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 King of Narnia has his elbows propped onto his knees, face buried in his hands. Elrik hesitates as he enters. Caspian's hair have fallen forward, concealing his features. He is sitting so unmoving; the sailor closes the door as quietly as possible. If the other should finally have found sleep, he doesn't want to disturb him. Yet, at the quiet click of the door pressed back into place, the mere stir of the king's shoulders tells Elrik enough. He sighs, stepping up to Luna's bedside. He gazes down on her pale complexion, chest rising and falling in a rhythm too slow for simple sleep.
» Allow me to sit with her for a while. « They both flinch as the sound seems loud in the almost silence that has long since settled over this chamber in the healing ward of Cair Paravel. Caspian takes a few moments to react. Elrik's gaze wanders through the room that has become all too familiar by now. Nearly every day his feet carry him here, to check up on his friend, and to watch over her to relieve the king of the self-imposed duty to sit by her side night and day. For a little while, at least.
» I thought... After the battle, I thought Pug had lost everything, « Caspian lifts his head, glancing out the window before turning his eyes to Elrik who freezes at the strangely dull voice,
» He was merely a beggar then and could keep his life, I thought. « The king sighs, brushing his hands over his tired face once more,
» Aslan knows, there's little I regret so deeply. «
A while later, Elrik has settled by Luna's side. The usual occupant of this seat has left – the sailor expects him back rather sooner than later. Nonetheless, he pats his sleeping friend's arm and speaks of the latest news.
» Gerard's a father now. Oh, and remember the pirate boy? « Elrik chuckles, wringing his hands,
» Turns out, he's not half bad. « Dariel is his name. Since Luna spared his life and the crew imprisoned him, the youngster has become eager to learn from the sailors after his release from the cells. Drinian found he knows barley anything about the pirates, and therefore sees no harm in teaching the lad. The sailor sighs, startling as he notices Orion sitting on Luna's opposite side. He must have slipped in as quietly as a mouse – they do not address each other, simply acknowledge the other's presence.
» Rynelf 's pranking people again, « Elrik laughs at the memory of what the ship's mate did as Tingel – along with other sailors – departed to their homes and families the day before. The sound quiets as he gazes upon his friend's features, the smile fading,
» We miss you, Luna. « Orion tightens his grip on her hand. He presses his eyes shut, trying to supress the hot tears welling up. The sailor swallows hard as he glances at the boy at the other side of the bed. There, a twitch runs through Luna's body, her form stirring like someone does in their sleep. A deep breath leaves her slightly parted lips. The two males exchange a glance, leaning forward in anticipation as they hold on to her hands, yet prepared to fetch a healer any moment. Nothing else happens. Luna lays still again, unmoving, un-waking. Nothing changed.
