"How are you holding up?" Astrid asked Iris.
"What do you mean?" she asked, looking at the younger girl.
"You know exactly what I mean," Astrid huffed. "You are getting married in the middle of a war council. Not exactly romantic. Are you and Dagur even going to be able to spend time together?"
"I don't know," Iris admitted with a sigh. She looked at the six new dragons as they checked out the stable. "We are going to be busy. Dagur is going to be teaching six more people how to ride dragons and make sure all able bodied fighters are ready, I'll be making sure the ships have the supplies they need while the village does as well."
"That sounds miserable," Astrid said bluntly. "He should either wait until he comes back or take time to properly celebrate."
Iris looked around. There were too many ears. She grabbed Astrid's arm and lead her past the dragon stable, past the Great Hall, and into the woods that was to the east of the crop land. After walking for a few minutes, ignoring the girl's questions, she finally stopped.
"We are doing it this way in case anything happens," Iris said emotionlessly. The thought still tore at her heart. "If Dagur is killed, someone needs to lead the Berserkers. As his wife I'll be the next to lead."
"That's the reason why he wants the wedding now?" Astrid sounded furious. Iris shook her head.
"I'm the one who suggested it." Astrid stared at her in shock. It wasn't surprising. Who got married to be a back up leader? "Imagine if Dagur did die in combat." Her throat tightened at the thought and she blinked back sudden tears. "The Berserkers will be thrown into chaos again. Their chief will have died twice and left them leaderless twice. The least I can do is be the one who can stabilize the tribe. As his legal wife, I'll have the power to take control if anything happens."
"Is that what you really want?"
"No." Iris sniffed, feeling tears creep out and run down her cheeks. "I'm scared. Terrified. I don't want Dagur to leave. To leave me here alone with people I barely know. To be the chief proxy if something happens to him. The thought of anything happening to him is crushing my heart into little pieces but I have to be strong for him. I can't tell him how scared I am."
Now the tears ran down her face uncontrollably. She sniffed and took a shaking breath that sounded like a sob. She couldn't let Dagur worry. It would distract him. Still, everything was so scary. Suddenly Astrid pulled her in for a hug and held her close. Her wordless soothing made Iris break down and cry fully.
All the fear she had, all the terror she hid inside, came pouring out. She missed her parents, her old home, her old animals. She was scared of being alone in this strange world, scared of losing Dagur. What would she do if something happened to him? She didn't even want to think of it but the thought kept creeping in. She'd be alone, with only Enigma, in this terrifying world with people who would expect her to be their leader. She was doing a fair job but it all still terrified her.
Astrid suddenly let go and someone else pulled her into their arms. She recognized the muscled arms and the warm chest. Knowing that he saw her like this made her tears renew with a vengeance. Dagur didn't say anything, just held her close with his chin on her head.
She didn't know how much time had passed when she was finally able to control herself. All she knew was that her body felt completely drained, all the stress and tension gone for the moment. She knew it would return but for now she felt like an overboiled noodle.
"Sorry," she sniffled.
"Don't be," Dagur said. "I wish you had come and talked to me."
"Talk to you about what?"
"Don't play dumb. Astrid told me while you were crying. She is pretty mad at me. Heck, I'm mad at me!"
"Don't be mad." Her eyes burned a little from crying so much and she was sure there was snot on Dagur's chest from her. "I didn't want to tell you. I don't want you to worry."
"Oh I'm going to worry about you anyways! You never stop to eat when you get your mind on something, you fall over nothing when cleaning, and you'll agree to helping everyone with everything. At least Ellie is willing to stay behind and make sure you don't get overworked."
"Ellie wanted to go?" That was the first she heard of her friend going to battle.
"Yeah. She's actually a pretty good fighter. That's why I'm trusting you to her while I'm gone. Iris." She looked up at him when he said her name. His face was serious. "I'm going to come back. I have a reason to. A very important reason. This time, no self sacrifice. I don't care if the world hates me as long as I have you."
"I don't want you to go." For the first time since Iris learned about the two families abandoned Berserk and siding with the Dragon Hunters she said what she really want to say.
"I know. It breaks my heart to have to leave against your wishes. At the very least I can promise I will come back. For you."
Five days later Iris stood in their room, staring at herself in a large mirror. She didn't recognize the woman looking back at her. The woman before her wore a beautiful white dress with a large Skrill embroidered on the skirt while a Fury Howler was embroidered on the bodice. The two dragons reached for each other with outstretched wings and the Fury Howler reaching with a outstretched foreleg. Only a black leather belt separated the two.
