Flight
As the days progressed, so did Embla's and Freyr's compatibility. Everyday Skadi had them training by having Embla ride Freyr through different terrains, jumping and changing the speed drastically, all of this was to build stamina and muscles for them both. Skadi wasn't sure how much Embla would have to practice being able to ride Freyr, she was mostly doing this so Freyr could carry her on his back as soon as possible for as long as possible. She may have not known, but her training was as good for Freyr as it was Embla. The every day riding made it constantly easier for her to stay on the young dragon and she started to feel comfortable and relaxed on his back as if it was second nature.
It was now only 5 days left for them to train before they would leave this nest and search for a new one. Skadi wanted to have found a new nest before the end of summer to prepare for the colder times of the year. Autumn and winter would be a harsher time for them, so finding a good nest would have to be done before that. Therefore, she had pushed her children to train hard to work up the stamina and muscles as they would both require it.
It was early morning; the sun was rising and Skadi was awake. She was laying in the cave with her two young ones nestled up to her, sleeping. She watched as the sun warmed the ground up, removing the moisture from the grass outside the cave and greeting the land with new warmth and life. She turned her head to the young, Embla was wrapped up in her wing, clinging onto the warmth she was providing her. Her small hands gently placed onto Skadi and her sleeping face looked so peaceful. Freyr had grown a lot since Embla came to them. He was not about the size of a horse due to all the extra muscles he had gained doing this unusual training for a dragon. Skadi knew he would become a strong and powerful dragon in the future due to this. She turned her gaze back to the entrance of the cave and stopped to think. Embla had indeed become very comfortable riding Freyr now, was she and Freyr ready for flight. Freyr had gotten the chance to test his wings out by jumping slightly and soaring just above the ground but not really flying yet. His wings would need to be trained as well though. Skadi was unsure about having them start to fly today. She was worried for both, but mostly Embla. As Freyr would be able to land safer whilst also knowing his limits better, if Embla falls and Skadi does not catch her, she will die. Skadi looked back at the two children. With a sigh to settle the argument inside her mind, she knew they had to start practicing flying now for them both to be able to do this journey. She lowered her head and opened her mouth to give the two of them a lick. Both woke up, one more awake than the other.
- Good morning Monah.
Embla quietly spoke whilst yawning, receiving a smile from Skadi. Freyr made a rumble and would need a bit more encouragement to wake up. Therefore, Skadi gently pushed Freyr with her nose which made him roll over to the other side. With a groan, Freyr opened his eyes, shook his head and looked back at her, still desiring some sleep.
- Good morning.
He spoke. Skadi chuckled.
- Come on you two, it is time to start the day. Freyr take Embla with you to the lake to have some water, when you come back, we shall do something exiting.
Freyr and Embla quickly noticed Skadi's playful tone and simply stared at her, hoping she would tell. Skadi shook her head to this and Embla and Freyr knew that they would have to do as she said for the to find out. The two of them stood up and stretched their bodies for a moment before departing from the cave.
The two of them casually walked to the lake, side by side. Embla was not riding Freyr this time as she wanted to stretch her legs for a bit. Embla was rubbing the sleep from her eyes and Freyr was peacefully walking next to her.
- What do you think she meant?
Freyr suddenly asked. Embla stopped what she was doing and turned to him. Placing her hand on her chin.
- I don't know, maybe she has something to give us?
Embla spoke with excitement running through her. Freyr chuckled.
- Nah, I bet it's going to be a new sort of training. It's all we have been doing lately after all
Freyr spoke, feeling tired from the training day in and day out. Embla dropped the smile and lowered her head slightly.
- I hope you're feeling okay Zeymah, I feel like a burden when I'm on your back as you must work very hard.
Freyr stopped dead in his tracks and looked at Embla, who stopped as well. He looked at her with a serious expression before smiling at her.
- My sweet briinah, I intend to be with you until the end of my days, whilst I am tired yes, I intend to train so that I can protect you.
Freyr spoke. Embla felt her cheeks getting warmer and she smiled before walking up to him, hugging his long neck.
- I don't know if you have something similar in dragon language. But in human, we say to the ones we care the most about ''I love you''.
Freyr made a happy rumble and returned the hug with a lick on Embla's cheek.
- I don't know if we have that either. Dragons don't share the same thought and feelings as humans to some extent, but we can care for one another. I'm happy to be your Zeymah, Embla.
Freyr spoke and Embla giggled.
