4 - The Higher You Soar, the Farther You Fall
Dark gray curves stretched out across the parchment. A horned head, at first, then an armored body, broad wings, and massive tail.
At least, that's what they were supposed to be. In all his twenty years on Midgard, for how adept Skuf had become at writing, he never was much of an artist. It didn't matter, though, what the lines looked like on paper. What mattered was what they represented.
A friend.
That dragon owed him nothing and had no reason to take a risk. Skuf was alive because of that dragon and he owed it to his scaled friend to get back to Berserker Island and free him. However, such would be relatively impossible when one is a hundred leagues away, caged much like the dragon. Well, not really caged so much, but stuck on an island, entombed by the ocean.
Skuf snorted at himself as he realized the funk his mind had slid into.
Drama queen!
It has been a week since he woke up in custody on Berk. In that time, he had communicated a lot of information about Dagur, Berserker Island, and his own involvement by writing new pages for Stoick and the council to read whenever someone came to borrow the journal. Naturally, Stoick was most interested in the politics of the Berserker tribe and how it could impact Berk.
For the moment, Skuf's immediate objective was clear: prove to the Hooligans that he was on their side. Everything he's seen has made it abundantly clear that there is much to learn here. And much to teach. These Hooligans weren't just using some sort of witchcraft or apothecary concoctions to control their dragons, nor were they caging and starving and beating them into submission. The most mind-boggling thing about it all was that these Hooligans have developed this genuine relationship with the dragons even when they're all deaf to them.
Well, there was one who could hear dragons. Gothi, or Raven, as the dragons call her, but she kept that under wraps so well that only the dragons even know.
Once free from this luxury prison or house arrest, Skuf's next priority would be to free his draconic friend. That wouldn't happen without the council deciding they can trust Skuf wanding about freely as a member of the Hooligan tribe and the aid of a willing dragon to take him there. Hence, Skuf's drawing of his draconic friend. Gaining favor with Hiccup, the "Dragon Master", would certainly help. He has never seen a Rumblehorn up close and his overbearing curiosity, coupled with his standing as heir to the chief, may cause enough sway to actually make a rescue attempt possible.
Hiccup, of course, heard nothing beyond, "I can learn to hear dragons." Anything else Skuf wrote on the slate was met with smiles and head bobs while the rider dreamed of conversing with Toothless. Skuf was certain that such an ability was not a special talent one is either born with or without, but a learned skill. According to one interesting old and forgotten document Skuf once read, thousands of years ago, all of mankind could communicate by projecting thoughts, However, the proliferation of written and spoken language made everyone forget about such fancy fobbery. There was even a theory that the goddess, Gaia, was connected to all humanity as a unified consciousness. It was only a theory at any rate, but Skuf was confident that Hiccup could learn. Were there any doubt, Toothless would not allow Skuf to fill the rider with such dreams that would only lead to heartbreak.
Hearing the unspoken words was something Skuf had been practicing for a good chunk of his life. Being a mute, he never fit in with any crowd and often busied himself with his sword training and solitary meditations. If he concentrated, he could hear a symphony of emotional "hums" from all dragons and Vikings, even some animals. Over time, he learned that these emotional hums represent only the tip of the iceberg. Through meditation, he has learned to quiet his mind to hear the immense depth of all the details projected by the dragons.
So far, Hiccup has joined in such meditations every morning, performing something so simple as to focus on each breath. It helped to quiet the mind to hear the whispers that people have been conditioned to ignore. Of course, Toothless managed to squeeze into the room to act as a scaly guard dog. He still gave Skuf the cold shoulder, which fell in line with most other dragons Skuf has managed to commune with. It has been his experience that dragons are generally less sentimental creatures than Vikings.
Yesterday, after their morning meditations, Hiccup asked Skuf for a special favor. Simply put, the rider wanted Toothless to tell a story, to share about his favorite flight ever. Toothless would have no problem at all recalling every single detail as all dragons have a perfect memory of every impression since they cracked their egg. It would be an opportunity to win favor with Hiccup.
As Skuf saw it through the dragon's eyes, his hand moved in a blur to write down his own unique short-hand to document the details as the dragon poured out a deluge of raw emotions and sensory data. He then spent most of the day writing things out in actual Norse.
Today would be the moment of truth. Hiccup came at his customary time in the morning with some fish and bread to share. As was also customary, Skuf put the food aside until after his meditations with the boy. Hiccup spotted the paper Skuf had written retelling Toothless' favorite flight, but the former Berserker snatched it away with an evil smirk.
