Encounter.
Skadi smiled at Maya and bowed her head town to her, sniffing her to get her scent in. this was now the scent of her daughter. Maya giggled as Skadi's sniffing made her hair lift and fall and it tickled her. Skadi licked her new daughter as all dragon moms do with their young. Maya stuck her tongue out and licked Skadi's nose as well. Maya had seen baby animals do that to their parents and judging by her new moms' reaction it was good.
- Now before I can take you in completely, there are a few things that needs to be sorted first.
Maya stood still with a confused expression on as Skadi continued.
- First, you need to meet your brother. She turned her gaze into the cave and a deep, yet gentle rumble came from Skadi. Maya turned her head to the cave surprised to hear about a brother but equally excited to meet him. Out of the cave walked a little dragon out, the same size as Maya herself, with silver eyes, dark grey scales with iridescence at the end of the scales and on his wings, just like Skadi. He sat down next to her, looking at Maya with a curious expression. Maya had the same curious expression and smiled at her new brother.
- This here, is Freyr. He is not your age yet, but dragons grow quickly. He is still learning the human language and will be learning the dragon language later.
- Dragon language? Maya asked and looked at Skadi. Skadi nodded and continued.
- You shall also learn this language as it is the holiest of signs that you are a dragon. However, to do so, you must be given a dragon name. a new name? Maya thought to herself, she had always loved her name, no one she had ever met had that name and she was always complemented for her unique name. She was not another Emma, Isabella or Anna like most of the girls at the orphanage and she had always liked that.
- Why do I need a new name? Maya simply asked.
- Maya is your human name, stepping into the world of dragons require a dragon's name. Dragon names are names from far older times than you can even imagine. Your human name will forever be Maya, but, if you were to introduce yourself with that name to a dragon, you will simply be another human to them. For them to acknowledge you, a dragon name is needed. Maya was confused, she didn't feel like she understood completely, but Skadi did say that she would still have that, so she wasn't really losing it.
- Okay, what will be my name?
- Let's see, it must be a name that has something to do with you, Freyr here means lord as was requested by his father to be named that, a name to live up to I suppose. Yours however, something with new or first. However, I am unc- Skadi stopped herself and looked down for a quick second before raising her head again, looking at Maya.
- There is only one name that will do. Maya looked at her with curiosity, excited to hear the name.
- Embla. The name given to the first woman. You are the first human to enter the dragons and there would be no other name fitting for such occasion. Maya had nothing to say, she simply stared at Skadi with wonder.
- Maya, I be stove you a dragon name, your dragon name shall be Embla. Freyr made a small roar and Maya now also known as Embla tried to mimic that sound to her best ability. Embla bowed to her mother and thanked her for the new wonderful name.
- Now that you have a name you are a dragon. Freyr- she turned her head to him, and he looked at her.
- Your sister may be a dragon at heart, but on the skin, she has no scales, whilst playing with her, try not to bite okay? Freyr simply nodded and walked up to Embla. He started sniffing her and Embla in turn sniffed him back excited to have her brother, she had never had one before.
- Play? The young dragon spoke, and Embla put her hands up, wanting to play tag. Freyr backed up a bit and started wiggling with excitement before he started to run, and Embla quickly chased after him whilst Skadi observed the two with a proud smile on her face.
The sunny summer day went on and after a few hours, the two children went into the cave tired from playing, Embla had received a few scratches from playing even though she had tried to dodge them to her best ability, she had in turn tried to scratch back but her small soft hands can not pierce a dragons scales, but Freyr had enjoyed her attempts as that is how a dragon would play. Hearing her two children pant, Skadi stood up and looked back at her two children in the cave, Embla was laying on Freyr, resting her head on his belly and Freyr was laying on his back. Skadi leaned her head closer to them.
- We shall get water and hunt, follow me. She simply said and the two kids stood up, Embla still panting a bit. Skadi started to walk and the two followed immediately and were right behind her.
- It is difficult to keep up with dragons, but with playing and time you will build up the stamina to keep going. Skadi said and looked at her daughter. Embla simply smiled and nodded as she walked with her new family, leaning a hand on her brother who enjoyed the touch.
The three of them walked for a bit until they reached a lake, Freyr and Embla got excited and started to run when Skadi put her wing in front of them to stop, she turned her head towards them.
- Even though I am here, and no harm shall head your way because of that, two children can not simply run in there alone, stay behind me for now. The two children did as she said and stayed behind her for now. Skadi kept walking, sniffing the air as she walked. No humans at least she thought to herself, for her children, they were the main threat, an arrow from a hidden spot could take them out, Freyr would most likely survive, but Embla wouldn't.
They walked a bit further and finally reached the water. Only until Skadi started to drink did the children dare to go up to the lake as well to drink. The water was refreshing, and Embla felt like her energy was getting restored from it. She took her rags off and jumped in the water to cool off. Freyr looked uncertain, so to guide him, Skadi put her two front feet in the water to show there was no danger. Freyr carefully stepped in but did not go as far out as Embla did. Embla was more confident in the water than him.
- Can you swim Embla? Skadi asked her.
- No.
