The daylight slowly made Moira aware of voices above deck, the gentle rocking of the ship causing a creaking sound to catch her ears as well as the soft swaying of her hammock, waves crashing against the wall of the ship beside her.

Jun 20, 2023, 3:23 AM

[MELODY]

Moira carefully opened her eyes before closing them again as a sharp annoying pain immediately shot into her temple. She groaned before carefully sitting up. Her red curly hair had literally 'exploded' while she was sleeping. She sighed irritated trying to get it in a bun on the back of her head before she tried to hear what was said above. It sounded like an argument..

Jun 20, 2023, 11:50 AM

[GEM]

"It's bad luck to have a women aboard a ship," Sea Dog was saying.

"Bad luck? She took out two full grown men while wearing a dress. Even you couldn't do that," Uriah argued with him.

A loud laugh from Buckle could be heard then.

"Oh I remember that day. It was the best day of my life," Greenhood commented.

"We agreed never to discuss that again!" Sea Dog said with embarrassment.

[MELODY]

Moira carefully got herself out of the hammock as she made her way back up to the deck. She lifted the hold up glancing outside to see the group of men talk. She noticed the dragon still laying in the same corner she saw it last. It was clearly listening to them as well. "..ehm..good morning?" She said to the men once she climbed out and petted the dust and dirt of her dress. Although that didn't matter since there were blood stains all over it. She wondered what they were talking about but guessed it was probably about her.

[GEM]

"Ah morning lass! How did ye sleep?" Buckle asked with cheeriness as he pulled on the ropes for the sails.

"I'm telling you, turn it portside," Sea Dog argued.

"And I'll tell you one last time, I know where I'm going," Pirate said as he had a hold on the ship's wheel.

[GEM]

"Wow, I can't believe you're finally up," Greenhood said to her as he sat on a barrel close to the railing of the ship, sharpening his dagger, implying she was out for a long time.

[MELODY]

Moira gave Buckle a small polite nod as she answered his question. "..I did sleep quite well I think..how long was I out for?" She asked turning to Greenwood when he said that. She had no idea how long they were already sailing. She just hoped it was far away from that place.

[GEM]

"Two weeks," Greenhood said.

[MELODY]

Moira's eyes widen when he said that. "W-What..? Really?" She asked in surprise.

[GEM]

"Enough, Faelan," Uriah scolded when he walked by, causing Greenhood to chuckle to himself.

[MELODY]

Moira had been a bit caught of guard by what Greenhood had said. When Uriah said that to him she sighed softly before looking around deck and their surroundings curiously. "..so where are we headed?" She asked the men as she looked at the horizon. She could feel the dragon stare at her. Ikatere was watching her carefully but was curious as well about her.

Jun 20, 2023, 7:27 PM

[GEM]

"We are headed to the heart of the north... The Isle of Berk!" Buckle said with a smile.

"A place like Berk is at the center of all the northern islands. It would be the best place for you to find what you are looking for, whatever that may be, and for us to get answers about our own mission," Uriah told her as he tightened the shrouds opposite the side Buckle was on.

Jun 21, 2023, 2:14 AM

[MELODY]

Moira nodded slowly when they explained it. She had heard about Berk from her father,the warchief and also while she was travelling. "..aren't they like..living together with..those beasts?" She asked pointing at Ikatere who raised his head when she did curiously.

Jun 21, 2023, 9:00 AM

[GEM]

"The largest community of dragon and rider in the north," he replied.

"Why? Are you scared of dragons?" Sea Dog asked.

[MELODY]

Moira crossed her arms when Sea Dog asked that and turned away. "No..I just never seen one before this one.." Ikatere had quietly walked up to the group now clearly interested in and curious about the new girl.

[GEM]

"What have you been living in a cave?" he asked in surprise.

"Arne..." Uriah warned. "Leave her be."

"Yeah? Or what, huh?" he threatened.

Buckle gave him a shove and he fell backwards off the boat, shouting in alarm hilariously before hitting the water below.

This sent everyone into laughter aside from Pirate who just rolled his eyes and said, "Can we stop dropping cargo?"

[GEM]

Moira glared at him when he asked that before Buckle made him fall of the boat. She couldn't help but let a laugh escape as well.

