The following day the sun rises so innocently over the horizon, Luna could think the grave message Coreakin gave them the previous evening was nothing more than a dream, a nightmare that brought havoc to their hearts but was gone with awakening. Unfortunately, she is reminded of the reality of it all from the stern faces she is met with at the breakfast table. The Duffers are up and about with no care in the world – now that they are visible again. Though the chief keeps nagging that Coreakin uglified them, hence they snuck upstairs to make themselves invisible. Lucy tries to convince them that they look adorable. To no avail. She returns her attention to the plate in front of her, hanging her head.

» Did you know there are monopods in Greek mythology? « Eustace tries to help his cousin while he munches on a warm pancake-like bread with melted butter and honey. Greek – another word Luna isn't familiar with. She intends to ask the boy about it later as she doesn't want to interrupt now.

» They don't really exist, of course, but there are drawings from the thirteenth century, « he blabbers on happily as everyone listens,

» The true origin is unknown. Probably inspiration was taken from deformed people, or they are only mythical creatures. «

» Monopods? « One of the Duffers asks,

» What's that supposed to be? «

» That's you! « Eustace is eager to explain, ignoring the frown on the Duffer's face,

» See, you have one foot, and mono is the word for- «

» Uglified we are! « The chief cries, earning the usual comments of agreement and that he may continue as he is doing well.

» I didn't mean to offend, I was merely pointing out- « the boy is cut off once again by the Duffers,

» Monopods is a fancy word. «

» Duffers we are, and Duffers we shall be! «

» Dufferpods- Ah, Monoffers, no... « some of them struggle to follow the conversation. Lucy giggles, the crew of the Dawn Treader is amused – only Drinian manages to keep a straight face – and the serious atmosphere fades.

» Duffelpuds! « Decides the chief, wording it all wrong but no one is going to correct him. The Duffers – or Dufflepuds now – are silent for a moment before cheering.

After the extensive breakfast, Drinian and part of the crew return to the ship. Coreakin accompanies them as well as some of the Duffles – as the men nicknamed them – who help carry provisions. The six friends head outside in the yard to stretch their legs. While Caspian, Edmund, and Reepicheep consider exploring the island further, Lucy wets a finger and holds it up. Her eyes glimmer as she turns to Luna,

» No wind. « The two women share a smile like friends who have the exact same idea. Eustace is with them; completely lost as he doesn't understand their silent conversation. He decides to exercise patience.

» Let's see if they have some targets, « Lucy suggests. She doesn't like to use trees for her archery practice – something that stuck with her from the old times where most of the trees were alive and liked to dance. Fortunately, the Duffles are well equipped and are happy to set up a shooting range for their guests. Lucy loves to use her sister's legendary bow and arrows, and the two are eager to get some practice in. Eustace opts to accompany them, and they show him how to use a bow. Reep wanders over to them and encourages the boy – Eustace is hit by the bowstring bounding back after releasing an arrow. That is why an archer needs to quickly pull the drawing hand onto the shoulder and out of reach of the string. A few of the Duffles join them – their bows are smaller and sturdier – and they all take turns at the four targets. Luna enjoys shooting arrow after arrow, especially the feeling of total control over her body and the weapon, and the calming effect it has when she focuses on her breathing, eyes set on the target. It has been a while since she got the opportunity to do this.

After watching for a while, the Duffles suggest a contest. Much to their delight, Luna agrees. Usually, she isn't fond of tournaments and the like, but she isn't opposed to the idea to mess with friends. Lucy doesn't want to participate as Queen Susan's bow is magical – hitting every target. The Duffles offer her another, but she respectfully declines.

» A shame it is, « their hosts rhyme,

» A shame indeed, «

» But give the lady the space she needs. «

As a few people are rounded up for the contest, the rest is either gathered to watch or on duty. Caspian doesn't participate either, his domain is the crossbow, not the longbow. Ed decides to try as he wants to give everyone a run for their money – he is quite competitive, fond of a challenge and always ready to tease. Two sailors – Elrik among them – and three Duffles participate as well. The Chief Duffer and Jonathan have taken to oversee the contest and tell the combatants to get ready. Caspian, Lucy, Reep, and Eustace walk over to where Ed and Luna are testing their bows. While Lucy reminds her brother not to turn this into a joke, Caspian reaches down to pick up Luna's quiver.

» Good luck, « he smiles at her, handing her three of the white-feathered arrows. As she reaches for them, their fingers brush ever so slightly. Her eyes lift to meet his gaze.

» Thank you. « He notices the rosy tinge on her cheeks with a warm feeling in his chest. Admittedly, he feels the heat creeping up his neck as well.

» Hey, what about me? « Ed interrupts the moment, and Luna pulls her hand back,

» Whose side are you on here? « Caspian blinks before a mischievous smirk appears on his lips,

» I was about to wish you luck as well, but if you want me to pick a side... « He leaves the sentence incomplete, glancing at Luna with a smile. She returns it almost timidly. While the King of Old feigns hurt, the Duffles' chief hops towards them,

» Everyone ready? The contest can commence, yes? « Luna weighs her bow in her hand, squaring her shoulders and giving a court nod. Caspian chuckles as she drifts into her warrior-mode, thinking back to one of the first archeries contests he witnessed her in.

