Rain starts to pour from the dark clouds soon after they were spotted. The string-like drops fall heavy onto the Dawn Treader, making it difficult to see more than a few feet. Caspian, Edmund, and Luna stand on the quarter deck with Drinian, wrapped in raincoats. Rynelf and another sailor man the wheel. The water is already increasing in roughness, waves hitting the ship's bow more frequently from all directions. Howling gusts of wind sweep over the deck and the crew runs around, securing everything that could move. They tie down barrels, the boats, haul the sails, tighten the ropes, and extinguish all lights and burning fireplaces. Tavros oversees it all, shouting commands from time to time.

» I suppose, you need every hand you get, « Edmund says. The captain looks around the deck, eyes narrowed against the rain. Then, he seizes the three from head to toe.

» Right, ya fellows know some handles by now, « he mumbles. They do, actually, and they are ready to help. However, Drinian looks at the Crown Shield doubtfully.

» You feeling alright? « He asks with that usual grumble lacing his voice,

» Don't want ya to go overboard, if ya feel sick again, lassie. « She raises an eyebrow at the captain being concerned about her wellbeing. Yes, she was seasick once, she must admit that. It was the very first storm they got into. After that, she adjusted to the sea and the constant movement of the ship. Edmund gives her a questioning look - it seems he wants to ask about it.

» You know I can help, « the warrior tells Drinian before the King of Old can say anything.

» But if ya get s- « she stops him right there, so he doesn't finish that sentence. She doesn't want to jinx her luck,

» I won't. « The captain seizes her up and down one more time, then gives his consent,

» Alright then. «

» No, « Caspian cuts in suddenly and everyone turns to look at him. His eyes are on Luna as he bows his head slightly,

» I want you to stay below deck. « She continues to look at her king, trying to contemplate if he is serious about this. He knows she can handle myself on deck, he shouldn't interfere with those things. He seems to notice her weighing her options - say something or accept silently - and straightens.

» That's an order, Luna, « he says firmly and returns her gaze. Now, she really wishes to say something but it's better to keep her mouth shut. Not that she isn't allowed to speak up but it's certainly not her place to question the king's orders openly, especially not in the middle of an oncoming storm. However, she cannot help but feel passed over. The warrior lets her eyes wander from Caspian to Drinian who shrugs, raises his hands, and walks away to do his captain things. In this case meaning, he takes over the wheel. Edmund looks between Caspian and Luna, confused about their sudden seriousness. They can't continue the conversation as the first thunder roars above. Seconds later, lightning flashes over the dark sky, bathing everything in an eerie light.

» Alright everyone! « Drinian yells,

» Brace yourselves! « The Dawn Treader rocks from side to side as the waves grow higher by the second.

» Your Majesties, « Rynelf's voice rings towards the three friends from his place next to Drinian at the wheel to keep course,

» Prepare yeselves for one hell of a ride! « Caspian and Edmund nod to signal they understand. The latter moves, gripping a rope to help the sailors finish hauling the sails. Before joining them, Caspian turns to the female. He gives her a meaningful look, nodding towards the closest hatch. His hand brushes her arm, then he is off, and Luna makes her way below deck.

In the parlour, she finds Lucy and Eustace. The queen rubs gentle circles on the boy's back while he looks pale. Seasick, the poor thing. Luna takes a look around to make sure everything is nailed down tightly. There is no sign of Reepicheep, but she can't say she is surprised. The mouse is not allowed on deck in times like this. He is too small and light to help and could be washed overboard in the blink of an eye. Therefore, he always takes to stay with the sailors on the rowing benches in the belly of the ship. It is the only way he can still his need to make himself useful. He counts the tact loudly in which the men need to row.

» Ugh! « Eustace doesn't look very good as he clutches his stomach with both hands and leans forward,

» I hate this boat. « Usually, behaviour like this would be seen as offensive but, right now, Luna can relate. She was the first on board to get seasick, at least out of the people who are not used to being on a ship. It was after they left the port of Redhaven, the capital of the Seven Isles located on Brenn. They visited two of the seven, Muil being the second. At first, the warrior just felt a little drowsy, loosing balance from time to time as if she was tipsy. Then, as she wanted to walk down the stairs from the quarter to the main deck, her head started spinning out of nowhere and she would have fallen, if it wasn't for someone to catch her.

~

» Are you alright? « Elrik asks, steadying the Crown Shield in half of an embrace. She nods slightly, feeling sick in the pit of her stomach. Her head spins and she puts a hand to her temple.

» Here, lean on me, « he draws her a little closer so he can hold her better and considers her with a concerned look.

» What's going on? « Rynelf must have seen what happened. Still, he levels a suspicious gaze at the poor sailor,

» Why are ya not on ye'r post? «

» The lady doesn't feel well, « Elrik answers but trails off as King Caspian approaches from talking with the captain, Drinian just following behind.

