The Chief Has Come Home! (Grey's Coronation Day)

"The Chief Has Come Home!" is an Extended Universe thread which takes place about five years after the Grounded Dungeon Rebellion and Ragnorak.
== Summary ==
== Full Text ==
=== Part 1: Preparations and Grey/Greg Conversation ===
Grey Bergman: Grey followed her mother all the way to the village’s Great Hall with Shadow trailing behind her. Both Bergman women were silent for the entire walk over. They silently agreed that if they started talking then there was a chance that they would either just start crying or make Grey more nervous. The chief-to-be looked around the village. It was completely quiet. There was not a soul around. Grey easily figured that people were either still sleeping or getting ready to celebrate her big day. 
Soon enough, Grey, her mother, and Shadow finally made it up to the doors of the Great Hall, where Chief Hroar waited for them. Grey couldn’t help but notice that he was not wearing his fur cape like he was last night. Her heart pounded as that tiny detail made it more official. Hroar was about to step down as Chief, and she was about to step up in his place. Nerves and excitement whirled inside her! This was really happening!
"Good morning, ladies," Hroar said smiling at his late friend’s wife and daughter. As soon as he laid his eyes on Grey, he widened his eyes and his smile as he saw the young woman, who he had watched grow up ever since the day she was born. "Oh my Odin, Grey, you look beautiful!"
"Thank you, sir," she said happily. 
"You’re welcome," he said. "Now, we should probably head inside. The guests and the villagers should be coming any moment now."
With that, the four of them then headed inside the Great Hall. 
Greg Ericson: After Greg got up and got himself ready he headed straight for the hall for the coronation. He knew his sister would need all the emotional support she could get today. Once he got there he called out, “Where’s my favorite oldest sister at?!”
Grey Bergman: Grey chuckled to herself as she heard Greg walk into the Great Hall. She was behind one of the pillars playing with Shadow, so she poked her head around and saw her adoptive little brother looking for her. “She’s over here,” she called out. 
Greg Ericson: Greg laughed as he rushed over and hugged her. “Oh I’m so happy for you!” Greg cried out. “Oh my goodness, you must be so nervous. Is there anything I can do to help, like with anything?”
Grey Bergman: "Well, I am nervous," she said as she returned the gesture and pulled away, "but…not as much as I was before. I talked to King Haddock last night, and he helped me feel better. He said what I needed to hear."
Gareth Ragnar Haddock the Second: As Greg and Grey were speaking, the Haddock family slipped into the Great Hall, Haddock upon his small dragon Sharpteeth, both the twins trying to ride along with him. Four-and-a-half year old Sindri was piggybacking on his father’s shoulders, clutching onto Haddock’s head, while Jonas was up on his father’s lap. Mera merely strode alongside them with Signy and Egil, rolling her eyes at the twins’ cheerful chortles. When the two parents noticed that Grey was busy, they stepped to find seats in the Great Hall quietly. Haddock gave a small encouraging nod to Grey when they made eye contact.
Greg Ericson: Greg smiled, “Well good. Is there anything I can do to help set up or anything?”
Grey Bergman: Grey quickly nodded to Haddock in return acknowledging the King riding in on his own dragon with his wife and children before turning back to Greg to hear his question. 
"Ummm…" she said looking around until she noticed the village elder, her mother, and Hroar working on the bon fire, "you know, I think they’re getting the ashes they’re going to put on my head. Why don’t you go see if you help with that?"
Greg Ericson: "You got it, Chief." Greg said. He smiled and gave Grey a hug and went over to help with the fire. "So what can I do to help?" He asked the three.
Ingrid Anderson Bergman: "Ah, Greg, dear," Grey’s mother, Ingrid, said, "you’re just in time. The fire is almost done, so would you mind helping Hroar gather some ashes into this bowl for Grey?"
Greg Ericson: "You got it!" Greg exclaimed as he grabbed up a nearby bowl. "So what are the ashes for?" He asked Hroar as he gathered up some into the bowl.
Chief Hroar: "Well, when I call Grey up, the village elder will use these ashes in this bowl to mark her as the new chief," Hroar explained as he and Ingrid put the fire out. "It is a way of saying that out of the ashes, a new chief rises."
Greg Ericson: "That sounds pretty cool." Greg said smiling. "So when’s the ceremony to start?"
Chief Hroar: "Any moment now," Hroar said looking at the people walking into the Great Hall. "Just as soon as all the seats are filled."
=== Part 2: Grey and the Empress/Guests Arriving ===
H'zola Rnalath: There’s always something. 
H’zola twitched her vessel’s mouth in a smile as she walked towards the gathering for the ceremony. She’d been away from human politics for so long, she had forgotten how endearing they could appear. Her vessel, one of humans they kept at bloedrest, was dressed in an exotic white and gold feathered dress. H’zola had a hard time being subtle, even when she was in disguise. 
Seasick: It had been 5 years since Seasick had seen her rebellion comrades. In that short time span, she fell in love, got married, and was now a mother to a 5 month old girl. It was normal for her to be feeling nervous, something that her husband instantly picked up on.
"Hey, sweetheart, are you okay? You’ve been awfully quite since we got here." He asked, putting his arm around her shoulder.
"Eh I’ll be fine once we find a seat." Seasick replied, adjusting her hold on her young daughter. "I’m just nervous about what my old rebellion friends will say."
"You did leave on good terms, didn’t you?" He asked.
"Oh yeah, I did. It’s just, I didn’t say goodbye to everyone, and we didn’t invite anyone to our wedding, nor did we tell anyone that we now are parents." Seasick answered.
"Well, in our defense, we live way out in the Barbaric Archipelago, not the Wilderwest, and it would have been too far to travel for such a short ceremony. I’m sure they’ll be understanding." Her husband chuckled.
Seasick let out a small laugh, and eyed a part of seats off to the side. Making their way to the seats, Seasick recognized a few comrades, and smiled and waved at them. Her husband was right, there would be plenty of time to catch up after the ceremony. Without too much trouble, the family took their seats and waited for the coronation to begin.
Svied Jora Maer: It had been 5 years since the rebellion, and the events that had originally brought them out of their own lives and into the world of the Wilder West’s future. 
"So, that was when me and Grey ended up singing to the King while we were taking care of his wounds,
Oh he got so mad!" Svied recalled. 
"So, that is what you did- when all that mess happened," Cairbre voiced, his deep accent
prominent. 
"Yep," 
Kira laughed, “King Haddock getting mad over singing! Who would’ve thought?” 
"Oh, we’re here.." 
"Not a bad ride over here," Cairbre adjusted his collar. 
"Nice day for it too," Svied stepped out of the carriage.
They walked inside and took their seats.
H'zola Rnalath: The Empress moved to where Grey stood with her parents. “Hello Grey!” Her teeth shone as she approached to embrace the soon to be chief. “How are you darling?”
Grey Bergman: Grey had been talking with her mother and playing with Shadow when this strange woman came up to them. As the stranger moved to embrace her, Grey quickly backed away in confusion. “Uhhh…Mom…I thought I knew all of our relatives…” she said to Ingrid. 
"You do, dear," Ingrid said putting her hands protectively on her daughter’s shoulders. "I’m sorry, ma’am. Do we know you?"
H'zola Rnalath: "Oh, I believe your daughter is friends with mine, she goes by the shortened name Nala." 
Grey Bergman: "Nala?" Grey whispered to herself. She searched her mind for anyone she knew with that nickname. Suddenly, her eyes widened in surprise. "Wait…Empress?"
