Chapter 2: A Soggy Reunion

It was a crisp fall afternoon. Just as the berries had come early to Berk, so had Autumn. The leaves are beginning to turn and fall to the ground like colorful snowflakes, promising an early and long Winter. The cattails near the edge of the pond had begun to turn from their auburn color to a dusty gray, their tops fluffing out, spewing seeds into the chill breeze and out over the clearing. Sigyn sat with her back to the tree near the edge of the pond, her face upturned, eyes closed, enjoying the serenity. Scattered about her in the crunchy leaves were various pieces of leather, fabric, and scales. Against her left leg rested the half-spilled basket of supplies and in her lap was the green dragon scale tunic she had been working on for over a month. It was slow going but it would be worth it once it was finished. Dragon scales were difficult to work with but brought a high price.

The angry shouts from above were the first thing that alerted Sigyn that her peaceful afternoon was about to be interrupted. The second was the sudden and sporadic change in the breeze.

"Hookfang! I said no! Stop you crazy dragon!" Sigyn’s eyes flew open. She knew that voice although she had not heard it in almost a month. Where that voice went a monstrous nightmare was sure to follow. Searching the sky she was alarmed to see two large clawed feet descending rapidly towards her spot on the bank. She leapt to her feet and retreated in the only direction available to her... into the pond. Just as she was certain the dragon would land and crush her basket of supplies it beat its wings propelling itself backward to land further up the bank. Apparently, she was not the only one to be surprised by the dragon’s sudden change in direction. She watched for the second time as the familiar boy flew off the dragon's neck sailing out over the pond.

"No! No! Aaaa!..." Snotlout hit the water with a slap, sending waves tumbling across the small pond. Water had seeped into Sigyn’s boots and she felt the ripples around her lower thighs as Snotlout floundered in the water.

The enormous red dragon was edging closer, its nostrils flaring and suddenly Sigyn only had eyes for it. The dragon was coming straight for her and she backed further into the pond, the cattail fluff falling like snow around her face. It tickled her nose, making her eyes water. She sneezed, and in the split-second that her eyes were closed, something warm and large snaked around her, catching her in the back of the knees and scooping her up. Panic gripped her chest and she flailed about. The dragon had her in its tail! Its grip tightened slightly as it drew her forward under its outstretched wing. The dragon bent its head toward her, its tongue flicking toward her, rumbling lowly. Her mind went numb and she stood, unable to move, squeezing her eyes shut. She felt the dragon’s nose bump against her side and could not help the whimper that escaped her.

"Hookfang! Get me out of here!" shouted Snotlout, breaking the moment. The dragon snorted and the tail around her disappeared. She heard a loud slap and a splash. “Hey!” spluttered Snotlout.

The warmth around her was suddenly gone and Sigyn slumped into the leaves at her feet. When she dared to crack her eyes open the dragon had moved away and was making itself comfortable under a tree some hundred paces away. She let out the breath that had been caught in her lungs, her muscles trembling in relief. Splashing to her left alerted her to Snotlout clumsily exiting the pond.

"Stupid, muttonheaded Dragon," he muttered, crawling up the muddy bank. Getting to his feet he spotted her and straightened. He tried to wipe the mud from his cheeks but only succeeded in smearing it further.

"Oh, hey Sigyn," he said, nonchalantly flicking muck from his fingers. "What are... "

"Why does your dragon do that!" she blurted, from her place on the ground. He looked over at her surprised and then snorted.

"If I had a gold coin for every time that dragon has thrown me off his back I’d be..." said Snotlout, pulling weeds from a shirt.

"No, not that," she said, wrapping her arms around herself. "Why is your dragon always trying to smell me? Why does he always want to get close to me?” Snotlout looked confused.

"Did he do that again?"

"Yes," she said. "He scooped me out of the pond and dragged me under his wing so he could smell me.” Snotlout scowled in the dragon’s direction.

“So you’ll get her out of the pond but not me!” he shouted angrily. The dragon didn’t stir.

“Why does he do that?" she asked again.

“Search me,” said Snotlout. “Sounds like he likes you.”

“What are you doing here anyway?" she asked, trying to calm her heart which was still beating frantically.

"Ask the big lummox over there,” he said, jabbing a thumb in the direction of his dragon. “I didn't ask him to bring me here, I was trying to go home. I've been fighting with him ever since we left the training academy.” He looked her up and down. “What are you doing here?"

"I was sewing," she said, getting shakily to her feet.

"Out here by the pond?"

"I like it out here. The light is good and usually," she shot a look at him. “Usually it's peaceful. During the winter I'm stuck indoors with candles for light so it's nice to be outside while I still can be." She studied him for a moment. He was sopping wet, mud plastered to his arms, legs, and smeared across his cheeks. Little cattail fluffs were plastered to every possible surface on him but nowhere more prolifically than his dark hair.

