"Need a Friend" is an Extended Universe thread written on April 5, 2016.
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Grey Bergman: “Chief Grey, I’m so sorry…” her mother’s apprentice said.
“About what? What are you not telling me?”
“T-The baby…the baby didn’t make it. I’m afraid you had a miscarriage. I’m so sorry.”
The Chief cringed as the memory faded back into her mind. One week…It had been exactly one week since her mother’s apprentice looked at her and Brandt with an upset look on her face and broke the news. It all happened so fast. One minute she was walking around the village with Shadow…the next…she was in her mother’s healer hut learning that she lost her and Brandt’s fourth child. Their little boy or girl was taken from them forever…all in the blink of an eye.
After seeing Seasick with her baby, Grey and Brandt decided to try having another baby themselves. When they learned that Grey was pregnant again, they were so happy that they would have another baby in the house. Now…as she placed her hand on her stomach…that was never going to happen. The baby…her baby…their baby was gone…taken from them all too soon. She sighed as she sat on her bed in the master bedroom that morning. She had run out of tears to cry, but the pain was still there. Her child may have not been born yet, but that still didn’t mean that it wasn’t anymore hurtful than if she had Thor forbid lost Sven, Dagny or Kari.
This was supposed to be her first day back on the job as Chief after basically being cooped up in the house on bed rest to be safe, but she wasn’t sure if she was ready. The whole time she was at home, she felt like that all eyes were on her. Brandt, her mother, Greg, Warren, Asha, and even a few villagers came to comfort her, but at the same time, they just gave her sad looks…as if they didn’t know how else to react.
Not that she didn’t appreciate the comfort, Brandt, her mother, and unofficial adopted siblings had been wonderful this week helping her recover from the loss, but she couldn’t take the sad looks. And she just knew that she would get more once she stepped out that door. She couldn’t bare it…she had to get away for a bit. Thankfully, Brandt and the kids were still sleeping. So she quickly wrote a note to Brandt, grabbed Shadow, and after writing a note to Greg telling him to take over today as she needed to leave for a while, flew off on her loyal Night Fury to Peaceable Country.
Seasick: It was raining on Peaceable Country.
Usually July was hot and sunny, but this past week was full of dark clouds and cold, harsh rain.
Seasick stared longingly outside her bedroom window, as her youngest child Isey slept in her arms. Even though her family was happy and healthy, something bothered the young woman. Something felt off in her world, yet she didn’t know why. It must be because of the weather.
When Isey was finally asleep, Seasick placed her down in her crib and walked out into the living room. The rest of her children were in their bedrooms playing quietly.
As she began to prepare to sew, Seasick heard a large thud outside and the cry of a dragon. Quickly opening the door, Seasick was alarmed to see Grey and Shadow standing before her in the rain.
“Grey!” Seasick said in surprise. “W-what are you doing here? You… are you okay? You don’t look so good… Come in, quick.”
Grey Bergman: “Thank you,” she muttered under her breath as she hugged herself and practically ran inside with Shadow right behind her both of them soaked to the bone. Shadow briefly shook the water off herself before walking inside with Grey and Seasick. Grey looked around the house taking in the sight. It was practically empty and quiet. “Where are Ellidi and the kids?”
Seasick: “Ellidi is down at the docks. Even in this weather…” Seasick said, quickly grabbing a towel from a nearby closet for Grey. “The children are all in their bedrooms playing quietly. And the younger ones are napping.”
Seasick and Grey both stood in the middle of the room in silence for what seemed like an eternity.
“Grey…” Seasick said quietly, slightly tilting her head. “You… you don’t look so good. Why don’t I make you some tea and warm soup and we can talk about whatever is going on?”
Grey Bergman: “Yeah, uh…that would be great, thanks, Seasick,” Grey said nodding. They went into the kitchen, and Grey sat down at the table with Shadow lying down next to her on the floor. “I’m sorry for dropping by so suddenly. I hope I’m not keeping you from anything important.”
Seasick: “No, not at all.” Seasick said softly, quickly putting together a soup and fixing a cup of tea. “It’s been raining here for the past 6 days, and so we’ve been stuck in here. Not much to do but house work.”
Placing the tea in front of Grey, Seasick sat down beside her. Something happened to Grey. There was a terrible pain in her eyes, and it looked like she had been crying.
Slowly, Seasick placed her hand on Grey’s. “So, Grey, what happened? I’m here.”
Grey Bergman: “Well…something did happen,” the Chief said after sipping her tea. Tears finally came to her eyes again…just when she thought she was through with crying. Shadow sensed that her adoptive sister was beginning to cry again and gently nuzzled her leg hoping to cheer Grey up, but nothing seemed to work. The Chief finally looked up at her best friend, Seasick. “Seasick…Brandt and I…we…” She sniffled and wiped some tears not sure on how to continue.
Seasick: “Is he okay? Are the kids okay?” Seasick asked, swallowing hard. “What happened?”
Grey Bergman: Grey sighed as she clutched her stomach…her empty stomach as she looked at Seasick letting the tears flow freely down her cheeks. “Nothing happened to them, b-but,” she began, “s-something happened to me.” She took a deep breath. “S-Seasick, I…I had a miscarriage…” She finally put her head on the table and began to sob.
Seasick: Seasick’s heart dropped and she let out a gasp. This was not at all what she was expecting. Stunned into silence, she clutched Grey’s hand and watched helplessly as her best friend sobbed.
“Oh, oh Grey… I’m so, so sorry.” Seasick said quietly. There wasn’t anything Seasick could do but place her other hand on Grey’s shoulder in comfort.
Grey Bergman: Grey could only sob as she planted her face on the kitchen table and clutched onto her best friend’s hand afraid she would leave her at any second. “I just…I just,” she began while sobbing and hiccuping. “I don’t know. It all happened too fast.”
Seasick: Seasick said nothing, but held on to her friend. What could she possibly say to make Grey’s pain go away?
“I’m so sorry Grey.” Seasick said again, looking on helplessly. “I don’t…is there anything I can do?”
Grey Bergman: “I don’t know,” the Chief said looking up at Seasick. “I honestly don’t know, Seasick. I was just so tired of having everyone stare at me with all those sad looks, and I just had to see you. Maybe you can help me figure out where I went wrong during the pregnancy.”
