Flight training.
The family of three were up early the next day. The cloudy sky was promising a cooler day which they were all thankful for, as today would come to be much harsher for them all in various ways. Freyr would be doing the heaviest work, next Embla and Skadi would be the pusher. Flying practice was on the agenda today. Skadi was hoping to leave this nest in the next two weeks, however, with what happened yesterday, she was hoping they could leave even sooner as Embla needs a fresh new start. Away from humans. To Skadi, they had only caused more harm than good to Embla, which was surprising as she is one. Skadi would never be able to understand humans fully, but with Embla's help, she was certainly receiving more knowledge each day. She could tell that Embla was still shaken by the event yesterday, for an example, she was much quieter and seemed very cautious. Traits that would just interfere with todays exercise. Therefore, Skadi took Embla with her to the site where it happened. Embla was very hesitant to come with but Skadi had insisted. Freyr stayed at the cave as Skadi believed it would be best for the two of them to go there alone. Freyr had disagreed and wished to come as well for support but eventually gave up as his mother would not allow it this time.
Embla was sitting on Skadi's back in silence. She did not want to go there at all and was feeling very anxious about the whole thing. Skadi noticed something was not quite right and as they had just gotten past the lake, Skadi spoke to Embla.
- Tell me, what is going through your mind? Embla looked down at her mother who was looking right ahead towards where they were going.
- I'm afraid.
- Of what? Embla had to stop and think. She was not sure why she was afraid exactly, but she was.
- I'm not sure really. What happened yesterday was scary and I feel scared. Skadi was silent.
- The reason why we are going there, is for you to learn.
- Learn what?
- We shall see. Skadi spoke. Embla feeling confused as to what she meant but was quickly shaken out of it as they had arrived at the scene. The burnt grass and bodies were a terrifying scene to her, and she held on her mother's spikes harder. Skadi noticed. She turned her head towards her daughter.
- What do you fear about this scene?
- Death. Embla spoke.
- Death and to be taken away from you, to be hurt by others with bad intentions.
Skadi extended her wing and Embla slid down the wing and stood close to her mother for protection.
- You are thinking like a human my child. We dragons don't fear death like you humans do. We live our lives to the fullest so that we may pass with no regrets. We understand we are given the same thing as the rest of the creatures of this planet. Life will be handed down to the next generation so that there is no reason to grief. Death happens and in order to protect our young, we kill. As does most species. Embla remained silent, thinking about her mother's words.
- I do not know how humans view death Embla; however, you are no longer just a human. Accepting that death happens, means accepting a dragon part of you.
Embla still stayed silent. Her mother's words made her realize the difference between humans and dragons more. After a moment, Embla spoke.
- You said we would come here for me to learn, what am I meant to learn?
- I wanted you to look at this scene, feel within yourself what you can learn from it, but also to understand a better way to view death which humans fear so. Skadi spoke. Embla turned her gaze away from her mother to the scene in front of her. The burnt grass and bodies were hard to look at for sure, but for her to grow she needs to do this. She started to think. Skadi looked at Embla for a moment.
- I don't know what I'm meant to learn from it, but I see your reason for taking me here. I am sure I will be seeing something like this again, so to help me get past it and overcoming it, starting now will help. Embla calmed down. Skadi stared at her daughter, she would never know how humans really felt about these things, but the way Embla spoke reassured her that coming here was indeed the right decision. Yes, she wanted Embla to get past the fear that humans like these held on her.
- I am sure you are aware, but one day I will leave you and Freyr. But I want you to know that Freyr will always be there for you. He cares for you so much.
Embla was aware that Skadi would leave, as any animal, they leave their young, she wished to not think about that for now though and turned her head to her mother. Skadi understood that this was not the right time to start this conversation and left it at that.
- Now Embla, I am still unsure about what you need for the journey ahead. Would you dare to see if these humans had any belongings on them to help you on our journey? Skadi spoke. Embla froze, staring at Skadi. Robbing a dead man? She felt herself shaking a bit.
- I will be with you, just like we eat from the dead animals, you to can take from them.
Embla hesitated, but Skadi gently pushed her forward with her nose and Embla did as her mother commanded.
…..
Freyr was waiting impatiently by the cave, disappointed he could not come with to help his sister out more. He was angry at himself regarding what happed yesterday, if he and Monah hadn't flown too far away they would have been able to stop the attackers immediately. He felt responsible. He too knew he couldn't let this consume him, if Monah was here she would tell him that what has happened can not be changed and to live and learn from it.
