The Voyager and the Rogue

Chapter 51

The next few days were hectic as Hiccup rallied New Berk's forces to prepare for the oncoming battle. Given his history with them, Eyarr was off helping Hiccup, Saoirse, and Fae prepare, providing insight on how to tackle the enemy's forces that I knew were on their way.

I was reassured that I didn't have to do anything since I was unfamiliar with this kind of warfare and the warring parties. And to be fair, I had little knowledge of Viking battles. And, of course, I knew nothing of the Ravagers or Saoirse's birth clan.

I could recall Dad educating Aihe and me on war tactics should we ever get involved in a conflict with another island. I had the skills, but said skills remained unused and, frankly, out of practice. I wanted to help but didn't know how much help I could be.

All I could do was sit by uselessly as villagers prepared supplies and weapons as needed and watched my adopted family prepare for war. It was surreal and frightening.

Accepting that I wouldn't be of much use or support in the village, I decided to go to one of the cliffs and watch the horizon. Riptide joined to keep me company, and I knew he could sense my distress and anxiety. The clouds rolled over the vast ocean before me, and I marveled at the bouncing of light the sun cast. I mustered a half-smile and exhaled deeply, leaning against Riptide's side.

He arched his head to face me, nuzzling his nose against my cheek, warbling in concern.

But I was unsure of what to tell him. How could I comfort my dragon if I couldn't comfort myself?

For a bit, I closed my eyes, letting my senses take in the sound of the wind whistling, the feeling of the grass beneath me, and the faint but distinct smell of the salty ocean air I loved so much. I allowed myself to imagine being on my home island again.

The memories of my parents and how they gazed at each other always filled with love, trust, and confidence in each other. My sister, her strong-willed heart, and her passion for us as a family.

Then, deep within me, I could sense the spirit of Ocean stirring at my whirlwind of emotions. Since Eir showed me how to channel my emotions through Ocean, every interaction had become more interesting. It was almost like I could understand what Ocean was saying. I didn't think Tangaroa or Njordur could directly communicate with me beyond the realm of the gods, but I was okay with that. Communicating with gods sounded too overwhelming.

Upon noticing Ocean's shift in energy, I felt a new presence that I never felt before, yet it felt familiar.

I stood and looked behind Riptide, and I was caught off guard when I saw a shimmering blue figure only yards away.

The last time a deceased family member visited me was Grandpa Lawai'a back on Motunui. Could it be Grandpa Tui?

The figure finally became clearer, and I could make out some discernible features. It reminded me of Mom in a weird way, but more aged.

"I'm surprised you do not recognize me." The voice came, "Then again, I've never truly shown myself to you..." It added in an amused tone. I raised an eyebrow in confusion, taking in the female figure before me.

"You seem familiar, but I can't place it," I remarked, feeling disappointed that I didn't know who this ancestor was.

"It's alright, Laeli. It's not your fault. But it does not matter anymore; I'm your great-grandmother, Tala. I know your family has shared many stories about me while you and your sister were growing up."

Tala...

I spied the manta ray tattoo on her back, and it clicked.

When Mom and Dad would take Aihe and me out to practice sailing before my independent voyage, I recalled a massive manta ray that would follow us, and Mom always reacted positively to its presence. Aihe finally asked why the manta ray was so important, and Mom shared great-grandma Tala's story with us. And that whenever we were on the seas and needed guidance, we should look for Tala's tattoo.

It was rather overwhelming when I finally recognized her, I couldn't explain the choked-up sob that came from me as I fell into her embrace.

"I've waited so long to see you finally..." I admitted. She shh'd me softly as she ran her hands through my hair.

"You've grown up so beautifully, just like your mother." I half-smiled at this, knowing Aihe and I were always told we looked like our mother, though I felt I took more after Dad, at least with having a stronger nose like his.

"It's wonderful having someone from home here with me. It's been lonely sometimes."

"I know. The gods have done a number with you and Eyarr." I perked up hearing her say his name.

"You know his name?"

"Laeli, your other grandmother, and I chit-chat all the time. I've seen what comes ahead, and I must say, you've got yourself a good one!" I laughed awkwardly and blushed.

"Gramma..." I groaned out of mild embarrassment.

"Nothing to be embarrassed about. You should be very proud. He is a fine young man who has overcome many challenges to be where he is now."

"I know. I've watched him grow these past few years. I am very proud of him. But I still feel like there's a lot I still don't know about his past. When we sat down with Saoirse and Fae, Eyarr mentioned something that complicated things that led him to the Ravagers. But he hasn't said anything about it since."

"From my perspective, you must give him time. I can promise you'll understand further why he is the way he is." I couldn't figure out if that were good or bad, but I decided now wasn't worth the time to go into it.

It was quiet, save for the gentle breeze blowing through the grass and the sound of Riptide moving about.

"Gramma Tala?" I asked, breaking the silence.

"Hm?"

"What do I do? These people have become my second family, and I want to help... And all of this is overwhelming, and I can't understand the conflicts they always seem to face, but I want to help. How can I do that?" Gramma offered a tentative smile.

"Listen, and watch. I know you'll have much to gain from observing them and how they prepare to deal with their conflicts. It's different from our people, but as you said, they're family. Go be their support." She said.

I wasn't sure what I expected to hear, but I knew Gramma Tala was wise and was confident in her advice. All I could do was interpret and take her word.