Seasick: “I-I don’t know…Grey, I…I’m sorry.” Seasick said, looking down. “I’m sorry I’m not any good at this. I’m not better than everyone back at you island. We just… we don’t know why these things happen…”
Slowly she looked up and gave Grey a sad smile. “But, I know this wasn’t your fault. Don’t be so hard on yourself.”
Grey Bergman: “But I was that baby’s mother…it’s supposed to be my job to protect it,” Grey said calming down slightly. “Now, not even my womb was safe for him or her.” She sniffled. “That baby had its whole life ahead of it, and it’s just…just gone in seconds…because of whatever it is that I did.”
Seasick: Seasick sighed.
“Grey, I don’t think there’s an answer to why this happened to you. We’ll never know why, and even if there was an answer, it won’t make the pain go away.”
Grey Bergman: The Chief of Haligan Island…the Lady of the United Revolutionaries…could only nod from her her spot on the table at her best friend. Brandt and her mother had told her the same thing, and hearing it from Seasick didn’t make it easy but at the same time was refreshing to here in a way.
“I don’t think it ever will, Seasick,” she finally said.
Seasick: “And I don’t know what else I can offer you besides tea and soup.” Seasick said sadly.
“Speaking of soup, SHIT!” Seasick yelled out suddenly, jumping from her chair to save the soup from boiling over.
From the hallway came a stampede of small footsteps. In the doorway were several of Seasick’s children.
“Aunt Grey!” yelled Havelock, now 10. He quickly ran to give her a hug but stopped short when he noticed she was crying. “What’s the matter? Why are you cryin’?”
Grey Bergman: Grey stared at her nephew and his siblings for a brief moment before realizing that she had stray tears flowing down her cheeks. It was bad enough that she had to explain to her own children why she was so upset, but to explain it to Seasick’s children…that was bound to be something. She quickly wiped away her tears and tried to fake a smile as best as she could and hugged Havelock tightly.
“Oh, it’s nothing, sweetie,” she said. “I was sad about something and needed to see you guys and Mommy.”
Havelock: “Oh, well maybe we can make ya feel better!” Havelock said, pulling away from Grey.
“Havie dear, Auntie Grey and I need to have a long talk, so can you take the rest of your siblings back to your room?” Seasick said, placing a bowl of soup in front of Grey. “I promise you’ll get plenty of time to hang out with her, since she’ll be staying a week or two.”
Grey Bergman: “I promise, Havie,” Grey said running a hand through his blonde hair, “once your mom and I talk, and if the weather clears up, maybe I can take you guys for a ride on Shadow.”
Seasick: “I can’t wait!!” Havelock yelled excitedly. With a smile, he and the rest of his siblings ran off back to their bedrooms.
Seasick’s small smile faded as she looked back to Grey.
“Does Brandt know you’re here?” She asked quietly.
Grey Bergman: “Well, he will eventually,” Grey said sitting back in her chair rubbing her forehead. “I left him a note while he and the kids were still sleeping.”
Seasick: Seasick sighed and leaned back in her chair.
“Well while I don’t agree with suddenly getting up and leaving, I suppose in this situation it couldn’t be helped… Are you sure you’ll be okay here?”
Grey Bergman: The Chief of Haligan Island knew exactly what her best friend was implying as she looked down at her reflection in the soup seeing her bloodshot eyes. Being in a house surrounded by children, especially a baby, not too long after she just lost her own…well surely, that wouldn’t be at all comfortable. However, it was quite the opposite. She needed to be away from home for a bit with her best friend. She could handle it, right?
“I’m sure, Seasick,” she said nodding and giving a small smile. “I was tired of being of cooped up in the house, and I really needed another friend to turn to.”
Seasick: “Well, alright, as long as you’re okay with being cooped up in another house.” seasick let out a small laugh, looking at the window. “Ellidi will be home in a few hours, and he’ll want an explanation. ‘Course, he’ll totally understand. Hell, he might even be a better support beam than me.”
Grey Bergman: Grey chuckled. “Thanks,” she said. “It’ll be good to see him again.” She sighed as she swirled the spoon in her soup. Silence fell between the two women in the kitchen again. Clearly, the Chief wasn’t sure as to what to say next. What could one possibly say after barging into her friend’s house explaining that you had a miscarriage not too long ago?
Seasick: Seasick shifted awkwardly in her chair and cleared her throat.
“You said… you said you told the kids about this… How.. how did they take it?” Seasick asked. “Did they really understand?”
Grey Bergman: Grey’s mind immediately went back to later that day…when Ingrid brought the kids…Sven, Dagny, and Kari home.
“Kids,” Brandt began, “there’s something we need to talk about.”
“What is it, Daddy?” Dagny asked.
“Something…something really sad happened today, sweetie,” Grey said. “I’m…I’m not going to have a baby after all.”
“W-Why not?” Kari asked sadly.
Tears came to her eyes as she remembered the shocked and confused looks on their faces when they broke the news to the three of them. She finally looked up at Seasick. “They were upset,” she said, “but I knew that they had no clue what I was talking about. They even asked me if that meant that I didn’t want the baby anymore. I know that they’re kids and don’t know any better, but…” She sighed.
Seasick: “They’ll understand when they are older.” Seasick replied quietly. “That’s why I feel it’d be best if you didn’t tell my children about it. It would be too difficult for you to explain, and for them to understand.”
Grey Bergman: The Chief nodded in understanding as she sipped some of her soup. It made sense that Seasick didn’t want her to tell Havelock and the other children about her miscarriage. Sven, Dagny, and Kari deserved the right to know simply because it involved their family, and there was no doubt that they would’ve realized that something was wrong if their mother never had a baby like she said she would.
“I understand,” she said. “I probably would’ve asked you to do the same if Thor-forbid something like this happened to you.”
Seasick: Seasick shuddered at the thought. For the past couple of months she and Ellidi had thought about having another child to complete the family, however with Grey’s news, Seasick found herself rethinking it.
“Before I forget, you should really write to Brandt, and tell him that you made it, and will be staying a week or two. So he won’t worry.” Seasick said.
