Luna dodges under several blows of the slave traders coming in her way – and under someone thrown through the air due to the force of a minotaur's hit. At this point of the battle, they don't try to not harm anymore. They aim to kill and so does the Crown Shield. The long dagger Tavros gave her is of good use, but she will need a sword to really make a difference in this fight. She lost sight of the minotaur - they got separated shortly after he rescued her. However, she keeps focused on Pug and Tacks. The two nearly reached Lucy, Reepicheep, Mael, and the other prisoners by now. The warrior is not far from them either. Hurriedly, she strikes down the last slaver standing in between her friends and her.

Lucy isn't idle in the meantime. She picks up the next best object – which happens to be a wooden crate – and defends herself with it. Reep is free from the net and assists Lucy, so do the others. Mael has gotten hold of a scimitar and fights well enough, although his hands are still bound with shackles. Therefore, Pug is met with resistance. That's when Luna finally reaches them and engages Tacks in a fight. Hadn't his personal guard interfered; she would have taken down Pug. The tall man clearly has an advantage as Luna's dagger is no match for his blade. He smirks as metal meets metal for the first time, knowing very well he is stronger too. So, she must dodge his blows, crouch down, roll out of the way and sidestep where she can. The only possible strategy here is to tire him out. He puts a lot of power in his strikes, so he shouldn't last long.

Meanwhile, Lucy keeps Pug at bay. The slave traders' chief is not eager to fight. He tries to sneak around and gather whatever he deems valuable, like the money he collected before. However, a problem presents itself. Either Pug has called his men over a while ago or it's one of their strategies. Now, they slowly retreat to this corner of the square, drawing the fight with them as the soldiers won't just let them go. The number of slave traders decreases but there are enough of them left to end this bloodily. Especially after the soldiers follow the slavers, reducing the fighting area.

» Would you just stand still! « Tacks growls as his blow hits the air where Luna just stood, again striking nothing. Sweat forms on his forehead and he is breathing heavily, her tactic is working.

» Finish the brat and get over 'ere! « Pug yells, followed by a cry as Reepicheep sinks his teeth into his shoulder, not the first time apparently as Pug's clothes show various bloodstains. That's the distraction Luna needed. Tacks looks over to his master for a moment and she sweep his legs out from under him. The man goes down with a heavy thud, accompanied by a surprised yelp. Wasting no time, she puts her blade to his throat.

» Surrender, « she demands. Her voice is hoarse, so she swallows and clears her throat. Tacks stares up at the Crown Shield, lips parted as if he can't believe he is defeated. Then, he slowly releases his scimitar and raises his hands.

» Need any assistance, lassie? « Luna looks up to see Rynelf. He points the tip of his sword to Tacks' neck as well. Two soldiers rush to bind the slaver and lead him away. He doesn't even try to resist much and stays silent. As that is taken care of, the warrior lets her eyes wander to find Pug. She can't spot him anywhere. Just like her buyer before, he seems to have vanished without a trace. Oh, she will search for him later. There are more pressing matters at hand.

» Ya know, I saw this and think it belongs to ye, « Rynelf's lips twitch upwards. His hand is outstretched, offering her a sword. Not just any sword. This is her sword, Ivelle*. Luna can't suppress a smile at the sight of the weapon. It accompanies her for a long time now and has somewhat become an extension of her arm. Just as it should be for a warrior and their weapons.

» Thanks, « she is quick to take the blade from the Dawn Treader's first mate and fastens it to her girdle. The additional weight doesn't bother her at all; she even appreciates the familiarity. Then she changes the dagger to her left hand and draws the sword from its scabbard with her right. They weren't parted for long, but she missed the light scraping sound as the sword is unsheathed. Rynelf sends her a knowing wink and they turn back to the battle. After all, Luna's task is to protect the queen and kings. But first, she needs to find them. She is able to locate Lucy quickly. She didn't move far and managed to get hold of a bow and arrows. Even with her hands bound, she knows how to put it to use. Legends say, Queen Lucy was rather fierce in battle. So, she is fine and can handle herself. The Crown Shield turns just in time to see a slaver charging at her. Instinctively, she sinks down into a proper fighting stance, raising her blades.

~

The battle on the Main Square of Narrowhaven rages on. Luna has to admit she underestimated the fierceness and endurance of the slave traders. Sure, they are used to fight to take ships and raid villages, but she didn't expect them to remain loyal to Pug against such a force, not for so long. However, most surrender after being disarmed like Tacks, many fall. The warrior stays close to Lucy, and the women fight back-to-back. Reepicheep took off through the crowd, probably to reclaim his little rapier. Luna lost sight of Mael as he helped a few soldiers to unchain the other prisoners and get them to safety. Now, the battle dies down slowly, and the rows clear more and more.

» Lucy! « Edmund calls out as he makes his way towards them, Eustace in tow. The King of Old seems to be unharmed, the blond boy too, however, he looks shaken.

