those dark eyes. Understanding? Why? He had been in Jadis' camp, surely, he knew what he was, what he had done.

The Centaur led him past the tents until they reached a ledge, overlooking the camp, and there He was. Golden and large and bright as He watched the sunrise. Edmund's breath caught as shame made him want to run away and hide, but he couldn't. After all, where could he go that Aslan couldn't find him? He couldn't shake the feeling that one could only hide from the Lion if He allowed it. He glanced up at the Centaur when they stopped only a few feet away, hoping that the Centaur would stand between him and the Lion, though he certainly didn't deserve such help. The Centaur gave him a slight nod of encouragement then pushed him forward. Edmund swallowed hard as Aslan started to turn. Shame and guilt wouldn't allow him to look at the Lion's face and he dropped his gaze to the ground.

A flash of terror filled him as he heard the Lion speak, "You may see to your duties, General." The Centaur's large presence moved away, leaving Edmund feeling bereft and terribly exposed. The Lion spoke again, "Edmund Pevensie, Son of Adam, look at Me."

He couldn't. He couldn't shake the feeling, the fear, that if he looked at Him, He would see…He would know all the horrible, beastly things he had done. The command in that golden Voice grew impossible to ignore. "Son of Adam. Look at Me."

Slowly, Edmund raised his gaze, skimming from the golden paws to the thick mane until he finally stared into the face of the Lion. His gaze was fierce, terrible, and all-encompassing. Golden eyes held his in spite of the fact that his guilt rose, reminding him that he was unworthy, that all his sins were being laid bare. He should run away or at least hide his face, but those eyes kept him rooted in place. His tongue finally unglued itself from the roof of his mouth and he rasped, "Are…are you going to kill me now?"

Aslan watched him still. "Tell Me, Son of Adam, do you think you deserve death?"

He swallowed hard. The truth pounded at him, tore at him, but it had to be said. "I- Yes, I deserve death. I b-betrayed my family, innocent people, You to Jadis. I helped Her…I helped Her do terrible things, gave Her the information She needed to hurt people. I am a traitor, my death is only just."

He tensed, waiting for Aslan to end his life with His yet-hidden claws or perhaps He would simply swallow him whole, He was big enough. But, to his surprise, the Lion did nothing. His gaze continued to bore into him and then His Voice filled the space between them. "Come to Me."

He shouldn't. He knew he shouldn't, but the call was compelling and in his heart of hearts, he wanted desperately to answer. His feet felt like they were still chained together as he moved toward Aslan. A sweet perfume clung to His mane that banished the memory of the stench of Jadis' camp and the warmth rolling off the Lion fought off the lingering cold from Jadis' icy palace. "Do you still serve Her?"

The question shook him. He had served her, but now, no, since he had failed to divert Her wrath from the Fox or perhaps even earlier, he knew he could not serve Her. He didn't want to serve Her. He meant to simply deny it, that he continued in Her service, but instead the raw truth burst past his lips. "I did serve Her, but I don't want to anymore."

Aslan didn't respond right away and Edmund couldn't help adding, "I know I made a real mess of things, telling Jadis about You and this place, the camp, and how You were gathering an army. I know I've done too many things to be forgiven, but I am sorry. I'm sorry, Aslan."

"Whom do you wish to serve, Edmund Pevensie, formerly of Finchley?"

Edmund startled, surprised that He knew about Finchley. "Sir?"

He thought the Lion smiled as He repeated Himself. "You do not wish to serve Jadis anymore. Whom, then, do you wish to serve, Edmund Pevensie?"

"I-" Edmund cut himself off as shame filled him again. He had done too much. "I wish to serve You, but I've done too much. Too many terrible things. I have been greedy, cruel, jealous, and downright beastly. I am a traitor. You don't want me."

"Would you betray Me again?"

"No." He didn't know where the conviction came from, but he knew he would not betray Aslan. He had no desire to taste the bitter fruit of betraying innocents, his own family, and he knew that betraying Aslan would be worse than all of that now that he had met Him. "No, I wouldn't betray You, not again."

"Then serve Me, Edmund Pevensie. Be Mine. I will not allow those who are Mine to be lost, though I warn you following Me may demand high costs. You may die in My service because My enemies will seek to harm you because you are Mine. Will you still serve Me, Son of Adam?"