Grey Bergman: “Yeah, I should,” Grey finally said as she reached into her bag and pulled out a piece of paper, ink, and her quill. “The kids will miss me. At least, he’ll be able to give them a straight answer.” She laid out the paper on the table and began to write.
Ellidi: The front door suddenly swung opened, and Ellidi entered, soaking wet.
“You’re home earlier than expected, dear.” Seasick said from her seat.
“The weather’s gotten worse and the gang has called it a day for now.” Ellidi said from the doorway, as he took off his soaked overcoat and boots. Entering the kitchen, the man stopped suddenly when he saw Grey.
“Ah, Chief Grey, didn’t know you were visitin’.” Ellidi said with a smile.
Grey Bergman: “Uh, well, it was kind of an unplanned visit,” Grey replied giving Seasick a sidelong glance. “I’m sorry for dropping by so suddenly, but it’s good to see you, Ellidi. Seasick says you were down by the docks?”
Ellidi: “That I was!” Ellidi replied, sitting down at the table. “Was doin’ some repairs on one of the fishing boats, but the waves got way too violent, so we’re gonna start over tomorrow.”
“Grey is going to be staying with us for a week or two.” Seasick said, glancing at her husband. Suddenly the small cry came from the bedroom. “Ah that would be Isey, I’ll be back in a few minutes.”
When Seasick left the room, Ellidi turned to Grey and leaned in close. “You’re not lookin’ so good, Lady Grey. Everythin’ okay at home?” He asked in a low voice.
Grey Bergman: The Chief stared at her best friend’s husband briefly before sighing. It seemed like everyone around her had the sixth sense to tell them that something was wrong. Then again, her bloodshot swollen eyes were probably also an indication as well. She looked down at her hands thinking that she might as well tell him to keep him in the loop.
“Uhh…well, s-something did happen,” she said wringing her hands.
Ellidi: “Ah, forgive me.” Ellidi said, leaning back. “I don’t mean to intrude so boldly. I’m just so used to Saedis being so straightforward with me. You don’t have to tell me. If you want to, please do it when you’re ready. I don’t wanna stress you out.”
Getting up and fixing himself a tea, Ellidi continued. “’Sides, you’re stayin’ a week or more, so you don’t have to rush. Hell, you don’t have to tell he at all. I won’t–”
Grey Bergman: “Ellidi, I had a miscarriage,” the Chief simply said looking him in the eye.
Ellidi: Ellidi’s jaw dropped and he fell silent for a moment.
“Oh, Chief Grey, I am truly sorry.” he said, walking back to the table and sitting down beside her. “Gods, I feel like an idiot.. I… when did this happen?”
Grey Bergman: Grey sighed as she ran a hand through her drying hair. “About a week ago,” she said. “I was doing my rounds in the village, and then suddenly I had strange pains in my stomach. Next thing I knew, I was told the baby didn’t survive.” She looked at Ellidi as tears again formed in her eyes.
Ellidi: Ellidi looked down and sighed.
“Damn. I.. I’m.. I don’t know what I can say or do to make you feel better, but you are welcome to stay as long as you want.” Ellidi said softly. “I know you and Saedis are close, and she’ll be a really great crutch for you, but coming here… will just make the pain worse…”
Grey Bergman: “Well, it…it won’t be easy, I’ll admit that,” she finally said, “but…I..I didn’t know what else to do. Everyone just kept staring at me at home. I can barely look Brandt and my own kids in the eye knowing that we’re not going to have another baby because of me. I trust you and Seasick. I…I just really needed a friend today.”
Ellidi: “I can understand that.” Ellidi said. “Well whatever you need, I’ll try my best to make you as comfortable as possible. Maybe if the weather clears, I can take you down to the docks and go fishin’ or something… to get your mind off of it.”
Grey Bergman: Grey gave Ellidi a small smile as she wiped the tears falling down her cheeks and placed a hand on his shoulder. “Thank you,” she said. “I really appreciate that. It would be nice to go on a little fishing trip.”
Ellidi: “I’m not real good at this kinda thing, but Saedis will definitely help you out in any way possible.” Ellidi smiled at Grey.
Grey Bergman: The Chief’s smile grew somewhat showing her appreciation for Ellidi and Seasick’s kindness and hospitality. She would be lying if she said that it didn’t make her miss Brandt and their three children…and somewhat guilty. Quite frankly, Seasick was right not to agree with the way she left her husband and their three children. Had she told Brandt face to face, maybe he would’ve understood and let her go, but she just left. She definitely owed Brandt a huge apology once she returned home.
“Trust me,” she finally said. “Being here with you guys is enough. I think all I need was a friend and a change of scenery. I was cooped up in the house for a week after it happened, and I needed to get out for some air.”
Ellidi: “Alright, as long as you’re comfortable.” Ellidi smiled at her. “Actually, we’ll have to find a place for you to sleep while you’re here… eh, I’m sure Eydis and the girls will be more than willing to let you stay in their room while they bunk with the young’uns.”
Grey Bergman: “I’m okay with anything really,” she said shrugging. “I could always sleep on the couch here if the girls don’t want to bunk with the little ones. It doesn’t matter to me.” She quickly remembered something that Seasick asked her not too long. “Uh, look, just so you know, Seasick doesn’t want the kids to know about my…uh…y-you know…so try not to say anything in front of them? I think Havelock got a little suspicious that something was wrong when he saw me.”
Ellidi: “Ah yes, that’s perfectly understandable.” Ellidi replied. “The kids are too young to really grasp the situation anyways. You could say that… you wanted to visit, and you were crying because… you were just so happy to see Saedis.. or something. Really, they probably won’t even ask.”
Grey Bergman: Grey raised her eyebrows thinking that Ellidi was right. There wasn’t anything to worry about really. The children seemed to forget that she was upset rather quickly. They probably wouldn’t think to ask again, which was fine with her as it would keep her from a very awkward position.
“That’s true,” she said. “Havelock seemed to forget the whole thing once I mentioned that I would take him on Shadow.”
Ellidi: Ellidi chuckled at Grey’s answer. “That sounds like ‘Avie. One day they’ll understand, but for today, they can be kids.”
