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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Seeing the Dawn Treader depart is bittersweet. Not often must Luna stay behind instead of shadowing Caspian. She remembers well when she laid injured in Anvard and he had to return to Cair Paravel. Luna sighs, she will have to get used to this, seeing him part without her by his side. Already she very much resents this feeling. But she can't dwell on it. As soon as the Narnian ship cast off, Sanna is on hand to pull the warrior out of her thoughts and through the halls of Lord Bern's estate and out again on the other side. All the while the girl babbles happily.
Once in the garden, Luna relaxes bit by bit. Well, garden may be an understatement. The park is beautifully arranged; cobblestone pathways lain out, groomed flower beds and trees, marble statues and benches – some overgrown with moss and ivy – and a fountain in the middle. A little to the side a pavilion is set, overlooking the park and the cliffs beyond. Sanna and Luna pass a few servants hanging lanterns and tending to the plants. For the feast, the second daughter of Lord Bern explains. They reach said pavilion where Valanya is sat on a bench, reading. Though, Luna notes, her eyes stray often from the pages and wander towards the horizon for a few moments before rushing back to the book. The warrior barley has a minute to ponder over it as merry laughter reaches her ears. She turns at the nearing sounds. Just in time she pulls Sanna out of the way of Teona who barrels past them, squealing. The youngest is behind her sister, unable to keep up, quite like the maid who chases them. Already panting, she comes to a halt in front of the two women to curtsy and mumble an apology about the noise. Sanna grins and brushes it off, her sister, however, has other intentions,
» Teona, Noemi! Leave the poor girl, you should be doing your schoolwork. « Luna isn't quite sure if they didn't hear the oldest or didn't want to hear her, she guesses it to be the latter – she has some experience with children after all. Teona dashes ahead regardless, but Noemi slows. With a last glance towards her running sister, she turns and trudges up the four stairs into the pavilion. Plopping down at the round table, she bows her little head over the exercises she is meant to finish.
» Shall I- « Luna gestures in the direction Teona vanished, but Sanna shakes her head,
» Once she realises no one plays anymore, she'll turn up. «
Indeed, about the quarter of an hour later, Teona is sat over her schoolwork as well. She scowls at the books. Valanya placed her reading aside, following Sanna and Luna's conversation. The Crown Shield must tell them about their journey. Sanna is giddy to hear someone actually experience adventures she can only read about in fairy tales. Her older sister might be content with that, but she is not.
» Oh, I wish we could see Narnia one day, « Sanna sighs wistfully,
» Is it as beautiful as they say? « Luna's eyes twinkle, brightening at the mention of her home. Gladly she confirms, feeling a sense of longing in her heart. She may have been a little homesick during the first week of the Dawn Treader's voyage, but with Caspian, Reepicheep and Elrik – who became a friend rather quickly – around, it soon eased. Now, however, she yearns for the soft white and golden beaches, the lush hills and plains, the old forests... Most of all, she misses the Shadows, her friends, and the people she calls family. Oh, and Tanath, her loyal steed - the wind on her face when they fly over the land in a hard gallop.
