Caspian guides the group of friends to his cabin. It lays in the Dawn Treader's stern, the back of the ship, and is decorated beautifully. Apart from a desk, a mirror, and a few cupboards there are a small fireplace and a golden image of Aslan above it. A large bed is set up in a separate room next door, along with cabinets and a trunk. Light floods the room through two windows which are made from colourful glass. In the middle between the windows a small hatch leads outside on a balcony.

» I suggest that Lucy and Luna take this cabin, « Caspian closes the door behind Luna. She took to stand next to it and observe. Lucy – who set out to explore the room – turns where she stands in front of Aslan's image. They exchange a look. Meanwhile, Edmund views the map on the table. He got dry clothes from Caspian to change into. They aren't the same height but there isn't much difference, not anymore.

» Oh, but I really don't mind sharing Luna's cabin. It's cosy, « states the queen. She, too, doesn't wear her dripping clothes anymore. Instead, she got some from Luna: White blouse and dark blue trousers, together with boots and a jacket. The clothes don't fit the queen perfectly, but she will sew them tighter. Her hair is still damp and curl at the tips.

Caspian raises an eyebrow at Luna. He suspects what she is thinking. As they first set sail with the Dawn Treader, he offered her the royal cabin already. It was a forthcoming gesture, but she declined. They can't have the king reside in a less comfortable cabin because of the Crown Shield of all people – even if she is the only woman on board. Well, was the only one. Fortunately, Lucy came as reinforcement. Plus, Luna doesn't appreciate it that women are seen as weaker than men or in need of more comfort. This is nonsense, Caspian knows that. However, he is a gentleman. Reepicheep stepped away from the group to discuss something with the captain since Caspian is occupied. Somehow, Luna can picture the smug expression the mouse would wear at this conversation with the king.

» I insist, « says he,

» As your cousin needs the sick bay for now, Edmund and I'll stay with the rest of the crew. If that's alright? « Edmund looks up, signalling his agreement with a nod. He seems glad that he doesn't have to share a room with Eustace.

» Hammocks are quite comfortable, « he smirks, turning his attention back to the map. He sets both hands to rest on the table-top and leans forward to study the ship's previous route.

» It's settled then, « Caspian shoots Luna a triumphant look. She can't hide the forming smile, but she doesn't roll her eyes – even if she wants to. There is a strict line she doesn't intend to overstep; it helps to stay professional. As Caspian and she are friends, he is still her king and she must keep him save, so that line is thin already. He likes to say that he enjoys the hours when they are free and not on duty, but they always are, both of them. The strict rules at court are there for a reason as well, they intend to keep a distance between people and demand respect for those in higher ranks.

» Look, Susan's bow and arrows, « exclaims Lucy, walking over to a cupboard where the gifts of her sister rest. She grazes her fingers over the white quiver and the red feathers expertly fastened to the arrow-shafts. Caspian smiles and opens another cupboard. He retrieves a small chest.

» Lucy, « he calls out and holds it out to her. Carefully, she lifts the lid, and a bright smile lights up her face,

» My healing cordial and dagger! « Moving to take the items out of the chest, she stops short.

» May I? « She asks and looks up at Caspian.

» Of course, they're yours. « So, she puts the girdle around her waist. Some sort of relief washes over her features, those two items must hold a lot of memories as they were her gifts. A long time ago, as the witch Jadis ruled over a Narnia covered in ice and snow, the four siblings came along for the first time. Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy. As the winter began to fade, Father Christmas brought the oldest two and Lucy gifts which were to help them in the coming battle. Edmund, though, was on a much darker path then. But he made up for it in the years to come after the four's coronation. The stories say that they were remarkable regents, all of them.

» Peter's sword... « Edmund discovers the weapon of High King Peter the Magnificent which he trusted Caspian to look after. Caspian sets the now empty chest down and takes up Rhindon, offering it to Edmund.

» Hold it, if you wish, « he says, holding it out for the younger king to take. Honestly, Luna is surprised by this gesture. Caspian is always generous but since Peter gave that special sword to him, he never used another. He led battles with that weapon by his side, fought for life and death, protected, and saved his country and his people. Even in training sessions he wouldn't take up another blade. Edmund views the lion's head on the sword's hilt, then shakes his head,

» N-no, it's yours. Peter gave it to you. « Caspian observes him for a moment, clearly not convinced, then turns to retrieve something else instead.

» I did save this for you, « he explains and throws something silvery in Edmund's direction. The Just King catches it, unable to hide a smile. It is his torch. Not one to light with fire, though. It always was a puzzle to the Narnians as its owner's explanations were... confusing, to say the least.

» Well then, « Caspian walks towards the door,

» Shall we go on to discovering the Dawn Treader further? « With a playful smile he awaits Lucy and Edmund's answer, hand already resting on the handle. Edmund turns his back on the table with the map and Lucy sidles up to Luna. Both seem eager to see what else the ship holds for them. Caspian probably expected such a reaction as his smile transforms into a smirk and he opens the door to let everyone step outside. Lucy walks out behind her brother, checking if her girdle with the gifts stays in place. Luna lingers behind to let Caspian go first but he gestures for her to proceed. As she does, she doesn't get very far as Lucy stops short in her tracks. Her hand rests on the leather case which holds the beautiful blue glass bottle with the healing cordial.

» Oh, I should check on Eustace first. The cordial may help him, « she says, exchanging a look with her brother, then with Luna and Caspian,

» It'll do no good to his mood if we tour the ship without him. « Edmund raises an eyebrow at his little sister.

» As if his mood could get any fouler, « he murmurs, earning a nudge in his side from Lucy.

