Different.

- Its's so hot out today! Embla sighed. She was leaning on Freyr whilst lying in the cave. She and Freyr had been playing for a while but Embla could not keep up as well during the warm days. The family of three were inside the cave, the cooler inside was very comfortable for all of them, but only Embla needed water. Skadi had her eyes closed, enjoying the lovely day. Freyr opened his eyes and turned his head to his sister.

- Shouldn't you drink something then? His speech always improving.

- Aren't you thirsty? Embla spoke almost in shock as their playtime had lasted for a while, yet he seemed unfazed for now. Freyr shook his head with a smile on his face. Embla couldn't help to smile, she found him too adorable sometimes. She put her hand behind his head, patting and giving him scratches which Freyr loved. He tilted his head slightly, allowing Embla to reach the places that felt the most need of scratches. Embla chuckled a bit and turned her head to Skadi.

- Monah, I am thirsty. She spoke. Skadi didn't open her eyes but answered anyway.

- And how do you plan to clench that thirst? She simply spoke. Embla thought for a second.

- I could go to the lake. Skadi opened her eyes now and turned her head to her daughter.

- I see. I Shall give you a suggestion then. Skadi spoke.

- You could either wait for me and Freyr to need water as well, that however, will be after Freyr has practiced flying. Or, you could go there on your own and wait for us until we get there. Embla was silent. She had gone there a couple of times alone during the past month. Since her swimming had gotten better, Skadi felt more confidence in her ability to survive. Plus, it wasn't too far away from here, Skadi would be able to either sniff and notice if something is wrong or she would be able to hear Embla yell as dragons have very good hearing. Either way, Skadi was sure that Embla would not be in danger as much anymore as she would be right there to help her.

- Will you be practicing for long? Embla spoke and Skadi slowly shook her head.

- Not in this heat. But for a good while to get some good practice in. I plan on us leaving this cave for a new home in a couple of weeks. Skadi had mentioned it briefly before about them moving, but she had not made it clear it would be soon. Was Embla sad about this? No. She did not feel sadness to leave here, rather, to move to a new place where she could really feel like she was a dragon. Skadi had even mentioned that Embla would have to practice riding Freyr soon. She was equally excited as she was nervous. She had never flown before, rather, no human had every flown before to her knowledge. But she wanted to experience it.

- You said that I will have to practice riding Freyr soon. Embla started and Skadi caught on to what Embla was trying to say.

- Freyr has already been able to soar above the treetops, he and I will attempt training on landing first before we take to the sky today! Freyr quickly turned to his mother. Embla stopped scratching at her brothers' quick motion.

- We are flying for real today? He said with excitement in his voice. Since yesterday when he finally thought he was getting the hang of it, he was excited to fly high for real and see the views his mother saw. Skadi nodded and Freyr couldn't help but to wag his tail a little as a sign of excitement. Skadi turned her gaze back to Embla.

- If all goes well today, you will start to practice riding him tomorrow. By the time we move, he should be strong enough and you should be confident enough for the journey. The two children looked at each other and in unison smiled and laughed. Embla hugging her brother around his neck and Freyr in turn licking her cheek. Skadi couldn't help to chuckle as they did that for a bit.

- Have you decided if you want to go to the lake alone or not? Skadi asked Embla, snapping the two children back. Embla smiled but didn't let go of her brother.

- I'll stay for a bit to watch; I might go alone in a while though. Skadi nodded, approving of that option.

- Just let me know when you leave in that case. Embla simply nodded. With all that said. Skadi stood up and made a small rumble noise and Freyr stood up as well and the two walked outside. Embla walked to the entrance of the cave but remained seated in the shadows. She was still thirsty and sitting in the sun did not sound fun at all. Skadi looked at her son, she for a second took time to expect his growth. Wings, tail, neck, yes, his whole demeanor was growing. Freyr tilted his head at his mother which brought her back from her thoughts.

- Right. She started.

- We are first going to practice landings some more, as when you attempt landings from the heights we are to go to today, requires some skills. As you know, the fall from the treetops for you is fine, falling from the height of the clouds could do serious damage.

- Can it kill me? Freyr asked not showing any expression, to which Embla was amazed by. Skadi was not. Dragons have natural instincts to speak about what can kill and harm them as to understand the risks of what they'll do. Skadi paused.

