IT IS THE EARLY MORNING of a clear day; the sea stretches like a mirror around the Dawn Treader. Well, as smooth as the sea can be. Here and there a wave – crowned with white foam – breaks at the ship's bow. About thirty days went by since their departure from Cair Paravel – 400 sea miles, their captain would say. Lord Drinian is Captain of the Dawn Treader since her first launching. It is a proud ship with the golden dragon head on its bow, the looped dragon's tail at the back and the purple sails. Emblazoned at the top of the fifty-feet-high mast flutters Narnia's flag. The golden lion on green ground will be seen from far away and announces their arrival. So far, they were anchored in a few harbours along the way. The Duke of Galma even held a tournament for King Caspian. They couldn't go ashore in Terebinthia due to an epidemic. The last land they set foot on were the Seven Isles. This was a few days ago. Now they are headed for the Lone Islands, the last land mapped in the Eastern Sea. Everyone wonders what may lay behind.

» Good morning, Luna, « Reepicheep hops onto the railing next to a young woman. A smile flickers over her features at the sight of her friend as she returns his greeting.

» This seems to become an interesting day, « he states as he looks out at the sea, taking deep breaths of the fresh salty air. It became a ritual between the two of them to try and predict the events of the awakening day. This is not only entertaining for them but for the rest of the crew as well. Some of the men picked up on this to last through rather uneventful days. To drive away the boredom on such days the two friends sought to learn the one or other handle to sail a ship. The mouse has his difficulties with those because he is too small and doesn't possess enough strength, but he isn't going to let that stop him from trying. Nevertheless, many other abilities are given to the Talking Mouse. Reepicheep is one of the most skilled knights of Narnia, even though he is barely two feet tall. Furthermore, his courage is greater than anyone else's. He belonged to the first to volunteer to become a part of the Dawn Treader's crew. This ship is the best in Narnia's rebuilt navy, it is a great honour to have been accepted as a crew member.

In exchange for learning how to sail, Luna and Reep give the more daring crew members sparing lessons in which even King Caspian takes part at times. This doesn't mean that the men aren't capable of handling themselves in a fight, but most of them are trained with harpoons, crossbows, and spears. The art of sword fighting is more commonly taught to people of higher status or rank. Luna enjoys those lessons more than anything because they remind her of her responsibilities at home, and they pull the crew together. Usually, she isn't one for nostalgia and this is no exception. As Caspian told her about his plans to travel east to find long-lost lords, seven friends of his father, she didn't hesitate to follow him. Years ago, shortly after he was crowned king, the young woman was given the task to watch over his life as his Crown Shield. Even though it isn't common for women to take up swords, Luna took and still takes her duty very seriously. King Caspian doesn't always make this easy, but he does his best for his country and people. Reepicheep doesn't belong to the King's Guard as he has responsibilities of his own, to lead the Talking Mice. He is a member of the Lion's Order, though, that means Luna gets to see him often enough around Cair Paravel. Fortunately so, as their friendship goes way back. Memories about their adventures she remembers with a fond smile.

» What are you thinking about? « Asks Reep, nudging her shoulder. He balances on the railing, one arm extended like a tightrope walker – although, so Luna is sure, he wouldn't need it to help him keep his balance – while the other paw rests on the hilt of his rapier. Step by step, he moves away from Luna. As he turns back around, the red feather attached to the golden circlet around one of his ears bobs up and down. Those accessories give him a daring look. As Luna is about to answer his question, a voice sounds from the crow's nest.

» Castaways larboard! « The crew hurries over to the left side of the ship to catch a glimpse. Reep and Luna make their way over as well and arrive in time with the king and the captain. Luna gets a spot at the railing and leans over to get a better look. There, a few feet in front of the ship, she makes out three people in the water. They frantically paddle away from the Dawn Treader to not get sucked under the hull.

» Alright, ya two, get in the water, « Drinian orders two men who comply at once. They shrug out of their outer jackets and dive head-first into the blue ocean.

» Prepare tows to get 'em back up, « shouts the captain, folding his arms in front of his chest and remains his stoical self.