Hiccup whined, but Skuf wrote on the slate, 'This good training. Forget and focus.'
"Aww, c'mon," Hiccup stammered. "Can't you show me at least a little bit before our meditations? How am I supposed to find inner peace and focus and whatnot when I know it's right there?"
'Lucky fool finds peace. Wise man creates it. That why I no eat. Embrace loss with joy. You want to hear dragons all the time or only special occasions?'
Hiccup plopped himself on the floor. "Fine, fine. For the record, you are evil." Skuf grinned and began his meditation lessons.
It all went by as normal, with Hiccup diving head-first and giving it his all while Toothless impatiently shifted around, constantly asking if they're almost done, yet. The boy was actually a very good pupil and had an easier time than most in actually calming his mind and forgetting about distractions. Skuf held the theory that it was somehow tied to Hiccup's underdeveloped build. One so weak cannot survive in such a culture without the ability to tightly control his emotions and use tact and subtlety.
The meditations ended with Hiccup's customary, "Toothless, say something funny. Hmm, not yet. Don't worry, Bud, I'll get there."
They decided to exercise the new privilege Skuf had been given, which was to walk around outside with some armed escort tagging along… as if a Night Fury fiercely loyal to Hiccup wouldn't more than suffice. Skuf gnawed on the bread and fish as the duo stepped outside, blinking at the sun shining through the cloudless sky. Birds chirped from their nests and tree branches. The sounds of hammers, saws, and other work drifted through the village - much better than the raging hailstorm yesterday. The sun always seems brighter, the sky bluer, after a heavy storm. He pulled out a paper and handed it to Hiccup, whose eyes widened as he grabbed it excitedly.
"This is the memory? This is Toothless' favorite flight?"
Skuf nodded. Toothless sniffed at the paper, received some scratches along his eye ridges, then gave a friendly prod to the Dragon Whisperer.
Hiccup started to unfold the stiff paper and asked, "Mind if I read it now?"
Skuf motioned for him to go ahead as they sat down on the side of the pathway next to a recumbent Night Fury, leaning against his scaly hide. Hiccup leaned against the shoulder of his dragon's front leg while Skuf settled down next to Hiccup, farther from the dragon's head.
"I think I have an idea which flight it is."
Toothless craned his head around to the side to flick his eyes from the paper to Hiccup and back again. He couldn't even read and dragons never cared for the art of projecting one's thoughts onto paper in the first place, but he still knew what this was.
Hiccup licked his lips in anticipation and said, "I'll read it aloud so you can hear it, too, Bud."
The young rider always knew that his dragon understood what he said, at least to some degree and on some level, and did his best to never leave him in the dark. He figured, if nothing else, it's the thought that counts.
After clearing his throat, he began reading, "Toothless' favorite flight from his perspective."
########
By the egg that hatched me, I can't believe it! I'm flying again! I am no longer a worm, but a dragon! This is so exciting I can barely keep my tail still!
Firefly had actually done it. He gave me back my flight! I had considered it a gain to exchange my tailfin to be freed from the demonic queen's mind snare when I was shot down. Better to die a worm than live as a thrall. But Firefly actually made a tailfin and helped me fly again. I have no clue how it all works, but I won't question land-strider magic.
Not long ago, if anyone would have told me that I'd find myself happily flying with a land-strider on my back, I would have killed them without a second thought for being so preposterous. However, Firefly has proven himself to be greater than the sum of all other land-striders. Not just because he somehow enabled flight again. He is the one who freed me from the demonic queen's mind snare. He alone succeeded where all others have failed. He alone deserves to experience this and none other ever will. He alone has earned the right to see all his enemies crawl below in a single glimpse.
After days of short skims over the ground, practicing and adjusting and failing and trying again and again, we're finally ready for some real flying!
After some soaring, diving, and accidentally bumping into sea stacks, we angle to ascend. Firefly cries out in excitement as I beat my wings as hard as I can to climb straight up. I will show him just how mighty I am now that I am whole and free. I will show him the world as he's never seen it before. I will introduce him to the sky.
I roar with glee and let my tongue hang out. Flying has never been so thrilling! This is what life is all about!
########
Hiccup looked up from the paper and turned to Skuf. "So… Firefly… that's me?"
Skuf nodded.
"But why..."
Hiccup's eyes went wide as he turned around to Toothless, who was staring nervously.
"Toothless! You named me!" The dragon grunted happily at him. "You gave me a name! Thank you, Toothless! I love it!"