After a short moment, the two began to walk again and shortly arrived at the familiar lake. Filling themselves up with water they headed back to the cave where Skadi was patiently awaiting their arrival. She was sat outside the cave, the same spot she had been sat at every day they had been training and the two children immediately knew that the surprise was training. Without having to say it, Freyr lowered his body down for Embla to get on, she didn't hesitate to do so. She casually grabbed the spikes at the bottom of his neck and easily rode on him as Freyr walked closer to Skadi. She watched them approach her before stopping in front of her.
- Are you two ready?
She asked and both simply nodded. She chuckled.
- You have trained well to get used to each other and work up your muscles and stamina. Now, we shall put them to the use we have been working for. Today you will start flying.
The two of them gasped. They both started to feel a bit nervous but exited. They gave each other a look, not saying anything. Skadi observed them.
- This is the stage we have been working towards, Freyr's wings still need the practice as well before we leave here, and Embla needs to experience flying as well. I shall be with you in case something goes wrong.
Skadi spoke with a determined voice. Embla swallowed hard and Freyr simply listened. He had been waiting for this, all the training they hade done was finally about to be used. He was prepared to perform to the best of his abilities, push himself to do this but also to make sure Embla was safe.
- Come with me.
Skadi spoke and started walking towards the opposite direction of the lake. Embla had only gone a bit down that way to collect berries and wood a couple of times, so they were entering a new territory for her as well. She took her right hand off Freyr's spike and gently patted the back of his neck, she mostly did so to calm herself down a bit, but also to calm him down and she felt how he was a bit more tense. Freyr relaxed a bit by Embla doing so and in turn, Embla relaxed a bit as well. After a short walk, they arrived at a steep hill. It was a beautiful view from the top of the hill where they were standing, as you could see more forest and mountains in the distance. Embla suddenly wished to explore the mountains and knew that in order to do so, she would have to overcome these nervous feelings she has about flying. She tried to tell herself that it would be fun instead. Freyr started to stretch out his wings, flapping them slightly where he was standing. Embla imagined it being the same as humans shaking their legs and kicking a little before running. Skadi took a few steps away from them and extended her neck towards the slope of the hill.
- Here we shall take off. We shall first have you simply gliding down the hill, for Embla to get the feeling of flying and landing. For Freyr, to feel the difference in weight in the air. We shall do this a few times before actually flying and at that point, we shall all fly together.
Freyr nodded to Skadi as did Embla. Starting out slow sounded good to her and she put her right hand back onto Freyr's spike. She pushed herself back a bit, clenched her legs closer to Freyr and leaned down slightly. She had no idea how to position herself on Freyr in the air yet, but her gut told her to stay as close to his body as possible. Freyr backed up a bit to get a running start. A moment of silence occurred, before Skadi suddenly said.
- Go.
Freyr started running and Embla quickly got into the proper position for this, as Freyr was getting closer to the edge, Embla suddenly felt like she had to throw herself off Freyr as her natural survival instincts told her to do so. She let go off Freyr's spikes and was about to throw herself off but didn't get the chance to as Freyr immediately stopped, just before they were about to take off. Embla knocked her head on Freyr's neck by the sudden stop. Freyr stood still.
- Why have you stopped?
Skadi questioned with a low voice. Freyr turned his head to Embla.
- You were about to do something.
Embla realized Freyr had stopped because of her sudden actions and looked away in shame.
- Tell me what happened.
Freyr spoke to Embla. Not angry, but worried. This made it easier for Embla to confess. Skadi stayed silent.
- Something told me to get off.
Embla spoke, her face started to turn a little red and tears started to form. Freyr stayed silent.
- You're survival instincts? I suppose that's natural. Humans can't fly, heights are something you tend to avoid.
The three of them stayed silent for a moment. Freyr started to walk back to the start position they were in earlier.
- However, Embla, you need to go against your natural instincts. You have come very far. You need to surpass your human instincts in order to gain your dragon ones. You will fly!
Skadi shouted the last words. Embla had been looking forward to this, but now that the moment was here, her whole being was going against her even though, deep down, she wanted this. She wished to leave her human side behind and embrace the dragon. Skadi was staring at her daughter. Skadi's words may be harsh, but for Embla to survive in their world, fear can not stop them. Listening to one's instincts it's not a bad thing, but for her to grow, this was needed.
- You will attempt gliding again. Stay on this time Embla.
