» Do you see the albatross? « Lucy practically bursts with joy at the sight of the white bird. Wherever it bats its wings, a column of light pierces through the darkness, driving the mist away. The Queen of Old calls for her friends, one by one. Her brother is making his way down from the crow's nest, Eustace and Reepicheep free themselves of the rubble that rained on them while Caspian and Luna still stand back to back, observing the spectacle of light and shadow, dark clouds bursting and columns of mist collapsing into nothing.

Luna closes her eyes, taking a deep breath. The air feels different as the dome of darkness crumbles. She shudders as a light breeze picks up, reminding her of the wet clothes clinging to her form. For a moment, she leans against Caspian, relishing in the little warmth radiating from him. His hand finds hers, just as the Dawn Treader turns to follow the albatross. By instinct, Drinian trusts it to lead the ship out of the darkness – under any other circumstances he would have laughed at the mere suggestions. This, however, feels right.

The six friends meet on the destroyed middle deck, hugging, and checking each other over for injuries. Behind them, the Dark Island vanishes, leaving the vast blue sea as if it were never there.

» Even without the last sword? « Caspian questions no one in particular.

» It's never been about that, I think, « Lucy leans on what is left of the railing. Eustace finishes the explanation for her,

» It's about trust. Aslan expects us to believe in Him. «

~

The crew of the Dawn Treader is ready for this day to end. They are tired, worn out from fearing and fighting. Tomorrow they will need to worry about repairing the ship, today they can enjoy the peace and return to the Star's Island. They set sail as soon as they took the people who were sacrificed by the slavers of the Lone Islands on board. Rhince finally reunites with his wife. The couple hugs tightly, sharing kisses and laughing with joy. In the chaos Luna slips away from Caspian's side as the friends help wherever they can to settle the new passengers in. The distance isn't particularly unwelcome, yet they are both glad to find each other again.

The crew is introduced to the stranger from the Dark Island – Lord Rhoop. With the looming darkness gone, he calms down, ready for proper conversation. He is an aged man, tired from the terror he had to endure. Still, he is delighted to learn of Caspian's identity, immediately pledging his loyalty to him.

~

Soon, they reach the Star's Island where Edmund places the last sword on the Stone Table – just in case. Ramandu and Lilliandil descend from the skies once more, confirming Lucy and Eustace's suspicion that it wasn't really about the seven swords.

» This was, and it always will be, about how much we trust Aslan, « the older star speaks,

» What we are prepared to give, and how far we let Him lead. «

Now remains the quest to awaken the three sleepers.

» But... how? « Edmund eyes the lords. Their positions didn't change since their last visit. Ramandu brushes over his blue and white robes, lowering his eyes for a moment,

» You must reach the end of the known world and, there, leave one of you behind. « A stunned silence settles over the group. Luna's eyes snap to Caspian, who is already looking at her. Neither saw this coming. Ed, however, stays quiet while Rynelf and Eustace agree that this is unacceptable. It is Lord Rhoop who diffuses the tension and pushes the icy feeling looming over them away, for the present moment at least. Desperate for rest after the ordeal he went through, he asks to join his three companions in their lasting slumber until the spell be lifted. Lilliandil grants his wish, settling him into a dreamless sleep. The stars promise to look after the lords and the people from the Lone Islands in the meantime. Then, the Dawn Treader sets sail towards the edge.

~

The sea is calm, gently embracing the ship as if to welcome it on the waves that steadily herd it onward. This allows the entire crew to rest, even Drinian steps back from the wheel, letting whatever force is at work guide them. Soon, merpeople are spotted. These waters must be their dwelling. Reepicheep, as usual ready for a fight, feels challenged by a particular merman. Despite Eustace's attempt to stop his friend, the mouse draws his rapier and belligerently jumps overboard. Everyone shouts and runs to the railing – what's left of it anyway – finding Reep floating and spluttering. The merman is long gone and forgotten, as it seems.

» Sweet! « The tall mouse chimes, resuming to hum a melody. Luna watches her friend, her thoughts returning to the present from where they were wandering since the battle against the sea serpent. By habit, she reached for the hilt of her sword, only to find her belt empty. The crew put down most weapons, relishing in the peaceful atmosphere.

