The gentle birds chirping in the cold trees caught Melody's ears gradually as she slept with her cloak over her, against the back of Umbra to stay warm through the morning. But she didn't truly wake up until she felt the cold touch of a blade against the side of her left cheek.

[MELODY]

Freezing completely when she felt the cold steal against her cheek she didn't dare to move as she glanced up to see whose blade it was.

[GEM]

Muiredach's shadowed eyes watched her from under his hood, squinting slightly as he just barely cocked his head to one side. "Seems I expected more out of you... I guess I should have been louder," he said plainly and removed the long curved knife he had against her skin, standing up straight afterwards.

[MELODY]

"..w-were you testing me?" Melody asked him in disbelief as she got up quickly once he moved back. She wondered why Lyre hadn't woken her or done anything when he did that.

[GEM]

"If I weren't you'd already be dead, little doe," he kept the same tone and sheathed his weapon before glancing out the cave. "Come. We have... a great deal of work to do," he said before leaving her.

[MELODY]

She blinked a few times and got to her feet quickly, grabbing her sickles as she did. "Well..mostly my magic reacts to something like that.." she said as she followed him wondering what work he meant. She combed her fingers through her messy hair to pull it to one side.

[GEM]

"Then why didn't it?" he asked her as he walked from the cave.

[MELODY]

"..I am not sure.." Melody said letting out a deep sigh. 'Yes, why didn't you?'

[GEM]

You think I didn't know his intentions? I'll let him play his little games... for now

"And this magic you speak of," Muiredach continued as they walked. "Did it help you last night?" he prompted, referring to how Lyre could only fight off so much...

[MELODY]

'Alright..fine..' She let out a soft sigh. "..Yes...it only attacks like that when I am in life threatening situations..I don't want to kill honestly..or avoid it as much as I can at least." She explained calmly.

[GEM]

They arrived in a small clearing in this thick pine forest, still shadowed by the treetops, a brook nearby that they could hear if they were quiet. He stopped there as his eyes scanned the area. "Death does not have an agenda, nor does it care whether or not you choose to fight," he told her coldly before he turned and looked down on her, their height difference more noticeable now than at any point before. "It will come for you in the form of another person that you don't want to kill and when it does, what will you do then? Will you take up your arms? Or will you lay down and let others kill for you?" he peered into her eyes with a challenging glare, standing close enough she could see his breath making small clouds in the air.

[MELODY]

"..I haven't really thought about it that way..." Melody said honestly as she looked up at him. "..I was brought up with the idea that all life is sacred..nature is sacred.." it was the way the witches lived. Close to nature. Living alongside nature with respect for it.

[GEM]

"And yet the wolf feasts on the doe, the widow devours her mate, the serpent swallows its prey alive..." he said in a lower voice, almost a whisper. "Are we then cruel for killing as nature does? Or is nature simply mocking the way we interpret the world? Your pacifist attitude will get you killed, Melody. And after that... those you love." He spoke harshly but seemed fed up with the way she behaved. Life was cruel; the order was cruel. And he had been in it since he was old enough to hold a blade.

[MELODY]

Melody narrowed her eyes at him when he talked like that before she looked away not wanting him to see the pain showing in her eyes at that moment. "..the ones I loved are already killed.." she said quietly.

Nov 26, 2023, 4:15 PM

[GEM]

"Then you understand the consequences as well as I do," he replied with a definite story behind those words before he put her sickles in her hands and took a step back. "We'll begin with some simple maneuvers."

[MELODY]

Melody looked his way again before glancing down at her sickles and just nodded. The pain was still showing as she looked back up at him again. She understood he only wanted to help her by learning her how to defend herself...in his own way.

Nov 26, 2023, 4:35 PM

[GEM]

He had taken out his own blade again, an ebony one that was gently curved and beautifully crafted. He held it firmly in his right hand and lifted it horizontally. "Upward block," he said and then positioned it low. "Downward block." He then switched it so that the blade was pointed out the back of his hand towards his elbow instead to show her a side block.

"Got it?"

[MELODY]

Melody observed what he did before she nodded copying what he showed her but with her left hand. "Like this?"

[GEM]

"You'll also want to make sure your stance is strong, otherwise," he suddenly threw down his blade on her with her upwards block in place but she staggered back just a tad when it happened.

His face was close to hers as their weapons were locked together. "...you'll stumble," he finished, glancing down at her form when he did, his eyes giving her a very subtle sassy look when they stuck back to hers.

[MELODY]

Melody let out a surprised yelp when that happened before letting out a soft sigh. "A-Alright.." she tried to make her stance more grounded.

Nov 26, 2023, 9:16 PM

[GEM]

"Dominant leg forward. Secondary one back," he said before he slid his blade off hers sternly and backed up again.

She felt Lyre's eyes on her as they did this, as if watching carefully and with a dominating or even reproachable gaze.

"Show me the three blocks as fast as you can. Down. Up. Left," her trainer said as he stood a couple of steps before her.

Nov 27, 2023, 4:25 AM

[MELODY]

Melody clearly hesitated when she felt Lyre's eyes on her. She went to stand the right way and tried to move as fast as she could but with the last block left she didn't manage to twirl her sickle that fast and accidentally dropped it. She quickly picked it back up glancing back at him. "I will try again.."

Nov 27, 2023, 6:04 AM

[GEM]

He used two fingers to motion for her to come forward, watching the way she was doing it.

[MELODY]

She sighed softly as she took some steps forward towards him. Feeling Lyre's eyes burn in her back didn't help as she felt some nerves doing this. Melody tried doing the blocking again this time the last one went a bit better but still not great. Luckily she is a quick learner.

Nov 27, 2023, 6:52 AM

[GEM]

He held his hand out for her sickle.

[MELODY]

She gave it to him wondering what he wanted to show her with it.

Nov 27, 2023, 7:10 AM

[GEM]

He raised up her weapon in his hand. "Watch me," he said as he didn't even have to remove his eyes from hers to show her, flipping the weapon around with incredibly precise motions as if he'd done it for years. She wasn't even certain she could do that with her own fingers. At least not that perfectly.

He put it back in her hand and corrected her starting grip, his hands gentle with her as they were when he was pulling the glass from her body.