H'zola Rnalath: "Sh, Grey, not today. Today I go by Alesha." She gestured to her body before spreading her arms. "And today I’m here to congratulate you."
Grey Bergman: "Oh, right, of course," Grey said quickly. The Empress did have a point. If anyone were to find out that demons found their way to her coronation, it probably would not end too well. "Well, it’s very nice to meet you, Alesha, and thank you very much. I have to ask though. Is Nala coming? How is she?"
H'zola Rnalath: "I do not know if she will make an appearance. Although, with how most of your fellow rebels still feel about her… I think it’s safe to say she’s going to stay out of this one." The Empress fidgeted with a strap on her dress before continuing. "But, other than dealing with being in seclusion and hiding, my daughter is doing well. She has matured greatly thanks to your people."
Grey Bergman: Grey’s face fell in sadness. She hadn’t seen or heard from Nalaagura since the rebellion, and she had to admit that she actually missed the demon. Then again, it did make sense that she would want to stay hidden, especially when the members of the rebellion were here. “Of course, I understand,” she said. “Well, she’s been a big help as well. She helped me to see that everyone deserves a second chance. I am glad she’s doing well, though. When you see her, will you please tell her that she’s always welcomed to my island?”
H'zola Rnalath: "I will be sure she hears your kind words, Grey." She put a hand around her shoulder. "Now, is there anything you need? I’m not too familiar with the proper gifts for a chiefs coronation."
Grey Bergman: Grey thought for a moment. She did not want to be rude and refuse to accept the Empress’ kind offer. What could she possibly need from the mother of the Warden? She finally had an idea. “Well, now that you mention it, this might sound a little weird, but…I love drawing,” she said. “So, now that I’m about to become Chief, I would like to have a sketchbook to use when I want to make plans for my village.”
Hzola Rnalath: "I’ll see what I can do, deary. Now, I’m going to go join the rest of your guests. I am far too excited to see this little ceremony." The Empress gave another broad smile before turning her back to Grey.
Grey Bergman: "Oh, yes, of course, I believe it’s almost time," Grey said. "Enjoy the ceremony! I’ll see you after during the reception!"
=== Part 3: The Ceremony ===
Grey Bergman: Hroar stepped up onto the small platform with the village elder standing next to him. With a big smile on his face, he waited for the crowds to quiet down before he began to speak. 
"Haligans, friends from near and far," he shouted, "I would like to thank you all for coming to this special day. As I’m sure you all have heard by now, I will be stepping down as Chief of the Haligan Tribe, but in my place, a new chief shall rise in my place. My successor is to be none other than Grey Bergman." He then turned to his left and stretched out his hand. "Grey, come forward."
Grey slowly walked up the two-step staircase onto the platform, where she stood next to Hroar and the village elder. Out of the corner of her eye, she watched the crowds before her and then Hroar waiting for his next command for her. The man only smiled and placed a hand on the young girl’s shoulder. 
"When Grey was born, I had no children of my own," he said, "and when I took one look at that little baby in Ingrid’s arms, I knew that she was capable of great things, including becoming the leader of this village. Her father and I agreed that if I weren’t to have children of my own by the time Grey was old enough, then she would be the perfect heir to take my place. Looking back on her life, I know for a fact that we couldn’t have been more right. Grey has proven to be someone with a strong heart and great conviction. She was willing to give up everything to join the Grounded Dungeon Rebellion and to assist King Haddock and his army in the fight against High Central’s cruelty. It was in that Rebellion that she served as his second-in-command and fought bravely for Hel during the days of Ragnorak."
As she listened to Hroar’s speech, Grey could not stop the shade of blush appearing on her cheeks. She wanted to cover her face with her hands, but with all eyes on her, there was no way she could do it without someone noticing, especially her mother, Greg, Warren, and Asha, who were all sitting in the front row. 
"I have no doubt in my mind that this young woman will continue to use that heart of hers as she steps into her new role as the born leader that she is," Hroar said looking at Grey. 
Grey gave him a small smile. 
"Grey, please kneel."
She did as she was told and knelt down so that she was at eye level with the village elder. 
"And now, the elder shall place the ashes on the new Chief!" the former chief shouted to the audience. 
The elder, a short old man of 99, placed his fingers in the bowl of ashes and looked at Grey. Grey looked at the ashes on the elder’s fingers and then at him. The elder gave the young woman a small smile and moved to place his thumb on her forehead. Grey closed her eyes as she felt the thumb move upon her forehead forming the symbol of the Chieftain. 
When the thumb moved away, she finally opened her eyes only to see the elder give her a small bow. Without any hesitation, Grey finally stood up and faced Hroar waiting for him to make it official. Hroar smiled at his late friend’s daughter and placed a hand on her shoulder. He took a deep breath. 
"The Chief…HAS COME HOME!" he shouted. 
Grey turned to the audience and watched as they erupted into thunderous applause and cheering. She looked out over the crowds taking in the site before her. Amongst her rebellion comrades, there were the villagers…her people… It was official… It was now her responsibility to take care of them…to guide them, and as a smile appeared on her face listening to the cheering and chanting of “Long live the Chief,” she promised herself that that was exactly what she was going to do. 
=== Part 4: The Reception/Grey and Greg's Conversation ===
Grey Bergman: As soon as the applause died down, Hroar declared that it was time for the reception, but of course since the village was small, the party was simply held in the Great Hall, where the ceremony was just held. Some of the male villagers quickly brought out the tables for the guests to sit at allowing some room in the center for a dance floor. A few Haligans gathered their instruments and began to play cheerful music for the guests to dance to. 
While a few villagers and Grey’s comrades danced and chatted at the tables, a large group gathered around the new Chief congratulating her on her new position. The new Chief graciously accepted the guests’ well wishes and gifts while occasionally catching a glance at her friends dancing to the music. She wasn’t sure if it was because of the mark on her forehead, but seeing everyone…especially her people…smiling and enjoying themselves…brought such a smile to her face. It was such an amazing feeling!
Greg Ericson: Greg snuck up behind the new chief grabbed her in a hug, picking her up. “Oooohh, I’m so proud of you!” He exclaimed, a huge smile evident on his face.
Grey Bergman: Grey let out a surprised squeal as her adoptive little brother lifted her into the air in a hug. She laughed hearing him say how proud he was as he finally put her down. “Well, thanks, bud,” she said turning to him allowing him to see the mark on her forehead. 
Greg Ericson: Greg saw the mark and smiled. “Well then, Chief, what are you doing standing around here? Go on dance, celebrate! It’s your day!”
Grey Bergman: Grey furrowed her eyebrows together as she looked around. The guests didn’t seem to be lining up to see her anymore, so she might have a little break to dance for a while. That was when she remembered that there was one thing she had to do now that she was Chief. “I will,” she said, “but first, I want to ask you something important.”
Greg Ericson: Greg scrunched his brow. What would she want to ask me, he thought to himself. “Um… Sure what’s up?” He asked unsure.
Grey Bergman: "Well, you know how I served as Haddock’s second-in-command in the rebellion, right?" she asked. "Now that I’m chief, I am going to need someone to report to me and to carry out my orders, and since I don’t have an heir right now, I’ll need someone to take care of the village if I can’t. So…Greg, how would you like to serve as my second-in-command?"
Greg Ericson: Greg sputtered for a second. Him second in command he couldn’t fathom it. He had never held a position of power before, and therefore thought he never would. “I-I don’t know Grey.” He stuttered out. “I mean, am I even qualified to be second in command?”