» What's he sayin'? « A sailor inquires. Rynelf grins, in good fun suggesting the mouse to have lost his senses. Luna, however, knows the rhyme her friend is singing. She heard it before:

"Where sky and water meet,

Where the waves grow sweet,

Doubt not, oh, Reepicheep,

To find all you seek,

There is the utter East." *

» Luna! « Eustace calls the warrior, beckoning her over,

» What about a bath? We shouldn't leave him down there alone, right? « She smiles slightly, leaning over the edge to check on Reep. Before she can muster a word, she feels a push from behind, causing her to lose balance. There is a hole in the railing, leaving her without something to hold on to. One moment she is falling, the next water engulfs her.

As Luna emerges, she gasps for air and coughs. Wiping water from her eyes, she blinks and looks up to the middle deck. Eustace mischievously grins at her, kneeling in the gap in the railing.

» Remember the planking? « The blond boy laughs over his successful revenge,

» That was the eye for the eye. « Lucy chides him, and Caspian raises a stern eyebrow, both hiding their smiles well. Ed cackles, the rest of the crew finally joining in as Luna rolls her eyes, admitting Eustace got her well.

After, her attention is claimed by Reepicheep who splashes her, urging her to taste the water. As she does, she finds it sweet rather than salty. Eustace jumps in as well and the three have a water fight in which even a few curious merpeople participate.

~

Luna, Eustace and Reepicheep climb back on board a while later, exhausted from their prolonged swim and laughing. The crew sees them safely on deck and supplied with blankets. This time it is Caspian to wrap Luna in the fluffy fabric.

» You good? « He rubs his hands over her arms to warm her. For the first time since the battle, she meets his gaze. She mumbles a quiet confirmation, but Caspian reads her distant expression well. Something bothers her, he sensed it before, and he feels that she now is ready to talk about it. So, after she changed into dry clothes, he awaits her in the study. They settle opposite each other on the padded windowsill.

» You fought well, « says Caspian, uncertain how to start the conversation. Luna nods and returns the compliment,

» We all did. « Her words are quiet and seem to come automatic, her thoughts must be wandering once more. So, they fall silent. At a loss of words, he simply watches her. Her hair has grown to reach the middle of her back again and for once she doesn't wear it in the usual braid. The lose strands are still damp, curling over her right shoulder. Luna is a beautiful young woman, yet her heart is what drew Caspian to her from the moment he met her in the halls of the Telmarine fort, the home of his forefathers. Her gaze lingers on the water outside, following the line of the horizon where an unknown destination awaits the Dawn Treader and her crew. Caspian's heart pulls him towards Luna, filled with longing to look into her deep brown eyes and hear her light laugh.

» What's on your mind? « He finally inquires. Luna isn't quite ready to step into the here and now. She gazes out at the sea for a moment longer before turning to him. Thoughtful, her eyes settle on the king. Her heart jumps at his proximity, once again telling her mind that the warm feeling of love for him has been there for a lot longer than she likes to admit – only a fool would doubt it anymore. As Luna is no such fool, she accepted it. Now, however, she is presented with another hurdle: These feelings jeopardize his safety. The battle with the sea serpent proved it; he wouldn't have let her die that day, no matter the cost. She is his Crown Shield, though, it is her job to keep him safe, a sacred duty Aslan himself imposed on her. Affection towards each other can't be allowed to interfere. So, she fells a decision, and it is time to tell him.

» We're a good team, « she starts, and he raises an eyebrow, sensing a 'but' to come.

» It was a close call yesterday, Caspian, you could've died. «

» But I didn't, « he comments with a slight smile. It falls as he notes her serious expression, leaving him confused about her distant demeanour.

» You protected me. That's why it got so close, « she continues.

» It was a moment's decision, Luna, «, he replies, rolling his shoulders as his gaze falls on her dark hair again. The light catches in it just right to make it seem quite reddish,

» One of us would've ended up in that position. «

» Yes, « she hums simply, a strange gentleness blends into her tone,

» It shouldn't even have been a decision for you. « He looks at her, brow crinkled at the shift in her voice from cool and professional to warm and gentle, and back again.

