"It sounds like Vinland." Skaulder thumbed through a journal, making his way from the shelves to sit back at the table.
We had made it back to Berk just as the sun was setting. But I missed our landing since I was passed out. When I came to, I noticed I was in a single room hut, with herbs and meat drying on racks, and a small raised firepit on the rough wood floors with something brewing in the pot above it. It was cluttered but with enough space for the elder of the village to shuffle around.
My ribs still ached, but what I could make out from a very crude game of charades was that only one rib had been broken. It was in an odd place, so I was on bedrest until she said so, but it could have been far worse.
That was two weeks ago.
I was fed gamey medicinal stew for two whole weeks. I think my tastebuds died after day four because by day five, I could get it down without gaging.
During that time she crafted new clothes for me, after I complained about the ones I had, that fit the Berkian style. Warmer colors, lighter fabric, but just as warm. She even found a scrap of a lighter fur and leather to incorporate in with it. Winter had basically passed, but there was always that last spitting blizzard before spring.
Which was all well and good. I don't even do Canadian winters well. It would be nothing short of a miracle if I survived a Nordic one.
Once she was satisfied with my progress and that my injuries were healing without her help, we made our way to the ground to find Fishlegs. She would inform Hiccup of my progress as he had asked, but he was very busy and so I was better in the care of someone less important. Meaning someone not in charge of a village coming out of hibernation.
It made sense. What with the village maintenance and well-being, dragon rescues, and the Dragon Eye, I didn't want to bother him or anyone whose attention was needed elsewhere.
After all, the next step was to figure out residency and if it would be a permanent stay or a temporary one.
We were now at that point.
I was independent.
And I was unnerved by that fact.
We were stopped by Skaulder along the way, who said he was meeting with Fishlegs later in the day and, with his curiosity getting the better of him, could offer me a hand so the healer can continue about her duties.
The scholar's home was cozy and simple in design, but whatever shelves he had were overburdened. Scrolls and stacks of parchment, rough leather bound books, and any artifacts he'd found amidst his explorations took up every available spot. Even the bed.
He was courteous and polite enough, making sure I was comfortable before getting onto the topic of my arrival and how I came to be this way. Taking my measurements and even drawing a quick sketch for reference. It was interesting to see what I looked like from their point of view.
He managed to somehow persuade me into sharing two of the stories that I had said I'd grown up with that fit my situation. One being a happy and friendly one, but he also wanted a dark tale so he could have a record of my culture for reference. I relented, and it was a small comfort to see him squirm at the disturbed nature of the story. At least I wasn't the only one who found them unsettling.
He apologized for bringing it up in the first place, changing the subject to one of happier tones, of past expeditions that required somewhat ridiculous solutions.
Eventually, we made our way around to the topic of describing my home, to the best of my abilities. How does one describe chicken nuggets, cellphones, and airplanes to someone who thinks a crossbow is an advanced weapon. I kept it as simple as I could, describing the Canadian countryside in ways that would hopefully make sense.
And considering Vinland is Canada, even just a small part of it, I guess I did alright.
"What sounds like Vinland?" Fishlegs entered the home with two plates of food. Skaulder preferred the quiet of his own home as opposed to the boisterousness of the Mead Hall. Easier to hold conversations with others, he reasoned.
"Millie was just describing her home, and it sounds very similar to the description of Vinland Lief gave us."
"Wait, Lief? As in Lief Eriksson?" I looked to them in awe, Fishlegs joining us at the table Skaulder had cleared off earlier.
"The very same." The scholar graciously accepting his plate. "He came across Berk on his way back to bring more farmers to the world past the western seas, and he told us all about Vinland."
"Wow, that's incredible."
So the timeline kind of follows history. I don't remember when Lief first came across the oceans, though. All I know is that it was before Columbus.
"Did you know him?" Asked Skaulder.
"No, I've just heard of him."
He nodded, who hasn't heard of Lief Eriksson. But Fishlegs cast a curious glance my way.
"Eret was under the impression she was from his homeland. Considering she knew he was the son of a chief and all." He slapped a hand over his mouth, thinking he had shared a secret that wasn't his to share.
"I knew about it already." Skaulder shrugged off his concern. "He was ranting to himself one day, not long after he settled here. Skullcrusher was being ornery with him, and he was going on about what his father would think of him now. The son of the chief, riding the beasts! He'd cast me out for it, son or not." The impression wasn't far off, to be honest. It made me miss him. And his furs, I miss the comfy furry bed I had. Shit, where was I going to sleep tonight?
