The Lone Islands changed since they last set foot on the three isles. The newfound freedom did them good. Luna is posted near the helm of the ship, watching the known land grow closer and closer. The wind plays through her half-loose hair, herding the Dawn Treader towards the port of Narrowhaven. Caspian has jumped up on the railing, hanging onto the ropes for balance. Luna practically feels the excitement radiate off from him. His hair – a few inches shorter after he had Luna cut it – and loose white blouse flutter in the wind. As he glances at her she gifts him a fond smile.

*

» Ahoy! « Lord Bern grins as he waves at the anchoring ship. The quay is filled with people, cheering, and waving for the king and his brave crew. A few months ago, no one would have imagined the dire situation on the Lone Islands to change so drastically – for the better, at that. It amazes Luna how different everything and everyone looks. Gone are most traces of the decrepit buildings, dusty streets, and hungry people clad in rags, slinking through the shadows. The warrior notes the absence of fear and grief on the peoples' features, their eyes are clear. Children's eyes shimmer in awe at the Narnian ship which once brought these islands peace. Hope, it radiates from the crowd. Luna can't help but smile a proud smile as she joins Caspian at the railing of the rear deck. He turned the tides for these isles, and now the people prosper. The king smiles regally, waving back at the Lone Islanders – recognizing the one or other face. He winks at a few children in the front row while his hand finds Luna's. She holds onto him, unafraid. For now, they are still on the Dawn Treader, shielded from prying eyes, home. Though, she wonders when their little bubble will burst. As king Caspian can't just show up with a woman on his arm, their relationship undefined. Here, they probably won't have time to worry about it anyway – he will be occupied with politics while she will guard his life. The usual. Instead of paying attention to the small voice that demands for her heart to be heard, Luna's eyes flit over the surroundings. Easily falling into the old routine, the Crown Shield searches for possible threats – unfriendly faces, people wearing scowls, hidden behind hands or hoods, weapons held or concealed, narrow alleys and shadows.

While she worries about outside threats, Caspian glances at the one who holds his heart. Her wandering eyes tell him enough, he doesn't need to watch her shoulders straighten and her free hand close around the hilt of her sword. Ivelle was gifted to her by the centaurs of the Owlwood where she grew up. Cas seldomly sees her without it by her side, as if the blade was a trusted friend – which it may be, to every warrior their main weapon of choice is a constant companion. He has learned to view Rhindon as such as well. Both swords have protected them in battles and wars, have protected each other. Caspian blinks, trying to ban these dark thoughts into the back of his mind. He squeezes Luna's hand. Of course, he, too, worries about hostile minded people, but he worries more about the hostility from within. What they experienced here on the Lone Islands left scars, not on the body but on the soul. He only wishes that these demons will rest and won't chase them still.

*

The king and his crew are accommodated in Lord Bern's estate on Avra. After greeting the people, the king was immediately requested for a meeting. Lord Bern – who prefers this title over the dukedom given to him by Caspian after reconquering the Lone Islands from the slave traders – is proud to show him, Drinian, Luna and a few crew members the latest accomplishments and projects. Of course, the four lords join them, having awaited the Dawn Treader's arrival. They spent the past months reuniting with their old companion, Lord Bern, and reminiscing about the time long passed.

The estate – Bern's Court – is unpretentious and yet appealing. The sprawling property is nestled between Avra's lush hills and the sea. As they make their way from the docks up to the entrance, Lord Bern is still excited to tell the king and his crew about the changes made and planned. In between he apologizes for his monologue, but Caspian only appeases the older man. Next to Luna, Drinian grumbles something. She smirks at the captain, exchanging a look with Rynelf.

Then, they reach the building. Melian, Bern's wife, rushes towards them with a bright, almost motherly smile and four girls in tow,

» It's so good to see you! « The party bows before their hostess.

» Thank you for having us, my lady, « Caspian nods at her. Melian brushes it off,

» Of course! The messenger arrived early enough; your rooms will be ready in no time. «

» May I introduce our daughters, « Lord Bern cuts in, gesturing towards the girls behind his wife,

» These are Valanya, Sanna, Teona, and Noemi. « Well-mannered, the four curtsy – well, three do, Teona, however, bows. She might be eleven years old while Noemi has seen nine winters at most, while Valanya is a young woman Luna's age with Sanna not far behind.

» Teona! « Her mother scolds quietly. Ignoring this, the girl draws her hand from her little sister's grab and steps forward. While Noemi hides behind Melian, Teona looks up at Luna.

» Are you the Crown Shield? « Asks the girl,

» People talk lots about the Battle on the Main Square and how you helped save everyone from these punks. « Luna raises her eyebrows in surprise, not hiding a smile, though.

» Teona! « Her mother warns again. Sanna snorts, earning a glare form her older sister.

» Apologies, « says Melian,

» She's quite curious and uses words she shouldn't. « Teona avoids the pointed look directed at her.

» Well, « Luna smiles at the girl,

» That's me. It's nice to meet you. « Her smile is returned, bright and full of admiration. She isn't quite prepared for the rapid-fire questions that follow,

» Is that your sword? Does it have a name? Can I hold it? Can you teach me? I want to be a warrior too! «

After this colourful reception, Lord Bern ushers them inside, leaving his family to follow. Teona refuses to be quiet despite Melian repeatedly shushing her.