Nov 27, 2023, 7:27 AM

[MELODY]

Melody watched him in amazement as he demonstrated that to her. She felt slightly uncomfortable when he touched her hand and she didn't know why but she felt her cheeks heat up slightly.

[GEM]

He stepped back once more. "Again."

[MELODY]

"Do you mean what you just did? Or the blocking?" Melody asked him thinking too much about this, but also her concentration had become less..

[GEM]

"Blocking. All of it. Again," he explained.

[MELODY]

Melody nodded as she let out a deep sigh trying to focus. What was wrong with her? She started to practice the blocking again.

[GEM]

He watched and after two times, he nodded. "Alright. Now let's try it in practice," he said plainly, not giving her much of a warning before he lunged forward and struck upwards, her blade blocking his fast and then his next strike down upon her head and from the left after that, his movements quick and precise but to her surprise she managed to catch all three blows when she relied on her instincts, their weapons still locked together until he yanked his blade back and squinted a little. "Good," he simply said.

[MELODY]

The surprise was showing on her face as this was the first time in a long time she listened to her own instincts instead of Lyre's instructions. "..it..worked.." she said looking up at him.

[GEM]

He stifled a smile at her innocently happy reaction. "You have decent reflexes, little doe. You should have trained long ago," he complimented.

[MELODY]

A small smile appeared on her face as she nodded. "..I didn't think I needed it..until now." She said honestly to him. Her posture had become more relaxed now as it gave her a bit more confidence in herself.

[GEM]

Remember who you are, Melody... and more importantly who is worthy of your trust...

[MELODY]

Her smile slowly disappeared when she heard them say that as she put her sickles back onto her belt. She seemed to struggle in her mind trying to keep that confidence but doubt started to creep in again.

Nov 27, 2023, 8:34 AM

[GEM]

"Keep them out, Melody. We are far from done yet," Muiredach told her with his back turned, striding casually.

[MELODY]

Melody clearly hesitated again before detaching them from her belt again and glanced up at him. There was a small sign of fear in her eyes since she didn't know how Lyre would react on her continuing this training with Muiredach. Something told her he didn't like this at all. But that was also confusing to her. Why wouldn't he want her to learn how to protect herself?

[GEM]

"I'm going to strike again but this time I'll add one more at the end," he said before he came at her with the same sequence as before.

[MELODY]

Melody tried to follow her own instincts again but was a bit more distracted this time.

[GEM]

His blade ended up at the side of her neck and he drew it back. "Focus, Melody. Or your life is forfeit. Your enemies will show you no remorse."

[MELODY]

"I..I am sorry." She said as she took a deep breath letting it out in a sigh. "..can we go again?" She asked him softly.

[GEM]

He nodded and twirled his blade around, striking her not as fast this time. She needed to walk before she could run and sometimes his methods were too harsh.

[MELODY]

Melody managed to regain her focus again as she blocked his attacks. Him slowing down really helped her.

Nov 27, 2023, 9:40 AM

[GEM]

He went through with different attacks until she got the basic blocks down. He then continued to show her a few different defensive moves before he taught her how to strike properly.

When one of his counter blocks caused her to stumble forward and lose sight of him, she was caught off guard when he put a blade to her collarbone, her back hitting his chest suddenly.

[MELODY]

Melody let out a yelp when she fell back before her eyes widened when he caught her hearing his heartbeat and his chest going up and down against her ear, it felt so strange to her but comforting in a way. Her face did turn red when that happened. 

[GEM]

He spoke her from behind. "Keep your legs a shoulder's width apart, Melody," he instructed in a plain, almost cold tone before pushing her back up straight and continuing on.

[MELODY]

She just nodded, avoiding eye contact as they continued.

[GEM]

He blocked her advances when she made them as they continued to run through the techniques of each one. He also taught her how to dual wield properly and ran through tips and tricks he'd picked up over the years he'd spent in this style of combat.

He continued this and she fell more than once on the grass, never truly getting hurt but he wasn't going to treat her like a child either.

When he caught her blow and grabbed her arm, both of their faces three inches apart as he kept her captive in his hands, he told her, "Your grip is too tight, witch. Loosen it or you limit your movement." He shoved her back, releasing her from his grasp.

[MELODY]

It was somehow hard for her when they came so close making her lose focus. But she was snapped out of her thoughts as she stumbled back when he did but regained her balance quickly. She was breathing heavily as she shot him a glare. "..you don't need to keep calling me a witch. I know I am. I have a name.." she stated irritably but did as he asked anyway before trying again .

Nov 27, 2023, 10:18 AM

[GEM]

He blocked her strike, her blade locked four inches from his left eye. "Do you take offense to your profession?" he asked, mirroring her look.

[MELODY]

"..I take offense to what people think we are.." Melody corrected him as she used her right hand and turned her Sickle. She tried to hit him then.

[GEM]

He hooked his dagger around her wrist and kicked her back to the ground. "And you assume I think you are... something fowl I take it?"

[MELODY]

Melody fell back and dropped her sickles as she groaned sitting up slowly. "..that's..mostly what people think.." she said breathing heavily still. "..can we take a break?"

Nov 27, 2023, 11:01 AM

[GEM]

He looked away from her, considering her request before he said. "Very well. Come back when you've caught your breath," he said emotionlessly, pulling out a metal tool from his belt that he began to use to sharpen his large knife.

Nov 27, 2023, 11:18 AM

[MELODY]

Melody just nodded and looked away as well when he reacted like that as she picked her sickles up. She reattached them to her belt before getting up. She walked off to clear her mind and calm herself.

[GEM]

He watched her backside as she left, not thinking much but his eyes just being drawn to her, before he continued what he was doing.

Nov 27, 2023, 11:43 AM

[MELODY]

Melody stopped at a small stream nearby as she kneeled down and splashed some water in her face. As she looked down she saw her own reflection in the water.

[GEM]

She saw some scrapes and bruises but they were mild, her hair a mess from the sparring.

It was strange. She wasn't used to seeing herself this way.

So... are you a warrior now? the familiar deep voice with whispering undertones asked, as she saw Lyre standing on the stones in her peripheral vision, watching her.

[MELODY]

A small smile appeared on her face as she saw herself like that. It was odd..but she kind of liked it. But her smile disappeared once Lyre appeared. "I wouldn't say I am..it's just for self protection.." she said quietly as she sat down pulling her legs up. She put her arms around them as she leaned her chin on her knees. She kept her gaze on the water rapidly passing by.

