A COOL BREEZE WAKES CASPIAN from his slumber. The King of Narnia blinks into the afternoon sun, slowly coming to his full senses. The peaceful silence of the Star's Island must have lulled him to sleep. Just a few feet ahead of him sits Luna, perched on one of the larger rocks atop the cliffs. Her dark hair flows down her back, unhindered by the braid she usually keeps it in.

Previously, the warrior was basking in the sun beside Caspian on the wooden bench – one of the sailors crafted it for the star's daughter as this is her favourite spot to gaze into the east and watch the sky. Lilliandil showed the visitors this place after they returned from the utter east and decided to winter here – as Drinian put it. If only to give the Dawn Treader a thorough inspection and repair, to rest and allow the rescued Lone Islanders time to readjust to the "normal" world, including four of the seven previously lost lords. The latest events still gnaw at everyone, imprinted in minds and souls alike – the long journey including all its adventures and dangers, the battle against the sea serpent and the green mist, and finally the Silver Sea and what happened beyond. For Caspian two of these events are particularly unsettling: his short-lived wish to leave for Aslan's Country and the repeated loss of Edmund and Lucy. He knows the King and Queen of Old are alright in their own world, the Spare Oom as legends tell, with Aslan watching over them. Yet, they are never to return to Narnia, the last people he considered his family have left. Yes, at home await Trumpkin, Trufflehunter, Lord Dandren and Lord Elmas... all dear friends. None of them could ever fill the void in the king's heart, the longing for both – a partner he can share everything with, and the feeling of really being home. Now, as he gazes upon the sleek form of his Crown Shield, he realizes said is void is long filled. Luna feels like home, she is home. With a fond smile he remembers the days of their friendship. Maybe he always felt this way, maybe Aslan gave it in time – it doesn't matter. Even though there are plenty, Caspian doesn't need more reasons to love this woman. She is his family, has been for years, a constant in his life.

He takes a deep breath. The strives they have had are cleared – more or less – but courting is very different from the friendship they share. Things become awkward at times. Sometimes Luna retreats into herself. The events beyond the Silver Sea affect her too, more than she lets on, or more than she is ready to share with Caspian. As she lays her head back, looking up into the sky, a jolt of fear strikes the king. A feeling which has become familiar as the thought of losing her has plagued him in nightmares, even now as the mist is defeated. Past losses and experiences have made him cautious. So, what if he loses her? To strive, to her fears, to another man, or even to death... Then, Caspian would really be alone. The guilt over the selfishness of these thoughts is drowned by a stinging heart, like a needle pricking it. With a sigh he reminds himself to live in the moment. They are both here, safe and sound at the near end of the world. Soon the Dawn Treader will set sail again, carrying them home where duty and everyday life await. For now, the young king is determined to make the best of the time away from it all.

Luna watches the first stars blinking in the sky. She always loved this but never read much into it. Not like the centaurs she grew up with, not like Caspian, Dr Cornelius and Drinian who map the constellations. The heavens hold a certain simplicity, an everlasting presence, a promise of light even behind dark clouds. This view anchors the warrior in every circumstance and reminds her that all life rests in the hands of a much greater force than she can imagine. So, in these past weeks after the adventures at the end of the world Luna only needs to look up to feel at ease. Two stars descending their realm has strengthened the peace of her heart. Yet, seeing Lilliandil become friends with Caspian and a confidant for him, puts Luna in discomfort. Of course, she trusts him and his feelings for her, but she can't help but feel insecurity bubble up when she spots them deep in conversation or sharing meaningful looks. Luna, too, lost her family. Edmund and Lucy were trusted friends since the Narnian Revolution, and she bonded with Eustace. They were brothers, and sister to her. They still are, but who knows when- if they will ever meet again. The parting of Reepicheep, though, hits her harder than it does Caspian. She misses her best friend.

From his position Caspian can't see Luna's eyes but is sure they wander over the bay below attentively. Due to this plateau's somewhat sheltered nature, it is perfect for some alone time for the two. It has become a near daily ritual for them to climb up here and spend time together, away from the curious eyes and teasing comments of the crew and the Lone Islanders. The men know about the courting, the one or other has for a while. Be that as it may, as a sigh escapes her lips, the king straightens and rises.

Luna lifts her head as something gently touches her shoulder. In any other place or situation, it would probably have startled her, alerting her to reach for her weapons. This island, however, is different. She is less on guard – which the warrior doesn't deem wise, but it simply feels natural here. Placing her hands over Caspian's, she leans her head back once again until it rests against his stomach. As she blinks up at him, a warm smile awaits.

» What got your attention today? « The king turns his gaze to the scenery below, trying to guess the answer to his question.

» Nothing in particular, « Luna smirks, relishing in the comfortable closeness,

» If I was any good, I'd love to paint this view. «

» Like a photograph, « Cas mumbles, drifting off into his thoughts. Only her confused hum draws him back,

» A photograph – Lucy told me about a certain device which paints a moment in a flash. «

» That would indeed be delightful, « Luna ponders over his explanation, trying to imagine such a thing. It almost seems like magic to her, nothing like the deep magic of Narnia but a foreign one. Strange, yet interesting like Edmund's torch without fire which, again, he forgot in Narnia.