Skadi ordered. The harsh words hit Embla hard and she did not wish to disappoint her monah more. Freyr stayed silent the whole time but eventually turned his head towards Embla and spoke.
- Trust me, okay?
He gently said, Embla nodded and gave a faint smile through her teary eyes. She refused to cry and would instead trust Freyr. She knew he would keep her safe.
Freyr got ready to run. Embla wiped her eyes before grabbing his spikes again and taking a deep breath. She exhaled slowly and tried to calm herself down. Freyr huffed and started to run. Just like before, Embla's instincts were telling her to jump off. Instead, she shut her eyes, grabbed the spikes harder, gritted her teeth and awaited whatever her being was fearing so. Suddenly she felt wind blowing and how smooth the ride was. She slowly opened her eyes and saw how they were gliding down towards the hill, she was no longer on the ground, she was in the air. It felt weightless and smooth, but the height was sure new to her. They were not ridiculously high up yet, however, no human had flown before so no matter what, the sensation was still new and therefore, scary. She started to feel butterflies in her stomach as she started to ease into it a bit more. It was not as bad as she thought but she was still far from comfortable. Freyr flapped his wings to glide a bit further. The sudden flap made his movement change a bit and Embla slid a little, Embla grabbed a hold of his spikes harder and Freyr jerked his body the other way to keep her steady. Embla thanked him quietly. Freyr had to feel her movement as well and quickly pick up on it. Skadi observed them as they went down the hill. She saw how they were working together and felt more at ease seeing that Embla held on to Freyr as they took off. A short moment later, they landed at the bottom of the long steep hill. Embla pushed her body back at the landing as to not hit Freyr. Once they had landed, Freyr turned his head towards Embla.
- You okay? He asked her.
Embla paused for a second, he noticed she was shaking a little. The adrenaline was the cause.
- We did it.
She said with a surprised voice. Freyr smiled.
- We sure did. How do you feel?
- Shaken, a bit less scared and okay.
Her thoughts were clearly running crazy at the new experience and the fact that she managed to do it. She managed to go against her instincts and push threw them, a lesson that would come in handy for the rest of her life.
- You did well.
Freyr spoke with a reassuring voice. Embla nodded.
- You to Freyr, thank you.
Freyr smiled. They heard Skadi roar at the top of the hill, telling them to come back. Freyr turned around but stopped for a moment, looking back at Embla.
- Want to try to fly up the hill?
She paused and looked away, thinking about it.
- Will you be able to?
She carefully asked.
- If you hold on, we can do it.
He spoke with a confident voice. Embla nodded.
- Hold on then.
Freyr spoke. Embla did as commanded and Freyr jumped up into the air and started to flap his wings, flying up the hill. Embla was sitting with her bottom between the bridge of his wings, leaning into his body as the air that was blowing at her was stronger since Freyr had to work harder getting up the hill, it was making it harder for her to stay on. Skadi watched them in surprise, she expected Embla to be too shaken and that they would walk up the hill. But seeing them flying up made her believe that this would really work! Freyr Landed on top of the hill next to Skadi, Embla prepared herself for the landing and she landed much better this time than at the bottom of the hill. Skadi was speechless for a moment but quickly smiled at them.
- Well done you two. How do you both feel?
- I understand what you meant now with how my wings needs the practice to, however, I feel confident that I can do this.
Freyr spoke, receiving an approving nod from Skadi.
- I feel a bit drained from it, but I'm sure that will fade with practice.
Skadi gave Embla the same expression that Freyr had received.
- Do you wish to glide again, or do you want to fly?
Skadi asked, the question was mostly directed to Embla, but she did give Freyr a glance as well to allow him a say in it as well. Freyr spoke first.
- I am ready to proceed if Embla is.
Embla hesitated. The two dragons observed her.
- Can we do one more, then, I'm sure I'll be ready.
Freyr and Skadi nodded and smiled at her.
Freyr and Embla got ready to glide down the hill again. As Freyr started running again, Embla noticed that the instincts were still there, but not as loud now. They were easier to handle, and they were able to glide down and fly back up as they had done earlier. Embla felt better this time around and they were now about to take to the sky. Embla looked ahead towards the forest and the mountains with focus in her eyes. It will be fine, Freyr and Monah are with me. She thought to herself as the three of them lined up to take off. Freyr was itching to fly, he wanted to show the views and the thrill of flying he felt when he was doing it. He wanted her to experience it and just like he got to, monah will be there as well. Skadi was on guard. At any point, Embla could fall off or Freyr could become to exhausted and fall, it was then up to her to catch them. This was a big task for all of them and they all prepared in their own way.
