This is the tale of a journey that takes Luna not only to discover the world beyond Narnia's borders; she will find a purpose that goes deeper than protecting her king.
» That's why. I can't protect you the way I should... « As she looks into his ey...
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
Fortunately, Drinian's words turn out to be true. Those about the storm passing, there are no sea serpents so far. On top of that, new land was sighted this morning. The storm must have given the Drawn Treader a booster, else they couldn't have hoped to see this island before a few weeks came to pass. Now, however, the sailors expect to reach it in only a few days. Luna concedes the sea has a certain sense of humour. First, she flips the Dawn Treader around like a pancake for days on end, then nothing – barley a gentle breeze which puts the ship forward foot by foot.
» Oh, you gagging bilge rat! « At the sound of that curse, the Crown Shield turns from her view over the calm sea. That voice doesn't belong to the sailors who tend to cuss a lot. Her gaze lands on Edmund who stands at the railing near his sister. He turned around as well, irritation and shock written over his face. Unsure of what to do but not ready to let this go without looking into it, she crosses the deck and walks over to him.
» Did you just- « the King of Old cuts himself off, staggering for words,
» Lucy! « At that, Luna realizes it was indeed the queen's voice. Her brow lifts in confusion. Lucy doesn't swear, she doesn't curse and above all, she doesn't cuss like a sailor would at minor incidents like stubbing his toe somewhere. Edmund still stands unmoved, mouth hanging open at his little sister's new familiarity with such a speech. So, Luna is faster to regain her composure. Lucy sits in her usual spot at the railing between a few barrels and boxes and sews. Well, she was sewing. Now, she sucks on her index finger, brow creased. She stares at her brother and tries to hide both, her lightly flushed cheeks and a small smile. As her gaze wanders over to the other female, she giggles, and Luna can't help but to join in.
» What's going on here? « Caspian joins them together with Reepicheep. They eye Edmund's expression and the women laughing. That constellation may seem a little odd, yes, but it's funny, nevertheless.
» Well, « Luna explains as clear as possible while laughing,
» Lucy learned to swear. « Edmund nudges her shoulder but that doesn't make it less true; the Queen of Old picked up on swearing.
» Apparently, « Ed mumbles, relaxing slightly as he watches his sister. The shock seems to wear off as a grin spreads over his face,
» I'm curious what Aunt Alberta will have to say about that. And Mum. « His eyes glimmer mischievously. Lucy freezes.
» Maybe that was to be expected, « Reep chimes in,
» A ship isn't the best place for a lady in the end. « He means well, Luna knows, but he shouldn't encourage the men in patronising women. Statements like this; a woman doesn't belong here and there, shouldn't do this or that... it's frustrating. The mouse must have noticed her disapproving look and pats her leg,
» You picked it up too, you know. « The warrior lifts one eyebrow. She didn't notice her style of speaking change, but it's likely to have happened as Lucy just demonstrated. However, she doesn't see a problem in a woman speaking a certain way as long as it's appropriate in the situation she is in. Now that she thinks of it, there may be no time at all that's appropriate for swearing.
» Did I now, huh? « She tries to suppress a smile.
» Indeed, « Caspian agrees and sends her a knowing smirk.
» Let me remind you of just a few days ago where you tried cleaning your weapons. But the storm was harsh that day, not allowing the Dawn Treader a moment of peace, « he leans closer conspiratorially,
» There may have been a 'bloody son of a biscuit eater' involved. «
» Oh yes, or that time when you stumbled over a rope. I think you said- « Edmund has recovered from his shock quickly. She nudges him back,
» Alright, alright, I get it. So what, no more sailor's speech? «
» Come on, ye ain't no scallywag, lass! « Rynelf calls over to them as he strides by on his way to the wheel, grinning from ear to ear. The others agree with him.
» It's hilarious actually, « Ed teases and earns a meaningful look from Lucy,
» So, Luna is allowed to talk the way she wants but I'm not?! « The conversation continues, and they laugh a lot. After the long storm and dire time, this does them well, and it's good to see everyone smile again.
Hey everyone!
First of all, happy new year and may 2021 treat us better than the last.
Sorry that this took so long, university is taking a lot of time and I don't have a lot to spare for writing. So, this chapter is something small for you to smile about, I hope.
Information: 'Son of a biscuit eater' is indeed an insult in the sailor's or pirate's speech.