Hey, so I know it's been a while. I haven't been feeling very inspired to write much of anything as of late. Right now it looks like the updates for this story will be a little slower, which is why I've always made sure that my readers know that I don't post regularly. Because of my recent movie night/sleepover with my best friend, I finally got some spirit back regarding another fanfic I've been working on. So I might work on that for a while instead and put this on an offical hiatus. Let me know what you guys think. Love, Queenie.

It was liberating to finally breathe Narnian air once again. It was also quite enlightening, Edmund found, for he finally gained some understanding of why his friends had stared quite so much at the girls they fancied. He was finding it rather difficult to take his eyes off the stunning blonde across the deck. She was in deep conversation with one of the minotaurs, Tavros, the slightest of skyward tilts to her lips. All of her seemed to glow in the sun, and Edmund was hopelessly entranced.

"…old times' sake, Ed."

"Hm, pardon?"

Caspian followed his friend's gaze. "She's quite the sight for sore eyes, isn't she?" He laughed as deep red splotched Edmund's cheeks. How had he possibly thought he would be without entertainment during the voyage? Granted, he had not known his old friends would make an appearance, yet he felt that nothing would ever amuse him quite like watching Edmund fall deeper and deeper for Adeline. "You could speak with her, rather than just stare," he suggested lightly. "It might help you move forward a bit more than just staring."

"Weren't you saying something?"

"I was," Caspian confirmed, his grin only growing wider. "Coincidentally, it might just help you initiate a conversation with the poor girl, seeing as you seem to have forgotten how to talk to her." The glare he received was half-hearted, belied by tentative curiosity. Still grinning, he pulled his sword, holding it against his chest. Everyone stopped what they were doing, seeing the gesture for what it was. "A challenge, High King, in honour of old friendships and new adventures!"

Jaw hanging agape in disbelief, Edmund tried to figure where within the conversation a challenge had been brought up. "All this will manage," he hissed, "is getting me scolded for poor form."

"You say that as though you'd mind having an excuse to stare a little more," Caspian retorted quietly. "Perhaps, should you lose, you could ask that she pick up training again."

While the thought was tempting, Edmund had a title to defend. "I'll have you know that I am one of the best swordsmen in Narnia," he boasted playfully, accepting the sword he was offered.

"Perhaps in your time," Caspian teased. "Do try to keep up, old man."

They launched into the duel with equal vigour, parrying and pivoting across the deck. Both gave it their best, competing to break when their swords locked, lunging and retreating. In spite of it being a mere friendly competition, they were both aware of golden eyes watching their every move. But, even under the watchful eyes of the best swordsman in Narnia, neither of them could resist some showmanship for the crew. They jumped, took advantages of steps and railings. Eventually, the duel ended in a tie, both of them panting heavily, their exhaustion visible.

"You can do better than a tie."

A thrill shot from his head to his toes. Gratefully taking the drink he was offered, Edmund fell into step with Adeline as they walked over to Lucy. "Well, I wouldn't want to break him," he replied, grinning like the fool he was for her. "Not in front of the crew." His companion rolled her eyes, though it did nothing to stop his heart from soaring at the genuine smile on her lips. Caspian had been right. The challenged had garnered her attention for him. He nearly spit out his water when he realised that he was posturing. For Adeline. When had he ever needed to do that?

"Do you think, if we sail to the end of the world, that we'll just… tip off the edge?"

"Well, I don't know, I don't think I've ever been," Adeline replied, hauling herself up to sit on the railing. She pursed her lips to keep from smiling when Edmund, seemingly without thought, leaned against her, letting her keep a steady grip on his shoulders to avoid falling into the water. "If I ever do go there, I'll be sure to let you know."

Lucy nodded. "Reepicheep claims that one can find Aslan's country there," she said excitedly. "You were born there, weren't you?"

"I see you all are still talking nonsense."

Miserable is the life which contains Eustace Scrubb, Edmund mused as his cousin finally, if one could really be excited about such an event, made an appearance on deck. He let one hand fall to Adeline's knee as Eustace's gaze lingered just a second too long on her. It was not a possessive gesture so much as a warning to her. While he was a nuisance, it would be far too difficult to explain to Aunt Alberta that her son had been murdered by a warrior from another world.

"Are you feeling any better, now that you've had some rest?"

"Yes, not that you were any help," Eustace snarked irritably. "It's lucky I have an iron constitution."

Adeline leaned forward, her lips grazing Edmund's ear. "Don't suppose you'll allow me a chance to be reacquainted with your iron constitution, Your Majesty?"

