The Voyager and the Rogue

Chapter 11

After asking Astrid where Hiccup was, I led Eyarr to Hiccup's study.

Massive bookshelves flush against every wall, a massive desk cluttered with books, papers, boxes, anything you could imagine. He was busy working at his desk, and he smiled seeing the both of us, a noticeable improvement since he only smiled at me for a time. Guess everyone was noticing Eyarr's attitude change.

"Hello you two, what can I help with?" Gods, how to begin this? I knew the Hidden World was a very personal thing for Hiccup. This could not go well. I just decided to say it.

"Hiccup... Eyarr knows about the Hidden World." And just as I expected, upon saying those two words, I saw the color drain from Hiccup's face, even through the beard.

"How...?" He hesitantly asked, almost gasping it out in shock. Eyarr stepped in.

"My dragon took me there. I only ever saw it once... but Cliffire took me in. It's unlike anything I've ever seen. And no one else knows I've seen it except for you and Laeli."

"Why are you telling me this?"

"Because I want to show Laeli the world of dragons. I know your deep love and respect for them, and I share that. And it's only right I show Laeli." Hiccup leaned an arm on his desk.

"Are you sure? You only just began to settle down here." Eyarr sighed, his shoulders slumping a bit.

"All my traveling didn't have a purpose, I was just running. I was a nomad. But..." He paused before glancing at me for a moment, "I think I found a new reason."

Hiccup looked between the two of us, thinking intensely about it. I saw something glimmer in his eye for a moment before he finally spoke up.

"Alright." He chuckled a bit, "you two are more alike than I realized. But you're right." He sighed, placing his hands on his hips, and I saw his familiar goofy half-smile, "I do remember that need for adventure and the thrill of it." I heard him murmur something about being like his father or something on the lines of that. Either way, it sounded like a resounding yes. I grinned proudly and turned to walk out. I saw Zephyr in the main living area and went to go tell her. As I was walking away, I overheard Hiccup talking to Eyarr.

"You be careful. She's like a daughter to me, and I want her safe."

"Don't worry. I couldn't agree more. But... you think we're alike?"

"Yes. But I see more than just that."

"What do you mean?" Hiccup just chuckled.

"I think you'll realize that on your own."

Whatever that meant. I excitedly told Zephyr about everything, who shared my excitement. She loved recounting her story of her visit to the Hidden World when she and Nuffink were children. She hadn't been back since then, but she was ecstatic for me to have a chance to see it myself. And when I told her about me making a connection with Eyarr's dragon, she smirked.

"And wouldn't it be something if you came back with your own dragon?" I rolled my eyes.

"I don't need a dragon, I just wanna see their world."

"Eyarr seems like a solid dragon expert like dad. Dad was able to nab mom because of Toothless."

"What does that mean?" I asked in a bit of a defensive tone. Zephyr laughed.

"Nothing! I'm just kidding. Just be safe out there. And say hi to Nightfire if you see her."

"Nightfire?"

"Toothless's daughter."

"Ohhh right right." I then recalled the relationships of the dragons that were conveyed to me a while back.

"Don't be surprised if they're a bit hostile at first. They may warm up to you, but be careful. Toothless is the Alpha of the Hidden World, so he's super protective of his family and the dragons he leads." I nodded.

"Understandable."

That night, Eyarr and I were up late talking. He'd brought one of the saddle packs from Cliffire to the house, which gave me a brief look into what he had with him.

I was impressed with Eyarr's supplies. He needed everything one would need when constantly on the move, and to boot, plenty of weapons. I didn't have much that survived from my wreck, save for a few baskets and tools from home, along with some personal cultural items. While going through my stuff, I found my shark tooth club that my father gifted me. It was identical to the old one he had. I had yet to use it for myself, but I was an expert on how to use it.

Astrid and Nuffink had offered to show me how to use the weapons they made on New Berk, but I only used the dagger Astrid gave me. Metal was still a bit much for me, I used that dagger to threaten people; people being Eyarr initially.

But before we left, I needed to know if we were going to use both a ship and Cliffire for travel. I offered both.

"Both? No, it's easier and faster to have Cliffire." Eyarr replied.

"Are you sure...? Cause, like, it's easier for me to navigate on a boat." Eyarr glanced up at me.

"Are you nervous about flying on a dragon?" I pursed my lips.

"... I mean, I've never flown on a dragon before. I've never been in the air. I have sea legs." I saw a small smile cross his lips.

"I understand. But it would honestly be easier to have Cliffire. I'll help you get comfortable riding a saddle. Once you get it, it'll be easy from there." I was doubtful, but it would be easier to give it a chance.

"Can we do that tomorrow?" I asked sheepishly. I wasn't ready to mount a saddle today.

"No problem. But let's get up early so we have time to get you comfortable."

"It might take a while for me to ride on a giant, fire-breathing lizard." He snorted.

"Touche."