The creature snarled with his canine fangs drooling as Kael cowered beneath him. Holding a spiked whip, he lashed it across Kael's back & torso in any which direction he deemed suitable. Kael tried his best to keep quiet though not completely successful. "You dare to show up without her? Yet again?!"

"I'm sorry, my lord! had no choice-"

"Horseshit! You incompetent fool! That little brat escaped us again and this is all you have to show me for it?! Your insignificance is pushing me nearer to my limit, you despicable invalid! Why did you not simply follow the river!? You would have caught up to her and flown straight back here!"

"I… It hadn't occurred to me at the time, my lord. I was so angry with myself." Kael bowed his head in shame. "I'm sorry." The creature scoffed & rolled his eyes. "However," he muttered foolishly, "I did learn where she was hiding."

"And what use is that to me now when she is missing yet again?!" the creature screamed as he held Kael's neck in a vice-tight grip. "You better give me a good answer before your tongue is sliced with wires & I give you the Bloody Eagle myself." Kael inhaled as sharply as he could while wincing at the feel of sharp nails puncturing his airways. "Well!?"

"Tua-Wiloe!" he spat with just enough air in his lungs, fisting at the hand that clogged his throat. "Tua-Wiloe!"

"… What? That's only twenty miles from here." His grip loosened just a smidge on Kael, but lowered him nonetheless so his feet were planted firmly on the ground. "Tell me more."

"The place of her upbringing under Byril Birdhill… He had unknowingly adopted Rhavendil into his life and grew up beside her…"

The creature swiftly turned and sat down, scratching his nails against the armrests of his throne with a hiss. "… Go on."

"Tua-Wiloe, as we all know, is the infamous farming tribe situated in Enthornas. Birdhill is a bit older now but still able to hold his ground, much like his father. It also so happens to be, coincidentally, just a mile or so out of where Rhavendil escaped the very first time from my clutches, my lord."

"… I don't see how this is of use to me, half-life."

"Considering she ran practically leapt to her doom; leaving Tua-Wiloe for the very first time and also leaving the village as vulnerable bait… She left Enthornas open to us as exactly what we need to lure her back in."

"Oh? And how do you propose we use the said bait in this circumstance?"

"We approach the weakness itself. Her father."

Both Skai and Hiccup were very nervous leading up to the next evening; flying on Toothless, alone, in the skies where no one could interrupt them. A chance for them to be completely alone without being disturbed. And they were looking forward to it very much indeed.

Skai made sure to keep her hair back as Astrid did before, or she tried anyway until said viking maiden laughed at her feeble attempt and tied it again for her. "What's got you in such a mess? Snotlout giving you a hard time?" Threading her fingers through her hair made Skai feel a bit more at ease but it didn't stop her excited thumping heart.

Skai blushed awkwardly. "No. I'm actually supposed to be meeting the chief and I want to look presentable for the occasion."

"Oh?" Astrid questioned with a knowing smirk. "So you have a date with our chief. How sweet. I bet you're happy about that."

Skai groaned awkwardly. "Yes! And it's my first ever time alone with someone, especially because I'm the only one from my village that's my own age. Everyone else is either too young or too old. I don't particularly know about the dating game and it's not like it would have happened back home."

"Huh, I guess that makes sense." Hair completed and tied in, she caressed her shoulder. "Don't worry, Skai. You will be just fine. Hiccup is my best friend, and I know you wouldn't do anything to hurt him anyway…"

"There's a slight problem though. And it can't be solved here."

"What's that? Don't tell me it's the twins-"

"-My father back on Enthornas."

"… Oh." Skai nodded. "Still hellbent on getting home, huh… I don't see why you can't stay a little longer… Or maybe even move here."