Amidst his annoyed state, footsteps were heard. He turned his head to see Skadi and Embla coming back. He stood up but remained still, observing them coming closer. A sense of relief crept up on him when he saw his sisters faint smile, she looked more like herself. Embla ran to her brother and hugged him close to her. Freyr didn't hesitate to return the cuddle with a smile.
- How did it go? He asked and Skadi quickly answered.
- Embla did well. She has grown from this; she has also managed to get some useful items from it. Freyr tilted his head and looked at Embla, awaiting her response. He noticed something hanging on the side of her, something brown.
- What is that? He asked. Embla grabbed it and held it out.
- This is a bag. She said.
- In it we can store things we need or like. Embla spoke with a smile. Freyr was silent and carefully sniffed the so-called bag. Embla put her hand in it which made Freyr stiffen. Her hand was gone! She pulled out some things from there and placed them on the ground. In the meantime, Skadi laid down next to her as she was still unsure about what she had gathered but also to learn more about humans. Embla sat down next to the objects on the ground, she pointed to them one by one to explain what they are used for.
- This is a knife, think of it like a dragon claw. With this I can cut things. This is thread, with this I can sew garments more easily. This is a jug; with this I can carry water with me when needed. This is a whistle, when I blow it, a sound will come out so you could hear me more easily if something happens and finally these, are money. If I ever needed to go into a human town, I could buy something that I need there with these! Skadi and Freyr looked confused at each other as most of these items looked weird.
- Buy? Freyr spoke, a new word for him. Embla nodded.
- Humans are for most part weak, but we can create many different things, in order to get those things, money is needed. We exchange money for the thing we need.
- So, it's like a favor? Skadi questioned. Embla giggled.
- I guess you can call it that haha. Freyr and Skadi looked back at each other, still unsure about the money.
- You plan to go into a human town then? Freyr spoke, Embla dropped the smile for a second but quickly regained it.
- Not in a long time, but you never know what can happen. Freyr didn't like the sound of that. He didn't want Embla near humans after what happened after all. Embla patted his head gently and spoke.
- Don't worry, I will remain with you though! This eased Freyr and he relaxed as he felt the warmth from Embla's hand on his head. Skadi stood up.
- Well then, shall we start flying? She spoke.
…..
Embla sat on Freyr's back, she had only been on Skadi's back once, so sitting on the back of a dragon was still new. She looked for somewhere to hold onto with her hands. Freyr's spikes were not as large as Skadi's yet, but she found a pair of spikes further down his long neck that would do fine. Freyr felt the difference in weight from him flying on his own to Embla being on there. He was not sure if he could fly with her on him. Skadi was sat further away observing them as Embla adjusted herself to get more comfortable on his back. She paused.
- Today we begin flight training again for both of you. The reason why is for our upcoming flight towards our new home in a couple of weeks. You will not fly today, but you will both practices. For Freyr, to carry Embla on his back and for Embla to ride and not fall off. The two looked at each other but with determination in their eyes.
- Today you will run, Freyr will gain more muscles for having Embla on your back and Embla will get used to riding. Freyr.
Freyr looked at Skadi.
- You will start by walking, when I tell you to, you will quicken the pace, eventually you will be sprinting and at that point, Embla should feel more confident riding.
Freyr knew that this would be how he and Embla would travel once Skadi leaves, he was determined to work hard and become strong to carry Embla on his back fast. Embla swallowed hard and prepared herself for the training ahead.
- Begin! Skadi shouted and Freyr started walking. It was hard for Embla to find the rhythm to move to stay firm on Freyr. She had never ridden before but was focusing on how to get a movement in on her part to make it easier. Freyr was simply walking but felt how Embla was sliding a little from side to side, he started to try to walk slower but stopped at Skadi's rumble. He knew she wouldn't go easy on them and kept the walking pace he started out with. After a while of simply walking, Freyr noticed how Embla was sliding less and less and how his muscles were working harder due to the extra weight. But there was no time to relax as Skadi suddenly told him to quicken the pace. Freyr began to walk faster and felt how Embla was starting to slide again. Embla had started to get the hang of how to move just as Skadi had told Freyr to quicken the pace and she got nervous for a second before realizing that she will just have to move like she did but a bit faster. Embla started to move her hips to Freyr's rhythm and tensed her legs a bit to keep her steadier on his back. Freyr noticed and smiled back at her. Embla returned the smile. Skadi noticed and smiled to, but she knew they could do more.
