A week had passed, finally being when the new couple would go on their first official date. They had been thinking about it every day, becoming more and more excited. The pair was so thrilled to see each other that as soon as they did, they hugged, not feeling awkward as they had the last time.

"I've really been looking forward to this," Dagur revealed.

His voice was surprisingly calm for him. Mala liked the sincerity she heard and smiled at the Berserker.

"As have I." She lifted a small bag to show him. "I brought some of the fruit from my island in case we need to calm down a dragon."

"Smart! Shall we go then?" he asked, extending his hand.

The queen happily accepted it and was lifted so that she was on the Triple Stryke. Immediately, she wrapped her arms around Dagur, leaning the side of her face on his. The chief nuzzled his head against hers, then had Sleuther begin to fly.

"Have you ever been on a date before?" he asked.

"I have not," Mala admitted. "That probably is odd, but I have been busy for most of my life. Even before I was crowned queen, I spent so much time training and studying that I never had time to meet anyone."

"Makes sense to me. Ever had a crush?"

"Once or twice, I suppose, but they never went further than a few passing glances. What about you for dates and crushes?"

"Nope for both."

"Really? I have heard that Berserkers are excitable."

The chief shook his head. "Nah, not really. Just in fights. When they're not fighting, they can get really boring. So, I never even wanted to date anybody back home. No one's fun like you are."

"That means this will be the first date for both of us."

"Yeah! That's pretty neat. At least I can confidently say I'll be your best date," Dagur said, laughing.

Mala chuckled, then a misbehaving look crossed her face. "And by default, you will also be my worst."

The Berserker put a hand to his chest. "Ouch. Your words hurt more than maces, Malapoo."

"But less than my fists," she retorted, lightly hitting his arm.

This got a bigger laugh out of the Berserker. "Well, you've got me there. You'll be my best and worst date too, though, so we're tied again."

He accented this point by making a face at her, getting the Defender to laugh as well. They continued to talk and laugh as they flew past the Northern Markets. Once the pair was in an area they only knew from maps, they stopped. No hunter ships were spotted, but they saw large dragon claw marks. Sleuther sniffed at the ground, then made a low grumbling noise.

"Friend or foe, Strykie?"

The Triple Stryke moved his tail for the Vikings to grab. Dagur saw this and shrugged.

"Friend I guess if he wants us to explore."

Leaving the dragon, the two Vikings began looking around the island. They followed the claw marks as far as they could until they vanished. Dagur knelt down, looking closer before glancing at the surroundings.

"No caves or trees here it could've climbed onto," he mentioned. "Whatever dragon this is must have wings. Any guesses from the marks?"

"I do not. We have scrolls on many dragons, but some of the information is limited. I would need to see more prior to being able to determine its species."

"That's fair. Want to make a shelter just in case we can't find anything before it gets dark? I normally do that."

"I think that is a great plan. I saw several trees with stronger types of wood which would be perfect for a hut."

Mala led the way back to the trees she had seen. Dagur took his ax and brought down the tree in a clean slice. The queen awed at the ease with which he did this. Once he was done, Sleuther eagerly offered to be their transporter, carrying the lumber in his tails.

"I like finding spots that no one would notice," Dagur said. "Like that over there."

He pointed to their right, bringing Mala's attention to an area hidden by the thicket.

"We definitely would not be noticed there."

"Which makes it perfect! Nothing would be more annoying than trying to get some rest and getting stabbed. It would be really rude on the attacker's part too."

Mala chuckled at the pout on his face. "I cannot contest that."

She had to follow him this time as he brought her to the location. Though the queen thought that she had seen it, Dagur proved to have found an even more secret spot. It was marvelously hidden from any possible eyes, and that probably included a dragon's. The Vikings and Triple Stryke worked together to create a shelter large enough for them all. It started off simple, then they kept coming up with new ideas. Soon, it was a regular hut. When they were done, they looked at their handiwork with pride.

"We probably got a little carried away, didn't we?" Dagur asked, looking at the bed they had made.

"Undoubtedly, but it is very nice. We will have somewhere to go tonight if we do not find anything."

"Works for me."

Excitedly, the trio left and began looking to see what they could find. They found more Terrible Terrors to Dagur's dismay as they swarmed around him. Sleuther swatted them away with his tail and Mala chuckled at his extra messed up hair.

"Those little suckers are going to like me one day. Just no day soon apparently."

"We will like you in place of them," Mala said.

"I can live with that."

They kept walking and came upon a hot spring. On the other side of the island, they found another. There was also a lake in the center of the island. The three were planning on walking more, but they heard thunder. Lightning flashed through the sky and more thunder clapped. When it did, Sleuther tensed. Dagur put a hand on his snout, helping ease his nerves.