Fishlegs relaxed at knowing he hadn't betrayed a friend's trust, but he still looked at me quizzically.
"How did you know he was the son of a chief, then?"
"Uh," because the creators of the series said so in an interview about an unreleased third book. "Lucky guess?" Wait, I can still reach the top, my hole's not deep enough yet. "I really was just teasing him. I really had no idea."
He seemed to accept my words. Which were true. Mostly.
That's when I saw him, stalking on the windowsill, his bright yellow eyes reflecting the candle light.
"Um, Fishlegs?" I got up on my feet, keeping my eyes on the dragon as he hopped down onto the tabletop, creeping my way.
"Is that the Terrible Terror from the Edge?" The young men were on their feet as well, thinking of the best way to deal with the small dragon stalking their guest.
"Well, he never gave me a name, but I'm pretty sure." The beast hissed at me, in between sticking his nose in the air to take long sniffs. I don't know these creatures as well as Fishlegs does, but this is the first time I could get a good look at him. "Does he look a bit off to you?"
"He does look a bit small, even for a Terror. He could be a runt?" Fishlegs tried to move in closer to shoo it away, but it bristled more, swipping his claws at the viking, snapping and growling. He was not letting me go this time, not for anything.
"That could explain the desperate hunting attempts." Skaulder was not the biggest fan of the creatures. A single sneeze from them could set his lifes work aflame. But he wouldn't deny they had their uses. "It could have spent its entire life fighting for survival. Struggling for scraps amonst larger and stronger predators. It is a miracle he's lasted so long in the wild."
"Wait, hang on. I have an idea." The dragon kept its eyes on me as I slowly stepped backward toward the food Fishlegs brought. "Easy boy, easy. Your hungry, yea? I've got no meat on my bones, not worth your while anyway. But I bet you like fish, right?" He narrowed his bulging eyes when I reached Fishlegs plate.
"Hey!"
"Oh, shush, you can easily get more." I grabbed the tail end, but it was heavier than I thought. Taking a deep breath, I squared my shoulders and turned my back to the dragon to haul the large piece of fish off the plate and onto the table. "Here ya go, buddy. Take it all if you want." I put my hands up and walked away from it.
He eyed me cautiously, glancing at the others to see if they would move in. I gestured for Skaulder and Fishlegs to give a little more space, which they did.
He took one step.
Then another, keeping a watchful eye on all of us.
"It's okay." I nodded. "Take it."
He hesitated another moment, and then, in a flash, he took the fish and lept out the window. My legs almost gave out on me as we all sighed in relief. Hopefully, the dragon would find refuge and leave me alone. Which shouldn't be hard here on Berk.
"My dinner." Fishlegs sulked. Skaulder patting him on the shoulder.
"I'm sure there's still some left in the Mead Hall. And you should inform the Chief that the dragon has made a return."
"Yeah. You're probably right." His shoulders sagged a little. "Would you like to come with me, Millie? Hiccup was saying he'd like to see how you're doing. And that was also partly your dinner, too."
"Sure, I'll come along to the Mead Hall. I'm curious what it looks like."
"Overcrowded." Skaulder snorted. "Thank you for your time, my dear."
"Thank you for the company."
Fishlegs fretted with his hands, going back and forth from if he should pick me up or let me climb on.
"It will only get more awkward if we keep doing this." He cringed, I was trying to lighten the mood by making it seem like it didn't bother me as much as it did. "I would walk with you, but you'd probably want to get there today, and I don't know where I'm going. If you're not comfortable with carrying me over, I can always ride on your shoulder?"
"Okay, yeah, that might be best."
It was still awkward, I don't think it will ever not be awkward, but he decided I should climb onto his hand first and then help me onto his shoulder. Once we were as comfortable as we were going to get we said our goodbyes to Skaulder and headed outside.
The roads were fairly empty. Most of the townsfolk were inside the hall, but the odd ones we did pass along the way were polite enough. Some children would stare at us oddly, but then turn about and continue doing whatever viking children do.
"So, tell me about Berk."
Fishlegs perked up out of his unease, grateful for the distraction, and began giving me a tour as we went.
"Berk has a long and colorful history. It was founded seven generations past. And yet, the only building that has lasted throughout the centuries is the Mead Hall. Although the statues outside have changed."
"I take it that is also new?" I pointed to a large mass of jagged ice with rather heavy looking chunks of splintered wood sticking out at odd angles. I had a funny feeling I already knew what created that masterpiece.