Grey Bergman: “I couldn’t agree more,” she said looking down toward the hallway that Seasick the children had disappeared into not too long ago before. “You know, they do say ignorance is bliss. Maybe they’re right in a way, you know?”
Ellidi: “Well, they are kids… they aren’t trying to be ignorant.” Ellidi chuckled again. “Either way, you don’t have to worry about it. They just think you’re here for a visit, and that’s enough for them.”
Grey Bergman: “You’re right,” she said. She then turned back to Ellidi. “Next time, I’ll have to bring Brandt and the kids with me. They would’ve loved to see you guys.”
Ellidi: “Yes, it’s been a while… I’m sure they’ve grown since I last saw them.” Ellidi said.
The sound of an opening door was heard, and Seasick emerged in the living room holding Isey, who was now awake and happy.
“Ah… I-I…um…” Seasick started awkwardly, and then turned away and sat down in the living room.
Grey Bergman: “Uhh…Seasick…” the Chief asked, “are you okay? Did I say something wrong?”
Seasick: “N-no… it’s just…” Seasick said quietly, avoiding Grey’s stare. “You.. just lost a child… yet here I am holding my newest one… I don’t want to upset you, but I can’t leave Isey alone…”
Grey Bergman: The Chief of Haligan Island stared at the former Bearer of the Keys for a few seconds before sighing. Seasick had always tried to look out for her in more ways than one ever since they became friends in the Rebellion. She had always appreciated it and knew that she would do the same for Seasick, but the thought that Seasick felt the need to keep her newest baby from Grey because she lost hers…it was enough to make Grey feel guilty. She was a guest in Seasick’s house. Seasick shouldn’t have to explain herself for being a mother.
The Chief stood up and walked over to stand behind where Seasick was sitting as she barely got a glimpse of the baby. She didn’t not expect seeing children wandering around, and if she never faced what happened to her, she and Brandt would never move on from the tragedy.
“Seasick, I’m a big girl,” she said gently. “I’m a mother, too. You don’t have to explain anything in that subject to me. I need to face this if I’m ever going to move on. Please, will you let me see my newest niece?”
Seasick: Seasick sighed. “Alright. As long as you’re okay with it. Here, this is Isey.”
The tiny baby squirmed in her mother’s arms and stared up at her Aunt Grey.
“W-would you like to hold her?” Seasick asked.
Grey Bergman: Grey inhaled a shaky breath as she stared at the little baby in Seasick’s arms. For what seemed like an eternity, she couldn’t move as she stared at the infant that reminded her of…what could’ve been. Had her own baby made it…she would’ve done the same thing with him or her. She would’ve held it close wanting to protect it from all harm, and now, as she placed her hands on her flat stomach, she knew that she couldn’t. However, she had to face what had happened and find a way to move over. Perhaps…deep down, that’s why she came to Seasick today…to truly accept that she lost her child.
She took a deep breath and looked back up at Seasick. She then nodded and held out her arms.
Seasick: Placing Isey gently in Grey’s arms, Seasick smiled and then looked away.
“Isey’s a good baby. She doesn’t cry that often and she’s not nearly as fussy as the others were.” Seasick said quietly.
Grey Bergman: “Oh…that’s…that’s good,” Grey said staring at baby Isey in her arms. She looked comfortable holding Seasick’s daughter, but at the same time, it felt so foreign. The baby stared up at her as if studying her emotions, and that was enough to make tears come to her eyes. “She’s beautiful, Seasick.”
Seasick: Seasick sighed. “Here, let me take her. You’re still recovering and this is clearly difficult for you. There’s no shame in admitting it, Grey.”
Grey Bergman: “No, no, I’m…I’m okay, Seasick,” Grey said quickly trying to hold back the tears in her eyes. “Really. I-I just…I…”
Seasick: “Look, I get it. You want everything to go back to the way it was.” Seasick said, placing her hand on Grey’s shoulder. “But it’s only been a week. It’s going to take a long time to recover. You… you can’t just rush in and force yourself to return to normal…”
Grey Bergman: “But that’s just it, Seasick,” Grey retorted. “If I don’t start trying to return to normal now, then I probably never will. I…I hated feeling the way I felt all week. Everything was just fine until Brandt and I decided to try to have another baby.” Tears finally poured down her cheeks. “I’m sorry, guys,” she said as she held Isey a little tighter.
Seasick: “I don’t… I don’t know what else I can do for you… or what I can say to make you feel better.” Seasick said, handing Grey some tissues. “What do you want me to do?”
Grey Bergman: Grey tried to answer, but the truth was…she wasn’t sure. All she knew was that she needed to come to Seasick today. It wasn’t that she didn’t expect to see the kids roaming around, just that…she realized that…holding a baby was probably something she would never get to experience again.
“I…I don’t know,” she said. “I know I said I needed you, and I did. But…” she sniffled, “I just keep thinking about what might happen at home…how Brandt will probably never forgive me…the kids…I mean I get them all excited about having a sibling, and now it’s not going to happen. Everything just seems so messed up, and…it was all because of me.”
Seasick: “What??!” Seasick suddenly exclaimed. “Grey Bergman you listen to me right now. This was not your fault. If Brandt blames you for even 1 second I swear on all the deities that I will fly over to your island so fast and kick his ass!”
Seasick was on fire now. She quickly jumped to her feet and continued her rant.
“Your kids are too young to grasp the situation. Will they be sad? Yes, of course. But they won’t understand fully why. You are not to blame. What happened was out of your control. The sooner you accept that, then the sooner you will be able to move on!”
Grey Bergman: Grey was completely speechless as she stared at her best friend with her jaw slightly open and tears running down her cheeks. This was one of the very…VERY rare moments where Seasick screamed at her, and the Chief had no clue as to how to respond to the other woman’s sudden outburst. Maybe that was because…deep down she knew she needed it. She needed Seasick to snap her out of this.
Seasick: Seasick paced around the room, trying to calm down.
“I’m sorry I snapped at you. I know I’m supposed to comfort you and all but…” Seasick began, scratching her head. “It’’s just a difficult situation.”
Grey Bergman: “I know,” the Chief said, “and I’m probably not making it any easier. I’m so sorry, Seasick.”
