The following morning is busy. Not only does the wind forsake them so the men must row in stretches, still the Dark Island doesn't seem to get any closer, but a strange fear claws into the atmosphere, setting everyone on edge. This increases the further they sail towards that black spot on the horizon. Drinian grumbles about enchantments, warning the crew to stay alert.

» I don't trust these waters, « the captain says,

» That isle could be upon us in li'le time if this 's merely a trick. Wouldn't surprise me after last night. « Indeed, he – as many – was plagued by abstruse dreams. Some men swear they saw streaks of the green mist drift around the ship, just above the water's surface. Drinian has always been more trusting to the things he can see and, if possible, touch. Now, however, he doesn't quite trust his eyes anymore – they could be deceived after all.

If she isn't needed somewhere, Luna keeps to herself as much as possible. Of course, she fulfils her duties, but apart from this she withdraws into the cabin. Lucy spends her time in the study, reading. She realized her friend needs time to herself, so she won't disturb her. The others notice this as well, but as everyone is quite distracted by their own minds, Luna is no exception.

So, the second night falls quickly after an uneventful but exhausting day. The two women retire early, snuggling into the covers. Usually, they would talk about this and that. Instead, they stay mostly silent, staring at the beautifully carved ceiling until sleep overcomes them.

~

Luna finds herself facing the back of another woman. She stands tall, wearing a crimson gown that flows around her figure. The dark hair caresses her shoulders, falling down her back in waves. A breeze shifts them ever so slightly, the only movement in the woman's posture. Luna's eyes wander to the opposite wall. The woman stands right in front of a mirror, the glass framed in delicate silver. She notices a crown sitting on the woman's head, a golden circlet that carries shimmering rubies. Then, Luna's gaze meets that of the woman in the reflecting glass. The warrior freezes. She stares into the same brown orbs she possesses. These are her own eyes! Yet, the expression is different. Piercing, cold; a look that seems to reach into the depths of the soul, striking fear in the hearts of men.

A breath later, Luna turns her head away, unable to hold this other Luna's gaze. She notices the open window from where the breeze must have wandered inside. Heavy curtains frame them, leaving only a small gap to look outside. At the sight of two armies – one in red armour, one in blue – Luna leaps to her feet, already reaching for her weapons. Though, her hands grasp nothing but air. She has no time to wonder, her eyes are glued to the outside. The fronts clash, melting into one line of destruction and death. Grass and earth are coloured with blood; the metallic stench pierces Luna's nostrils. Despite it all, she doesn't step back; she watches as flames lick over the battlefield, illuminating the grey sky. A figure in red armour navigates their horse between the fallen, heading for another warrior in blue beside a dark steed. Before the red knight reaches them, he dismounts. The silver and gold ornaments of his armour reflect the glow of the fire. He puts one hand on the hilt of his sword while the other opens the visor of his feathered helmet. Luna's eyes widen, her heart clenching as she recognizes Caspian. The king nods at the knight in blue, waiting for them to step forward and into the duel. In the back of her head, Luna hears a voice scolding him for being so very chivalrous, a battle isn't the place for that. The Crown Shield wants to get to him, stand by her king's side, only to find her legs won't move, dooming her to watch.

Meanwhile, she forgot about the other woman, the other her. A soft touch on her shoulder alerts her. Luna's head whips around. Once again, she reaches to the empty spot where her sword should be. Her eyes meet her own, not in the mirror this time. The other Luna tilts her head to the side,

» Look. « Luna follows the soft-spoken order. On the battlefield, Caspian is on his knees, his upper body slumped forward. Rhindon was knocked from his grasp. His eyes rest on the blue knight who stalks towards the kneeling king, bloodied blade drawn. Luna wriggles, desperate to rush down there, to protect him, to be the wall between him and any danger. She hears herself chuckle, as if this was merely an amusing show. Wouldn't she drown in worry, her anger would boil. The blue warrior reaches out, ripping the helmet from Caspian's head before lifting his chin. Luna feels the icy claws of fear reaching for her heart, paralyzing her like a lamb before slaughter.

