We camped at that spot for several days, mostly so Eyarr could track and map out our next location. And while he did that, I offered to clean our clothes, and he accepted.

I found his clothes bag and was surprised at how little clothing he had. He had a few spare tunics and pants, but that was it. And a couple of the tunics were worn to the point of almost falling apart. Who knows how old they were.

"Eyarr, I hate to be that person, but you need new clothing." He raised an eyebrow.

"They've lasted me this long. They were made to last." I widened my eyes, lifting the tunic that was falling apart.

"Eyarr, this will blow away in a gust of wind. It's barely hanging on." He sat back on his legs, putting his hands on his thighs.

"And what is your solution to that?" I shrugged.

"I have money on me. We could find somewhere that has fabric, and I can make some new clothes, or we can find something new." He watched me, and I assumed he was considering the offer. I couldn't find a reason why he would hold onto such a raggedy thing. And I couldn't imagine the last time he even wore it.

I looked at the tunic, and there was no way that he'd be able to fit into it. It was meant for a lanky teenage boy instead of a muscular, grown man.

I wondered what that young Eyarr was like. The thoughts of wondering what happened that he left his family for the unknown. Could it have been for the same reason as me? Or could he have been escaping something? I wouldn't find out anytime soon until he was comfortable enough to tell me.

"You may not want a change of clothes, but I need some. I think I've lost weight since being stranded so far from home…" I looked down at my body. While I still had my muscle definition, my body had changed over the past year or so. The food was different here, and my body hadn't quite adjusted.

I noticed Eyarr scanning me carefully.

"Well, if you need it, we can find a marketplace for you."

"Really?" He nodded.

"Whatever you need to be comfortable, then sure. I'm willing to help. I've saved up some money from bartering and trading with people." I raised an eyebrow.

"Trading what exactly?" He rubbed the back of his neck in embarrassment.

"Eh, fake maps. Rare dragon scales. I was kind of involved in a black market, if you will. Dangerous stuff." I widened my eyes.

"What?" He held up his hands defensively.

"Look, I know, I know, it was not my best choice in life. But, it did get me somewhere."

"I hope you don't have current enemies."

"Don't worry, I paid my debts." I barely heard him mumble something else under his breath, but I couldn't catch it. Whatever.

"If you say so. Do you know a place we can go to?" He nodded.

"I do. It's one of the safest markets in the Archipelago. Plenty of clothing vendors there." I was intrigued by it. Back home, clothing was all handmade, mostly by certain members of families, or whole families made tapa together.

During all this time, a massive hawk managed to stay out of sight and under the radar, trying to adjust to the colder climate.

"Damn the gods for making this difficult." He mumbled to himself. "Where is she?"

Maui had found a way to cross into the north. Because he was a Demigod, he found other ways to circumvent any difficulties in traveling. After he had heard what happened to Laeli, he spent months trying to find her, to no avail, but he had a gut instinct he was close to getting a lead.

He was also trying to figure out why this happened. Did the Gods have something planned for her?

He spied a towering island that he recalled in a dream. He felt that was where he should start. He landed on a cliff away from prying eyes and transformed into sheep. It was the one animal he'd seen so far that he felt comfortable enough shifting. As a sheep, he knew he could be mostly inconspicuous and not get caught.

He wandered around the village, taking note of the environment. He saw other sheep watching him suspiciously, but he did his best to ignore them. If his hunch was correct, someone here knew Laeli or knew of her.

It was a bunch of walking, he'd lost track of time exploring the village. He'd gotten some stares from villagers, who he guessed were suspicious of the markings on his wool.

After hours and hours, he gave up. He was too tired to transform, plus that would give him away. With a sigh of defeat, he found a stable to hide in—plenty of straw and a good shelter.

He overheard someone talking, no, two people talking. He perked his ears, hoping to catch part of their conversation.

A benefit to being a demigod, Maui had learned a way to understand and speak any language.

But he could overhear the conversation: an older man and a younger woman.

"Yer rather confident in 'im keepin' her company." The man remarked in a thick accent.

"She can take care of herself. I think she'll be able to keep him in check."

