The Voyager and the Rogue

Chapter 64

"Okay, explain the mechanics to me again, but slower."

"Right, right. So, the main body consists of two cylinders, one inside the other that rotates via soldered connections to the exterior. The interior cylinder contains a mechanism that when twisted in one direction, will open the "eye". I plan to eventually implement a way to unlock the eye via a key of some sort, something I have to brainstorm further."

"I see. Alright. So, what's next then? Besides the key."

"The lens, like the Dragon Eye."

"What would it be made of? I believe you mentioned the Dragon Eye lenses were made of gemstones?"

"Something like that, yes. And I have also yet to figure that out. The lenses were designed in a way that the information about dragons could only be seen via the fire of a dragon from the specific class, and each gemstone was a different color according to the class."

"Did you ever find out its true origins? Who made it?" Hiccup shook his head.

"Unfortunately no, its origins were as mysterious as the Dragon Eye itself. All we ever knew was that the ancestors of the Dragon Hunters we faced were its supposed creators. How they acquired the information in the first place is beyond me, and only the gods know."

"Pretty ingenious invention, having all that information locked away..."

"It's something I wonder often myself," he paused, contemplating something, "you know, we ought to come up with a name for the thing. Cryptex is nice, but it needs more... substance." I frowned in thought.

"Ummm... I don't know. Naming objects is not my forte." He chuckled a bit.

"No worries, I'm sure I'll think of something that'll stick."

Later that day, I made my way down to the docks to check in on my replacement and see if any wedding guests had arrived, and just as I had anticipated, I spied a familiar face disembarking her ship.

Hilda.

With a squeal, I hurried over, momentarily startling her, but upon seeing it was me, a huge smile crossed her face and she pulled me in for a tight hug.

"Thank the gods you've arrived safely!" I exclaimed. Even through her smile, she exhaled sharply as I aided her with her belongings.

"You can say that again, we hit stormy seas halfway through, and lightning almost struck the mainsail."

"Oh, goodness." My heart briefly skipped a beat, I hated hearing any challenges at sea, knowing how traumatic it could be for an inexperienced sailor.

"But a prayer or two to Thor and Njörður ensured our safety. And I'm grateful to be home and to see my family." She assured, seeing the alarm in my eyes.

"Of course, of course," I agreed, "now, come on! I know your brothers will be eager to see you!" Together, we made our way up back to the bustling village, which could be more or less described as a town with how many people lived here now.

In the weeks up to the wedding, Zephyr confided in me that she intended to bring New Berk into the expansive trade routes within the Archipelago. New Berk was the westernmost island and had the potential to be a vital trade route for sailors heading west; as rumors had spread about a huge land believed to be entirely wild and untouched. I had overheard many whispers of traders eager to take advantage of the opportunities and hopefully establish themselves there, though I had my doubts that the land was entirely uninhabited; just seemed implausible that nobody lived there. My thoughts aside though, I understood the eagerness to explore a new land and see what it had to offer, and I hoped to hear more about it in the future.

We arrived at Zyrah and Konall's house, knowing one or both of them would be home. Hilda called out to her parents and twin, and we immediately heard the clamor of footsteps come down from the upper level as Nyr practically crashed into his sister.

"You're home!" He exclaimed, squeezing her tightly, "Thank you, Laeli!"

"Of course! Would you like me to let your brother know?"

"Yes, please do!" With a playful salute, I headed off in the direction of the Haddock's, though I briefly stopped as I felt discomfort in my stomach, leaving me slightly nauseous. Taking a few deep breaths, the nausea left as quickly as it started, and I continued my way over.

Letting myself in, I saw Valka and Tannr chatting.

"Chief-to-be! Your sister is here!" I called. Tannr rolled his eyes, bid Valka a quick goodbye, and headed in the direction of his parent's house.

"You coming?" He offered, extending his hand.

"I dropped her off already, she's with your brother. I'm going to head home, not feeling too good." I replied, feeling another wave of nausea hit me. Concern crossed Tannr's face, but he brushed it off, telling me to tell Eyarr he sent his regards.

"Of course!" With a departing wave, I made my way home, and immediately went to sleep, not hearing Eyarr returning home later in the evening.

I stirred awake when I faintly heard him come to my side of the bed and press a gentle kiss to my temple.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to wake you." He apologized, brushing a stray hair from my face.

"No, no, it's alright."

"You feeling okay?"

"Just oddly nauseous today, just from walking around. Hilda returned, by the way."

"Oh, well I'm glad to hear she arrived safely. She with her family?" I nodded, another wave of nausea hitting me. Third time today.

He noticed the discomfort and headed downstairs, returning a little bit later with a warm cup of milk and honey to drink, with some ginger added, courtesy of Ana.

"I'm guessing you feel pretty tired?" I shrugged, as the nap had given me a boost of energy, but yet also felt tired despite having not done much.

"Well, try to get some more rest. Maybe the stress of helping Zephyr with her wedding is wearing you out a bit."

"Maybe. Thank you for the drink," He smiled through his beard, kissing me.

"I'll clean up downstairs and then I'll join you later." He assured. Once I finished my drink, I lay back down and fell into a dreamless, restful sleep.