After Edmund's realization, a blueish glimmer brightens the darkening sky. The group of the Dawn Treader turn their heads upwards to find two balls of light descending towards them – one a bit smaller than the other. Luna is mesmerized, yet quick-witted enough to tighten the hold on her sword. The two balls stop a few feet above the ground at the head of the table. Their light illuminates the surroundings well enough for Luna to make out some kind of platform behind them, a balcony maybe, that allows a view of the sea. The men's mumbling draws her attention back to the lights that now move within themselves, transforming into two creatures: One is a man with long white hair and a beard just as white and long. These features indicate his old age, yet his knowing eyes possess a youthful glimmer. The other is a woman standing as tall as her companion with hair as golden as the sun. Both are clad in silver robes and the same blueish glow the balls of light were made of.

Caspian has his sword drawn and moves around the table to stand in between Lucy and Luna. The latter glances at him, catching his gaze. They exchange a silent understanding to have each other's backs, something that wouldn't need any more reassurance, actually. Edmund and Reep edge closer as well with the entire group behind them, weapons at the ready. The newcomers, however, don't seem threatening at all. They have the same peaceful aura around them as this island.

» Travellers of Narnia, be welcomed, « the man addresses them,

» I am Ramandu, guardian of this land. « The woman smiles gracefully, taking a step forward,

» Aren't you hungry? There is a place for everyone at Aslan's Table. « The men all took a step back from the table before. Now, Tavros leans forward, grabbing an apple from a bowl to investigate it.

» Wait, « Edmund turns to the glowing woman,

» Who are you? « He is still wary, yet he feels drawn to her. Her beauty is overwhelming, his senses blur. Naturally for this state, his voice is gentle.

» I'm Lilliandil, but you may know me as the blue star, « she speaks melodiously. Raising her hands, the candles on the table light up,

» Now, help yourselves. « She gestures at the table overflowing with food. Still, no one moves.

» What- « Ed clears his throat,

» What happened to them? « He points at the three men at the head of the table. Lilliandil's smile falters.

» These lords were half-mad as they reached our shores, « Ramandu puts his hands behind his back,

» As they threatened violence upon each other here, they were sent to sleep. The oldest laws of this world forbid violence at Aslan's Table. « So, these are three of the four remaining lost lords, leaving one to go.

» Will they ever wake? « Lucy asks, now pitying the enchanted sleepers. The older star bows his head,

» When all is put right, yes. « The two stars beckon the six friends with them. They oblige after nodding to the men. So, they hesitantly take a seat at the table and fill their plates.

~

The friends follow the stars out on the balcony Luna spotted before.

» So, you were our guide? « Lucy asks Lilliandil. She smiles and gives a nod.

» You're a star then... « Caspian mumbles. He looks at her with a strange twinkle in his eyes. His voice adopts the same tone as Edmund's as he speaks again,

» You're most beautiful, my lady. « Next to him, Luna stops short, glancing at him. He takes one step closer to the female star without eyes for anything, or anyone, else. Luna's heart stings at the scene. Then it clenches, pumping passionate anger through her veins. She has never felt anything like it, which is quite confusing. Not that the warrior is slow to anger altogether, but she has never been possessive of someone. She shakes her head slightly, trying and failing to clear her thoughts. As she turns back to said star, the anger passes as fast as it came. Lilliandil is indeed beautiful, and the peace surrounding her like this blueish light is enough to calm Luna's heart. Something awoke within her, though, leaving her overwhelmed by her own feelings. The star's eyes widen at the king's words, flickering to the two other women.

» I- If it is a distraction, I can change form, « she suggests.

» No! « Cas and Ed exclaim quickly. Lucy exchanges a look with Luna and rolls her eyes at the men's antics. Impossible, really.

Eustace has his head tilted to the side, studying these strangely glowing people. Back home, they would be called aliens. He hopes they aren't going to talk as confusingly as Coreakin did, he has had enough of riddles. Unfortunately, the fallen star won't be the boy's last encounter with mysteries to decrypt. Eustace noticed the hurt cross Luna's features at Caspian's remark. He is too young to really understand being in love, yet he – like his cousins – is a well enough observer. He picks up on things, and by getting to know these two he realized long ago something is going on.

Now, Ramandu tells them the only way to awaken the lords is to sail to the edge of the world and there to leave one member of the crew behind. To get there, however, they must defeat and destroy the evil that blocks the path – the Dark Island. Evil lurks there in many forms, more than one man can imagine. After hearing this, they are all silent for a moment.