~

In the early months of Caspian's reign, he had to grow into his role. Luna found herself in a similar situation as she was knighted and made Crown Shield to the King of Narnia. It was entirely new to her as she only moved in the shadows before, a servant in the Telmarine castle. They both struggled with lots of things, similar and different. Luna, for example, always had to fight for her position, prove herself over and over again to the men of the court who doubted her and her abilities. Even the ladies didn't all approve of a woman holding such an office. Her ideas weren't heard or fell on deaf ears, only Caspian listened. It affected her, of course, causing her to doubt herself, her value, her suitability for the position Aslan put her in. These doubts are planted in her mind to this day; they were one reason for the friendship between Caspian and her to drift apart. On the one hand, she started to view herself as a liability for him, distancing herself in the process. On the other, both of them tried to hold on to their friendship, even when they had to conceal deeper feelings.

As the council worked out a plan for the military, Luna was present in most of the meetings because of her service in the war as a commander of the Narnian forces – along with the centaur Glenstorm. The council decided that every young man in Narnia must complete basic military training at a certain age. Furthermore, higher positions and ranks within the army must be given to experienced soldiers. So, try-outs were held. Though, Luna's primary attention laid with the task given to her as the Crown Shield – to establish a system of protection for the king in every aspect of life. At the time, she was working on putting together the King's Guard. Not all by herself, mind you. However, a few council members suggested for her to participate in those try-outs as well, not to compete for her position as Crown Shield but for the rank of a commander, a general. They said she may have been knighted but must prove worthy of the important office she holds nevertheless, and without the favour of anyone. Caspian, the Narnian council members, and a few Telmarine lords objected to no avail. Luna could only silence the people who suggested this herself, proving her skill once again. Begrudgingly, Caspian agreed – Trumpkin put it as an opportunity which helped the king's decision – but on the condition that every high-ranking officer had to take part, Telmarines and Narnians alike.

Only days later, the try-outs took place. Caspian stood at the railing of the viewing stands, overlooking the field where the contestants readied themselves for the first of three tests: Archery. Every participant could choose their weapon, be it bow or crossbow. The young king's eyes quickly found who he was looking for. Her right side faced him as she put on a leather protection on her left forearm. Then, she fastened the quiver to her belt and picked up her bow. An umpire called the contestants to step in front of the target assigned to them. Luna gripped her bow with her left, positioning herself with a straight torso, feet apart, knees slightly bent.

» Are you sure she can do this? « Lord Donnon asked. Most of the council was with Caspian to watch the try-outs. The Lord Donnon secured himself a place close to the king. After the Narnian Revolution he proved himself to be loyal. Trumpkin didn't trust him, but the dwarf has never been the easiest to win over. Caspian didn't turn to the man next to him. He watched Luna intently as she nocked the arrow on her bowstring and raised the weapon to take aim. Her eyes were fixed onto the target, her hands steady.

» I'm certain of it, « Caspian told him,

» She never misses. « The king smirked to himself at the memory of her telling him those exact words a few years back. For a split second, her eyes met his and the two shared a faint smile. Then, the umpire ordered the contestants to take the first shot. Luna took a breath and, as she released the air, she let the arrow fly.

» Told you, « Jared, an army officer, chimed from the king's other side,

» She has exquisite aim. « Caspian smirked at that. He really wanted to tell the lords who doubted Luna's abilities the same, but the officer did a good job already.

~

Just as she did then, she does again – winning the contest just in time for lunch. Ed teases her on the way back to the mansion. Luna, however, shows no reaction whatsoever, other than a lasting smile as the Just King tries to outwit himself with his sarcastic remarks until he grows tired of it and finally falls silent. Eustace tries to cut in his cousin's rambling but is ignored.

» Don't take it personally, Eustace, « consoles Lucy,

» After duels he didn't win, he's always like this. « The boy frowns, thinking back to all the stories his four cousins told him about Narnia. He scolds himself for not listening half of the time as he deemed their retellings silly and childish. Now, he wishes to remember more of it and plans to ask them to tell him some more in the days to come.

In the early evening, the blue star is spotted. Coreakin told them to look for it specifically as it will lead them to Ramandu's Island. The sailors appreciate this information far more as the riddles the magician is speaking in most of the time. Drinian and Caspian are eager to add this star to the charts they keep of the night sky so different from the one they see back in Narnia. So, the Dawn Treader is ready to set sail once again. Coreakin and the Duffles see them off at the shore.

» Thank you for your hospitality and help, « Caspian bows in front of their hosts. The magician nods his head while the Chief Duffer puffs his chest. The other former Invisibles mirror the king's gesture more or less successful – some of them tip forward into the sand with their noses. Lucy giggles as she walks past them and towards her new friend. Everyone says their goodbyes. As it is Luna's turn, she steps up to the magician. Before she can speak, he leans forward slightly, eyes piercing hers. Luna almost takes a step back, startled by his sudden closeness and the intensity of his gaze.

» Your worst battle is yet to come, « his low voice sounds heavy,

» It'll rage between old enemies: What you know and what you feel. « Crinkles appear on her forehead,

» Pardon, sir, why- What do you mean? « However, Coreakin doesn't evaluate any further. Having said everything he meant to, he straightens, nodding at the young woman. Confused, she joins Caspian at the longboat where they wait for everyone to gather.

The king saw their host leaning in to Luna but didn't make much of it. As she comes to a halt by his side, he notices the flustered look on her features. She stares at the magician like one would stare at a puzzle, trying to figure it out. Subtly, Caspian's hand brushes her elbow. He waits for her attention to shift towards him before inquiring,

» Everything alright? « Luna conceals her confusion well, but he has seen it already, so there's no point in masking it in her answer.

» I'm not sure, « she mumbles, trying – and failing – to shake the strange feeling Coreakin's words left.