Faster. Forwards. No matter where. Just to keep moving. Just to keep getting flogged by the wind. Just to silence the storm raging inside her.

Valka hopped off Cloudjumper's back, straight into the nothingness below them. Closed her eyes. Spread her limbs. Submitted to the force that pulled her down, to where her kind belonged. Humans were not welcome in the sky. Air above a certain height resented them. It was cold and sharp. It assaulted the skin, infiltrated the body, and set the inside organs on fire. As if seeking to challenge them: "So you think yourself equal to dragons? Let's see how well you handle their element.".

Valka loved this. Loved verging into the dragons' element and facing its challenges. Proving herself capable and worthy of being up there. She embraced the risk, the pain, the intensity of experience. And found solace in knowing her brothers and sisters were always there for her.

Nearing the point of reconnection, the woman pulled herself together. Cloudjumper was diving towards her, prepared for the maneuver. Valka reached for the spikes on his back. The moment she touched him he begun to shift and she pulled herself closer. She pushed her weight and found the safe footing just as he spread his wings and jerked upwards. And on and on, returning to the steady pace from before her jump.

They have done this countless times before. This and so much more. And every single time filled Valka with mad, feral satisfaction. Exploring the sky, withstanding the winds, interacting with dragons, it all made her feel so alive, so competent, so strong. The euphoria and fulfillment she derived from this lifestyle was worth all the dangers and hardships it exposed her to. There was nothing as rewarding as a dragon's loyalty. Nothing compared to being a Dragon Lady. Humans may have been her race, but dragons were her kind.

And that was precisely the problem.

She could give up on people, but not on dragons. She said so herself. Out loud. In front of people.

Valka let out a desperate, primeval roar, dropping to her knees and letting the wind smash her against Cloudjumper's back. The dragon turned his head, alarmed. He knew she was not feeling well, but now he was beginning to seriously worry. And all the concern he felt she sensed as it manifested itself in the torrent that flowed through his back. And somehow it made her feel even worse.

She failed as a wife. She failed as a mother. And now she was also failing as a sister.

Gods, she was despicable.

Cloudjumper slowed down and begun to gently descend. He must have concluded his human was in no condition to continue the flight and it was for the best if they took a break. Thus begun his search for a nice, cozy spot for them to rest.

Such a dear he was, that Cloudjumper. So protective of her. Like a true brother.

Not only him. Not just dragons. Stoick adored her. Hiccup genuinely liked her as a person. People on Berk were still awkward around her, but were warming up gradually.

Perhaps she wasn't so hopeless after all. If so many individuals cared for her.

Cloudjumper landed. She wasn't paying attention before, but a quick glance around was enough to determine the location. Dragon Island. Not that drastically far. Her first impulse had been to fly straight to the Sanctuary. Fortunately, her dragon was smarter than her.

She slid off his back and let his wise eyes scan her. She thanked him and moved closer to pat his chin. He still seemed worried, but less than a minute ago. In his expression she read encouragement. 'I'm here for you. It's alright. Everything will be okay'.

'If only it were true, Cloudjumper. If only.'

Deciding she was fine enough, the dragon gathered a pile of logs and set it on fire. Valka sat by it, and her companion immediately shielded her back with his wings. With flames dancing in front of her and Cloudjumper's life energy vibrating behind her, Valka was free to absorb the warmth and let it melt her worries. Looking at fire always helped her calm down. Regain harmony. Distance herself from her sorrows. Make peace with what happened.

Surely enough, fire worked wonders. The thoughts that disturbed her so greatly mere minutes ago have lost their destructive power. And reflecting upon the recent events became bearable.

So she had a little crisis. She engaged in a social practice the intensity of which was above her acceptable norms. A slip, but not a tragedy. Nothing she couldn't fix. Next time she has to deal with Bog Burglars she will know what to expect.

Still, it was such a bitter pill to swallow.

She found herself in a hard situation and her first impulse was to run away. To hop on her dragon and get away from civilization. To go back to the Sanctuary. Back to the world she knew how to function in. The creatures she didn't have to prove anything to. The home she was capable of defending.

She might have moved to Berk, but her heart had stayed at the Sanctuary.

Thinking about it made her want to cry.

She did try to fit in. She did love her husband and son. She really did want to be part of the revolution that was taking place. But, dear gods, it wasn't easy.

A few tears escaped Valka's eyes. And left a warm trail as they were being licked off by the surrounding warmth.

As the fire burned the woman calmed down. And looked at herself in a slightly more favorable light. So she disliked having to feel incompetent. Was it really something she should be tormenting herself with? No. Not really. Was it so wrong to find solace in doing something she knew she was good at? Probably not. Those were all natural, human reactions. Sure, she should have controlled herself better, but she was just human in the end.

A human after all.