» Luna? « Caspian asks at the sight of her in the arms of one of the men. His brow is slightly creased, probably concerned, or confused. Rightly so, this is a somewhat... improper situation. At that realization, Luna tries to stand on her own feet once again. Elrik gets the hint and lets her go slowly, ready to retreat to not cross a line, but prepared to catch her again.

» I'm just a little light-headed, « she explains while trying to find her balance,

» Forgive me for this disturbance. « It's difficult to manoeuvre her own feet at the moment and she doesn't like this. She can't look like a fool in front of all those men!

» Light-headed? « Rynelf repeats with a grumbling laugh,

» You nearly fell down the stairs, lassie. « She wants to give him an accusing look, but she seems to have trouble to focus as everything continues to spin. At least she manages to stand upright.

» I'm fine, « she assures no one in particular as she lets go of the supporting sailor's hand. Immediately, she stumbles over her own feet and finds herself in another embrace. Caspian rushed forward to catch her, drawing her into his chest. He looks at the warrior, worry present in his eyes.

» Ye ain't fine, « Drinian says, a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips,

» Y'are seasick, lassie. « Caspian exchanges a glance with the captain as he puts his arms around Luna protectively.

» It'll be fine by tomorrow, « Rynelf adds quietly,

» Or so «. The Crown Shield allows herself to sigh as her head drops against Caspian's shoulder in defeat. Great, this is just great.

» Lay down for a while, « Drinian advises,

» And keep a bucket nearby. « Caspian nods and moves to pick her up, but she shakes her head, just a little to not encourage the spinning.

» I can walk by myself, « she insists. The king smiles slightly.

» Of course, you can, « he replies and offers her his arm instead. She takes it without further ado, just wishing to reach her bed without collapsing. She silently curses herself; this is unacceptable. What if something happens now and she is of no use? And, stumbling around as if drunk, is not exactly graceful. It's embarrassing, really, and she tries to not look at anybody around.

After a few steps, they reach the stairs. Caspian moves around her to walk down in front of her, but before she takes the first step, he turns and sweeps her into his arms.

» Cas! « Luna calls out in surprise, using his nickname again since a long time. He smiles down at her. At least she thinks so; she still has trouble focusing on one spot for long.

» You don't need to do everything by yourself, « he descends the stairs and carries her all the way to her cabin.

After gently placing Luna on her bed, Caspian pulls the blankets over her – well, basically he tucks her in like a little child. Then, he settles by her side. The ship's doctor, Jonathan, stops by for a brief visit but soon leaves after telling the Crown Shield to get some rest and stay hydrated. There's little else he can do. Caspian left, just to return with a book and a bucket.

» Just in case, « he defends himself as she raises an eyebrow at him. He places the bucket in her reach. Then, he settles down on a stool next to the bed, leaning his back against the wooden wall, and starts reading to her. His voice soon lulls her to sleep. Luna refuses to give in to the tiredness, but her body demands rest. However, the storm raging outside jolts her awake from time to time.

As thunder and lightning chase each other on the dark sky, and winds howl around the ship, she opens her eyes again. Caspian is still next to her, reading silently now - his lips still moving.

» You know you don't have to stay, yes? « She tells him and curses her voice for sounding so weak,

» You surely have something better to do after all. « Caspian looks up from the book in his hands.

» Actually, I don't, « he replies with a smile and insists on keeping her company.

» But you- « she protests further but he cuts her off.

» Even an infectious disease couldn't keep me away from a friend's side for long, « he leans forward,

» So, don't bother discussing this and rest. « Luna obediently shuts her mouth, unable to hide a fond smile. The triumphant grin on his face indicates his satisfaction. He leans towards her a little further and lets his lips brush her forehead. The warrior's eyes were about to flutter closed once again; she now dares not to open them too suddenly. She can imagine the blush on her cheeks as she hears him settle back on the stool, probably getting lost in the book.

~

The rest of that day and the following night, Luna drifted in and out of sleep - she needed the bucket, twice. On the next morning it turned out Rynelf was right. She felt much better already, the seasickness started to fade. She was still drowsy, but fresh air helped with that as Caspian and she took a short walk around the ship. The storm wore of; therefore, they could pop by Drinian, Rynelf and Co. who were delighted to see the lassie back on her feet.

» Good to see ya on your own feet, « the first ship's mate teased, and Luna was glad Reep showed up on deck as if on cue to save her from further embarrassment. The day after, she was as good as new.