Grey Bergman: Grey chuckled at Greg’s shock reminding her briefly of how shocked she was when Haddock promoted her and when Hroar first told her that she was to be Chief. “Yes, you are,” she said taking his hands in hers. “You have passion and people’s best interest at heart. We’re best friends, and we’ve already worked together during the rebellion. We make a great team! Besides, I need someone who won’t be afraid to challenge me, instead of yesing me to death. I talked it over with Warren, Asha, Hroar, and Mom, and they all thought it was a great idea. So…what do you say?”
Greg Ericson: Greg sighed and smiled. So many people thought he could do it. It would be hard for sure but if they believed he could do it then he could do. “I say alright. I’ll do it. But only if you go and enjoy the party.” He smirked at that last part, clearly joking.
Grey Bergman: Grey smiled and clasped her hands together, and then she wrapped her arms around Greg hugging tightly. “Deal! Thank you! Thank you!” she said excitedly. 
Greg Ericson: Greg smiled and hugged Grey back. “Now go have fun at your party!” He laughed as he ruffled her hair.
Grey Bergman: Grey giggled as she fixed her hair. “I will,” she said. “Thanks, bud!”
=== Part 5: The Reception/Grey and Seasick's Conversation ===
Grey Bergman: Grey was about to go join her friends on the dance floor when she saw a familiar face talking with a gentleman at one of the tables. Grey took one look and smiled. She couldn’t believe it! She hadn’t seen or heard from her since the day this familiar face left the rebellion! A huge smile splashed onto her face!
“SEASICK!” she shouted as she ran over to her.
Seasick: Seasick, much to the annoyance of her husband Ellidi, wanted to avoid the dance floor, and instead remained at one of the tables, where their first born lay sleeping in a makeshift cradle.
For most of the night, they had avoided people, although Seasick had run into some old rebels and briefly spoke to them. It wasn’t until Grey, now Chief, called out to her.
“Chief Grey!” Seasick replied to her, getting up and happily embracing the new chief. “Congratulations!!!”
Grey Bergman: Grey chuckled as she hugged her former comrade. “Thank you!” she said as she pulled away. “I’m so glad to see you! I haven’t heard from you in so long! How are you? I’ve missed you so much!”
Seasick: Seasick laughed and turned towards her husband.
“Well, um, I’ve been good. After Furious and I left, I met this bum.” She said gesturing to the man. “This is my husband, Ellidi.”
“It’s lovely to finally meet you, Chief Grey.” Ellidi said, shaking Grey’s hand. “Saedis has told me quite a bit about her adventures within the Wilderwest. You and her were close, no?”
Grey Bergman: “It’s a pleasure to meet you as well, Ellidi,” she said giving the man a firm handshake a little weirded out hearing Seasick’s husband use a different name, “and, yes, we were close. We worked together many times during the Rebellion.” 
Seasick: “Both good times, and bad times.” Seasick laughed again, thinking back to the witch attack, the dragon attacks, and the time Greg threw a pie at King Haddock.
“I would have visited sooner, but you know how life is, full of surprises.” Seasick glanced at Ellidi, and then turned and picked up the cradle that was between both of their chairs, revealing the new born baby. “Becoming a mother is quite different. I’m afraid my dungeon rebelling days are over.”
Grey Bergman: Grey gasped at the sight of the baby girl in the cradle. “Oh, Seasick,” she said happily. “She’s so cute! How old is she?”
Seasick: “She’s just about a year old” Seasick replied, blushing a bit. “She’ll be up and flying on a dragon before you know it!” Ellidi laughed out loud, Seasick rolled her eyes at him in return. 
“Have you given any thought about having kids?” Seasick asked. “I suppose becoming Chief and running the village is the priority right now.”
Grey Bergman: Grey blinked a few times. She had honestly not seen this question coming. She had been so busy with her friends and keeping up her position as King Haddock’s second-in-command and now as Chief. She never really thought about settling down with someone yet. 
“Oh…well…uh…” she said, “I-I…I never really thought of it. I mean…it’s not that I don’t want to have kids. I would love to have kids.”
Seasick: “Oh, well no rush or anything” Seasick shifted awkwardly. “You’ll know when the time is right.”
Glancing up into the sky, Seasick saw Furious and a number of other dragons flying lazily in the wind.
“Oh, that reminds me, how is Shadow doing lately? I’m sure she’s happy about your new role as Chief?”
Grey Bergman: As if on cue, Shadow suddenly bounded up to Grey and Seasick with a huge toothless smile on her face earning a cheerful laugh from Grey. “Well, as you can see, she’s good,” she said. She then turned to Shadow petting her head. “Say hi to Seasick, girl.”
Shadow let out a croon as a greeting to Seasick and suddenly appeared curious at the sight of Seasick’s newborn daughter. The Night Fury sniffed the baby girl.
Seasick: “Ah hello Shadow!!” Seasick smiled and pet the Night Fury. Ellidi tensed up as Shadow sniffed their daughter, but Seasick calmly watched on.
“I was so afraid of how Furious would react to a human baby, but he’s surprisingly well behaved around her. Even more protective of her than he is with me. There’s still quite a lot to learn about dragons, it seems” Seasick smiled at Grey. 
“I assume the rest of the Boomerang Squad is doing well? I hope Greg hasn’t thrown a pie at the King again.”
Grey Bergman: Grey chuckled at Seasick referring to her friends by their old group name. “No, don’t worry. I told Warren and my mom to keep them separated just in case. They’re doing well,” she said. “Asha has a daughter, Siri, now. She’s five years old. Greg and Warren got married a few years ago and now have a daughter of their own, Lila, and she's three years old.”
Seasick: “Ah wow, Greg and Warren got hitched? That’s great! I’m sure that was quite a wedding!” Seasick laughed again. Glancing towards the dancing crowd, Seasick could see a number of her former comrades dancing together.
“Well, we shouldn’t keep you from the party.” Seasick smiled. “It was wonderful seeing you again and caching up. We’ll have to visit again soon.”
Grey Bergman: “Yes, it was great to see you, too,” she said hugging Seasick. “And as the new acting Chief of the Haligan Tribe, I order you to come visit very soon. Please do. I really missed you, and we girls need to catch up more.”
Seasick: “While I am no longer participating in dungeon breakouts, I’m still a rebel at heart,” Seasick answered, trying to stifle a laugh, “I can’t promise that I will be back within the next year or two, but I will definitely return and reunite with my comrades!”
Seasick gave Shadow one last pet on the head. “I’m sure you will lead this village quite well, and maybe the next time we see each other, there’ll be little Grey’s running around.”
Grey Bergman: Grey smiled. She did like the sound of her children and Seasick’s children having a playdate together.  “Maybe,” she said shrugging, “you never know, but I do appreciate you coming back. And you are welcome anytime. Enjoy the rest of the party.” With that she gave Seasick one last hug and left the family alone continuing to enjoy her party.
=== Part 6: The Reception/Grey and Hrinthe's Conversation ===
Grey Bergman: After chatting with Svied, Kira, and Cairbre, Grey continued on with Shadow in tow through the dance hall. The Night Fury followed her rider watching the new Chief greet and chat with her guests smiling proudly. Then, out of the corner of her eye, Shadow noticed a certain black Deadly Nadder sitting at one of the tables. She immediately recognized that dragon.
Shadow quickly nudged Grey in the arm and gestured toward the Nadder. Grey followed Shadow’s direction and saw another familiar face…a young girl of 15-16 years old…at least in human years. The new Chief smiled and ran over. 
“Hrinthe!” she shouted as Shadow crooned happily. 
