Please forgive me on the late update, this was a harder chapter to write for some reason. English was not my strong subject in school, but I am enjoying writing this story, even if it is a bit slower than I originally intended. But there is point and purpose to the build up. I am trying to keep the word count smaller so I don't just ramble on and can actually get my point across that i want for each chapter.

I am amazed at the views this has gotten and I will try not to disappoint, also feel free to leave a review or any critics. The next 2 upcoming chapters are a bit of background and story for Fena and Eret but after that it is moving forward in the present and such fun stuff.

So thank you again for your patience and your views. On to chapter seven. Enjoy!

She couldn't help her reaction towards the restless reptiles. But the food and company had helped to ebb her tension, even slightly. Her shoulders relaxed but she still sat bolt upright, eyes dancing around at each squawk and chirp and guttural dragon noise. The nightfury and stormcutter stuck close by and gave warning glares to other dragons that got too close. Despite not being well received, their curiosity of the stranger made them protective and cautious of her.

The array of food was almost overwhelming, as was the smell. Fresh breads dotted the table in small loaves, as larger platters were filled with assorted meats from the earlier hunts spread between roasted vegetables. Pitchers of wines and ales were placed wherever space was found, as well as fresh water and juices for those either too young or not in taste of strong spirits. The energy radiating from the large hall was warm and communal and inviting. You would think it a place of calm farmers and fishermen where no hardships ever fell. It was a nice change.

Fena was too absorbed in the animated conversations that she hardly touched her food. Until the rather blunt smithy, whom she learned was called Gobber, and for good reason, commented on her appetite and how she resembled a living corpse. Which earned a right solid smack upside his head from Astrid and harsh glares from a few others as Fena tried to hide her face. Tearing into a chunk of bread as she felt eyes on her. The unease slipped away at Valka's touch, her presence a comfort beside her. Beside Valka was Astrid who in turn sat beside Gobber. Hiccup sat the other side of Fena, wanting to be heard and hear her well enough through the growing chatter. Beside Hiccup was Fishlegs, dividing his attention between the hungry baby dragon and their respective guest, still with many questions of his own. Along the opposite side of the table sat Snotlout, Ruffnut and Tuffnut. And Eret, who did what he could to keep his head, being sat between one person who had some unknown grudge against him and another who was stuck to him like a leach. Only finding some relief when the twins started a mild fight, which resulted in Ruff pinning Tuff to the bench, perched on his back and refusing to move until he surrendered.

Many tales were told of adventures long passed, switching between the tales of the dragon riders to shared telling of Eret and Fena's homeland. As Fena had a foggy memory of her home but Eret had remained for most of his earlier years. For now she was fascinated with Berks history and listened intently. Completely enveloped in the reminiscing of their escapades. Of the fight at the dragon nest. The difficulties of integrating dragons in the village. The adventuring beyond the fog to new uncharted islands and the forming of Dragons Edge.

She perked up at the mention of Heather, asking if she had raven hair and bright green eyes and an almost permanent scowl. When they confirmed she shared a tale of how she had happened across Heather some six years ago. Fena had a vision of the girl crossing the forest threshold in distress. So she set out to find her and help her as she could. Heather had cracked a few ribs and was a little resistant to the healing of some strange forest troll. Her words. And she was gone without a word after the third day.

When asked about having visions she explained that she had always had the seers gift. She had walked and spoken with several of the aesir in dreams, Loki more than most. However she had never been taken on as an apprentice or had anyone take an interest to help her become a seeress. So she spends many sleepless nights trying to determine the meaning of her illusions.

She in turn ask about Heather since they mentioned a few occurrences with her only two or so years ago. The others chuckled as Fena choked on her drink when they mention how Heather was the sister of Dagur the Deranged. She claimed to have never met the man and never wanted to. The stories she had heard of him where not pleasant ones. He was like the dragons, wild and unpredictable. Hiccup had filled her in on his development of character and heart, and that he now ruled as King beside his wife, Queen Mala, and their efforts to stop dragon hunting. She felt mild panic when Hiccup informed her that they would be coming to Berk in two weeks time to go over treaties and trade agreements and such politics, as well as a friendly visit.

Through most of the prodding and conversing, Eret remained more solemn. Butting in only on topics of the past that Fena couldn't quite put together. He was listening but he was taking in the moment and the person sat across from him. This was the first time he could truly examine Fena's features without anyone taking notice of his staring. Gobber hadn't been to far off in his observation. She was underfed but not skeletal, just far to thin to be healthy. Her pale hair seemed to reflect all light but had a slight silver sheen to it, even if it was unkempt. He felt a slight heat rise to his cheeks when he noticed her hair was loose. Berkians were a little more easy going on such topics, but loose hair was such an act of intimacy that it wasn't really worn as such in public places. But the day was a such a whirlwind of events and emotions that either no one else had noticed, or they politely ignored it as to save her further discomfort.

He was brought back from his daze at Snotlouts barking laughter and boastful remarks. In that moment he caught her eyes. They danced with mischief, not knowing their true colour. Earlier in the day he swore they looked more blue, matching the tone of her dress, but now they looked more like moss as they reflected the firelight. Her features were rounded and long, with dark, heavy brows and a defined cupids bow marking her lips. Her skin fair but touched by the sun, and weathered as such. Her shoulders were broad but not sharp, and her limbs were long, giving her a svelte look. He also took notice of the intricate band tattooed on her right forearm just below the elbow. He was curious if she had others hidden somewhere. All-in-all she was a handsome woman, taking on more features of her father thankfully. The memories he had of her mother weren't terrible but she always seemed unapproachable. Unlike Fena's father, a very personable man, for the brief time he knew him.

The hall soon emptied as night fell, with a small handful scattered about. Gobber had left to check the forge and make sure Grump hadn't set anything ablaze in his sleep. Valka bid them all good-night and set out for a late night fly around the island and to speak to her husband. Regaling Stoic with the events of the day eased the slight ache in her heart. Toothless watched as the baby gronkle came up to him, pouncing and springing about a little before nuzzling with Meatlug, who had almost fallen asleep, and then returned to curl up along side the nightfury. Toothless was still not quite used to all the attention as the alpha, and so he lay there with his head raised stiffly, side eyeing the young dragon who slept soundly against him. Unsure of how to react. Everyone in the group had more or less settled.

Fena stared tiredly at Eret, absentmindedly fidgeting with her mug of mead. Still unsure how to read him. Taking in his features while spotting the differences from the version she had been so used to seeing in her visions. He in turn did the same, feeling she might disappear if he looked away. Sighing softly she looked down at her mug, focusing on the amber drink as she thought of how to start. If he was real, maybe he could help clear something up for her. She was only four when she had last seen her home, maybe... she downed her mug. Scrunching her face at the strong taste, sweet but strong. Placing the mug back down she slumped on the table a bit, resting her face in her hand.

"Did you," she looked up at Eret. "Did you ever ask your parents how they met?"

"I did, once." He was a little taken aback by the question. It wasn't what anyone was expecting. "When a distant cousin of mine got married we had gotten on to the subject of courting and marriage and all that. And they both made the same claim. Neither one was searching for it, nor were they expecting it. But they said, they new from the first moment they looked at each other, didn't even know the others name, but they knew."

Fena chuckled softly as she sat up straight again, a distant look in her eye.

"My father said something similar when I asked him. He told me he had a dream of a woman who would bring him his greatest gift. He did not know her name but said that only once he laid eyes upon her did he know she was the one.

Fena's smile turned more doleful.

"My mother told me a different story."