Seasick: “No. No, it’s not your fault. Don’t apologize.” Seasick said shaking her head. “I should apologize for getting angry. You’ve been through a lot. And you’ve traveled a far distance, perhaps you should go have a nap.”
Grey Bergman: Now that Grey thought about it, she was feeling exhausted, and it made sense. She had been in the house all week before today, and she remembered her mother and Brandt telling her to take it easy today while doing her rounds. After waking up early and flying for hours on Shadow along with crying, it was a wonder that she hadn’t fallen asleep standing up. “Yeah, m-maybe I could use a little shut-eye,” she said handing Isey back to her mother.
Seasick: “Since the kids are playing in their rooms, you can sleep in my bed for now.” Seasick said, adjusting Isey in her arms. “We can talk about sleeping arrangements later in the evening.”
Grey Bergman: Grey could only nod. “Okay, sounds good,” she said. “Thank you again, Seasick…for everything.”
Seasick: While Grey was having her nap, Seasick took the time to clean up around the house. There were dishes to be washes, toys to be stored away and laundry to be sorted.
At the sound of the bedroom door opening, Seasick smiled as a sleepy Grey entered the room.
“How are you feeling?” Seasick asked quietly.
Grey Bergman: Grey stretched her back and her arms as she nodded. “Yes, I did,” she said. “Thank you for letting me sleep in your room. I didn’t fully realize how much I needed it until now.”
Seasick: “I hope you don’t mind, but I let Shadow outside.” Seasick said, gesturing towards the door. “She quickly ran over to Furious, and he’s covering her from the rain with his wing. It’s rather sweet.”
Grey Bergman: Grey furrowed her eyebrows together in confusion, so she walked to the door and opened it only to see that Seasick was right. There was her beloved pet Night Fury and Seasick’s large Sea Dragon, who was holding his wing over her while she played in the mud outside the house. The Chief could only chuckle as she shook her head smiling at the sight in front of her before closing the door.
“They are just too cute,” Grey said. “I’m glad Furious could keep her occupied. I don’t think she was in the mood for napping.”
Seasick: “Yeah, and it’’s been a few months sine they’ve seen each other.” Seasick smiled. “Shadow always seems to bring out the best in Furious, so I couldn’t just let her stay inside. Of course, now that’s she’s playing in the mud, she’ll have to stay outside until she’s thoroughly clean.”
Grey Bergman: “Yeah, don’t worry about it,” Grey quickly said. “I’ll take care of it when the storm lightens up.” She was silent for a few minutes until she finally spoke. “I sent a letter home to Brandt just now.”
Seasick: “Oh? Well that’s a good thing… right?” Seasick said, sitting down on the couch.
Grey Bergman: “Hm?” Grey asked snapping out of her daze. “Oh no, yes, it is.” She walked over to Seasick and sat next to her on the couch. “It’s just…I don’t know how he’s going to react to the fact that I…left…”
Seasick: “I’ll admit, there were probably better ways to handle leaving…” Seasick said. “But I’m sure he’ll understand.”
Grey Bergman: Grey gave a small smile. “I hope so,” she said. She sighed. “There’s just one thing that’s really bugging me.”
Seasick: “And what’s that?” Seasick asked.
Grey Bergman: “If…we’ll ever be ready to…you know…try again,” Grey replied.
Seasick: “It will take some time to recover, first of all.” Seasick sighed. “And it’s something you and Brandt both have to agree upon. It’s not going to be an easy decision.”
Grey Bergman: Grey nodded. She honestly wasn’t sure if she wanted to try again after what she experienced not too long ago. Then again, what if the second time was the charm? What if she and Brandt did have the potential to make a baby? Then again…what if they were destined to fail…what if she was destined to fail again?
“It really won’t be,” she said, “and I really don’t understand why this is such an issue…why this had to happen. Is it some kind of sign or something?”
Seasick: “I don’t know, Grey. I really don’t.” Seasick said. “I really wish I had the answers for you, but I don’t. I don’t think there is an answer for this question.”
Grey Bergman: Grey sighed again as she listened to Seasick’s answer. She didn’t expect Seasick to know the answer, especially when she herself didn’t, and she was the baby’s mother. Then again, perhaps it was better that they didn’t know. It was a family tragedy. Maybe, it was best to leave it as that, who knows?
“Then I hope we can at least move past it,” she said.
Seasick: “I’m sure you can and you will.” Seasick said, placing her hand on Grey’s shoulder. “It will always be a pat of you though, but you’ll be okay.”
Grey Bergman: The Chief of Haligan Island smiled at the former Bearer of the Keys and placed a hand on her hand keeping it in place not wanting her friend to let go. “It will easier knowing that we have you guys, my mother, and the Boomerang Squad,” she said. “I don’t know what I would do without you.”
Seasick: “I gotta keep that up my end of the deal we made all those years ago.” Seasick smiled. “We agreed that we’d be there for each other, no matter the distance. And here I am. Even though I’m currently not very helpful.”
Grey Bergman: The Chief of Haligan Island smiled at the former Bearer of the Keys and placed a hand on her hand keeping it in place not wanting her friend to let go. “It will easier knowing that we have you guys, my mother, and the Boomerang Squad,” she said. “I don’t know what I would do without you.”
Seasick: “I’m just glad I can be of some assistance.” Seasick said quietly. Looking out the window, the rain had finally stopped, and a bit of sunlight was beginning to peak through the clouds.
“Hey, look like the rain’s finally stopped. Wanna go outsde for some fresh air?” Seasick asked, getting up.
Grey Bergman: “Of course,” Grey said standing up next to her best friend. “I could use some fresh air. Plus, I could use that time to give Shadow a much needed bath.”
Seasick: “You’re on your own for that!” Seasick laughed as she opened the front door. “It’s cooler after the rain, but it’s fresh. It’ll help the crops, that’s for sure.”
Grey Bergman: As soon as Seasick opened the front door of her house, a cool breeze brushed up against Grey’s face. It was nice to take a minute to smell the fresh air on Peaceable when it wasn’t raining. “That’s true,” she said. “Haligan Island welcomes a good storm as well. It’s good for the wells as well.”