Faelan and the rest of the crew huddled to the side of the boat where Sea Dog managed to cling to a rope instead of drifting off to sea. "You bastard!"

"You know what happens when you challenge me, Sea Dog!" Buckle shouted.

"Uh oh. Shark off the port bow!" Uriah called when he looked over his shoulder.

"What?!" Sea Dog said in terror.

"Nah I'm kidding," he replied with a chuckle.

Ikatere then dove after him and grabbed him by the collar of his clothes before getting him back on deck dropping him rather clumsy. But it showed he really wanted them all to be safe and started to care about them. He looked at Sea Dog, giving him a nudge with his nose once he landed next to him.

[MELODY]

Moira had walked over to watch when the others did as she chuckled at the reaction when Uriah said there was a shark. Ikatere seemed to be much calmer now everyone was back on board of the boat. He really didn't like when they split up or left him there alone. Him nudging sea dog like that was almost like asking are you alright?

Jun 21, 2023, 9:40 AM

[GEM]

The man pat him on the head. "Aye, thanks mate," he told the beast before trying to get water out of his ear. "At least someone is worried about me," he told the others with regards to the dragon.

"Yeah... I wasn't," Greenhood replied.

Sea Dog made a deadpan look.

"Well," Uriah began, changing the subject, "princess, I think it is about time you know us for our real names instead of the crew names we gave ourselves way back." He gestured to Sea Dog. "This is Arne."

He smiled a little but was too busy getting the water out of his ear.

"Gregor," he put a hand on Buckle's shoulder. "Our current pilot up there is named Ruarcc," he said about Pirate. "And the one trying to snatch your ring is Faelan," he finished with a bored at the last one.

When she looked at him he had changed his demeanor immediately and was leaning his back against the mast with his hood over his eyes, smiling innocently.

Jun 21, 2023, 10:40 AM

[MELODY]

Moira clearly froze when Uriah called her princess. She quickly recovered though so it was barely noticeable. She then smiled back at them. "Well nice to meet ye..I am Moira.." she said to them politely. Ikatere gave Sea dog a lick on the side of his face before he went over to Moira when she spoke. "Ehm..no..don't.." moira said to him getting uncomfortable with him coming so close.

[GEM]

"Oh, yuck!" Arne complained.

Uriah seemed amused and walked over to the dragon, putting his hand on the creature's neck to pet him. "Don't worry, lass. He's quite a polite little thing," he assured her.

[MELODY]

"..if ye say so.." Moira said still not liking the dragon being so close. "..is he yours?" She asked him as she noticed Ikatere stopped approaching her when Uriah started petting him. He was quietly purring now liking all the attention.

[GEM]

"Not exactly. We found him out by a volcanic island west, nurtured him back to health. I had a dragon once... he died a while ago during a fight with bandits. But I'm not sure Ikatere is old enough to be a mount yet. He is quite a loyal thing, though."

[MELODY]

Moira listened to his story and nodded before looking down at the dragon. "..he seems to care about ye all..maybe he is thankful for ye helping him.." Ikatere looked up at her again when she said that carefully trying to get closer again. Moira knew she couldn't avoid him forever but she did take a step back though.

[GEM]

He chuckled at her hesitance. "Yes I believe you are right. Dragons have a strangely high intelligence. Some say they can even communicate in writing when taught," he told her.

[MELODY]

Moira looked a bit unsure about that last comment but nodded anyway. "..so he can understand what we are saying?" She asked watching Ikatere come up to her carefully still. She sighed softly then "it won't stop, will it?"

[GEM]

"Somewhat," he answered to her first question. And to her next comment he said, "He's persistent," with a little amusement in his expression. He tried to make it easier for her so he stepped between them (but to the side) and reached out for her hand.

[MELODY]

Moira noticed him doing that and pulled her hand away. "What are ye doing?" She asked looking up at him now. She had a pretty defensive attitude still. So it was clear a lot happened to her.

Jun 21, 2023, 11:27 AM

[GEM]

He chuckled. "It's alright, I don't bite either," he joked, leaving his hand open to request for hers, hoping she would trust him.

[MELODY]

Moira hesitated before she sighed softly. "Alright..ye better not play tricks on me." She said before letting him hold her hand. Ikatere was watching them with his head tilted slightly being rather amused by their interaction, mostly Moira's reactions to him.