"Because I'm next in line to be the chieftess of Enthornas... And I miss my home too, amongst other things. It's-um… It's a bit difficult to explain. I don't really have the right words for it." Especially the part about her wolf-soul and the danger she was warned about. And Kael. No, she didn't tell anyone about him. She just wanted to forget him, because now he can't find her. He probably thought she was dead after the rapids so there was no use in telling that secret. The wolf she could understand keeping to herself, but Kael? He was a whole new league of terrifying. She just hoped he wouldn't have any inkling of her whereabouts.

"Well… At least you're honest, Skai." Astrid smiled. "Are you ready?"

"I know I should be, but I'm nervous."

"Then go and find out."

Within the next few minutes, Toothless was saddled and Hiccup was ready to go but still a nervous wreck. "Alright bud, be gentle ok?" Toothless snorted to say yes and an exasperated gurgle. "We don't know how she feels about heights right now, so maybe we should start off with her eyes closed? Yeah, yeah that will be good…" He also fiddled with his parcel, a present he got for Skai; officially to welcome her to Berk and also because he simply wanted to. While he was away for the morning, he picked up this item from a stall on Beserker Island. Heather recommended it and he was especially grateful because it just screamed to be belonged to Skai. He had to give it to her and he wanted it to be special.

"Hello," he heard Skai walking up close from behind him. He smiled, he couldn't help it. She just made him smile and his stomach bloated with butterflies. She was contagious and his ongoing fever. He knew it was so early to feel this way but he couldn't help how he felt around her. "Ready to go?"

"Yes, sweetheart. And you?" Skai nodded in reply. "Good. I've adjusted the saddle a bit so I can still fly Toothless normally, but you're able to sit in front for the full view."

"That sounds wonderful."

Hiccup chuckled. 'Too adorable for her own good', he thought. "Alright, let's get you up." And he knelt down with his fingers knotted together. Before he was all the way down though, she managed to hoist herself up onto Toothless in a single blink. "How did you-? Right, right, horses back home." He should have remembered, but he did also want to be a gentleman. Too late now.

Skai giggled, "Surprised?"

"Yes. Pleasantly surprised." And he hoisted himself up behind her, his left hand on her waist to keep her steady. "Close your eyes."

"What?"

"Just close your eyes." Questioningly, she did so and relaxed. With this she could feel the rumbling heat of Toothless beneath her and the soft wind against her cheeks she hadn't noticed before. She could smell the pine and bark from the trees, and the fresh green grass, and the salty air from the seas by the docks. She could hear the distant birds from far away, hear the ripples in the water and the embers of dying flames from nearby lanterns with snapping twigs and leaves rustling… everything was heightened. Everything felt clearer. That celestial feeling was there again, she could feel that burning. It strengthened more so when Hiccup's fingers traced small circles over her waist, making her breath hitch a little bit and her heart thump heavily. "You feel all that, sweetheart?"

She nodded. How could she not? "Yes."

"I want you to embrace it when we go up there and keep your eyes shut until I say so... are you ready, Skai?"

How could she not be? "Yes. Do it." And they sprung into the air. She held tightly onto the handle of the saddle with Hiccup's longer arms around her to do the same. She made a small shriek, which Hiccup expected completely, and kept her eyes shut. The wind was soaring fast, her ears ringing as the air got thinner the higher they went.

Hiccup, however, was waiting for the right moment for Toothless to find his altitude. They needed this to be perfect. As glad as he was that she was holding on to the saddle, he wanted her to see the world around her while wrapped up in his arms so he could protect her. Just like how he would have protected her from the start like that first night. Maybe if he asked her to look now… she might listen to him, and only him. Maybe he could be the one to open her eyes and see the wonders of his world, and in return she could open his eyes to her world.

As Toothless levelled out above the dark clouds, he smiled. Now it was perfect. He gently clasped her hands in his and entwined their fingers over the handle. "Skai..."

"Huh?" was the soft response.