Hrinthe Soulspeaker: Hrinthe perked up excitedly.  “Grey!” she cheered.  “Congratulations!  It is amazing!  You are now a chief!  Should I be calling you Chief Grey?” she mused, tilting her head to the side.  “Does this mean you get to do clutchleader things?” 
Grey Bergman: Grey laughed at the young girl’s excitement. “You can call me ‘Chief Grey’ if you want to,” she said, “but you don’t have to. There shouldn’t be formalities between friends. And, well, I guess you can say that. I mean, I’ll have more responsibilities than when I did as Haddock’s second-in-command.” 
Hrinthe Soulspeaker: Hrinthe nodded very understandingly.  “Yes.  Human clutchleaders do much more than dragon ones.  I will still call you Grey if it is okay?” she glanced down at her plate, which had regular food on it.  “And, do you know where the fish is?  I do not think your people know I am dragon.”  She laughed nervously.  “I am not sure what they will think.” 
Grey Bergman: Grey chuckled to herself mentally kicking herself for forgetting that Hrinthe was actually Kiri’s dragon, Dagger in human form. “Don’t worry. I know where it is,” she said. “Actually, why don’t you come with me? I can feed both you and Shadow. I’m sure Shadow is starving, right girl?” 
Shadow responded with a croon and licking her lips.
Grey chuckled again. “Come on, you two.”
Hrinthe Soulspeaker: Hrinthe glances around briefly at the other guests, then looked at Grey with an expectant, happy grin.  “I want food!”
She gleefully hopped up from her spot, knocking over a couple chairs in the process.  One of the guests jumped at the large spike indentations left in the wood.  Hrinthe paid no notice, looking far too excited for the sake of real (dragon) food.
Grey Bergman: Grey guided her two dragon friends over to the barrels of fish. She opened them up and took out a few fish for her Night Fury and then gave another few to little Hrinthe. “Eat up, girls!” she said.
Hrinthe Soulspeaker: “Hooray!”
Hrinthe immediately dove down and gobbled up the fish.  She didn’t bother releasing her human image as she planned to return to the reception, but she knew enough about humans now that gulping down whole fish wasn’t something entirely normal.
Well, it was for dragons.
“That was wonderful fish!” she chirped, beaming at Grey.  “Nice and fresh.  Thank you Grey!”
Grey Bergman: “You’re welcome, Hrinthe,” the new Chief said as she hugged the young girl and as Shadow nuzzled her cheek. “Yes, you’re welcome, too, Shadow.” After the group hug, she turned to the young Soulspeaker. “So, how are you, Hrinthe? It’s been a while since we last saw you.”
Hrinthe Soulspeaker: She perked up.
“It has been good!” she bobbed her head.  “Kira and I went exploring, and it was fun!  And I found a large clutch of nadder-kin, they are very nice.  They are not very good at catching fish though.”  She made a small ‘hmph!’ noise.  “I had to teach them better ways of catching fish.  I think they will catch more now.  They are very spike-happy.  I like them.” 
Grey Bergman: “Well, that’s great,” she said. “I’m sure you and Kira saw a lot.” 
Shadow raised an eyebrow at the Deadly Nadder. She was glad that Hrinthe found nadder-kin to become friendly with, but the fact that…she had another rider…when she had her old one… She couldn’t help but be curious.
“Dagger, y-you have a new rider?” Shadow crooned. 
Hrinthe Soulspeaker: Hrinthe blinked, then shook her head. 
“No,” she answered in a sad, wistful voice.  “Kira is friend.  Friends are okay to ride.  But Kiri is always rider.  My rider.  My hatchling of heart.  I will not take another.  Even if she says go ahead.  She says I am being stubborn.  But she understands.  She was at the ceremony earlier.  She says congratulations on becoming Chief.”
Grey Bergman: Chief Grey widened her eyes. She had forgotten that Hrinthe was able to contact Kiri in the afterlife, but she quickly covered her shock with a smile. She placed a hand on Hrinthe’s shoulder. 
“Tell her I say, ‘Thank you.’ Of course, it’s okay to take friends on rides,” she said. 
“Grey’s right,” Shadow crooned. “I take her friends on rides sometimes too. But, Hrinthe, it is okay to move forward as long as you remember all the good times you had. If you do that, you two will never be apart.”
Hrinthe Soulspeaker: Hrinthe glanced at the other dragon.  Her human image sighed.
“It is hard,” she replied.  “But I do not want another rider.  And Kiri visits.  So I will not take another.  It is okay.”
She smiled slightly.  “I am not sure I am supposed to tell you this.  But lots of souls came to watch today.  They also say congratulations.  I think they were clan ancestors?  They are quite proud.”
Grey Bergman: Grey furrowed her eyebrows together and looked at Shadow, who was equally confused. They looked back at Hrinthe. Clan ancestors…? Did Hrinthe mean that…her ancestors…? 
"Y-You mean my…ancestors…?” she finally asked.
Hrinthe Soulspeaker: “I think so…?” Hrinthe tilted her head.  “There were a lot.  They like to watch new chief, I think?  Proud for brooddaughter maybe?”
Grey Bergman: Daughter… that word rang so clearly in her head. Could that mean…?
“D-Do you know if…if any of those souls…w-were…m-my father?” she finally asked. Her heart began to pound. 
Hrinthe Soulspeaker: Hrinthe practically beamed.  “One soul looked much like Grey!  But man.  He looked very happy.  If that is your father, then yes he was here.  He might still be.  Most of ancestor souls are still around at main reception place I think.” 
Grey Bergman: Grey once again widened her brown eyes as tears formed in her eyes. Not out of sadness…but happiness and hope. If Hrinthe was right, and she usually was when it came to this stuff, then her late father was here…just as she wished he’d be. He saw her become chief. 
“W-Well, is he still here? W-What did he say?” she asked. 
Hrinthe Soulspeaker: Hrinthe’s human image smiled.   
“He was saying things to the other souls.  Things like, ‘Look at my little Valkyrie!  I cannot believe she is chief now!  I am so proud!’  He was very excited.  I think the word is… gushing?” she mused.  “He gushes to other souls about little Valkyrie.  Very very happy.”
Grey Bergman: Tears were now forming in her eyes threatening to fall. “Little Valkryie…” She was always one person’s little Valkryie, and that was the one man she wished she could hug and kiss right now…her father, Sven Bergman. 
Shadow nuzzled her rider’s cheek as she grabbed onto the dragon. “Th-That’s him…” she said. “That’s my Daddy…m-my daddy. H-he really is here,” she said as the tears fell. 
Hrinthe Soulspeaker: Hrinthe nodded.  “He is here.  See?” her human image smiled.  “No one is really gone.  They are still here.” 
She paused for a moment.
“I think he is back with other souls, but I can try to be medium.  I make human image right?” her image motioned at herself.  “It is another gift of Soulspeakers.  If you want to try talking to him.  Maybe after reception and in private though.”
Grey Bergman: Grey nodded profusely as she reached forward and hugged Hrinthe tightly. “I would appreciate that, Hrinthe,” she said. “Thank you! Thank you so much!”
Hrinthe Soulspeaker: The dragon’s human image dropped as Grey embraced her, and Hrinthe blinked for a moment, then crooned.
Of course Grey.  We will talk to your father.  It will be good for both of you.
Now let us go back to your reception!  It is happy time, you should be with guests and other friends too!
Grey Bergman: “Yes, yes, we should,” Grey said gently petting Dagger’s snout. “Shadow and I will come find you after the reception. In the meantime, enjoy the party! We’ll see you later, my friend.”