- At your age. Yes. She simply said. Embla put her hand in front of her mouth with worry, she did not want Freyr to die. Freyr wasn't fazed. He noticed though that Embla was reacting to it. He turned to her and smiled.

- Don't worry sister, I know what I'm doing. It calmed Embla down a little to hear that, but the worry would not leave her completely, and she pulled her knees to her chest as to comfort her a little. Freyr turned his gaze back to his mother who simply observed him for now.

- Right let's start with landing then. First, I want you to practice landing from the smaller heights. After I see that you can perform that with ease, you will land from the treetop heights but by diving. Freyr's ears flicked a bit, he had failed that landing yesterday, but was prepared to perfect it today.

- Once you can do that, we shall take to the sky. I will be there with you and lead you through it. Freyr nodded and Skadi backed up a bit before sitting down, allowing some space for her son to practice. Freyr took a few steps back before extending his wings and started to run to get some speed to take off. He started to flap his wings and sure enough he was taking off. He immediately tucked his legs under him and was getting higher up as he continued to flap his wings. He soared for a bit as to not fly higher by his mother's request. After keeping the same height for a bit, Skadi said.

- Land. Freyr did as commanded and landed with ease on the ground. He turned around to his mother after the easy landing and she simply said.

- Again. That process went on for a short while and everything went smoothly. Skadi suddenly stopped and said.

- Well done, I believe you have mastered that calmer landing. Freyr smiled at her.

- Now, dive landing. She looked straight at Freyr. Freyr felt a bit unsure, recalling yesterday.

- What happened yesterday has nothing to do with today. If you can master the calmer landing this quickly, the dive landing will come as well. Freyr felt a little more confidence and nodded to her. Embla was watching them still, she was amazed by her brother and wished that she too could fly like he does. Freyr took off once more, flying higher this time. He was once again above the treetops and looking dashing flying there. After a bit of time, the time came to land.

- Land. Skadi spoke and Freyr prepared himself. Parachute wings, back legs closest to the ground and bend them as they hit the ground. Freyr thought to himself, he began to dive and then parachuted his wings. He was a bit too early this time but landed safely, which made him smile to Skadi. She did not return it.

- Again. You were too early this time. Freyr nodded and started flying again. Once he got up into the air again, Skadi once again commanded him to land. This time he did it too late and the same thing happened yesterday when he fell and rolled for a bit. It wasn't as bad as yesterday as he didn't feel dizzy afterwards.

- No, I felt like I almost had it! Freyr said in an annoyed tone. Skadi unfaced.

- I'm glad to hear that, get up again and show me. Freyr nodded, now feeling determined to do it as he wanted to fly to the clouds today! Once more did Freyr take off and once more did Skadi command him to land. This time Freyr was sure he knew when to do it, it was an instinct that just shouted, now! And as the instinct screamed for him to do it, he parachuted his wings at the right time, bent his knees and landed perfectly and firmly on the ground. Embla had a look of disbelief on her face. Freyr was panting a little whilst looking at the ground.

- I did it. He spoke with a bit of disbelief in his voice.

- I did it! He said louder tis time and Embla jumped up from her seat and ran to her brother to congratulate him.

- Stop! Skadi suddenly spoke with a stern tone. Embla stopped dead in the track and looked at her mother who looked at Freyr. Freyr in return looked at Skadi.

- You did it once, well done. Now you keep doing it. Embla stayed silent. Freyr observed his mother for a few seconds before nodding.

- Now that you have succeeded, I expect you to keep doing it. You have a feel of when to do it now. Freyr nodded at his mother and she had him prepare to take off again. Embla stayed still next to Skadi for a moment as Freyr took off into the air again. She looked at her.

- Monah. She spoke and Skadi did not let her eyes of Freyr.

- Hmm? She spoke.

- I was planning to go to the lake now, I wanted to stay and see Freyr do the dive landing but I'm too thirsty now. Skadi turned her head to Embla.

- Alright, be safe. Remember to shout for me if anything happens. Skadi smiled as Embla nodded to her before she started to walk towards the lake. Skadi turned her head back to Freyr.

- I want to see you complete this landing at least twenty times before we take to the sky, show me you can do it!