» Are you alright? « He asks his sister, briefly taking her hand. She just nods while looking around. Many market stalls are destroyed, laying in pieces of splintered wood, ragged cloth, and scattered goods. The cobblestone of the square is speckled with blood, dead and wounded lay everywhere. Some still stand and fight, others mourn their fallen brothers and sisters. Cries of pain and grief echo over the place. Luna sighs, wiping her forehead with the back of her hand. The blades of her weapons are coated in blood. Yet, she doesn't feel guilty. This is what war looks like, this battle is just a taste of what happened in the past three years.

Reepicheep joins the friends. He really found his rapier. They do not talk. Instead, they exchange glances, relieved the other is unharmed. Then, Luna lets her eyes wander again, searching for Caspian. Due to the cleared ranks which could block the view she finally spots her king. He is occupied, fighting off a handful of slavers. They are not the last ones standing but the largest group. As the others are safe, the Crown Shield rushes over to help.

Drinian is with King Caspian which is a great relieve. The captain always looks out for him and has a lot of experience in fighting. Just as she arrives, one of the slave traders tries to break out of their formation and make a run for it. However, the warrior comes to stand right in his path. With a growled cry of anger, he charges at her. Caspian turned to pursue him but stops short as his eyes land on his friend. The expression on his face astounds her and, for a moment, she is distracted. The slaver's triumphant roar tears her back to her senses as he pounces himself at her. She pulls up her sword and dagger to block his blow - the three blades form a star. He looks surprised for a second before he rears back to charge again. They exchange a rapid series of blows, none of them doing any real harm, until Luna dodges his next attack instead of parring it. As a result, he loses balance. She rises from her crouched position, and, in one fluid motion, she turns and slices his throat with trained accuracy. The man gurgles, his scimitar slips from his hand, and he tips over. He ends up on the ground, motionless, as blood keeps gushing from his wound. The warrior turns away to find that – during her dispute with the now dead slaver – Caspian and Drinian took care of the rest of that handful.

As a few soldiers escort the survivors away, Drinian accompanies them. He wears a grave expression as if he doesn't trust anyone – which he probably doesn't. Caspian watches them go, then he walks up to Luna with a quick pace, lips slightly quirked.

» I'm glad to see you. You had me worried there, « he comes to a halt in front of her. He tries to smile but it doesn't quite reach his eyes. No wonder regarding the circumstances. She returns the gesture as good as she can in the middle of a battlefield and sheathes her blades. It is proper decorum to put down any weapons in direct presence of a king.

» Are you hurt? « Caspian's gaze falls to her hands. The iron shackles are still around her wrists but the chain between them is cut in half, thanks to Tavros. Luna will be glad to get rid of those wrist bands as soon as possible. Before she can answer, he sheaths his sword as well and takes her hands in his to inspect the marks the chains and ropes left on her skin. It is raw and red from all the turning in the bounds. Anger flickers over his face for a split second.

As she is about to say something, she notices a movement out of the corner of her eyes. A man tries to sneak up on them, one of the slavers probably, a knife in hand. The Crown Shield tenses as she fixates him over Caspian's shoulder. The king looks at her questioningly and is about to turn around to follow her gaze. Suddenly, the man lifts the knife, ready to throw it.

» Down! « Luna calls out and dives forward to pull Caspian to the ground with her. The knife sails over the two and harmlessly clatters to the cobblestone. Caspian threw his hands up to steady her at the sudden impact. He landed on his back and his protector on top of him like a shield. They share a quick glance. As the slaver sees his attempt to kill the king failed, he runs towards them, one hand hidden in his robe. There is no time to draw a sword, but Luna is prepared, let him come. She rolls off Caspian, onto her side and – as soon as he is close enough – she kicks in the slaver's knees as hard as she can. There's a sickening snap and he goes down with a howl. With one hand, he pushes himself up in a kneeling position on his good knee, with the other he draws another knife. He wants to stab the warrior, but she leaps up and twirls behind him. Her arm is around his neck before he can try anything else, and she grasps his flailing limb to force him to drop the blade. He trashes around to get away, but she increases the pressure on his throat to get him to stop. She looks up to Caspian who got up by now. Silently, she asks him for permission to break this man's neck. It would be a swift movement that would bring him a swift death. The anger inside of Luna about all of this would allow her to execute whatever order she receives. Usually, the Narnians don't just kill without conscience but in battles like this, the laws of war and honour blur. Though, Caspian shakes his head and draws his sword, setting it at the man's throat.

» Yield, « he demands firmly.

The Crown Shield scans their surroundings, but the fight dies down further. The remaining slave traders try to flee or lay down their weapons. The man gulps at the bloodstained blade pointed at him. He nods curtly and raises his free hand. Caspian calls two soldiers over. They arrest the attacker. Then, Caspian and Luna are alone again.

» I'm fine, « she finally answers his previous question as she rises to her feet,

» And you? What happened after they took you away? « With a sigh, Caspian steps closer, placing his hands on her arms.

» Are you sure? « He asks and looks her over, ignoring the question,

» They didn't... touch you? « At that image, Luna gulps down a sudden lump in her throat, shifting uncomfortably. After a moment she meets Caspian's gaze and shakes her head.

