Left In The Night

Chapter 16

Rurik didn't expect trying to find his sister to be that big of a challenge. The two plus Konall grew up thick as thieves, growing up together, and although he already had three older brothers, Rurik considered Konall like one. And in their entire life so far, Rurik figured out that Konall had been head over heels for Zyrah for some time.

Killgrave had tracked Zyrah's and Blueheart's scent to a part of the forest that Rurik wasn't too familiar with, but he knew Konall and Lightbolt were. As soon as they figured out where the girls were, Rurik urged Killgrave to turn around and head back to the village. He also wanted to make sure his parents were doing okay.

"Whoa, where're you going?" Konall exclaimed.

"Back home?"

"Why? She needs you." Rurik shook his head.

"Nuh-uh, she needs you more than me."

"What're you talking about? She's having a familial crisis."

"Exactly, which is why I ought to give her space. Plus, I know you've got her figured out differently than me, considering I'm her brother." Konall just stared at him.

"Comfort her, man. You can't hide certain things, I'll tell you that." As soon as he finished his sentence, he took off, leaving his best friend behind.

"Gee, thanks Rurik. Very assuring." Konall grumbled. Lightbolt watched him, flexing his crown of spines. "Alright, no pressure, comfort her. How? Guess I'll just go with my gut!" He made his way down the slight path made from years of exploration, and the path led to a small outcropping that overlooked a shallow valley below.

There Zyrah was; her head buried in her knees, a low ponytail fluttering in the soft breeze. Blueheart was next to her, and the female raised her head upon hearing Konall and Lightbolt make their way down.

With a sniffle, Zyrah barely turned around to look at Konall.

"What can't face me?" He tried to joke. Nothing.

Yeah, bad approach. With a sigh, he took a seat next to her.

There were a lot of places in the woods the pair would venture to, but this place was mostly their secret. Here Zyrah would vent her frustrations about dumb little things about her family that any young girl would have, and no matter what, Konall was there to listen. He knew better than to always offer solutions, he knew she needed an ear to listen than a mouth to speak.

And he felt this wouldn't be too different. But... maybe this time she did need words of comfort, and solutions.

"Zyrah." He restarted, this time in a gentler tone, his light brown eyes gazing at her with concern.

"I'm... I'm sorry, Konall..." She mumbled through a wet hiccup.

"Sorry for what? There's nothing to apologize for." She lifted her head, wiping her cheek with her palm.

"I... dunno. Honestly... I dunno w-what to think."

"Well... it's a lot to take in."

"Understatement."

"Tell me what you need. I'm here like I've always been." She did manage to crack a tiny smile at that.

"I don't... know if it's what... what I need. I just... I feel so confused. And overwhelmed. I feel like I got hit with a dragon tail. I can't find the words." A rush of emotion overcame her, causing more tears to fall, and almost instinctively, Konall held his arms out for her, and she slowly scootched her way to him.

"It's okay, Zyrah. I know it's a lot to take it... but I know you'll be able to understand what you're feeling. It'll take time, but that's okay. And how you choose to handle this situation, you know I'm here." He ran his fingers through her raven black hair... and now he knew where that shade came from. And her eyes... it was like seeing a new version of her.

She took in his words, managing a small smile.

"What would I do without you?" He rubbed her back in response.

"What do you wanna do now?" She frowned.

"Go back home, I guess... face all of this. Face... them."

"I got your back. Let's go. C'mon Blueheart."

***

Instead of flying back, the pair and their dragons chose to walk back instead, giving Zyrah more time to think about what she would say when she saw her birth parents and talk to them.

In the Trygstad household, there was still tension between the four parents.

While Eðla was happy to have finally figured out what happened with Zyrah as a baby before she came into their lives, she couldn't help but feel... wary of the former hunters. She did believe them when they told her they had no idea Firewind was dragon-safe when they abandoned Zyrah, but the fact that they remembered where it was located didn't ring right to her.

Her mother's instincts were telling her there was something off.

But in the meantime, she had to give them the benefit of the doubt that they were here temporarily, just to see their daughter. After all, they had assured me they just wanted to see if she was still here and that she was raised right, and then they would move on. Closure, if you will, and Eðla could understand that.

She did want a moment with Ragnhild, though. Mother to mother.

Eðla pulled Ragnhild to the side, offering a comforting presence. Even though they were still getting to know them, Eðla could sense the rockiness of Ragnhild and Einar's relationship.

"Eðla..." Ragnhild began, "I wanted to thank you."

"For what?"

"For raising her... being a mother where I couldn't be. And I know all of this is a lot to handle, heh..." She chuckled awkwardly, "though, I must confess, deep down, a part of me always wanted to find Zyrah and to show her where I come from. My culture, my people." This piqued Eðla's interest.

"That right? And what might it be?"

"Both Einar and I are Sámi, we come from the mainland. It's been so long since I've seen my own family, but perhaps... it would be an opportunity for Zyrah to learn about her heritage? We're a very proud, spiritual people. I think it would benefit her." Eðla cracked a smile.

"It does sound promising. But, that is not my choice to make. When Zyrah returns... it's your prerogative to discuss that with her. I, however, cannot make any promises that she'll agree to it."

"Yes, yes. Of course. I understand. I thought it'd be wise to tell you, though, as her... mother." Eðla gave her a respectful nod.

"I appreciate that. In the meantime, you and Einar are welcome to stay here if needed."

"Oh, no no. That's not necessary, we prefer the comfort of our ship."

As their conversation drew to a close, the front door opened, revealing Zyrah and Konall, followed by Blueheart.

The way Einar's eyes flashed did not go unnoticed by Zyrah or her family. The stoic man finally showed expression as he made his way over to the female to observe her.

"Incredible..." He mumbled.

"What?" Einar looked at his birth daughter in the eyes for the first time, on the other side of Blueheart. The father and daughter watched each other intently.

"Your... Night Fury. I've never seen one this close before." Zyrah's eyes narrowed slightly.

"Even as a former hunter... you've never seen one up close?" She questioned.

"That's right. Only at a distance." He confirmed, "magnificent beasts. With that speed, and shot accuracy. Never seen anything like it with other dragons. Always dreamed of observing one." Zyrah rested her arms on Blueheart's saddle.

"Guess that just shows how I was raised. Dragons are not beasts. And there are kinder ways of learning about them instead of an object on a desk." Zyrah stated with a defensive tone in her voice.

This man may have helped bring her into the world, but she didn't like the energy he held.

"I can tell."

Deep within the crevasses of his mind, he believed with an intense conviction that his only child and her dragon could somehow give him what he wanted. Now it was a matter of separation.