- Just like before, you will follow my lead. If anything happens notify me, stay close and don't stray.
She spoke to Freyr who nodded.
- Embla, we shall see how things go, but I do intend us to properly fly, we will work on some certain terrain flying later, but make sure you stay calm and focused on Freyr's back. Trust in him. I will challenge you up there.
Skadi's words had Embla stunned, she nodded in response and Skadi turned around and spread her large wings.
- Let's go!
She shouted and started running towards the edge before flapping her wings and flying straight out, Freyr was close by and Embla grabbed a hold of his spikes and got into position. Suddenly they were flying, they were not gliding down the hill, no, they were flying straight out into the air. Embla noticed the strong winds and laid down lower to Freyr and held on hard.
- You okay back there?
Freyr jokingly spoke.
- The wind is quite strong, I'm sure I'll get used to that more as time goes on.
She spoke and Freyr laughed.
- Don't worry, I've got you!
He's reassuring words helped Embla and she felt how she truly trusted him. Skadi turned her head back to them, seeing how they both kept up. She started to speed up and fly higher. Freyr followed and Embla quickly positioned herself to stay on better. They were still flying at the same height, but would switch the speed up now and then, allowing the two young ones to have a breather between the intervals. Embla was feeling more comfortable on Freyr's back and dared to observe the views for a moment. Freyr had spoken about how amazing it was and felt to be flying and she now felt like she understood what he meant. Never in her wildest dreams did she envision how small things could look from up here, when down on the ground they were so big. The tress looked like bushes, and a few lakes looked more like puddles. Everything was spectacular and Embla felt how she grew to love and enjoy this. Freyr was working his wings hard to keep up with Skadi's pace, whilst also carrying Embla on him. It was a lot harder than flying on his own, but he knew practice would make perfect.
- Prepare to dive.
Skadi suddenly spoke. Embla and Freyr widened their eyes.
- Dive down?
Embla asked loudly for Skadi to hear, her voice sounded scared.
- Hold onto Freyr Embla.
Embla quickly leaned down further to the point where she was basically lying on him. Skadi dove down and Freyr followed suit. Embla hung on for dear life as the wind was about to shake her off Freyr's back. She was not fully laying down on Freyr holding onto him with every part of her body, as a child, she was still not that strong, she would have to work hard to be able to do this more gracefully indeed. She started to feel nervous as they were diving down towards the ground. She knew she was safe on Freyr but diving down from that height was still scary. Embla held her breath as to stop herself from screaming from this sudden, new and quite scary situation. Her instincts were telling her she would be killed! Freyr noticed her behavior on his back, turning his head slightly he saw from the corner of his eyes the fear that was on her face. He was worried about her but knew neither him nor her can lose focus whilst diving as that could seriously harm them both. They need to be focused!
- Breath Embla!
Freyr suddenly spoke. Embla noticed how she was holding her breath, she began to take a few breaths and reminded herself that Freyr would make sure no harm comes her way. It was hard for her though as diving down towards the ground really felt like they were falling, which scared Embla. Skadi suddenly opened her wings again that had been tucked away for a fast dive and she started gliding upwards before flapping her wings to continue the flight towards the sky again. Freyr follow suit and Embla had to quickly readjust herself from the dive to flying upwards. She felt like she was slipping backwards further and further on Freyr's back and had to grab ahold of his spikes harder to hold on and not fall of. They went from one extreme to the other for Embla. She had just experienced a falling like sensation and now it was like she was about to slide of Freyr from the upwards flying! They flew higher and higher and before Embla knew it, they were above the clouds. This was the first time a human had been up there. Skadi and Freyr started to flap their wings to keep themselves levitating above the clouds. Embla was sitting almost vertically on Freyr due to how he was positioned to keep himself flying on the same spot. She tucked her feet in front of his front legs to have a good grip of her legs whilst her hands grabbed a hold of two spikes slightly further up on Freyr's neck to make it easier for her to stay on in this position. She was breathing heavily, shaken from the two very new flying styles that challenged her instincts to the extreme. Freyr was very aware of Embla's breathing, but did not say anything for now.
- Well done Embla. Your riding skills have improved greatly. We shall head back down for now; you have both done well. Freyr, how are you feeling?