"That is all that's left from Drago's Bewilderbeast attack. The Bewilderbeast's ice-breath is a far stronger form of ice than what you'd find anywhere on earth. It melts but slowly. Dragon fire can't even make it melt faster. But we have managed to chip away at it with our ice-picks."
Two civilians were doing just that. Any chunks they broke off were placed on a sled waiting to be taken somewhere.
"We built a second ice-house just for this particular ice. Valka, Hiccup's mother, spent twenty years living amongst her own Bewilderbeast. She told us that the dragon's ice has medicinal properties. So we hold onto it for Gothi, our village elder, and chief healer."
"I wonder how she found that out."
"You'd have to ask her. She's also been eager to meet you. A lot of people are curious. We Berkians can be quite stubborn and hard-headed at times, and many often need to see something to believe it. But they mean well, usually, they just ta—"
My startled cries were muffled by the hands I was encompassed by. Like how someone captures a butterfly to keep it from flying away. I couldn't make out much between my abductors' ring clad fingers, but the chuckling was unmistakable, and I was preparing myself for whatever chaotic idea the twins might have in mind. After I give them an earful for giving me a heart attack.
"Did you get her?"
"Obviously. Can't you see Fishlegs running in circles back there?"
The pace slowed and I was finally revealed to a mischievous grin on Ruffnut's lips, trying to stand tall on Tuff's palm as he sniggered at Fishleg's frantic searching and squealing. The more stout viking panicking further down the road, retracing his steps with a careful eye to the ground.
"What's this all about, now?" I quirked a brow at them both, crossing my arms over my chest, which was a challenge as I struggled to keep my balance on the unsteady surface. This is the first time I've really been held like this when not being moved somewhere, and to feel someone else's palm beneath my feet like this was unnatural. Safe to say, I don't like it.
"We heard you were given a clean bill of health." Ruff said.
"And now we need your help." Tuff continued. Great, they're doing the twin thing of finishing each other sentences. "We've been convincing Snotlout that he really is cursed."
"All because you're now here on Berk."
"We've made little dolls and have been placing them all over his stuff." Tuff continued to move along the path, with his sister right beside him as they went on about their accomplishments. "Like on his saddle."
"In his bed."
"In his boots."
"In his helmet."
"In his armor."
"You don't even want to know how we managed to get a pair of his undies." Ruffnut shuddered at the memory, the two going back and forth.
"It was disgusting. But the look of his face was totally worth it." Tuffnut snickered.
We had made our way up the steps of the hall, and I had no doubt I would be a part of their plan whether I wanted to or not. Aside from that last one, the prank seemed relatively harmless, although I'm not sure what part they want me to play.
"Okay, so what does this have to do with me?" I'm surprised they could hear me over the roar of the Mead Hall. Everyone and their dragon was gathered in the community area.
"We ran out of dolls." Tuff said, meandering his way through the crowd in the direction of their usual spot. "But we've got a few more ideas in mind to freak him out." He gave his sister a look as the table full of riders came into view.
"Time to work the old Ruffnut charm. Good thing Eret's not here. He'd be so jealous." Ruffnut paused. "Maybe he should be."
Tuff grimaced.
"Just go." He pushed her onwards. "I'll be sure to tell him all about it."
"Cool. I can always count on you, bro."
"Yeah, yeah. You can thank me on your wedding night."
I watched as Ruff sauntered over to the table behind Snotlout. Draping an arm over his shoulders, what she said to him was lost in the ambient noises echoing off the walls, but whatever it was made him choke on his drink. Tuff hid me behind his back before I could see what happened next, continuing his way forward.
"I knew you'd come around eventually. They all do."
"The helmet hair has finally grown on me."
In a brief moment of being brought forth, I could see Ruff take off Snotlout's helmet to run her fingers through his greasy hair, cringing as she did. But he was too puffed up to notice as he swept his hair back, flexing a little pose and basking in the praise. Whether he knew it was false or not.
The split-second moment changed from cringe to sheer terror as I was dropped rather hastily into the pint on the table.
Gasping as my head surfaced, the amber liquid coming up to my neck.
That was the only upside to this. Everything else is horrible. Do you know how tall a pint is? I tended bar during college, and I can tell you a pint is far taller than I currently am. Even if the mug were empty and I jumped, my fingers would just barely touch the rim. And this is not glass. Which means no one can see anything of what's happening.
This was a terrible plan. I'm going to kill them if I get out of this. And if I die, I'll make the rest of their lives a living hell.
