Left In The Night

Chapter 18

When Eðla told Zyrah what Ragnhild had expressed about wanting to show her the world she came from, the teenager didn't know how to feel.

"Mom, I'm not sure about this..." She expressed doubtfully.

"How come?"

"I just... I'm scared. All of this has changed a lot of what I thought I knew about myself. How do I know I'm ready to learn more?"

"Well, think of it this way. You're under no obligation to go with them. You're still my daughter, the baby I raised. And like your brother said, your background doesn't change who you are to us."

"You mean that?"

"Every word. I do think this could be a nice way to learn more about yourself, and you're still young. You are still finding your place in the world, and maybe... learning about where you come from can help with that. It's okay to take that step. Your father and I won't think anything less."

With her mother's assuring words, Zyrah eventually decided to spend a day with her biological parents, giving them a chance to learn about her and vice versa. Maybe... it wouldn't be so bad. She did keep reminding her that she was under no obligation and that she could step away if she chose to.

No, no. She would go forward. It was okay.

So, atop Blueheart's saddle, Zyrah went to meet Einar and Ragnhild at their ship to offer she spend some time with them. No Konall, Rurik, Hiccup, or anyone else, just her and Blueheart.

Einar remained mostly expressionless, but deep down, he had hoped to get to know his daughter somehow. He'd always been focused on his goal of working up Drago's ranks, becoming a confidante, and inevitably, Ragnhild would always be right behind him. The situation was uncertain, though.

Ragnhild, on the other hand, appeared more enthused about this opportunity.

"Please, I'd love to know more about the family that raised you. Especially your brothers." She began, trying to invite conversation. Behind her, Einar rolled his eyes. Neither Zyrah nor Ragnhild noticed, though.

Zyrah did manage to crack a small smile.

"Well, there's Olsen, Alvar, Eindride, and Rurik. Olsen's the oldest, and Alvar is number 2. Olsen and his wife just had their second baby, and Alvar's wife is just about due to have her first. Eindride and Rurik and I still live with mom and dad." Her small smile soon turned into a broad grin. No words could truly describe how much Zyrah adored her older brothers, and Ragnhild could sense that.

"You know, back in my old village, I was also the youngest. I have two older siblings." Zyrah arched a brow in curiosity. They had something in common! An unexpected surprise, but a welcomed one.

"Wait, really?" A quick nod and an awkward smile from Ragnhild.

"Mhm! An older brother and sister. I'd say I had a good early childhood..." Ragnhild trailed off at the memory of her old life, still missing it. She couldn't hide her change in demeanor from her daughter, though. And Zyrah couldn't help but feel a touch of sympathy for the woman who brought her into the world.

But now Zyrah expressed curiosity about her birth father.

"And uh, what about you, Einar?" Zyrah inquired, leaning forward and resting her arms on Blueheart's head, receiving a snort in response.

"I don't discuss my past, even Ragnhild knows this. But... to supplement your wonder, I came from a smaller tribe on the mainland. Not much to say, a simple childhood. But I found more in life, I found your mother, and we found our calling." He finished by crossing his arms. He was not as willing to share his personal life with a daughter he barely knew.

"So, given what I've been told, I'm fully Sámi." Both Einar and Ragnhild nodded in confirmation.

"I'd recommend not thinking about it too deeply." He sternly suggested.

"Well, why not?" Zyrah argued, also crossing her arms, "I mean, you guys show up out of nowhere, and then reveal that I'm your daughter, and you expect me to not wonder about my history?" Ragnhild couldn't argue with her reasoning. She studied Einar's face, trying to figure out what he would say to counter Zyrah.

He was thinking.

He was thinking of how he could potentially turn this in his favor.

"Ragnhild, may I have a word?" He gestured for her to come to his side, and she did so. They spoke in hushed tones so Zyrah couldn't hear them. Unfortunately, they forgot that dragons have excellent hearing, especially Night Furies; Blueheart perked her ears up so she could figure out what plan they were devising. It would give her proof they had bad intentions.

"Okay, look. I'm going to take a guess and say that she genuinely wants to know more about us, and where we come from." He observed, with a nod from Ragnhild, "alright. Let's do this, we can accept her offer and lead her on a wild goose chase. You take the reigns on that, and I'll figure out how to use her dragon to lead us to the last Night Fury colony. I know it's gotta be near Firewind somehow." Ragnhild took a moment to ponder the idea. It very well could work, but how would they pull the strings with such an intelligent creature?

"Alright, I can do that. But what about the Night Fury? We've heard how intelligent the species is, are you worried that the female will ruin it?"

"Let me handle it." He assured.

As they faced Zyrah and offered their disguised plan, Blueheart was appalled by what their intentions were. She wasn't stupid, she knew for centuries Night Furies had been hunted and would not be left alone.

Tragically in the case of all dragons, communication with their riders could only go so far. It wouldn't be easy to reveal this.

Blueheart would go with Zyrah just for protection, but she needed to figure out a way to either entirely prevent Einar and subsequently Ragnhild from getting to the colony. Or, if they were too stubborn, which was very likely, take them to the colony and prevent them from ever revealing the location to the rest of the archipelago.

It was incredibly risky. But she didn't want to dwell on the complications. She desired to protect Zyrah and keep her Night Fury family safe. She did have to warn Toothless and the other dragons, though, and she had an idea that could work.

For a few more hours, Einar, Ragnhild, and Zyrah spent time slowly building a bit of trust between them. Zyrah was still wary, but at the same time, she also felt a deeper connection to her birth parents, and why they did what they did, even though she did not agree with their choices.

But she could give them credit for having the courage to leave her out of their lifestyle, not putting her own life at risk. Additionally, Zyrah had made mention of the cause of Drago's downfall, and how everything led up to this point.

Both Einar and Ragnhild confirmed that rumors were spread amongst the remainder of the army of his fall from power. Many had left, now that they were free from his reign of terror, but undoubtedly, others remained loyal to his cause. Ragnhild had expressed relief about Drago's downfall, but was careful with her words, knowing Einar felt the opposite.

Einar had wanted to release all of his frustration but had to control himself, not desiring to ruin the tiny bit of trust he now had. After all, his daughter's dragon was his one good lead, and he was smart enough to not risk losing it.

He would admit though, "Drago's arrogance lead to his downfall. If he wanted to keep what he gained, he would've been smarter about it."