=== Part 7: The Reception/Grey and Ingrid's Conversation ===
Ingrid Rehan: Off near the great hall's edge where the tables were less crowded, Ingrid Rehan observed the merry-making with a small smile. She wore an unadorned dress of forest green and tawny that matched her loose chestnut hair and let her fit in with the villagers' neat simplicity, but the slight tension in her posture revealed her nervousness.
She did enjoy the festivity; it had just been so long since she last attended something like it that she felt rather awkward in one. In the five years since she and her Rebellion friends went their separate ways, Ingrid had found herself on a quest for her lost memories. With the frequent travelling, she could only keep irregular correspondence with Grey and a few other friends, but it was enough to make her consider making a request to Grey.
She was still hesitating, though.
A gap in the crowd revealed the newly-appointed chief talking to a silver-haired girl, or rather, the illusion of one. Hrinthe, Ingrid realised. When the two of them finished talking, she began making her way towards Grey with sudden resolve. Really, I'm thinking about it too much... she thought, amused. I should just drop my worries and ask.
"Grey!" She called, beaming. "Congratulations!"
Grey Bergman: Chief Grey heard a familiar voice from behind. As she turned around, she saw Ingrid walking toward her in a beautiful green dress. The Chief beamed from ear to ear as she ran over to her friend opening up her arms to hug her. She didn’t waste anytime embracing the very first person she met in the Rebellion. 
“Ingrid!” she said pulling away to look at the girl in front of her. “Thank you so much! I’m so glad you were able to come!”
Shadow happily trotted up to Ingrid nuzzling against her purring happily.
Ingrid Rehan: Ingrid was a bit startled by Chief Grey's enthusiastic greeting, but she quickly hugged back, still smiling. "I couldn't miss such a thing, for sure! First you become the king's second-in-command, and now you're the chief of your village - you've come a long way." Noticing Shadow, she reached down to pat the Night Fury. "Hi there, Shadow!"
Grey Bergman: Grey giggled watching her dragon be affectionate with Ingrid. “Yeah, it’s weird,” she said. “I thought I was just end up being Haddock’s second-in-command, not that I’m complaining because I love it, but next thing I know I’m being told by Hroar that my dad and he agreed that I would be his successor when I was old enough.”
Ingrid Rehan: "That's wonderful, though! I think you'll make a great chief. You definitely showed what you're capable of, back in the Rebellion."
Grey Bergman: Grey couldn’t help but blush at Ingrid’s compliment as she scratched the back of her neck. “Thanks, Ingrid,” she said smiling. “That means a lot to me. To be honest, sometimes I had no idea what I was doing, but I must’ve done something right.”
Ingrid Rehan: "Well, I can't give you any answers since I don't have the experience, but I'm sure you'll do even better than before! You can always talk to one of the elders if you need help. There are lots of people happy to support you."
Grey Bergman: “Yeah, I guess you’re right,” Grey said looking around at her guests in the Great Hall and remembering what she and King Haddock had spoken about the night before. “Anyway, how are you doing? I’m sorry I didn’t get to talk to you until now. It’s been a long time.”
Ingrid Rehan: "It's all right! I'm doing good. I'm still wandering all over the west, looking for places that trigger my memories. It's not that easy, but since I've been feeling much more like myself after I found my hometown, I want to keep searching."
It was in fact easy to see the difference in Ingrid. Although she had gotten a little thinner because of her current lifestyle, the pain that had been so clear in her eyes after the destruction of Perch Hall was now replaced by a tentative sort of hope, and her smiles came more frequently and naturally.
Grey Bergman: “Have you found your family? Anything look familiar to you?” Grey asked growing concerned remembering what Ingrid said about High Central’s memory-altering methods when she first came to Perch Hall with Shadow.
Ingrid Rehan: "Well, I knew from the start that neither my parents nor my aunt and uncle are...here anymore," Ingrid answered, sounding more subdued, "but I did find several of their friends. They gave me some valuable information and I've been following a trail ever since. I remembered a lot, and all this travelling around was actually nicer than I expected."
Grey Bergman: Grey’s smile faded when she heard Ingrid’s answer regarding her family. She had spent Thor-knows how long in the dungeon and had no idea who her parents were, and now that she was finally free, they were no longer there to welcome her home. She could only imagine what that must’ve been like. 
“I’m happy that you remembered a lot,” Grey said sadly. “I’m just sorry about your family. I wish there was something I could do.”
Ingrid Rehan: "It's okay - at least I now know what they were like, and what I was like. Memories really shape who you are and how you act. But let's move on to happier matters! It's nice to see some familiar faces here. Did you invite everyone you knew in the Rebellion?" Ingrid asked with interest, glancing at the mix of villagers and people from different parts of the world around them.
Grey Bergman: “Yeah, I did,” Grey said happily. “I…” She looked around, “think just about everyone showed up.” She noticed a few people missing. H’zola told her earlier that Nala didn’t seem to be coming, but she was still hoping that the Warden would at some point make an entrance. Her father of course was not there…at least not physically as Hrinthe just pointed out earlier. However, she was thankful for the people who did come to celebrate her special day.
Ingrid Rehan: "It's quite the gathering!" Ingrid suddenly remembered something she had been curious about since entering the hall. "That reminds me, um..." She lowered her voice. "The woman dressed in white and gold, is she the Warden?"
Grey Bergman: Grey widened her eyes and looked back at the woman Ingrid was referring to. She was busy chatting with a few Haligan Island villagers and didn’t notice Grey looking at her. Grey bit her lip wondering what to say to Ingrid. H'zola had told her not to say anything about who she really was. They couldn’t offer that getting out, especially with the rebels.
She turned back to Ingrid. “Uhhh…well…not exactly…” Grey finally said.
Ingrid Rehan: Ingrid blinked at Grey's hesitation and wording, but quickly held up a hand. "Oh, sorry, I was just curious. I suppose I shouldn't pry. But everything is fine, right?"
Grey Bergman: “Oh yeah, don’t get me wrong,” the new Chief quickly said. “Everything is fine, really. It’s just…she told me not to expose her. And I’m not sure how much you know about her given your abilities to sense demons.”
Ingrid Rehan: "Okay, good," Ingrid said, relaxing. "How much I know? I only sensed the power unique to her kind and how strong it is. I was curious because it's a lot more powerful than I remembered. But I'm not going to tell anyone, for obvious reasons," she added with a smile.
Grey Bergman: “I appreciate that, thank you,” she said. “Well, I can tell you that it’s not the Warden. It’s a relative of hers.”
Ingrid Rehan: "A relative...? Wow, when did you befriend the Warden's family on top of the Warden herself?" Ingrid asked, astounded.
Grey Bergman: “Well, a few of her relatives came to the rebel camp a couple times,” Grey replied. “I talked to two of them when they came after she possessed Haddock.”
Ingrid Rehan: "Oh, I see, but she must feel friendly enough towards you to attend this ceremony. I'm impressed. I mean, I know that demons aren't as malevolent as people think they are, but making friends with them isn't something just any person can do," Ingrid remarked. Even now, she wondered what might have happened if Greg and his friends hadn't decided to approach the Warden like any normal person, unlike what the rest of the Rebellion was doing.
Grey Bergman: “That’s actually one of the things I hope to change as Chief,” she said thoughtfully. “With our friendship with Nala and her family, I can steer my village to welcoming demons and becoming friends with them. Then hopefully, everyone else on the continent will follow. It’s probably wishful thinking though.”
Ingrid Rehan: Ingrid's eyes widened at this. "That's an...impressive project, not that I don't want to see it happen. I think you should tread carefully, but then again, you know your own village much better than I do. So you believe you can convince them?" She asked, her tone more curious than doubtful.
