Runaway reader x hiccup haddock

Long needed closure

You pressed your stomach against Midnight's back, your legs straightened behind you. Your hands holding onto her saddle tightly. The wind blew harshly towards you, sending chills into your bones. You were sure if it weren't for your thick clothes and armor, you would have froze to death.

It's a shame you weren't able to enjoy the warm weather yesterday as it rained heavily last night, resuming the usual cold weather, but it doesn't mean you would forget to take your usual morning flight.

Midnight flew top speed a few feet above the vast open sea, occasionally lifting to avoid tidal dragons beneath you. She dodged and twirled skillfully, eventually flew up towards the clouds. She spun around while you held on, and emerged out of the clouds to see a flock of Monstrous Nightmares flying by.

After gliding along them for a while, you sat back at the saddle.

"Ready to try the trick again, girl?" Midnight immediately sulked.

"Aww, come on Night, don't be like that. It'll be fine." You told your reptilian friend.

"You said the same thing for the last thousand of times." She said, not showing any signs of perking up.

"But this time is going to be different, I can just feel it." You tried again.

She rolled her eyes but relented by shooting higher into the sky. Once you made sure you have enough distance between you and the sea, you let go of the saddle and free fall. Midnight then aimed her body towards you and dived.

She folded her wings, increasing her speed at her fall. Once she reached your altitude, she gave you a gummy smile. You held her paws and she twirled you around.

Letting go, you did a flip that resulted in your feet facing the ocean. Just when the ocean was just a few feet away, Midnight swerved under you and spread her wings, causing you to land on her saddle feet first. You spread your arms to maintain balance, surfing Midnight that is still flying underneath you.

"Yeah!" You cheered as you successfully kept balance as Midnight flew higher into the clouds. This was one of the few success attempts at the trick that doesn't involve shivering in the cold sea water or earning a mouth full of dirt for crash landing into nearby islands.

Midnight glided towards your favorite sea stack and landed smoothly, slightly tired from the stunt.

"You did it, Night. I'm so proud of you, girl." You jumped off and hugged her snout, proud of her accomplishment.

"We did it." Midnight corrected. She knows you didn't like taking credit for most things, but this was something you did together, she has to remind you to share it.

"But yes, I did it." She said with her snout tilted high. Her sudden change of attitude made you chuckle. "This would serve useful during raids or battles, all I need to improve is-" you trailed off as you took off your helmet. Midnight rolled her eyes and blew a puff of smoke at you. "No talking about work during relaxation time."

You can't help but laugh. "Fine, fine. I'll stop." You said as you lowered yourself towards the grassy earth and leaned against a big stone, Midnight curling up beside you. This was a familiar routine, anytime you're free or needed a break, you would go for a long flight and rest here for as long as you're able to before going back to responsibilities.

*Thud*

You unsheathed your sword and stood in a defensive stance, Midnight along side you.

"Woah, woah. Friendly!" A familiar voice said, both of his hands were raised in surrender. Your stance relaxed when you recognized the person and sheathed your sword back.