» There, there, « her own voice tries to comfort her, but the tone is strange, sneering. The hand resting on her shoulder shifts to her cheek. Luna flinches at the cool touch that wipes her silent tears away.

» You have no right to cry, « the other Luna hisses, forcing the Crown Shield to look at her.

» This... « she turns Luna's head back to the window. The blue knight peers down on Caspian like a hawk on its prey. They lift their sword. Luna reaches for the windowsill to help her stay upright. It happens fast, but time seems to pass in slow motion. The sword cuts through Caspian's red armour, piercing his heart. Luna hears the slicing sound, followed by his groan of pain. His opponent lets go of his chin. Stepping back, they pull the sword out of the king's chest. Fresh crimson stains the blade, clashing with dried rests. He manages to stay upright for a moment longer, then he doubles over. Luna presses her hand on her heart, it feels like it is ripped from her chest – the echo of her scream still lingers in the room.

» ...is your fault! « Whispers the other Luna into her ear. The warrior blinks, trying to clear her blurry sight as she turns her head, facing herself. The other draws her lips into a cruel smile, pushing something into Luna's arms. Briefly, she glances down before her eyes snap up in anger and confusion. The other her still smiles, cruelly.

» The mind always wins, « her voice is quiet as she slowly pronounces every word. Then, her eyes flash bright green, and the next breeze carries her away. Luna stares at the now empty spot, the feathers on the blue helmet shift from the remainders of the wind.

~

Her eyes snap open, darting around the cabin for any sign of this other self. Luna sits up, heart beating fast against the cage of her rips. She breathes a sigh of relief as there is no one else present, except Lucy who sleeps soundly next to her. No other Luna. No mist. No blood. The warrior shakes her head, trying to rid herself of the lingering images of her nightmare. Why is it that her dreams always centre around Caspian... and his death? Well, she certainly can't go back to sleep. She doesn't want to see it again.

Quietly, she rises and dresses before slipping out into the study, from there into the hallway where she hesitates. Fresh air, that's what she needs now. Then again, the turmoil within her won't cease until she checked up on everyone. With a nod to herself, she allows her feet to carry her towards the cabin Caspian, Edmund, and Eustace share. As she reaches the door, she stops in her tracks, fist already lifted to knock. If they are asleep, she shouldn't disturb them. Especially not in times where sleep is more valuable than ever – in preparation of what they will face as well as the mist lurking and plaguing them with nightmares, like the one she had, supposedly.

Luna is about to turn on her heel as she hears a muffled cry from inside, followed by the sound of a sword being unsheathed. Immediately, her mind switches to protection mode. With a hand on her dagger, she half draws it while pushing the door open. She doesn't point her weapon at someone in particular – there are three of her friends in the somewhat cramped cabin, after all, who could easily be injured by such recklessness. With trained ease, she ducks and surveys the room. Only to find Eustace fast asleep on the bunk at her eyelevel. Edmund sits in his hammock, facing the wall opposite the door, sword pointing in the air. He must have caused the noises that alerted her. At the sound of someone entering he whirls around. Their gazes meet, and Luna reads the same confusion in his eyes she felt mere minutes prior as she was caught up in her own dream.

Caspian started to stir at Ed's cry. Now, he blinks down on Luna, confusedly, trying to shake the sleepiness.

» Luna? « Asks the king, turning to Edmund,

» Ed, you alright? «

» Someone cried out... « Luna rises from her crouched position, keeping her voice low as to not wake Eustace and the men sleeping in their hammocks just outside the cabin. She relaxes as no imminent threat needs to be dealt with. Meanwhile, Ed shakes his head, lowering his sword.

» Edmund? « Another voice quietly chimes in from behind Luna. The warrior whips around, hand clasping the hilt of her dagger. This time, she is faced with Lucy in her nightgown, her eyes distraught.

» Lu? « Her brother is quick to sheath his sword while Cas sits up fully. The friends exchange glances, all coming to the same conclusion: Nightmares.