- Faster. Skadi spoke. At this stage Freyr started to jog, which completely changed how to move for Embla, she was bouncing on Freyr's back now, having a hard time to figure out what to do. Freyr noticed and looked at Skadi.
- Monah, is Embla to figure out this on her own or can I try to help her? Freyr spoke, Skadi was silent for a moment.
- She will try on her own. Skadi's words were final, they both knew that and Freyr kept jogging whilst hoping Embla would figure out what to do. After a while of bouncing, Embla leaned forward towards Freyr's neck and put her legs closer to his body, she knew she was not doing it correctly, but she was getting steadier on his back, so she wasn't far off. Then it clicked, she pushed herself further back so she was sitting on the bridge of his back between his wings but could still hold onto his spikes. That was it, she felt how easily she stayed on his back now! Freyr turned his head towards her.
- That's it! He said with excitement in his voice. Embla smiled. Skadi nodded in approval. She waited a moment to allow Embla's confidence to come back a bit before telling Freyr to run.
- Last stage run Freyr! Freyr didn't hesitate and started to run. Embla felt how she slipped and how she fell of Freyr and landed on the ground. She tumbled a bit before coming to a stop. Freyr quickly stopped and ran over to her.
- Embla! He shouted, worry in his voice. Skadi stayed silent. Embla sat up and held her knees in pain, blood dripping from the fresh wounds and Freyr looked at her with wide eyes. He turned his head towards Skadi who were silent.
- Monah, Embla is hurt! She was silent.
- Embla get back up and keep going. Skadi shouted. Embla looked over to Skadi with tears in her eyes. She didn't like getting hurt but she knew Skadi wouldn't allow her to stop now. She stood up and brushed her knees of as best as she could and got back up on Freyr. Embla had received scratches from when she and Freyr played before, she wouldn't allow this to stop her. Freyr looking at her with worry, whilst Skadi nodded in approval.
- Again. Skadi spoke. Run.
Freyr took off once again and once again Embla fell off. This time she injured her elbows and now they were bloody to. Freyr had stopped and just observed his sister as she got back up again without Skadi telling her to and getting back up on his back. Skadi stayed silent but was pleased to see her daughter's determination to a few more tumbles, and scratches and wounds. Embla was able to at least stay on as Freyr ran. She hasn't found the right movement or position just yet, but she was determined to do so. Freyr was starting to pant heavily, exhausted from the hours of training. But finally, it happened, it was very similar to how she positioned herself to Freyr's jog, she simply had to lean down more! Skadi stood up as she finally saw Embla riding Freyr with much more ease than earlier and ordered for Freyr to stop. Freyr did as she commanded and stopped, panting heavily. Embla was panting heavily to, she hadn't realized how hard she had gripped his spikes to keep herself on his back, or how hard she had worked to move and position herself. Skadi walked up to them.
- Well done today. Let's walk to the lake. You both need some water. Embla was about to jump off Freyr's back when Skadi told her to stay on.
- Freyr can last the walk there with you on him. Embla looked down to her brother and noticed his expression. Determination was in hies eyes. After the events yesterday Freyr had promised himself to get strong enough to protect her, he was going to endure and work hard to do so. He was tired indeed, but he would push forward. Embla remained silent. She placed her hand gently on the side of his neck.
- Are you okay brother? Embla asked. Freyr looked back at her and grinned.
- I'm fine, but I believe it's time to stop using the human word for brother to me. I am your dragon brother Embla. Embla widened her eyes a bit, surprised that Freyr would say that. Skadi was a bit surprised to but smiled quickly.
- What is the word for brother in dragon language? Embla eagerly asked. The two children looked at Skadi who smiled at them.
- Zeymah. She spoke. Embla smiled and turned back to Freyr hugging him.
- Are you okay Zeymah? He smiled warmly this time.
- Yes, briinah. He spoke. Embla looked at him.
- Does that mean sister? Freyr nodded whilst panting still. Embla couldn't contain herself and hugged him hard which made Freyr feel warm and fuzzy. Skadi chuckled and started walking towards the lake with Freyr following whilst carrying Embla on his back.
…..
- Stay still! Skadi ordered at the girl in front of her who was shifting around.
- But it stings! Embla whined as Skadi attempted to lick her wounds clean before she was allowed in the water. Freyr was busy filling himself up with some nice water after the long training session.