» You seem to have an admirer, « whispers Caspian in passing. Luna refrains from a playful shove, it isn't the time and there is an estate to be respectfully entered. The entrance hall is spacious and filled with light that filters in through the high windows. Countless potted plants and vases create a brilliant atmosphere, homey even with the open fireplace and chaise. Right-hand a flight of stairs leads up, farther down this side lays a dining room. To the left allow the open doors a glimpse of a sitting room or study, the walls lined with bookshelves. Straight ahead seems to be a grand hall. It reminds Luna of Cair Paravel, Bern's Court is just smaller than the Narnian palace.

» Please make yourselves at home, « says Lord Bern,

» My house shall be yours. «

» I'd like to recommend a visit of our gardens; my dear wife has a wonderful eye for the arrangements, « adds the greying man, leaning in conspiratorially. Caspian perks up while Melian blushes, placing a hand on her husband's arm,

» Oh shush, most flowers are not in bloom. «

*

After a short tour of the estate, the two older sisters show Luna to her room. Valanya strides ahead with little words spared towards their female guest while Sanna falls in step with the warrior.

» I don't mean to pry but... How are you fairing, being the only woman on board? « Asks she. Luna chuckles. She had to answer this question before. Admittedly, it is uncommon for women to sail the seas but since Caspian's coronation things are changing. Luna is only the first of many who will undoubtedly follow in activities and ranks occupied by mostly men.

» You do get used to it, « smiles Luna,

» Though, without friends it would be dire. « The three walk through the corridor in the upper floor. Daylight filters in through the high windows and – like downstairs – potted plants everywhere. In front of the fifth door awaits a young woman, clad in a long black dress with a white apron. These garments mark a maid's uniform. Said woman is introduced as Elena who will be tending to Luna during their stay. The warrior's attempts to refuse fail,

» Oh, you are kind, but I'm quite used to tend to myself and my duties alone. «

» It is no trouble, really, « says Sanna while her sister insists as well. Luna folds and they enter the room. Even though it is designed in light colours, Luna immediately feels at ease, warm, homey even. This must be Lady Melian's touch which fills the whole estate.

Valanya, Sanna and Elena leave her to rest after settling Luna in and agreeing to meet in the gardens later. The oldest sister is first to step out while the maid holds the door open. Valanya stops in her tracks, sinking into a neat curtsy.

» There's no need, my lady, « Caspian's voice lets Luna perk up. She returns to the door to find Valanya blushing. The king, however, turns his attention to his Crown Shield with a smile. He enters at Luna's nod, asking the others present for a moment to speak to her. Quickly, Sanna slips outside, ushering her sister and Elena along.

After the door is closed, Luna sighs. Raising an eyebrow, Cas steps closer, brushing his hand over hers,

» What is it? Don't you like the room? « She nudges him gently. As if she would care about such trivialities, not after the places she has stayed at before. Caspian figures he doesn't even know the half of it, she has been on many more field missions than he was. A battlefield isn't a comfortable place, that he knows.

» No, I... am just not used to the formalities anymore. « The king nods slowly, still regarding her thoughtfully. He awaits further explanations, unsatisfied with the polite reply. A smile slips onto her lips, accompanied by another light sigh,

» They assigned me a maid. «

» Ah, I see, « Cas smirks, knowing full well her problem with being treated like nobility. However, he isn't quite certain if he should simply laugh of be sad about it. If their relationship develops, she could become a queen. An idea formed in his head on the Star's Island. Lilliandil became an unlikely confidante to him and supported this idea. Clearing his throat, he stops his mind from galloping onwards.

» Well, you may need assistance for the soirée tomorrow, « says he. Luna narrows her eyes ever so slightly. The gesture tells him all he needs to know, but the event will still take place.

» Lord Bern will introduce the local nobles there; I hope to find more allies who may support the Lone Islands' rebuild. «

Luna bows her head, yielding to her fate. Another ball on these isles, what could possibly go wrong. Cas steps closer to her, taking her hands in his. Gazing into his eyes lets her heart calm. The Lone Islands changed, maybe the nobles did as well. Thankfully, the king goes on to another subject. He tells her they will set over to Narrowhaven tomorrow to tend to political matters. Caspian places his hands on her shoulders.

» Luna, « he smiles gently,

» I'd like for you to stay here. Rest, visit Lady Melian's garden maybe. « Luna, however, narrows her eyes, regarding him for a moment. She ponders over his motives. Does he think her weak? Is he afraid the dark memories of their capture by the slavers will resurface? Anger surges through her at that thought. The warrior clears her throat, shrugging his hands off. Grasping the hilt of Ivelle, she locks her eyes with his,

» I intend to do my duty, Caspian, as always. « Her words are gentler than her thoughts. Her voice is soft, but he doesn't miss the certain edge.

» Drinian will accompany me at every turn, « Cas promises,

» Only this once, don't worry. You won't be replaced. « He hesitates, a solemn look crosses his features,

» Well, not until... you know, we're home. « Luna's heart jumps at the reminder. When they return to Narnia, she will resign from her duties as Crown Shield – King Caspian will need another. Her face falls, she does regret that decision a little, her stepping down will end an era. But every end is a beginning. Luna only hopes that to be true. Besides, she will personally ensure her replacement to exceed all expectations – they will be burdened with the life of a king, and therefore need to have every ability to succeed.

Caspian's soft caress of her cheek takes her back to the present. His charming smile sends her heart into a whole series of leaps. A reminder of the medallion's other side; the reason why she will resign from this duty. A slow smile spreads over her lips. She places her hands on his chest. One wanders to his shoulders, tracing the tips of his dark hair.

» Alright then, « she agrees,

» But I'll send Halion and Vigilhoof with you as well. «

» Not that I don't trust Drinian... « She adds quickly, eyes wandering to the door as if the captain could hear her from wherever he may be. Cas chuckles, pulling her closer and into a gentle embrace.