She looked around and soon saw Shadow with Furious, and sure enough, there was the Night Fury…covered in mud. The Chief couldn’t help sigh. “And I thought the children were bad,” she said to herself.
Seasick: “The children know better than to go outside when it rains.” Seasick said as they walked over to their dragons. “I’ve told them that they must wait until it’s dry outside in order to play. I don’t want mud on their clothes or in the house.”
Grey Bergman: The Chief’s Night Fury was busy tugging on the Sea Dragon’s horns as she sat on top of his head but suddenly stopped when she saw her rider, Grey and Seasick walking toward them. Shadow smiled a muddy toothless grin and jumped down from Furious’ head bounding over to Grey and Seasick. The dragon stopped just in front of Grey thankfully realizing that she was covered in mud. She did however licked Grey’s cheek.
“Aw, thanks, girl,” she said scratching Shadow in her favorite spot on her head. “I’m glad to see you too.”
Seasick: Seasick cringed at the sight of Shadow. “Hate to say it, but unless Shadow is thoroughly clean, she’ll be sleepng outside with Furious tonight.”
Grey Bergman: Grey cringed as she eyed the dragon. She was completely covered in mud from head to toe. The Chief knew that Shadow wouldn’t mind sleeping outside with Furious as it had been a while since they last saw each other. However, she couldn’t ignore how filthy she was. “Yeah, don’t worry,” she said. “I’ll clean her up. You’d like a bath, wouldn’t you, girl?”
The Night Fury simply stared at her and rolled her eyes crooning in exasperation. However, she changed her mind when she saw Grey raise an eyebrow, and she knew she had no choice but to comply.
Seasick: “The well nearby should have plenty of water now.” Seasick said. “As for rags, I think there are some hanging around in the shed.”
Grey Bergman: “Great, thanks, Seasick,” Grey said quickly. She then turned to Shadow smirking. “Come on, you.” She then turned to Seasick and Furious. “Care to at least watch the show?”
Seasick: “I wouldn’t miss this for the world!” Seasick laughed. Furious just rolled his eyes and went to sleep.
“Is Shadow good at taking baths?” Seasick asked as they walked towards the well.
Grey Bergman: “You kidding me?” Grey said laughing. “She’s like a giant little kid when it comes to baths.”
Shadow could only glare at Grey and stick her tongue out at the Chief.
“Oh, really mature, unholy offspring of lightning and death itself,” Grey said sarcastically. “Just hold still, okay? We’re at Seasick’s house, so you need to behave. Besides, Sven, Dagny, and Kari can’t help you now.”
Shadow growled under her breath as she sat still and watched Grey pull the water from the well. “Sometimes, Sven, Dagny, and Kari will conspire with her to get more dirty when I’m not looking,” she said to Seasick.
Seasick: “I’m not surprised.” Seasick laughed. “Although, wouldn’t it make more sense for Shadow to take a dive into the ocean? Sure it’s salt water, but at least she’d be cleaner faster?”
Grey Bergman: Grey and Shadow suddenly stopped and stared at Seasick and then at each other and then at the ocean…that was just down the hill from Seasick’s house. Grey had to admit that she was so used to cleaning Shadow. The ocean was too far from the other side of the island, and since Grey was a little kid when she met Shadow and Shadow didn’t know how to fly, they had always stuck to using water from the well to clean Shadow and never really thought to change the routine.
“Huh, what do you know?” the Chief finally said aloud. “Uhh…okay, Shadow, go for it.”
Shadow happily bounded down the hill and dived into the ocean. Grey couldn’t help but chuckle nervously. “Guess I forgot Peaceable Country was different from Haligan Island,” she said. “My parents never wanted me to go to the other side of the island just to clean Shadow. Not to mention that the village is on top of a cliff.”
Seasick: “Ah, I see.” Seasick said. “I was a bit confused at first. I figured that perhaps cleaning Shadow manually was just something you two did for bonding. I hadn’t realized it also had to do with location. Makes sense thought.”
Grey Bergman: “Well, that too,” she said chuckling. “We’ve been doing it ever since we were kids, so I guess you could say it was.”
Seasick: “Well, perhaps if the weather is better later on this week, we can let the kids wash shadow.” Seasick said, walking near the edge of a small cliff. “They don’t exactly get to wash Furious, since he’s way too massive… it could be fun for them.”
Grey Bergman: Grey chuckled. “I’m sure they would love that,” she said. “Let them deal with Shadow for a while. Do you take them on Furious often? To fly I mean?”
Seasick: “I’ve only taken Eydis and Havelock a few times.” Seasick said. “We don’t go high at all and it’s pretty short. The only other time they fly on Furious is when we travel to your island or my parents’.”
Grey Bergman: Grey nodded as she walked next to Seasick and watched Shadow swim around in the rolling waves. Once Shadow was sure she was clean from the mud, the Night Fury happily jumped out of the water and ran over to Grey and Seasick. As soon as she stopped in front of the Chief and the Bearer of Keys, she began to shake her body to dry…spraying Grey and Seasick in the process.
“AH! SHADOW!” Grey said shielding herself with her arms.
Seasick: Seasick laughed as she tried to avoid the spray of water. “I guess she figured we needed baths too!!”
Grey Bergman: “I guess so,” the Chief said laughing. “Thanks a lot, Shadow.”
Shadow responded by crooning cheerfully clearly proud of what she did.
Seasick: “Hm, Shadow must be an exceptionally young Night Fury.” seasick said, studying Shadow closely. “She hardly looks like she’s ground at all since the rebellion.”
Grey Bergman: Grey raised an eyebrow at her friend. “What do you mean?” she asked.
Seasick: “Well, Furious for example, has grown quite a bit larger since I first met him in the woods in the Wilderwest.” Seasick explained, while petting Shadow. “Shadow however, looks to be the same size. Perhaps she ages slower than Furious. But I’m wondering just how slow she ages, and if she is still in her infant size.”
Grey Bergman: Grey studied Shadow for bit realizing that Seasick had a point. Shadow had not grown all that much since their time in the rebellion. “That’s a good question,” she said scratching Shadow behind an ear flap. “I mean we’re the same age in human years, at least that’s what my dad said, but I don’t know about dragon years.”