[GEM]

Has your faith in me so waned, child?

[MELODY]

"You know it's not like that..I just..want to be able to protect myself as well.." she said quietly still not looking his way. "I am grateful that Muiredach even wants to teach me that.."

Nov 27, 2023, 12:15 PM

[GEM]

That... angry cunning man has his own agendas at play. We must be cautious in what he says. He might be using you to get some kind of retribution of his own liking. Melody... this is not your war.

Nov 27, 2023, 12:30 PM

[MELODY]

"..I am sure he isn't telling me everything but I am not telling him everything either..but I think we can trust him..otherwise why did he come to save me?" Irritation started showing in her voice. Why couldn't they trust anyone? A very bad feeling started to surface, which she realized she had been suppressing.

[GEM]

People do interesting things to gain others' trust. Did you ever consider this?

[MELODY]

"Of course I did! I am not stupid!" Melody said as she finally looked their way where she saw them. "Did you ever considered some people just do something out of good will?"

Nov 27, 2023, 1:38 PM

[GEM]

How far have we brought you?! How much have we taught you?! How many people have we saved you from?! How have we cared for you, comforted you, guided you?! And here you are... accusing us of not having your best interest at heart, accusing us of having such a small amount of understanding, that we dare be put beneath mortals—a stranger no less! Because we have protected you from being at the mercy of a stranger you once trusted, you now think all humans deserve to be trusted—believe this and you shall fall at their hands—!

The image of Lyre took steps towards her as he spoke, making no footprints in the water as he didn't break eye contact with her.

[MELODY]

"I am not accusing you of anything! You know I am happy to have you by my side!" Melody said to him as she got up quickly when he stepped towards her and backed away.

[GEM]

And more importantly, Melody... remember where your very power comes from, he reminded her, standing strongly before her in a way that showed great authority but also resolve, like a strict father...

[MELODY]

Melody backed away again not liking his tone at all. It gave her chills. "You don't need to talk to me that way..I know that very well!"

Nov 27, 2023, 2:19 PM

[GEM]

Good... and don't forget it, Melody. Or you will know what it is to be alone... he threatened, causing a haunting silence to take over and linger in the chilling air.

"Should I be concerned?" Muiredache's voice suddenly interrupted and when she looked behind her she saw him leaning his back against a tree, his arms crossed. How long had he been there?

[MELODY]

A quiet tear rolled down her cheek as she turned around to look at Muiredach. She quickly wiped it away. "I..I am fine.." she said forcing a smile on her face.

[GEM]

When she looked back where Lyre was he had disappeared...

Muiredach lifted his brows and looked the other direction. "I meant that you seem to be shouting at someone who isn't here... or is there an invisible troll I haven't had the pleasure of meeting yet?"

[MELODY]

"..I..I can't..really explain..I am not crazy..I just.." Melody said turning back to him. She was clearly terrified trying not to break down but a few more tears escaped. She just wiped them away shaking her head as she looked down at her hands which were trembling.

[GEM]

"Well... you're doing a marvelous job convincing me of that," he said sarcastically as he got up from the tree and walked down to her, eyeing the river to see what it was she was actually doing down here once he was standing on the bank beside her.

[MELODY]

She looked up at him when he came over at her. "There really..are things I can't tell you.." she said seriously as her voice trembled. "Let's just go back." She said as she started to walk. Oh she wished she could share it with someone. She really did but she was too terrified to do so.

[GEM]

He watched her leave, wondering what on earth was happening. Maybe she was seeing the ghosts of those she lost, maybe she had spirits in commune with her like her kind often did... maybe she was going mad. Either way, his mission didn't change so it put it to rest and followed her to continue their training.

Gentle sounds of others stirring in the room woke Moira from her sleep eventually, feeling the warmth of someone beneath her left cheek that she clung to, his soft breathing, the feeling of his tunic against her skin... it was a peaceful way to wake up.

[MELODY]

A smile appeared on her face as she opened her eyes. She sighed softly glancing up at Uriah as she laid her head back down. She closed her eyes again wanting just to stay like this forever.

Nov 27, 2023, 3:20 PM

[GEM]

He smiled at her, his arm curled around her as his thumb stroked her shoulder. Aside from his back hurting, he wished they could stay that way too. But the others had gathered their things and were about ready to head outside.

He tucked a hair behind her ear and leaned down to kiss the top of her head. "Morning, darling," he told her with a smile in his voice.

[MELODY]

Her smile grew when he did that as she opened her eyes again looking up at him. "..morning..we need to get up..don't we?" She asked letting out a sigh.

[GEM]

He chuckled lightly as he continued to stroke her hair absentmindedly. "Yes indeed we do. But you slept well. Better than the rest of us." He admired how beautiful she always looked, even in the morning.

[MELODY]

"..I do admit I did sleep great.." Moira said as she looked into his eyes smiling. "..do ye think they notice if we just stay here?" She asked with a chuckle.

[GEM]

He made a face as if thinking hard about that. "Perhaps... but as homely as this place is... I'd rather live somewhere warmer with you," he said with the same teasing tone and sent a wink.

[MELODY]

A slight blush appeared on her face when he said that. God what did she love him and his teasing. She then nodded as she slowly let him go and sat up. "..well let's pack up then.." she said as she fixed her hair quickly.

[GEM]

He watched her fix her hair as a smile spread on his lips, as if thinking of something.

[MELODY]

She noticed his eyes on her as she looked over her shoulder at him raising an eyebrow as of asking whatever you are thinking don't.

[GEM]

"What?" he asked with regards to her funny look, trying not to chuckle.

[MELODY]

She sighed as she turned back around and stood up to start packing.

[GEM]

He frowned and stood up, grabbing her from behind as he held her captive with his arms around her waist. "Is something bothering you, huh?" he teased her.

[MELODY]

"..just the thoughts in yer mind clearly showing in yer expression." Moira said calmly as she looked up at him leaning against him. "..so what is it ye were thinking?"

[GEM]

"Oh if it was so clear then why don't you tell me?" he insisted, poking her sides to tickle her annoyingly.

[MELODY]

"Hey!" She said as she let out a yelp when he poked her like that before letting out a laugh. She was very ticklish there so she couldn't help it. "S-Stop!"