“Like what you see, don’t you?" he asked, watching her.

"You are a mess,” she said simply.

"But an attractive mess," he said, placing a hand on his hip.

"Not the first adjective that comes to mind." He deflated somewhat. "Where is your helmet?"

"Thor's beard," he cursed, turning to wade back into the pool. It was not a very deep pool, or very large, perhaps fifty paces across and no deeper than the tallest man in the village. She watched Snotlout blunder about, driving under the surface now and then, growing more frustrated by the moment.

"Try over there," she said, pointing to the area of the pond where the water was still stirred up and muddy. He waded over and ducked under, vanishing for several seconds before his helmet punched back out of the water clenched in his fist. Snotlout reappeared streaming pond water as he stalked toward her. He'd almost reached a large rock that hung out over the steep muddy bank when his left side sank about a foot lower than his right. He cursed as he tried to right himself, reaching out for the rock but not quite close enough.

"What's wrong?" she asked. He grimaced.

"My foot’s stuck."

"Well, pull it out."

"I can't,” he said, rolling his eyes. "I'm stuck."

She sighed and moved forward, trying to avoid the muddiest of the bank. She perched precariously on the jutting rock and crouching held a hand out to him. He reached for her and she pulled hard.

"Ow! Ow! Ow! Not that arm!" he said, snatching his hand back. His sudden movement caught her off-guard, disrupting her already precarious balance. She shrieked as she toppled forward into the pond, the cold murky water closing over her head momentarily. She surfaced, spluttering, only to find herself face-to-face with Snotlout, his hands at her waist holding her so she floated and her feet did not touch bottom. With his feet sunk in the mud, he was several inches shorter than normal, the water lapping just over his shoulders. He looked up at her, frozen for a moment before his face broke into a wide grin.

"Not exactly what I had in mind, but me likey,” he said, his grip on her waist tightening as he drew her closer. “I knew you were eyeing me."

"I'm glad at least one of us is enjoying themselves," she said, pushing against him. He let her go and she clambered back onto the rock and sat crossing her arms and legs, watching him. A long moment passed.

"Hey? Aren't you going to pull me out?" he asked, struggling against the mud.

"I’m just taking a minute to enjoy the view,” she said, leaning back on her arms. He shook his head grumbling and struggled against the mud some more before groaning. "What now?" she asked.

“Now both feet are stuck." She snickered. “Come on, help me out.”

“I mean I would but… you look great right where you are and I wouldn’t want to spoil the view for the next girl who comes along.”

“When I get out of here, and I will, I'm throwing you back in," he said, before ducking underwater. He resurfaced a few seconds later. "Hookfang! Get over here!" The dragon raised its head, snorted, and then lay back down. "Lazy dragon," mumbled Snotlout. "Guess I have to lose the boots. My dad's going to kill me. It's the second pair this year."

He was about to go under when she called out to him, bringing him up short.

“Snotlout, what happened to your arm?” There was a sizable burn on his left shoulder reaching down past his elbow. How had she not noticed before? Then again, he had been smeared in mud before.

"Nothing, don't worry about it,” he said, flushing slightly.

“It's not nothing. Look! There are ruptured blisters and it's all up and down your arm."

“It's just a burn," he said. "I ride a dragon that sets himself on fire. It's hardly the first time I've been burned."

“Did your dragon do that to you?" she asked, aghast. He shook his head.

"Nah, this wasn't Hookfang, not that he hasn't burned me before."

“He's burned you like this before?” Snotlout shrugged, making ripples in the water.

"Once in the beginning he got me real good. I was still getting used to him, but he doesn't do that anymore. Now he just likes to give me a hot seat, wack me, or throw me off his back when I annoy him. That or he ignores me altogether."

"Well if it wasn't your dragon, then how did it happen?" she asked.

"It doesn't matter,” he said, looking away, the pink flush back in his cheeks. “Just get me out of here okay."

“Alright," she said. He clearly didn’t want to talk about it. She leaned forward offering him her hand. He reached for her with his left, which was the closest, then thought better of it and offered his right. She braced herself properly, reaching behind her to grab the lip of the rock.

"Alright pull," she said. “Wriggle your feet until the mud loosens up.” After half a minute of this, he was free with his boots intact. He hauled himself up on the rock and she moved back, making room for him to sit. He dangled his feet in the water, kicking them back and forth trying to clear away the muck. She scooted closer to examine his shoulder. At first, he didn't notice her, jumping slightly when he glanced over to find her next to him.

"You know this is a pretty serious burn right?" she asked, gingerly touching the edge where the skin was not as damaged. She took his bicep in her hand, turning it so she could get a better look.

"You know,” he said, watching her with a smirk. “If you wanted to feel me up you could have just said so." She jabbed him in the ribs.

"Be serious for once, would you?"

"Alright, alright, geez.” He rubbed his free hand over the back of his neck.

