As her eyes flutter open again, a strange light floods the room. It's grey and gloomy. What time is it? A low grumbling outside brings back all her senses. Luna finds herself still on the sofa in the parlour. Her back rests against the soft cushion, but her head... her head leans on Caspian's shoulder. The king is fast asleep, breathing steadily. The blanket in which she wrapped him now covers them both. It is warm and cosy, and for a moment she allows herself to enjoy the comfort. Then, she forces herself to sit up slowly, without waking Caspian. Lucy sleeps on the second sofa, whereas Edmund is curled up in the wing chair. Eustace's previous spot next to Lucy is empty. The warrior's eyes travel around the room to find him on the floor in front of the sofa. He must have fallen due to the ship's rocking in the storm. However, the blond seems comfortable enough in his new sleeping place. Luna rubs her hands over her face to get rid of the sleepiness. Quietly, she rises and moves to the window. The sea outside looks the same as hours before. Waves, high as houses, pile up and collapse again in an unknown rhythm. The wind whips them up and splatters the spume and pushes them towards the Dawn Treader. The water breaks roughly at the ship's bow, rocking them like a nutshell – as Eustace likes to call this ship. Nevertheless, Luna decides to pop up on deck and check in with Drinian and the crew. Maybe they need a hand, and she wishes the others to rest up. Else, the kings probably would rush to work again. Neither of them is used to this kind of labour under such rough conditions - heavy rain, strong winds, waves crashing over the deck with forces greater than a man can stand against. So, they really need to restore their energy if they want to get back up there later on.

After she left the parlour, the Crown Shield climbs up the stairs to the deck. As she opens the hatch to climb up, a gush of ice-cold water hits her. Perfect, already wet to the bone before even setting one foot outside. Goosebumps roll down her back as she shudders and hesitates for a second, tempted to just go back to sleep downstairs. But no, she is not made of sugar after all. So, she hurries up and closes the hatch behind her. To her surprise, the rain is lighter now, the droplets much smaller. The air is fresh but not cold, the salty smell grew fainter. Maybe the rain washed it away. The crew is busy at work, always securing and checking the ropes, tying them in various knots to make sure they hold. No sails are open to catch the wind in them and no flag is hissed, the force would tear the fabric apart.

Luna makes her way towards the quarterdeck. Not entirely without stumbling, not even without bumping into a sailor. But – after a while – she reaches the top of the stairs and there is Captain Drinian on his post at the wheel. A second man helps him to steer. Both of them wear coats with hoods to have at least a little cover from the forces of nature. However, they are completely soaked, and the warrior hopes, their resilience is strong enough for them to not get sick.

» Mornin', « Drinian bellows over the wind as soon as she is close enough to hear him,

» Shouldn't ya be below deck? « She cannot help but snort. In principle, he is right. Caspian never lifted his order. Well, on the other side, he never said he wants her to stay below deck during the entire storm. Those can last days, weeks even, and Luna is sure he doesn't expect her to stay inside for that long. So, she just shrugs. Is that a smirk on Drinian's features? It could be imagination.

» Good morning to you too, « she greets him loudly,

» Any news for the king? « The captain wipes the water from his face and blinks through the rain to look ahead, then upwards to the dark sky.

» Ah, « he sniffs and readjusts his grip on the wheel,

» No'ne can say when this wet hell passes. But shouldn't last much longer. «

» How do you know that? « She mirrors him and squints to get a glimpse of the clouds. They are dark grey, hanging not far above the mast. To her, it even seems as if one could touch them from the crow's nest.

» Don't strain your eyes, lassie, « Drinian advises,

» Smell the air. « She resists the urge to raise an eyebrow and look at him quizzically, instead she does as told. Slightly lifting her head, she lets the wind brush around her nose, ignoring the raindrops on her skin. It smells less salty than usual, as she noted before. That's not all, however, the humid scent is gone. It was strong the day this weather change happened. Luna turns back to Drinian with a nod.

» See, the mugginess is gone, « he turns his attention ahead of the Dawn Treader,

» Looks like some more turbulence. Get back down and tell the king I'll stop by later, ye landlubbers stay in. « Without further questions, she does as he orders. If Drinian warns from something thalassic, the warrior would recommend everyone to obey immediately. There's a reason why he was made captain of Narnia's flagship and entrusted with the king's safety on board.