Grey Bergman: Grey cringed remembering how King Haddock reacted to when she accidentally let it slip that she and the Boomerang Squad made friends with Nalaagura. She remembered how the Rebellion reacted once they found out as well, but then she remembered how the same Rebellion forgave Nala when they could’ve decided not to. 
“It will take time,” she said, “but if the Rebellion could do it, I have no doubt that my village will come around eventually.”
Ingrid Rehan: "Ah, right, the Rebellion's forgiveness was really something. They had suffered so much because of the Warden, and yet they accepted her in the end." Ingrid looked back towards the crowd, finding half-familiar faces. "The Rebellion taught us a lot, didn't it? We were running into trouble left and right, but we formed a nice community. I miss being a part of it."
The remark at the end, seemingly casual and insignificant, made a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions pass through Ingrid's mind in the blink of an eye. She suddenly looked nonplussed as she finished speaking.
It's real... I miss it... I've been missing it all this time and it took me so long to notice and so long to finally say.
She hadn't told anyone, but during the time she was in it, she didn't think she would miss the Rebellion. There was just too much pain and danger and death; it was mainly Elia and later the necessary shelter from Ragnarok that convinced her to stay.
It took two years of travelling for her feelings about it to change. When Ingrid first escaped from the Grounded Dungeon with half her memories gone, she had also forgotten what the real world was like. She no longer knew how much it meant to have real friends in a place one can call home, or to be part of a community in which friendships and loyalty are well-tested by peril, in which people have the same goal and understand each other to an extent even as strangers.
The world outside was not like that. This she saw almost immediately, but it took her a long time to understand.
There was another thing Ingrid eventually noticed but took even longer to accept: The Rebellion had given her a sense of belonging that she couldn't find anywhere else.
She didn't feel like she belonged in the town she was born in, nor in the homes of her few living relatives, nor in the small and clandestine network of half-breed supporters that her parents had been an instrumental part of for so many years, but had ultimately destroyed the Rehans' lives. She belonged...somewhere else. But the Rebellion no longer existed, so where could that be?
The questions flashed through her mind and she turned back to Grey, looking uncertain. "Hey, there's something I'd like to ask you. I'm not sure if it's possible..." she faltered, looking down awkwardly.
Grey Bergman: The new Chief furrowed her eyebrows together in concern at Ingrid’s question. What could she possibly ask that would make her sound so nervous? However the concerned look was completely replaced with a warm, loving smile. 
“Ingrid, you can ask me anything,” Grey said placing a hand on her shoulder. “What’s on your mind? I won’t judge.”
Ingrid Rehan: "Well, there's still a few places I want to visit to learn more about my past, but after all this wandering around, I need to find a job. It's for saving up travelling funds and I'd like a break, in any case. So...I was just wondering if I can work in your village for around half a year?" Ingrid wanted to add something else, but she cut off her rambling before it could start and waited for Grey's reply instead.
Grey Bergman: Grey smiled as soon as Ingrid asked her the question both relieved that her friend wanted a job and thrilled that her friend wanted to stay on her island for a while. “Of course, you can!” she said excitedly. “I would love to have you here!”
Ingrid Rehan: "Really?" Ingrid asked in equal amounts of surprise and happiness, once again caught off-guard by Grey's eager affirmative. "But, uh, that means there's a lot of things to take care of, including what job I can take. Do you need a scribe of some sort? Anything related to books or history? These are what I’m best at and I’ve had similar jobs before, but it depends on what you need."
Grey Bergman: “Hmm,” the new Chief said rubbing her chin thoughtfully. She wasn’t going to lie, but she was very excited. She was Chief for barely a few hours and was already delegating. This was amazing! It was so different from when she was only a second-in-command. Nevertheless, she thought hard about Ingrid’s request. Hroar had explained to her that as Chief, she would be responsible for trying to find her own council and such and that included a scribe, which she hadn’t been able to find yet. “Actually, yes, I could use a scribe, especially someone who is in my generation. You got the job, Ingrid! You’ll be my scribe!”
Ingrid Rehan: "Oh, that's wonderful! Thank you so much," Ingrid replied, now positively beaming. "And...what about living arrangements? Do villages have houses for rent? I've never thought about it."
Grey Bergman: “You can live with Asha, her daughter, my mother, and me,” Grey said quickly not even hesitating. “You won’t have to pay a cent, and we have plenty of room. It would be perfect for you!”
Ingrid Rehan: Ingrid blinked. "Wait, is that it? But...I can't just up and move into your house! I would be using up more than just space, and shouldn't we ask Asha and your mother first? I don't want to impose or anything."
Grey Bergman: “Well, of course, we can talk it over with them after the party,” Grey said taking her friend’s hands into hers, “but they’ll say yes. And you can stay there as long as you need to. I’ll need to keep an eye out for temporary housing if you would still want it. How does that sound?”
Ingrid Rehan: "Whichever is most convenient for you, then," Ingrid answered with a grateful smile. "I... Thank you so much for helping me with all this. You just saved me from a lot of trouble and it's great to be with friends again." She gave Grey's hands a squeeze before letting go.
Grey Bergman: "Grey wasted no time and pulled her friend into a warm hug. “You’re very welcome, Ingrid,” she said. “It will be great having you here. I can’t wait to start working together.”
Ingrid Rehan: "Me neither!" Ingrid glanced towards the dance floor as they pulled away. "So, should we get back to the celebration? I'll come find you afterwards to ask your mother and Asha about my stay."
Grey Bergman: “Of course!” Grey said happily wrapping an arm around Ingrid guiding her back to the celebration. “We can talk when we get back to my house. We’ll meet Mom and Asha there.”
She wanted to keep the conversation she was going to have with Hrinthe to herself. Besides, it would be best if they discussed it at the house.
Ingrid Rehan: "I'll see you later, then! Have fun!" Ingrid gave Grey a small wave before returning to the party - and this time, she actually joined in.
=== Part 8: The Reception/Grey and Mrindhal Catch Up ===
Grey Bergman: After talking to Ingrid, Grey decided to enjoy some more dancing on the dance floor with some guests. After a while, the newly-appointed Chief decided to take a break from the dance floor and sat down at the table where she sat with her mother, Hroar, Greg, Warren, and Asha. Shadow laid down at her feet as her rider gently patted her head.
The Night Fury suddenly perked when she picked up someone nearby approaching her and Grey. The new Chief furrowed her eyebrows together at her best friend and looked up in Shadow’s direction. It was there that she saw another familiar face not too far away. 
Mrindhal Ra'in: “Grey!” Mrindal called, a wide toothy grin spread across his scaled face, revealing fangs.  “Lady Grey!  Or Chief, I should call you now,” he laughed.  He knelt down and heartily embraced the new chief.  “Congratulations!” 
Grey Bergman: Grey giggled as Mrindhal embraced her thinking back to when they first met…how distant and tense he was around her and Shadow. 
“Mrindhal, thank you!” she said as she pulled away. “It’s so good to see you! I’m sorry we didn’t have a chance to talk when you got here, but thank you for coming! How are you?”
Mrindhal Ra'in: He grinned, looking extremely happy.  “Been great!  It’s nice to travel the world and see - actually see - if you know what I mean,” he shrugged.  “The book’s coming along too.  Altani’s been helping out, since she remembers some things that I don’t.  And really, if any bounty hunters are left, I don’t think they stand a chance against us.”
Grey Bergman: “That’s great!” Grey said excitedly, “and you know that since I’m the Chief now, if you need help with anything, just let me know. And Altani! I haven’t seen her in so long! How is she doing?”