"You should probably go see Gothi for this," she said.

"What? No way am I going near that old bird today," he said, pulling away from her and wincing.

"Well, then how are you planning to treat this?"

"I don't know," he said. "Probably go home and smear some boar fat on it.” She looked at him, dumbfounded, at a complete loss for words. "What?” he asked defensively.

"You've got to be kidding me right? Please tell me that was a joke."

"Which bit?" She shook her head.

"Alright," she said, unfastening his slightly scorched bracer and tugging it gently off his forearm. “New plan. Take off the vest.” He raised an eyebrow but took it off all the same, tucking it under his belt. “Okay now we need to loosen these ties,” she said, reaching for the leather ties that held his tunic together at his shoulder.

"What? Why?” he asked, leaning away from her. “I mean I know I'm gorgeous but I never thought you'd agree with me.”

"Can we discuss your alleged attractiveness later, like after we’ve treated your arm?"

"So you agree I'm attractive to you."

“Snotlout, focus!"

"Alright, alright," he said, letting her loosen the ties. “But tell me why."

"Because burns can cause swelling. If your arm and shoulder swell up you don't want to have to cut your shirt off of you?”

“So you are getting me naked now?” he said, beginning to lift the tunic over his head.

"No, no, stop!" she said, catching his hand. "You only take the shirt off if it starts to swell, understand. We are not getting you naked.”

"Figures," he said, sounding disappointed. She sighed in exasperation and tapped the backside of his arm where the skin was only slightly red.

“Don’t you want to get this taken care of? Doesn’t this hurt?”

"OW! Yes... I mean no. No, it doesn't hurt." She rolled her eyes at his blatant bluff.

"Sure, and I'm Loki's wife," she said, her tone dripping with sarcasm.

"Well, technically you are named after..."

"Oh, shut up. Just... Just put your hand on your head." He pulled his right hand on his head. She rolled her eyes. "Your other hand Snotlout.” He switched hands, wincing slightly. “Okay now stay put alright. Keep your hand on your head and don't go back in the water. I'll be back soon."

“But where are you going," he asked, scrambling to his feet to follow her.

"I need to get a few things. I'll be back in less than 15 minutes. Stay here, keep your arm up, and try to keep the burn clean alright?"

"Alright," he said, waving her off as he moved to take her spot beneath the tree. Casting one last glance at Snotlout and another at Hookfang she hurried off towards her house, following the game trail home. Boar fat indeed.

In a few minutes, she made it back home.

"You're back early," called her father from his chair in the garden, taking several pebbles from the bucket beside him. On nice days her father would act as a sentinel over the garden, keeping birds and small animals from stealing their produce by throwing pebbles at them. Though his vision was reduced to extremely vague blurs of light and dark shapes his hearing had become uncannily good, as had his aim.

"I'm only back for a minute," she said, stepping closer, her boots squelching soppily. “Do you need anything?” He cocked his head to the side, listening before throwing a pebble to his left, scaring off a bird that it landed on the garden fence.

“I'm alright for now, but why are you wet? I thought you were going to sew, not swim."

“It wasn't exactly a conscious choice," she said. “I had an unexpected visitor.”

“Oh? Who?"

"Snotlout."

“That Jorgenson boy again?” he asked surprised.

"Yeah."

"So you two went swimming together?" he asked, raising an eyebrow. “In the Autumn?”

“If by swimming together, you mean I fell in the pond trying to pull him out, then yes."

“What was he doing in the pond?"

“He got thrown in by his dragon. Look, I just came back to grab some supplies."

"Supplies?" asked her father suspiciously. "What exactly are the two of you up to?"

"Nothing, dad. Relax. I'm just going to patch up a burn he got. If you can believe it, he was going to put boar fat on it."

"So you're his personal healer now?"

"No, I'm just stopping him from causing himself a nasty infection."

"If you say so,” said her father as she walked away. Quickly she gathered the burn ointment, clean bandages, several skins of water, and pain relief paste. She was on her way back out the door when she spied the half-eaten basket of nut rolls that Mrs. Ingerman had brought the night before. She stuffed two in the bag for herself, snatched two for her father, turned to leave, and then turned back, stuffing two more rolls in her bag before going back out to the Garden.

"Here," she said, tapping her father's wrist and handing the rolls to him. "I'll be back later."

"You should bring him back with you," her father called after her.

“Who?” she asked, hand on the garden gate.

“Snotlout.” She turned to face him again, folding her arms and scowling even though the effect was lost on him.

"Why?" she asked, suspecting she knew exactly where he was taking this. It wouldn't be the first time he had brought it up and it seemed to be a more and more frequent topic of conversation.

“It would be good for you," he said. “You’re always here with me. You will be 19 in a few weeks and you know as well as I that I won’t always be..."

"Stop,” she said. "I've already told you, I'm fine. You are not going anywhere, and neither am I."