Those turbulences hit just as Luna reaches the hatch into the belly of the ship. She slips and as there is nothing she can grab for balance; she skitters a few steps away from the hatch. Luckily, she manages to get hold of the railing. The next moment, she finds herself looking down in the tempestuous water. The waves that just built up nearly even to the railing crash down and open a wave trough in which the Dawn Treader hurtles with immense speed. Her stomach turns and she is grateful they didn't have breakfast yet. Now, she won't need anything. She is even more grateful for two pairs of hands guiding her to the hatch and down the stairs steadily. Those hands belong to Halion and Pittencream, two sailors who probably couldn't be more different. Halion is one of the tallest men she has ever known. He possesses large hands and great strength, so he could kill with bare hands alone. However, he has kind eyes. His olive skin contrasts with Pittencream's lighter one. Of course, being a sailor entails tanned skin but nevertheless, his skin is rather white. He is short, even shorter than Lucy, maybe Eustace's height. Only Tingel the dwarf is shorter. Contrary to many other sailors, he isn't that bulky either.

» What were ya thinking?! « Pittencream sounds annoyed,

» Ye flimsies should stay down 'ere. « Taken aback, Luna doesn't reply. The scare from before and the lingering dull feeling in her stomach may be to blame for her lack of words. Halion, not a man of many words, just raises an eyebrow and clasps his college on the back. With a nod towards the hatch, he gives the sign to get back to work.

» Thank you, « the warrior manages to say and swallows, contemplating if she will need that bucket today. Pittencream huffs grumpily and the two are gone.

After wringing out her coat and hair, leaving puddles all through the hallway, she makes her way back to the others. She knocks once and enters without invitation. However, she finds everyone awake, stretching a little but always holding on to something.

» Luna, good morning, « Caspian greets her with a smile. She returns the gesture. Then, she peels off her coat and hangs it on a hook next to the door. The dripping clothing already formed another small puddle at her feet.

» By the mane, « Edmund exclaims,

» Is it still raining so heavily? « He rises and manages to reach the padded windowsill without much stumbling. He has Luna's deepest respect for that.

» Does that storm have no end? « Eustace mumbles more to himself and crosses his arms. Just a moment later, the ship jolts slightly and the boy's hands shoot out to grab the armrest of the sofa tightly.

» No, no, the rain became lighter, « the Crown Shield reaches for the wall to stay upright during the rocking of the ship. She feels her knees weaken and the thought of those raging waves just makes it worse. So, she waits for a calmer moment and slowly walks over to the sofas.

» Is everything alright? « Caspian offers his hand to secure her along the last few steps to her previous spot next to him. Grateful, she accepts and lets herself be guided.

» You look white like a linen, « Reep adds as his friend settles down, less graceful than intended. She just shakes her head and tells them what Drinian ordered her to pass on.

» In that case, I'll freshen up a bit, « Lucy announces and turns to the other female,

» And you should get out of those wet clothes. « Luna nods and averts her eyes to the floor; the queen is right. Probably, she shouldn't even sit here.

» Then I'll go and see, if we can get a small breakfast, « Edmund suggests and receives approval from his sister as well as from Caspian. At the thought of food, Luna's stomach does a flip, and she tries to breathe as calmly as possible. Eustace squirms a little in his seat, clearly pouting about something.

» I'll do without, « he says,

» I'd prefer some more sleep. The night was awful... How can you think of food now, anyways? « This time, Luna must agree with him. The constant swaying of the ship doesn't really whet her appetite and she would like to lay down for a minute. However, she tells herself to get it together. This storm does get to her more than she'd like to admit.

» Alright, if you're sure. You can eat later, and I'll accompany you to your cabin, « Lucy offers her cousin. He visibly relaxes at the thought of not having to go alone. She rises and Eustace with her. Lucy shoots Luna a look that probably intends to remind her to go and change before they move to leave the room. As Edmund follows them towards the door, the warrior rises as well.

» I don't need anything either, « she walks over to the King of Old who holds the door open for her. She intends to let them enjoy their breakfast and join them later again. However, that doesn't work out as planned.

» So just something to drink for you then? « Edmund asks with a smile.