Edmund nodded. "I will serve You, Aslan."

"Then you are Mine, Edmund Pevensie, formerly of Finchely."

Edmund took a deep breath. It was almost too good to be true, too much to believe that he, a traitor, could belong to Aslan. That Aslan would look past his failings and his terrible acts to want him still. His joy stopped short when his thoughts summoned his family. "What about my family? Everyone here? They won't forgive me for what I did, what I said…and I don't blame them."

Aslan breathed on him, filling him with…with hope and with courage. "My son, forgiveness is among the most difficult things to grant for it requires much. But, you must still ask for forgiveness from your family and from others you wronged as you have asked My forgiveness. More, you must also forgive your family for the wrongs they granted in return. Though it may take some longer than others to forgive you and it will not always be easy to extend forgiveness, do not despair. Trust in Me and be patient with those who also struggle with forgiveness."

Edmund nodded slowly, filing the words away. He would hold them close. Especially when he finally faced Peter. Aslan moved closer, bending His large head near, as He purred, "You are Mine, Edmund, and a traitor no longer. Take heart, dear one, and do not fear your brother."

He would have asked how Aslan knew Peter had been on his mind, but then a shout filled the air. "Edmund!"

Lucy. He looked over his shoulder and saw her standing among the tents nearest to the hill. Peter was holding her back. He glanced at Aslan, but the Great Lion nodded His permission before he could even ask. Edmund took a deep breath then walked toward his siblings. It was time to face them, time to face Peter.

Keeping his hands in his pockets, he hoped they didn't see how afraid he was of their rejection. They looked…different, like they were a better reflection of who they had been in England. Susan and Lucy were wearing long dresses that made them both, but especially Susan, look like Mum. Peter was wearing a tunic, looking a lot more like Dad and even the paintings of King Arthur. He felt out of place and grimy in his own clothes. He almost couldn't face them, but Aslan's comforting presence stayed with him, giving him the courage to face the ones he had turned on for petty reasons. Finally, he stopped in front of them.

They were staring at him. He looked at Peter first and nearly flinched at the anger roiling in his blue eyes, turning them stormy and hard as they swept over him. Edmund swallowed hard then Aslan spoke from where He had stopped beside him. "What's done is done. There is no need to speak to Edmund about what is past."

Then He left. Edmund watched Him go, half-wanting to call out to Him and beg Him not to leave him alone, but he realized that Aslan thought he was capable of making amends with his family, was trusting him to forgive and ask their forgiveness. He couldn't quite keep his apprehension off his face as he turned back to face them once more. Peter was watching him with a nearly unreadable expression. What was he thinking? Edmund looked at the ground then muttered, "Hello."

Oh, that was brilliant, Edmund, simply brilliant. Before he could think of something clever to say or at least apologize, Lucy hurried forward and wrapped him in a hug. A hug he certainly didn't deserve, not with the way he had treated her, but one that he was more than grateful for. Instead of resisting or pushing her away as he might have only days ago, he allowed a slight smile then wrapped his arms around her, resting his head on top of her soft brunette hair. He so glad she was safe and alive.

A touch to his arm made him lift his head. Susan smiled at him then, as soon as Lucy moved back, she hugged him. Edmund gladly returned the hug. Sure she tried to be Mum more than any boy would want his older sister to be, but he was glad she was here. That she forgave him. He hadn't been as horrible to her as he had been to Lucy, but he still hadn't treated her as she deserved, especially considering how hard she had tried to be the peacemaker between him and Peter. She stepped back, but left a hand on his upper arm, her eyes searching his face. A hint of worry in them as she registered his split lip as well as every bruise and scratch visible. "Are you all right?"

He gave her a slight smile, suddenly grateful that she didn't know, couldn't see the extent of the cruelty dealt him by Ginarrbrik…by Jadis. "I'm a little tired."

Susan smiled and nodded, but before anyone could say anything, Peter's voice cut through the air. "Get some sleep." His voice was hard. Edmund looked down, comforting himself with Aslan's words. It might take a while for Peter to forgive him, especially since they had been at odds with each other for about a year. He had to prove to his brother that he didn't want that anymore, the constant fighting and his resentment of Peter. The first step would be to listen to Peter…without arguing. He kept his head down as slowly walked away from the girls and past his brother. "And Edmund?" The kindness in the call surprised him, pulling him around to look at his older brother. Peter didn't say anything for a moment and then he smiled. "Try not to wander off."