» What are you- « she cuts him off,

» You need to let me do my duty. « They gaze at each other in silence. Luna is done beating around the bush, but still regrets stating it this directly. Caspian isn't sure where this is coming from, the two of them finally made peace before the battle. Now, he is hurt. Is he not more than a duty or a job to her?

» You're my... friend, « he forces the last word and pauses. It feels wrong to say it like that,

» I won't watch you get hurt if I can do something to prevent it. «

» I know, « her voice is barley a whisper now, she turns back to the window. She tries to regain her composure, holding on to the slipping mask of her being nothing more to him than what she is supposed to be – a protector.

» And I'd appreciate this if we were only friends that fought side by side... « she finally says,

» You're a king and I'm your Crown Shield. «

» So what? « He grows frustrated, but continues the train of thought,

» I've to let you die and be indifferent about it? « Releasing a breath, he shakes his head. He can't imagine a scenario where he wouldn't try to save her, or anyone close to him, for that matter.

» If I die, I die. It's worth it if you live, « she insists, her voice urgent. Once again, they both fall silent, unable to speak for a while, caught in their own thoughts.

» No, « Caspian's voice cuts through the cool tension between them,

» I won't stand for that. « He doesn't look at her, but she notices his determined posture. It is the way he straightens when he – as a king – felled a decision, the way he carries himself radiates authority in a strict, yet gentle way. It doesn't force itself on the people surrounding him but comes naturally.

» I know, « Luna repeats herself, gazing at him from the side,

» That's why I'll resign from this duty as soon as we return home. « Her sentence stands in the air between them like a brick wall, leaving both their hearts screaming at the increasing distance. Caspian turns towards her, his entire body facing her. At first, he thinks he didn't hear that correctly, but her defeated pose confirms it.

» Why? « Is the only word he utters, reaching out to place a hand on her arm. A symbolic gesture to hold her in place as he isn't ready to let her go. His eyes search hers and a thought from before returns, a nagging feeling, a deep fear in the end.

» Am I only that to you? « Asks he,

» A duty? A job to complete? « Her eyes widen, shock evident on her features. How can he think that? Quickly, she reaches up to cover his hand with hers.

» Of course not! « Luna exclaims. She closes her eyes for a moment and draws a deep breath.

» The opposite, Cas, « her voice is quiet, as if she was afraid too,

» We aren't indifferent towards each other, everything but. « They both know why now, but neither can say it out loud, not yet. Her tongue flicks out to wet her lips as she continues,

» That's why. I can't protect you the way I should... « As she looks into his eyes, she trails off.

» Because we protect each other as equals, « Caspian finishes the sentence for her as it dawns on him what she means. She nods,

» You understand why I'm doing this, yes? « It is his turn to nod, calmer now.

» Doesn't mean I like it though, « he mumbles, and a small smile flickers over her face,

» I won't disappear, I'll still be around. Probably with the Shadows. « He lifts the corner of his lips, unable to smile honestly. He acknowledges and accepts her decision, of course. It is the only way for her to really commit to them, he understands now – she has grown to love her duties but is ready to sacrifice one of the most important ones for him, to move aside for another to take the position of the Crown Shield. And he treasures her even more for it.

There's so much more he wants to talk about, but he is uncertain it's the right time. Maybe it will never be. He sighs and suppresses the urge to lift her hand to his lips to press a kiss on it. However, there's something bugging him about her words. She won't disappear. He looks at her, realizing she waits for a response from him. Once again, it's a moment's decision. If it may never be the right time, there may not be a wrong time either.

» You won't disappear... like you did after my coronation? « The question is out before he realizes he made that decision. It's an old wound that never really healed. Luna is taken aback; she didn't expect this. Her heart squeals and squirms; her wound didn't heal either. How could it; she ran away from more confrontations, from her feelings, and buried them under her sense of duty and excuse after excuse until they both simply kept silent about it, thinking those feelings would subside. As they didn't and time went on, they dismissed them by expecting the other's feelings long gone. Oh, it hurt. It did. It still does as they resurface more and more and grow. Insecurity amplifying said hurt tenfold. Luna can't deal with this now, not after the decision she just made and the following discussion – both leaving her emotions in a mess. She didn't even wrap her head around the consequences of said decision yet. It's ironic, really, a brave warrior like her running from something. She stood against enemies and battles but can't face this.

