A/N: This chapter once was "The Calm" with is now included in Chapter 11. So, no need for confusion if there are comments relating to that chapter.

After a small breakfast, the six friends transfer back to the study. It's warmer there and everyone can rest a bit more. Eustace is still in the boys' cabin, refusing to leave his bunk. Edmund and Reepicheep attempt to play chess but every time the Dawn Treader hurtles down into the next wave trough, the pieces tumble all around the room – one has already gone missing. So, the Queen and King of Old show the mouse a game they use to play in their world, it's called City-Country-River. Every player receives something to write with. Then, one person silently starts the alphabet, and another has to 'stop' randomly. The resulting letter sets the round of the game. For example, if "D" is chosen, every player has to jot down a city, a country, a river, and whatever other category the players agreed on beforehand, starting with this very letter. Who completes it first, will receive the most points. It sounds fun but Luna feels nauseous, especially when focusing on writing, and retreats to the padded windowsill. Caspian doesn't join either, he broods over some papers.

The Crown Shield has no idea how much time has passed as there's a knock at the door and Drinian enters. The captain is soaked from head to toe. Everyone looks up from what they are doing and greet the man politely while he shrugs out of his coat. A puddle forms around his boots.

» Captain, how's it out there? « Caspian rises from his desk, both hands holding on to the edge. Drinian clears his throat, stalking over to the king,

» This storm's dour, but it should pass us soon. « Thank Aslan, Luna thinks as her head and stomach still feel funny - she could really do without another case of sea sickness.

» Do you know where we are, exactly? « Edmund steps to the desk as well where Drinian pulls out a map from the upper left drawer. Lucy sends the other female a look and they silently agree on sneaking a peak as well. However, as Luna stands her knees give in for only a moment as if they were made of jelly, and she has to grit her teeth to stay upright.

» Well, what's east of the Lone Islands? « Lucy asks just as the warrior reaches Caspian's desk, gripping the edge just in case.

» Uncharted waters, « Drinian's eyes wander over the map,

» Things you can barely imagine. There're tales of sea serpents and worse. « The siblings exchange a look. Where Lucy looks wary, a smile spreads on Edmund's lips,

» Sea serpents? « Drinian raises a brow, and the Dawn Treader shifts as more waves break at her bow as if in protest to the incredulous tone. The captain hasn't travelled to these waters either, so he can merely tell them what he heard. They knew what they were getting into, well, they had a faint idea. Luna, for one, never expected to be caught by slave traders and fall seasick but she will try her best to be ready for whatever comes next. Drinian still stares Edmund down. Quite understandable, sailors are superstitious. It is said joking of the sea will get back to you double.

» Alright, Captain, « Caspian's lips form a tight smile as he breaks the tense silence,

» Enough of those tall tales. « Luna's gaze wanders from him to the window and outside. She only hopes they are tall tales and don't turn out to be true after all.

~

» With all due respect, Your Majesty, this is no solution. « Reep trails the king as he enters the study. Luna looks up from her spot by the window. The book in her lap has long been closed as focusing on the lines doesn't agree with her stomach. The Dawn Treader is thrown from wave to wave. After the first storm has passed, only a day's rest was granted to them before the next front hit them. Now, the Crown Shield's questioning gaze meets Caspian's. He averts his eyes, shaking his head at the mouse,

» Enough, my friend, this is what I can contribute, don't rob me of that. « The small warrior hesitates in his steps, glancing over at Luna then back to the king – conflict stands so very clearly in his black eyes. While Cas settles at his desk unsteadily, the mouse hops closer,

» But, sire, this will- «

» Reepicheep, « the king's voice is warning as he cuts the other off, he has heard enough.

Luna watches as the tall mouse closes his mouth, frowning. If he wasn't as noble as he is, he would huff in frustration. Seeing her friends in disagreement brings a question to her dry lips but she keeps them closed. It is not her place and being nosy not her nature. Anyways does she suspect what weighs on Caspian to shut the others out. Two days ago Drinian has informed the six friends that their supplies are growing short – most worrying is the water. They have left enough for about two weeks as a few barrels were damaged. Rationing has begun. This means it is solely for drinking, no washing with clear water, only take from the sea to clean dishes, clothes, and skin.

While Reep leaves the cabin, Luna settles back into the cushions Lucy and Eustace dragged onto the padded windowsill. Her eyes are set on the king who brushes his hands over his pale face as soon as the mouse's back is turned. A few strands of hair fall loose from where he pulled it back at the nape of his neck. The usual silky shine has been replaced with dull grease – a result of the salt water that makes skin sticky and hair as that. After a few moments he lowers his hands, hesitating to place his palms to the surface of the desk. He stares down at them and Luna follows his gaze, detecting the slight trembling. Widened ever so slightly, her eyes snap back to his face where dark shadows lay below his eyes which are unusually hooded. His tongue flits out to wet his lips and something falls into place for Luna. Her lips part, a sharp breath entering her lungs. Caspian stiffens. Slowly, the king lifts his gaze. Heavy, drifting from his hands over the desk to his Crown Shield in a manner as if awaiting inevitable disagreement from yet another. This leaves her time to adjust her face into a composed mask, sorting the thoughts that were stirred up like fallen leaves lifted from the ground by a gust of wind.