"It's all right, Buddy. You're safe. It's just the three of us here," he said quietly, resting his head on the dragon's.

The reptile looked at him and slowed his breathing, but he was still agitated.

"What is wrong?" Mala asked.

"His past," Dagur answered. "I think the hunters would hurt him when there was a storm. He always gets jumpy during them like he's reliving bad memories. Mind if we head back? Being inside makes him less nervous."

"I do not mind in the slightest."

The pair carefully guided the dragon back to the hut. As the Berserker had predicted, Sleuther was less anxious when he was inside and the door was closed. Dagur went over to the firepit they had made, then created a spark. The crackling embers distracted Sleuther from the sounds of the storm and he laid down, placing his head near his friend's lap. This allowed the Berserker to return to petting him, letting their contact keep the Triple Styrke in the moment as opposed to dwelling on the past.

"You know him very well," Mala complimented, watching the rider's loving interaction. "You two are good together."

"He picked me," Dagur told her. "No one had ever picked me before, but he wanted me to be his rider. Hiccup told me that even he and the others had trouble with him, but we just clicked. We get each other."

"He picked the right Viking."

The Berserker glanced at her. "He likes you too. I'm pretty sure he only made you almost fall so that I'd grab you."

On cue, the dragon made a little content noise, confirming the chief's belief.

"Knew it. We show affection in weird ways, but it's still affection."

Mala joined him in sitting by the dragon. They spoke, the sound of their voices calming down Sleuther. Their presence also soothed him. Even as the thunder clapped and shook the hut, he could feel his fear dissipate. The passing time caused him to get tired. Soon, there were low noises of him snoring. Mala started to become fatigued as well and quietly rose to her feet.

"I believe that I am going to rest for the night."

She stopped, recalling how only one bed had been made. This was something that she had not noticed when they were building. A blush went over her face and Dagur tilted his head at her, wondering what the problem was.

"Is everything okay?" he asked.

"There is only one bed."

"Yeah, I know."

"Did you plan on us sharing?"

Dagur shook his head. "No, I wasn't thinking that."

"Then…"

"I was going to stay out here."

"But there is only the floor."

"I'm not going to be sleeping."

Mala paused, looking confused. "It is late. Are you not tired?"

"I'm always tired," he laughed quietly. "I've gotten used to the feeling, though, so I'm okay."

"I do not really understand."

"I get that it's weird, but I don't like sleeping. I didn't think it would make sense to make two beds when only one is going to be used."

Mala knelt down, looking closer at the Berserker. As her hands went up to his face, he blushed.

"Uh, what are you doing?"

"Realizing that I can see the fatigue in your face," she commented. "When was the last time you slept?"

There were bags under his eyes which she had not paid attention to in the past. Dagur held her hands, removing them from his face.

"I don't remember."

Mala's eyes widened. "Dagur, Vikings need to sleep. If you never do, you could die."

"I just don't like doing it."

"Why not?"

He hesitated with his answer. Seeing this, Mala still did not comprehend why, but she put her hands on her hips.

"Will you try to sleep a little tonight for my sake? I will not be able to rest without knowing that you are as well."

Dagur was going to decline this request, but the worry on her face filled him with guilt. He did not want to cause any concern for the Defender. Begrudgingly, he nodded. Mala gave him a good night hug and went to the back room. Dagur crossed his arms after she was out of sight. She could be a bit bossy, but he knew that she meant well. Though it was true that he did not remember exactly when he had last slept, he knew it had been several months since he had been asleep for more than two hours straight. He considered lying and staying awake just like his usual nights. It was nice to sit next to Sleuther. It had been nice to sit next to Shattermaster when the Gronckle was still well enough to go on long flights. The dragons could sleep and he could keep guard. It was better that way. They were a team. He thought that he still should have kept guard. Mala would be resting. Sleuther would be resting. They could be in danger if someone attacked.

Yet, Dagur had seen the worry on Mala's face. It made him feel bad for wanting to deceive her. If she really was concerned, maybe he could try to ease some of those worries. Therefore, he leaned his back against Sleuther's side. Hesitantly, he closed his eyes. The Berserker was exhausted, so in spite of what he wanted, he fell asleep quickly. That was when it began.

