This is one of the best chapters for any fanfic I've ever written, and I'm so proud of my work. I hope you all enjoy this chapter as much as I do!

Word got around the village fast about mine and Eyarr's engagement. Morgan and Siobhan were the most excited; Siobhan playfully bragged she saw it coming.

Morgan asked Eyarr and me if we were ready to start planning a wedding, but that's where we were… held back. I still wasn't sure if Eyarr and I had agreed to move back to New Berk yet, even though his proposal and then our lovemaking, we hadn't actually… agreed on it yet.

"Why not? If that's where you want it-" Siobhan started asking. But I had to interrupt her.

"That's the thing, he knows that's what I want, but I'm just not so sure if that's what he wants yet."

"Didn't you discuss it?"

"Yes, but we never… officially agreed on anything." Siobhan slightly raised a questioning eyebrow but quickly reverted to a neutral expression.

"Hmm." I sighed. I didn't want them to get the wrong idea. Eyarr and I were just having a disagreement.

"It's not as easy as saying "this is where I want to get married." It has to be an agreement between us. Because… wherever we choose to get married is where we'll finally settle down and have a family. Have a home."

"... Which is what you've wanted all this time."

"Yeah, and I love him very much, but he hasn't figured out if he's ready for a permanent place. And I don't want to force him into it. And if it takes a bit more time, I'll happily wait. I don't mind."

"But it's still going to bother you." Morgan pointed out.

"I didn't say that." I defended, chewing my lip.

"But you're thinking it. Come on, Laeli. You've lived here for months, and we've learned much about you. Maybe Eir's already told you, but you're an-"

"-An easy woman to read. I know. He beat you on that." I interrupted, rolling my eyes. Again with everyone saying that. Did I just have everything up front and center? Was I not good at concealing emotions or expressions?

There wasn't much else to say, so the girls left it alone. As they left the house, though, Siobhan peeked her head back in for one last thing.

"Oh, by the way, the chief is throwing a party tonight to celebrate your engagement. Lots of food and dancing! It'll be fun!" I turned to her, taken aback.

"Wait, what? A party? For us?"

"Yes, silly! It's a big deal you guys are finally engaged! The whole village will be celebrating!" I was too stunned to say anything else as Siobhan and Morgan finally left.

I could never turn down a party, honestly. I always took any opportunity to dance with others, which I'd always loved. And back home, we made a big deal with celebrations—birthdays, weddings, engagements… and even funerals. Funerals were a celebration of life and honoring the souls of the passed.

When Eyarr returned from running an errand within the village, I mentioned what the girls told me. And he was equally surprised the chief wanted to throw a celebration for us.

"Really? That's… quite an honor."

"I know. But it'll be fun! It's been so long since I've danced around a fire." I took his hand, twirling myself around. He grinned and grabbed my waist, pulling me close.

"You're a very talented dancer. I can't wait to see you bathed in firelight."

"A romantic and a poet? Wow, I got a package deal here!" I teased.

"Maybe two package deals." He commented with a cocky smirk. I just poked his chest.

"You could say that. Now come on, Package Deal, let's get our chores done for the day and then get ready for the party."

Hours later, after we did some stuff around the house and dressed ourselves up, we joined where the villagers were gathered around a massive bonfire.

I wore the purple dress Zephyr gave me to attend her birthday. It was the nicest dress I owned and my only party dress. Eyarr took off his leather vest, and I helped him look nice in the dark gray-blue tunic he wore underneath.

Hearing the music was so soothing to my ears. It was similar to the music on New Berk, which helped in making me comfortable. Siobhan and Morgan saw us coming up and immediately pulled us into the crowd, and I noticed Morgan had a look in her eye. A look that told me she knew something I didn't.

My attention shifted to the chief, who stood before the fire, all decked out in his garb, decorated with gold and bronze. Eir stood beside him, and he appeared to be standing up straighter than usual. The chief gathered everyone's attention as Morgan pushed Eyarr and me forward, holding his goblet up, followed by quiet murmurs in the crowd.

"Attention, everyone! I would like to thank you all for gathering here tonight to celebrate the engagement of our voyager and rogue! They've been through quite a journey together, and wherever they choose to finalize their bond, they will always have the backs of our people! Here here!"

"HERE, HERE!" The crowd echoed, followed by cheering and applause. The music and singing kicked up again, and people began to dance together. I turned to Eyarr, holding my hand out to him.

"I've shown you how I dance, but now it's time I think we both danced together." I offered with a gentle smile. He gazed down at me, his golden eyes seemingly glowing from the fire.