A human who felt more at ease around dragons than around humans.

A human who agreed to rejoin her community only after said community accepted dragons.

That did not mean she put dragons above humans. What she wanted was equality. Justice. Peace. Those were good things. She had been right in wanting all that. She might not have chosen the most fortunate road, but her convictions had been right.

Valka clenched her fists, her spirit emerging from the depths of misery. She did not chose a hobby over her family. She did not abandon them out of selfishness. Stoick and Hiccup were not a burden that stood in the way of her self-fulfillment. Dragons were not toys. They were all important for her. There was place in her heart for all of them. She had a civilized side and a feral side, and neither was more important than the other. Different does not mean worse. Different is different, and that's all there is to that.

And no bloody Bog Burglar has the right to tell her otherwise.

"Valka!"

Started out of her reverie, Valka looked up. Approaching rapidly from the direction of Berk was Stoick, worried out of him skin, on top of Toothless, who was no less nervous. Valka jumped, pushing Cloudjumper's wings out of her way, fixing her eyes on the newcomers, who begun to descend.

"Stoick?!" she cried, bewildered. Dear gods, how could she not have considered that he'd be worried sick once he hears she left so suddenly? Idiot!

Nearing the ground, Toothless slowed down. And was thrown off course by Stoick jumping off him a good two meters above the ground. Fortunately, they both landed in soft sand. The chief hurried to his feet, fixing his widened eyes on his wife, and rushing towards her. She ran to meet him and he pulled her into a desperate embrace.

"Thank Thor, you're alright," he panted in relief. He then loosened the grip and examined his wife from above. "Are you?" he asked, wanting to make certain.

Valka was so ashamed she could barely meet his eyes. "Stoick, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to worry you…"

"Sh, it's alright, love, it's alright," he assured, giving her another hug, this time gently. She returned the affection, her arms embracing as much of him as possible. Having his powerful arms around her and even more powerful chest in front of her provided her as much comfort as being surrounded by Cloudjumper's wings and fire. Stoick's life force pulled the negative energy out of her, allowing her to regain inner balance. To comprehend and tame the human aspect of her nature. He, who was most entitled to hold her behavior against her, showed her the support and understanding she needed to forgive herself. In this moment, she thanked all deities she could think of for having this man in her life.

Finally, Stoick loosened his grip and considered her with a concerned expression. "Val, what happened?" he asked gently. "What upset you so much?"

Valka looked down. What was she supposed to tell him now? That some random women she just met glorified her for pissing over his very heart and she could not convince them that she actually cared for him? It sounded weak and wrong even in her thoughts, not to mention soul-shattering. Stoick should not have to listen to this.

But he was waiting for an explanation, so she had to produce one.

"I… they… I'm sorry, Stoick," she said finally, focusing on what she really wanted to express. "I couldn't handle them. I thought I could, but… I'm sorry."

He sighed sadly at this. "I'm sorry, Val. I shouldn't have left you alone with them."

"It's not your fault, Stoick," she insisted. "You gave me what I asked for. I only have myself to blame."

"Don't say that," his tone became sharper. "I'd bet my beard that you were trying to be a good hostess, and these burgling blights didn't show you the respect you deserve. And be sure I'll let them know this was the last time they've treated my wife like a fellow shipmate."

"Please don't," she said hurriedly. "They've meant no harm. They just…" she hesitated, "they meant to show that they appreciate me, I guess."

Stoick raised his eyebrows. "Appreciate you? By making you fly off?"

Valka sighed to herself. Any more ridiculous excuses would be an insult to his intelligence. It was time to act her age and split it out. Thus she gathered her courage, met his eyes and spoke up.

"I… they… they praised me. For the things I loathe myself for."

This confession saddened him deeply. "Oh Val," he whispered.

"They said I was just like them," she blurted, her panic rising. "That I personify their ideas. That I abandoned you and Hiccup to pursue my own goals. And I…" gods, she was despicable. "I couldn't convince them otherwise…. Nor myself."

Having said that, the woman looked down, vulnerable and resigned. There, she told him the truth. Stabbed him in the heart yet again. Proved to be incapable of handling the responsibilities of a chief's wife yet again. Created some serious mess he'll have to clean. Such a reward he would be getting for all the compassion and support he's shown her. This was a disaster.

For a moment, Stoick didn't say anything. He just stared at her, overcome with sadness. Finally, he took a deep breath and spoke, his tone gentle, but firm.

"You are nothing like them. Not a tiny winy bit."

She gave him a wan half-smile. Despite everything, he was still trying to make her feel better. She appreciated the effort, of course, but they both knew nice words couldn't bend reality. A ripped shirt could be fixed, but the stitching would remain. And somebody would always spot it.

"Am I really?" she asked in a tone of somebody who's just been condemned.