[GEM]

Uriah kept his left hand on Ikatere's neck as he held Moira's hand in his right one. "A little trust, lass," he said with slight amusement but also sincerity before he brought her hand close to the dragon's nose slowly, making sure Ikatere stayed relaxed under his own touch first.

[MELODY]

Ikatere looked curious when he brought her hand closer sniffing it. "W-wait what are ye doing?" Moira said more nervously now. It made Ikatere pull his head back a bit feeling her nerves growing.

[GEM]

"It's alright," he said to them both and gave Moira a look of reassurance. "Stay still, beast," he told Ikatere. He then carefully and steadily... placed Moira's palm onto the dragon's nose.

Jun 21, 2023, 12:06 PM

[MELODY]

Once they touched both of them seemed to calm down. Moira seemed rather surprised by it as she felt the dragon's purrs vibrate under her hand. "..it feels so odd.." she said watching Ikatere look back up at her as she went with her fingers over his scales.

[GEM]

Uriah smiled slowly at this before removing his own hand. "It's not like petting a dog, I'll tell you that."

"I'm tempted to blow Gregor's horn," Faelan said to Arne quietly.

"I don't want to clean up that mess," he replied.

[MELODY]

Moira carefully then kneeled down in front of Ikatere to watch him closer. She is small in height so the dragon was now like standing over her. "..it does have beautiful colours.." she said as she still couldn't believe dragons were exactly real and one was in front of her.

[GEM]

"Aye. In a storm we could use him to catch light," Arne said.

Uriah knelt down as well to put his hand at Ikatere's side. "Have you truly never seen a dragon before?" he asked her more quietly.

[MELODY]

Moira shook her head when Uriah asked that. "Never..I thought they were..fairy tales..like myths.." she said looking over at him. "..I never seen a dragon in real life.."

[GEM]

He narrowed his eyes just slightly, curious of her answer and wondering what kind of background would cause this or if she was lying. But why lie about this? "I bet others would wish this was their story. I've known whole tribes to be blown away by dragonfire, and others who have spent their lives fighting them at great cost," he said as he stroked Ikatere's scales.

[MELODY]

Moira noticed his reaction but ignored it and just gave him a small nodded petting the dragon as well who suddenly laid down purring lower. "..it acts like a cat.." she said with a small smile.

Jun 21, 2023, 3:48 PM

[GEM]

"Yeah, scales, wings, fire breath—I can't think of a single thing that doesn't make him the same as a cat," Arne remarked sarcastically as he walked by to go adjust the sail's angle.

Uriah ignored him and said to her, "I think he likes you already. He certainly warms up to people better than most dragons, that is for sure."

[MELODY]

"..makes him vulnerable as well..like trusting bad ones as well too easy.." Moira said with a soft sigh as she ignored Arne's comment as well. Ikatere had closed their eyes while they were petting him.

[GEM]

"For the most part I have gathered dragons are a very... neutral beast. They don't seem to wage wars as hard as us," he said.

[MELODY]

Moira looked a bit surprised at that. "Really? Mostly dragons are painted as the monsters in stories.." she said to him.

[GEM]

"Well, they are the most powerful beings on Earth... and as animals they do have their animalistic natures despite the intelligence. If a dragon wants to eat, there is little stopping it... But they can also be very gentle creatures, I have found."

[MELODY]

Moira nodded at what he said as she had never imagined a dragon to behave the way Ikatere was behaving now. "..he sure doesn't look like a monster right now.."

Jun 21, 2023, 5:10 PM

[GEM]

"No indeed... It was a welcoming turnaround when that Viking kid began the peace with dragons. Speaking of that, Berk is a very welcoming people. You might stay there if it suits you," he told her as the others kept busy. "Unless you are planning a more nomadic lifestyle. If that were the case I would suggest getting a dragon for yourself."

Jun 21, 2023, 11:48 PM

[MELODY]

"I see..well I will think about that.." Moira said with a small smile on her face. She hadn't thought that far ahead yet. She had no idea what would come next for them.

Jun 23, 2023, 8:34 PM

[GEM]

He smiled at her politely and his eyes returned to the dragon.

The journey north was mostly uneventful but when they began to see tall rock formations poking out of the Norwegian waves, they knew they were approaching the island of Berk.