Embla was on her merry way to the lake. She was happy for Freyr but still couldn't help to feel a little left out. She was a dragon but also not a dragon. She could not breathe fire or fly. She did not have sharp teeth, claws or spikes. She looked like a human, though being a dragon at heart. She stopped in her track, puffed her chest out, clenched her fist and made a roar sound and held it until she was out of breath and had to lean forward to catch her breath again. The roar was not like Skadi's or Freyr's, it was not as strong sounding. She looked at her hands, they looked just like any other humans' hands. She knew she would never look like a dragon and therefore always wouldn't fit in a hundred percent. A flower suddenly caught her eye. It was the only blue one surrounded by yellow ones. She wanted to pick it, but hesitated.

- You're like me. She spoke to the flower.

- You are alone in the same way I am. She kept looking at it for a few seconds. She realized something.

- Although you are alone here, you are the most beautiful one! Embla spoke and she felt her chest warming up a bit.

- You don't seem bothered though to be the only blue flower here. I too am like that, only human with dragons. But I will try to be like you. Pretty no matter what!She didn't expect the flower to respond, but rather felt happy with the new gained insight. Whilst she may not look like the rest, she was special no matter what. She can never do the things they can, but they can never do the things she can either. Embla is special and that shall not change. Pleased with this new mindset, Embla kept on walking.

After a short amount of time, she arrived at the lake. She ran up to it and immediately took her clothes of and jumped in the water. She drank and swam and enjoyed the coolness of the water spreading across her body. She made sure to not get too far out where it was deep, she still didn't feel confident yet in her swimming. She was improving but had still a bit to learn. She decided to practice for a bit, she was sure Skadi would be proud if she could perfect her swimming as Freyr was perfecting his landing.

Freyr was panting a bit now, he had been flying and landing for a while now. Skadi waited for him to catch a breath before having him do the process again. Skadi stayed silent for a while before speaking.

- You are doing well Freyr. If you can do that landing perfectly for me two more times. We'll fly together. Freyr looked at his mother whilst his head was hanging down, getting tired. The heat was taking its toll now, but he refused to give up, not when he was to be allowed the honor of his first proper flight. He took two deep slow breathes and raised his head again. He took a few steps back and once again flew into the air. He did the two dive landings perfectly and when he landed afterwards, he suddenly didn't feel as tired anymore. The excitement of taking proper flight was now pumping him with adrenaline that seemed to almost take over him. Before Skadi spoke, she extended her long neck and licked her little one's cheek.

- Well done my son. She spoke. She could not be prouder of him. Freyr returned his mothers loving touch with a happy little rumble before jumping around with excitement. Skadi drew her head back and stood up.

- Now, we are to fly. Do not do anything or fly anywhere without me telling you to, you stay near and listen to me. The wind is stronger up there so therefore don't stray. Freyr nodded and went to stand next to his mother who were turning around. She spread her big wings and Freyr followed her lead. She started running, Freyr doing his best to keep up. He watched his mother put in great force that lifted her high up almost immediately, he was not quite there yet but it didn't take long for him to reach her height as well, she was hovering in the air, waiting for him to keep up. She was higher than he had gone before and once he caught up, the two went higher and higher and higher. Before he knew it, they had reached the clouds but that apparently was not enough! Freyr was only looking at his mother but was dying to look down to see the view, however, he was afraid to lose sight of her so his focus would remain where she had commanded it. Before he knew it, they had reached the sky above the clouds. Skadi halted and was hovering, keeping her body straight up whilst her wings were flapping more downwards, Freyr matched the way she was flying and started to hover too. Skadi smiled.

- Well done my son, you have reached the sky. Freyr looked around, above and below. This was amazing, he never thought it would feel this good and he felt like he never wanted to land again! He was laughing and smiling and roaring his heart out and Skadi only laughed at his behavior.

- Well then, shall we have some fun? Skadi spoke. Freyr always being up for that.

- Follow my lead, if you fall too far behind or lose me, call for me. Freyr nodded and as quickly as he had nodded, Skadi dived. Freyr didn't hesitate to dive after. Together, the two dragons were soaring, diving, rolling and doing all sorts of acrobatics, well, to a level that Freyr could handle of course. Never has he felt so much joy, never has he felt so wild, light and free. And doing this by his mothers' side, made it all the better.