"If you even think—"
"A toast to Snoutlout and his hair!" Tuffnut called.
"Damn it!"
I lost my footing as my prison shook, coughing furiously. I hate this. I hate this!
"Skál-AH!"
The mug was knocked onto the table and I went tumbling out along with the liquid. Barely catching my breath when I was lifted into the air by rough, scaly claws. Wiping the beer from my eyes as we went higher into the rafters.
We settled on the wide beam, high above the disaster below. Snotlout scanning about the rafters for the dragon that ruined his moment, and the twins were looking about the table to see where I had gone. No one else seemed to notice what had happened or they didn't care, shrugging it off as the three being idiots like normal.
I just can't catch a break.
The Terror from the Edge, the one from earlier this evening, was staring at me with narrowed eyes. My back against the connecting support beam, waiting for the beast to strike now that I had no protection.
But he just sat there. Looking more annoyed than predatory. He huffed, casting side glances my way, but stayed where he was watching the scene below. He gave me a small squawk, as if he expected a thank you. Which to be fair, he did deserve.
"Is this repayment for the fish?" He didn't move but gave a weak chirp of sorts. "Well, thank you. You didn't have to, but I'm so glad you did that." He squawed firmly, giving me a quick glance before looking back at the others.
The warm air brought with it the smells of food beneath us. I could see it in his eyes. He was searching. Scanning for the best place to get food without having to fight for it.
"You know, you'd be safe here." He hissed mockingly. "You wouldn't have to fight for food. Most people here would hand-feed you if you let them. And as long as you don't cause too much trouble, the alpha would make sure you're taken care of."
I got to my feet, wringing out my hair and loose clothes, every part of me felt sticky. He huffed, giving me a doubtful look.
"See the nightfury down there?" Toothless was happily lazing behind his rider, enjoying the pile of fish he was given. "That's the alpha. And the shaggy, brown haired guy sitting at the table near him is his rider and Chief of the village. He loves dragons, and he would also make sure you have everything you need."
The Terror scoffed.
"Look at the hall. Dragons and humans all gathered in one place. Sure, it's a little chaotic. And Skaulder was right, a bit overcrowded, but it's peaceful."
He was thinking. Debating if he should trust his instincts that had kept him alive all this time, or go against it. The latter seemed to be winning, I had gotten close enough that I could reach out and touch him, if I wanted to. He turned to look at me, skeptical yet hopeful.
"You don't have to face them alone. I'll go with you." His attention drifted back to the table when Fishlegs approached his friend frantically, looking quite pale and stumbling over himself. "You remember him from earlier. He loves dragons, too."
I breathed deeply and did something I had been dreaming about since I saw the first movie as a kid. I held my hand out to the dragon and waited.
He looked at me curiously, his nose twitching. He went to move closer but snuffed and snorted. Grimacing at the offending smell.
"Well, now I know you don't like beer, or mead, whichever this was. But I promise I don't normally smell like this." He huffed, still not moving closer, but looked back and forth between myself and the table anxiously. "Like I said, we'll go down together. I mean, I do need help getting down from here anyway. Do you see any wings on me?"
He chirruped, gathering whatever courage he needed, and in a few swift moves he had me in his claws and was gliding downwards. The landing was a little clumsy. I was half running, as the dragon let go, and I ended up tripping over my feet and whatever discarded utensils were on the table.
"Found her." Hiccup said cheekily.
Toothless perked up at the disturbance, snarling at the Terror on the table, trying to keep the order his rider and other villagers wanted. Which meant no dragons on the table with the food. The Terror bristled back, giving me a glance like I had lied to him. Scrambling to my feet, I got between the two, arms outstretched.
"He's just hungry, that's all. He left me alone earlier after I gave him some fish." Toothless still snarled lightly at the smaller dragon, but ultimately waited on Hiccup and his decision.
"Yeah, my fish." Moaned Fishlegs.
"We think he may have been the runt of the litter and has been fighting to survive. I told him he would be safe here." Hiccup eased Toothless back, the alpha dragon calming into his puppy-like self almost in an instant.
"Of course he'd be safe here." Hiccup tried to reach out slowly to the dragon, offering a bit of food off his own plate in peace. "It's okay, bud. See? No one's going to hurt you."
The dragon inched around me, cautiously approaching the offered food, looking back to me for assurance. Taking a few steps with him, he carefully snatched the scrap and hid back behind me.