Skuf wrote on his slate, 'Dragons not name with words, but imagery. You bring light and joy and enchant him. Expect much more allegory.'
Suddenly, Hiccup stopped and looked at Skuf as a thought came to mind. "Do the other riders have... uhhhh... dragon names?"
Skuf slowly nodded. He wasn't sure if it would be encouraging or disappointing in the boy's eyes to not be the only to whom a dragon assigned a name.
"Alright, I have to ask. So they would call Astrid..."
'Zealot. Uncompromising, dedicated and loyal to an ideal.'
Skuf slowly wrote it out, unsure of how it would be received. Over the past week, the other riders had stopped by to see the Dragon Whisperer, curious about this new local attraction. It was obvious that Hiccup loved Astrid - infatuated, even - but would the name of Zealot be taken as a compliment or insult? Skuf could only guess. Hiccup looked at the name and it was clear he wasn't entirely pleased. He tried to hide his reaction from the dragon whisperer.
Tried, being the operative word.
"And Fishlegs?"
'Benevolence. Kind and gentle. They sometimes call him Squeamish.'
Skuf saw that question coming and had it written by the time it was asked. Hiccup's face instantly lit up.
"Hahahahaaaa! I think I'm going to have a lot of fun with this one! I bet he'll blush each and every time he hears someone use that name on him. Alright, how about Snotlout?
'Cougar. Loud, brash, brave in a sometimes questionable way.'
"I guess no surprises there. Alright, that leaves the twins."
'Barf and Belch.'
"Uh, no." Hiccup looked genuinely confused. "That's what they named the heads of their dragon. The Zippleback. What did it name its riders?"
Skuf tapped the slate with his knuckle and rolled his eyes.
Hiccup's confusion slowly twisted into understanding and he giggled. "Wait, are you saying… Really?! I honestly shouldn't be so surprised!"
Hiccup went back to reading, still giggling.
########
Can you sense it, Firefly? Can you feel it in your bones?! This is what it's like to be a dragon. Feel the altitude! Feel the speed! Feel the power over those puny land-bound insects beneath us! Up here, we are immortal! Up here, we are free in a way you've never known!
You speak of gods that look down on you. You and I are gods! None can confront us. Scatter, little birds! Flutter in my wake! Flee in terror! My wings are a tempest! My breath is fire! My roar is thunder! My gaze is lightning! My claws are death!
I own the sky! I am a dragon and you will respect me!
Firefly growls out something and I open my eyes.
What? Oh no! Firefly! He's not on my back! He's in front of me, below me. This is bad! I look at my tail fin as it flops around uselessly. I can't fly without Firefly operating it! We're both falling and it's all my fault! I'm sorry! I allowed you to fall off my back. Please forgive me! Help me!
I twist my body and tail, trying to control my fall, but nothing seems to work. Firefly spreads himself out to fall right next to me, but I can't do anything. I spin out of control and feel my tail hit something hard. I look around to see Firefly grasping at his face. Pain and frustration are evident in him.
Oh no! I hit him with my tail. Now he really hates me! I go limp with my wings tucked in tight as I contemplate my fate. I dare not extend my wings and allow Firefly to fall below me. I need him as much as he needs me.
I am not a dragon! I am not powerful! I am a worm! Help me, Firefly!
He's reaching out towards me, roaring at me to just hold still. Determination shines out like a beacon of hope, driving a wave of calm between my scales and into my very core. He doesn't hate me! He still cares about me! I just need to trust him. Yes, that's it! If I can't move closer to him, he can move closer to me.
I feel a tug on my saddle. Yes! He did it! Get yourself in position, Firefly! Stretch out my tailfin! I clench my teeth hard as I fight the urge to buck and kick to orient myself. I just want to open my wings and kick around so desperately, but that would only throw him off my back again. I need you, Firefly! I'll never let you fall again if we survive this flight!
My tailfin flicks open and I flip around and spread my wings as wide as I can to try to slow down, grasping at every wisp of air for dear life. The ground is so close! Pain flares through my sides as the wind tries to tear my wings off. I grit my teeth, my joints ache, my muscles burn. The membrane of my wings feels like it's being torn to shreds, but I manage to hold myself together.
I finally manage to level off just above the water, but there are obstacles all around. The formation of rocks prevents me from ascending and I can't slow down. I didn't stop my fall so much as trade altitude for speed and now I'm flying stupidly fast. My wings are whipping violently in the wind and my joints are screaming from the abuse.