- Then practice where it is shallow here.
Embla nodded and started to practice; she didn't know how to swim at all but also knew that Skadi couldn't show her properly, so she tried her best. She had seen some of the older kids doing it one, how they moved, and they had told her to think like a frog. Skadi laid down, right next to the lake watching over them whilst they soaked in the water. Freyr seemed to enjoy cooling off but was more interested in attempting to get the fish swimming in the water. Skadi looked at her son, a thought occurred.
- Embla. Embla stopped practicing and turned to Skadi.
- Try to get some fish with Freyr. Embla immediately knew that it was for hunting. She did as the dragon said and after 1,5 hours, the two children had managed to catch 5 fishes.
- That is enough, eat. She said and Freyr started to consume a fish. Embla looked at the fish. Raw? She thought to herself. She looked at Skadi who was observing her reaction.
- Can I eat these raw? Skadi looked at her. Expression staying the same.
- Either you do, or you find another way to eat them. Embla picked one up and stared at it for a few seconds before hesitantly taking a bite off it. She did not like the texture at first but remembered the caretakers had given her raw fish before when it had been raining for a week as there was no way of setting up a fire. She felt more confident to continue eating and Skadi looked at her with a pleased smile.
- This will not be enough for us all, we shall therefore hunt for something bigger. Embla-. Embla looked up, mouth full of fish.
- Dragons are carnivorous but will only sometimes in desperate need eat berries. Therefore, you need to get used to death. Embla had never truly seen something or someone getting killed, she had repressed the memories of her parents getting killed so she was a bit nervous about encountering it again.
- Overtime, you will get more accustomed to it. That includes humans as well. Embla knew that might happen but was still scared about it. Freyr didn't react to any of this but kept eating. Embla got a bit anxious and Skadi noticed. However, Embla desperately wished to ease herself. She looked up at Skadi.
- Uhm, Skadi. She started, Skadi simply looking at her.
- May I call you mother? Skadi's eyes widened for a second. She chuckled.
- No. She said and Embla's heart sank for a second.
- That is what humans say. You may call me Monah, the dragon name for it. Embla looked up, joy filling her. She had a mother. She dropped the fish and ran up to Skadi and hugged her.
- Monah. She said with a smile on her face. Warmth filled the dragon's heart and she smiled down before nuzzling her with her nose.
After a while the three of them walked back to the cave. The fish had filled the children's stomachs but Skadi was getting hungry and knew she had to find some food for herself now. She wanted to bring them with her, but Freyr could still not fly, she would therefore have to leave them behind whilst she went hunting. She walked with them until the entrance of the cave and asked Embla to get some wood that was nearby the cave as she knew she would need some heat in the evening. Embla did as she said and quickly came back with as much wood as her small arms could carry and put it inside the cave. Skadi looked at her two children.
- I will leave to go hunting, listen to me carefully. The children raised their heads to their Mother.
- Whilst I'm gone danger can show up at any time. Humans and other dragons are your biggest threat. For that reason, you need to stay in the cave. If you sense any danger, there is a small hole on the far-right side of the cave where you two can hide in. Do not leave the cave until I get back. Skadi gave that as an order, she had stocked herself up for when Freyr was born, but two weeks had passed, and she was feeling the hunger coming back to her. She was always nervous about leaving her children behind. Every time she gave birth and had to leave to hunt, she was nervous about their safety. But knew she had to.
- Have you both understood? Freyr and Embla nodded and went straight into the cave. Skadi turned around and started walking back to the lake as the area there was open enough for her wings and to take off.
Freyr and Embla stayed in the cave, staying silent in the beginning but after 10 minutes or so, Embla got really bored. She turned to her brother was laying down, patiently waiting for his mothers return.
- Her Freyr, I'm happy you are my brother. Freyr lifted his head up and looked into her eyes.
- Same. He said. Embla hadn't heard him speak yet. Skadi had said he didn't know much of the human language yet, so he hadn't spoken until now.
- I don't know how much of my language you can speak yet but I'm glad you feel the same.
- Talking is hard. Freyr said which made Embla smile. But I try. He finished and nuzzled up next to her.
- I teach you and you teach me! She said and Freyr nodded happily.
….
Skadi was soaring across the sky, looking for prey. She had been flying for a while and was hoping to find something soon as she desperately wanted to get back to her children. She knew the sun would start to go down soon.
…..
The who children noticed the sun was going down a bit and Embla was getting nervous and turned to her brother.
- Do you think she is okay? She said and Freyr opened his eyes, observing the entrance to the cave.
- Monah is a well-known dragon. She is one of the highest ranked females for her abilities, knowledge and history. She will be fine. He spoke. Embla was surprised to hear him speak more and using some harder words but also what he knew.
Y- our words are more impressive now, but how do you know about Monah. Embla asked.
- Monah said we learn quickly from hearing. Being around you helps me learning. When it comes to Monah, she told me. Embla didn't say anything else after that, instead, she kept waiting. Suddenly, Freyr lifted his head before standing up.
- A dragon is near. He said. Embla smiled.
- Monah is back? Freyr stayed silent for a second.