"See? I told you they'd hand-feed you." The dragon grunted, finishing what he was given. Even though these were the first large predators to allow him to eat with them, it didn't mean it would last long, so it was best to take advantage of the situation while it lasted. He slowly crept back towards Hiccup, sniffing and licking his lips, tentatively asking for more. Hiccup chuckled at the creature, obliging the request.
This time, the dragon took the food but stayed where he was. He twitched, batting his claws at the offending hand when Hiccup started scratching his scales, but settled with a content purr when the boy found that one hard to reach spot.
"He's a little jumpy, but I'm sure he'll adjust." Hiccup mused as the small dragon leaned into the touch.
Toothless forced his way between the riders, ignoring their protests as he sniffed the newcomer. The smaller dragon looking between the food on the plate and the alpha, cautiously trying to swipe more before the larger dragon stole it all. The Nightfury just watched him curiously before an idea came to mind, a way to show this small youngling he was welcome. He started heaving.
"No, no no, Toothless not on the ta—" the large dragon hacking up a small pile of prechewed fish, "—ble." The Terror squealed in delight and dug in while the rest of us grimaced.
Gross, I'm gunna be sick. But it's a nice gesture.
"I was under the impression this particular dragon had it out for you." Valka was amused as the small Terror gorged himself. All previous caution thrown to the wind as he devoured the offering.
"Well, I guess he felt he owed me one." Fishlegs grumbled as he went to go get his own dinner, once again. "Saving my life was his thank you."
"Is that what he was doing?" Hiccup asked. "Fishlegs said you just kind of disappeared on your way over here, and the next thing we knew, you're dropping in from the rafters."
"Yes and no." I pointed to the other end of the table, Snotlout still pouting and the twins failing to act natural. "He can thank the twins for my kidnapping, but the dragon saved me from their prank."
"And what prank was that?" Astrid glared them down the table.
"They've been trying to convince Snoutlout that he's cursed by placing tiny dolls on and in his belongings."
"I knew they were behind it." Snotlout cursed.
"The twins have had worse ideas." Hiccup shrugged.
"They ran out of dolls."
"So they decided to include you?" Astrid asked.
"Yes." I shuddered. "Decided to indulge me in a pint."
Hiccup spit his drink, catching me in the crossfire, as he choked on my words. My night just keeps getting better. Rasping out an appolagy as he went into a coughing fit.
Snotlout's brows furrowed before shooting upwards when he connected the dots. Pointing to myself, then his mug, his complexion paling when I affirmed his suspicions. His eyes rolled backward. I winced as he lost all consciousness, his head hitting the table before he fell backward off the bench. The few locals sitting nearby watched him fall, but just shrugged it off and returned to their conversations.
Astrid stabbed a knife into the table, the twins flinching as she focused her heated glare on them, getting up off the bench.
"Ó krútt. Every man for himself!"
"It was all his idea!"
Ruffnut shoved her brother out of her way, scrambling through the crowd that parted when they saw who was chasing them. Astrid grabbed a nearby meat cleaver and threw it down the aisle. It snagged one of Tuff's dreads in the doorframe, but he managed to saw off the lock just in time to make his escape.
"Get your asses back here, Thorston's!" She continued on her war path, giving a sharp whistled command that her dragon followed eagerly. The Nadder loved this game and raced after the twins with a happy squawk.
Fishlegs' returned with a fresh plate, curious of the commotion. Seeing Astrid chase the twins, Snotlout passed out on the floor, and Hiccup trying to regain his composure while I wrung my hair out, again.
"What did I miss?" He asked. Valka gave him her seat with a light chuckle.
"I can let the Chief explain it to you, when he can." She gave the young man no further explanation. "If you would like, my dear, I have some water heating on the hearth if you'd like a bath before settling in for the night."
"That sounds wonderful. But I wouldn't want to impose."
"Oh nonsense." She said. "My home is yours."
"Thank you."
Cloudjumper followed slowly after us out of the hall and down the evening roads. The dragon chuffing curiously along the way.
"We were just discussing possible housing for you, before you dropped in." She giggled at the purposeful pun. "And we agreed that, for the time, you can stay in my home with me until something more permanent can be built."
"Thank you." I wasn't expecting anyone to take me on so quickly. I was actually thinking it would be a longer process, and one I would be more involved in. "I can't help but feel guilty, though. I'm sorry you have to give up part of your home for me. I'll try to find some way to repay you."
"Oh, don't be ridiculous." She smiled. "I'll be gone scouting most nights anyway, but the company is still appreciated. Once the present matters are settled, we can help you build a suitable home of your own, but for the time being, my home is your home."