"Offer accepted," he whispered. With his approval, I led him into a rhythm of movement. Showing him where to place his feet as he twirled and spun me around. We clapped along to the drumbeats, occasionally humming along to the songs. I'd forgotten how long it'd been since I danced with others, danced with a village.

The energy pulsing through me was unlike anything I'd felt before. I loved every moment of it.

And for a split second, my attention was diverted to Eir, who I spied using his staff on the fire, seemingly making it move in a manner I had never seen before. It was like the fire was alive, every bend and spin…

I then witnessed him take a ball of fire, levitating in place above the head of the staff. I watched him closely, gripping Eyarr's hand.

I didn't know what he was doing, but the next thing I knew, Eir spotted me watching him. Before I had any time to say anything, he sent this ball of pure light directly at Eyarr and me with a flick of his wrist. I only had time to hold my hands up for protection as everything disappeared into white.

I slowly pulled my arms away from my head and opened my eyes to the initially bright light. When my eyes refocused, it looked like… a garden but with no grass.

It was like walking on pure light. Around me, various plants and flowers sprung up from this light. And each plant had a light of its own. I heard a familiar annoyed groan behind me. When I turned, I saw Eyarr sitting up. I came to his side and helped him up. He pushed his hair out of his eyes and looked around.

"Where are we?" He asked. But I shrugged, as confused as he was.

"I don't know." Curious, I let my fingers graze the leaves and flowers. Not only did they emit their own light, but upon touching them, they released a tinkling sound like bells, and glittering lights fell around us. It was oddly magical.

A bit frantic but relieved, I rejoined his side, unsure and confused about what was happening. Whatever Eir was up to, he would have to explain when we got back.

"It reminds me of the fairy circle a bit," I remarked with a tiny smile. Eyarr didn't verbally agree with me, but I knew he did.

"Ah, there you are," came Maui's voice. I spun my head around to look where he was.

"Maui? Is that you?" I saw his hulking figure approach us. My vision refocused, and I could see more figures standing behind him.

"Hey, kiddo! About time!"

"What do you mean, 'about time'?" I repeated a bit too sharply. He placed a massive hand on my shoulder, gesturing for Eyarr to follow as we made our way through this… garden — if you could call it that.

We approached what appeared to be a meeting place. A semicircle of chairs surrounded a table, with various symbols hanging on pennants behind the seating, seemingly hanging in thin air. Wherever, whatever this place was… seemingly ethereal. Beyond the glowing beams of light, I could faintly see the inky blue of the night sky, with splashes of rich purple and gold dotted with stars.

"I've been excited to introduce you guys." We finally approached the circle, and the outlines of the figures I'd initially seen behind Maui finally became solid, and features became clear. The feeling of seeing that the gods you worship are very much real… is beyond anything I could explain.

Tangaroa.

The god, who probably heard millions of my people praying to him for safety as we crossed the sea, stood before me with a smile. I admired the lines of tattoos covering his bald head, face, and body. Tattoos that were symbolic of his strength, just like Maui's. His form was solid, but I could see a pearlescent glow coming from him, indicating his godliness. He wore a lavalava with dried palm fibers, green leaves, and dyed quills overlaying it.

The other two I did not recognize. But based on the look on Eyarr's face, it appeared he did. I saw him mouth their names in disbelief.

Ran.

And Njörður…

Somehow I didn't take into account that Ran was a goddess. A very intense looking one, at that. Her physical appearance was akin to that of a drowning victim, minus looking dead. But her features were gentle, with soft cheekbones and normal-sized lips. Her hair was constantly wet, but I could see pearls adorned in loose strands. Her hair itself was inky black, almost reflecting blue in the light. She wore a simple white dress but intricate golden brooches connected with a chain of shells and pearls. She was hauntingly beautiful.

And then there was Njörður. Looking equally as intense as Ran. But somehow, with kinder eyes. His hair was a light chestnut brown, and he bore a thick, full beard scattered with a few braids and metallic adornments, which reached where his navel would be. He wore leather intricately decorated with various representations of the sea.

"The Norns would have been here, but they have mortals' destinies to plan," Ran said, standing from her spot and greeting us. Eyarr and I could not find the right words to address our revered gods.

"The Norns helped these guys plan to bring you both together. From entirely different parts of the world. That's a huge feat." Maui explained, "Njörður chit-chatted with Thor and Heimdall about opening those bridges." I blinked as I processed his words.

"He what? I don't understand," Ran gave us an awkward smile, raising her eyebrow.