“We both know that's a lie you cling to,” said her father. "It gets worse every winter and the older you get the harder it will be for you to make a life for yourself independent of me."

"I told you, I’m not going anywhere. Besides, even if I were to... you can’t honestly think Snotlout is interested? I'm a year-and-a-half older than him. He's 17. Not only that, I'm two inches taller than him. I don't think his Jorgenson pride couldn't bear that.” Her father frowned.

“They always were a hard headed family, stubborn and proud.”

“Exactly,” she said, with an air of finality. “Besides, I hardly know him."

"All the more reason to bring him back, if only because you need someone closer to your age to interact with. You need a friend.”

“I have friends.”

“Name one you have seen in the last year,” he challenged. “The last three years?”

“That’s not fair dad. I’m here with you, and busy with being a tailor. As soon as dragons started living on Berk it got even harder because I don’t have and don’t want one and all my friends did.”

“But that’s exactly my point, love,” he said patiently. “You need to get out of this house and not just to disappear into the woods to sew. You won’t always be able to retreat here, and I won’t always be here to come home to.”

“Just… just drop it, Dad.” She said turning to go.

“Think about it Sigyn,” he pleaded. And that was the thing. She did think about it. All the time, but there was no point dwelling on what if’s when the here and now needed attention. This was just the way it was for now.

“I have to go. I'll see you later." She left before he could argue further, but he didn’t have to be there for his words to replay over and over in her mind as she made her way back to the pond.

When she reached the small clearing it took her a moment to locate Snotlout. He sat with his back to his dragon’s belly, the beast’s large head resting in his lap, nearly dwarfing him. The dragon really was large. Snotlout still had his injured arm raised, his hand tucked behind his head, helmet tipped forward over his eyes. The dragon raised its head, turning to look at her.

"That was more than 15 minutes," called Snotlout, not moving. "What was so important?"

"Your arm," she said. "I brought burn ointment and bandages."

"I told you," he said. "It's just a burn. I've had worse."

"Maybe you have had worse, but have you been burned that badly and then immediately gone swimming in a murky pond?” He shrugged his good shoulder.

"I guess not. But what does that matter?”

"It's important because you have large ruptured blisters that are now filled with murky pond water. You could become seriously infected." He frowned and tipped the edge of his helmet up with a thumb to peer at her.

"How seriously infected?"

"How much do you like your left arm?” He glanced at his arm and then back at her. "Granted, amputation and death are worst-case scenarios, but they're still on the table if you don't get proper treatment." He sighed.

"Alright, fine. Treat away," he said, settling back against the dragon who rumbled contentedly, its tail curling around the boy. She waited.

“Are you coming over here then?" she asked. He shook his head.

"I'm happy here. Hookfang is warm. If you want to treat my arm so badly you come here." She looked at the half-sleeping Monstrous Nightmare and then remembered the contents of her bag. She pulled the two nut rolls out and held them aloft.

"Will you come over here if I give you these?" He tipped his helmet up again, assessing. His tongue wet his bottom lip and she knew she had him, but then he let the helmet fall back into place and lay back again.

"Nope. I told you, Hookfang is warm and I am almost dry.” She swore there was a smirk spread across his lips.

"Please?" she tried. He shook his head. “But you know how I feel about dragons.” He shrugged.

"Hookfang won't hurt you. Trust me, he saves all his pranks for me. There's nothing to worry about. Besides, he seems to like you."

"That's not exactly comforting," she said.

“It should be," he said, lifting at the brim of his helmet to look at her again. "Hookfang doesn't get along with just anyone. He will tolerate the other Riders, but he seems to really like you. So, if you want to treat my arm you will have to come over here."

"Fine!" she said, anger making her face flush. “Fine, get infected for all I care." She turned on her heel, stomping back to the tree to gather her sewing supplies. Why should she care if he got sick? It was his own fault and it was none of her business anyway. She had her sack slung over her shoulder, basket tucked under the other arm, and was on the edge of the clearing when she paused. Groaning to herself she turned to look back at Snotlout. There he sat, tucked up against his Monstrous Nightmare, completely at ease. The dragon sensed her attention and raised its head, neck stretching out in her direction, emitting a low growl, almost a whimper. Snotlout elbowed the dragon’s scaled side and it pulled its head back to rest once again across his lap. But the dragon’s yellow gaze was locked on her.

Could she get that close? The dragon was resting, for the most part. It was not as though there were any structures for him to topple on top of her. She knew the dragon would not hurt her... intentionally. She took a few steps closer, always watching the dragon's slitted eyes. She got a little closer and glanced at Snotlout. There was a definite smirk smeared across his face. She almost turned around and left him there, just to spite him but stopped herself. She sighed. If she left she would be letting him win, then again, if she came to him he also won. Fine. If he was going to win either way she was going to be sure to get in her own victory.

