Eret watched as Sigrunn walked with Hiccup as he showed her around the village, introducing her to everyone they passed.

"She seems to be doing alright," Astrid said, sidling up to him.

"Yeah, I'm actually a bit surprised," Eret replied, "she seemed uncomfortable in the beginning."

"It looks like sending you to act as an ambassador was a good decision," Astrid offered him a smile, "for more than one reason."

Eret looked at her with confusion. "What do you mean?"

"You like her don't you?"

"She's an interesting woman, why wouldn't I?"

Astrid raised her brows playfully. "I mean, you really like her." She started giggling when she saw Eret blushing. "Aww, that's so sweet. I wouldn't have taken you for the romantic type."

Eret rubbed his neck nervously. "Is that what it is?" He glanced at Sigrunn.

"You always seem happier when you come back from seeing her," Astrid explained. "There are moments where you're very distracted and any time we ask what's on your mind, you just quickly brush it off like it's nothing and go back to work."

Up ahead, as Astrid continued talking with Eret, Hiccup tried to slowly introduce Sigrunn to everyone as they walked. He was impressed with how much interest she showed, even with how off-put she seemed around so many people. But, having the Berkians be so welcoming to her was definitely helping.

After a while, Sigrunn needed a break and excused herself to find a quiet, secluded place to collect her thoughts. She retreated to a small cliff at the edge of the forest and leaned against a tree, looking out over the village.

Her heart was racing and her breath was a bit erratic, which told her that she had pushed herself a bit too far.

"Needed a moment away?"

Sigrunn looked behind her and found Valka approaching her.

"Beautiful view," Valka said, coming to stand next to her.

"It is different than what I'm used to," Sigrunn replied, her hand still resting against her chest.

"Are you feeling a bit overwhelmed?"

Sigrunn nodded. "I knew this would be tough, but still..."

"You shouldn't push yourself too hard," Valka said, looking down at her concerned. "Don't feel as though you should rush back into society."

"I know..."

Valka watched her a moment or two, then smiled. "You did it for Eret, didn't you?"

"I find comfort in his presence," Sigrunn began, "I thought perhaps I could repay him by coming back to the village with him, to make an effort to reach out to other people. But I fear that I've made a mess of things, having to step away like this so abruptly. It just got a bit too overwhelming, if that makes sense."

"I know how that feels," Valka said. "When I first came back to Berk, after that big battle against Drago and his Bewilderbeast, it was quite the adjustment. I had finally been reunited with my family and my people, but it was bittersweet in the beginning."

"How did you adjust?"

"To be perfectly honest, my dear, I'm still adjusting."

Sigrunn smiled a bit at Valka's light-hearted tone.

"I spent twenty years away from my family and my people, but even after a year or so back in society, it will be some time before I completely adjust." Valka noticed Sigrunn's shoulders sag a bit. "It does help to have people you can trust, people you know you can lean on should you ever need it."

Sigrunn knew she was right, but she wasn't sure if she could ever do it. The difference between her and Valka is that Valka had grown up in Berk, knew what it was like to live with lots of people, while Sigrunn only had her mother until she was ten then spent the next seventeen years alone.

"As for Eret, you clearly have formed a bond with one another and it would be beneficial to you both to strengthen it."

"It has been nice spending time with him. His company is much appreciated and I find that I look forward to it each day."

"He's become a friend to you."

"Yes, but it's also somewhat different." Sigrunn looked at Valka as she chuckled. "What?"

"Tell me, Sigrunn, what do you feel about Eret? Beyond finding comfort in his presence and enjoying his company, what do you feel when you look at him? What do you feel when you spend time with him?"

"What do I feel?" Sigrunn thought a few moments, but then a rustle sounded behind them and they turned to find Eret approaching them.

Valka placed a hand on her shoulder and smiled. "Think about it, my dear. I'll leave you two be."

Sigrunn watched as Valka started heading back towards the village, greeting Eret for a moment. 'What do I feel?' she wondered, smiling when Eret joined her.

"There you are, I've been looking all over for you." Eret stood next to Sigrunn, looking down at her with concern. He reached up and put a hand on her shoulder. "Are you alright? You had the chief and the others a bit worried when you took off like that."

Sigrunn sighed. "I'm alright, just got a bit overwhelmed. I didn't mean to worry anyone."

"You really shouldn't push yourself, Sigrunn."

Sigrunn looked up at him as he continued to gently lecture her, realizing her answer to Valka's question as he did so. 'When I am with him, I feel safe and content. When I am with him, it's as though I am somehow more whole. When he smiles, it brings a new warmth. I find it endearing when the light dances in his eyes as he laughs, how his nose scrunches up ever so slightly. My hands feel dwarfed by his, but I can feel how gentle yet strong they are. I admire his ability to adapt and overcome the obstacles placed before him.'

"Sigrunn?"

Sigrunn offered Eret a smile. "Thank you for worrying about me, it has been quite some time since anyone has."

Eret was surprised by the different energy behind her smile and the look in her eye. "You're welcome," was all he could manage in that moment.

'What is this feeling? Is Astrid right? Am I falling for her?'