He leaned into her, he could smell and see her soft skin just millimetres away from his lips. Such temptation that he simply could not resist, her sweet scent and the feel of her just intoxicating. He moved their hands away from the handle and pulled them to their sides before his fingers on their own accord glided gently up and down her sides from her underarms to her waist. She was so small, so feminine… so perfectly Skai and he wanted to drown in everything that was her. "Open your eyes..." The sharp intake of her breath was just what he wanted to hear. "Amazing, isn't it?"

The earlier sunset left behind a glorious shade of purple to blend in with the night sky and the full moon made the ocean glisten like a million sapphires trapped on the sandy floor. The clouds were fluffy and blended with each other, and the little dots of light that were sprinkled randomly up high twinkled brightly. The village of Berk beneath them was a spectacular view, the many scattered torches that were burning radiated the glow from the many blades of grass and, well, nothing could have compared to that sight second to the northern lights by the moon. They danced like ribbons and weaved and curved like flames from a fire. It was stunning. Skai was simply speechless and leaned back against Hiccup's chest, much to said viking's surprise and pleasure, and he wrapped his arms around her waist to hold her there with a smile. He didn't want to let her go. Frankly, she didn't want him to let go either. It was just a beautiful night for them both.

Even more beautiful though, to Hiccup, was the way her hair was swept by the wind and her freckled cheeks were coloured perfectly rosy, her grin just indescribable and the way her eyes captured the sky and sea he wanted to keep like a picture treasured forever. It was clearly the best night he ever planned for and he was glad to be the only one to show it to her. "This is amazing..." she whispered.

Hiccup leaned further into her and whispered back, "Anything you desire, sweetheart. Name it and I will make it yours."

The wind carried them like a feather rather than a couple flying a dragon and it brought so much feeling into Skai that she just felt like she was floating in the air and there was nothing to bring her down. The celestial burning grew and grew, it expanded widely and she wanted to burst in its glory. Feeling Hiccup hold her like that turned that burning into scorching while goosebumps coated her skin. She wanted to take him up on his offer and see everything he saw. She wanted to see him in his world entirely and join him.

For the first time, she finally felt freedom. And it was wonderful. Now she understood what her father meant.

"Everyone feels the same their first time leaving anywhere, it's only natural. Just be mindful as well, that the world is beautiful and you will see it with your own eyes."

At one point, she outstretched her arms and imagined herself with large wings lifting her high above, Hiccup smiled and traced his hands along her arms as well. "Keep them steady…" He straightened them along with her back to keep her posture level. "That's it… Feel the air lift you..." He leaned his face into her neck, whispering sweet nothings as they both savoured the joy of being with each other. Toothless grinned, he certainly aimed to please and was glad that they both were enjoying themselves.

She could feel it. She could feel absolutely everything and it wasn't enough for her, she wanted more. No, she craved more and she wanted Hiccup beside her for every exploration. She lusted for all of this. This was what she was missing for her whole life and she'd be damned if she gave this up. Maybe she could show Byril all of this and he would be just as happy as she was in this very moment. Maybe if she had her own dragon, she might be able to teach him?

After they landed, this time Skai let him hoist her down from the saddle. His hands stayed on her waist as she found her footing. "I am certainly impressed, sweetheart."

"Why, thank you Hiccup." said Skai with a smile. "I can't believe that, for the first time... I actually flew. On a dragon no less... It's amazing, I... I have no words able to describe it." She sighed ecstatically. "You get to do this every day?"

Hiccup nodded with a grin, "I know, it's amazing isn't it? I'm surprised you stayed on the ground for so long, but then not everyone is lucky to fly with me so be considered worthy." Skai lightly punched him in the shoulder as he laughed but she smiled as well. She was simply too happy. "However, I do have to ask you. I know you're looking and feeling a lot better now, a perfect bill of health and I just have to ask you... What made you leave Enthornas in the first place? No maps, no guide, no weapons… What was it that lead you out here to get caught by those bad guys? What took you away from home?"