Seasick: “It’s different for every dragon.” Seasick said. “Each dragon has their own little ways of showing age. Furious for example, has rings around his horns on his head. You can tell how old he is like rings around a tree.”
Grey Bergman: “Huh, I never noticed,” Grey said looking over her shoulder at the sleeping Furious. “I think my father was able to tell with the little nubs on her head below her ear flaps. It’s interesting how different these creatures are.”
Seasick: “And how little we know about them.” Seasick replied. “There’s still so much to learn about them. I sometimes miss going out and adventuring. Searching for new dragons…”
Grey Bergman: Grey stared at Seasick sadly as she watched her friend succumb to the nostalgia of her past adventures. She had to admit that she missed those days as well, especially those in the rebellion. It was nice to come and go and see the world or at least as much as one could. Now, times had changed. They were older with responsibilities, husbands, and children of their own on top of their jobs. That was when Grey had an idea.
“You know, it might be too far in advance to think about,” she began, “but maybe after I retire years in the future, maybe we can go and travel every now and then…us and our dragons.”
Seasick: Seasick smiled up at Grey. “That’s actually not a bad idea! And by then, our children will be old enough that they can stand to be without their mothers for a day or to. I look forward to it!”
Grey Bergman: “Great!” she said. “It’s a deal then! I know I travel a lot already, but it’s usually always to neighboring tribes and to King Haddock’s palace. I miss being able to travel just to see the world, you know? The last time I did that was long before I became chief…when Warren and I set out to find her parents.”
Seasick: “Was that a far travel?” Seasick asked. “If we do travel, we’ll have to plan for the length of it. I’ll have to make sure that Eliidi is ready to handle 9 kids. Or I could send them to their aunts and uncle…”
Grey Bergman: “It wasn’t too far,” the Chief replied thinking back on the days when she and her unofficial half-Pookan adoptive sister went on the adventure to find her biological parents so long ago. She remembered all the nights they spent under the stars with their dragons…all the things they encountered on their journey…the excitement when they found clues. “We narrowed it down to Aidorin, so it’s not like we went to the end of the earth. We were gone for about a month though.”
Seasick: “Hm, I’m not sure if I’d want to be gone for that long though…” Seasick said, thinking about the possible adventure. “I think we’d definitely have to start off slow, and build our way to a week long or month long travel.”
Grey Bergman: “I agree,” Grey replied. “That trip was made long before Warren and I each started having our kids and responsibilities and such. We have a lot to think about now.”
Seasick: “Exactly. But it’s still a good idea. We just need to plan carefully.” Seasick said. “It’ll be great to finally get up in the sky again.”
Grey Bergman: Grey looked up at the sky above her admiring how quickly it seemed to be clearing up after the rain. It helped to improve her mood reminding her that there was always a light at the end of a tunnel, but it also gave her an idea as she listened to Seasick speak about how it would feel to be up in the sky again. She smiled to herself as she turned to her best friend.
“Well, why don’t we?” she finally asked.
Seasick: Seasick smiled at Grey and then turned towards the sleeping Furious. “Hey Furious, wanna go flyin’?” Seasick yelled over to the Sea Dragon.
“I thought you’d never ask.” He growled, getting up and leaping over to the two women and Shadow.
“First one in the air is the winner!” Seasick yelled at Grey as she jumped up on Furious.
Grey Bergman: “You are so on!” Grey shouted as she hopped on her drying saddle on Shadow’s back. She then turned to her beloved Night Fury, “You ready, Shadow?”
Shadow crooned happily at Grey and then smirked at Furious.
“You too are so going down!” Shadow crooned at the large Sea Dragon.
Seasick: “On three!” Seasick laughed. “One…”
“THREE!” Furious roared and suddenly took to the skies, with Seasick barely holding on.
Grey Bergman: “LET’S GO, GIRL!” Grey shouted to her Night Fury.
Within seconds, Shadow obeyed her rider’s command and took off into the sky not too far behind Furious and Seasick. Thankfully, Shadow and Grey managed to sneak in some time to fly in between Grey’s rounds and when she was needed to help with the fishing and of course when she traveled to visit King Haddock and Seasick at their respective homes, so Shadow was able to catch up to Seasick and her large dragon within seconds.
“Come on, girl, FASTER!” Grey shouted as Shadow flapped her wings as hard as she could.
Seasick: “Damn, I forgot how fast you were!” Seasick called over her shoulder. The were way up high now, the house looking even tinier from where they were, and the air colder.
“Just like old time, huh Grey!”
Grey Bergman: “Sure is!” Grey shouted back over the roaring winds around them. “I can’t remember the last time we’ve done this!” The Chief then noticed that there were a few sea stacks standing in the ocean below them, and then she had an idea. “Want to see a little trick Shadow and I do sometimes?”
Grey Bergman: “Sure is!” Grey shouted back over the roaring winds around them. “I can’t remember the last time we’ve done this!” The Chief then noticed that there were a few sea stacks standing in the ocean below them, and then she had an idea. “Want to see a little trick Shadow and I do sometimes?”
Seasick: “Sure!” Seasick yelled back. “As long you don’t hurt yourselves!!”
Grey Bergman: Grey smiled and gently patted on the side of Shadow’s head silently telling her to fly down toward the seastacks in the crystal blue water below. It had been a while since they last performed this trick, but hopefully, they still had some good years left in both of them. As soon as they got closer, Grey slowly stood herself up on Shadow’s back careful not to lose her footing as one seastack that resembled an arch was coming up in front of them.
Once Grey was in the perfect position and saw the seastack approaching, she jumped off Shadow and ran across the top while Shadow flew under it to meet her on the other side. The Chief stumbled a bit, but was able to make a remarkable recovery and jumped back on Shadow’s back.
“WHOO!!” Grey cheered at the top of her lungs.
Seasick: Seasick and Furious watched in awe as Shadow and Grey preformed their stunt. “Oh wow! Grey that was amazing!” Seasick yelled. “And dangerous…Wow, colour me impressed!!”