- I feel much stronger monah, the training we did before this have helped but I also understand what you meant by me needing to train my wings.
Skadi nodded approvingly. Freyr had understood that whilst his stamina and strength had gown indeed, flying is a different matter. With the extra weight, it was to be expected for him to find this harder. She turned her gaze to Embla.
- I believe I can keep up for most part, I fear I need more strength in my body and to grow to be able to do this as easily as breathing though.
Freyr reacted to her words by giving her a slight glance. Liar, you were terrified! Freyr thought for himself yet said nothing. Skadi were silent, she was not sure how Embla would handle it and was mostly only glad to see her still on his back. She wondered to herself how she could train her to become stronger. With dragons they grew and learned things very easily but a human child is very different from a dragon so she shouldn't expect to much of her in that sense. Embla had proven herself prior to push herself to overcome situations but with this, growth will be needed. She didn't know how long that would take, but a continues practice was the only solution Skadi could think off and would make sure to stick by. How else to train Embla would have to come later.
- You have both done well today, let's return home.
Skadi spoke and she started to fly downwards, she was not diving but descending slightly whilst flying towards the direction of the cave. Freyr and Embla followed her, and Embla appreciated a slightly easier flying than the diving and ascending. She had grown a bit in confidence, as this type of flying felt like a breeze now, she let one hand go of Freyr's spikes to pat him on the side of his neck. Freyr noticed and enjoyed the touch Embla was providing him. He did notice how she was trembling as well though and was equally worried as he was proud of her.
- Flying one handed already
He chuckled.
- I didn't expect that.
Freyr spoke. Embla smiled.
- With you, I know I'm safe. Besides, this is the easiest flying so far, so I won't need to hold on as much.
Freyr chuckled at her response and felt proud of his briinah. She had shown much courage today.
The family flew and eventually landed on the ground in front of the cave. Thanks to Freyr's training, both him and Embla were able to land safely, and she got the taste of how he had practiced weeks earlier. It was not the quick landing he had a much harder time grasping, but the easier one which Embla realized was not too hard for her to understand. They had been practicing something similar when they were gliding down the hill earlier. As Freyr landed and retracted his wings, Embla hopped off his back. She walked up to his head and stroked and patted him all over to show appreciation for the ride. He noticed that she was still shaking but decided to not pay any attention to that, instead he relaxed into her embrace and they both laid down together on the grass snuggling together. Skadi walked past them and sniffed the air a bit, an unusual smell was lingering in the air. A female dragon and her young had flown by here not too long ago it would seem. It seems other dragons have already started relocating for the shift of the seasons. Skadi smelt the grass, they had landed here and investigated, she followed the scent into the cave. It appears the mother knew other dragons were living here still and took off. Skadi recognized this scent. She walked back out from the cave, looking at her two children, Freyr had wrapped himself around Embla, looking like a shield of a sort. Although Freyr has grown a lot in size for his age, he is still very young. Therefore, she was glad to see them both acting like young ones She looked up in the sky for a second, feeling confident that she could catch up to the female dragon for a chat. She turned her gaze back to the young.
- I will go for a hunt, you two stay here and rest. If danger comes, either take off or hide.
- Yes monah!
They both responded and Skadi took off in the direction of the female dragons' scent.
As Skadi left, Embla left out a huge sigh and pulled her legs closer to her, Freyr extended his neck so that his face was now in front of her. He observed Embla whose face was tucked into her legs.
- Are you feeling better now?
He simply asked, he tried to sound calm yet there was a hint of worry in his tone. Embla made a nervous giggle but still didn't look at him.
- What do you mean?
She tried to shrug it off. Freyr got a bit annoyed by this, why would she not be open with him?
- Don't try to pretend like you don't know what I'm getting at. Embla, when you are on my back, I can tell more easily how you are doing. You were barely breathing and trembling like a leaf in the wind.
Freyr had a stern tone, he had never used that tone towards her before. Embla was silent.
- Embla, can't you tell I worry and care for you? Please don't hide away from me, please tell me what is going through your mind! I plan to stay with you for the rest of my days after all.
Embla hesitated for a second, before lifting her head, revealing her face that was red with tears in her eyes. Freyr was stunned by this and widened his eyes. He had only seen her cry when Monah had rescued her from the humans not too long ago and was not prepared for this reaction yet. Embla sniffled and wiped some tears away.