» I saw the White- the mist, « Edmund admits,

» It felt so real... I don't think I'll sleep again, not tonight. « Lucy nods in sympathy, suggesting transferring to the study. Ed wakes his cousin to not leave the boy alone. In case Eustace wakes from a nightmare as well, he shouldn't find himself left behind. He only mumbles but doesn't protest as Ed hoists him up with his blanket, carrying him all the way to the study. Luna guides Lucy back, fetching her a blanket.

As soon as the King and Queen of Old settle down, with Eustace drifting back to a deep slumber on the sofa, Luna excuses herself. She still wants to get some air. Just as she steps towards the door to the hallway, it opens from outside and Caspian appears. He is dressed in a pair of trousers and his sleepshirt which loosely falls around him, not quite reaching his thighs. She glances at him, pondering if to just slip by. Then, their eyes meet, and both feel the need to talk. He tilts his head the side, motioning outside. She gives a short nod and slides out as he holds the door open.

» You alright? « His voice is deeper than usual. The tips of his fingers dance over her arm before he holds his hand out for her to take. Part of her wants to say yes and be done with it, to go back to the way it was before. Before they admitted their feelings didn't fade. They may not quite be forbidden yet complicate everything. However, Luna is well aware of the way her heart aches at the thought of being indifferent about Caspian. Secretly, she must admit that she never was. With a sigh she places her hand on his arm, looking at him from under her lashes,

» No. «

~

In the morning four of the six friends notice the change in atmosphere between the remaining two, usually close friends. Those two themselves don't know anything at the moment, their feelings are all over the place. Surprisingly, Eustace is the first to point out the change and expresses his worry. In the time he has known Luna, he has never seen her so out of herself. Lucy concludes her observations of the past weeks. She sees it in their eyes; Luna and Caspian aren't friends anymore. Indeed, friends isn't quite the right word. There's something about the way she smiles at him – seeing it, feels like intruding on a moment only meant for the two. The queen noted the way he puts his hand on her arm or back. He is always respectful, a gentleman, but the way he touches her seems special, as if she is the most delicate being. When he speaks, her eyes light up – friends look at each other with fondness, yes, yet not with such deep admiration. Then there's the change of his voice when he says her name, it rolls over his lips like a wave onto shore, gentle, tender even. Lucy sees it, and over time it becomes clear as day; they have grown into something else, maybe something much greater. Now, however, all of it seems to halt – from one day to the other the two avoid each other. Something must have happened. The Queen of Old is empathic, praying that Aslan will guide them.

Then there is Reepicheep, a noble knight, part of the Lion's Order, a fierce leader, and a loyal warrior who will fight until death for what is right. To some, however, he is a friend who will stand by them against everything. Luna is fortunate enough to call the tall mouse one of her oldest and still best friends. No wonder he senses the change in the way she carries herself. It doesn't matter if he puts one and one together before Lucy does, it matters that he knows his friend so well that he simply knows. From Eustace he hears what happened in the night, well, part of it. The mouse doesn't need to be told something more happened between the Crown Shield and the king. Both seem distant, brooding. They avoid each other, yet steal glances at each other, turning away the moment the other looks in their direction. Naturally, Reep approaches his dear friend on deck.

» I've heard, talking about it makes it easier to bear, « he leans against the railing from his spot on a barrel.

» Nothing gets past you, does it? « A faint smile flickers over Luna's features as she glances at the mouse. He shrugs with a slight smirk, pausing for a moment to observe her. Then, his eyes grow serious, letting his worry shine through,

» You alright? « Wouldn't her heart be so heavy; she would have laughed at the frequency she gets asked that very question.

» I- I'm really not, « she confesses. It isn't easy to admit, but Reepicheep is right; it could get easier when she finally talks about it with someone she trusts – as soon as she figures out how to explain it all. The knight nods curtly, having expected such a response. The old friends are always honest with each other, they would know when the other isn't telling the truth – so they simply don't try it at all.

» May I join you? « Lucy noticed the silence stretching between the old friends. As she itches to help in any way she can anyway, she approaches carefully. Reepicheep waits for Luna to decide. She nods meekly, thoughts entirely focused on where to begin. They find a quiet spot to be undisturbed and have a serious talk. Knight and queen listen, letting the warrior tell them whatever she wants. About Caspian and her – not their entire history, Reep knows or suspects most of it anyway – their admitted feelings, yet the complications interfering, his confidence, her uncertainty. As she finishes, Lucy hugs her from the side.