Embla was laying on the grass now next to the lake, she had almost finished drying up after going for a swim. Practicing swimming had paid off greatly. For the first time, she even dared to go under the water for a few seconds. She had to hold her nose in the beginning but quickly tried to do it without. She swam well on the surface and below now and felt proud that just like Freyr was perfecting his flying, she was perfecting her swimming. She was hoping to make Skadi proud so she could be proud of both her and Freyr. The sun was nice and warm now after the swim, it didn't take long for her body to dry off and she put her clothes on. She stood up, wondering if she should stay here, go to the cave or sit town under a tree where the entrance to the lake is which is a bit further back. She decided to sit in the sun, allowing her ice blond hair to dry up completely.

A while later, Embla was still waiting. Suddenly she heard something. Like a lot of things running of a sort. It was getting louder and she stood up to try to see where it came from. She turned hear head around and suddenly out of the forest, a large group of humans on horses came riding towards the lake. She couldn't see the humans well but did not wish to interact with anyone. She quickly started running towards the forest that led to her cave. She heard some man shouting as the large group came closer.

- Surround it! She didn't know if they meant her or the lake, she wasn't planning on sticking around to find out though. What were humans doing here?! Embla's small legs weren't fast enough to outrun the horses though. If she had been older, maybe. But as a child that was not possible. The group of humans and horses surrounded the little girl and she was now standing in the middle of a circle with much larger beings than her all around. All of them were men, dressed in brown clothing for most part. The fabrics on the clothes were those of bandits, and the swords that most of them carried around their waist confirmed it more. Embla was terrified but tried no to show it too much. As a child though, emotions aren't easy to hide. One of the men jumped off his dark grey horse and casually but cockily walked up to the little girl. He hunched down in front of her.

- Well, well, what do we have here? He spoke. He had a narcissistic voice, wearing a dark brown top with leather trousers. His grey eyes were piercing Embla and his dark brown hair which was tied up in a bun seemed to not have been washed for days. Everything about him, about them terrified Embla. She did not respond to the man which made him chuckle.

- What is a pretty little lady like yourself doing out here alone? He spoke. Embla stayed silent for a while. But when the man leaned closer in a threatening way, Embla spoke without catching eye contact.

- I came to drink some water. He chuckled again.

- I see, does she have a name? Embla was about to answer but quickly stopped herself.

- Tell me. The man said more threateningly.

- Maya. She answered. She had remembered that Embla is only her dragon name.

- Maya huh. That's a nice name. The man spoke standing up, the crowd around them were chuckling in an unnerving way and Maya held her arms tight around herself as a sort of protection. The man took a few steps before he turned his attention back to the little girl.

- Well Maya. How come you are alone here? The way he said that rubbed Maya the wrong way. The whole situation did but that line in specific truly made her fear for her life right there.

- I am not alone. Maya spoke. And the man responded acting surprised, entertaining his men.

- Oh really? I am asking because, I can't see any other people around here except for you, me and my group of men here. Maya looked around, refusing to look any of them in the eye, she looked at the legs of the horses instead.

- They're around here, just told me to wait here for them.

- Ah I see. Well Maya I'm going to tell you what's going to happen. He switched from his joking persona to a dead serious one.

- You see. We here, love money. Everybody chuckled except for Maya.

-Do you know what fetches good money? Maya shook her head. And the man smiled the most narcissistic smile.

-Children. Pretty ones like you especially.

Skadi and Freyr had been flying for a while now. They had gone in the opposite direction than the lake and had flown around cliffs and rocks and trees to practice a bit of quick flying or terrain flying you might call it. They were still a bit away from the cave but Monah suddenly caught a scent that made her eyes wide open and her heart race.

- I smell a large group of humans. She spoke. Freyr got worried.

- Do you think Embla is okay? He spoke. Skadi didn't answer at first.

- We must hurry! She spoke and the two dragons sped up their pace. Where they too late?

- No! I don't want to go. Please don't! No! Embla screamed and cried. All her emotions erupted, and she was kicking and screaming fearing for her life in every way as the men had pinned her to the ground to tie her hands, she had tried to bite them but had been slapped hard that it had drawn blood on her cheek. She was now being dragged to the leaders' horse. Her screams and cries were the most horrible of sounds as true terror went through the small being. The men, naturally, had no care in the world and saw this only to make more money and they were laughing the whole time they bound her, dragged her and tossed her on the back of the horse. The man had watched one of the subordinates do the dirty work for him with the most satisfied smile on his face. And was laughing hysterically to his men when she was loaded. Maya cried and screamed. The man walked up to his horse, leaned towards Maya and spoke.