» Hold this, « someone says next to Luna. She whips around to find King Caspian following the example of the two sailors. He shrugs out of his frock coat and hands it, together with his belt and dagger, to a man nearby. Without hesitation he climbs onto the railing and dives in. Immediately, Luna turns her attention down to the water. Caspian emerges from the waves and crawls towards the castaways. She watches him and the surrounding water, but she doesn't need to worry. The king is always first to help and, thank Aslan, knows how to handle himself. Though, she probably will never cease to be wary of possible dangers. The Dawn Treader glides up to the people in the water. Luna identifies a girl and two boys paddling around. One boy, the blond one, clings to the girl which causes them both to go under several times. Each time they resurface, the boy rattles something and shouts for help, sputtering water in every direction. As Caspian and the two sailors reach them, the king grabs the girl to help her stay above the surface. After she took some deep breaths, she squeals happily,

» Ca-Ca-Caspian! « The voice sounds familiar to Luna. Oh, she got older, but she knows her still.

» Lucy! « Caspian greets her. And that she is, none other than Queen Lucy the Valiant from Narnia's Golden Age. The crew lowers ropes for the swimmers. Caspian and Lucy are the first to be pulled up.

» Eustace, let them help you! « The other boy shouts. Those dark brown hair are familiar as well. King Edmund the Just seems frustrated but nevertheless delighted to be here – whatever they are doing in the middle of the ocean. As the crew works on pulling them up without letting them bump on the ship's hull, Luna turns around,

» Bring blankets and something warm for them to drink. « A sailor nods and does as he is told. Meanwhile, Caspian and Lucy arrive on deck. After them, this Eustace fellow is pulled up. Well, the sailor holding the fidgeting boy over his shoulder is pulled up, to be precise. The blond is still complaining about being cold and wanting to talk to a 'British consul'. All that while he is coughing up water. As soon as the sailor places the boy on the planks he sinks down like a wet bag and becomes still, looking around. Luna doesn't get to wonder what this British consul might be as Reepicheep leaves her side to see to that situation. The man she sent down to retrieve blankets returns and she rushes to help him carry everything. She grabs some blankets and approaches Caspian who is helping Lucy to her feet. The Queen of Old wrings out her clothes and hair.

» That was thrilling, « she states, and Caspian laughs his typical soft laugh. Lucy joins in and takes in her surroundings. That is when she spots the other female. The beaming smile returns to her lips, and she takes a few steps forward to hug her,

» It's so good to see you. « Now Luna is wet too, but she couldn't care less about such trivialities.

» You too, it's a very pleasant surprise, « she returns the greeting and helps her with the blanket,

» But, by Aslan's mane, how did you end up here? « As one can hear, the sailor's slang found its way into her speech during the time at sea. It's nothing to be ashamed of, the sailors of this crew are honourable men, brave and true friends – or becoming such.

» That's what I meant to ask as well, « Caspian adds as Lucy nuzzles into the warming fabric.

» I have no idea, « is the only answer they get. Luna turns to Caspian to hand him a blanket as well. He smiles gratefully and gives her a short nod. He is about to put the blanket over his shoulders as a voice calls out to him,

» Caspian! « The king turns around. Edmund grins. The two greet each other with a brotherly hug and Caspian leaves the blanket to the King of Narnia's Golden Era. Shortly after, they join Lucy and Luna. The latter hands Caspian another blanket as Edmund surprises her by drawing her in for a hug as well. She can't help but smile at her old friend.

» It seems we're in for another adventure, « Edmund smirks and she nods along, not holding in a curt laugh.

» Did you call for us again? « Lucy asks Caspian. The king rests one hand on her and Edmund's shoulders each and shakes his head,

» No, not this time. « He shoots Luna a questioning look. It almost seems as if he expects her to share her thoughts on this. But it's not her place to speak when the queen and kings are having a conversation. Such things are very strict at court but not strict at all with Caspian on the Dawn Treader. Not that he enforces those etiquettes at court, but it is tradition and people are always hesitant to break with those. Edmund, probably sensing her hesitation, speaks up while drawing the blanket tighter around himself,

» Well, whatever the case, I'm just glad to be here. «

In this very moment, a cry sounds over the deck and everyone whirls around. This Eustace still lays on the planks, Reepicheep balances on this chest but the boy throws him off. The Talking Mouse performs a roll and strides over to the royals, glancing over his shoulder at the boy.

» Reepicheep! « Lucy greets him. The addressed turns at once at the sound of her voice, straightens his belt and bows deeply while lifting his circlet like a hat.

