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 soirée begins in the early evening. Melian sees to it that her family and guests are prepared before she slips to her husband's side to welcome the arriving nobility. Lord Bern and she lead them through the manor, the Great Hall is lit and decorated, musicians already playing soft tunes. Dinner shall be served after a few dances. As most invited guests have been greeted and offered a drink, the lady deems it the appropriate time for the king and his entourage to make their entrance. She nods to a servant stationed by the doors. The older man bows and leaves.
King Caspian and the crew of the Dawn Treader have taken to waiting in the upstairs parlour. The four daughters of Lord Bern and Lady Melian keep them company, well, mainly Luna. The warrior feels jittery, however determined she is to be brave, the gown she dons is far out of her comfort zone. Yet, Sanna and Elrik, who both noticed her nervousness, understand well to distract her. The sisters are dressed elegantly, yet modestly; Valanya dons a lilac gown, Sanna wears yellow, Teona's is of a soft blue, and Noemi is clad in light pink. The sailors clean up nicely as well; properly shaved and wearing more or less fitting suits sets their appearance apart from their usually casual looks.
As the servant arrives, announcing that it is time, Luna's nerves flair once again. Elrik gifts her a lopsided smile, nudging her comradely,
» You'll be fine. Although, our king might be jealous of people paying more attention to ya- « Sanna glares at the sailor,
» You aren't helping, sir. « The sheepish way he lifts his shoulders makes Luna stifle a giggle,
» Thanks, you two. « Inwardly, she scolds herself. She has fought in wars, this is nothing. Then again, what she has seen of courts before, it is not always so different from a battlefield. Only, proper etiquette forbids to simply slay an opponent. This thought brings an amused smile to her lips, and she looks up. Drinian makes his way towards her. Over his shoulders she meets Caspian's gaze.
» Now, lassie, shall we? « The captain offers her his arm in a stiff manner. His features display clear as day that he would prefer to be anywhere else. Yet, the Dawn Treader's lassie needs a proper escort, and what kind of captain would he be if he didn't see to it! Luna's smile turns to him, making him wish himself back on the ship a little less.
*
Caspian swivels his cup, watching circles form in the red wine. He wishes to step outside, catching a breath of fresh air. But, as king, he must give his attention to the people here. It is for Narnia, after all, to build an alliance with these isles. Though, he sometimes doubts the point of a whole empire. It only complicates matters of the crown which were already complicated enough before Narnia had more than one country under its government. He supresses a sigh, scolding himself. Don't be petty, he thinks by himself, you are a king, behave like one! There is truth in that. As king, his every wish is fulfilled with only a wink of his hand. Yet, with the crown comes great responsibility, burdens weighing on his shoulders. Whatever he does, he could always do more. But efforts bear fruit for the people, and in the end, that is what counts.