- By the way, never gave you my name, right? How impolite after you told me yours. Call me Emmett. He spoke and laughed hysterically as he sat up on his horse.

- Easy money today boys! He shouted and all the other riders cheered as Emmett raised his fist in the air. He turned his horse around headed to another direction than where they came from earlier. The group quickly followed and started galloping away, riding past the lake. Embla cried and cried, watching them galloping past the lake which she had never gone past before.

- Monah! Monah! She screamed over and over. Emmett turned his head briefly and told her to shut up, but she kept screaming. But no Monah appeared. Maya looked at the lake that was getting smaller and smaller now until eventually she could not see it anymore. Her hope to ever return to her family again was fading as the riders kept galloping.

But then…

ROAR. A big dragon roar was heard. The riders seemed scared as to what made that sound. Suddenly in front of them landed a big white dragon, scales standing out in all directions and with a look of pure hatred in the eyes. All the men stopped their horses but none of them moved away, all of them struck by fear by the huge dragon in front of them. Maya looked up with tears in her eyes. She had never felt such a relief.

- Monah! She cried and Skadi instantly noticed where she was. Laying on the back of the horse behind the man closest to her. Skadi jumped into the air and with a rumble sound, breathed a massive amount of fire on the men behind the one in front. She did not plan to harm Maya after all. The men that got hit screamed in agony as they got consumed by fire. She was killing both the men and the horses. Some of the men fled and she did not bother to follow them as her daughter was the main priority. The man who had Embla behind him attempted to escape underneath Skadi who was in the air, but she landed quickly, and Emmett stopped quickly as to not get crushed, only to find him just a meter away from the dragons' face.

- Wh-what is this?! The man spoke, fear in his voice.

- Monah. Maya spoke and Skadi roared before biting down on the man and horse, taking both of their heads of, making the two bodies fall to the ground. Maya rolled of the horse from behind as her mother bit down. Skadi roared as the last few bandits escaped into the woods. After the survivors were gone, and the field covered in blood, flames and death, did Skadi calm down a bit. Her scales laying back down, tucking her wings back and stretching out her head to desperately check on her daughter.

- Embla! She shouted. Clear worry in her throat. Embla rolled over on her back, showing her tied hands. Skadi didn't hesitate to quickly but carefully use the tip of her claw to rip the rope apart, freeing Embla's hands. Embla in turn didn't hesitate to stand up and run into her mothers embrace, who laid down in exhaustion from worrying, stressing and being at ease that she was not too late. Embla was crying hysterically in her embrace. Embla was hugging her mothers' neck as hard as she could, from shock and fear. Skadi leaned her head down pushing the small child closer to her.

- You're okay. Skadi spoke, but her voice sounded as if she was in a bit of disbelief but also in relief. Embla did not speak she simply cried and refused to let go off her. Skadi noticed the blood on Embla's cheek. A growl of anger escaped her before quickly letting it go for now. She instead licked Embla's cheek to get the blood off and for it to start to heal. Freyr landed next to them moments later. When they were flying and had reached the place where their cave was, Skadi had took off to hurry to Embla. Freyr was not as fast and Skadi couldn't afford flying at his speed at that moment, knowing her daughter was in danger.

- You got to her in time! Freyr said in a panting voice, relieved to see them both, but quickly realized the danger his sweet sister was in as he saw the bodies, fire and blood. He walked up to them and nuzzled Embla with his head. Embla quickly dropped down to hug her brother as soon as she felt his touch and cried whilst holding him. He didn't hesitate to nuzzle back. He cared for her sister so much that the thought she had been taken was something he wouldn't allow to happen again. The three laid like that for a good while, in the middle of a big open field, far from the cave, far from the lake, surrounded by death. It was beautiful in a way, their strong family connection amidst the bloody scene. The bodies of the men were laying still, covered in fire. Once Embla had stopped crying, Skadi gently bit down on the back of her top and lifted her up on her back. Embla stayed silent as she was now sat down on Skadi's back. Freyr watched Embla's expression, her face was red from crying. Dragons don't cry, they don't share all the same emotions as humans do but they can care deeply for one another. Skadi started to walk and Freyr followed. Embla held on to the spikes along Skadi's neck as she rode her. They walked back in silence towards the lake. Skadi would not speak until they reached the lake. Once there, Skadi extended her right wing towards the ground, like a slide for Embla to go down on. Embla did not move. Skadi knew actions alone was not enough right now, she was not used to that. She understood that humans are more complex, they don't move on as easily. But for Embla to grow, she could not be allowed to hold on to it. Skadi turned her head around towards Embla, looking at her. Embla was looking down.

