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 breeze tugs on Luna's braid, loosening a few strands. The warrior stands straight, almost stiff, at the railing of the Dawn Treader, one hand gripping the wood. The other rests on the hilt of her sword; the familiar weight at her side oddly calms her. Her nerves flair since the party boarded the ship to set over to Narrowhaven. Not even Timea's splashing shenanigans lighten the warrior's heart. The hearing approaches and Luna dreads it, standing before Lord Bern and Caspian as a witness and – in some nobles' eyes – an offender. As a soldier she is familiar with the procedure, having participated often enough. This time, however, she doesn't how to handle it. Here, she is no general. Caspian must remain in his role as king, the final judge. Their host will arbitrate and suggest a verdict while the rest of court will watch. Members of the council may speak on behalf of the offender, the petitioner, or the people – as in, the nobles or the nation as a whole. They also hold the right of veto – which has been reinstated under Bern's leadership. Luna is sure Aslan will guide her tongue as long as she trusts in Him and sticks to the truth, and only that. Though, she doesn't fully trust herself to remain calm in the face of people like Lady Benchheim and her son. Their entitlement, the false accusations and lies bring her blood to boil.
Luna sighs quietly, feeling a subtle sting at her side. The lordling's kick left a bruise there. As two arms snake around her middle from behind, she flinches. Caspian's low chuckle rumbles in his chest as he feels her relax against him. Then, he draws back an appropriate distance, and steps next to her to the railing. Their eyes meet.
» It'll be fine, « he tries to reassure her, nudging her hand with his. The warrior raises an eyebrow at him, not fully convinced. Caspian senses this is not the right topic for now and decides to try and get her on other thoughts. He turns to gaze out over the strait between the islands. The wind brushes over his skin in a familiar manner; he missed it while back on land. But seeing the open ocean – these waters – reminds him of something he would like to forget. The words escape his lips before his thoughts catch up, telling him it is not the best idea to broach this right now either,
» There's something you should know. « The king keeps his eyes trained straight ahead,
» You asked what was discussed in the meetings. « From the corner of his eye he notices Luna shift, turning her head to face him. She always hides her curiosity well. Caspian doesn't move,
» We have reason to believe Pug has a new ship and crew. Supposedly, he returned to slave trading as if we never raided the market. « Only silence meets him, disturbed by the muttering of the crew and the sloshing of the waves against the Dawn Treader's hull. Caspian dares to glance over at his beloved. She places both hands on the railing, gripping the round wood so tightly her knuckles turn white. He sighs at the agitation on her features. She visibly pulls herself together,
» We should've- « She stops herself, shaking her head. There's no point in dwelling on what should have been; it only matters what actions are going to be taken now. There's no time to lose. That man must be caught and punished for his countless crimes!