» Though this was our destination all along, it feels strange, « Reepicheep is the first to speak again. He looks up to Luna next to him. The old friends lock their gazes, carrying the uneasy feeling together. Though she is caught up in the old feud between her duty and her heart, Luna senses that a deeper meaning hides behind the mouse's words. She wants to turn towards Caspian but stops herself, she doesn't need to add to the turmoil already going on within her. This she needs to figure out by herself.

» The edge of the world... « Lucy mumbles,

» So, we have to sail further? «

» Some call our island the World's End, « Lilliandil explains,

» Though, this is merely the beginning of the end. «

Eustace's brow creases in frustration, these people seem to turn out just as helpful as Coreakin. The boy decides to speed this up, maybe then they will get straight answers.

» The magician said, to defeat the mist, we've to lay seven swords down at Aslan's Table, « he recounts, reclaiming everyone's attention from wandering who knows where. The male star bows his head once again.

» He speaks the truth, « he confirms,

» Though the mist is no more than one form of the evil that lurks beyond. « Wonderful, Eustace thinks by himself, we knew that already.

» Including the swords of these three lords we have gathered only six, « Ed throws in,

» Do you know where the seventh is? « His cousin lets his eyes wander out to the sea. The sun has set, and night falls over the world, covering it in darkness. In the distance, a black spot catches the blonde's attention. Regarding the increasing dark this isn't unusual, but this spot strangely sets itself apart from its surroundings. It looks like a hole in the horizon, a tear in the fabric of the sky, unnatural. Lilliandil notices his gaze.

» Yes, « she speaks quietly as if to answer an unasked question,

» That is the Dark Island. « A shiver runs down Eustace's spine at the name, so he doesn't get to criticise its lack of creativity. Fear grows in his heart, closing its icy claws around him. He slings his arms around himself in an attempt to get rid of the cramped feeling. It doesn't help, so he turns away from the view to find strength and renewed bravery in his friends. Silence stretches between them, everyone needs to process what this means for them, what it could mean. However, contrary to Eustace's expectation, he isn't met with stoic determination. While Ramandu and Lilliandil stand unmoving, eyes lowered, their light illuminates the six friends' faces. Edmund has folded both his hands over the hilt of his sword, staring at the black island in the distance. A frown digs a vertical line between his brows while his eyes are dark. Lucy has her head lowered, staring at her feet. Reep remains in the same pose, nose crinkled. The Crown Shield narrows her eyes at the horizon, pressing her lips together in a nearly straight line. Caspian's shoulders are slumped forward quite un-kingly, brushing a hand over his face. Eustace's heart sinks at the sight of these warriors, the epitomes of bravery and endurance – in his opinion, at least, that may or may not result from the impression they made on him as he met them for the first time, and probably his lack of comparison. Yet, he is convinced they can do everything, well, within the possible of course. Eustace will always be a realist. Then again, he was turned into a dragon and back by a lion.

» Guys... « the boy steps into the circle, but his voice comes out smaller than intended. Still, the others hear him, their wandering minds returning to the here and now. Lucy is first to move. Shifting her weight from one foot to the other, she lifts her head, eyes glimmering with hope.

» Well then, « she says,

» I'm afraid, I admit, but with Aslan we can do anything. His guidance will lead to whatever end is destined for us. «

» I've seen it before, « the Queen of Old adds, her eyes wandering over the people surrounding her. Then, she gifts Eustace a smile before continuing.

» Ed, « she addresses her brother, taking his hand,

» You're a brilliant strategist, so use that head of yours. « She turns to Reep,

» Your bravery inspires the people around you. « The mouse bows his head, slowly realizing what she is doing. His heart swells at the queen's praise and it eases the fear. It doesn't vanish, yet it has less room left to hold him. Lucy reaches out for Luna,

» Without your care and caution, we'd be lost. « The two women share a smile.

» And all that under your leadership, Cas, then we can be strong. « The king gazes at her for a moment before offering her his hand with a bow of his head,

» I respect your unyielding hope. « Lucy lowers her eyes, blushing lightly. Quickly, she turns to her cousin,

» Eustace, we need your realism and belief. « The boy's eyes widen in surprise,

» Believe in what? « His question is met with a smirk from the queen,

» All kinds of things, but right now... « She turns around herself once to look at all her friends,

» In us. «

Hello everyone,

now, I hope you're all well?

I'll try to update more in the time to come - it's holiday from uni :) And I have so many ideas for the rest of the story! What do you think of the attributes for our six friends? Ed as strategy, Reep as bravery, Luna as care & caution, Cas as leadership and strength, Eustace as realism and believe, and Lucy as hope.

Have a good Sunday!

~ Lola