[GEM]

He chuckled at her adorable laugh and pressed his lips to the spot behind her ear, ceasing the tickling... for now. "Then tell me, beautiful. I'll make everyone wait on you."

[MELODY]

"Well..it seemed like ye were planning on doing so anyway.." she said looking up at him with a smile on her face. "Am I right?"

[GEM]

"Hm. In what way?"

[MELODY]

Moira turned around in his arms to face him still having to look up at him. "..stretching this moment as long as ye can..to get something from me first.."

[GEM]

"And what would that be?" he asked with slight amusement, probably assuming the worst with that vague answer.

[MELODY]

As she watched him the amusement showing in his voice a small smirk appeared on her face. She put her hands on his cheeks having to stand on her toes as she pulled him in and gave him a soft kiss. She then let him go and got out of his embrace. She just continued to pack then without saying any more.

[GEM]

He let her go but stood there confused, unsure of what that meant but he wasn't about to complain about kisses from

her so he just shook his head. "You're lucky you're cute," he said as if she was being infuriating, walking to grab his armor from the ground.

Walking to the doorway that led outside, Hiccup squinted from the sunlight that bounced off the blinding white snow, piled into drifts around the rocks and trees.

Hiking in the snow was not his favorite activity but luckily they wouldn't have to do it very long.

"Agh. Me eyes," Ruffnut complained.

"Are you looking at the snow or into a mirror?" Tuff asked but she then shoved him into the nearest drift.

"Let's just find our stupid lizards and get the hell out of here," Arne decided.

[MELODY]

Moira had rolled her eyes at that comment but still had a smile on her face. After they packed everything and joined the others she was glad they finally would get out of there.

Nov 28, 2023, 8:14 AM

[GEM]

As the group began walking out of the caves and into the bright light of day, Hiccup took the lead. "We'll have to make our way around—"

Their path was suddenly interrupted when a dragon shot out of the snow before them, huge and ice white as it was hiding under the drifts. It roared and glared down at them with an intimidating presence as it's cold breath escaped its nose in clouds of ice, its eyes bright blue.

This made them all stumble and Hiccup pulled out his sword as they all had much the same reaction but that's when men came out from behind the snow covered trees with their own bows pointed at them, wearing dark barbarian armor with furs and symbolic crests on their shoulders, dragons appearing in all directions with riders mounted on them, helmets on the beasts with those same symbols branded into their shoulders.

They were completely surrounded by warriors and dragons in every direction, even behind them, blocking their way back into the labyrinth.

[MELODY]

Moira's eyes widened as she quickly grabbed her bow putting an arrow on it. She scanned the warriors surrounding them as she observed every one of them. Another dragon riding tribe, seriously?

[GEM]

Uriah had a hold of his axes in both hands and glanced around at their opposition, hoping it wouldn't come to a fight because they were brutally outnumbered.

Up ahead, a man pushed his way through the crowd, wearing the black hide of a dragon on his shoulders, his left armored plate made of a dragon's skull, along with matching armor of different leathers and iron with some bones. He had a huge double handed axe on his back with other weapons including a sword of dragon's teeth in his right hand. His skin was dark compared to most people of the north, a scar through his left eyebrow, eyes a piercing sky blue, long dark hair partly done in tribal braids and matching facial hair. He looked about thirty or so.

He smiled when he saw them. "Well, well, well isn't this a treat? When they told me a group of Berkians would be leaving Loki's Labyrinth with the artifact, I didn't realize it would be the son of The Vast himself," he said as if it was a great honor, basically mocking Hiccup.

Hiccup's sword was lit ablaze as he stood protectively in front of Astrid who was already holding her axe ready and calculating how to take them each down...

"Oh yeah? And since you know me then I could at least get the pleasure of knowing who you think you are," Hiccup threatened.

[MELODY]

Moira narrowed her eyes when he insulted hiccup like that as she pointed her arrow at him. He was clearly the leader. 

The man watched them calmly clearly amused and not scared of them. "..oh where are my manners..I am Kahu..Kahu Wero.." he said making a dramatic bow with a smirk on his face as he looked up at them. "..anyway...let's get to business..hand over the Artifact and call your Night Fury..then we might be generous enough to let you go.." he said at the same calm tone as he pointed his axe at hiccup. he had a slight accent to his voice clearly not from the north. "I would take that offer if I were you."

[GEM]

"Really? And what makes you think it's a good idea to pick a fight with a Night Fury?" Hiccup asked, trying not to show he was a bit frightened and managed to keep a steely expression.

"Yeah maybe you should be the one who's scared you ugly bastard!" Tuffnut said but was immediately silenced by Ruarcc who grabbed his shoulder.

Nov 28, 2023, 9:15 AM

[MELODY]

"I think I take that chance." Kahu said with a shrug not seeming to be worried about that at all. Which was surprising and terrifying. It made them wonder what he was planning. His gaze turned on Tuffnut briefly when he called out with the same amusement in his eyes. "..you should make that decision quick cause we don't got all day.." he said as he glanced back towards Hiccup.

[GEM]

"Yeah? You got an appointment to get your hair braided Mary?" Ruffnut asked.

"Ruffnut, shut up," Astrid said immediately.

"Fine."

"We don't have what was buried here," Faelan told him. "Whoever put it here left it pretty locked up. We waisted days trying to get it and nearly lost two men."

Snotlout glanced at Gregor, wondering if he'd take that lie.

[MELODY]

"..you shouldn't lie to me...it won't make your situation better.." his whole attitude suddenly changed as he narrowed his eyes at Faelan. Moira was watching him carefully having the arrow still pointed at him. She hesitated if she should just take the shot when she had an opening to do so.

Nov 28, 2023, 9:51 AM

[GEM]

Astrid was done. She had wanted to kill him as soon as he showed his face and now she just wanted to see his head roll, staining that white snow with crimson.

"Look, I don't know to whom you're associated or what kind of operation this is but you can't take this. It's not you we are worried about. But this thing could be incredibly dangerous—it could kill all of you or worse get you all killed because of who wants it. Maybe we can work something out here. We don't have to be enemies," Hiccup tried to negotiate. He couldn't let this fall into their hands...