"What is there to be confused about, Laeli?" I was startled by her addressing me by my name, but I ignored it.

"I'm just perplexed as to why exactly this had to happen? Why go out of your way to bring two mortals together?" I turned to Eyarr, hoping that my words didn't confuse him. He just shrugged and crossed his arms.

I was surprised when Tangaroa spoke up.

"Laeli… this string of destiny is as old as you and Eyarr. In fact, as old as Eyarr, frankly. The moment he was born, the Norns saw that he would eventually meet someone. They see someone's life as a glowing strand, and important moments in their lives will glow like the pearls on your mother's necklace—their importance factors in their size. And your meeting was impressive on the line, among a few other moments to come. And your lines of destiny had the same marker the moment you were born."

"Our strings of destiny? Sounds like a fairytale." Eyarr snorted.

Suddenly two glowing lines appeared in between us. Each one had different-sized dots until two matched about 1/3rd of the way down. I leaned in for a closer look, the glow of the marker casting light on my face. Eyarr leaned in as well, glancing at me. We both somehow concluded to reach out for the matching moment that glowed so intensely. Once my finger reached the surface, it expanded and, much to my utter disbelief, replayed the day I met Eyarr.

That fateful day on the docks when I agreed to go with Hiccup.

I looked at the figure of a formerly vengeful man, glaring at the past figures of Hiccup and me. I momentarily glanced at Eyarr, who looked rather embarrassed, but I didn't comment on it. I replayed a few of our other shared moments, such as when I flew on Cliffire's back or went to the Hidden World. Us confronting Eyarr's family…

Then another question occurred to me.

"Wait… how long have we been away from New Berk?"

"As of now? Two years and 27 days."

"Shit…"

"One more thing…" I sighed. "Why?"

"Why what?"

"Why did you let us go through all that hell? Why did it take a month of separation to figure out we wanted to be together? Also, who was the one who sucked me back to Motunui?!" I exclaimed. Njörður tentatively raised his hand, opening his mouth to explain.

I can never explain my reasoning or recall my exact movements from this moment.

But my feet took me towards Njörður, and then my arm had a mind of its own. And all there was, was the sound of skin slapping skin.

There were gasps all around as everyone processed my reaction. And I regained my sanity, wringing out my hand from the force of my slap.

I turned to Eyarr, whose eyes were outrageously wide, a stunned expression crossing his face. Maui mirrored the same expression. Tangaroa was stoic, and after a moment, Ran busted out laughing.

"About damn time!" Njörður couldn't help but chuckle, unfazed by my action. I was not impressed, however. But before I could get anything out, Eyarr pulled me back.

"Okay, hon, that's enough. Let them talk." He assured me gently, rubbing my arm soothingly. The snort/growl that came from me was a different kind of frustration I hadn't felt before. But now, the realization of my actions ran through me.

"Oh shit… I slapped a god in the face."

"Oh, trust me, a very well-deserved slap." Ran assured, "But, with some of that deserved pent-up frustration out of the way, I think we ought to focus on what's most important," she turned to face me and Eyarr, "You two."

"I have a hard time believing we're that important. Like, what about Chief Hiccup? He brought Vikings and dragons together after centuries of war."

"We know that. And I can promise that when the Norns decide his time on Midgard has ended, he will join his father, Stoick, and all the past chiefs of Berk in Asgard. Where our noblest Midgardian warriors can relish a second life among gods." Ran explained.

"But, there is a reason why the Norns chose both of you to come together. It was more than just bringing two cultures together. The lines of succession and greatness run in both of you. Not just necessarily through your bloodlines but in you as individuals. Eyarr forged his own path despite the looming threat of his family looking for him after an act of defiance; through the basic means of survival, he's become his own person." Tangaroa spoke up next.

"And Laeli, you have an intricate bloodline of both voyagers and warriors. Your mother and father, respectively, and you know what brought them together, do you not?" He raised a bushy eyebrow from me, garnering a confused expression from Eyarr. I just nodded slowly, trying to understand where he was taking this. But the God of the Sea didn't have to say anything more as I saw a beam of glowing, ethereal light come from the corner of my eye. I turned to my left, and my heart practically fell out of my chest when I recognized the features.

Fetia.

My father's mother… the Goddess of the Stars, the One Who Sees Fate in the Stars. I'd only seen her once, as depicted by Ocean as a child, but I had never physically met her. Under normal circumstances, this wouldn't be possible, but I had never lived in typical circumstances.