The gold and black trim that had been sewn onto the sleeves, neckline, and dress hem were interrupted by silver thread darting between them. Small scales from Enigma had been sewn halfway up the sleeves, stopping at her elbow. Iris still didn't know how they sewed the small scales on. The red shawl she'd carry was waiting for her on the bed.
Her hair had been pulled back and put into a loosely braided tucked bun. Small white and red flowers decorated her hair, no beads this time. Ellie had surprised her with a simple flower necklace to accompany her iriscarved scale necklace. Light makeup had been added to her face, just a little blush, lip color, and dark line of eye liner.
"Look at you," Stjern said brightly.
Iris smiled at the shorter woman. Stjern wore an ankle length skirt that was split up to her knee. It was heavily embroidered and decorated with fish designs, scales, beads, and stones. It had to weigh a ton but Stjern walked in it with ease. Her top, a crop top with elbow length sleeves, was just as decorated. It was impossible to see the color of the fabric underneath. Today however, she had painted her face gold and silver in designs she explained were for a blessed long and happy marriage. The designs covered her neck, hands, and her bare midriff. Gold and silver beads decorated her tightly braided hair. She still looked stunning.
Astrid and Ellie walked in, both nodding their approval. Iris was glad Astrid agreed to be one of her bridesmaids, bride maiden here. She wore a light blue dress, the first time Iris ever saw her in one, that made her eyes pop. It was lightly embroidered with random dragons, making an overdress unneeded. Her belt was black as well but she had a small axe and a couple of knives strapped her to belt where Iris had nothing. Ellie wore a dark brown underdress with a light green overdress. The overdress was lightly embroidered as well, similar to Astrid's. Her hair was still too short to braid so she had a dark brown band across her forehead and around the rest of her head. Astrid refused to change her hair, insisting her style was fine.
"Shall we get going?" Ellie asked. A sword sat on her brown belt.
"I guess," Iris said. She was nervous. Extremely nervous. Stjern helped her with the long red shawl before they all followed Ellie out.
The village was overjoyed about the wedding. Finally, they all seemed to agree, their chief was settling down with a level headed girl. However there was still underlying tension over the war to come. Dagur and the other chiefs along with Hiccup and the Riders had been discussing tactics late into the nights. Iris rarely saw Dagur as she was asleep when he got home and he was gone when she woke up. The only sign of him being there was a warm spot on his side.
Enigma slide in front of her and chirped. Iris smiled and scratched her chin, making her purr. However that wasn't what she wanted. Eagerly Enigma nudged her to her side and to the saddle knew she had taken off.
"Looks likes someone wants you to ride her," Astrid commented.
"Suspiciously so," Iris drawled. "I know I took this saddle off after our last ride." Still, she got on Enigma and sat side saddle. It was impossible to ride normally with a dress on.
Standing up Enigma proudly strut before the other three women. Stjern chuckled, mentioning they weren't even needed now. That made Iris smile a little as she dug her fingers into Enigma's thick mane. The familiar feeling calmed her nerves a little.
Two days ago Travis and some of the Icer tribe elders came to Berserk. Much to her surprise they brought war supplies, a replacement for the lack of warriors they claimed. Suspiciously there were several sets of light armor that would work well with someone riding a dragon. Travis claimed innocence and the elders refused to say a word.
One thing that had amused Iris was the look on Travis' face when he saw Ellie. He had been speechless for a few minutes as the older woman stood by her side without even noticing him. Only when one of the elders shoved him did Travis come back to the real world. After that though, he did everything he could to be near Ellie. Of course she was hospitable but otherwise ignored his advances. Poor Travis.
Enigma stopped at the edge of the festival grounds. The whole village was there plus their allies. Stoick stood before them all, looking extremely pleased. Her eyes fell on Dagur and her breath caught in her throat.
He wore full armor, not his usual armor either. This armor was black. The chest piece had a silver Skrill carved into it while the figure of Jager was carved into the shape of the pauldrons. Black boots reached his knees while a thick black belt was wrapped around his waist. The pair of throwing hatchets she had given him were strapped to his side while a sword hung off the other. He looked completely different than she had expected and she was oddly grateful.
He stared at her, his eyes wide and shocked. Iris was pretty sure her's were shocked as well, neither of them had seen the other in their wedding garb until now. She felt oddly shy as she dismounted Enigma.
"Let's go," Ellie whispered as she just stood there. Iris blushed and started walking through the crowd towards Dagur as Ellie, Astrid, and Stjern followed her.
