The Rider(HTTYD and Brave, 2012)

The Visits

(Merida's standing)

Merida woke up earlier than she usually did. She didn't know why, she just did. And she already knew that when she woke up, she couldn't go back to sleep. She stood up and wandered the halls, and she didn't bump into many people, since most of the staff weren't up yet. She continued her way through the castle until she came across the library. She was surprised to see the usually closed library doors open. She walked in and the first thing she saw was Brynjar, without his armor, papers and books strewn around him as he jotted down notes in a small journal. She noticed that he was quite muscular, and could be considered very attractive in this state. She blushed, waving that thought off. Merida cleared her throat, causing the rider to jump slightly. He turned to Merida on his position on the floor.

"Morning, Merida. Or should I call 'your highness' now? I'm still a little shaky on the traditions here." Merida chuckled. The shock she felt at this boy's appearance had eventually faded, as did the awe of what he rode. She was still a little unconvinced on the concept of dragon riders. She found all rational explanations to her emotions last night, except for her jealousy. She still was confused on that.

"Merida will be fine, Brynjar." Merida said.

"All right." Brynjar said, turning back to his work. Merida felt an unnatural curiosity towards what this boy did. She walked up to him, placing herself on the floor next to him.

"What are you doing?" Merida asked.

"Oh, just a little research on whatever dragons are in this region. So far, nothing too exotic. Barely anything, actually. Maybe three or four species with actual thorough information. Why is that?"

"I don't know. I've only ever seen one dragon in my life, and that was a few days ago. The one that attacked me. I suppose that's why my mum brought you here."

"Really. A single dragon attack seems a little extreme to call down a dragon rider. It could've been handled by a few guards."

"I know! I tried to tell my mum that, but she wouldn't listen." Merida said, happy that someone agreed with her.

"Still, I'm glad she did." He said, raising confusion in Merida.

"Why is that?" She asked, confused.

"If she didn't, I would have never met you." He said, smiling.

"Y-Yeah, I guess you're right." She said. Then Brynjar stood up, confusing Merida. "Uh, where are you going?"

"Just following a hunch. Oh, I should probably clean this up, right?" Merida looked at the mess of books and paper around her.

"Yes, that would probably be for the best." Merida said. Brynjar chuckled and moved to pick up his maelstrom of paper.

"Brynjar? There's something I've been meaning to ask you. How did you tame that beast?" Brynjar shook his head and chuckled.

"First off, Toothless is not a beast. He has feelings, too, just like all dragons. And secondly, it wasn't easy. It took a while to get the bond needed between us. After that, he was my best friend. I like to think of us meeting as a blessing in disguise." Brynjar said, a distant look in his eyes. Merida wondered what someone like him would be thinking about.

"Where did you grow up? I didn't think there was a place that welcomed dragons." The smile on his face disappeared, and he looked, for the first time, sad.

"I...don't like to talk about my past. I would appreciate it if you didn't ask again." Merida nodded, but she felt even more intrigued by this boy. She would have to talk to that Setrina girl later. Before she could say anything else, Brynjar stood up.