Grey Bergman: Grey and Shadow laughed at Seasick’s compliment. It had been such a long time since they had done that one stunt, and the adrenaline was still there. “Thank you, Seasick,” she said. “Dear Hel, that felt so good to do that again!”
Seasick: “So, you really don’t get to do that anymore?” Seasick asked. “I thought you and Shadow go on your morning flights still… isn’t there anywhere you can do that around Haligan Island?”
Grey Bergman: “Oh no, we still take our flights everyday,” Grey said quickly, “but unfortunately, sometimes, they have to be cut short with my schedule or if something comes up in the village. You know…the perks of being a Chief…”
Seasick: “Ah… Right. I’m glad I don’t have to deal with that!” Seasick laughed. “How busy do you honestly get? Perhaps I’m confusing Peaceable with Haligan but I wasn’t aware the population was so large?”
Grey Bergman: “No, it’s about the same size as Peaceable,” Grey said leaning on Shadow’s back. “It’s just now that I have kids of my own and villagers who expect me to solve every problem for them. It gets a little…difficult.”
Seasick: “That and you have to keep a good relationship with neighboring islands.” Seasick said. “I guess I can see why you’re so stressed out all the time. Always running around, never stopping…”
Grey Bergman: Grey sighed as Seasick pretty much nailed it to a tee. Perhaps, this was why it was so easy to talk to her. Seasick always managed to help keep her feet on the ground, and she understood her. “Please, don’t take it as me not loving it because I do,” she said. “It’s just sometimes it gets overwhelming.”
Seasick: “Oh of course. I understand that it’s a hard job and I know you love it.” Seasick said. “If you hated it, you would’ve said something by now! But, you should remember that your health and well being should come first…”
Grey Bergman: Grey nodded letting everything Seasick said sink in. Everyone had been telling her that since Day 1, and she knew they were right. Although, sometimes, sacrifices had to be made for the sake of her people. “I try to, believe me,” she said. “Sometimes it’s easy to forget. I have to take care of my people, you know?”
Seasick: “Your duty to your people is quite a responsibility, but just try not to overwork yourself.” Seasick said. “You have Warren and the gang that will gladly take over for you if you need a few days. Never forget that.”
Grey Bergman: “I know,” she said, “and Greg has been an amazing second-in-command. I don’t know where I would be without him. Warren and Asha help out a lot with Brandt and the kids, but then I remember that they have kids of their own to worry about. I feel bad asking for help sometimes.”
Seasick: “If they didn’t want to help or support you, they would’ve said something by now!” Seasick reassured Grey. “You don’t have to be afraid of asking for help. Your their chief, of course they’d be willing to help you.”
Grey Bergman: Grey nodded as she let what Seasick said sink in. She knew that the help was available to her long before she received those ashes on her forehead. Now that she was Chief, she felt the weight of the responsibilities and wanted to do whatever she could to prove to everyone that she was great at what she did, and she loved every minute of being a Chief…being a leader.
“I understand,” she said. “That still doesn’t stop me from wanting to be a great leader…to protect them and to take care of them.”
Seasick: “Well, if you’re ever in a difficult situation or need advice, you know where to find me!” Seasick smiled at Grey. “We’ve been up here for a while, and I’m a bit cold, want to head back down?”
Grey Bergman: Grey shivered slightly as another breeze brushed up against her. Perhaps, it was time to descend back to the ground…back to reality. She then nodded and gently nudged Shadow to go back to the ground. “Race you back down there!” she called to Seasick and Furious.
Seasick: “I think you’ll win. I’m too frozen to race!” Seasick laughed as she and Furious followed Grey and Shadow back down to the house. It was slightly sunnier now, but there was still a cool breeze and everything was wet.
“Perhaps tomorrow will be a better day…” Seasick said as she dismounted Furious.
Grey Bergman: “Perhaps,” Grey said removing Shadow’s saddle from her back. “I would love to take the kids on their ride on Shadow tomorrow as I promised.”
Seasick: “That sounds like it could be a lot of fun for everyone!” Seasick said. “And Ellidi mentioned to me that he was going to take you down to the docks too. Maybe we can all go for an evening sail. Those are always lots of fun.”
Grey Bergman: “Oh that does sound like fun,” Grey said excitedly. “Brandt and I sometimes do that with the kids. They love it!”
Seasick: “The kids will love to show their Aunt Grey all they know about the ocean and manning a ship.” Seasick laughed. “They’ll probably talk your ears right off!”
Grey Bergman: Grey laughed. She loved how nieces and nephews loved to show off in front of her, especially when it came to showing her something that they loved. “I can’t wait to see that,” she said.
Seasick: “They’re actually not too bad at navigating.” Seasick said. “Havelock and Hafdis are showing the most talent for it right now. I’m sure the rest will follow soon enough.”
Grey Bergman: “Of course they will,” Grey said with reassurance. “They have you and Ellidi to teach them. Maybe even Havelock and Hafdis can teach them when they have more experience.”
Seasick: “That’s true.” Seasick agreed. “Oh, maybe Havelock and Hafdis can even teach your kids a think or too. Aw, that’d be so cute!”
Grey Bergman: “That would be, yes!” Grey said excitedly. “Sven, Dagny, and Kari would love that, and maybe when…” she stopped when she suddenly remembered one specific detail as she placed her hands on her stomach…her empty stomach. The Chief sighed sadly.
Seasick: Seasick saw where Grey placed her hands, and quickly took Grey’s hands in her own. “Hey, Grey, try not to think about that…” Seasick said quickly. “Let’s just focus on today and this week. One day at a time.”
Grey Bergman: The Chief looked up at her and nodded smiling sadly. Her best friend was right. It was time to focus on moving on from this tragedy and having some time to relax with Seasick and her family, and with her friend at her side, there was no doubt that she could do just that.
Seasick: “Here, let’s go inside. We can get dinner ready while the kids entertain you.” Seasick smiled at Grey, gesturing towards the house. “They’ve got plenty of wild stories to tell you.”
Grey Bergman: “I’m sure they do,” Grey said walking with Seasick and Shadow by her side. “I can’t wait to hear them.” With that, Grey regained her composure and walked into Seasick’s home, and sure enough, the kids were ready to regale her with some of their tales as she was ready to hear them.