- No buts! A dragon's saliva will help your wounds heal faster! She said sternly but with a hint of amusement in her voice. Embla did as commanded and endured as Skadi licked her knees and elbows clean from the tumbles earlier.
- You did well today though, we will practice riding again tomorrow. She spoke as she finished cleaning Embla. Embla looked back up at her.
- I thought we were going to practice flying. Freyr raised his head from the water and laid it down on the grass near Embla, who started stroking his head.
- My dear Embla, Flying is still new to Freyr. He needs more muscles and stamina to carry you as well. You too need to practice staying on his back as well. I can't have you falling on in the air, now can I.
- But you would catch me!
- But what if I am not there to do so? Besides, if Freyr isn't strong enough, he just might faint from working to hard in the air and that would kill you both. Embla flinched and started shaking her head.
- No, I don't want that. Skadi chuckled and encouraged Embla to have a dip in the water. Embla didn't feel like swimming today, her arms were tired from gripping Freyr's spikes too hard, so she decided to only dip her legs today and let that cool her down.
The family stayed by the lake for a short while, resting their bodies from the harsh training earlier. Skadi was watching her little ones resting next to each other whilst she kept guard. She was very proud and started to see how much they were growing. Freyr had started to look much stronger and was growing every day, she had also noticed a more mature personality come through already and wondered if Embla had something to do with it. Embla had not grown that much, what had grown a little was her hair. Besides that, Embla too seemed more mature than when she had first encountered her. Her speech and strength were getting better every day and she knew that her two children sleeping next to her would become a great team once they are ready to go off on their own. She looked up at the cloudy sky, the scent of rain was in the air. She knew it was about time, this summer had been very warm lately and everybody needed rain right now. She stood up and nudged her children awake. Both were still very much tired but did as their mother wanted. They both stood up and stretched their bodies.
- But Monah it was so comfy there. Embla spoke yawning. Skadi chuckled.
- It will be raining soon; we should get back to the cave before that. You two can rest easy in the cave whilst I go hunting. Few dragons fly during rain. Freyr allowed Embla to ride on his back on their way to the cave. Embla sat up and they started walking.
- How come few dragons fly during rain? Embla asked. Skadi who was walking in front of them faced forward as she answered the question.
- Rain can disrupt how our wings work, skilled flyers will know how to do it, but rain can still cause more stamina to be drained and simply makes it harder. Judging by how casually Skadi said that, Embla knew Monah would be fine flying. She had many tricks after all she is a high ranked female.
The family wandered to the cave and after a few minutes of getting there, the rain started to pour. Skadi had waited until it started to rain as her children would be much safer than. Embla had quickly fallen back asleep once the sound of the rain came and she was now sleeping on Freyr. Before Skadi took off, she looked at Freyr.
- I'm counting on you Freyr. Freyr smiled and nodded and watched as his mother took off in search of food. He turned his gaze back to Embla sleeping on him. He wrapped his tail around her and laid his head down next to her. He was not about to fall asleep, after all, Skadi had left her in his care and he would fulfill his duty! The sound of rain outside was very calming indeed though, he thought of what Skadi had said earlier about flying in the rain which made him realize how much he must learn. With a sigh, he closed his eyes and decided to simply rest them whilst waiting for Skadi's return.
…
Later in the evening, the rain was still pouring. The rain was getting heavier and Skadi was on her way back. It certainly is harder to fly in rain, but Skadi is not like other dragons, she has inherited many powers and techniques that many dragons don't have after all. Holding two sheep in her talons, Skadi made a slight jerk making her scales line up flat to her, making the surface of them much smoother so the rain would not affect her as much. This would make it easier and faster for her to get home.
A little while later, she landed outside the cave. She went inside and shook the water off her before seeing her two little ones sleeping. She took a couple more steps into the cave and saw Freyr's head poke up.
- You're awake? Freyr nodded.
- I wanted to be in case something happened. Skadi smiled at him. He continues to prove his capabilities.
- Good job Freyr. Wake your briinah up and we shall eat.
After dinner the family wasted no time in setting the fire up for Embla. The rain was cooling everything down more, so the fire was much needed. For extra heat, Embla slept between Skadi and Freyr who are always warmer due to their fire.
Before falling asleep. Skadi turned to Freyr.
- Make sure to get some rest, flight training has just begun and tomorrow we will continue.