She edged closer, swinging around to Snotlout's left, glancing over to the dragon’s tail and wings. She was only about ten paces away but her palms were slick, and her heart was in her throat. This dragon was not wild, there was only one and it was asleep. She drew in a deep breath and quickly closed the gap carefully stepping over the dragon’s tail. She sank to her knees, bracing herself, for what she didn't know.

"Was that so bad?” asked Snotlout. She looked at him a moment before jabbing him ruthlessly in the rib cage making him jump and let out a low curse as his injured arm jerked reflexively to his side. The dragon let out a low stuttered rumble that sounded like laughter and moved its head off Snotlout's lap and into the grass beside him.

“That was mean," she said, flinching when the dragon’s long tongue flicked out in her direction.

"It worked though," he said, righting his helmet which had slipped sideways.

"And to what exact purpose?” she asked, opening her sack while keeping one eye on the dragon. He shrugged.

"Dunno? Why are you so skittish around dragons anyway?”

"Because I have since. Now give me your arm,” she said, moving closer to him.

"Just the arm, or did you want the rest of me to?" She frowned and uncapped one of the water skins.

"Why do you do that?" she asked, pouring the cool water over his shoulder, gently peeling back the torn skin to wash out any pond water.

"Do what?" he asked, wincing.

"Say things like that. You can't really mean it all." He was quiet for a moment, watching her.

"Why not?" She uncapped the second water skin and continued to flush the burn clean.

"You say it all too casually to really mean anything by it."

"Maybe I just know how much you really want me."

"Right," she said, rolling her eyes. "That's definitely it." He grinned.

"I knew you'd see it my way."

"Whatever," she said, setting the water skin aside and digging a small jar out of the bag. But try as she might, she couldn't help but smile at his antics. "Hold still. This should feel good. It has a cooling effect and should help prevent infection." She scooped a blob of cream out of the jar and gently spread it over his burn. He was tense at first, but as the cream began to take effect he relaxed into her touch. The dragon on his other side began to make that sound again, like a purring beehive.

"That's a good noise right?” she asked, shifting slightly closer to him. Snotlout nodded, watching her.

"Told you, he likes you."

"Don't know why he would." Snotlout shrugged.

"Why shouldn't he?"

"It's just weird that he would like me so much when he scares me." She capped the cream and reached for a bandage.

"Who knows what goes on his big lizard brain."

"He reminds me more of a giant snake crossed with a bat," she said, watching the dragon's tongue flick out again.

"But you don't seem as afraid," he pointed out, holding his arm away from his side so she could wrap it.

"Well, he's basically asleep. It's when they're moving around that I worry. Especially if there's more than one. Hold still, I'm going to tie this loosely. It's just to keep the burn clean, but if your arm swells you will need to loosen it up. Understand?"

He nodded and she pulled the last jar from the bag and opened it.

"Okay, close your eyes and stick out your tongue." He looked at her, his nose wrinkling in confusion.

"Why?"

"Just do it, or don't you trust me."

"I'm still not sure," he said, but he did as she asked. Quickly before he could open his eyes or question her, she dipped her finger in the jar and then swiped the brown paste over his tongue. He jerked back, spluttering, his eyes popping open.

“What was that? It tastes horrible!” It was her turn to smirk, as she held the water skin out to him.

“Something to dull the pain that Jorgensons aren’t supposed to feel.” He frowned but took the water.

“Why didn’t you just tell me?”

“Would you have done it if I told you what it was for?” He was silent, looking away. “I didn’t think so. Anyway… you’re done.” He took a long drink and then held the water out for her to take.

The brisk autumn breeze picked up, sending a shiver down Sigyn’s spine as it blew over her damp clothes. The dragon raised his head from the grass, tongue flicking out in her direction and she froze. Before she could react the dragon lowered one of his wings over the two of them, trapping them in a wall of red wings.

“Relax," said Snotlout, tapping her hand which was clenched tightly around his wrist. “Hookfang is just blocking the breeze.” She did not let go. “He’s not going to hurt you.” He reached out and touched her sleeve and frowned. She looked at him, trying to tamp down her rising panic.

“Come on,” he urged. “If you open those brown eyes any wider, they will fall out in the dirt. Relax.”

“What’s he doing?” she asked, trying to keep the waver out of her voice.

“You're still wet," said Snotlout. “He’s trying to keep you warm, to dry you. That's one of the benefits of a Monstrous Nightmare." The dragon lay his head down beside Snotlout again and Snotlout scratched under the dragon’s chin. “Not only is Hookfang 5000 pounds of raw power and muscle, but I’m never cold with him around. He can heat his skin to dry me off anytime I need. Assuming he's willing."

"Assuming he doesn't set you on fire,” she corrected. Snotlout shook his head.