She doesn't realize she is doing it again, literally stumbling to her feet and towards the door. Caspian calls her name, but she doesn't react, doesn't even really register his voice. This was a bad idea from the beginning, doomed to end in misery, her thoughts are merciless on her heart. Once again, she finds her heart and mind at war, caught between the frontlines of storms that were suppressed too long, the surrounding ocean whipped up, its roar echoing in her ears. Memories and dreams melting together, showing her what Mist-Luna whispered, planting poisonous doubt in her heart. Then, she feels something curl around her forearm, stopping her movement because she isn't certain what it is – reality or imagination, a gentle hand, or a forceful wave.

Caspian couldn't watch her go, couldn't bare the expression of pain and fear on her face as her stoic mask crumbles. He holds her in place, glad that she doesn't fight him. He has seen soldiers suffer from illusions, sudden attacks on the mind, causing them to act rashly or be barley able to breath – he has suffered through it himself. He won't leave Luna to fight alone. She may scream, trash about or curl into herself, he will be there. Without a word, he anchors her to the present, to reality, just breathing in and out for her to join the rhythm. As she does, he feels the muscles in her arm relax.

As Luna concentrates on her breathing, her mind is slowly freed. She feels tears on her face and a warm hand on her arm. Caspian. Neither of them knows how long they stand like this. Then the fingertips of his other hand dance over her cheek. She looks up at him from under her lashes, not ready to lift her head.

» Luna, « he breaths, his fingertips end their dance and his hand cups her cheek,

» Aren't you tired of it? This distance... « Caspian pauses, catching her gaze as she lifts her head ever so slightly,

» I can't take it anymore. « Luna's heart stings at the expression of his eyes; they show the pain they are both feeling, drowning them both in its never-ending circle.

» We've been through ups and downs the past years, hurting ourselves over and over... And yet, my heart never ceased to beat faster when you look at me, « he pauses just long enough to realize what he said. With the next breath, he decides to go all in,

» My breath catches at your slightest touch. My feelings for you never wavered. « He drops his hand from her cheek, taking both of her hands in his,

» I want to be with you. « His eyes search hers, confirming every single one of his words with a passionate glimmer that ousts the pain bit by bit. They tell her so clearly that it is true, no matter the cost. And she already started to pay her share. What is keeping her? Luna realizes there is nothing in between them anymore with her duty resigned. She only hopes for Aslan's blessing.

A smile spreads on her tearstained face. Her eyes match the glimmer of his. Her heart tugs towards him, and something within her feels light as relive washes over her. Cautiously, Cas mirrors her smile. He pulls her closer, he wouldn't need to. She rushes into his arms already, her hands moving from his chest up to his stubbly cheeks. She gazes into his eyes, and he sees it. He tore down the wall. She is now abandoning the entire forte. The king holds his Crown Shield tightly, unwilling to ever let go of her again. Something flickers in Luna's eyes and before he realizes it, she is leaning forward. The bat of an eye later, her lips touch his – careful at first, like a butterfly landing on a flower's petal. Maybe she didn't quite realize what she was doing, she only gives in to the pull of her aching heart. Finally. Her eyes flutter closed, and he follows suit, rearranging his arms around her. They savour their very first kiss like a wish come true – because that's what it is, a dream become reality. One of the good ones.

*The Voyage of the Dawn Treader, p. 21, On Board the Dawn Treader

Phew, this was a rollercoaster of emotions, wasn't it? I wrote the scene with Caspian and Luna long ago, but never found the right place and setting for it. This feels right now, though. The way their actions blend together as they close the distance between them – emotionally and physically speaking. The anxiety was spur-of-the-moment writing; there is a lot of baggage to work up, even in a magical world like Narnia.

Well, let me know what you think ^^

Oh, and the music: I recommend listening to it to accompany your reading. I found this piece and it just fit (it even got me in writing mood)!