Once these tall towers of stone were passing their ship, they saw on the horizon a lone mound of land, coming up as jagged cliffs layered around a single mountain at the center. And the closer they got, the more that the crewmen were interested in what they saw.

[GEM]

They began to see black dots crowding the skies around the island. And the further they got, the larger some of those dots became. One of them was flying their direction, and as it got closer, they noticed it was a Grapple Grounder with a rider atop it.

The orange scaled beast roared out as it nearly flew right over their ship, the wind from its wings catching the sails and the water, causing the waves to crash harder against the bow.

Jun 24, 2023, 2:33 AM

[MELODY]

Ikatere had been calm the whole journey until the closer they got to Berk the more restless the dragon became like he could sense something..

Moira had along the journey tried to help the men here and there. She didn't want to sit down and do nothing. Her eyes had widen once Berk came in sight but when she saw that dragon approaching she had gone to stand behind Uriah but when the waves hit the ship she stumbled and fell against him. Her face went fully red when that happened. "S-Sorry.." she mumbled before backing away again. She looked back at the island again then. "There are so many.." she said pointing out the amount of dragons surrounding Berk.

Jun 24, 2023, 10:52 PM

[GEM]

When she fell against him he put up his hands to catch her arms to steady her. He chuckled. "No harm done, lass," he said to her after her apology and let her go once she was stable again. He then looked out at the view. "Largest community of man and dragon in the north. Possibly the world," he replied.

Jun 25, 2023, 4:16 AM

[MELODY]

"..that's impressive..but why would those dragons just willingly stay there?" Moira asked wondering how it was living there. To her it seemed chaotic and dangerous but interesting.

Jun 25, 2023, 2:05 PM

[GEM]

"Because dragons are as intelligent as they are, they too understand what a wise chief does," he replied as he walked to the other side of the sail to begin to raise it in order to slow down. "It's better to have friends than enemies," he finished.

Jun 25, 2023, 2:28 PM

[MELODY]

Moira nodded in agreement at his last comment. She glanced up at the island again as they slowed down to get to the docks. She would be lying if she said she wasn't nervous for this. She still had the same clothes on with dried blood all over it. "..are ye sure I can walk into that village like this?"

Jun 25, 2023, 5:32 PM

[GEM]

As they sailed closer, the island got more visible, as well as its features.

First they saw the boats—boats of every type and size from all over the north—that were parked at the numerous docks that covered nearly every side of the island that they could see.

The island didn't have beaches, but rather walkways that led down to the docks from the cliffs, the island standing like a stoney plateau over the water. The first level was huge, taking up the most space as there were small Celtic style houses that dotted the lands, some of the houses having fenced in livestock or growing crops. But mostly it was a trade center as there wasn't much room for any resource other than fish and maybe iron mining.

[GEM]

There were wooden stairs and bridges that connected the first level to the next one, the whole island separated by stacked layers of land that looked much more enormous when they were this close, green grass covering each layer as well as the land behind the mountain holding masses of rich evergreen forests.

There were large bridges built to detached sections of the island as well as many stone statues serving as landmarks for the tribe and its culture.

[GEM]

There were also walls and guard towers built around the civilization with ballistas mounted on them and Berkian flags hanging off their platforms. That was probably their only defensive aspect aside from the dragons. Not that they needed it. Their island was alone and could only be sieged by dragon riders. But no riders could compete with those of Berk, nor were there any larger number of them in the north.

There were dragons all over the island, flying off and coming in, as well as lingering in the village and beyond—so many different types and such a variety of colors in the scales.

It was well known that Berk was now the most powerful civilization of the entire region.

[GEM]

They were allowed to dock near some other ships on the far right side, where strangers would come. Approaching the docks. They saw a heavily armored dragon, some boulder type dragon with four large legs and massive wings, its jaw large and chin square. It sniffed the air and glared at them as they slowed. A few armed men were there as well, eyeing their small vessel.

When Moira made the comment about their appearance, Uriah began to chuckle and commented, "You've never been in company with Vikings, have you lass?"

"Drop anchor!" Ruarcc said.

Gregor went over to do this as Uriah, Faelan, and Arne continued to raise the sails.

"Pull that for me, would you?" Uriah asked as he pointed to the rigging opposite him on the starboard side of the ship.

