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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The next morning confirms the young king's suspicions; a few sailors wake up to find their faces painted with coal. Fandir has circles around his eyes like glasses, Elrik has an anchor on one and a heart on the other cheek, and Pittencream's face is speckled with little dots. Tavros' booming voice tells them to quit complaining and wash off while barely able to contain his laughter. It dies in the mighty minotaur's throat as Drinian steps outside with a painted moustache and a monocle. The captain carries himself with dignity but his look, oh, if it could kill. At breakfast, that's topic number one. Eustace finds this to be proof someone meddled with his hammock. Lucy makes a comment about Jaro's soup, and Luna recalls Anaru's soap-incident. Caspian makes the connection; someone is pranking people and Edmund remains suspiciously quiet, simply listening to the conversation while eyeing Luna. Caspian seems the only one to notice as the others laugh about the coal-paintings. The black coal is tricky to wash off, as it tends to only smear and make everything worse; proper scrubbing is required to get it off. As talk gets to today's plans, Edmund asks if someone likes to take crow's duty with him for a while.
» I'd like that, « Luna volunteers,
» Drinian said, the ropes up there need to be tightened. I could brush up on knots, anyway. What about you? « Ed smiles, agreeing it certainly can't hurt. There's that twinkle again, and the powerful urge awakes in Caspian to stop whatever prank his friend thought of, especially if it targets Luna. He's sure Ed wouldn't purposely hurt anyone, yet Luna doesn't like surprises. Comes with the job. Of course, she would volunteer for crow's duty. That place high on the mast is one of her favourite spots. This makes Caspian's task not any easier.
After breakfast, the king makes sure to remain on deck. He watches Luna and Ed talk to Halion before climbing up to the crow's nest. They stay there the entire morning. As Drinian ordered, they work on the ropes. Ed has the idea to re-hoist the flag with Narnia's coat of arms. He tries to get it down, but something seems stuck. It claims Caspian's full attention as Luna climbs to the very top of the mast to get the flag down manually. Ed stands below in the crow's nest, ready to catch her in case she falls. He worries, pushing his upcoming prank to the back of his head for now. As Luna is on her way back, she looks down at the deck. It's a long way to fall. A chilly breeze lets her shiver and blows a few strands of hair into her eyes, and she adjusts her grip like a baby bear in a tree. She isn't afraid, but her stomach feels queasy. Her eyes wander over the people moving around the three decks. Before they can settle on Caspian, Edmund calls out to her,
» Don't look down, you ain't going that way! « Her gaze finds the Just King half-smiling up at her. His arms are extended. She gives a small nod and continues her way back into the crow's nest. As she nearly reached it, Ed aids her to not get tangled in the ropes, helping her down. Caspian relaxes the moment she stands secure again. Ed has an arm around her to make sure, she doesn't lose balance.
» Thanks, « Luna mumbles, undoing the knot which holds the flag over her shoulder,
» That thing better get up there without a hitch again. « They share a laugh and get back to work.