- No, someone else. Embla quickly dropped the smile.
- What do we do? She said, fear growing on her. Freyr noticed.
- Come with, quick! He said and turned around and started running deeper into the cave and Embla quickly followed. They found the small hole Skadi spoke about and hid in there. Freyr made sure Embla got in first as he his scales protected him against fire better.
- We need to be quiet. Don't move don't make a sound. Freyr said and Embla nodded to him trying to calm her beating heart as much as possible.
Wing flaps was heard, they got closer. Trees were breaking as the dragon landed near the entrance to the cave. Then, silence for a few seconds, before a deep rumble was heard and footsteps getting closer. It was not Skidi's' rumble. The footsteps got deeper into the cave and Embla tried her absolute best to not make a sound or move, although she was scared and wanted to run, find the safe embrace of Skadi.
- Hm. The dragon spoke, it was a male. A deep voice that had a lot of power behind it.
- Three eggs without a mother? He spoke. Then silence. Suddenly a deep rumble was heard again from the dragon, the rumble started low but quickly grew lighter and then a massive amount of fire was suddenly coming out of the dragons mouth that went past the hole where the kids were in and was heading for the three eggs. The eggs didn't stand a chance and were destroyed after a few seconds. Embla was shocked from the amount of heat and fire. But stayed silent no matter what. The dragon chuckled for himself. He turned around and his tail was all that the children saw. A blood read color tail passing by them. Until he finally walked to the entrance, with the front of him outside the cave but with his back still in the cave. He was big, Embla could tell. And the fear still in her throat. The dragon chuckled to himself. Embla didn't know dragons killed other eggs and was afraid of what was to happen. The dragon simply stood there not moving. What was going through his mind was all she could think about. The dragon turned around back into the cave and laid down resting but still awake. Freyr and Embla kept silent.
…..
Skadi was close. Carrying a cow in her talons that she had caught. She was flying as fast as she could to her children. She saw the mountain but also saw the broken trees on one side of the cave. A dragon! She thought to herself, anxiety and anger filled her up as she dropped the cow on one side of the mountain and landed next to the entrance, in there stood a dragon. Blood red with black on the ends of his scales and black spikes going along the back. Freyr and Embla was nowhere to be seen, had he eaten them? Anger filled her. The dragon saw her and stood up. Males knew to be cautious around a mother but this one seemed full of himself. Skadi growled at him raising the spiked around her head and back, scales standing out, she looked twice the size as before. The male noticed this and slowly walked out of the cave but with interest in his eyes.
- Well, if it isn't Skadi. I've heard so much about you. Skadi wasn't in the mood for his comments.
- And who dares to utter my name after hurting my children? By the smug look on his face he had probably killed them, and her rage was nothing to mess with right now.
- Shouldn't leave them alone like that. He chuckled.
- My name is Vidar. I shall be the next Alpha. His ego too big for his safety Skadi thought to herself. He was nowhere large enough to hurt the current Alpha.
- I am glad I ran into you; I am planning on you bearing my offspring later in the future.
Skadi knew that might be a possibility, when mating season comes, the females chose the strongest except for the alpha who chooses which everyone he wants. But for now, mating season was not here, and he killed her babies. Skadi did not answer him, instead she launched at him with fangs, talons and fire. She wounded him and Vidar quickly flew off, knowing that a female at that point is truly not to mess with.
Skadi watched him fly away, the anger subsiding but emptiness filled her instead, she walked with heavy steps into the cave. Seeing the whole end section was black from the fire he had spread. She laid down and closed her eyes, a sad rumble escaping her. After a few seconds, she heard something moving. Her spiky ears perked up and she opened her eyes, out of the hole, Freyr and Embla crawled out. She stared at them disbelief that they had survived, he must have only noticed the eggs and didn't check to see if any live ones were there, luckily. The children ran up to her and nuzzled up to her. She saw water leaking from Embla and both were shivering from fear. She was in disbelief but nuzzled them back.
- I can't believe you two are alive. She said.
- We hid like you said. Freyr spoke. Skadi noticed that by being with his sister, he had learnt much faster than any other children.
- That was terrifying. Embla spoke her voice stuttering. Skadi did not think she would encounter that type of danger within just a day. She had learnt a great lesson and Skadi was proud that she had acted and followed upon what she said.
- You are safe now you two. The three of them nuzzled some more to calm each other from the scary situation that happened moments ago.
Vidar was observing the cave further away, looking at Skadis tail. He knew she had other alive dragons in there. However, he decided to let them live. He only killed the eggs though. Didn't want to get her on his bad side for now.
….
After eating the cow, she had caught, the three of them had laid down to sleep.
Freyr and Embla was laying next to their mother in the cave. Freyr was asleep. Skadi noticed that Embla started to shiver.
- Embla. She spoke. Embla looked up.
- Yes Monah? She spoke.
- Go get the wood you gathered, set a fire up for you. Embla did as commanded and placed the wood down in a pile, Skadi blew a gently fire at it and Embla immediately felt warmer. She went back to Skadi and laid down, Skadi put her wing over Embla like a duvet and within minutes, Embla fell asleep as did Skadi.