"Y'know, they remind me of ye and 'iccup when ye were young."

"Oh, come on, Gobber, you know it's nothing like that."

"I'm serious, Astrid."

"Whatever. Let me take care of the sheep, I'll meet you back inside." Maui came rushing out, having an idea of who they were talking about. He bleated to get these people's attention. The woman, Astrid, with long blonde hair tied into braids, and Gobber, the fat, elderly man, both yelped out in surprise.

"Oi! These damn sheep! They're gonna give me a heart attack!"

"Quit being dramatic, Gobber. It's not like it's Phil."

"Don't ya bring 'im into this!" Gobber replied with offense.

"Will you relax?" Maui watched the woman observe him.

"Rather odd markings. Take a look at this." Gobber raised an eyebrow.

"Oi, I'd reckon those markings look like the stuff Laeli would draw sometimes!" Gobber remarked with a chuckle. That was it! Maui had a lead.

Without another sound, Maui bleated and transformed into his usual self in a flash of light. Gobber caught Astrid as she fell backward.

"HICCUP!" Astrid shrieked. Maui heard a commotion as people ran outside, the man, Hiccup, included.

"Astrid! Gobber! What's going on?" Hiccup rushed to Astrid's aid, and Maui quickly made the connection that not only were they a pair, but that they must be the Chief and Chieftess.

"Oh, my gods." Hiccup breathed out. He pulled out a weapon, and Maui was taken aback by the fire that burst from the sword.

"Hey, hey, whoa! No need for that!" Maui exclaimed.

"Who are you? And why are you here?" Hiccup demanded, trying to shield Astrid behind him.

"I'm Maui, demigod of the wind and sea." He replied, holding out his hook. There would be no theatrics from him. He had serious matters. The demigod watched as recognition spread across the chief's face.

"Gods…"

After a quick explanation, Maui came inside the Haddock house and relayed a short version of his story, and why he was here.

"You're here for Laeli?" The blonde boy, Nuffink, asked. Maui nodded in affirmation.

"What does that mean for her?"

"It means, that if I figure out why and how this happened, I could talk to the Gods themselves and figure out a way to get her home." Hiccup sighed.

"But even if that were possible, you'd have to talk to Laeli first. You don't know how she'll feel about that."

"I know that. So I that's why I need to find out where she is so I can talk to her. Do you know where she went?"

"All we know is that they went toward a place called the Hidden World. It's a huge waterfall in the middle of the ocean. You'll know it when you see it. But after that, we don't know where they went. They could be anywhere by now with the guy she's traveling with."

"And who is this guy she's traveling with?"

"His name is Eyarr Styrsson. We don't know much about his background, but we know he has a troubled past, and Laeli is trying to help him." Maui chuckled, like mother like daughter.

"What's so funny?"

"Not that it's funny; it's just interesting. She takes after her mother in that way. Always trying to help people."

"Not terribly surprising. One thing we can offer, at least in terms of location. We have a family friend that might have something." Hiccup offered. The chief turned to Zephyr, asking her to go fetch a woman by the name of 'Zyrah.' Interesting name.

A short time later, Zephyr returned with a woman around the age of Hiccup and Astrid with graying black hair, and blind eyes. She carried a tall walking staff in one hand, decorated with various carvings and symbols. Maui assumed it was to aid her in walking around.

"What's this all about?" The woman questioned, slightly irritated.

"Zyrah, someone here can get answers for Laeli."

"Okay? How does that involve me?"

"He's a demigod. And isn't Hilda still practicing her craft?" Understanding dawned on Zyrah's face as she connected the dots.

"Ahh. Okay. Well, in that case, uh- I'm sorry, what's your name?" Zyrah asked, swiveling her head to locate where Maui was.

"Maui."

"Maui… demigod… oh! You're the trickster Laeli has mentioned!" She pointed out. To the side, Hiccup facepalmed.

"Yeah, no shame in admitting it."

"Well, in that case. My daughter would definitely be of great assistance. She's working on her shamanism practice. As well as contacting the gods and other spirits." Maui grinned. It was a start.

"Show me how I can reach her."