Approaching them, Reepicheep cast a confused glance at His Majesty as he coughed violently, before turning to Eustace. "As effervescent as ever, I see," he remarked. "Find your sea legs, did you?"

"Never lost them," Eustace retorted, "I was simply dealing with the shock of things." He crossed his arms in defiance at the sceptical expressions on their faces. "Mother says I have an acute disposition due to my intelligence."

For the second time in just a few minutes, Edmund choked on his drink. Adeline patted his back, giving him a sympathetic grimace. Reepicheep's observation that Eustace did not have a cute anything did nothing to help him breathe again.

"I'll have you all know," Eustace said determinedly, "as soon as we reach civilisation, I'm contacting the British Consul!"

Adeline frowned at the unfamiliar words. "The what-ish what?"

Not that Eustace was paying her any mind. While Lucy leaned in to explain, he crashed right into the man who seemed to be in charge. "You'll see that I'll have you all arrested for kidnapping," he proclaimed.

"Kidnapping is it," Caspian asked, amused. "I was under the impression that we saved your life."

"And I keep getting the distinct feeling that we're keeping you here more against our will than yours," Adeline quipped, sharing a mischievous grin with Reepicheep.

"Well, we could always throw him in again."

Edmund, so used to his cousin's antics, paid him no mind as he went on to rant about 'unhygienic quarters' and zoos. Once again, he was simply sucked into Adeline's presence, feeling her warmth against his back while the tips of her fingers lightly traced patterns across his shoulders that sent shivers down his spine. "Keep that up, please."

"Land ho!"

Both of them startled. "Maybe later," Adeline replied, pushing him away so she could get down. "I'll see you at sundown for training."

"Very well," he agreed, before pausing. "Wait, what training?"

"You seemed agreeable to allowing me a chance to get reacquainted with your iron constitution," she replied cheekily, eyes sparkling with mischief. "I thought sundown would be better, to beat the heat."

All Edmund could do was stare as she walked away, barely hearing his sister's laughter. If he had not known it before, he knew then and there that he had fallen so hard for his best friend. He allowed a small smile. This fall was one he didn't mind that he couldn't recover from.

Adeline glared at Caspian. "Just how did you come to the conclusion that I'm to be left behind on the ship while you walk into Emperor knows how many dangers?" She had heard, quite clearly, what he had said. She was to stay behind on the Dawn Treader while he, Lucy, Edmund, and the whiny one explored the port of Narrowhaven.

"I trust that you'll keep the men in line while we're gone," he said impatiently. "You know these seas better than anyone, if we need to escape quickly you'll know where to go."

Both Edmund and Lucy stood as far away from them as they could manage, knowing better than to think they would not be pulled into the argument if they did not. It did not help that both Pevensies could argue for both Adeline and Caspian. There was no denying that Adeline was skilled in the arts of disappearing in plain sight, making herself seem as inconspicuous as possible. But anyone who saw those golden eyes would recognise the legendary warrior and know.

"You should know that I'll be less inclined to rescue you if you leave me behind."

"Perhaps so, but I also know that you would never abandon Lucy and Edmund," Caspian quipped, "which ensures that I'll live to tell the tale should anything go wrong."

Huffing indignantly, Adeline crossed her arms over her chest. "You best be careful, Your Majesty," she grumbled darkly, wanting nothing more than to smack the triumphant grin off his face. Caspian pressed a quick kiss to her forehead, laughing when she shoved him away impatiently. "Be back by dawn or so help me I'll—"

"Do nothing but fret because you love us too much," Caspian interrupted. "We'll be fine."

While happy to escape what he did not doubt would have been a gruelling training session with Adeline, Edmund shared the blonde's uncertainties regarding leaving her behind. Even once they were in the longboats, halfway between the ship and Narrowhaven, he could feel her piercing glare on them. While she was a recognisable figure, someone whispered about in tales around the fire, he had never doubted her ability to make herself invisible. A part of him could not help but wonder if perhaps Caspian was trying to prove something by not having her come to shore with them. Reasonable as his excuses were, something was not as it should be.

"Ed, are you all right?"

Blinking, he turned to face his friend. "I've not been to the Lone Islands in a long time," he replied, dodging the question. "I'm just trying to recall what it was like." He was spared from having to elaborate by the boats reaching the shore. With his lie in mind, he realised that the Lone Islands really had changed, even more than Adeline had relayed to them. He remembered happiness, celebrations, and the constant buzz of conversation. Stepping out of the boat, he heard nothing. No people, not even animals. Only the waves rolling in. "Where is everyone?"