"I told you he only does that to me, and it's just a prank… most of the time. Hookfang is totally capable of controlling how hot he gets and exactly where he bursts into flame. He's just trying to dry you off.” He cocked his head to the side, looking her up and down. “My Thor, he really must like you. I’ve never seen him do that for anyone else. Then again, everyone else has a dragon of their own… so.”

“Can you just get him to let me out? Please?” He sighed.

"Alright. You heard her big guy,” said Snotlout, patting the dragon’s nose. “Let her out." The dragon growled and didn't move.

“Why isn't he moving?" asked Sigrid, her nerves building.

"Because he's a stubborn yak," said Snotlout, pushing the dragon's head away. “Hookfang, let her out?"

The dragon was not listening and Sigyn was so focused on the dragon’s head that she wasn't watching behind her. She yelped as the dragon’s tail appeared from behind and gently pushed her against its underbelly.

"He seems pretty determined to dry you off," said Snotlout, watching her. Realizing she still had his arm she let go and scooted away from him. The dragon raised its head rumbling discontentedly.

"Now what?” asked Sigyn as the dragon pressed his head closer to her, grumbling. The dragon’s tail reappeared at her back, pushing her back toward Snotlout. "What's he doing?"

“Not sure. But I think he wants you to sit here," said Snotlout, patting the ground beside him. The dragon didn't give her much of a choice, herding the two of them closer together. Snotlout hissed when her shoulder brushed against his. He raised his arm above her head resting it on the dragon’s belly. She glared at Snotlout as the dragon laid first its tail and then its head across their laps, effectively pinning her to Snotlout’s side. The dragon closed its eyes in seeming contentment. She continued to glare at the boy next to her.

"What?" asked Snotlout, seeing her expression.

“You're unbelievable," she said, folding her arms across her chest. His nose wrinkled again.

“I know I’m so awesome it’s hard to believe, but what finally brought you around?”

“You... You trained your dragon to do this, didn't you." His eyes widened and then he burst into laughter.

“I didn't," he said after a moment.

“You must have,” she accused. “Admit it!"

"I swear by Thor I did not train him to do this, but it’s not a bad idea.”

“I don’t believe you.”

“Trust me,” he said. “If I had trained Hookfang to do this, I would have used it on Astrid a long time ago.” He paused to think and then frowned. “Too bad it would never have worked.” Her suspicion began to fade.

"Why not?" she asked, wriggling under the weight of the dragon, still trying to get free.

"Astrid is not afraid of Hookfang. She would have punched her way out past him rather than be pinned next to me. And Hookfang would have let her out without a fight anyway." His face fell a bit.

"Well can't you do anything?” she pressed. “He's your dragon.”

"Of course I could... if I really wanted to,” said Snotlout, shrugging and relaxing back into his dragon. “But Hookfang would just get me back for it later. I’m not sure I want to risk it just so you can get away sooner. He is pretty stubborn and he has a long memory. He’ll let you go when he wants to. I’m just as happy to stay here.”

“But he's got me trapped," she said, still struggling. The dragon growled a warning and she froze.

“He's just trying to dry you off,” said Snotlout. As if on cue heat began to radiate from the dragon’s belly, tail, and chin. Snotlout slouched further into his dragon, crossing his eyes. She had to admit that the heat did feel good, working to chase away the chill that had been trying to set into her bones.

"But why do we have to be squished together?"

"Only my hair-brained dragon knows that. I told you. This was not my idea. Although,” he said, letting his arm fall onto her shoulder. "I can't say I'm complaining."

"Are you ever serious?" she asked, brushing his hand away. He frowned and then shrugged, folding his arms over his chest.

“Sure when I have to be. Do you ever relax?”

“Not when I'm pinned down by a dragon, particularly a Monstrous Nightmare." But despite her claim, the heat leaching into her was slowly relaxing her body even if her awareness was not dulled in the slightest. They passed into an awkward silence for several long minutes as she slowly began to dry.

"Do you still have those rolls?" he finally asked. She looked at him, shaking her head in disbelief. “What? I'm hungry." She sighed.

"In the sack," she said, pointing across his lap to where the bag was tucked under the dragon’s neck. He tugged the bag free and dug around inside before handing her two rolls. Shoving one of his into his mouth whole, he closed the bag and set it aside, relaxing into the dragon at his back as he chewed. The dragon rumbled its approval, peeking out at them through slitted eyes. Keeping her attention on the dragon she began to eat. When she glanced over at Snotlout again his hands were empty and he was watching her eat. Shaking her head she held her second roll out to him. He hesitated before taking it.

"Thanks.” She watched him snarf the role.

"Didn't you eat at all today?" she asked.

"Breakfast. No lunch. We were busy training and when we were finished Hookfang refused to go home. He was determined to bring me here but I can't guess why.” The dragon growled, raising his head as his tongue flicked out to lick Snotlout’s left arm. His tail shifted, forcing them closer still. She felt like she was practically in Snotlout's lap at this point. She waited for the dragon to lay its head down again and then shifted away from Snotlout a few inches, allowing them both more space.