- Oh Freyr, I know. I was so scared! I knew you would make sure I was okay, but it felt like I was about to die from the dive and then gong upwards. I was terrified!
Freyr remained silent at her words, not sure how to respond. Embla turned slightly around and hugged Freyr at the base of his neck.
- I know you would protect me; I really do. But I thought I would fall off and die. My instincts were screaming in my head!
Freyr wrapped his neck and wings around the crying girl.
- I know this is hard Embla, but I am glad you told me. Please don't hide your thoughts and feelings from me. I am still learning things like these from you after all. I understand it must have been scary, seeing how your body reacted from the gliding earlier. But please don't give up when it comes to diving and flying! With practice you can do it and feel comfortable doing it!
He said with hope in his voice. How humans think and acts is indeed new, whilst he himself saw Embla as a dragon, she was not fully one and would therefore act differently than dragons. Freyr would have to work on understanding her as well.
- How do you know I can do this?
She quietly said looking at him, with tears in her eyes. Freyr gently smiled and licked her cheek catching some tears.
- I know because, when we were flying back home, you only held on to me with one hand. You couldn't even do that when we were simply gliding earlier. Yet you did that from a height where eagles fly.
Embla widened her eyes at his words, she turned her head away from his and looked down at her hands. Yes, she had done that. She closed her eyes and hugged Freyr tighter.
- Oh Zeymah, you're right, I can't give up yet.
Freyr nodded at her response.
- Thank you Freyr, I will practice overcoming this fear. Will you please help me through it?
- I wouldn't want it any other way.
Freyr responded and the two siblings managed to chuckle together for a bit. There was a slight pause before Freyr spoke again.
- Why didn't you tell Monah this though?
Embla stayed silent for a bit.
- She seemed so proud of me; I didn't want to ruin that with this weakness of mine.
Embla spoke with sadness in her tone. Freyr tilted his head to this, he can somewhat understand but still thought it was silly to not be honest. Dragons are very honest and straight forward creatures after all.
- I believe you need to tell her. Dragons honor honesty before pride. Therefore, you being honest about what happened, will be more appreciated by her than remaining a pride. Although, I'm sure she would still be proud of you, even more so if you tell her about this.
Embla though about it for a bit before nodding her head, agreeing to talk to her later. The two young ones ended it at that and walked together into the cave to rest for a bit in there.
/
After a short bit of time, Skadi saw her! Eydis, she thought to herself. Skadi made a friendly roar and noticed Eydis head quickly turn to her direction and how she quickly roared back once she saw who it was. Skadi landed and looked at Eydis. She seemed to be doing well. Eydis is a turquoise scaled dragon with white wings and two black horns at the top of her head. She was not a high ranked female, but they had traveled together before and had great respect for each other.
-Fancy meeting you here.
Skadi casually spoke, Eydis bowed her head to the higher ranked female before speaking.
- Yes, same to you. I was sure that was your scent in the cave, normally I would have fought the dragon for that spot, but seeing it was yours, I decided to let it be and look for another home.
Skadi chuckled and nodded in gratitude.
- What brings you here? Surely it must be more to it than simply seeing me.
Eydis spoke with a playful yet curious tone to her voice. Skadi paused.
- I noticed the scent of young ones in the air, I assume they are yours, are you trying to find a place for all of you?
Eydis stiffened slightly at Skadi's words, she was sure Skadi would not harm her young ones, but dragons are very cautious when it comes to that. She simply nodded.
- Yes, we have travelled from the west for a few days now.
A moment of silence occurred.
- The reason why I came is to notify you of the cave which me and my young dwell.
Skadi spoke, Eydis kept silent.
- We shall be travelling in the next few days now, I wanted to tell you that the cave will be yours once we depart, if you can wait for those few days that is.
Eydis widened her eyes at this offer and felt grateful to Skadi's kindness for flying out here, leaving her young to let her know of this. She hesitated though.
- That cave is indeed a very nice one, I fear though that leaving myself and my young exposed could attract danger.
Skadi nodded, an understandable concern she had.
- You are very welcome to stay there with us for the time being as well, you are a dear friend of mine, one who I trust. Therefore, if I can help you and your young ones out, I would be happy to.
Eydis gasped, she knew the two females were close but to hear Skadi speak so fondly of her is something she had not done much in the years of knowing each other. Skadi simply smiled. Eydis exhaled and chuckled.
- Since when did you get this kind?
Skadi laughed at this response.