They all glanced back at the ship uneasily. Adeline was going to write all of them the riot act. Swallowing thickly, Caspian turned to Reepicheep. "I need you to—" A bell tolled, cutting him off and making the entire party flinch. Gripping his crossbow a little tighter, Caspian continued. "Stay here with Drinian's men while we head on." The mouse nodded. With Adeline's warning in mind, he sighed. "If we're not back by dawn, send a party."

"Should I have word sent to the—"

"No, that won't be necessary." At least he hoped it wouldn't be. By Aslan, Adeline would kill him if something happened.

"Miss… Miss Adeline?"

With a wary sigh, she lowered the spyglass. "Yes, Pittencream, how can I help you?" The Galmian man bowed his head in a show of respect, making her smile. Adeline bent to meet his gaze, holding it as they both straightened up. "There is no need for formalities, I expect only camaraderie from you," she said, finding the furious blush on his cheeks to be rather endearing. "Now, is there anything I can do for you?"

"His Majesty left us without orders," Pittencream mumbled. "What are we to do while waiting?"

Shaking her head, Adeline turned back to Narrowhaven. "Be ready," she said quietly, "and pray to Aslan that this ends without bloodshed." Pittencream nodded vigorously before rushing back to the rest of the crew. Left alone, there was little Adeline could do to stop herself looking past the Lone Islands. What lay beyond, in the waters she had once sailed? She wondered what memories would be uncovered, which secrets would find their way to the surface. When they reached the end…

Pittencream looked back up at the former Commander before sharing an unsettled glance with the rest of the remaining crew. They had all come to understand that she was not a woman to be trifled with, someone who could silence and lecture even their king. At least, that was who she had been before they left Narnia. The woman they knew in Narnia had been fiery, a sight to behold when pushed too far. She was too mellow, too playful. Leaving the shore had brought out a side to her that worried them. While their king seemed to silently accept it, the crew wondered what they had set sail to. What could make a woman like Adeline so eager? What did it mean for the crew? Pittencream sighed, once again meeting the eyes of his comrades. With a silent nod, they cautiously kept busy while keeping wary eyes on the blonde.

"I'm well aware that His Majesty suggested that we not let the others know there's trouble," Reepicheep quipped, pulling his sword out to reflect it in the rising sun. "However, we don't know how many enemies we'll face, and it is a well-known Narnian proverb to 'always count on there being more guests at supper than those invited' and therefore, Captain, I've elected to ignore his counsel." Drinian dove for him but he jumped out of the way. Quickly, he tilted his sword just so, ensuring its gleam was visible to the blonde standing at the prow. She had not moved since they took to shore, unwavering even as night fell and the chill of night at sea enveloped them. Reepicheep nodded as the fleck of gold immediately disappeared from sight. Within seconds, the remaining longboats were being lowered. "I would much rather die a dishonourable death than live unforgiven by a dear friend."

Drinian scoffed. "All of you think too highly of her," he remarked sharply. "She is not a member of His Majesty King Caspian's court nor his council, she has no part of his army nor navy, yet you treat her as though she was the second coming of Aslan."

"You really ought to read that book Her Majesty gave you," Reepicheep retorted with a secret smile twitching in his whiskers. "You'll find that there is quite a bit more to Adeline than you might think." He could tell that Drinian was irritated with him and was vastly amused by the prospect. While he had plenty more to say on the subject on Drinian's lack of regard for a great creature of legend such as Adeline, he knew not to step in. If His Majesty wanted the issue to be resolved between the two alone, he would leave it be.

Splashing alerted them both to Adeline's impending arrival. Reepicheep grinned at her as she set foot on land, bowing slightly. She gave him an impatient growl in return. "Where did they go, why are they alone, and how long have they been gone?"

"The left us as we took to shore, with instructions to wait until dawn for their return," the Mouse Chief replied dutifully. "I believe it was their intention to discover why we cannot seem to hear the people inhabiting this island."

Hand clenching over the hilt of her dagger, the blonde nodded curtly. "The sun has nearly left the horizon," she commented sharply. "Why has nothing been done?"

With a sly smirk, Reepicheep bowed again. "Only a fool would attempt such a daring rescue without the aid of your renowned expertise." The woman rolled her eyes, equally irate and amused. Behind him, Drinian drew himself up, ready to defend his choices. Reepicheep would not let him. "I suggest that we enter the city disguised as slave traders," he said, looking more to Adeline for approval than Drinian. "It might just bring Our Majesties to us."

"It certainly would be easier than searching the entirety of the island," Adeline acknowledged, nodding. "Very well, we don't have much time."