Skai froze on the spot. There it was. That dreaded question she was hoping to avoid for the longest time. If he knew there was an actual demon searching for her, he'd probably hand her over with no needed explanation of the truth. She didn't want that. She didn't want any of this.

Right now, she needed her father to advise her for what she had to do. Should she honestly be telling Hiccup about this when they've only known each other for such a short time?

"Skai, you know you can tell me don't you? I want you to be able to tell me everything." He lifted her chin with his index finger for her eyes to meet his own, the blue sky against the summer green grass. "Please... Don't hurt yourself, sweetheart. I want you to open up to me… Please, let me in... I need to know you... I want to know everything about you... Do you feel the same?"

She saw Hiccup's concern in his emerald eyes. She was so afraid right now, that was her problem. As much as she wanted to tell him everything, she didn't want him to turn away. But she needed to follow what her heart was telling her yet it was saying two things. One being to tell him the truth right now and the other to keep it to herself for a little longer, however much longer it took though she wasn't sure. "Hiccup, I... I don't know... I..."

"Yes?"

"I..."

"Yes..."

"Hiccup..."

"Skai..."

With each uttered whisper, Hiccup's face slowly inched closer to hers. He cupped her cheek and pressed their chests together, their hearts beating in unison as his fingertips caressed her jaw and his thumb rubbing soft circles over her fierce blushing. Toothless watched nearby with complete fascination. She also knew that, as afraid as she was, it felt so right. She wanted to tell him but the fear then crept inside her gut even more.

"Let me in, Skai... Let me in so I can see all of you." Any closer, and Hiccup will have placed his lips over her own. She would taste the scent of the sweet grass by the ocean. She would smell the salty air on his skin and feel the warmth of his summer breath. One more move, any closer... Just a little closer...

"I can't." she muttered against his lips, just a breath away from them touching. "I'm sorry. I'm just not ready to tell you yet. I promise I will, just... not right now. I need to figure some things out so I can explain it all. I need some time."

Hiccup sighed but gave a weak smile. "That's fine, just tell me when you are ready and I will be with you every step of the way."

"Thank you for understanding. You're a wonderful man."

"I aim to please." And he hugged her, arms around her waist while her own wrapped loosely around his shoulders. A perfect blend of winter and summer, puzzle pieces that fit together. He breathed in the scent of her hair that now smelt of Berk, of his home. As far as he was concerned, he knew he wanted this woman more than anything. He wanted to keep her and hold her and cherish this girl who had inexplicably captured him in a cage with no walls. He would be damned if he gave this up for anything else.

She hummed softly in content, loving the way he held her.

"Oh, I also have something for you." He reluctantly let go to reach into his saddle bag, grabbed the wrapped parcel and handed it to her. "I wanted to give you something personal, something that may make you feel better since you're so far from home." As she opened it up it was revealed to be a book. "It's a first edition from a collection called 'The Fairytales of Forgotten History'. This one in particular is a favourite for children in and outside the archipelago. I thought it would be something to help take your mind off of things for a while, just until we can find a way to get you home."

The cover was decorated with one image she saw in the willow spring back home. The gate that was tall wide with the intricate plaited decorations and the crescent moon decorated over the door just like her necklace. She couldn't believe what she was seeing; a picture on a book cover that she saw made of light. Inside the cover said 'The Story of Asaelo and her Magical Labyrinth: A Tale for All Children to Cherish.'

"I haven't read this one but it just stuck out and reminded me of you. I know you'd like it." Hiccup smiled and gently kissed her cheek. "Thank you for a wonderful evening."

"I love it... Thank you." She leaned up and kissed his cheek in return.

As happy as she was that he gave this to her, she knew that there were pieces starting to fall together in places. Once she was back at the Hofferson house for the night, she sat in bed reading this story in her head while Astrid slept soundly. Each page had detailed pictures next to delicate writing to envision the beauty of this story, and she was entranced with every word.