- I have always been you're just to dumb to notice.
The two dragons laughed once more.
- I shall think it over, I am grateful for your offer though.
Eydis spoke and Skadi nodded.
- The offer shall stand. I must be on my way now though, don't want to leave them for long. I shall hopefully see you soon.
Skadi spoke before taking off. Skadi knew that giving this offer could be risky as the only dragons aware of Embla is her and Freyr and she was a bit worried how Eydis and her young would react to it but at the same time, encounters like that were bound to happen anyway at some point.
/
Eydis watched as Skadi took off. Her eyes never leaving her and only had her kids come out of hiding once she was gone. She trusted Skadi and was sure she wouldn't harm her young as it is rare for females to do that, it is mostly males, but females can still do that, no point in taking the risk.
- Monah, wo lost daar?
A young dragon spoke but Eydis didn't answer, instead she decided to walk into the forest and take shelter there for the night and to also have a think about Skadi's offer.
/
The sun was setting when Skadi arrived back at the cave with dinner. She immediately noticed that neither Freyr nor Embla was there. She started sniffing the air before allowing the worry to come over her. She caught their scents though; it seems they had headed to the lake. She was not surprised they needed a drink after today but was still annoyed that they had gone against her a bit. She told herself to not be hard on them as she left their dinner in the cave and started making her way towards the lake. Once she arrived, she saw Embla and Freyr next to the lake relaxing. She made a rumble and they both turned their heads her way as she walked closer.
- Monah!
They both shouted, sounding very happy to see her. She smiled for herself, she would never get tired of hearing them call to her with such happiness in their voices. They remained where they were as Skadi approached them before stopping when she was next to them. She gave them a stern look.
- I see you both did not do as I instructed.
Both children shuffled uncomfortably where they were sat at her words. None of them responded. She sighed before giving them a slight smile.
- Don't do it again.
The children smiled and nodded. Skadi chuckled and lowered her head towards the lake to drink from it. Freyr and Embla observed her until she was done consuming water and raised her head back up.
- Have you both had your fill of water?
Skadi asked and they both nodded.
- I even filled my jug to have water later if needed.
Embla smiled and Skadi simply nodded before gesturing them to follow her back to the cave. Embla and Freyr stood up and Embla jumped on Freyr's back as they walked back alongside Skadi.
/
It was evening now and the family of three were exhausted from the day. Skadi was sat at the entrance of the cave. Looking at the stars in the sky whilst Embla and Freyr were laying inside the cave. Freyr turned his head to Embla and nudged her with his head. She in turn turned her head towards him with a raised eyebrow.
- Tell her now.
Freyr whispered to Embla. Embla sat up and saw Skadi by the entrance before looking back at Freyr. Embla swallowed hard as she was nervous about how Skadi would react.
- It'll be fine, you can do it.
Freyr whispered. Embla breathed in and out before standing up and walking over to Skadi.
- Monah?
Embla spoke.
- Yes, my dear?
- May I have a word with you?
Skadi tilted her head slightly before nodding to Embla. Who sat down next to her.
- Earlier when we were flying, you asked me how I was doing. I hate to admit that I didn't tell you the entire truth at the time.
Skadi stayed silent.
- To be honest. I was terrified, I thought I was about to die multiple times during that flight and my whole being was going against me. I lost focus many times and was shaking during the flight and for a while after we got back. I am sorry I didn't tell you this sooner, but I didn't want to worry you nor take the pride you had in me away.
Skadi stayed silent as Embla spoke. Embla wasn't looking at Skadi as she talked about this so Skadi understood how serious this was for Embla. Skadi closed her eyes for a second before answering her daughter.
- Thank you for telling me Embla. I was sure this type of flying would scare you but pushing you to your limits and facing this head on early was my way of showing you and challenging you to some of the harsher types of flying. The fact that you stayed on and pushed yourself to keep a brave face on tells me how hard you worked today. I'm glad you are honest with me now though Embla.
Skadi smiled at her and Embla gave a sad smile back.
- Freyr was angry at me for not telling sooner. I will work on doing that.
Skadi chuckled.
- Whilst it is important to be honest, to not show fear is a great strength as well though. Take pride in what you have accomplished today. After all, today was only the beginning of your life in the skies. Beware though, I shall still train you hard.
Embla smiled at Skadi and nodded. She knew Skadi would say something like this. Embla felt determined though to work hard as to one day fly gracefully in the sky just like a dragon does!