Stoick put his hands on her shoulders and faced her with his most serious expression.

"Tell me: if Cloudjumper hadn't taken you that night, would you have left on your own?"

The question caught her off guard. "…no," she uttered.

"Would you have left me and Hiccup just like this?" Stoick asked on, determined.

"No, of course not!" she revolted.

The look of determination in his eyes intensified. "If you knew there was a way to change Berk, to change me, if you thought you could do that, would you have tried?"

There was a challenge to his expression, a look of no mercy, a stare meant to expose all of her insecurities and release all of her demons. He was exerting as much pressure as only a man of his stature and rank could, which could only be endured by one as strong as himself. She sensed an ignition inside her soul, a fire burning all hesitation to ashes, filling her with faith that couldn't be extinguished. And she met his eyes without a hint of fear, without a shadow of doubt.

"Yes," she nodded, her tone definite and conviction solid as steel. "I would have tried."

"Then remember this," he demanded with the tone of a battle commander. "Remember the confidence with which you said these words. Grab it and never let go. Let it become your armor and protect you from idiots like Bloodybee. Their words, and even their thoughts, mean nothing. They are way too limited to comprehend how amazing you are," at this point, he allowed himself a smile. "Unlike me," he added, proud of both himself and his wife.

Valka couldn't help but smirk in response. "I think I'll believe you, Stoick the Vast. If I truly were despicable, I don't think I could have won over somebody as noble as yourself," she remarked, reaching out to caress his face. A man who pushed her away from darkness with one well-aimed kick in the butt deserved all recognition he could get.

Judging by his expression, this was definitely the attitude he liked to see. "Nothing is sweeter than praise from your lips," he said, pleased. "Except maybe one thing."

She smiled, understanding very well what he meant. She melted into his arms as he kissed her. Seeing this, Toothless trotted to Cloudjumper and opened his jaws widely, dizzy with anticipation. The bigger dragon rolled his eyes.

Meanwhile Valka looked up at her husband. "So… I guess we have to go home now?"

"I guess so," he replied carelessly. He didn't really feel like going home just yet, and neither did she. But then, would it be alright to stay away for so long when Berk needed them?

As Valka considered this, she concluded the village should be fine for an hour or two more. Even the chief has tot think of himself from time to time.

Suddenly, an idea occurred to her. "Would it be very inappropriate if we stayed here for lunch?"

Stoick seemed intrigued. "I wouldn't say so," he decided. "Provided there was a lunch to have."

"There will be in about two minutes," assured Valka, suddenly energetic. Wasting no time, she hopped over to her dragon companion. "Cloudjumper, would you be a dear and help us? We need two fish. Just don't swallow them, okay?"

The dragon let out a growl of understanding and flew in the direction of the sea. As he circled the surface of the water, scanning it for prey, Valka retrieved two sticks from the sand – probably remainings of the Viking spears. No sooner had she returned to Stoick with these accessories as Cloudjumper landed next to them with two fish dangling from his muzzle. Valka thanked him, pat him on the chin, and threaded the prey on the spears. Two haddocks for two Haddocks. How very fitting indeed.

"Now let me show you a trick I've come up with," she told her husband and turned back to her dragon companion, aiming the fish towards him. The Stormcutter lowered his head and opened his jaws, forming a semi-circle with his tongue. As Valka placed the fish inside his jaws, he reduced the opening. A bright fire emerged from between his teeth, licking the surface of the fish.

"Oh," said Stoick. "Impressive."

Just like Valka predicted, their lunch was cooked in no time. "There," she announced, admiring the beautifully roasted, deliciously smelling fish. "Fish a la dragon fire."

Stoick chuckled. "It sure smells good," he said, taking off his cape. He spread it on the ground and invited his wife to sit. She, in turn, handed him one of the fish. They both sat down and bit into their meal.

"It's good," remarked Stoick, sincerely bewildered. "It's actually good."

Valka chuckled. "I guess even I can make something so simple. With a little help from my friends," she looked at Cloudjumper, who poured at the praise. And scoffed at Toothless, who once again approached him with open jaws.

Valka smiled at this. She stood up and approached the two dragons, sliding the half-eaten fish of her stick. "Here, Toothless. You've earned it."

The Night Fury was beside himself with joy. He swallowed the treat and licked his muzzle, giving Valka a smile of gratitude.

Following his wife's example, Stoick approached Cloudjumper. "Thank you. For everything," he said, offering the Stormcutter half of his fish. Visibly flattered, the dragon picked it up gently and ate. It felt good, knowing he was appreciated.

With everybody fed and happy, Stoick put his arm around Valka and they looked at each other with affection. For once, everything was perfect.