Don't let me die, Firefly! Please don't fly me into a rock! I still need you!
I fight through the pain as I fly into this maze of death. One wrong move and both of us will splatter against the rocks at this speed. You cannot hear me, Firefly, but I can hear your intents. I will follow your lead.
My tail clicks into a new position and I feel a tug to the left. Alright, Firefly. You want left, you got left. I dodge around that rock only to see another one just in front of me. Another click and a tug to the right. I doubt myself for a moment, then I realize I have to trust him. I must trust him! I fly to the right, pulling in my wings to shoot through a narrow opening. We are still going so fast. To rise is impossible; to slow down is to lose my wings. This is pure terror!
Firefly, though, is focused and determined. Where his control of that tailfin he made was sloppy and uncoordinated only moments ago, each motion is now crisp and quick and precisely what I need. Each decision and movement is perfect. To think that he, a land-strider, is more confident than the master of the sky! I have learned my lesson, Firefly. I will never underestimate your abilities ever again.
Against all odds, we somehow weave our way through the maze of death, almost becoming one single creature instead of a dragon with a rider on my back. As quick as it all started, we're in the clear. The fog parts to reveal open water and sky.
You did it, Firefly! You got us through there alive! I knew I could trust you. Thank you! Thank you for saving me! I can't believe we did it. I will never doubt you again. I will always trust you at all times. Always! I am your wings. I am your fire. You are my confidence. You are crazy and I like it!
I let out a triumphant roar as Firefly shouts with excitement. By now we're flying at a much better speed and I start to regain feeling in my wings. I gather up a small fireball in my mouth, allowing it to become unstable, and shoot it out. It explodes in a cloud of fire as I fly right through it with my tongue hanging out, just enjoying the experience. Firefly grumbles something and I sense disapproval.
What? How can you not love flying through a fireball? The heat from it feels amazing on my face. Oh well, I'll have to remember that for next time. Maybe I'll make up for it by giving him some of my fish.
########
Hiccup looked up from the paper with a single tear crawling down his cheek. Toothless craned his neck around to press his nose into Hiccup, giving him a little lick.
The rider just stared into his dragon's eyes and said, "I never knew that was such an exercise in trust for you, Bud. I thought I was the one who needed to learn to trust you."
Hiccup turned to Skuf, sitting next to him. "Thank you for doing this for me. To see what that was like from the eyes of Toothless..." he trailed off.
"Hey, you coming to the arena, or what?" Hiccup and Skuf looked up to see Astrid standing over them.
"Oh! Umm, hi. Hi Astrid... Hi." Hiccup stammered. After taking a moment to compose himself, he continued. "Hey, umm, could I ask you to find the gang and introduce Skuf to their dragons? I forgot I need to, umm, yeah."
Hiccup leaped onto Toothless and they immediately launched into the sky, darting off towards the sea. Skuf could see Toothless enter a vertical climb, stretching his wings as far as he could and beating them with all his might.
"What... was that all about?" Astrid asked. "Also, what in Thor's name is a benevolent zealot?"
Skuf froze in confusion for a moment, then realized she was referring to the names the dragons gave their riders still written on the slate. He casually rubbed the chalk off. Observing her reaction to hearing her "dragon name" would be entertaining only to those who were not within striking distance.
As for her first question, the reason Hiccup felt the need to suddenly fly off was obvious. Skuf simply watched with a smile plastered on his face as the dragon and his rider separated from high up in the sky, free-falling. They calmly twirled around each other as the wind whipped past them, then Hiccup hooked himself into the saddle and they swooped up again.
If a person's emotions is a hum, Skuf thought to himself, then those two were humming the most beautiful duet he had ever heard.
A/N:
Thanks for reading and an especially hearty slap on the back for the feedback.
NitroExpress - I completely agree that it would be pretty cool for Hiccup to be able to hear his dragon. Skuf, you better live up to your promise! *Shakes fist in air* You hear me?!
Calvin - Oops, I completely forgot to mention Skuf's age. Thanks for the catch! I updated chapter 1 accordingly for future readers. I got Skuf pegged at 20… getting close to middle-aged for a Viking around 900 AD. As for where this story fits in the RTTE chronology, I dunno exactly. How long after the first movie is that one episode where Dagur signs the peace treaty on Berk? This story is probably a bit later than that episode because I'm giving the Hooligans a more progressive path to embracing dragon neighbors. Fire and fangs are all they've seen for at least fifteen generations after all.