[MELODY]

"..it's adorable you care so much...that will get you killed or your loved ones..don't worry about us.." Kahu said as he turned his attention back to hiccup. "..why don't you let us take it if it's so dangerous..." he asked him with attitude as he raised his eyebrow tilting his head slightly. "..this world is like that anyways...there are always bigger ones trying to control it..you should have stayed in your own part of the world..without bothering us..enough talk..hand them both over." His voice got more of a sharp edge as his patience was running out.

Nov 28, 2023, 10:59 AM

[GEM]

Hiccup glanced to his left, watching the dragon that had its eyes on him. There was only one choice here and he knew it.

"Fine," he said, raising his free hand and dropping his sword with the other after retracting it. "Here's what we found." He reached into his pouch for something they couldn't see and then he said. "Oh and Toothless is right behind you," he added.

Suddenly the ground erupted into a shockwave of energy that sent his men flying, killing three of them and blowing one of their dragon's wings clean off.

Hiccup ignited what he had and threw it, the small object exploding into smoke before them, instantly hiding his group from the archers and dragons ready to strike them dead.

The Night Fury had been flying in behind them and shot past them, readying another blow of his breath.

[MELODY]

Kahu sighed as he watched it happen. "Morons.." he said quietly as he had expected this. This was Moira's sign to take the shot now as she let the arrow fly Kahu's way. Unfortunately Kahu noticed it just in time and deflected it with his axe. His gaze then fell on Moira, who with her fiery red hair really stood out. As they made eye contact Moira could see in a split second of recognition in his eyes. Like he recognised her. It gave her the chills honestly but she hadn't time to think about it as Kahu's men started to attack them. "Get me that artifact and Nightfury!"

Nov 28, 2023, 12:44 PM

[GEM]

The man closest to the smoke had let his arrow fly but it buried in the snow past the leg of someone who was charging for him. Leaping out of the fog was Astrid with her axe and he didn't have enough time to react as he stumbled back and her axe buried into his right shoulder, body buckling under the weight as blood splattered on the white ground.

The only arrow that hit them was from an archer that was then smote by a throwing hatchet from Uriah, the arrow stuck in Snotlout's heavy shoulder plate but didn't even get close to piercing his skin as he charged into combat with a mace ready.

Hiccup dodged the fireball from one of their dragons, doing a side roll on the ground before he leapt forward, igniting Inferno before locking blades with one of their men. The bandit tried to overpower him with his strength but Hiccup retraced the blade, catching him off guard and allowing the lad to spin and stab through his throat with his burning blade, sizzling against the flesh before he pulled it back out.

Gregor was charging in at full speed with a battle cry and tackled the first opponent he saw, his weight bringing them down. Arne was there to finish him off before he could stab his friend. Neither one of them were expert swordsmen which is why they worked together.

Faelan was using the smoke to his advantage as he dove between enemies that came running in, using his daggers to slice their legs before they even knew what was happening.

One of them was fighting Ruarcc and when he cried out from his leg being stabbed, the pirate grit his teeth and tore his sword up his frontside to slice his skull in half.

Beside him, a halberd buried into the face of another bandit, Tuffnut shouting, "Yeah! Eat shite!" before he was tackled by one of them aggressively, their bodies falling into the snow. But before the attacker could finish him off, he was plucked from the ground by a familiar Zippleback and carried off to be dropped to his death.

The group's beasts had entered the fight now, focusing on the enemy dragons as absolute carnage ensued in all directions.

Toothless curved around in the sky, headed back for another bombing run as he saw a group of bandits at the back closing in, narrowing his eyes.

Nov 28, 2023, 1:46 PM

[MELODY]

Moira decided to switch to her dirk as the enemies closed in. In all the chaos she lost sight of Kuha, which somehow frustrated her. She stayed close to Uriah as she fought with the others. She smiled slightly when she saw the dragons join. Seeing Cailean as well flying in making the ground shake as he landed using his antlers to waltz over the men.

Suddenly out of nowhere a dragon flew up from the shadows of the forest at enormous speed. It fired a shot at toothless before ramming its head against him at full speed making him lose balance. It then tackled him midair burying its claws in Toothless and its fangs in his right wing folding his own as they fell down.

[GEM]

The boiling water blast got his tail but Toothless immediately was blown off course when he was rammed and was going so fast he crashed into the ground almost immediately, smashing against the trees and snow in a horrible crash, out of sight from everyone on the battlefield.

Thanks to the adrenaline in the Night Fury's veins, he scrambled to a fighting position as fast as he could, ready for this thing to come attack him, whatever it was.

[MELODY]

It had let go just before they hit the ground as it had landed a bit further from Toothless. It had quickly gotten onto its feet again to get back to the shadows of the trees to attack once more. It started circling around him through the trees as it quickly ran towards him again, jumping up to dive onto him from behind.

[GEM]

Toothless managed to catch it as it dove on him, the smooth scaled beast pinning him down as he tried to escape, letting out a smaller shot that smote the enemy dragon's face enough to un-snare him before he could be bitten. taking off as his new rival pursued him.

"Hey buddy, catch this!" Snotlout said before he bashed in an unsuspecting bandit with his mace, the body dropping and he looked up to see a halberd be thrown into the stomach of another about to swing his sword at him, the attacker falling dead.

"And that's three for me!" Ruffnut said as she came and pulled the weapon out, Hookfang taking out an archer before he could fire at them.

"Hey I had that one!" Snotlout insisted.

"You're welcome!" she replied before going back into the combat.

He just groaned in irritation.

Uriah slid under the battle-axe of an enemy on his knees, tripping him with the swing of his own axe as it sliced his leg good, causing him to fall forward. He stood up formed an X with his hatchets, blocking the downward strike of another's sword. He yanked them both back, causing his opponent to be disarmed before he hit him hard in the face with the poll of his axe. He ducked from the sword of another and stood up to lock weapons with him, catching his next strike. But before he could do more, a familiar teal feathered arrow buried into the man's back and he dropped to the ground.

[GEM]

Uriah smirked. "Thanks babe. Let me return the favor," he said and then threw his hatched forward. It flipped through the air and stuck into the chest of a man with a spiked club that was running up behind her.

