After the storm blows over, the following days are quiet, everyone is exhausted. This day is no different, people's energies return slowly and the one or other feels up to telling a joke again. Luna sits outside on the middle deck, a whetstone in one hand, while the other holds Ivelle's broadside over her knees. Again, and again the stone grinds over the metal, each stroke sharpening the sword's edges. It is the kind of work that passed into her flesh and blood long ago, so her thoughts wander while she listens with half an ear to the chatter around her. A fine haze lays over the sea, making the air humid. The young woman enjoys the sun warming her, and the fresh breeze that herds the ship onwards steadily, driving away the lingering cold the storm and constant wetness left behind.

» ...can't go on like this, «

» ...back home, «

» ...turn around. « These scraps of conversation let Luna lift her head slightly, listening more closely. She forces herself to not take her eyes off her work and continue without hesitation. It is an instinct, but she scolds herself – here on the Dawn Treader she is among friends, she shouldn't eavesdrop on their conversations. Another stroke over the blade, the whetstone makes a light ringing noise as it continues its path. Still, something in the peaceful atmosphere starts to shift.

» We need new supplies but in these forsaken waters we won't get any, « someone mumbles,

» It'll be small rations for the journey home. « Another voice huffs,

» Aye, now what? We can't do anything about it. «

» Ask the king to turn around? « The first suggests.

» Ha, as if he'd break off his search! « A third voice hisses. Luna rolls her shoulders, her gaze clinging to her sword, but her attention lays with that conversation.

» We could just ask; he'll see reason and- «

» Forget it, « the third voice doesn't let the second finish.

» Why, ye afraid of the king's watchdogs? « A new voice cuts in mockingly. Luna tenses, the voices are familiar, of course, yet she can't place everyone right away.

» 'course not! « The sailor defends himself – not convincingly,

» Now, we're good lads on board, the king will certainly listen to us. «

» Hmpf. «

» Ya got another idea? « Someone challenges the fourth person. After a moment's hesitation, they reply,

» There's always another way... « Luna has difficulties to not shoot up from her spot, what they are implying is more or less treason!

A small shadow slips next to her, causing her to flinch.

» Not yet, my friend, « Reepicheep whispers while settling down next to her rather casually. He draws out his rapier, holding it up to inspect its edge. However, it is all pretence. In reality, he is tense as well, focusing on the four sailors and their interesting conversation. Luna straightens her back, gifting her friend a tight-lipped smile. This feels like one of the many missions the two warriors went on: fighting, escorting, spying. What things they have experienced! In passing, the young woman lets her eyes wander over the deck. A few sailors are scrubbing the planks and cleaning up the last remains of the storm. Drinian is in his usual place at the wheel, eyes narrowed at a certain group of four standing between the mast and Luna's spot. He barks at another sailor to take over for him, then the captain makes his way down and disappears below deck. Probably, he notifies Caspian of the situation. Among the four is Pittencream, not particularly a known troublemaker but someone who is always in a foul mood and voices his opinions every chance he gets. Not that he has no right to have opinions, of course he has, controversial ones too – however, he tends to mock and comment on things or people in high places, complaining about everything as nothing can meet his expectations. Not as blatantly as Eustace did, but with a sharper, edge to it that goes almost undetected. Luna is torn. Naturally, she keeps an eye and both ears on these four sailors. Her instincts tell her to thoroughly assess any potential threat to king and country. Yet, she reminds herself this isn't one of her usual missions – these are friends, comrades. That entails a certain level of trust and a code of honour. Spying on their conversations, taking what maybe were wrongly worded concerns as a threat of mutiny right away... That wouldn't be right. Then again, Coreakin warned them about the mist, or what lurks behind in the veiled dark. As Reep clears his throat discreetly, Luna rips her troubled gaze from the sailors, lowering her eyes on her sword. They don't seem to have noticed her stare. Foolish, she scolds herself, such a beginner's mistake!

There, Drinian reappears on deck with Caspian and Edmund following close behind. Both kings hesitate before climbing the stairs to the quarter deck. An uneasy feeling befalls them. Caspian narrows his eyes against the cool breeze that sweeps over the Dawn Treader, pushing his hair into his face.