Hiccup gave her a smile from his spot next to Dagur. He was wearing formal garb as well but it didn't register. Her gaze went back to Dagur, who still stared at her. Once she was close enough he reached out his hand, gripping hers as she slide her hand into his.
"I hardly even recognized you," he said softly. "You're stunning."
"Thank you," she said just as softly. Her face was warm. "You look amazing yourself. When did you get this?"
"Travis brought it. Said I needed a formal set of armor. Seeing your face, I think he was right."
"Ahem," Stoick said, clearing his throat. Iris smiled sheepishly at the large Viking, who simply winked at her. "Today we have come together to witness the union of Dagur the Deranged, Chief of the Berserkers and his chosen bride Iris of the Fog." That was new. "May Odin give them knowledge on their way to come, may Thor bless their union with strength and courage, may Loki never deny them laughter." He looked at them, his expression gentle.
"Dagur, you swear before the gods on this day that you want to take this woman as your wife?"
"I swear by Odin and Frigga," Dagur said confidently, his hand tightening around hers. He slipped a simple gold band on her finger.
"Iris, you swear before the gods on this day that you want to take this man as your husband?" She looked at Dagur, feeling a tightness in her chest that reminded her of the first time he told her he loved her.
"I swear by Odin and Frigga," she said gently. She smiled at Dagur, tightening her own hand around his. She released his hand to slide the gold band that she had onto his finger before grabbing hold of his hand again.
"To our father of all," Stoick said loudly. "Odin his holy name. Ragnarok will come, his destiny must be fulfilled. On earth and in Asgard may Odin's will guide us. Father of everything, make us fast and prices, allow our swords to strike accurate. Make our arms stronger than anyone who wants to destroy us. I am proud to declare you husband and wife!" Stoick smiled down at them. "Kiss your bride now lad."
Dagur pulled her close and wrapped his arms around her as he planted a deep kiss on her lips. She wrapped her own arms around his neck to return it, dimly aware of the cheers and shouts around them. All she knew was that they were married, bound to each other until their dying breaths. She tightened her arms. She didn't want to let go.
"Let her breath," Fiske said with a laugh.
At the other chief's words Dagur pulled back with a growl. Iris blushed, now fully aware of everyone watching them and cheering. Stjern was laughing merrily while Astrid's face was bright red. Nearby Hiccup's face was also red but Stoick and Fiske were laughing. Ellie was the only calm person but even she had a large grin on her face, her eyes dancing. Everyone was happy, excited, and ready to celebrate.
"You've made me the happiest Viking in the Archipelago," Dagur murmured as he rested his forehead against hers. "Thank you."
"You better come home safe," Iris threatened. "I'll go to Valhalla if I have to and drag you back. Jager and Enigma will help me." Dagur laughed, suddenly scooping her up in his arms while she yelped in surprise.
"Not even a horde of dragons can keep me away," he laughed. "Now you are officially mine, I won't let you go. Ever." He growled the last bit in her ear, making her shiver at his possessive nature.
With that he carried her through the crowds of Vikings. Everyone was cheering and congratulating them. Iris blushed at the cheery attention and some of the comments made about expecting children already. Dagur just scoffed at them. Once they got through the crowd he set her back on her feet.
Overhead Enigma and Jager flew by, roaring eagerly. The two dragons landed before them. Enigma was unable to stay still, cooing and nudging Iris with excitement, and Jager was almost as bad when he shoved his face into Dagur's chest, purring loudly. Iris couldn't help but laugh at the dragons' behavior. They were more excited than everyone in the village.
"Go celebrate," she whispered, scratching Enigma's chin. The dragon cooed softly before bouncing back and leaping into the air. She made a strange call that got Jager's immediate attention. He almost plowed Dagur over in his hurry to take off and chase after the other dragon.
"Crazy dragons," Dagur muttered. He slide his arm around her waist to pull her close.
"That just means they fit right in," Iris teased.
"That it does, my Berserker wife." He placed a kiss on her forehead. "Welcome, officially, to the Berserker Tribe oh chieftess."
"Why thank you kind chief. It is my pleasure."
"I'll show you-oof"
"Congratulations," Fiske cheered, his arm around Dagur. "It's time to celebrate! Come now!"
While Fiske dragged off Dagur, Iris was dragged away by Stjern and some other women. The Murking tribe chieftess teased they would be spending more quality time after the celebration. Her words made Iris' cheek turn bright red as the other women laughed. Even Astrid, who was also caught by the older women, giggled. Traitor.
