Runaway reader x hiccup haddock

Past and present

"Look, Y/n." He beckoned you, his coarse, gruffly voice making him sound older than he really is.

"Take a look yourself." He said simply, and you did as you were told, looking up into the night sky.

Stars glittered as if they are winking at you, stray clouds floated by along with the gentle breeze as their carrier. Everything combined to paint a calm and beautiful picture.

"What do you see? " His voice was quiet, with a gentle tone hidden underneath it, perfectly blending into that the peaceful picture, rather than interrupting it.

"Stars...and clouds?" You answered softly too, with uncertainty, confused at where his question intends on going.

He let out a scratchy chuckle as he shook his head, amused at your simple and half hearted answer. "Yes..stars and clouds." He chuckled again when he saw your annoyed pout at his playful mocking. "Look closer. What do you see? What do you not see?"

You turned your gaze back up at the sky with the new hint in mind. Your eyes widen in realization.

"The moon!" You said with childlike excitement.

"The moon isn't out tonight." You turned towards him, scanning his face for any form of change, eager to hear that you were right.

He chuckled, his eyes shining with a flash of pride. "Looks like you aren't as hopeless as I think you are." He teased, chuckling again when you shove his arm with a playful glare.

"What's your point though?" You asked. He never says things without a purpose behind them, he may look and is young, but he had actually seen and experienced things your little mind couldn't even comprehend, and you learn to appreciate his wisdom more and more every day.

He let out a small sigh through his nose. "Y/n, remember this and remember it well." His stern gaze pierced into your young soul. "Never rely on anyone as much as you rely on yourself. Not me, not even Midnight."

"Because one day, you will have to rely solely on yourself, like a sailor navigating under the dark sky, with no moon to guide them." He lifted his gaze into the night, the stars were blinking at him, yet none could bring the light the same as the moon would.

"The years alone have taught me things. Things that have helped me to survive." He gave you a sharp glance. "Things that I have taught you. Hopefully."

"Things that I hope you will never forget. Because one day, they will be the only things, that can help you survive."

———

It was always a known fact that the moon is older than the first ever viking, even said to be older than the gods themselves. The orb of silver light watches over the dark world like a loving mother, shedding light for travelers.

There's no doubt that its beauty is incomparable, even the most refined jewels or the glistening stars that surrounded it could do it no justice. So it's undeniable that the moon became the inspiration, main focus, obsession...call it whatever you like, for those who creates art.

Its comforting warm glow has undoubtedly attracted artists' attempts to replicate it on paper. But even with the greatest shading or the best paints, it can never be compared to the actual divine entity itself.

Still, it doesn't stop them from trying, and you weren't afraid to admit that you're one of them.

You let out a long breath through your nose as you supported your chin on your fist, as your arm was propped onto your left knee. Your warm breath looking similar to a dragon's on this cold night.