(…)

Unfortunately, they had to go home eventually. Their dragons were easily visible (being the only individuals in their respective species), so at least no special announcement had to be made – everybody knew the chief and his wife were back. Still, the couple had to calm down their very worried son and seek out Spitelout, whom Stoick had left in charge of everything. They didn't have to look very hard – the chief's step-brother made quite a show, battling Bloodybee on top of his house, with a crowd of Hairy Hooligans and Bog Burglars cheering loudly. The Bog Captain had a long spike attached to her prosthetic and wielded a curved sword in her good hand, while the Berkian warrior fought with a one-sided ax and a shield.

Oh well. At least he kept the Bog Burglars occupied.

Not even a minute passed before the opponents backed away from each other, hid their respective weapons, and congratulated each other on the fine fight. They then slid down from the roof in the accompaniment of cheers and clapping.

Bloodybee immediately headed towards the chiefing couple, smiling at Valka. "SO, how was your little tryst?" she asked mischievously.

Valka blinked in astonishment. "Umh, what?" she had expected questions regarding her sudden departure, but this totally caught her off guard.

The Bog Burglar smirked, looking smug as ever. "Oh, don't pretend to be so innocent, sister. A woman goes missing for no reason, a man storms off to look for her, they return the very same day, completely unharmed. It doesn't take a genius to figure out you guys wanted some time alone," she eyed the two spouses with shameless satisfaction, as if they attempted to fool her and she saw right through it. "And I can't blame you," she added, suddenly generous. "One can only handle as much responsibilities and stuff without taking a porking break. I speak from experience," she chuckled.

Valka and Stoick exchanged confused glances. Did she really think that they… that THIS was the reason they left? And actually expressed this very opinion in public? Worse, everybody around seemed intrigued by her theory. All the Bog Burglars were smirking and all the Hairy Hooligans staring in disbelief.

Gods, have mercy.

"Umh.. right… I guess," uttered Valka, unable to come up with a better reply. Something was telling her that there was no point in trying to prove the Bog Captain wrong. Besides, it might have been better for the other woman to believe in her own theory than the truth. Stoick didn't really care for what Bog Burglars thought about him, and their own tribe would not dare press the matter. The rumor would die a natural death and their embarrassment along with it. Hopefully.

Bloodybee gave her a reassuring smile. "There. No hard feelings. See you at the Mead Hall tonight. I bet you'll have some stories to tell."

It might have ended there – with everybody going their respective ways and erasing the event from their memories. But, all of a sudden, Valka had a sprout of inspiration.

"Bloodybee."

The moment she called the other woman's name, she felt her husband freeze in shock. Understandably, as the initiative surprised even her. But seeing she had the Bog Burglar's attention, she spoke on.

"What you said about your prosthetic… I don't completely agree. For me it's more like the hair."

It was Bloodybee's turn to be surprised. "The hair?"

"Yes," nodded Valka. "Hair is not really a body part. I could cut it off and it wouldn't hurt," she said, indicating her long braids. "It requires a lot of care and attention. In fact, it can be very inconvenient at times," she paused for a moment, letting the message sink in. "Still, I wouldn't cut it off just like this. Strange as it sounds, it makes me feel better about myself. Call it vanity, maybe even stupidity, but I like this particular part of me. Living without probably would be easier, but not as satisfactory. And nobody could ever convince me otherwise."

She finished the speech with a light smile, and a surprising lightness on her heart. It didn't matter that most of the people around her had no idea what she was talking about. It didn't matter if anybody questioned her sanity because of it. She articulated her true feelings, exactly the way she had meant to. And she wasn't going to hide the satisfaction she derived form the experience.

For a moment she wasn't sure if her intended recipient would understand. Yet, Blodybee seemed intrigued by the concept. Better yet, pleasantly surprised. And then, as a genuine smile brightened her face, it was clear that she was also impressed.

"You know what?" she said casually. "I like your reasoning better than mine."

This response surprised Valka. And made her ridiculously happy. "Really?"

"Yeah," nodded the Bog Burglar. "A prosthetic won't come back to me if I take it off. But hair?" ran her good hand through her hair. "Hair just keep growing. All over my body," she chuckled, indicating all of herself. "We'll never be completely free of hair. And I wouldn't like it any other way," she concluded, smiling warmly.

Valka nodded, returning the smile. "I'm glad to hear that."

Bloodybee gave her a salute, winking, and turned around to go her own way. This time, they parted on good terms.

It didn't concern them a slightest bit that their men – and most of the crowd for that matter – regarded them with utmost confusion.

"What was that?" Stoick asked his wife.

"Nothing really," she replied lightly. "Just women talk."

He sighed, deciding not to press the issue. Perhaps it was for the best if he didn't know everything. If Valka managed to find common tongue with somebody, he should be happy for her. Even more so that she apparently managed to knock that blasted Bloodybee down a peg or two.

Thus, content with themselves and the world around them, the spouses left the gathering.