*

Luna and Caspian stride back to camp, not quite yet daring to hold hands. It feels strange, of the good kind, and yet foreign. Plus, not everyone knows of their beginning courting and they would like to keep it that way for a while.

Helaine waves at the two and glances at her husband, sitting next to her by the unlit fireplace. As Rhince spots them as well, he rises and heads towards them.

» Your Majesty, Luna, ahm... « he begins, avoiding looking at either of them directly,

» I suppose, a heads-up is in order. « Cas and Luna exchange a confused gaze, but barley have time to question the sailor or thank him. Drinian and his first mate stalk towards them.

The captain wears a sour expression – grimmer than usual – while Rynelf straightens his shoulders, trying to appear taller than he is. The sailor considers himself a strong male figure in the young lassie's life and intends to take Caspian aside, to ask him about his intentions, king or not. Drinian still ponders why he must be present as well; he could have just said 'no' as his crew suggested this talk. He was and still is hesitant to partake in this as it is the king after all. Then again, Luna – and Lucy for that matter – is the crew's lassie, one of their own, so to speak, and seamen always look out for each other. So, the captain supposes, it didn't take that much convincing for him to be here after all. He grumbles into his non-existent beard and lets Rynelf ask the king for a private conversation.

*

While the three men are off for their 'private conversation' Luna heads down to the beach. Lilliandil finds her there and they take a walk. Soon, they meet the shoal of merpeople living in the bay of Ramandu's Island. One of the mermaiden waves and pushes herself onto shore. Timea is curious by nature – too much for her own good as the elder say – and was the first to address the Dawn Treader's crew. She loves to talk to the humans and creatures of Narnia, happy about the change.

» You didn't! « Lilliandil giggles, holding a hand over her mouth. Luna wonders why so many ladies to this – hide their smile. She is no lady, so she wouldn't know. Timea grins, brushing her silvery hair from her face,

» But I did! You see, the bloated fish had it coming. « Luna laughs at the expression; it reminds her of the sailors' speech. However, with their new friend she can never be sure, if she really means a fish or speaks of a person. This is how the three women spent the afternoon, venturing along the shore, telling stories, and laughing together. At one point, Timea attempted to start a water fight. She had the advantage, of course, with her caudal fin and webbed hands. Luna enjoyed it, nevertheless, revelling further in the peace of this land, the rest it grants for body and soul alike.

Temperatures have started to fall as the three come across a few sailors and Lone Islanders training with swords. Even the lords Rhoop and Argoz compete to refresh their skill. Out of the four, they try hardest to fit into the merry crew and partake in the one or other shenanigans. Luna only hopes they may forget the trials they went through, especially Lord Rhoop. She can't begin to imagine the literal nightmares he must have suffered through on the Dark Island.

» Ah, Miladies, « Tavros greets them,

» We have free weapons, dull or sharp, if you wish to join. « The minotaur gestures towards a stack of swords and long daggers to the side of the designated training area.

» I'd love to, but I suppose none of you would like to come in the water? « Timea grins as the second mate realizes his mistake, and gracefully brushes it off. As Lilliandil is content with watching from the side-lines, Luna decides to keep her company.

» And all this without me? I'm proud, « Luna teases, watching Elrik fight Jon. The lords took to stand with the ladies. Lord Rhoop leans on his sword – the seven swords were, of course, returned to their owners. A small smile graces the man's lip, not any longer hidden by the wild grey beard they first encountered him with. He trimmed it down to the length of half an inch maybe.

» I take it, you see this a lot, Lady- or General Luna, is it? «

» Yes, sire, though I'm not a general any longer. Surely, dear Glenstorm manages it alone just fine. « Lilliandil blinks, politics and military are foreign topics to her.

» Milady may forgive me, « Lord Argoz chimes in,

» But I can't imagine a woman on a battlefield. « Instead of being offended, for just a moment, Luna's eyes darken at the memories until she manages to push them back,

» I shall hope we won't have to see a battlefield again, Milord. « Lord Argoz regards the female warrior, surprised by her solemn tone. His old friend feels the shadows creep towards him, seeking to change the topic.

» Use both hands to hold your sword! « Luna shouts to Elrik. She doesn't mean to distract him, but Lilliandil and Timea's giggles do. Thus, he loses the duel.

» That wasn't a very glorious fight, « the mermaid comments from her spot on the wet sand. Elrik grumbles, sitting up from where he has fallen,

» Yeah, thank you, Luna. « She laughs, extending a hand to help him up. Tavros laughs,

» Maybe you should teach him better, lassie. «

» Alright, « she draws her sword, placing her feet hip-wide apart, bending her knees slightly in a flawless fighting stance,

» Now, we mainly use longswords which are better handled with both hands – like this. « Luna shows this to Elrik. He positions himself next to her, miming her movements. After demonstrating a few slashes, he sets his sword down.