It was dark and smelly. There was a stench of body odor, blood, and urine in the stuffy air. The last one was involved in why it was dark. The Berserker had a blindfold tightly wrapped around his eyes and the cloth was soaked in the bodily fluid. It was right under his hair which he could feel was longer. Some of it felt like it was in his face while the rest was matted with blood. He felt queasy from all the smells, but this only got worse as he became more disoriented. Someone was pushing him, then someone else. There seemed to be a group of Vikings throwing him over to each other. It was difficult to tell how many there were, but judging from the voices, he counted no less than a dozen. Automatically, Dagur tried to punch, but his wrists were chained together behind him. Someone gripped his face and he nipped at the Viking but was just punched for the attempt. It was then that he became aware of a sharp pain and warmth in his core. He was bleeding badly from a severe gash. From the feeling of it, he had another on his back and his left leg. The wounds were opened deeper as the Vikings kicked and slashed him with their weapons. He wished that he could see where they were. Dagur could not even use their sounds to help anymore because an annoying ringing in his ears was all he could hear.

The Berserker felt dizzy and wondered if it was from the blows or the loss of blood. Suddenly, a hand yoked his hair, pulling him forward and down to the ground. Air was pressed out of his lungs as the Vikings used their weight to keep him there. They began grabbing at him and his clothing. Panic coursed through the Berserker although he tried to mask his fear with rage and ferocity. He started to yell curses and threats at them, but another hand covered his mouth. They did not want the Berserker to say anything–just to stay there until they were finished.

With a sharp inhale of breath, Dagur opened his eyes. For several moments, he did not know where he was. He did not recognize the look of the place, but he was not bleeding or restrained, so that meant he was not a prisoner at least. His breaths were still fast and it was difficult to calm down even when he knew there was no danger. The chief tried to do a few meditation chants, but nothing seemed to help. Noticing a figure, he tensed before seeing the Viking's identity.

"Dagur," Mala said, "did something happen?"

She had a troubled look on her face and approached him. Dagur knew his face was pale and he let out a chuckle to shift her attention from that.

"No, sorry. Guess I'm a snorer or something. Who knew?"

Mala was quiet for a moment before sitting beside him. "Would you mind if I joined you?"

Dagur shook his head and motioned for her to sit. The queen noticed that the chief still seemed a bit shaken, but he gave her a smile anyway.

"Any traditions you want to change on Defenders of the Wing Island?"

Mala thought about this, tapping her chin. "Actually, I have already made one."

"Really?"

"Before, it was customary for Vikings to find wives by clubbing them over the head."

Dagur's eyes widened. "Harsh. I don't blame you for changing that. Do you know why no one else did before you?"

"I think it is tied to our history. The trials I showed you have always been like that. There has never been a Defenders of the Wing queen trials because the queens have always been royal by birthright. Only in rare cases will a male be born of royal blood at all. It is even more rare for a female to not be born next."

The Berserker's expression became confused. "That doesn't really clear it up to me. So, there are a bunch of queens who like to watch guys drag ladies off by their hair?"

"The reason was to placate the Vikings. Some did not like having to be ruled by women, so it was…"

"A way to shut them up?"

"Essentially, but I did not believe it was fair to punish my subjects because a few of them could not accept the ways our laws were designed."

Dagur clapped. "Taking charge and making changes. I like the sound of that."

The queen smiled, then it faded. "There is still one change I would like to make, but I have not been able to convince the council to approve it."

"What is it?"

Mala hesitated, looking away from Dagur. "When I said that I have not had any crushes or dates, that was the truth…but I have had partners."

Instantly, Dagur got to his feet. He did so with much speed and a growl that awoke the resting dragon.

"Some Vikings attacked you?!" he roared, eyes wild. "We're heading back right now for you to point them out." He began laughing maniacally. "When I'm through with them, they won't even have anything to stick in somebody."

Mala rose to her feet and took his hand in hers. "I was not attacked," she assured him.

Dagur felt his rage simmer down. "You weren't? Great!" He smiled happily, then scratched his head. "But now you've lost me again."

The queen sighed and had him sit down with her. "It is that tradition. After queens are crowned, they are given the 'privilege' of sharing a bed with the best warrior every six months. Nothing is done which could allow an illegitimate heir to be conceived, but the claim is that it is the warrior's way of showing reverence. Everyone respects the best, so for queens to be able to be with them, it shows our status."

"Pretty crappy tradition if you don't want to be with them."

"You are very correct about that," Mala admitted, blushing a little.

She looked away from Dagur again. Seeing that, Dagur gave her hand a gentle squeeze and she looked back at him.

"That is also why I was hesitant to confess my feelings," she explained. "The Vikings of my home are aggressive. I have even heard from my relatives that those nights never pass without bruises."

This bristled Dagur once more, but he tried to not lash out this time. "So, they just think it's okay to do whatever they want because it's tradition."

"They do and they are allowed unfortunately."

"I could still attack them for hurting you. I can break their hands or anything else you want."

"No, I blame the council more for allowing it to happen for so many years. This behavior has not even been treated as though it were wrong."

The Berserker got a devilish smile on his face. "If you need to get the council to agree, I can be very convincing."