"Maybe your dragon knew you would do something dumb to your burn and wind up with a nasty infection," she said. "If he’s as smart as you seem to think, he probably guessed you wouldn't ask for help even if you needed it, not from Gothi anyway." She could almost feel more than she heard the dragon’s approving rumble. "What happened to your shoulder anyway?"

“I got in a fight with a Deadly Nadder," said Snotlout. The dragon gave another warning growl. “What,” said Snotlout, shoving at the dragon’s neck. “It’s true.” His dragon snapped its head to the side, smacking Snotlout's forehead with one of his horns. “Tattletale,” said Snotlout, rubbing his forehead.

"So what really happened?" she asked. He glanced at her.

“It was sort of the truth.”

“What’s the more accurate truth?” she asked.

“Astrid sicced Stormfly on me," he said, looking away.

"Why would she do that? Aren't you two friends?"

"She overreacted. I was only flirting with her. She can't take a joke."

"Wait, doesn’t Astrid like Hiccup?" she asked. Even as secluded as she was, that rumor had managed to filter its way to her by means of Mrs. Ingerman. Snotlout’s expression soured.

"That's what everyone says, but she's never given me a chance so how would she know what she's missing out on. I could totally make her happy." She was silent, mulling that one over for a bit.

"If she keeps sending you packing, why do you keep going back?" Snotlout turned to look at her.

“You have seen Astrid, haven’t you? She's the best-looking girl in the village. She's an amazing fighter, almost as good as me. She’s totally fearless in everything she does. She’s the best so what's not to like?"

"Maybe the fact that she sicced her dragon on you.” Snotlout frowned.

“You wouldn't understand.” She pursed her lips, quashing the fleeting desire to bite back at him.

"Maybe not, but it's hard to believe you deserve to be burned like this for flirting with her."

"It wasn't exactly her fault," he said, looking away. “Normally I’m really good at dodging, but I tripped over Hiccup’s dumb shield. He never puts his stuff away. He’s too distracted obsessing over dragons with Fishface.” He glanced at her. She tilted her head to the side and raised an eyebrow, waiting for the rest. “Besides, it's not like we never fire at each other during training. Injuries are just part of training."

"But this was not training,” she said, pointing to his arm.

“No,” he said, looking away.

They lapsed into another silence, this one tenser than the last. She was not entirely sure what to make of Snotlout. She could tell that a lot of what he said was skewed, but not all of it. He was quick to withdraw or shut down, even lashing out in small ways. She was suddenly surprised by how much thought she was giving the boy sitting next to her.

Maybe her father had been right. It had been a long time since she had interacted with anyone other than him. So much so that she was overthinking this chance encounter with Snotlout. She was not likely to see much of him. He was a dragon rider. She glanced over at him. He sat with his arms folded over his chest, expression cloudy, his dark eyebrows pulled low over his surprisingly clear blue eyes.

"Hey,” she said, tapping his boot with hers as her legs were pinned down. He glanced at her out of the corner of his eye. “Thanks for getting my satchel back.” His body relaxed somewhat.

“Sure,” he said.

“And thanks for the berries, they were good.” He shrugged, but she could tell he was pleased. He was a bit of a preener. She grinned to herself. Okay, maybe a big preener but she could afford to stroke his ego a bit more.

"You even fixed the tear. Your stitches were neat. Do you sew?”

“A bit,” he admitted, reaching out to rub his dragon’s head. He was relaxed again. “My mom taught me some stitches." He looked up at her suddenly. "But you can't tell anyone."

"Why not? Everyone should know how to do basic stitches.” He frowned, rubbing around the base of his dragon’s horns.

"My dad would say it was a stupid waste of time."

"Do you like to sew?" He shrugged.

"It's okay. I used to help my mom when my dad was out on voyages with Stoic."

"Well, now you can stitch yourself up if you need to. I hardly see it as a waste of time, especially if you're constantly at risk of injury."

“I suppose so. Who is the green dragon scale tunic for?” he asked, pointing to the basket where the green scales were escaping over the edge of the basket where the tunic was crammed.

"No one yet. When it's done I'll sell it."

"How much?" he asked. She looked at him surprised.

"You want it?" He shrugged.

"I like green, and this one's getting small.” He plucked at his leather tunic. She tugged the basket closer and pulled out the half-finished article of clothing, holding it up for him to examine.

"It's about your size, but I would have to alter it slightly. It won't come cheap though."

"Why not. It's just dragon scales on leather," he said, taking it from her.

"True but getting dragon scales or leather is not the hard part."

"Then what is?"

"Have you ever tried to push a needle through a dragon scale? You can't. You have to punch holes or carve notches in them, but you also have to be sure that the edges of the holes or notches are smooth or they wear right through the thread and fall off." She pulled one of the loose scales she had already prepared from the basket and held it out to him. He examined it frowning.

