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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Rain starts to pour from the dark clouds soon after they were spotted. The string-like drops fall heavy onto the Dawn Treader, making it difficult to see more than a few feet. Caspian, Edmund, and Luna stand on the quarter deck with Drinian, wrapped in raincoats. Rynelf and another sailor man the wheel. The water is already increasing in roughness, waves hitting the ship's bow more frequently from all directions. Howling gusts of wind sweep over the deck and the crew runs around, securing everything that could move. They tie down barrels, the boats, haul the sails, tighten the ropes, and extinguish all lights and burning fireplaces. Tavros oversees it all, shouting commands from time to time.
» I suppose, you need every hand you get, « Edmund says. The captain looks around the deck, eyes narrowed against the rain. Then, he seizes the three from head to toe.
» Right, ya fellows know some handles by now, « he mumbles. They do, actually, and they are ready to help. However, Drinian looks at the Crown Shield doubtfully.
» You feeling alright? « He asks with that usual grumble lacing his voice,
» Don't want ya to go overboard, if ya feel sick again, lassie. « She raises an eyebrow at the captain being concerned about her wellbeing. Yes, she was seasick once, she must admit that. It was the very first storm they got into. After that, she adjusted to the sea and the constant movement of the ship. Edmund gives her a questioning look - it seems he wants to ask about it.
» You know I can help, « the warrior tells Drinian before the King of Old can say anything.
» But if ya get s- « she stops him right there, so he doesn't finish that sentence. She doesn't want to jinx her luck,
» I won't. « The captain seizes her up and down one more time, then gives his consent,
» Alright then. «
» No, « Caspian cuts in suddenly and everyone turns to look at him. His eyes are on Luna as he bows his head slightly,
» I want you to stay below deck. « She continues to look at her king, trying to contemplate if he is serious about this. He knows she can handle myself on deck, he shouldn't interfere with those things. He seems to notice her weighing her options - say something or accept silently - and straightens.
» That's an order, Luna, « he says firmly and returns her gaze. Now, she really wishes to say something but it's better to keep her mouth shut. Not that she isn't allowed to speak up but it's certainly not her place to question the king's orders openly, especially not in the middle of an oncoming storm. However, she cannot help but feel passed over. The warrior lets her eyes wander from Caspian to Drinian who shrugs, raises his hands, and walks away to do his captain things. In this case meaning, he takes over the wheel. Edmund looks between Caspian and Luna, confused about their sudden seriousness. They can't continue the conversation as the first thunder roars above. Seconds later, lightning flashes over the dark sky, bathing everything in an eerie light.