» What is it, Drinian? « He asks upon reaching the top of the stairs. The captain gazes down on the men working on the main deck. The group of four split up, whispering to the one or other comrade. One by one turn to look up to their leaders. This is not good.

» The storm's blown us off course, « Drinian turns back to the kings, tilting his head to the side ever so slightly to direct their attention towards the men. Both noticed something isn't right. Edmund catches on a littler quicker,

» When we keep heading east, we could run out of rations... « The captain nods in agreement, features grave as he takes another look at the crew.

» I don't like the looks we get, « he states,

» Something's gotten into the men. « He has seen the one or other mutiny go down, seen leaders and captains handle situations like this – the tricky part is, whatever they did, according to the book or not, on some occasions, things did still escalate. Now, he eyes those two young kings, weighing the options. They both had their fair share of adventures, experiences that make them good leaders. Yet, they are younger than most of the sailors in this crew and know little about sailing themselves. Well, King Edmund might – Drinian won't pretend to quite understand how travelling worlds and ageing here and there work. Whatever the case may be, the next few minutes will be crucial for keeping the peace on this ship. He, for one, is certain to stand by his king and lend a helping hand. The captain doesn't like to assume things without the proper insight, but Caspian seems a little lost right now. Hopefully, lost in thought, he won't have much time to prepare his next moves.

» What's goin' on? « The call from the main deck lets Drinian straighten. Time's up.

Caspian's eyes dart from nowhere down to the men. Meanwhile, everyone stopped what they were doing to see what this is all about. The king steps closer to the railing. Resting his hands on the wood, he hopes to appear steadier than he feels.

» Where are we? « Someone asks.

» Did they get us lost? « With the increasing murmuring, uneasiness and insecurity take hold of the crew. Caspian can't think of any reason why this is happening all of a sudden, other than the mist – not that it is important right now, but the magician told them to be prepared.

» Don't order them, « Ed advises from behind Caspian. The current King of Narnia nods,

» It would just provoke them. « His gaze wanders over the faces staring up at him, searching for one in particular. He finds what he is looking for on the opposite side of the middle deck. Luna sits close to the railing, sword over her knees. She puts a whetstone aside without taking her eyes from the unfolding event. Reepicheep is next to her, one paw on the hilt of his rapier. The trained eye will notice how tense the two warriors are. Caspian's attention is drawn to Gerard, who makes his way through the crowd,

» Your Majesties, what some of us meant to ask for some time now is how we're goin' to get home. «

» Aye! « Pittencream shouts above the approving murmur,

» What hopes do we have to see Narnia again? « The king looks over his shoulder, exchanging gazes with Edmund and Drinian. The crew quiets down as he leaves the spot at the railing, moving to the stairs.

Rynelf stands on the main deck as well. He has his hand on his sides, observing the three leaders on the quarter deck. He wonders what is happening, all seemed fine a while ago. The unrest came out of nowhere, yet it reaches for the first ship's mate as well. Defiantly, he lifts his chin as Caspian reaches the bottom steps.

» Gentlemen, I understand how you feel, « says he,

» But our mission is to continue east. « His voice is gentle, yet without leaving doubt at his decision. The sailors shake their heads, disagreeing.

» Nay! « Someone shouts.

» We wanna go home, « Rynelf hears himself say,

» Turn us back! «

» What's the matter with you all? « Rhince steps forward, addressing his companions rather than the king,

» This is just yar fear talking. « After a moment's silence, he is ignored.

» We demand ya turn us back! « Pittencream speaks, backed up by other voices,

» Now! «

Caspian hears Drinian curse under his breath. The captain followed him down the stairs. The murmur isn't a murmur anymore, it develops to a chant, fuelled by the uneasiness. Refusing to fuel it more by a thoughtless statement, Caspian stays silent. From this spot, he can't oversee all of the middle deck. So, he is unable to make out where the attention is drawn to as movement ripples through the crowd.