Mrindhal Ra'in: Mrindhal grinned.  “She’s actually here - you have no idea how hard it was for me to convince her to put on formalwear.  She wanted to wish you well too - where is she - there she is!”
He raised his hand and waved over towards one of the food tables.  “Oi!  Altani!  The new chief’s right here!”
A young woman, dragon half-breed with indigo hair and black horns, rushed over from the table, still stuffing what looked like a piece cake into her mouth and spilling crumbs over her dress.  Rather hysterically, there was still a greatsword strapped to her back.
Mrindhal sighed as she came up next to him, waving energetically while her black tail whipped back and forth.  The woman was nearly two feet shorter than him.
“Hrai Chief!!” she exclaimed, trying to swallow the cake.  “Mm, good stuff.  Grats Grey!”
Grey Bergman: Grey giggled and gave Altani a hug…while trying to dodge the cake stuffed in her mouth to avoid a mess on her dress.
“Thank you so much, Altani!” she said as she pulled away. “I’m so glad you could come! How are you?”
Atlani Kie'to: “Doing great!” the half-breed cackled as she swallowed the last of her cake.  “Still looking for anyone else who might’ve survived.  And helping Mister Ra’in with his book.  Takes some time, ya know.  Good thing I got this guy,” she clapped Mrindhal hard on the shoulder, and the man laughed fondly at her, “He scares away all the timid folk.  Me, people just look at funny.”
“They probably just believe you’re short, Miss Kie’to,” Mrindhal replied lightly, bopping her playfully on the head.  
“Hey!!” 
Thought barely perceivable, both dragon half-breeds had the barest shimmer of a red sheen on their scales.  Their guard had not fallen.
Grey Bergman: Chief Grey smiled warmly at the two half-breeds chuckling.
“You know, if you do need any more help finding survivors,” Grey said, “I would be more than happy to help you two. Just say the word!”
Atlani Kie'to: A serious gaze passed between the two.  For all their banter, they had not, and would not forget.
“Might be tricky,” Altani sighed, brushing the cake crumbs off her dress.  She wiped some remaining icing from her face as well, just as covered in scales as Mrindhal’s.  “If they’re anything like we were, they’re probably pretty wary of anyone human right now.  Just hope none of ‘em fell in with bad folk along the way…”
“We’ll be all right, but we appreciate the help,” Mrindhal nodded kindly.  “If you hear of any rumors of a dragon half-breed - looks like us, does what we do - you know how to contact us, right?  I think I taught you?”
Grey Bergman: “I’m not sure I remember,” Grey said playfully while also trying to remember what Mrindhal taught her so long ago. “Care to remind me?”
Mrindhal Ra'in: Mrindhal nodded, glanced around nervously, and leaned in close.
“That bloodstone I gave you,” he whispered.  “Hold it in your palm, then hum…”
He hummed a short, three note melody.
“It summons that tiny red bird familiar, speak your message to it, and I’ll get it within moments,” he finished, nodding.
Grey Bergman: Grey remembered the day Mrindhal gave it to her, and she remembered the same instructions that he was giving to her now. Ever since that day, she always kept that stone close to her in the sheath of her sword, which was sitting in her room back home.
“Yes, of course, I remember,” the new Chief finally said. 
Mrindhal Ra'in: Mrindhal chuckled and smiled.   
“Good,” he replied.  “It works if you need our help too, even if we’re not able to make it there.  I can still send some aid through the bloodstone.  Makes me wonder what would’ve happened if bloodstones were more common before the…” 
He trailed off, seemingly into his own thoughts.  Altani sighed and gently chopped at his shoulder with the side of her palm.
“No use thinking about the past, now,” she commented, nodding.  “Use it to help the future.  Ain’t that right?  That’s why we’re here, celebrating a new chief!” she grinned, pumping one fist into the air.
Grey Bergman: “Well, not to chute my own horn,” Grey said laughing at Atlani’s statement, “but she is right! It’s my coronation! And as the new Chief, I command that we have some fun! Eat some food! Dance with someone!”
=== Part 9: The Reception/Grey and Skye Chat ===
Akira Skye: Skye had sat quietly not saying a thing. He was always perfectly happy just being a watcher on. But this was his best friend of many years. How could he just sit idly by without trying to say something. So eventually he stopped Grey and smiled at her. “Congratulations Grey!” And he drew her into a tight embrace.
Grey Bergman: “Thank you so much, Skye!” the new Chief said as she hugged her friend in return. “I’m so glad you could make it! How are you? I’ve missed you!”
Akira Skye: Skye smiled and eased back a little “I’ve been good! I finally went back to my own home to see my mother and father! Even my best friend took the throne recently! Well… I guess she’s had it for a few months now… But her parents are still there to help. She’s always wanted to travel around the world. And now my mother and father have so much less to worry about because we’re not getting into as much trouble anymore.” He let out a nervous laugh. “Yeah, Morrigan’s always been a fun person. And she’s so refined! But enough about that. How have you been?”
Grey Bergman: “Well, aside from just taking on the role as the new Chief,” Grey began shrugging and chuckling, “I’ve been great. It’s nice to see all my old friends again. Shadow, here,” she said as she petted her Night Fury, “has been doing well.”
Akira Skye: Skye brightened even more when he saw Shadow. “Hi Shadow!” He then patted the dragon gently. “But my studies have basically dead-halted. It’s kind of a bummer too. I guess even High Central’s lower reaches us…”
Grey Bergman: Grey furrowed her eyebrows together. “What do you mean, buddy?” she asked. 
Akira Skye: “I mean the research that Morrigan was allowing me to conduct. High Central told her to cut my funding and forbid my research any further. I was looking for a way to make sailing a little quicker so perishable goods could be exported throughout the world. But High Central’s power reaches even us.” He sighed a bitter sigh and looked at her. “I hate High Central even more now.”
Grey Bergman: The second-in-command of King Haddock of the Wilderwest…the new Chief of Haligan Island…widened her eyes at Skye’s story. Why was he talking about High Central? Why now? Why at all?
“Wait, wait, back up,” Grey quickly said as she gently pulled Skye aside. “What’s this about High Central’s power? Skye, High Central is gone. That jerk, Orskaf destroyed it during the Rebellion.”
Akira Skye: “Well, I thought to avoid more confusion… It’s like our version of High Central. I thought Morrigan could crush them. But they’ve grown far too powerful… Oh well, I’m sure they’ll fall sooner or later. I apologize for the confusion Lady Grey. On behalf of Queen Morrigan please accept my deepest apology.”
Grey Bergman: “Uhh…y-yes, yes, of course, Skye,” Grey said nodding. “As the new Chief, I accept your apology and thank you for clearing that up.”
Although, Grey still wasn’t convinced that this didn’t mean that High Central…the ones responsible for the Grounded Dungeon…couldn’t come back into power. Perhaps, this would be something to discuss with Haddock once the festivities were over.
Akira Skye: Skye looked back at Shadow and smiled. “It really has been too long Grey… I’ve missed you and Shadow… Oh! I forgot to mention! While Morrigan was allowing me leave for my research… I met someone! He’s kind, caring, and he has the muscle tone of a farm boy… Ahhhhhh… But he treats me right. And I told him about Cynbel… And he promised me that would never happen. I’ve been happily with him since! My mother, father, and even Morrigan approve of him!”
Grey Bergman: Grey immediately forgot about the whole business about High Central and beamed from ear to ear upon hearing Skye’s wonderful news. She remembered how Skye was an absolute wreck when Cynbel unexpectedly broke up with him during their rebellion days, and it broke her heart thinking that the jerk had the guts to just pick up and leave someone he claimed to love.