» You may need to show me that again, « he grins, sneaking up behind her as she is amid a move. From the corner of her eye, she notices her friend extend his hands towards her sides. Though tensing her muscles, she stays in the rhythm of training movements – sword up, sword down, sword diagonal,

» If you tickle me... I can't guarantee for your head to remain where it should. «

» Can't you, huh? « Elrik counters, jumping forward to tackle her with a hug from behind. Luna laughs, dropping Ivelle – just in case. The warrior then proceeds to wrap her hands around his upper arms and, crouching, hoists him over her head. For the second time today, the young sailor lands on his back with a 'Uff'. The bystanders howl with laughter, offering their mock-condolences to Elrik. Luna tries to suppress a grin, kneeling in the sand next to her companion.

Just then Caspian joins the ranks of bystanders, expecting to see Luna setting one of the men's head right again. As he spots Luna and Elrik – of all people – fool around, his smile turns into a frown.

» Oi, Your Majesty! « Tavros eagerly offers Caspian the same as the ladies before. At this, Luna's eyes dart up. As she notices his expression, she furrows her brows but parts from Elrik with a friendly pat of his arm.

*

As it is time for dinner – which will be provided at Aslan's Table – Lilliandil takes to lead the party away from the beach. While Luna waves goodbye to Timea, Caspian waits for her, gesturing for the people to go ahead. Elrik dusts off, nodding at Caspian in passing, and joins Helaine and Rhince. Luna picks up her sword and sheaths it as she heads towards the king. Something foreign lingers in his eyes, Luna can't quite place it. Paying no regard to possible awkwardness, she places a hand on his cheek. His eyes glint dangerously as if to dare her to address it. Luna, however, choses to try and defuse the obvious tension and not to possibly increase by asking. Her hand falls to his shoulder,

» Maybe we should have a training day for everyone. «

» If you wish, « Caspian mumbles, turning his eyes away from hers.

» Cas, « her voice is quiet. Yet, she doesn't address it still – unsure what it is anyways. The young king wonders if she is aware of his growing discomfort over her friendship with Elrik. Maybe she blames the conversation with Drinian and Rynelf for his sour mood. She doesn't ask, he is sure she is curious, but it never was her way to bother someone of higher rank with questions – it simply isn't how she was trained. Luna is a woman of action, not of words. A trait he admires as he, as a just king, must chose words over action most of the time.

Luna gifts him a small smile, trying to lighten his mood,

» It would do you good as well. « This causes Caspian to snort. He returns her smile, lifting his hand to brush sand from her cheek and hair. Then, he offers her his arm to escort her to dinner. She accepts gladly. As they walk in silence, Cas glances at her.

» What? « Luna smiles still.

» Don't you wanna know what Drinian and Rynelf needed that private conversation for? « Her smile drops a bit. She squares her shoulders like a soldier awaiting his commander,

» It's not my place to ask. « Caspian's steps slow, then he halts.

» Luna, « he puts his hands on her shoulders as if he wanted to shake some sense into her. With a sigh, he reminds himself to be patient. They both have come a long way which they walked together, but now they need to learn how to fall in step with each other.

» It is your place now. « After a moment's silence, she places a hand over his,

» Well, then I'll try to do so. «

*

At dinner Luna is seated between Drinian – who sits to Caspian's right – and Lilliandil. Rynelf is the next down the long table with whom the warrior converses. The first mate tells them of sailors' prejudices. For example, they believe the presence of a woman on board means misfortune.

» Do you really believe this? « Asks the star. Rynelf regards them both as he thinks of the right words.

» Nay, Milady, n't anymore – but the feminine touch softens the atmosphere, ya know, « he winks,

» 't gives the men the motivation to behave, act honourable. « Lilliandil weighs her head from side to side. Do women really challenge men to be better?

» I've seen seamen throw women overboard because they were afraid of misfortune, « she speaks carefully. Luna's eyes widen, the star must have seen much – good and bad – from her dwellings in the sky. Meanwhile Rynelf bows his head, a little ashamed maybe.

» I admit, « Drinian cuts in,

» At first, we all were uneasy at the thought of ye on board, my lady. « He gifts her a small smile, a very rare occasion indeed.

After dinner, Caspian stands to the side with Ramandu, Drinian and Luna, discussing their journey home. The Dawn Treader is ready to set sail but the question of how to accommodate everyone – the crew as well as the rescued Lone Islanders – remains. Just as the star offers to accommodate the latter until Narnia sends ships for them, a hush falls over the clearing. Luna senses the change in atmosphere, a sweet breeze replaces the cool wind like spring does winter, and the candlelight glows a tad brighter. Aslan has come! The Great Lion offers to send the Lone Islanders home – except for a handful who wish to remain with King Caspian and aid his journey. Aslan dubs him Caspian the Navigator and wishes them a safe journey – though, He will remain with them until the next morning.

The four lords will await the Dawn Treader to sail to Narnia. Before their departure, they approach the king. Lord Revilian respectfully bows, offering their advice on the matter of the king's courting. Caspian straightens, exchanging a look with Luna next to him. She raises and eyebrow as if to ask, "What is going on today?"