Jun 26, 2023, 2:23 AM

[MELODY]

"No only Scots.." the red head replied as she sighed softly "and now and then a foreign guest.." she walked over to the rigging where Uriah pointed her to go and did as he asked pulling it. Ikatere seemed rather restless now walking back and forth glancing up at the dragons and down at the dragons on the docks. Something seemed almost to pull at him.

Jun 26, 2023, 2:09 PM

[GEM]

They put the sails up as the anchor caught and allowed them a smooth stop at the dock. The man that was there looked about twenty-seven, with blonde hair and a thin beard, broad shoulders. He had on leather Nordic style armor and a dark tattoo going down the left side of his face. The dragon remained behind him. "Alright then, what is your business here in Berk?" he asked with his arms folded over his chest as the crew stepped off their boat.

Pirate was not intimidated and he just faced the man. "We were traveling in the west, searching for treasures that we ended up never finding. But what we did find could be of interest to your chief," he said plainly.

"Aye? And what's that?" he asked, narrowing his eyes.

Some looks were exchanged.

[GEM]

"Apparently it was a ghost—" Arne began but was elbowed by Faelan.

"There was a very dangerous man we encountered," Uriah spoke up, moving to stand at Ruarrc's side. "And he might put everyone in the north at risk. But he killed our friends. And the notion of his appearance made us question what we knew of the physical world and even necrotic magic. We have questions that need to be answered and we wanted to bring those here for hope that we could find something to help us stop him..." he said honestly. He didn't mention Moira's dilemma because he was still unsure of what she intended to do here and also didn't want to risk her being known if people were after her in the north. Avoiding that kind of gossip would be wise.

[GEM]

The man seemed to be holding back some information as his eyes revealed suspicion, something causing him to believe them. So he nodded. "Fine then, but try any funny business and you'll be dragon meat."

"We believe that," Arne muttered while he scratched the back of his neck, eyeing the great beast that looked back at him from under a stony scaly brow.

"Leave the weapons," Uriah demanded from the group when he looked behind them. He didn't even have his sword, axes, or even a dagger on hand.

"What?" Sea Dog said with disbelief, not liking that idea.

But he gave the man a look and he rolled his eyes and obeyed.

Pirate looked skeptical, never being unarmed before but he took his sword and tossed it down reluctantly.

[MELODY]

Moira watched them talk to each other as she got off the ship as well with Ikatere behind her who hesitatingly got onto the dock. Surprisingly moira was carrying quite the amount of weapons. A bow and arrows, a dirk, multiple small knives hidden in and under her clothes. She also didn't want to go unarmed but she listened to them knowing they knew this island and culture better then her.

[GEM]

They all seemed a bit surprised that she had so many weapons, Arne exchanging a confused look with Gregor. Uriah almost just seemed impressed, a hint of amusement on his face.

The others also dropped their weapons but when Greenhood only dropped a dagger down, they all gave him a look.

He smiled innocently but after a long moment he finally gave in and dropped blades from his boots, bracers, belt, back, thigh, and even pulled out the small bow and arrows from under his cloak, dropping it as well.

Gregor took their things and put them in the hold. "What do we do with the lizard?" he asked, watching how nervous Ikatere seemed to be.

[MELODY]

The young dragon seemed to try to hide behind Moira who got uncomfortable by that again trying to step away from him seeming to think why me now? She sighed deeply before letting him hide by her now as she knew him well enough to know he would keep trying. Ikatere seemed to have his gaze locked on the other dragon near them.

[GEM]

"If it can't handle being around other beasts then we will have to leave him here like we did at the port," Ruarrc said with a sigh.

"He'll be alright. Come on, urchin, the other dragons won't hurt you," he said and whistled at Ikatere as he began to walk down the docks

[MELODY]

Ikatere looked up at him when he whistled as his ears lifted up focusing on him now. He got away from behind moira before walking over to him. Moira looked a bit surprised at that. The dragon really listens to him? She hadn't expected it to understand any of that. She then began to walk with the group down the docks. It was very busy which made her nervous as well. Although she didn't show it she was still afraid that she would walk into someone who recognised her.

Jun 26, 2023, 3:40 PM

[GEM]

Walking towards the wooden stairs that led up to the island, they climbed them, moving single file as others squeezed by to get down to their ships, one particularly hefty man carrying a barrel on his shoulders laughing as they made room for him to come down.

