Well after dawn broke, Eyarr and I were pleasantly surprised to see the Sliquifier still nearby, resting on the beach.

"Well, that's a good sign!" I remarked, cautiously approaching the Sliquifier. It opened its eyes and raised its head, facing me. I nodded to acknowledge it. I fully intended to approach this situation with patience and respect, as it was a creature of the ocean, and the ocean always commanded respect.

The Sliquifier was certainly not threatened by me anymore, but I wasn't going to allow myself to become too comfortable just yet. I needed to earn the Sliquifier's trust. If this plan worked well in my favor, then I could try the legendary 'Hand Thing,' coined by Fishlegs on how Hiccup tamed not just his dragon but many other wild dragons as well. Fishlegs had always spoken of it with pure delight, having witnessed this action many times.

It took me a while to go back to sleep last night. I couldn't stop thinking about how insane it was. A dragon came all this way for me. It was unfathomable, yet it was real.

The day was mostly a blur, but what I remembered was a simple and gentle approach, which was received well by the Sliquifier. In response, he was calmer and more docile around me. I found myself enjoying the interactions. The Sliquifier, later on, demonstrated his skills and maneuverability in the water, and I was rather shocked by its speed. I think I recalled reading in a volume in the Book of Dragons that the Sliquifier was like an aquatic variation of the Night Fury in terms of speed. Hiccup remarked that Light Furies didn't count since they didn't live IN the water, just near it. That made sense.

With the Sliquifier and I becoming more comfortable with each other, Eyarr and Cliffire also showed their ease with him as well. Cliffire allowed himself to be friendlier with the new companion.

One afternoon, Eyarr sharpened his weapons, and I was reading a book I brought; I suddenly had an idea.

Cliffire ate both fish and chicken and other meat occasionally. If I intended to gain the trust of the Sliquifier, I ought to offer him food. And since he was an aquatic dragon, fish was the best choice.

I stood and went over to where I had fish stored before I'd scale it and hang it to dry.

The Sliquifier and Cliffire both raised their heads.

"Sorry, Cliffire, another time." I patted his snout good-heartedly before approaching the Sliquifier.

"Here," I said, tossing the fish to him. He sniffed it, eyed me, and then swallowed it whole. "What? No chewing?" I commented. The Sliquifier didn't seem terribly impressed, but he didn't seem to mind it, which was a good start.

It soon became routine. Every morning and evening, I'd offer him fish; and each time I offered, he was more eager to take it.

Eyarr noticed the behavior.

"He definitely seems to like you." I nodded in affirmation. "What's your next step?" I frowned.

"Well… there is something I have in mind that I'd like to try. But it's something I want to show you and Cliffire as well." Eyarr raised an eyebrow.

"What does that mean?"

"Wait and see. You won't be disappointed." I think freaked him out, but I was excited. I was finally going to introduce the boys to the Ocean, officially.

The following evening, I finally felt ready.

Without another word, I took Eyarr's hand and walked towards a rocky outcropping overlooking the ocean. Below us, the waves crashed against the rocks. Cliffire and the Sliquifier stood behind us, both sharing expressions of curiosity.

I leaned my head over the outcropping, looking at the movement of the water. I was waiting to see that familiar glowing swirl form.

"You're kinda freaking me out," Eyarr said, uncertainty lacing his voice. I shook my head.

"I promise you'll be impressed," I assured. I knew the Ocean could be finicky with interaction, but I hoped it wouldn't disappoint me.

Suddenly, the Sliquifier made a noise, becoming antsy. Eyarr and I looked back at him before I then heard the sound of water in motion. I felt a smile grow as I turned to face the rising silhouette of the Ocean.

"Ocean!" I exclaimed, holding my hand out for it. In response, Ocean splashed me, grabbing a strand of my hair and twirling it around. After the short reunion, I remembered I had someone to introduce.

"Eyarr, this is Ocean." I finally announced. I gazed upon Eyarr's face, his fair features full of absolute astonishment and wonder, maybe with a little bit of fear in his eyes.

"Laeli… what in Odin's name…"

"Do you remember my mother's story?" He slowly nodded, "The Ocean is the one who chose her and helped her." I took his hand, gently pulling him closer to the looming wave, assuring him it was okay.

"Ocean, this is Eyarr." The Ocean's "head" leaned forward, making a motion indicating it acknowledged Eyarr's presence. I didn't know what was going through Eyarr's head, but I knew he couldn't believe what he was seeing. I wanted to show the wonders of nature beyond dragons.

"This is unbelievable." Eyarr finally said after a long moment of silence. He held his hand out, hoping to see if the Ocean would interact with him as it did with me. The Ocean hesitated, before lightly splashing his hand, creating a swirling spiral of water from Eyarr's palm to the Ocean's hanging figure.

"Laeli… this is absolutely incredible. I- I don't even know what to say." He said, awe lacing his voice. I couldn't help but smile broadly.

"I've been waiting for the right moment to share this with you." He looked at me, and a glimmer of something crossed his eyes. What it was, I didn't know. But I was thrilled the introduction went well. The Sliquifier also seemed impressed by the liveliness of the Ocean, too. Cliffire was… wary.

It seemed the Ocean changed the Sliquifier's attitude. It was difficult to explain, but it appeared the Sliquifier's mood towards the Ocean and their interactions, dare I say, improved. It seemed that they were communicating in sync in some way.

Eyarr noticed this and said it could be a good sign that the Sliquifier might be ready for a new interaction with me. And I had to agree.

My head began swirling with ideas of how to prove myself to this dragon.

"Hey, if you're dedicated to this dragon, it might soon be time to approach that. Plus, maybe once you do, we can move around again and find a new spot to explore." Not that it didn't sound intriguing… I just felt anxious. Having a dragon, sharing a bond with them, and flying with them every day. It was hard to fathom for me since I was raised on the sea.

"You're not wrong… as long as you help me accomplish that."

"Of course! It'll be different from Cliffire, but it'll be fun!"