» I'm fine, really, « she repeats. The words are a little too quiet for Caspian's liking. His thumbs draw circles on her arms, the touch reassuring, as he holds her gaze. Slowly, relieve washes over his features, replacing the worry in his eyes. He shouldn't worry so much, not about her. She can handle herself. Actually, it should be the other way around, she is the Crown Shield after all.

» At least, I now know the worth of my life, « Luna changes the topic,

» One hundred Crescents*. « It is an attempt of a joke, but Caspian's gaze seems to intensify at that. Suddenly, he draws her towards him and into a tight embrace. She stiffens. This is something he does very, very rarely. And Luna, well, she initiates such closeness even rarer. It's simply not proper, they both know that. However, sometimes they don't care because their companionship demands such gestures during hardships. Sometimes, they don't have to be king and king's guard. Sometimes, like now. Well, not really as there are enough prying eyes around. But, to say the least, the last events were exhausting, so she returns the hug timidly. For a few moments they stand in each other's arms, drowning out the world around.

» You're worth so much more, Luna, « he whispers in her ear, stroking over her back. As he speaks, she retreats far enough to look at him.

» It can't be measured, « he continues quietly. At his words, the warrior feels heat rising to her cheeks and she averts her eyes from his. She tries to retreat further, but he doesn't let go yet. So, she returns her gaze to his to see his cheeks faintly blushing as well. Luna can't supress a small smile. Caspian mirrors that gesture and finally releases her – it is no sudden motion but steady, the warmth lingering. They both take a tiny step back, still standing too close for it to be proper. Right now, neither of them cares.

Suddenly, someone slings their arms around Luna's shoulders from behind.

» It's over, « Lucy exclaims, taking a deep breath. As she squeezes her friend slightly, Luna puts her hands over the queen's. Edmund, Eustace and Reepicheep join them as well. The kings clap each other on the back in a brotherly gesture.

» And it's a miracle we're all alive and well, « Reepicheep chimes. Indeed, a miracle Aslan gave. The mouse stands next to Eustace and brushes his muzzled fur. The belt with his rapier is back around his middle and the golden circlet on his head, including a rather ruffled feather. At the sight of her friend trying to make himself presentable again, Luna remembers to do the same. She looks down at herself. Her clothes are dirty, crusted with blood, sweat and dust. The braid loosened, several strands fell out and her hair must be in a mess. Exhaustion weighs heavy on her now that she knows her kings and queen safe. The air reeks of the metallic smell of blood and death. The headache returns, reminding her of the hours tossing and turning after last night's nightmare. However, there is another matter waiting to be taken care of. The warrior's eyes sweep over the square, searching for Pug's green robes. She turns in a circle, only to find no sign of the slave traders' chief. He is gone. Under all the tiredness, anger bubbles again. He can't have escaped! She twists towards Caspian. They need to search for Pug. The king must have noticed her quiet search as he is already looking at her. He shakes his head,

» We will find him, but he can't do harm anymore. « He is right, of course he is, but Luna doesn't like the idea of the slaver getting away. He doesn't deserve it after all he has done.

The Crown Shield's thoughts are interrupted as someone walks up to the group. It's the older man who was with the kings before.

» My king! « He calls out and bows. Caspian smiles and turns to look at each one of his friends,

» Alright, Lucy, Luna, meet Lord Bern. « So, this is one of the seven Lords of Telmar, the first they found on their journey. Caspian must be happy. Lucy steps forward to greet the lord. He bows, taking her hand to press a feathery kiss to her knuckles.

» Queen Lucy, it's an honour to meet a Queen of Old, « his eyes twinkle merrily. She curtsies politely and returns his greeting. Then, the lord turns to Luna. As he bows again, she does the same – the warrior never was fond of curtseys.

» So you're Lady Luna, the fierce king's guard, « Lord Bern greets her with a smile,

» I saw you fight today and must say King Caspian didn't exaggerate one bit. « Luna must keep herself from raising a questioning eyebrow. Caspian talked about her? She really needs to pull it together.

» It's my duty and my honour to serve the crown, Milord, « she bows her head respectfully before stepping back, finding herself next to Edmund. He sends her a smile and pats her shoulder comradely.

» And what took you so long to save us from those unpleasant tradesmen? « Eustace pipes up, not bothering to greet Lord Bern in any way. Well, in his defence, the boy doesn't know about courtly decorum after all.

» I hope we're going to file a proper lawsuit to the consul, right? « He continues. There we go again with that ominous British consul he talked about before. Edmund sighs, rolling his eyes,

» Eustace, again, we – are – not – in – Britain – anymore. « His cousin stares at him, then scoffs. He lowers his head, and puts his hands in his pockets, kicking a pebble which spins into an abandoned helmet with a clank.

» Well, I'm curious. What did you experience after we were separated yesterday? « Lucy chimes in, sending Caspian an apologetic look for Eustace's behaviour.

» That's a rather long story... « Caspian says and fills everyone in on what happened to him and Edmund in the last hours.

*'Ivelle' is Gaelic for "fond of movement or travel."

*The 'Crescent' is the Calormene currency and is used on the Lone Islands as well. One Crescent makes fourty Minims. The Narnian currency is divided in Lions and Trees.

And the Character overview got updated again!