» A grog does do wonders, « Caspian adds from his place on the sofa.

» We know that from experience, « Edmund jokes as he closes the door behind them. He raises an eyebrow at Luna, waiting for her response. After a deep breath, another attempt to calm down her stomach, she agrees to return soon, and they part.

~

Her hair is still wet as she runs her hand through the long strands. It grew to nearly reach her waste again since she cut it before the journey on board the Dawn Treader. Before she enters the parlour through the connecting door from the king's quarters again, Luna straightens her fresh clothes; dark trousers and a burgundy blouse paired with her boots and a sword-belt, only with a dagger instead of Ivelle. Against her expectation, someone is still here. Caspian sits at his desk and stares out the window. The parlour is his study as well, after all. Between the sofas and the windows stands the king's desk. Shelves line most of the walls, some filled with books, some with other utensils. The other friends probably are in the salon to have breakfast. Luna stands in the doorway for a moment; Caspian seems deep in thought. His head is propped up on his hands as he continues watching the storm outside. He didn't hear her entering. A smile flickers over her lips and she walks towards him.

» Didn't you want to have breakfast too? « Her voice is gentle to not startle him. The king lifts his head and turns to look at his Crown Shield.

» Well, I was waiting for you, « he rises from his seat. Now, he stands directly in front of her. She cannot help but smile again at his words.

» Thank you, « she turns to go ahead,

» Let's go then, we can't have you starve yourself. « She hears him chuckle, then he falls in step with her. They leave the study, heading for the salon or dining room – whatever one wants to call it.

As they step out in the hallway, Luna shudders. It's cooler here than in the rooms and cabins. However, she will be warm again soon enough, so she says nothing about it and walks on. Caspian noticed, though. His hand on her arm stops her and she half turns around.

» You're cold, « he states,

» I'll get you a blanket. « That's considerate of him but he shouldn't worry about it. So, Luna puts her hand over his without thinking to stop him,

» It's fine. I'll warm up with the grog. « He already moved a step back towards the study. Now, he steps closer again, looking her over. His gaze swipes over the warrior's wet hair and returns to meet hers.

» Then take this at least, « he says, already shrugging out of his jacket. She is about to decline the offer, but he holds up one hand while handing her the jacket,

» I insist. « He does that a lot but how is she supposed to say no to this? So, she lets him help her into the, a little too big, clothing obediently. Caspian rubs his hands up and down her arms a few times to make sure she is warm enough. Standing so close together and his care should make her feel uncomfortable but... it doesn't, not really. They have been friends for long years, and she feels entirely comfortable around him most of the time, so this, of course, is no exception. Luna looks up at him with a thankful smile.

» Better? « He asks, voice dropping low as he lets one hand rest on her arm.

» Much. « He lifts his other hand to brush a stray strand of hair from her cheek and back behind my ear. She shudders again slightly; her body must be more cooled down than she thought. Caspian's hand remains on her cheek, his skin warm against hers as they gaze into each other's eyes. Her thoughts stop for a moment and her breath catches. What is this new feeling? It's warm and tingly...

Suddenly, a door creaks down the hall and they are ripped back to reality from who knows where. Footsteps and voices are carried towards them. Luna takes a rushed step back from Caspian and whirls around, her reflexes forcing one hand to the hilt of her dagger. An extreme reaction given they are on a ship where everyone knows everyone, no? That's why you never sneak up on a trained fighter.

» Ah, there you are, « Edmund says, and the Crown Shield breathes a sigh of relief. Sure, she could have known there is no real danger. Still, her heart beats in her throat.

» We were just coming to look for you, « Reep adds,

» I'm afraid the grog can't be heated but it has to do for now. « Luna knows she should say something; however, her heartbeat is still too fast for any of this. As there's no reply from Caspian either, she turns towards him again. His hands dropped to his sides, and he looks at all of them, seeming a bit... lost. His Crown Shield doesn't get the opportunity to say anything – what may be better anyways – as Reep climbs up to her shoulder. His fur presses against her neck. It's not that warm but still warmer than her skin.

» Come, « Edmund gestures for everyone to follow him,

» Or Lucy will have our heads for letting you get sick out here. «

Notice: The Character overview got updated with two new faces.