Finally reaching the top, they saw that a busier place could not exist.

Right away, Moira could get the culture and she found that while it was lighter and full of more life than the darker criminal energy of Shipwreck Port, the people weren't any more clean or polite. There were barbarian types all around them talking loudly, sharing pints, feeding dragons, lugging things from one place to the other, sparring, shopping, drinking, and just socializing as well. It seemed more than the Berkian colours were being presented. There were types here from other tribes and clans of the north all intermingling with one another and sharing stories.

[GEM]

There were some banners and flags hanging around that suggested it was some kind of a festival season, which would explain why the island was as packed as it was.

"Blimey..." Arne commented. "Is it always this chaotic?" he asked as he looked around, watching two children run through the crowed ands knock over a woman carrying food, the small dragon beside her eating it when it dropped.

"Not likely," Ruarcc replied.

"Maybe the chief's son and his maiden finally tying the knot," Faelan suggested.

[MELODY]

Ikatere seemed really overstimulated with everything going on around him as he stayed close to Uriah. But he didn't seem scared like he was before. Moira was really on edge in this huge crowd so she stayed close to the men. But when she saw the woman fall down she went over to her offering her hand as she wanted to help her get back up. "Here let me help ye.." She said to the woman.

Jun 26, 2023, 4:47 PM

[GEM]

"Oh, thank you, m'lady!" she replied, dusting herself off.

"Oops," one of the little boys remarked.

"Run," the other one said almost at the same time as both of them took off.

"Did we lose someone?" Arne commented.

Uriah looked around for Moira and spotted her with the woman, frowning but then smiling a little when he saw she was helping her.

Jun 27, 2023, 2:04 AM

[MELODY]

"Oh no ye don't." Moira said quickly grabbing them by the collars of their shirts. "..ye apologise to the lady first.." she said to them strictly but calm. She let them go once they were standing by the woman again.

Jun 27, 2023, 1:40 PM

[GEM]

"No!" one said before taking off the other direction.

His brother watched him leave. "I'm sorry, my lady. He's adopted."

[GEM]

"It's alright, miss. I'm used to hooligans around here," the woman she helped told her. "Shoo! Off you go!" she said to the child and he ran after his brother.

"What tribe are you here from?" the woman asked.

[MELODY]

Moira sighed softly watching the boys. "Watch out next time, okay?" She then turned to the woman. "I am not from a tribe really..I am from Scotland..I am from a clan.." she explained with a small smile "I guess ye could say it's like a tribe..but smaller.."

[GEM]

"Oh, I heard a uniting is taking place there. I'm surprised to see you're not celebrating at Edinburgh with the rest of 'em. Should be a celebration tonight," she said with interest.

[MELODY]

"..I am travelling..that's why I am not at home..is that what the festival is for?" Moira asked trying to block her curiousity. She now realised by helping her she drew unwanted attention to herself. She kinda glanced over at the men like saying 'help me'.

Jun 27, 2023, 2:49 PM

[GEM]

"Oh this? No, no this the annual Mid-Summer festival. Lasts for days it does!" she explained.

Pirate was busy corralling the men to keep them from wandering off like children as Uriah conversed with a man he met once before. But when he caught the eye of Moira he seemed amused by her expression and excused himself from his conversation, making his way through the crowd to them.

"Good day, my lady," he said to the Berkian. "We best be getting away if we are to get to the dragon racing, what say you, love?" he asked Moira, giving the woman the impression she was just a missionary's wife.

[MELODY]

"I see..well it's very lively." Moira seemed relieved with Uriah coming to rescue her from this situation she got herself into. But when he called her 'love' she felt her cheeks heat up. She was caught off guard by it. "Ehm...yes..let's go there.." she said mumbling it more then speaking as she looked at the ground trying to calm herself. No one ever called her that. She knew he didn't mean it really but it still made her react like that.

Jun 27, 2023, 3:18 PM

[GEM]

"Have a good day!" the woman replied as she got back to her own tasks.

"Were you expecting no one to speak to you here, lass?" Uriah asked her with a little humor left in him as they walked away.