They lead her to the Great Hall where the tables were covered in food. Whole sheep and whole pigs dotted various tables while a whole cow sat on its own table, still steaming. Breads, vegetables, fruits, and other dishes were scattered about while casks of ale were placed by every table. Already some of the Vikings were filling their mugs and heartily drinking.
Dagur was at the head table with Stoick, Fiske, Travis, and a few other older men sitting with him. They were all intensely speaking. About what, Iris wasn't too sure if she wanted to know. Especially not if whatever they were saying was making even Dagur blush.
"Come," Stjern said eagerly. "They are waiting for you!"
"Who?" Iris asked. She was confused.
Away from the head table tucked away from everyone was a table full of women. They all eagerly stood up, tugging Iris and Astrid to sit down. Already food was served and placed before both of them. Stjern and Ellie sat across from them along with a couple of old women. All had dangerous grins.
"I know you already went ahead with your wedding night," Stjern teased. Iris glared at Ellie who just laughed. "So we don't have to worry about explaining what happens in the bedroom. That means we can talk real talk." Iris eyed the shorter woman warily. "How is his performance?"
"I am not talking about that," Iris said quickly, her face on fire.
"Oh come now dear," one of the older women teased. "We all want to know! Well, maybe not your young friend there." Astrid was bright red as well. "Still in the courting phase eh?"
"I don't know what you are talking about," Astrid mumbled as she shoved some food in her mouth.
"We can wait while you chew," Ellie said with a grin. "Now Iris. Curious minds must know. Is he wild? Deranged? Ask you to do anything strange?"
"Oh gods no," Iris said quickly. "No no no! He's not like that!"
"Darn," another woman mumbled. "Lost that bet."
"He's." She couldn't believe she was talking about her sex life with Dagur to these women. "Gentle. Kind. Not crazy, not deranged, nothing weird. He makes sure, erm."
"You're happy?" Stjern finished with a dangerous grin. Iris blushed and nodded. "Well now I'm jealous! I had to teach Fiske myself! He was like a wild rabbit, fast, constant, and everywhere! That's why we have five kids."
"Hopefully our chief will give our chieftess many children," one older woman laughed. "Red haired hazel eyed wild ones, black haired green eyes peacekeepers. Oh the possibilities are endless!"
"My mother is blonde," Iris said. "With silver blue eyes." The women squealed eagerly.
"Blonde with green eyes," one woman shouted.
"A boy with red hair and blue eyes," called another. Suddenly bets were being placed among the women about what her first child would be and what they would look like.
"I haven't even been married for an hour," Iris muttered to Astrid. "And they are already expecting children?"
"That's scaring me," Astrid muttered back. "What if they start chasing me and Hiccup around about getting married?" Her words caught Stjern's attention and a dangerous grin. "Oh shit."
"Astrid," the short woman said eagerly. "Now that Iris and Dagur are married, with such a short courtship-"
"It was almost a year," Iris muttered.
"There is no excuse for you and Hiccup there! Imagine, two of the strongest Dragon Riders married and leading a fleet of Dragon Riders! You could start your own tribe!"
"No thanks," Astrid said quickly. "I actually hear Stoick calling for me. Bye!"
Before anyone could stop her, Astrid jumped to her feet and fled. Iris groaned. Now she was the sole victim for these women's attention. They all had knowing grins, dangerous gleams in their eyes, and years of experience they were going to want to share. Iris focused on eating, blushing at all their comments.
Her eyes wandered across the hall to Dagur. More men were gathered around him now. Most were laughing and seemed to be teasing him. His face was as red as his hair and beard, making his tattoo pop. Their eyes met and she smiled which he returned. The men glanced over and started nudging each other and Dagur.
"Making eyes at your new husband?" an old woman teased. Iris blushed. "I don't blame you. He is a looker! If I was younger I'd have chased after him, deranged or not."
"He's not so deranged now," she said. "He's calmed down with life's experiences."
"He has the look of a great father," the other old woman said. "You're lucky. Most men don't want anything to do with children until they are walking and talking. That one, I promise you. He's one who will be willing to stay up with a colicing babe and still deal with a tribe of berserkers the next day."
Iris just smiled. The woman's words were comforting. Honestly she had no idea what to expect raising a child here. The thought of childbirth here alone terrified her. Some of the women had already shared birthing horror stories. They did nothing to soothe the fears she had.