"How many of these does it take to make a tunic this size?"

“One your size, maybe 500- 800 depending on the size of scale. But one Fishlegs size would be closer to 1,500 or 2,500."

"That's a lot,” he said, handing her back the tunic and scale. “Wait, you know Fishfaces name but not mine?"

"Well yeah, the Ingerman’s are our closest neighbors. Because it's obviously hard for my father or me to just go to the village for things we need, Mrs. Ingerman brings us food and supplies every day or two. Sometimes when she's too busy Fishlegs brings it instead.”

“Figures Fishface would know you first," he pouted. “Do you know any of the other riders?”

"No, not personally. I may have talked to Hiccup once or twice when I was in the village for supplies, but that's about it. I don't even know the twins' names."

“Ruffnut and Tuffnut, but ‘the twins’ works fine too," he said, rubbing at a spot of dried mud on his pants.

"Hey, can I get up yet?" she asked, shifting uncomfortably.

"What's the matter, tired of being stuck here with me?" he asked, draping his arm over her shoulder again.

“Not exactly," she said, struggling to move her legs. "It's just that... your dragon is really heavy and my legs are asleep." He laughed.

"5000 pounds of pure muscle will do that. What do you say Hookfang?" he said, tapping the dragon’s horns. “Will you let her go yet?” The dragon lifted his head, tongue flicking out to touch her sleeve. Grunting the dragon retracted his wing, tucking it back against his body. Snotlout reached for her sleeve.

"Not perfectly dry but if Hookfang is happy."

Apparently, she was dry enough to appease the dragon for he withdrew his tail and stood making his way toward the pond for a drink. She reached to rub her legs back to life as Snotlout got to his feet stretching.

"Why is it that every time I meet you I wind up with pins and needles in my legs?" He smirked down to her, his arms crossed over his chest.

"I plan it that way so you can't run away." She snorted.

"Right, did you also plan to fall off your dragon every time we meet?" He frowned.

“That's not my fault. Hookfang..." but he stopped when he spotted her grin.

“I know, I know,” she said, laughing. "I was just teasing.” She held out a hand to him and after a brief moment, he took it and hauled her to her feet.

“Actually, the first time was probably my fault," she said. “I kicked your dragon. That's why he jerked and you fell off.”

“And he still likes you,” said Snotlout, putting a hand on his hip. “You must have a spell on my dragon.”

“If I do, it’s not working,” she said, stooping to grab the basket and bag. “He won’t leave me alone.”

They stood there not speaking for a long moment and at last, she realized she wasn't even sure what she was waiting for.

"Well," she said, slinging a sack over his shoulder. “So long Snotlout. Take care of your arm." She strolled past him, avoiding the dragon as he made his way back to Snotlout.

"Hey, Sigyn,” called Snotlout just as her feet hit the game trail back home. She stopped and looked back at him.

“Yeah?" He seemed flustered, as he rubbed his dragon’s neck.

"Nothing... Nevermind." His dragon snapped its tail catching Snotout in the rear. “Hey knock it off Hookfang!"

Sigyn waited, watching a pair with amusement.

“What is it Snotlout?”

“When will we see you again?” he asked, not looking at her. She tilted her head to the side, trying to suss out the reason for his question, and the reason she wanted the answer to be sooner rather than later.

"Snoggletog probably." His brow furrowed.

"Why then?"

"Because there won't be dragons in the village for a week," she said grinning. The dragon at his side snorted.

"Oh." He seemed disappointed. She pursed her lips, thinking. She had to phrase it just right.

"You could always come visit if you want. It gets pretty monotonous with just me and my dad. But you know, only if you're bored or have nothing better to do. You must stay pretty busy with dragon riding at all."

“Yeah,” he said, straightening. “Yeah, I pretty much run the dragon riders, so I'm pretty busy." She smirked.

"Well I wouldn’t want to cripple the dragon riders, but you're always welcome to drop by. I’ll keep my stock of first aid supplies ready.”

"Yeah, maybe I could come by sometime when I'm not too busy."

"Sounds good, just... just leave your dragon behind." He glanced up at the dragon.

“His name is Hookfang," said Snotlout, folding his arm over his chest.

"Alright, leave Hookfang behind. There's a reason I live where I do and I don't want to rebuild the house or barn."

“If you say so, but Hookfang won't like it,” said Snotlout. “And you don't know what you're missing out on."

"Maybe so, but I prefer to live in ignorance... For now.” He rolled his eyes.

"Whatever, it’s your loss." He turned and climbed into the saddle. “Let’s go Fangster,” he said, patting the dragon's neck. “See you around Sigyn.”

In a matter of seconds, she was alone in the clearing once again. She turned for home, wondering if and when she would see the odd dragon rider again.