» You're right, let's go to see to your cousin, « Caspian states,

» But do you think it's worth to... waste your cordial for that? « He hesitates at the word 'waste', knowing full well that Eustace is family to the King and Queen of the Golden Era. He is right, though, the blond boy only passed out. Surly, he is awake by now, probably suffering from seasickness – he seems fragile. The question is, should one use a tonic that can heal every wound or illness for something so trivial? It's probably for the best that the decision does lay with Lucy alone. However, she doesn't seem sure as she steps from foot to foot uneasily. The silence is disturbed by soft tapping sounds. Just a few moments later Reepicheep rejoins the merry group.

~

Together they enter the small cabin in which Eustace was brought. Originally, it is the sick bay. If the boy isn't able to transfer to the hammocks along with Caspian and Edmund, they will have a housing problem as Drinian, Rynelf, the first ship's mate, and Tavros need their own cabins. Rynelf took it upon himself to share with Tavros so Luna could have her own space. Supposedly, that situation will change with the arrival of their additional passengers. Eustace lays completely still in the bed, facing the ceiling. He really seems like someone who doesn't want to be where he is under any circumstances.

» Is the British consul here yet? « Eustace asks, not moving to look at them. Luna notices his pale complexion.

» We aren't in England anymore, Eustace, « says Lucy, stepping to the bed. She smiles at her cousin, but he doesn't even notice it as he stubbornly keeps staring at the ceiling. Luna feels sorry for him just a little, his behaviour is inacceptable. Lucy has the warrior's greatest respect for treating him with such care. At the queen's words, Eustace moves to lay on his side, facing away from his visitors and at the wall with the small porthole to look outside.

» Then go away, « the boy mutters and Lucy sighs, her shoulders sinking. Nonetheless, she reaches for her healing cordial, carefully opening the case to slip the small bottle out.

» Come on, this will help you, « she says and uncorks the vial. Immediately, a strong scent fills the air causing everyone to fall silent and lift their heads.

» Cinnamon, « Edmund mumbles, closing his eyes to take it in. Caspian knits his brow in confusion. He, too, closed his eyes where Reepicheep holds his fine nose as high as possible. Luna heard stories that the cordial smells different for everyone, but she never thought it possible. Here's the proof – she doesn't smell the slightest bit of cinnamon. Even Eustace seems curious as he turns his head, eying the vial. Luna turns to the three gentlemen, gesturing at the door.

» Let's give them some space, « she suggests quietly,

» We can wait in the study. «

And that they do. The study is connected to the king's quarters. It's not to confuse with the salon which contains a comfortable bench with a table, and cupboards where the crockery and cutlery for the highest in command are kept, along with a chess game, playing cards and other small objects. Here, Caspian, Drinian, Reepicheep and Luna take their meals. Sometimes Rynelf and Tavros join them but when Drinian isn't outside to guard the steering wheel, that task falls to one of the mates. Additionally, the salon serves as a sitting room where they spend a lot of time – especially during rough weather. Then, the captain doesn't want 'landlubbers' on deck. He fears they will be taken by a wave or hinder the crew. The study is the room they were in before; it's Caspian's office at sea but also comfortable with the fireplace, the sofas, the bookshelves, and the padded windowsills. It is Luna's favourite spot, actually.

While the friends wait the ship's cook serves hot grog. It contains rum and who knows what else, but it tastes alright and keeps warm. Edmund challenges Reepicheep to a chess party. He didn't think that Reep would take such a game so very serious. Like the brave knight the mouse is, he sends his chessmen in immediate danger because that's what he would do; take on every opponent. Therefore, he is probably going to lose even though Edmund is going easy on him, trying to teach the Talking Mouse strategic moves. Caspian leans against the cupboard, watching the game amusedly and putting in a comment here and there. Luna prefers to look out the window. Somehow, she can never get enough of the sight, the endless sea, the always moving waves - although nothing seems to push them forward - the peacefulness, yet, the lurking danger that comes with strong winds, storms, shallows or even sea monsters – if one believes in sailor's yarn.

» You know, I never opened that vial before, « Caspian's voice says behind her. She turns around to find him standing in front of her.

» I always was curious but... « he laughs softly and shakes his head. Then, he catches her gaze. His dark brown eyes glimmer warmly, and she just has to join in his laugh.

» What did it smell like for you? «

» Well, « Luna lowers her eyes for a moment, thinking,

» It was like a fresh sea breeze and... something else I can't quite assign. « Edmund chuckles and they turn their attention to the king.

» At least you have a mystery to solve, « he moves one of his bishops to circle in on Reep's king,

» I smelled cinnamon and can't fully comprehend why... « he trails off, watching Reepicheep's next move – quite a bold one. The mouse doesn't pay attention to the conversation all. Instead, he concentrates on the game, the tip of his tongue peeks out. Neither Caspian nor Luna is going to ask Edmund to continue and finish his sentence. Luna turns back to Caspian to find him already looking at her.

» What about you? « She asks and shifts under his gaze,

» What did you smell? « Caspian averts his eyes, looking past her and out of the window.

» Candied apples, « he answers softly as if it is a sweet secret or a dream,

» Fresh grass and forest, « he looks at her again,

» Just like damp leaves near a torrent. « Oh, she knows what he means. That smell is typical for clearings in the deep Narnian woods. Just like her, he loves to ride out there. Memories of her loyal steed pass before her mind's eye, of their long rides and the feeling of the wind in her hair and the freedom. A smile sneaks on her lips and Caspian returns it with a glint in his eyes. However, they can't discuss their experiences with Lucy's healing cordial any further as its owner strides in. The vial is back at her girdle, secured in its case. All eyes fall on her, awaiting her report.

» He isn't coming, « Lucy says,

» Said that he'll try to sleep a little. « The queen is upset because her cousin won't cooperate in any way. Luna wonders why he was brought here then, but Aslan surely has a plan for the boy, the Great Lion always has.