Luna smiles slightly at that memory and pats Eustace on the shoulder compassionately. The females helped him settle down on the sofa to rest and to spare his stomach more movement than absolutely necessary. He's already half asleep. It is late after all, nearly midnight. Outside, it's pitch-black but neither Lucy nor Luna want to go to sleep. Caspian and Edmund are still out there. The warrior cannot help but worry about them. Of course, they can handle themselves, but she should be with them, not play nurse for a sick boy. She must accept her situation, by king's orders, and this leaves a slightly irritated feeling towards Caspian.

The door opens and Anaru stalks in, a tray in hand.

» Your Majesty, Lady Luna, « the satyr greets them with a slight nod. He makes his way over to place the tray on the low table next to the sofa. He hands out some punch, a mixture of cold tea and rum to keep warm. It's common at sea, especially in times like this. Making tea would not be a good idea at the moment. Besides, there can't be any open fire. Due to all the swaying and rocking of the ship, a spark could set everything on fire. As they are on a ship which is made from wood, that fire would spread fast, and they would be doomed. So, no tea, thank you very much.

» Hmh, mother, « Eustace stirs in his slumber and turns to his side, his eyes fluttering open and shut a few times. Lucy sits down next to him, feeling his forehead. She gave him a drop of her healing cordial already but that obviously needs a little more time to work than usually. Eustace blinks at Anaru, looking very confused.

» Lucy... why does mother smell like a goat? « Luna snickers at that comment, giving the satyr an apologetic look. He stares at the boy a few moments, brow creased.

» He's delirious, « Lucy explains as she tries to get Eustace to take a few sips of the punch. He turns his nose up, clearly disgusted, refusing to drink. The warrior gives her some space, moving to her place by the window.

» Thank you, Anaru, « Lucy says as the sailor leaves.

Just a little while later, the door opens again, and two very tired and very wet kings enter. Eustace still rests on the sofa, sleeping uneasily. He tosses and turns, jolting awake from time to time when the thunder clashes. Lucy remained in her spot next to him, watching over him whilst Luna took to pace in front of the windows. Though, pace is a word someone would use for walking back and forth in a straight line. In lack of another, better fitting word, let us leave it at that. It's not easy to keep balance as the Dawn Treader is thrown from side to side as she races down huge waves into valleys of water, just to be catapulted up to the wave's crest again. Luna's stomach flips from time to time, especially when a wave breaks over the ship, spinning it further into this stormy dance. All that is forgotten at the sight of the two kings. They are soaked to the bone and surely freezing.

» Oh Aslan, are you alright? « Lucy frantically jumps up.

» Y-yes, « Edmund answers, shivering as Caspian closes the door behind them. They peel off their cloaks which already left small puddles on the floor. After they changed into dry clothes in the other cabin, Lucy pours them some of the punch. They still can't light a fire, so Luna fetches a few blankets. Lucy takes to helping her brother wrap up in the soft fabric, leaving the Crown Shield to help her king. And, of courses, she does.

» Thank you, « he mumbles as she settles next to him. Their eyes meet and Luna can see his tiredness. She smiles slightly, gesturing to the cup in his hands.

» Drink, you need warm up and rest, « she smooths the blanket on his shoulders, making sure he is tucked in. Just like he did for her when she was unwell.

» No, we've to get back soon, « Caspian protests. The women exchange a look.

» You shouldn't, « Lucy comments softly and waits for Luna to speak up as well.

» You are not going anywhere, « the warrior insists, referring to both of them but only looking at Caspian. He opens his mouth, but she doesn't let him speak.

» You just returned, it's the middle of the night. You need rest, « she places a hand on his shoulder,

» It's no good if you go overboard because you fell asleep. « He returns her gaze for a moment longer, then lowers his eyes. With a sigh he takes another sip from the punch.

» You're right, « he says quietly and leans back,

» Of course, you are. « A smile flickers over her face,

» Good, else I'd have gotten to the Crown Shield's order. « Edmund snorts. Caspian put his head back on the backrest. Now, he turns to face her with a raised eyebrow. She smiles at him as innocently as possible. He chuckles,

» Aye, I deserved that one. « He really did, but Luna won't say that out loud. He still is her king and a good one, at that, she doesn't disrespect him and certainly does not wish for anyone to have that idea. Their relationship is... complicated, to say the least. But it's on eye-level, mostly.

» Well, a story would be great now, « Edmund chimes in,

» What about the battles against Calormen? « Of all things, he had to choose that one. Those were dark times for Narnia. However, they shouldn't let that weigh them down now. Caspian closes his eyes tiredly, so Luna replies in his place, voice almost solemn,

» Let's not dwell on that now. «

» Then what about Cair Paravel? « Lucy suggests,

» Is the reconstruction of the castle finished already? « And starting with this happier topic, they spend the rest of the night talking, laughing, and finally dosing off to a well-earned slumber.

Just a short notice that the Character overview has been updated again!