I tried to smile with her, appreciative that I wasn't going to be fully fending for myself yet. But there was still a weight I felt at knowing there wasn't much I could do to show it. I was still useless. I don't know how to viking, or how to rough it. I mean, I've gone camping, I've gone hunting, I've done long excursions without electricity or technology, or coffee. But I don't know how to make it sustainable. Putting it all together, I felt my soul get heavier and my spirit a little darker. I had no idea how to even begin making any of this work.
Her home was small, suitable for one and a large dragon, and the comforts were spars. A simple bed with a small firepit and hearth, a few small storage spaces, and a single table and chair.
"Do you always leave a fire going while you're gone? Isn't that dangerous?"
"It's well contained." She gently set me atop the table. "And I've found over the years that a leaving a pot of water to simmer on low fire can keep the chill out."
She was right. The night air was brisk and chilled. But inside her house was cozy and comfortable.
She gathered a small bowl I could reach in, a few scraps of cloth, a little soap, and left me to it.
"I should be back by dawn at the latest." She continued to add a few stacks of firewood on and near the chair, a makeshift stairway down to the floor. "Should you need anything, you'll find Mrs. Ack two doors down, or Fishlegs house just down the road. You two seem to get along well, I'm sure he'd be willing to lend a hand."
"Thank you. Again." It was hard to find my voice. Maybe tomorrow would be better. I don't know. It's a faint hope.
Valka nodded, making sure the wood was steady and far enough from the fire, before making her way out the door.
Everything was so quiet.
Even the crackling of the fire seemed to ebb away with each passing moment.
I just stood there. My thoughts going numb with the world. Taking a heavy breath I felt the water. It was still fairly hot, but there was a sense of comfort that came from simply running my hand across the surface. As if all my cares were washing away.
The breeze sent in a chill that made it harder to emerge from the warm water. I couldn't stay in there forever, the water was cooling off quickly anyway, but my clothes would probably take all night to dry.
I debated placing my laundry by the fire and sleeping on the floor, but I was afraid I'd be missed and trampled on unintentionally. I could have placed just my clothes down there, but what if they accidentally blew into the fire with the wind? No, my mind would rest easier if we all stayed up high and in sight. There was enough spare cloth to wrap myself in to keep me warm enough for the night. And it's just one night.
I'll be fine.
I thought of how to go about tomorrow. What would I do? Would I head to the mead hall for breakfast, or do I find my own food? Then what do I do? I don't have a job, what skills can I offer? How can I be useful to them when I can't even lift a spoon? Silent tears slipped down my cheeks. The thoughts of the future swam in my mind and, surprisingly, lulled me to sleep. Telling me I'd figure something out in the morning.
The wind picked up slightly as the night went on, making the fire fade out quickly. Casting the room in a dim flickering glow of rusted gold. The light reflecting in large yellow eyes. This was the place. He could smell it. Although the foul odor was faint now, he could pick up her scent anywhere.
Humans had such strange nests. They reminded him of the Smoldering Smokebreaths, how they need walls all around them with small opens to go to and from, and how cluttered they seemed with useless junk.
He lept into the home, scanning about for the larger dragon that also lived here, hoping he wouldn't be seen as trespassing. The alpha said he'd be welcome here. He lept onto the tabletop, one cautious ear open.
There she was. Unmoving but alive. She slept heavily, unaware he was there. How has she survived so long with such terrible instincts? Perhaps it was her condition that affected her senses. The dragon breathed in deeply.
Yep, she's definitely human. And definitely an adult one. But she was quite small, even the younglings aren't born this small. He'd noticed that humans do come in many shapes and sizes, but he'd never seen one like her. Perhaps she was a runt like him. Fighting against the odds, not that he had helped, but such was life. But the other humans took her in as one of their own, which wasn't uncommon amongst their species, but to have the dragons do the same was unnatural. And then to come upon this island to see dragons and humans living together as one pack was even more unnatural.
But she was right. It is peaceful.
The north wind whistled in through the window, turning what was left of the fire into flickering coals and plunging the room into darkness. The small form started shivering, which was odd. Normally these creatures dress warmly for the night, does she not do the same? Either way, he came here for a purpose and he would see it through. He owed her. She kept her promises, and her words held true. They were safe here.
So he would make it up to her, for all the times he tried to hunt her down. Now, he would keep her safe. It was the least he could do.
The dragon curled up behind her as close as he could without sitting on her, listening for any threats before closing his eyes and drifting into sleep.