Edmund hesitated then smiled back. Maybe it wouldn't take quite as long for Peter to forgive him as he had feared. He slowly walked into the tent. It wasn't much really, just some hammocks with two stands (one bare while the other held a sword and a shield leaned against its base) and a washstand at the back wall of the tent. It was far better than anything he had known since leaving the Beavers' cozy home. A twinge of guilt filled him at the thought of their home and whatever destruction Jadis' Wolves had wrought. He would have to make amends with them too and somehow help repair anything the Wolves destroyed since it was his fault they knew to go to the Beavers' home.

He moved closer to one of the hammocks to find a pile of clothes like Peter was wearing and a pair of boots were resting below it. Were they for him? When had these been put out? He hesitated to put them on…perhaps there had been a mistake. Glancing around the tent again, his gaze was arrested by the sword and shield. Crossing to them, he felt almost as if he were looking on Excalibur, only this sword, even sheathed, seemed more impressive…more magnificent than the legendary blade Dad used to regale them with stories about it and its legendary wielder. He reached out to trace the rampant lion on the shield.

Someone entered the tent and Edmund jumped back. For a moment, he feared that somehow Jadis had entered the camp, had come for him. Then he realized it was Peter. He cleared his throat, hoping those searching eyes didn't see too much, and gestured to the sword and shield. "Yours?"

Peter nodded, crossing the short distance between them to his own hammock. Edmund watched him warily, but his brother didn't scold him. Instead, he surprised him by pulling him into a quick yet strong hug. Edmund didn't even have the chance to decide how to respond before Peter pushed him back with a pained expression. "You'd better bathe as best you can with the pitcher and basin, Edmund, before you change into your new clothes otherwise the girls will have to pour perfume all over you."

Edmund scowled as he swatted Peter's hands away. "Like I want to smell like a bunch of flowers." Spinning on his heel, he stomped over to the washstand. He was surprised yet pleased when the water from the pitcher proved warm.

"One of the Fauns made sure to bring hot water a little while ago. I saved it for you to use."

He glanced over his shoulder at his brother who was in the midst of pulling a brown leather jerkin over his tunic. He waited until Peter's head reappeared then nodded. "Thank you."

Peter shifted his weight looking as awkward as Edmund felt. "You're welcome. I'll, um, I'll just leave you to it then. Be careful with the hammocks, they're tricky to keep steady." He strode out of the tent. Edmund found the washcloth and soap…he did smell a bit ripe, after all.

Once bathed and changed into the clothes left on his hammock, Edmund eyed the bed. It didn't look like it would dump him immediately. He climbed into the hammock cautiously, breathing a sigh of relief when it swayed but didn't flip over. Edmund smirked as he realized what had likely led his older brother to warn him. Peter must have fallen out of his hammock. The smirk faded as he plucked at the covers. He needed sleep but he was a little afraid to try to sleep. She had always seemed to know when he tried to sleep and would ensure he couldn't, one way or another. He shivered at the memories, at the cold that clung to him. "You are Mine, Edmund." The memory of Aslan's voice, of His words, chased away the cold. Instead of winter's chill, he felt spring's warmth. Life, not death, surrounded him now. He wasn't Jadis' anymore, he had chosen to be Aslan's and Aslan had accepted him…well, it was more than that, Aslan had chosen him by sending the avenging angel, err, General and others to pluck him out of Jadis' camp. His past, his actions as a traitor, was terrible but Aslan had forgiven him, had claimed him as His own. Edmund took a deep breath, feeling stronger, feeling...feeling cleansed. Winter's reign was over, not just in Narnia, but also in his heart. Spring and its warmth as brought by Aslan reigned over Narnia, over him, now.

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"I, even I, am He who blots out your transgressions for My own sake; And I will not remember your sins." – Isaiah 43:25

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A/N: Please Read and Review! Leave a review and let me know what y'all thought about this one.

A/N2: Happy Easter! He is Risen!