Nov 28, 2023, 2:49 PM

[MELODY]

A smile spread across her face as she looked at him before looking over her shoulder at the man dropping dead. "Well thank ye.." she said as she quickly pulled his hatchet out of the man's chest. When she did she saw another man coming up behind him. "Uriah watch out!" She called out when suddenly a water blast hit the man in his face making him scream it out in pain as he dropped his weapon. Ikatere suddenly appeared out of the chaos pinning the man down hissing loudly. Before snapping the man's neck with his jaws. "Wasn't expecting that from him." She said to Uriah as she handed his hatchet back.

Nov 28, 2023, 3:13 PM

[GEM]

"No indeed. Thank you lad," he replied, out of breath.

Ikatere looked up at Uriah and Moira clearly happy about helping them. It was an odd sight him mimicking a smile while blood dripped from his mouth.

Gregor blocked the strike from an enemy's axe with his own before he head butt the enemy's forehead with his armored one and laughed when the opponent fell down. But he was interrupted when Kahu's foot hit the man hard and knocked him over. Arne's expression went from amused to terrified as he widened his eyes and managed to duck from Kahu's swing of his axe, scrambling to pull his sword from the body of the bandit he just killed. "Shite-shite-shite-shite!" he cursed and managed to dodge the next blow by a hair before Kahu's face was hit with the handle of a heavy battle-axe.

When he staggered one step back, he saw it was Astrid as she glared at him and prepared her weapon again.

As he looked up at the blonde, a smirk appeared on his face. "You got fire in you... That's more like it," he said as he swung his axe at her.

Nov 28, 2023, 3:29 PM

[GEM]

She blocked his strike with her axe but it forced her weapon to the ground when his strength beat hers. She only managed to dodge back when he tried a horizontal swing but she had to get a better grip on her axe first before she attempted to swing for his shoulder.

[MELODY]

He blocked her swing by quickly putting his axe between them making the sound of metal on metal. He kicked her back before swinging for her chest.

[GEM]

She did a tumble roll to miss his strike, grabbing her weapon quickly as she got up on one knee and blocked his next downward blow between her hands that were far apart on her weapon. She shoved his bone blade aside and stood to try and lop off his left leg.

[MELODY]

He dodged her attack barely as he jumped backwards using his axe to stabilise himself quickly as he landed before pulling it out of the ground again as he swung forward trying to make her back up into the trees around them.

[GEM]

She spun to the right but continued to take steps back as she lodged her blade into the handle of his axe when he missed her, the metal sticking to the wooden handle which allowed her to swing her body upwards and kick him in the jaw with as much power as she could.

[MELODY]

As he had not seen that coming it made him stumble back and drop his axe. He stabilized himself quickly as he leaned over to pick up his axe again.

[GEM]

As he did this she pulled out a shortsword from her belt and attempted to bury it into his side.

[MELODY]

He quickly got hold of his axe as he turned around swinging it up to attempt to hit her in her abdomen.

[GEM]

She put the sword along the back of her arm to block that but his swings were making her stumble because of his incredible strength.

[MELODY]

He used his leg as he spun around to knock her off her feet before quickly holding his axe against her throat. "..well this was fun..one last thing..tell me who has the artifact."

[GEM]

She spit blood. "Go to Hel," she said through her teeth, ready to die like this.

[MELODY]

"..whatever you wish...go join the gods." He said as he was about to slice her throat.

[GEM]

"Hey you blind bitch!" Hiccup's voice said as he sliced the handle off his axe and then the man's chest, searing a burning cut in his flesh and causing him to stumble back as the future chief stood between him and his beloved. "Learn to check your peripheral next time and after that, your rights. No one has a right to touch her... except me."

Astrid frowned at him with confusion.

"...I chose those words poorly--but that's not the point," he added nervously.

Astrid tried no to roll her eyes.

[MELODY]

"I wondered when you were showing up..dragonmaster.." he said mockingly as he corrected his posture groaning slightly before facing the two of them. "..unique weapon you got there."

[GEM]

"Oh, thanks I made it myself. You know it has a really good--"

"Hiccup--!" Astrid cut in.

"Right--sorry," he shook his head and got back to a fighting stance. "Ladies first," he told Kahu with a spin of the blade.

[MELODY]

Kahu let out a chuckle watching the interaction of the two amused by it before he shook his head and went to stand ready to fight again. He pulled out a weapon from the holder on his back. As he detached it he pushed a button on it making the weapon detract from itself revealing a metal spear as he swung it forward but low with precision and speed targeting Hiccup's leg to attempt to get him off balance.

[GEM]

Hiccup leapt back to avoid it but then met him to block his next strike with his sword.

Toothless tried to get back to the others with the enemy dragon on his tail but he turned and shot a heated bullet, the trees catching the blow as a shockwave knocked over several of them.

[MELODY]

The dragon quickly dodged them literally biting through the last one having its eyes set on toothless as he speeded up. Its pupils had started to grow as it smelled the blood coming from Toothless' injuries. It was clearly a predator.

[GEM]

Toothless waited for it to get to him before he quickly tucked in his wings and fell, dodging the bite and swooping behind the dragon and shoot it with another bolt, each flap of the wing horribly painful but he was focused on staying alive.

[MELODY]

As it got hit it flew back hitting another tree that cracked and fell down over it. But unfortunately for Toothless that didn't prevent it from escaping from under it as it pushed it off and charged at him again.

[GEM]

Toothless dodged right but grabbed the beast with his claws, snapping at him and trying to keep him from snapping back as the two were locked into a viscous fight to the death. When Toothless managed to get a bite in he had to duck before he, too, was bitten harder. And used all the strength he had to push the dragon from him and take off into the sky, trying to keep steady despite his injured wing as he flew back to the others nearby.

"Hey wanna know what the ground tastes like?" Faelan asked an enemy that couldn't see him before he stood up and jammed his dagger into the man's back, pushing him down as his head hit the wet rocky dirt. He then ducked and did a forward roll to avoid the fire of a boulder class dragon before it came through and roared at him.

He raised his hands. "It's alright, sir! He asked me to do it!"

Just then, a mace hit the side of the dragon's cheek and knocked its head to the right, giving Faelan enough time to run forward and jump to latch onto the dragon's head, grabbing its nose horn. But he screamed when it tried to shake him off.

[GEM]

Snotlout, the one who threw the mace, ran up to grab his weapon again, he shouted, "What the Hel are you doing?!"