"You'll give birth easily," the first old woman said. She poked Iris' side, making her jump. "You have the hips for it. A few pushes and they'll be out lickety split."
"Unless the babe is a big one," one woman said. "Our chief was a large babe. His mother was in labour for hours with him. His sister? She was out in a matter of minutes."
"Where is Heather?" Iris asked, looking around. She hadn't seen her at the ceremony, not that she saw much of anyone, and she had declined to be a bride maiden.
After looking around Iris spotted her. The black haired girl was sitting next to Fishlegs, smiling shyly at him which he shyly returned. They were a good pair. One woman giggled suddenly.
"How much do you want to bet Heather will be the next to marry?" she giggled.
"I bet Dagur will kill the poor lad before he even gets a chance to ask him for her," another woman chimed in.
"He won't do that," Iris scoffed. The women all looked at her. "Well, I won't let him. They'll have my blessing."
That made the women squeal excitedly. A few even got up and went over to where Heather and Fishlegs were sitting. From the red face both young Vikings had they were being teased about when they were getting married. Iris felt for them but at least there were fewer people to tease her now.
"It's almost time for the first dance," Ellie said.
After feasting, the bride and groom would dance the first dance of the celebration. This opened the floor to everyone who wanted to dance once they were done. Iris had been practicing with Ellie the last few days. She still wasn't confident in her skills.
"You'll do fine," Ellie said. "Just follow his lead."
Dagur was already up and heading her way. The women still there nudged each other, giggling, as he approached them. However he didn't look at any of them. He just looked at her.
"Would you care to dance?" he asked gentlemanly, giving a slight bow while offering his hand. Iris giggled, feeling giddy.
"Why of course," she answered. She placed her hand in his and walked around the table to be next to him. "How kind of you to ask."
"I'm sorry in advance," she whispered as they walked to the open floor in the middle of the Great Hall. He gave her a confused look as the music changed. "I'll probably step on your feet."
"You can step on them all you like," he murmured. He slide his arm around her waist, still holding her hand.
Drums, flutes, a lute, and singing voices started the music for their first dance. Iris couldn't remember any of it. All she remembered was the beat of the music flowing through her as Dagur lead her through the dance. She didn't even step on his feet. They moved and spun across the floor, their gazes locked the entire time. Never in her life would she ever get tired of looking into his forest green eyes.
All too quickly the dance was over. It felt abrupt, like it shouldn't be over, but Dagur stopped and lead her off the floor. Now it was time for everyone else to dance.
"I thought you were going to step on my feet," he teased.
"Well I thought I would," she said. Now that they were done, she felt hot and knew she was sweating.
He just grinned at her as upbeat music began again and everyone started dancing. Stjern and Fiske were dancing to their own music it looked like as were their tribesmen that joined them. Some ships had docked just yesterday full of Murking tribe fighters eager for draw blood or party. They didn't discriminate.
Travis was trying his hardest to get Ellie's attention but the widow was clearly ignoring him. Part of her felt bad for the Icer tribe chief but at the same time Iris was happy Ellie wouldn't be leaving anytime soon to pursue romance. On the opposite side, Fiske's little sister, Svanen, persuaded Snotlout with such sheer determination. It reminded her of Enigma chasing her prey. Of course Snotlout fled every chance he got but the young lass was determined and caught him a few times.
The twins had joined the rest of the Riders last minute. Hiccup had explained he didn't really want them there to cause trouble. Not that it mattered. They were attacked by children the moment they landed that demanded to be part of their Loki group. It overwhelmed the twins into behaving though now they were having fun celebrating with the Murking tribe members.
"Iris," Stjern called after a few songs. She had been sitting with Dagur drinking some mulled wine while everyone danced. "Come here."
"What do you need?" Iris asked as she got to her feet. She went over to the gesturing woman. The grin on her face felt dangerous. "What are you-"
"HIDE THE BRIDE!" Stjern roared.
Suddenly a pair of hands grabbed Iris and pulled her into the crowd of Vikings. Everyone laughed as she was pulled along by Astrid and Svanen. She tried to pull away, confused by what was going on, but neither girl would let go.
"Shush," Svanen said with a giggle. The girl was a perfect copy of her brother only feminine. "This is a tradition on our island! Hide the bride from the groom!"
"How are you going to do that?" Iris asked with a slight laugh. She could hear Dagur cursing on the other side of the sudden crowd.
"Easy," the girl giggled. She threw a brown shawl over Iris that covered her from head to toe. Astrid and her pulled on similar shawls and suddenly other young women had brown shawls on. "Scatter!"