Mala smiled at him and shook her head. "I appreciate that, but you are fine. A few years ago, Throk became the best warrior and he has remained that. He surprised me that night by only sitting with me to enjoy an evening of conversing. When asked, he said that he respected me far too much to take advantage of such a foolish tradition. He has been my second-in-command ever since."

"I'm glad that he's the best warrior. If he ever starts slipping, I'll kill the competition."

Mala knew he meant this and could not suppress a chuckle. "What are your experiences? I have heard of Vikings–especially young chiefs–going to brothels or raiding villages to find company for the night."

Dagur frowned at the implication. "Not my type of thing. I barely paid for weapons. I definitely wasn't going to pay for sex, but I wasn't going to just force someone to have it with me either."

"So, you have never had a partner?"

The chief hesitated. "I…didn't say that. I just didn't pay or attack someone."

Mala noticed that the Berserker's demeanor had changed. Even his posture altered to a more guarded one.

"Have you have more than one?" she asked.

"Yeah."

There was one more question and she asked it hesitantly. "Were the times violent?"

Dagur looked at her, hearing the nervousness in her voice. "I wouldn't be violent with you."

Mala tried not to look doubtful, but it still showed. She could tell that Dagur saw this as well and felt bad.

"It is not that I fear you, Dagur, but I will admit that you are stronger than the Vikings of my kingdom. Aggression from them caused bruises and cuts. From you, it could end in broken bones at best."

"I promise that I wouldn't be rough."

"But you said that your times were violent."

Dagur frowned at the ground, then let out a sigh. "I see why you're worried from the way I answered the questions, so I'm going to try again. Yes, I've been with multiple people and yes, it was violent, but I didn't want it to be." He shifted uncomfortably. "Honestly, I didn't want any of it to happen at all."

The queen's expression became surprised before it turned sad. Sympathetically, she placed a hand on his shoulder. He was still not looking at her, but he let out another nervous laugh.

"And this is way more than I've told anyone, so if the questions could stop here, that'd be amazing."

Mala nodded her head. "They will, but if you would ever like to talk more, I am here."

"I'll keep that in mind, Malapoo."

The Vikings became aware of how the thunder was no longer booming. As the sun rose over the island, they realized that the storm had ended. The three left the hut and Mala went to one hot spring while Dagur went to the other. He stopped Sleuther from following him.

"Go with her, Strykie. In case there are any other Vikings on this island, I want them dead as soon as they try to look at her."

The dragon seemed to nod as he went after the Defender. When the trio was reunited, Dagur smiled at Mala.

"You smell nice," he said.

"So do you. Should we continue our exploration?"

"Absolutely! We still have the South side of the island to check out."

With interlocked hands, the pair walked with the Triple Stryke, continuing to talk as they did. Suddenly, they all stopped, sensing something. The island had no other people, but the leaders' eyes widened when they saw a large dragon with a jaw that jutted out. It had a rounded body, a sail on its back, and a long neck and body. The dragon was using its neck to scoop up grubs from the dirt before it paused, spotting the newcomers.

"He is a Raincutter," Mala informed her companion.

"Are those normally friendly?" Dagur asked, unsure what to expect and hoping he could find a way to defend them without hurting the reptile.

Mala slowly moved forward, rolling some fruit on the grass towards the Raincutter. Cautiously, it sniffed the food and then ate. It brightened and looked at her expectantly. Obliging, Mala fed it more of the fruit. Sleuther wound up going over to the other dragon, poking him in the side with his nose good-naturedly. The Raincutter began raising and lowering his head playfully. Sleuther joined and the Vikings watched the duo in amusement.

"Nicely done," Dagur commented, putting an arm around the queen. "I think we just made a new buddy."

"I believe so as well." She rested her head against him. "This is a very peaceful island."

"Yeah, but I'm sorry we couldn't take out any hunters."

"Do not be sorry. This is still nice. I enjoy any time spent with you."

This put a wide smile on the chief's face as he gave her a happy hug. Mala turned toward him. He looked at her as well, both of them getting lost in the other's eyes. That darn pulsing again. It was determined to torment the pair.

"Dagur, this evening…" Mala said unsurely, "I do not mean to overstep or make you uncomfortable, but would you like to share a bed with me?" She felt embarrassed as soon as she asked. "I understand if this was far too bold or if you simply think this is going too qui–"

"I'd love to."

Smiling, the Defender felt some of her worries fading. When they hugged again, the fears were nearly all gone. The Vikings spent the rest of the day enjoying their time together and getting to know the Raincutter. Finally, the day gave way to night. Hand-in-hand, the Vikings walked to the center of the island. With one more parting glance, their hands separated and they went to get ready for their evening.