"Don't question me—I'm fine!" he said back as he stabbed it in the snout with his dagger as hard as he could. "Aha!" he rejoiced when the dragon roared in pain but when it opened its mouth to blast his hanging body with fire he widened his eyes. "Oh! Not fine—Not fine—Not fine!" he said in a panic.

But Cailean came barrelling through the crowd then and hit the enemy dragon hard with his enormous hammer-head horns, knocking the beast over as Faelan dropped and landed in the snow.

[GEM]

He stood up and dusted himself off. "See? Had everything under control," he told Snotlout who just scowled at him with disbelief.

Ruffnut blocked a sword from hitting her with the pole of her halberd, spinning it around with skill and whacking the attacker in the face with the other end before she stabbed it into the ground and used it as leverage to throw her body up and kick another in the chest that was brawling with Tuffnut. This gave him the chance to whip his own weapon around and slice open the throat of another bandit running towards her from behind. She and him then switched places to lock blades with more enemies, Barf and Belch landing to pick one of the men up by its teeth and fling him into the trees.

Deathface (Gregor's Stormcutter) blasted three of the men running by with its torching fire breath before it was attacked by an enemy Nightmare and his rider that bit and clawed viciously against the mount.

Arne was riding his Grapple Grounder and collided with the Nightmare, his dragon biting the arm off the rider on the enemy mount.

[GEM]

Deathface turned and bit the head off of the Nightmare as its body flailed and fell to the snow.

Ruarcc shoved his sword through the chest of an enemy without mercy but then had to duck back when the acid breath from Faelan's Changewing (which he named Cuddles because of course he did) drenched the warriors he was fighting, nearly getting him as he saw a couple drops sizzle on his armor. "Watch it!" he told him, Greenhood currently riding his dragon again.

Uriah did a roll to avoid the swoop of an enemy dragon as it flew by. But he put up his axe to block the attack of one of the bandits that threw his sword down upon him. He kicked the man in the shin, forcing him to the ground for Moira to stab in the shoulder to finish him. Uriah turned and ducked his chest to the left to avoid an arrow that would have pierced it otherwise before throwing his axe forward so that it flew through the air and buried into the face of the archer.

[GEM]

He then looked when he saw that dragon headed for them again but ran forward and when Moira stabbed her dirk into the thigh of a bandit, Uriah jumped just as his body was falling back and used it as leverage to get him a higher leap, able to then hook himself to the wing of the dragon that was swooping down to attack them and causing it to stumbled and crash to the ground violently.

Uriah did a roll on impact and faced the beast that turned to roar at him and Moira.

"Alright. I think I got its attention," he remarked before it charged at them.

Uriah didn't hesitate to spring into action, running to meet it as he did a slide last minute, dodging its bite before it whipped around to blast him with fire, Moira seeing the heat catching in its throat beforehand.

[MELODY]

Moira notice it charging a blast as she quickly placed an arrow on her bow and shot it at the beast's throat.

Nov 28, 2023, 10:58 PM

[GEM]

The dragon cried out and its lava breath instead spilled onto the snow near Moira, forcing her to take steps back as it sizzled through the snow and against the ground beneath it.

Uriah looked to the body to his left and plucked his axe from it.

The beast's attention was turned to her when she let another arrow pierce its shoulder as it stalked towards her.

Uriah and he jumped to its back, burying his axe into its rump and making it stop, roaring into the sky and growling in anger as it slung its tail to try and knock him off, one of the spikes getting a thin slice in his cheek. But he held on and ran up the dragon's back until he was able to jump and latch his axe into the beast's head, causing it to roar and tilt its chin back, Moira getting the opportunity for a straight shot into the top of its mouth as it did.

Nov 29, 2023, 1:42 AM

[MELODY]

She didn't like this situation at all as Moira watched him in concern but readied her shot anyway as she put another arrow on her bow and aimed for the beast's mouth. As she let it fly it went straight into the top of the dragon's mouth.

Nov 29, 2023, 7:14 AM

[GEM]

The arrow shot into the dragon's brain and caused its body to fall limp on the ground, lifeless. Uriah was holding onto the dragon's head still, out of breath. "That's my girl," he complimented with a proud smirk.

[MELODY]

A similar smirk appeared on Moira's face as she watched him. But that got her distracted giving an enemy the chance to get behind her with a sword. He swung it for her head.

[GEM]

Uriah widened his eyes but Cailean ran by just then, smashing the attacker and knocking him clear out of eyesight with him, the bandit letting out a short scream as it happened.

[MELODY]

Moira quickly ducked when she saw Cailean coming before looking over her shoulder seeing who he had protected her from. Her eyes widened as she realized then she really had to focus and stop worrying to stay alive.

Nov 29, 2023, 7:51 AM

[GEM]

When Ikatere was blasting the flesh off one of the fallen riders with his boiling water breath, a warrior suddenly came out from behind a stone with his bowstring pulled back, ready to kill the beast. But that's when Stormfly landed on him and threw her tail up, smiting a saddled Speed Stinger with her flying spikes.

That's when a dart suddenly hit the dragon and she roared in anger, turning to see the archer that shot it but her vision blurred and fatigue overtook her, forcing her to fall unconscious into the snow.

Nov 29, 2023, 8:09 AM

[MELODY]

Ikatere's eyes widened as he let out a panicked roar trying to call for the others to help as he ran over to Stormfly trying to wake her by nudging her whimpering loudly. As the hunters came closer he decided to stand over Stormfly protectively but you could see he was terrified. Even with his young age he still growled loudly at them as he tried to hit them with his blasts but he was slowly running out. He popped up his poisonous spikes calling out for help again. Moira looked up when she heard that familiar roar. "Is that Ika?" She asked Uriah concerned but it was confirmed as she saw Cailean quickly making his way in the direction of where the roar came from.

[GEM]

Uriah had his weapons locked with another in a tense fight and didn't hear her as he blocked an upwards strike and got kicked in the gut which caused him to stagger back a step. But he was able to deflect the next blow and the next, ducking after to avoid the third one and he hooked his leg to knock him onto his back before the opponent got an axe to the face.

The warriors around Ikatere closed in as he growled at them, Cailean blasting the back ones with his fire breath suddenly and scorching four of them as they screamed and threw themselves into the snow in a dying panic.

But before Ikatere could join the fight he felt a sting in his side and his world began to tip and blur.