People grabbed a shawl covered woman and pulled each away with a laugh. Iris was grabbed by a young Berserker man, who was blushing, and led away from the others as they were led in different directions. She glanced around, noticing that Stoick, Travis, and Fiske were at the head table with a fuming Dagur.
"Time to test your skills," Fiske laughed. "You have to find your bride before the music stops! If you can't, the women will flee outside and you'll have to try again!"
"Who came up with this stupid game?" Dagur snarled. "Bring Iris back! This isn't funny!"
"But it is," Travis drawled. "This is a traditional game of the Murking tribe! Everyone has to go through this so I am told."
"Stupid," he snapped. "Iris! Where are you?"
"Over here," a random woman called, causing a smattering of laughter.
"No I'm over here," another called. The scowl on Dagur's face grew even deeper.
"Dagur," she tried to call but some of the other covered woman called his name the same time as her. "Well shit."
"Sorry chieftess," the young man muttered. "Please don't let the chief kill me."
"I can't make any promises," she teased. The man's face grew pale. "Oh don't worry. I'm just joking. Oh! He's moving!"
Dagur stalked away from the table and went into the crowd. People shifted about laughing and giggling, earning a snarl from Dagur here and there. He grabbed shawls and yanked them off which caused the woman beneath to laugh and squeal. The others started darting away from him when he came near them.
Iris went to walk towards him only to be stopped by the man with her. She looked back with a raised brow which caused him to let her go but Dagur was already heading another direction. Quickly she tried to squeeze through the crowd only to have other people stop her and make her go in a different direction.
"Let me through," she snapped, glaring up at a large burly viking. He just shook his head. "Let. Me. Through!"
"Iris?"
"Dagur!" She was closer than before. He must have heard her telling the viking to move. "I'm over-HEY!"
The burly viking picked her up like she was a rag and handed her to another person who handed her off to another. She kicked and growled, swatting at hands that grabbed her waist but it didn't stop them. She tried to throw off her shawl only to have someone put it right back on her.
"ENOUGH!" she shouted. "ENIGMA!"
A few silent moments passed before the doors of the Great Hall burst open. Enigma looked around, her mane raised in her aggressive stance. The dragon spotted Dagur, who was also grumpy, and growled at him. With a growl of his own Iris watched as he got on her back.
"Find Iris," he ordered. Enigma rose up on her haunches, sniffing the air before suddenly bounding forward.
Vikings scattered, some laughing others panicking. Iris spotted Svanen grab Snotlout and jump in his arms in pretend fear while the male Viking actually panicked. She shoved her way through the moving Vikings to reach Enigma and Dagur.
"Found you," Dagur yelled. His arm wrapped around her waist and pulled her onto his lap. "Enough of this foolish game! No one makes a fool out of me or plays with my wife!"
"But Dagur," Fiske whined only to duck as Enigma spun around to avoid her tail. "Spoil sport!"
Before Iris could say a word Enigma leaped over the crowd of people and bolted out the door. The sun was beginning to set, casting the island into twilight. She kept ahold of Dagur as Enigma leaped into the air to take off. The shawl blew off and fluttered to the ground as Vikings exited the Great Hall. Hopefully they would go back to celebrating and not feel too bad about making Dagur grumpy.
"Of all the stupid things," Dagur grumbled. "That was not my idea of fun."
"Not mine either," Iris said. "I'd much rather it be on my terms play running from you."
She snuggled closer to him, feeling his one arm wrap tighter around her waist, and watched the sky pass. Enigma left Berserk Island. Below them was the sea, a dark blue grey with streaks of gold.
"Where are we going?" she asked after a few minutes.
"Somewhere private," he answered. "I found this place flying with Jager."
Before she could ask Enigma began her descent. A small heavily wooded island sat below them. There was a small clearing in the center with a small pool of water. The whole island was small enough it would only take a day to walk around it but the trees completely dominated it.
Gently Enigma landed by the pond, the only safe place for her to land. The grass was tall enough to reach the dragon's shoulders much to Iris' surprise. Dagur set her on front of her saddle and got down before lifting her down. In awe she slowly turned, feeling the grass brush on her palms. It felt magical.
With a churp Enigma trotted off. A familiar roar sounded from outside the woods and the female dragon headed straight for Jager. Iris watched her friend leave before looking back at Dagur. He was staring at her with a familiar look in his eyes that made her knees feel weak. A growl was the only warning he gave her before he pounced.