As she can't see Caspian from her sitting position anymore, Luna decides to step up. Whatever this is, it must end. The sooner the better. Or someone could get hurt. She nods to Reepicheep and rises, looking down at her sword for a moment before deciding to sheath it. Hopefully, she won't need it. Everything within her churns at the thought of using it against these people. So, she starts to make her way to the front of the crowd, Reep following her. She doesn't get far as a hand curls around her arm. Elrik draws her back a step, concern flickering in his eyes,

» You sure ya wanna get involved in this? « Luna frowns,

» We're literally all in the same boat. Besides, « she pushes his hand off her, rolling her shoulders,

» It's my job. « Elrik lifts his eyebrows,

» I was afraid you'd say that... « he sighs,

» Alright, lead the way. « Luna doesn't ask, questions can wait. Instead, the three work their way to the front while the shouts and demands continue.

» We demand we turn back! « Pittencream repeats as Luna tries to slip past him. Caspian's eyes are on her immediately. Unfortunately, so is the attention of the crowd.

» Ah, milady, « the sailor exclaims,

» What do ya think? « Put on the spot like this, the woman struggles for words. Her gaze travels over the people surrounding her directly, then she glances at Caspian.

» About our position at sea or your general displeasure? « She then retorts, once again scolding herself. She should settle this, not rile them up. However, Pittencream has something about him that just gets under her skin. Of course, the exchanged looks between Caspian and her didn't go unnoticed. The sailor smirks,

» Aye, what am I asking one of the king's guard dogs, yar leash isn't long enough, is it? « Reep is next to Luna in an instant, ready to teach this man some manners, but a simple gesture from her stops him. The crowd murmurs on, seemingly parting in two camps. Tingel nudges Pittencream,

» Come on, lay off. « The latter's smirk grows,

» What, ye afraid? « He takes a menacing step towards Luna who doesn't move a muscle. While Elrik tries to talk sense into his comrades, she fixates the sailor in front of her. Caspian finds his finger curl around the hilt of the dagger he is always carrying around the ship instead of his sword. He climbs down the last steps, prepared to intervene anytime. He knows she can handle this, but neither of them has ever been in a mutiny.

Meanwhile, Pittencream leans forward,

» Barking dogs don't bite. « His mocking voice is loud enough for the bystanders to hear. Some laugh, others perk up or even back away. Luna pays them no attention; she draws one foot forward. That movement alone lets Pittencream flinch slightly. He doesn't shrink back, though. If he had, he would lose any credibility he may possess among the sailors. He is brave, she has to give him that, or foolish – the difference isn't always easy to discern.

» Or do you? « He taunts, glancing at the others from the corners of his eyes to see if he still has support.

» No attack doesn't mean no defence, « Luna forces herself to stay calm. She only allows her knees to bend and draws her elbows closer to her body. As he realizes she sinks into a fighting stance, Pittencream pales and ducks his head. Yet, he still doesn't back down. The two stare each other down until he finds his voice,

» Nay, ya wouldn't bite. « He draws the 'Nay' to taunt her even more. A small smile flickers over her features,

» You sure enough about that to try me? « She relishes in the horrified look crossing the short sailor's face.

That's when Drinian steps in. He can't have one of his men fighting the Lady Luna, even if she is a skilled warrior. What a disgrace that would be for him and his crew! Oh, the captain would wish dishonour on them for the rest of their live. He brushes past King Caspian, who nods imperceptibly at him.

» Are you threatening mutiny? « Drinian raises his voice as he walks in front of the crowd.

» Ha!? « At the threatening sound he makes afterwards, everyone takes a step back. Immediately, the men seem like replaced with their usual selves.

» No, sir, « Rynelf mumbles, creasing his forehead in confusion. As nobody moves, Drinian lifts his hands,

» What are ya waiting for!? Back to yar posts! « In the following shuffling, a sour looking Pittencream brushes past Luna.

» He's something else coming for him anyway... « he mumbles. Maybe he doesn't realize he said it out loud. Maybe he doesn't think she would catch it, but she does. Luna stiffens at the threat, whoever it is directed towards. She blocks his path by bumping her shoulder into his. She leans in, hissing into his ear,

» Barking dogs may not bite, « she turns her head to look him in the eye,

» But truly, did you ever see me bark? «

Happy new year everyone ^^

Who knows the deleted scenes from VotDT?

Sorry for the delay in posting the new chapter, I got caught up in work and uni stuff... I'll try to do better. In the meantime, I'd love to hear from you. How do you like this chapter, the story, the faceclaim, the cover...?

Have a great week!

Yours,

Lola