[MELODY]

"..I just wanted to help her, that's all..but she started asking questions." Moira said to him quietly still blushing a bit from it as she avoided eyecontact with him and the others.

Jun 27, 2023, 3:38 PM

[GEM]

"As people are bound to. If you don't have a false backstory thought through yet, you might want to get one straightened out before you speak with anyone else, seems like," he suggested.

[MELODY]

Moira seemed quite annoyed at the fact that he could see right through her but nodded. "I shall do that then.." she said as they tried to get through the crowd. It only got busier the closer they came to the place where the races were held. Suddenly she heard someone shouting something like:...on the loose! She didn't really understand the language that well yet. But she did feel the ground shake as the crowd suddenly split apart trying to get out of the way of something big. She looked up to see a huge dragon coming their way as it was chasing a very small dragon. Probably a baby. Moira's eyes widen as she completely froze where she was standing.

Jun 27, 2023, 4:27 PM

[GEM]

Uriah had noticed some kids fighting ahead and went to talk with them for a moment. when he saw the dragon coming through, he picked up the two kids and ducked out of the way before the stampeding Crimson Goregutter was able to trample them to death. The huge teal and crimson beast missed most people as its wicked sharp antler looking downturned horns got very close to knocking others over. But it stopped in its tracks when Moira stood before it, huffing breath from its nose as it towered above her.

[MELODY]

Moira was still looking at it with widened eyes in shock and looked a bit pale around her nose. She was just staring into the beast's eyes now as dust and sand around them flew up because of it suddenly stopping. She let out one shaky breath as she realised she could have just died. But something about this dragon seemed almost innocent...the look in it's eyes was as if it knew it did something bad. It reminded her of a puppy.

Jun 27, 2023, 4:54 PM

[GEM]

The other crewmen saw this as they came around the corner and wondered what happened. Uriah looked with wide eyes at the sight, surprised that it stopped in front of her.

Jun 28, 2023, 12:24 AM

[MELODY]

The whole crowd around them had gone quiet when it happened staring at the red-head and the dragon. It had stopped only and inch from her barely touching her at her feet. She carefully took a step back as her legs felt like they would give in any moment. She kept her eyes on the dragon as it whimpered almost apologetic. It was clearly a young dragon. She couldn't help but smile a little at it's reaction. "..I-it's okay..I-I am fine..ye were just playing.." she told it with a shaking voice.

Jun 29, 2023, 4:45 PM

[GEM]

"I told you they'd move!" a voice said. Looking over, Uriah saw a young man with blond dreads standing beside someone who looked the same age with the same blonde colored locks, hers just down but dirty.

"Just because someone said 'I bet' doesn't mean they want their theory tested!" she complained.

"I was entertained. Gorm got his foot stuck in a bucket," another said. He was a taller lad and maybe a couple years older but they couldn't tell. He was huge with long dark hair and scrappy facial hair. They looked like Berkians.

"Okay, you're right that was pretty funny," the girl admitted.

"Oi. He's a big one," Arne said as he walked up to where Moira was standing, admiring the dragon.

[GEM]

"And a beauty!" Gregor complimented with much the same attitude.

"I thought it was going to run you right over," Faelan added, joining the group.

"Sorry about that, we're still training him. Picked him up from some trappers last week," the man with black hair spoke as he walked up, putting his hand on the side of the dragon's wing.

"Yeah we're trying to train him to only trample Snotlout," the blond with dreads said.

The man with black hair looked up into nothing with a deadpan of frustration.

Jun 30, 2023, 12:30 AM

[MELODY]

"I-I thought I would die as well.." The redhead replied to Faelan. Slowly Moira got back to herself as she glared over at the three Berkians. "..ye realise you could have killed someone, don't ye?" She asked seriously as she was obviously angry now. "Next time maybe try training it in something that's not for harming others.." she shot at them sharply before she glanced back at the dragon. It seemed totally not comfortable right now and still seemed to feel bad. Ikatere suddenly showed up besides Moira then as he was worried about her but also his fellow dragon. He looked at the crimson gorecutter letting out soft purrs as it replied back with it's own. "..and look what ye did to the poor wee beast.." Moria said to them as she watched the two dragons interact. Ikatere surely got the attention of the crowd now as he stood out with his beautiful bright colours and appearance.