She greeted me in our tongue, and I didn't hesitate to hug her tightly, knowing my relation to her.

She whispered comforting words in my ear, tilting my head to look at me.

"If those aren't your father's eyes…" She tearfully chuckled before sharing hongi with me. I turned my attention to Eyarr, holding my hand to introduce him formally.

"This… is the goddess I've told you so much about. My grandmother, my father's mother." He was utterly speechless, slightly bowing his head out of respect for her.

"No need for the formalities, young man." She patted his shoulder good-naturedly as we rejoined the group to continue discussing this situation.

I observed Fetia spinning her hands around, creating a glittering, glowing sphere of starlight, gently tossing it up into the air above us. It exploded into the space above us, and much to my astonishment, the stars fell into place, creating various constellations and familiar patterns I had observed while at sea.

"Much like the Norns, I can foresee many things in people's lives when they're born. The most important moments will glow brighter on the line than anything else. And Laeli, when you were born, the Norns visited me. They showed me what they saw for you, and we realized our visions matched. And then, when I saw what Eyarr's was, everything connected. And I can't begin to describe how excited I have been to see this moment since I watched your parents finally come together."

"So bottom line… we were meant to be from the beginning."

"Soulmates," Ran spoke up from behind.

"Eyarr wouldn't have found his peace without Laeli," Maui said, leaning on his hook.

"Laeli wouldn't have found herself without Eyarr," Fetia finished.

Those words would echo in my brain for eternity. I turned to the man I loved, and needless to say, I was sure I knew what he was feeling and thinking. He looked into my eyes, and when I looked into his, I could see an epiphany hit him. The understanding that he truly no longer needed to run from his past, run from whatever may have haunted him. The only running he needed to do, was run for the future—a future for both of us. But I could still sense one lingering question that was eating him up.

He still looked at me as he finally asked, "Who would I have become had I not met her?" We turned to Fetia as she spun starlight in her hands, now creating a massive sphere in the center of the room. We approached to get a better look, gripping each other's hands.

"First, I think it's important to ask, Laeli. You know of Chief Hiccup's story, yes?" She asked. I confirmed with a nod I not only knew his story but everyone else's within his circle of family and friends and how everything was connected.

"Had Hiccup chosen to run away with his Night Fury when they were first dragon and rider, the challenges Hiccup would have faced… that's what Eyarr could've been. He would've turned into a dragon-riding mercenary. And by then, nothing could be done. Too far gone. Your stubbornness would have turned into a deadly arrogance that would have truly gotten you killed. Messing with the wrong people, misplaced confidence." The vision of an alternate Eyarr soon vanished into a small explosion of light.

I saw Eyarr's look of horror and despair as he appeared to understand that where his life was currently was the most positive outcome one could ever have.

"By Odin…" He choked out. I saw tears build up in his eyes. I put my hand on his shoulder, garnering him to pull me into a tight hug, kissing where my jawline met my throat, "thank the Norns we met."

There was a moment when the only sound was a faint breeze blowing through the glowing garden. The unrealness of everything was rather overwhelming but a confidence booster. My gaze shifted to the ring on my finger, using my other fingers to swirl it from side to side, and then I touched Mom's necklace, grazing the smooth surface of the iridescent shell with my fingertips.

"Eyarr, do you trust we can have the life we want on New Berk?" I quietly asked, gazing up at him through my eyelashes. He was silent as he processed my question, and for a moment, I worried he would say no. His gaze scanned our surroundings carefully, I could practically see the gears turning in his head.

"I do." He finally replied with a confident smile, eyes meeting mine again, "But… I think there is an important matter of getting our dragons back, don't you think?" I closed my eyes, chuckling a bit.

"You're not wrong." He turned to the gods.

"Send us back. Please. We both understand what's led up to all of this now." He said, nothing but pride and confidence in his deep voice. There were smiles all around, hearing that we accepted our destiny, as corny as it sounded. As Eyarr talked to them a bit more, my ears perked at the sound of something on our life paths. One of the glowing dots was glowing brighter than before, the soft sound of tinkling bells faintly echoing. I didn't have time to look at what that dot represented as Ran, Tangaroa, Njörður, and Fetia stood before us.

"I can see that you're both ready for what comes next," Fetia said with a broad smile. Eyarr and I shared a glance and nodded in agreement.

"I'm so proud of you both."

"We all are," Maui affirmed, moving to stand behind us.

I closed my eyes as I heard the sound of gusting wind and rushing water surrounding us. I took in the sounds of this realm as we were sent back to Midgard, where our potential awaited us.