My mind takes a step.
Did he- did he just? Before I could stop myself, I burst out into laughter, smiling with glee. "Wha- what?" I ask, trying to stand upright. "You think-" My giggling continues as I try my best not to smile. " Do I fancy the enemy? " I muttered, looking up with a goofy smile.
"No. I don't think so." I answered lazily, peeking at Viggo who still has a serious face on.
"Why would you think I fancy Hiccup of all people?" I giggled. He hummed. " Just wondering." His voice trailing off into the now awkward silence. To be honest- I was expecting worse. Slowly, I walked over to his table and began observing the game. He was moving the pieces slowly-making sure to calculate every move correctly. His hand hovered over the Traitor for what I assume he was hesitant to use.
After a few minutes of silence, he sighed. " Care for a game?" His voice was gruff and cold. I instantly took note of his finger tapping against the wood in an irritated manner.
"Uhh, no thanks. I'd rather go back and make sure everybody is here." I denied politely. He sighed once more. " Why are you always so keen on making sure everybody is safe? They are mere pieces meant to be used in the end game." He mumbled softly.
'Is that how you think of me? Just a piece meant to be played on the board? Nothing more than that?' I wondered. "Well..." I hesitated to answer. " Shouldn't you always make sure that... the people around you are safe? So that when the time comes... they'll protect you?" My voice was unconvincing and wavered with uncertainty.
He hummed again, moving the dragon next to the Traitor. "That's not how it works. People like Krogan and Johan will take advantage of your weak actions. They will use it against you. If you give them protection, they'll never give it back."
I let an 'Oh...' left my mouth as I took his silence as my sign to leave. The air was warmer than it was before. I took my time to let his words sink in as I walked. ' They'll use your weak actions against you.'
'He's right. I won't check upon them. I'll practice archery instead.' I felt guilt and pride at the same time. My steps were heavy as my mind was deep in thought. I rushed back to my tent and took my time cleaning my injuries and taking care of them. By the time I'm done, everyone was already asleep and the air was soundless and intense.
I peeked out of my tent, scared. I wasn't a big fan of the dark, but I had to practice- I need to prove that I'm more than what people think I was. Silently, I clutch my quiver and bow tightly and made my way to a part of the small forest.
Every time I would hear a noise, my heart would race and I would panic. My fear reminded me of Destiny. What would she have felt? Well, she is a predator and can much likely see in the dark- unlike you. I said to myself. The trees would allow little to no moonlight to reach the ground as their figures hunched over. My footsteps were deafening to my ears- which made me more nervous.
At last, I arrived at the clearing where I always practiced at night. Memories of me exercising followed my thoughts. I studied the area until I deemed it was safe enough. Eery sounds emitted from the forest as I made my target. When I was done, I observed the clearing once again. I knew I was getting paranoid-but I had to be if even one guard catches me- I'd be in trouble for sneaking in the night.
Pushing my rambling thoughts away, I took my stance and loaded my bow. I took a breath and aimed.
Missed.
I did it again, this time with my eyes closed.
Missed.
Again and again, I would aim but inevitably miss.
"Yer' missing because yer focusing on the target, and not on your actions." A voice behind me sounded. I froze with wide eyes. "Ryker?" I spun around, coming almost face to face with him. My heart raced with the realization that I have been caught.
I foolishly tried to hide the bow behind my back- but I already knew it was too late. "What-What a-are you doing here?" I asked nervously, taking a few steps back so that I could see him properly. "Could ask ye the same thing." He remarked, scowling. " I was just-" My mind tried to come with some clever plan, something to say or do to get me out of this situation. I sighed.
"I was trying to practice," I murmured barely audible. "What? Archery?" He let out a loud laugh and put his heavy hand on my shoulder. I almost tipped over at the uneven weight. "Give me the bow." He commanded. I slowly did so, seeing my pride slowly fade.
"Yer got to keep the bow straight otherwise might as well try sword fighting." He teased me. I hated that part of him- he always teases me on what I can't do just because he can. I groaned out of irritation. "Hold the arrow under yer chin and aim with your eyes, not your gut." He scoffed.
As the first streak of sunlight seeped through the thick branches of the forest- I finally stopped. My arms and legs were incredibly sore from practicing archery all night long. My eyelids felt undeniably heavy as so did the rest of my body. I could barely think straight. All I worried about was my bed. My sweet glorious bed.
Most of my motivation for my feet to keep moving was the fact that no one would bother me for the day because Viggo needed to plan. Other things needed to be done, but I couldn't care less. I just wanted to rest. These past weeks seemed like it was pretty much screwed.
As I walked, I couldn't help but think of Ryker's words. It seemed like there was more to what he was trying to say, but on the other hand, he is pretty dumb. It would be strange to see him think for a change.
'Yer' missing because yer focusing on the target, and not on your actions.'
Was he watching me all these years? I panicked. If that would be the case then I'd much rather not do it there again. But don't think for a single second I was going to give up because of one person standing in my-
That little voice was talking again but it was hard to hear him.
Maybe that's why you are missing- need to change- watching- you die.
I was scared beyond words. I am going crazy, very very slowly in the dark.