Jun 30, 2023, 12:48 AM

[GEM]

"Yeah Snotlout, what were thinking?" the blond lad said to the dark haired man as if it was his fault.

"I nailed you to the top of the longhouse once and I will do it again!" he threatened him with a pointed finger.

"You're just jealous because you lost the bet," the girl said with her arms crossed.

The people around them gradually dispersed and began talking amongst themselves again as the bickering went on.

[MELODY]

Moira was surprised at this and got more furious now. Were they really ignoring her? "..hello? This isn't about yer bet or whatever! Ye put people in danger for yer own fun!" She said to the three of them. "Do ye even realise that? Or is that a too high level of thinking for ye?" She shot at them. "Stop bickering among yerselves and start thinking!"

[GEM]

Uriah and his crew were watching this exchange with amusement.

"Hey if you are so godlike at training dragons better than us why don't you take him and train him yourself, you.... strange woman we've never met?!" the one with the dreads said to her with attitude.

[MELODY]

Moira shot him a glare which would kill if it could. "Alright fine! I think he's better off with me anyway." She stated as she turned to the dragon who was watching them. She kneeled down by his head as she gave him a small smile. "..yer way too innocent for them to take advantage of ye..ye want to come with me?" She asked the dragon softly. Her whole attitude towards the fire-breathing creature that almost killed her was totally different to how she reacted to the three Berkians which was amusing and interesting in it's own way.

[GEM]

Uriah smiled a little, finding it rather heartwarming that she was already friendly with the dragonkind and perhaps even found one as a possible mount.

"Well that takes care of our duties today," the blond said with a shrug, glad of the outcome.

"Why is she so mean?" the one called Snotlout questioned as the three turned to walk away.

"She reminds me of your mom--" the girl commented.

"Shut up."

Uriah cleared his throat, "Excuse me, Berkians!" he got their attention again, the three young adults turning around.

He stepped up to them and said, "My crew and I are looking for the chief. Do you know his current whereabouts?"

"Probably watching the race," Snotlout told him, gesturing to the area built with banners and shouting crowds that watched on the edges of the islands, part of the racing route in the rocky crevices between the islands.

He nodded. "Thank you and a pleasure to meet you lot, my name is Uriah of Dublin and you are?"

"Tuffnut," the blond said.

"Ruffnut," the girl added.

"Snotlout," the last one told him.

"I never get tired of Berkian names," he replied with a smirk but as they parted, he looked at his crew. "Right. Well I am going to find the chief. You all can come with or--"

"Go drink," Gregor said at the same time as Faelan who said, "Gamble," and Arne said, "Go get food."

He nodded. "Very well," he replied, not really surprised but then looked at Ruarcc. "Keep an eye on them, eh?" he told the man before leaving.

Jun 30, 2023, 10:10 AM

[MELODY]

The dragon stared at her and seemed to get what she said as it let out a loud purr-like sound. "..Alright that's settled then." Moira said before looking up at the crew as they each went their separate ways. "Shall I come with ye?" She asked Uriah as she walked over to him. Ikatere had already followed him when he started walking. The crimson gorecutter started following Moira. Somehow it was interested and trusted her enough already to follow her. But that wasn't really smart as it didn't fit through the crowd.

Jun 30, 2023, 11:09 AM

[GEM]

"You are most welcome if you wish it," he replied over his shoulder to her. "I think the others are more concerned with drinking themselves into a coma than our lost friend. Doesn't surprise me exactly. They are used to losing crewmates and friends in their business nearly monthly," he said as they walked.

[MELODY]

Moira looked a bit concerned at what he said. She never knew pirates lost that much lives. "..I think..after you lose so many ye stop feeling it..to protect yerself." She said quietly knowing that from the advice the soldiers gave her.

[GEM]

"Aye. And such is the life of a criminal. But I would take an arrow through the eye for them, even if they might not for me," he said honestly, his expression revealing that he had no problem with that.

[MELODY]

"..Ye have a kind heart.." Moira said smiling softly as she said that. She then looked around as they came closer to the area of the races. "..they decorated it all so colourful."

Jul 1, 2023, 12:34 AM

[GEM]

The commotion almost made it impossible for him to hear her even with her standing beside him. The further they walked, the more crowded it became with people huddled together watching some of the dragons come through under the wooden bridges and banners.

Dragon racing.