» Your Majesties, « he raises and salutes in the direction of the queen.

» Hello Reep, « Edmund says,

» What a pleasure. « Always the diplomate, isn't he? Caspian smirks and crosses his arms over his chest. Luna decides to silently observe the scene while enjoying the gentle wind on her face. Wind that never really sleeps at sea. That's why the men are back at their posts, Drinian shooed them off and returned to the wheel up on the quarterdeck. Some of the crew gathered near the queen and kings, eyeing the three castaways.

» Oh, the pleasure's all mine, sir, « Reep answers, trying to smooth his damp fur,

» But what are we doing with this... hysterical interloper? « His question is accompanied by a move of his paw in the direction of Eustace. Meanwhile, the blond boy got on all fours and tries to hoist himself up at the railing. His face is distorted, eyebrows knit together in a deep frown.

» This giant rat thing just tried to claw my face off! « He shouts, pointing accusingly at Reepicheep. Luna raises an eyebrow at that behaviour, not liking how the boy talks about her dear friend.

» I was merely trying to expel the water from your lungs, sir, « Reep keeps his voice friendly, quite sweet even. Eustace finally manages to draw himself up. With wide eyes he stares at the mouse.

» It- It talks! « He stutters,

» Did you hear that? I-it... just talked! « One moment, it's silent. Then, the whole crew laughs out loud causing Eustace to jump.

» He always does, « a sailor points out, shrugging. More laughter follows. The blond boy visibly feels not taken seriously.

» Well, I don't know what kind of prank this is, but I want to wake up NOW! « He shouts, face flushing red and redder. Reepicheep mumbles something to the queen and kings.

» We aren't throwing him back in, Ed, « Lucy decides firmly, nudging her brother. Eustace didn't finish though. He stalks over the deck, glaring at everyone in his way,

» I demand to know, just where in the world am I?! « This must be when Tavros decides that it is enough.

» You're on the Dawn Treader, « the second ship's mate steps forward,

» The finest ship in Narnia's navy. « Eustace turns at the sound of the deep voice. As soon as he lays eyes on the towering minotaur, they go even wider. Just like that, he passes out and collapses on the deck in front of Tavros' hoofs. That causes the crew to laugh even harder than bevor. Well, it should be granted to them. They work hard night and day. Caspian steps up to the second ship's mate and views the unconscious boy.

» Was it somethin' I said? « Tavros asks, his volume a bit lower now. Caspian smirks slightly and shakes his head. It surely wasn't something poor Tavros said, more like that he – a giant in comparison to the slim boy – talked at all or exists, for that matter. King Edmund once told Luna about their world. In this so called 'England' they don't know of minotaurs, centaurs, dwarfs, talking animals, merpeople and the like, other than in fairy tales. That seems like a very dreary world to her but who is she to judge. At a time, she had never crossed Narnia's borders, not even once. A lot happened since then.

» Take care of him, will you? « Caspian asks meanwhile, and two men lift Eustace up to carry him to the sick bay.

» Way to make a first impression, « Edmund whispers to his sister. She gives him a pointed look and turns to Caspian expectantly who climbs up the stairs to the quarterdeck.

» Men, « he calls out to claim everyone's attention,

» Behold our castaways, Edmund the Just and Lucy the Valiant, king and queen of Narnia. « The crew jeers and everyone kneels with bowed heads.

~

Caspian rejoins the others again and steps next to Luna. As she catches sight of Lucy shivering, she immediately gets back to her task to watch over the king – she suspects her duty just stretched out on all three of them and probably this Eustace fellow as well. Bravo.

» You should probably head inside to warm up, Your Majesties, « she suggests, gesturing in the direction of the stairs. Edmund raises an eyebrow at her.

» Really? « He asks and she starts to think that she said something to offend him,

» You're starting to call us 'Your Majesties' again? Come on, Luna. « He smiles at her surprised expression while Lucy giggles. Luna didn't expect this, she probably should have. However, addressing them by their rightful titles happens out of habit. As it is well known, those die hard. Caspian chuckles and places a hand on her arm,

» She's right; let's go inside to change out of those wet clothes. «

» And afterwards, you get a tour of our home at sea, yes? « His suggestion is met with approval from all sides and the thee regents make their way downstairs. Reep and Luna hang back. Reepicheep keeping a distance out of respect, she because her arm tingles funnily.