» You know, « Reep weighs his head from side to side,

» This may feel like defeat, but never allow those short-termed things to determine your destiny. «

» Besides, « adds Lucy,

» Aslan knows it all. If you keep your eyes on Him, He will guide you. Both of you. «

» But... how do I know what He wants? « Luna wipes tears from her cheeks, embarrassed. Not because she is crying in front of her friends, no, because she finally realizes how many feelings she bottled up over the years. Lucy smiles at her with a meaningful look.

» Right there, you will « the queen says, pointing at her chest.

~

Edmund watched the look and look away-game between two certain friends for a while. After half a day of it going back and forth, he can't take it anymore. As Luna, Reep, and Lucy vanish, he decides to take Caspian to heart. The current King of Narnia sits at his desk in the study, staring out the window. A frown digs wrinkles in his forehead while his lips are pressed together.

» Are you intending to make it that obvious? « Cas is startled as Ed breaks the silence. He looks at the Just King, not grasping what he means just yet. Ed lifts his brows, settling down on the windowsill before getting all serious,

» You and Luna... what happened? « Caspian sucks in a sharp breath, brushing his hands over his face. Then, it spills over his lips like a waterfall after heavy rain. The previous night, they talked. Luna admitted the conflict of her duty and her heart, asking him for time. She fears to fail at properly protecting him when her feelings aren't held at bay. Cas blamed the mist and the nightmares, caught up in the images of his own dreams. Of course, he understands her concerns, but giving space is exactly how they both lived for the past years. Still, he tries to avoid her today. It proves to be more difficult than it was before – after all, they took large strides over the last weeks. Now, it hurts that she doesn't let him help. In short: The king is frustrated with her overly powerful sense of duty.

» I get it, I think, « says Edmund, thoughts wandering to a time thousands of years prior to this day in Narnia, though for him merely a year has passed since.

» To protect someone, to maybe even give your life for them, is the greatest sign of love, « he mumbles. The Just King knows this better than most. He experienced it firsthand as Aslan, the Great Lion, Son of the Lord of lords, chose to die for him on the Stone Table by the hands of the White Witch.

As honourable as it is that Luna is prepared to do just this, it doesn't help Caspian's cause.

» So, what do I do? « Caspian fidgets with a piece of paper. Should he tell her he is ready to commit to this, to them? But what if it scares her off?

» Tell her still, « suggests Ed,

» Find a compromise. « And then, Caspian thinks, what if the golden middle isn't enough? The two young men look at each other. Ed sighs, nodding slightly. If two things don't fit together, one must go. Duty or heart, it will always come back to this.

~

After the talk with her close friends, Luna wanders over the deck. She wants to get some training in. So, after working on a dummy with her fists for a while, she is calm enough to train with a real opponent. In search of Reepicheep and Eustace, she descends from the front deck to the middle deck. There, her eyes land on a certain someone. She is inclined to look away, but she more or less hears her heart screaming at her to stop the charade. His gaze finds hers, and their hearts beat faster with every step towards each other.

» You're avoiding me, « his tone indicates a slight reproach, yet it doesn't sting her – it isn't intended to. The expression of his eyes is gentle, signalling that he is ready to sort this out level-headedly. Well, as much as one can be in such a situation.

» Maybe we're avoiding each other, « replies Luna, banning the edge from her voice which the anger and uncertainty in the pit of her stomach propose. She doesn't want to hurt him; she isn't mad at him. She is mad at the chaos within herself and the chaos it brings into his life as well. He rises one brow, the hint of a smile dancing over his lips. Then, there's a call from the crow's nest, just as many voices shout,

» There! «

» Land ho?! «

Guys, I'm excited to announce: This story now has a trailer! Check it out in the Welcome-Chapter if you'd like.

This is one of the longest chapters yet. I'd love for you to let me know what you think ^^ ACT I is coming to an end, three chapters to go. What do you think of Luna and Caspian's relationship?

Have a good start in the new week.

~ Lola