The 'Dragon Defender'

Old Wounds Can Heal

"Sooooo, I have to ask about something..." Adriana begins slowly as we near the village. "What is it?" I question, confused and a little cautious from her slightly hesitant tone. This doesn't seem like just some light-hearted chat.

"Well... obviously your time with the pack is nearly up - not that you can't stick around, obviously, you're always welcome and it's been so awesome to have you around and-"

I hold up a hand to cut off Adriana's rambling. "I get what you mean, no offence taken. Just tell me what's on your mind."

"Okay, uh... well, I was wondering if you'd maybe, er, stay just a bit longer? I know that you'll really want to get back to your own pack and that it's rude of me to ask, but I just... even when we can get Asher back home, I'd feel a lot better knowing that you were around. You know so much more about these things than anyone in the pack and you've already got a good standing with the humans in case we need to come back, so... it would be good to know you'd be there if anything went wrong, you know?"

I listen to Adriana with a frown, considering what she's saying. On the one hand, I've been away from the pack for so long now, I need to make sure they're all safe and still getting on well. On the other hand? They're not the only family I have anymore... I need to look out for Asher and Adriana. I need to look out for Melanite. I need to look out for Selene. I need to look out for the entire Morphwing pack.

Oh Thor, I've really gotten attached, haven't I?

That was the one thing I wasn't supposed to do! I can't believe I've been so careless! I've put myself at risk, I've put my own pack at risk, I've put the Morphwing pack at risk! I brought two Morphwings to Berk! Berk! It's such a dangerous thing for me to get attached!

And yet, strangely... I can't bring myself to regret it.

Chasing Melanite around the cave. Helping Selene hunt fish or other prey. Messing around with Asher. Going on flights with Adriana. I wouldn't trade any of these for the world, no matter how difficult it is for me to admit properly.

I've felt vulnerable before. I've felt exposed before. I've felt weak before. I've felt unprepared before. I've felt disadvantaged and trapped and targeted before. But now... I feel as if I've let my guard down. And I thought I knew that feeling, I know that I've chastised and scolded myself a thousand times over for believing I had done such a thing. But I never truly did it, until I met my family.

"Ind- er, Artemis?"

I blink, snapping out of my thoughts, reminded that Adriana is still awkwardly awaiting my response.

"Sorry... yes. I'll stay while Asher recovers."

Adriana was clearly not expecting that response, her expression lighting up in surprised relief. She immediately hugs me, causing me to gasp a little at the sudden embrace, but I'm all too happy to return it.

"Thank you so much! I know you must really want to get back to your pack, but it really means a lot to me!"

"I know. I know you just want some kind of security about Asher. I can't offer that much, but I'll be here until he's well enough that I can hit him again."

We both laugh a little at this. I release her just as we return at last to the village.

"Woah, who's the girl?"

"Oh gods," I sigh quietly enough that only Adriana hears. "What's wrong?" She asks, only for 'what's wrong' to appear right in front of us.

"Snotlout, to what do we owe the displeasure of seeing you here?" I ask. He either doesn't catch what I said or he just plain ignores my insult, because he doesn't react to it. "Oh, you know, I was just passing by and I saw two beautiful ladies," he smirks, his eyes drifting to Adriana. "Who's your friend?"

"I'm Adriana, it's nice to meet you," Adriana smiles warmly, not seeming at all put off by Snotlout's rather blatant advances. Is she being polite, or is she just that naive?

"Oh, gorgeous name for a gorgeous lady," Snotlout continues. "So, Adriana, how about we head off somewhere and get something to eat? And then maybe you could come back to my hut?"

"Thanks for the offer, but I'd rather stay with Artemis," Adriana shakes her head. "She's been showing me around the island."

"Hah, what makes you so special that the Dragon Master would hang around with you?" Snotlout scoffs, seeming to think she's joking. "Let's just say we have reasons for watching each other's backs," I state, growing annoyed with Snotlout's attitude. "And before you get any further 'ideas', she's betrothed."

"Oh... so you're still single?"

"Happily. Is that all?"

"Are you going to threaten me if it's not?"

"That's likely."

"Then I'm leaving now."

To his credit, he does just that, though he pauses at a corner. "Oh, right, Hiccup said that if I see you that I should tell you to meet him in the Great Hall for some reason. I don't plan to bring up that I found you, so... don't go, it's funny when his plans don't work out and he gets all whiny."

"Well he seemed enthusiastic," Adriana notes when Snotlout finally leaves. "That's one way of putting it," I agree. "Don't you like him?" Adriana frowns. "He doesn't seem so bad."

"He just doesn't take no for an answer and he seems to enjoy getting on people's nerves," I shrug. "Not to mention all the times he tried to take my mask from me."

"He did? Maybe he's not so nice after all."

"Just keep your distance and he's harmless enough," I sigh. "Now how about we go to the Great Hall and see what all the fuss is about, hm?"