[MELODY]

The world seemed to go in slow motion as Ikatere saw his 'brother' fall down to the snow. His mind fully went into panic mood as the memories of his family getting killed and taken from him flashed before his eyes. Something in him snapped as he let out the most heartbreaking roar before he jumped onto the warrior nearest to him and ripped his head off. Moira heard Ikatere's roar immediately knowing it was bad as it made a shiver go down her spine. But she had no time to react to it as she blocked another attempt on her with her dirk. She felt one big thud and was panicking as she didn't feel the ground vibrate because of Cailean anymore.

[GEM]

A hatchet suddenly stuck into the skull of the man fighting Moira and he fell back, Uriah running by her and sliding to knock another off his feet, the bandit's face hitting the snow. Uriah stood up to block another's swing of his sword, locking his axe with his weapon before yanking it out of his grasp and ducking just as the one he had knocked over swung his huge axe, the weapon instead burying into the armored flesh of his comrade before he got a dirk to the face courtesy of Moira's amazing throw.

"Go help Ika!" he told her as he continued to fight them off.

[MELODY]

Moira gave him a small nod as she ran over to pull the dirk out of the man's face and quickly made her way in the direction she heard Ikatere call from dodging attacks on her way and attacking herself to get to him. She froze for a second when she saw what she was afraid of..Cailean was down. "C-Cailean!" She called out as she ran over to her best friend. That is when she saw Ikatere and the hunters who tried to get him as well but something had changed in the dragon making him go haywire giving them no chance as he killed them. It had turned red in front of his eyes for a moment. His pupils turned to slits and covered in blood he looked up when he heard Moira. Moira instinctively grabbing onto her dirk not sure how he would react. "Ika?" She called him calmly but with a tremble as she watched him in disbelief but reminded herself he was still an animal after all.

[GEM]

The hesitation was enough time for an arrow to stick into the side of Ikatere as the men continued to surround them, some of them approaching Moira as well.

The dragon roared and turned to continue fighting despite the arrow.

Nov 29, 2023, 10:34 AM

[MELODY]

"Ika!" Moira watched the dragon as he was totally out of control. She wanted to help him but didn't get the chance as she ducked when one of the warriors swung his axe at her. She kicked up into the man's abdomen making him stumble back as she shot an arrow hitting him in his head. His body dropped as he died instantly but another took his place going after her.

[GEM]

Snotlout threw his mace through the air and watched it smash against a warrior headed for him, hitting the man's chest and making him fall back.

He then ducked before an axe wielding bandit could bury his weapon into the Berkian's back and he kicked the opponent in the nose hard, the man falling on his face on the snow with blood from his nose staining the ground. Snotlout then pulled out a dagger and stabbed him through the heart before yanking it back out to turn around but one of the men grabbed his arm before he could attack and kneed him in the gut before punching him hard in the face, causing Snotlout to fall back and nearly black out as he hit the ground.

[GEM]

The men were nearly spit on by fire as they managed to jump back from the breath of Arne's dragon that flew by overhead. The thin blond tried to grapple his beast as best as he could to try and hold on. "Oh come on, stupid, he was two feet under us!" he blamed his dragon for missing as his beast tried to get the bridle out of his mouth with annoyance.

"Whoa!" Arne said as he ducked from an arrow, the sound of it whizzing past his ear. "WHOOAA!" he said again when he yanked on the dragon's reins, the beast dodging left to avoid a blast of ice breath but the claws caught the scales of the dragon and Arne was thrown off the saddle, tumbling down to the snow where he landed on a bush that stuck out of a thick drift, somewhat cushioning his fall as he was buried into the snow.

[GEM]

Hiccup backed up as Kahu continued to take advances towards him, parrying as many blows as possible. He bent back before the spear could slice open his throat and ducked from the next swing, moving and throwing up his sword to block the stab towards his midsection as he deflected the spear to the left and charged to try and slice open his opponent's abdomen.

[MELODY]

Kahu quickly turned his spear as he blocked Hiccup's attack as he flipped it around in an attempt to knock his sword out of his hands.

[GEM]

Inferno flew from his grasp but he ducked from Kahu's next blow and did a roll, picking his weapon back up just in time to deflect the next stab. Kahu's spear pierced between the two panels of his blade and he stuck his sword into the ground, using the temporary distraction to step onto the spear's shaft and jam his knife into the shoulder of Kahu, getting through his leather plate but only slicing the skin instead of stabbing it like he wanted.

He landed in a crouched position and when Kahu pulled his spear free, Hiccup caught Inferno in his hand and used it to block the next attack, locking weapons with him again.

Nov 30, 2023, 9:27 AM

[GEM]

[MELODY]

Kahu didn't even flinch when Hiccup managed to slice his shoulder as a smirk appeared on his face. "Seems like I underestimated you." He said as they locked their weapons.

[GEM]

"Better not make a habit of it," he growled back before he yanked his weapon free and spun it around so he held it backwards, attempting to slice his side when he ducked from the swing of his spear.

[MELODY]

Both were equal in passion but Kahu had years of harsh and intense combat training as well as a body that could break iron. Hiccup would give out far sooner than Kahu would. But he hoped he could at least stall him for now...

Kahu dodged his attack by attacking himself. When Hiccup ducked he attempted to kick him to make him lose his balance.

Nov 30, 2023, 10:28 AM

[GEM]

Hiccup grunted when Kahu's boot made contact with his chest, knocking him to his back as he was suddenly vulnerable but he rolled to his stomach before he could be skewed like a boar and shoved himself to his feet again, backing up as his strength was waning but he continued to fight him off.

Ruarcc and the twins were fighting beside each other as Ruffnut stabbed her halberd through one of the warriors but was promptly hit in the back of the head by the back of an axe and fell into the snow.

Tuffnut tackled the man and tried to pin him down to land a final blow but he punched the blond in the face and forced him to fall back.

When he picked up his axe to kill Tuffnut, Shark—Ruarcc's Seashocker—came from the snow and snatched him up like a fish, whizzing by as it dug its claws into the bandit and spun, one of the heads biting off the arm of the warrior who was locked into a fight with Ruarcc.

[GEM]

This victory didn't last as Ruarcc was shot with an arrow just when he had a moment to breathe, right in the leg. He fell to his knees with his teeth grit in pain.

The ice dragon that was near him breathed in to freeze him to death.