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...
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On the same day, the Dawn Treader sets sail again. Everyone is relieved to leave that dry island. After enjoying the fresh sea breeze and the slight swaying of the ship on the waves to which they got so used to for a while, boredom sets in. Lucy sits in her favourite spot on deck and reads a book from the shelf in Caspian's study – or the parlour. Reepicheep started to train with Eustace as he asked, teaching the boy the footwork first. Eustace is timid, still embarrassed of how he treated the others before. However, he formed a special bond with the mouse and seems to feel a lot more confident around him. Edmund watches them, noticeably relaxed. He settled on a barrel and leans his back against the railing. Luna joined the King of Old sometime into the training. They sit in comfortable silence for a while, simply watching what is going on. Now and then, they exchange a few words. Ed refrains from making sarcastic remarks about his cousin. For now.
In the end, Eustace holds up a hand, trying his best to not fall over with the sword in hand. Those things are heavier than they look, and the boy has difficulties to lift one. They started with the dagger Eustace chose on the Lone Islands but after a few exercises of slashing and stabbing motions, Reep decided to pass to a sword. His student needs to build up the muscles to lift it and sort out his footwork. Those are draining activities. So, they agree on finishing for the day.
With an exhausted sigh, Eustace plops down next to his older cousin, placing the sword on the planks.
» Already spent, huh? « Edmund teases and nudges Eustace's shoulder. The younger laughs between a few deep breaths.
» This is a lot harder than it looks, « he states, a hint of his usual complaining manner in his tone. He realizes it and hurries to add,
» And these oversized steak knives aren't made for me. « The others laugh and Eustace himself joins in quietly. Reep followed after his student and settles down next to Luna.
» Ah, every beginning is difficult, « he says,
» You did well for the first training. « Luna nods,
» Yes, give it time, Eustace. « She points to the blade on the ground,
» And never forget to sheath your sword, «
» Sounds trivial, I know, but it's important so no one gets hurt. « Eustace nods quickly, reaching for his sword but his cousin is faster. Edmund bends over to pick it up, weighing it in his hand as he seizes it up and down.
» It's a lesson Peter and I learned as I couldn't even hold a sword properly yet, « he tells the others. His demeanour changes, for just a moment, as he remembers that day at Aslan's Camp. Then, he shakes his head and glances at the younger boy with a smirk,
» What do you think, you up for a round? « Eustace's eyes widen, and he stutters that he isn't ready and some more gibberish. As he notices his cousin's expression, though, he stops and calls him out for teasing him so.