» How many cups did you give away? « Her question is quiet yet firm, the lack of scolding judgment shouldn't surprise him. Brown eyes study him gently as his gaze finally reaches the Crown Shield. He sighs, noticing the unspoken worry and alarm in her posture. Reep's warning echoes in his mind. He didn't want to hear it, still doesn't, refusing to sit here, unable to help the crew – apart from occasionally lending a hand. So, offering to share his water with the men who do most work seems only natural. The mouse – bound to stay inside – has taken to watch the supplies closely, noticing the king taking a cup of water here and there away instead of drinking it himself. Once again, he tries to wet his lips, swallowing drily. He has ignored it all day, the dry mouth, the additional swaying. They are all exhausted after all. Under Luna's watchful gaze, however, this façade crumbles and a wave of dizziness washes over him. Closing his eyes, he leans back, breathing deeply.

As he opens them again, the windowsill is empty. He startles at the soft touch at his shoulder. That out of himself he is, he didn't even hear her silent footfalls. Luna offers him a waterskin – probably one of those stashed here for emergencies. She balances as a jerk runs through the ship, eyes never leaving his. Her hand remains outstretched, lifting the skin. Determined, insistent. Their fingers brush as he takes it, fumbling with the cap. A few moments later the sip of water restores his determination. Corking the skin he sets it down and stands. Only for the dizziness to return, his vision spinning, making him sway on his feet. He painfully stumbles against the edge of the desk. Luna's hands are quick to steady him, and he must allow her to guide him. His hammock is too far away, so the ladies' chamber it is. Her grip remains strong as he mumbles a protest, his tongue longing for another sip of water.

Soon, the scent of clean linen mixed with Luna's engulf him as she helps him lie down. He barley notices as she slips off his boots and draws the blanket up to his waist. Then, a hand slides behind his head for support and the water skin is held to his lips.

» Slowly, « his Crown Shield reminds him as he drinks and smiles gently,

» You'll be alright. « He knows he is in good care, allowing himself to drift off. Now and then he is awoken to take another sip of water.

~

» Here, « Lucy hands her friend two refilled water skins, casting a glance to Caspian. Thankfully, he has been sleeping soundly through the night. Luna sat by his side the entire time, nursing him back to health. The queen offered to take over for a while, but the warrior was not to be moved away, insisting to stay with her king. Now, she collects the empty skins from the bedside table,

» Have you been drinking enough? « Luna looks up, drawing her hands from the king's arm.

» Don't worry, I'm used to it, « she muses. Lucy's brow crinkles as she gives the other woman a stern look,

» What, to dehydration? « She nudges a skin into the Crown Shield's hand, urging her to drink just as the other has done the previous afternoon for the king.

» Don't think I haven't noticed you giving up nearly an entire day's ration. « The twinkle vanishes from Luna's eyes as she sighs and, after turning the water skin in her hands, drinks.

About an hour later, Caspian stirs from his slumber. He feels rested, energized, rehydrated, though not yet back to full health. For a moment he thinks it all a bad dream as his recollection of the previous day is hazy. Opening his eyes he blinks, finding himself not in his hammock but a bed and his Crown Shield on a stool by his bedside. She leans against the nightstand, knees drawn to her chest, arms, and head rest on top. Asleep. A glance around tells him of his whereabouts – the king's cabin. Though not even a look out the window helps in determining what time it might be. Carefully – not to wake her nor provoke dizziness – he sits up. His limbs are still heavy, and his senses blurred. His vision ceased to spin, yet he feels beaten. But he couldn't possibly lay back down. Then again, what else could he do in this state?

Turning to his right he places a hand on Luna's arm. She flinches and blinks at him drowsily. The feverish glimmer has left his eyes, though he is still very pale. His smile, however, seems stronger. He tilts his head towards the other side of the large bed, gently guiding her there. Exhausted and slightly dehydrated as well, she doesn't protest much – only insisting he drink more which he complies to after handing her the other water skin. Afterwards they settle down, facing each other. The Crown Shield's eyes already drift shut, her iron will only holding them open long enough to exchange a gaze with her king. Watching her drift back to slumber, he falls asleep as well.

They awaken a few hours later to rumbling thunder. Next door in the study they hear Eustace cry and complain that everyone receives more water and food than he does. Luna presses her face into the mattress, grumbling, before moving to rise. Cas' hand on hers stops the warrior. Silent understanding passes between them, and they share a smile. Their hands touch still as they try to shut their eyes a little longer. If only to escape the boy's complainery. Of course, they later apologize to Lucy for occupying her sleeping quarters – the queen only smiles gracefully, saying they needed it, and she spent the night by Eustace's side anyways.

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