- Look at me. Skadi spoke, Embla hesitated for a second but then looked at Skadi.

- You are safe now Embla. You survived. You have done well. Now you need to grow by getting past it. Embla didn't speak.

- I'm scared.

- No need anymore. The situation is over, now we are back at the lake. Leave it behind. Grow now. Embla was not sure how to grow from it, but after a few seconds she turned around on Skadi's back and went down the slide which was her wing. And stood up on the grass now. Freyr ducked his head under Embla's arm and walked with her to the water. Embla stopped at the edge of where the lake met the grass, she didn't seem to want to get in now, but she gently pushed Freyr to get in to have a drink and cool his scales off. Skadi laid down next to Embla on the grass as Freyr was in the water to drink. They were silent for a bit.

- Did you swim earlier? Skadi asked, attempting to get Embla on other thoughts. Embla was silent for a bit, playing with her fingers.

- I, I swam better. I was able to swim under the water. Embla said.

- You dived? So, you to have practiced today? I am glad to hear that. Can you show me? Skadi encouraged her to play. Embla looked at Skadi.

- Okay. She simply said. Skadi noticed a tiny smilel on the corners of Embla's mouth. Embla took of her clothes and walked into the water, Freyr was jumping a little, excited to play with Embla a little in the water. He too practiced a bit of swimming. Dragons can't swim too well. Their wings are meant to fly with, not swim. Skadi watched as Embla dived under water. A bit uneasy at first to not see her on the surface, but sure that she knew what she was doing. Embla felt good under water, it eased her mind and body a little and she felt lighter. Embla got back to the surface and turned around has she had gotten back up to the surface facing away from them.

- Tada! Sha spoke and Skadi smiled.

- Very good Embla. I'm proud of you. Skadi spoke with a warm tone and Embla felt a little smile creeping up on her. She did practice earlier for just this moment. For Skadi to see that she too was learning and growing. Skadi extended and neck and dipped her mouth into the water. Embla swam up to her head and grabbed a spike coming out behind her head. As Skadi was done drinking, she lifted her head along with Embla on it. It felt like butterflies in Embla's stomach as her mother lifted her up whilst she was holding on. Embla couldn't hold it in and was laughing. Children are truly amazing sometimes, to go through hardship but being able to smile afterwards. Skadi thought. Skadi chuckled and lowered her head to the ground, as she did not wish for Embla to fall.

After an hour or so at the lake the three of them walked back. Embla was exhausted from the terrifying experience previously and was riding on Freyr's back. None of them spoke really and once they reached the cave, Skadi put Embla to bed and Embla fell asleep.

Skadi and her son was awake for a while longer, sitting outside the cave.

- Monah? Freyr spoke, making Skadi look his way. She awaited his question.

- Will Embla be okay? He spoke with such concern which warmed Skadi's heart.

- Yes. Whilst she is a dragon at heart, she is not one physically and emotionally. In those aspects, she is and will always be a human. Therefore, I need you to be there for her. One day, I shall leave you two, I trust that you two will help each other out after I'm gone. Freyr didn't say anything. He knew Skadi would one day leave them. He wanted to care for his sister.

- These experiences will have affect on her in some way. She told me her birth parents were killed by bandits just like the men that came today. I'm not sure what a bandit really is though. In any case, I believe I can trust you to protect her if she can't protect herself. Freyr looked at Skadi. Realizing the responsibility, she was putting on his back, he relished in the thought of always being there for her. Yes, he would always be there for his sister. Freyr nodded to his mother.

- I know you will depart someday. When that day comes, I shall make sure to take care of Embla, as she will take care of me. To me, she is a dragon, just a little softer. Skadi chuckled at her soon and nodded in approval, feeling proud for having him. The two dragons left it at that and walked back into the cave to join Embla in her slumber.