“That’s so great!” said Grey. “I’m really happy for you! How long have you been together?”
Akira Skye: “We’ve been together for two years now! And I think he feels safe by everyone’s hand. They all talked with him, the entire if he breaks my heart they’ll ruin him bit. And he’s still with me, and he’s told me he feels safe around everyone!”
Skye beamed back at Grey. He felt truly happy being able to talk about his love to someone from his past.
Grey Bergman: “Well, I’m glad you and your new boyfriend are happy together,” she said wrapping an arm around him. “I was worried about you for a while. I mean you never mentioned meeting anyone anytime I’ve seen you or read your letters.”
Akira Skye: “I’m sorry. I was too swept up in my research to mention him… Even talking about it made me forget about him for a second.” He let out a nervous laugh and wrapped his shoulder around Grey back.
Grey Bergman: “Aw, it’s okay, buddy,” she said smiling warmly. “I’m just glad you’re doing well and that you met someone. I’m sure you too will be very happy together.”
Akira Skye: “I hope that he treats me right… Oh! Speaking of people who’ve wronged me; I’ve seen Cynbel around my hometown. He’s in tattered rags begging passers by for change. It’s a little sad but satisfying.” Skye chuckled and then looked back at Grey. “Well, how are things in your love life?”
Grey Bergman: Grey stopped and stared at Skye…remembering the conversation she had with Seasick not too long ago. The new Chief’s face fell as Skye’s question rang through her head. 
“Umm…” Grey said running a hand through her hair careful not to smear the mark on her forehead, “w-well, I…I don’t…exactly…have a…love…life.”
Akira Skye: “I-I had no idea. I’m so sorry… Don’t worry! I know someone will come along and sweep you off your feet!” Skye moved to give Grey a reassuring hug.
Grey Bergman: “Ah, don’t worry about it,” Grey said waving her hand. “It’s partly my fault I guess. I’m so busy I don’t really have time to look for someone, but I would like to.”
Akira Skye: “But don’t worry. Even in spite of how busy you are; someone will totally come along!” Skye tried to be supportive.
Grey Bergman: The new Chief shrugged as she crossed her arms. She had been hopeful that she would find the right man for her, especially now when she was finally Chief of her village, but for the past few years, it always seemed like she didn’t have any luck with guys. She had met plenty of guys, but no one seemed interested in her. They were either good friends with her or weren’t available.
“I hope so,” she said. “It would be nice to finally settle down and have a family.”
Akira Skye: “I’m sure having a biological family would be nice…” Skye let a small sigh escape his lips. “O-oh! I-I’m sorry! Please don’t mind me!” He let out a nervous laugh.
Grey Bergman: “Oh no, no, it’s alright,” Grey quickly said. “I’m curious what you meant by that. Are you adopted or something…?”
Akira Skye: “Oh no! I am the product of my parents! I just meant being able to carry children and have them be yours… I can always adopt, but I know they aren’t mine in a biological sense… I would still love them! After all, they’re my child!”
Grey Bergman: “Ah, of course, I understand,” she said nodding. She finally understood. He had love, which was what he really wanted, but….just because he found love, it did not mean that…he did not want his own child. “But…you know, Skye, I may be able to bear my own children when the time comes. But…there are children out there who need homes…someone who loves them. And I bet…you would make a great dad, buddy.”
Akira Skye: “I know. I sound like such a moron right now. Blubbering about how I can’t have my own children. I’m sure I could find a child to love and cherish. My own.” He smiled fondly and wondered how good he would be.
Grey Bergman: “No, you don’t sound like moron,” the new Chief said shaking her head at her friend. “It’s good that you want children. It proves how much you want to be a parent, and you know…I’d be happy to help you sometime in finding an orphanage on the main land after I get settled into being Chief and all.”
Akira Skye: “O-oh! I-I couldn’t possibly ask that of you Grey! I’m sure that Morrigan has already reached some hands out to some orphanages back home… She said that she could. And when she says she can; it means she will.” He chuckles nervously and rubbed the back of his neck. It was a reactionary habit for him; rub his neck when he’s unsure, or scared.
Grey Bergman: “Believe me, it’s no trouble at all,” Grey said smiling. “I would love to help you if I can pull some strings. You just let me know, okay?”
Akira Skye: “Okay! Thanks Grey!” He hugged his old friend close and didn’t let go for a solid minute. Once he did he took off waving and jogging. “I’m gonna see if everyone else is here! See ya!”
Grey Bergman: “See ya!” Grey said smiling as she watched him go. “Enjoy the party!”
=== Part 10: The Reception/Grey Chats with Asha and Warren ===
=== Part 1?: The Reception/Grey and Ingrid Reunite with Sven (My Little Valkyrie) ===
Grey Bergman: The party lasted for another hour or so after Hroar’s toast, and soon enough the crowds finally began to break up. People began to file out of the Great Hall to return to their homes but not before giving Grey one last congratulations. As much as Grey hated to see the party end so quickly, she knew that her people needed to get up early the next day to do chores and that her former comrades needed to get up early to return home, especially when they lived so faraway. 
Soon enough, it was the new Chief, her Night Fury, the former Chief, and Ingrid left in the Great Hall watching the barmaids put the room back together. Grey sighed as she sat down feeling the energy and excitement of the long day fade into exhaustion. She wanted nothing more than to go home and curl up in bed, for tomorrow, she was to officially begin the next chapter in her life as Chief of Haligan Island. However, out of the corner of her eye, she noticed one last person leaving the Great Hall, but not before glancing at her. It was Hrinthe!
That was when Grey remembered! She couldn’t go to bed just yet. Hrinthe promised her a chance to actually speak with her father! She had seen Hrinthe and Nala perform the ability all those years ago during the funeral they had for those who perished during the Rebellion, so she knew without a doubt that Hrinthe was for real. She was about to stand up and sneak out when she stopped and turned to her mother, who was speaking with Hroar. Grey had wanted this one last chance to speak to her father again, especially given what happened when they last saw each other. But…what kind of daughter would she be if she robbed her own mother of that chance?
“Hey, uh, Mom?” she said interrupting the conversation. Ingrid and Hroar both turned to her. 
“Yes, dear?” she asked. 
“Uhh…can you come outside with me for a moment?” Grey asked. “I need to speak with you about something.”
“Of course, Grey,” Ingrid said smiling at her daughter. “Let’s go.”
Hrinthe Soulspeaker: Hrinthe had found a reasonably secluded spot around the other side of the hall, enough to ensure privacy.  Then she looked up into the air, gazing at the lingering spirits still there.
She released her human image, standing there as an adolescent nadder.  With a quiet croon, she gave a call to the spirit in question, whom she knew had remained ever since her earlier proposal to the new chief.
Sven?  Lady Grey’s dad?  Your family wants to talk to you.  I am Soulspeaker.  I am making it possible.  If you will come speak?
Grey Bergman: “Very well, Soulspeaker,” a man’s voice said to the young dragon. “I will speak with them. I’ve been meaning to do so for quite a while now.”
Meanwhile, Grey and her mother moved to the other side of the hall with Shadow in tow. Despite becoming Chief today, one could describe Grey as a little kid on Snoggletog morning. She had a huge smile on her face as she practically dragged her mother outside to where she and Hrinthe agreed to meet.
“Grey Hertha Bergman, you will tell me what is going on this instant!” Ingrid shouted trying her hardest not to smile at her daughter’s sudden burst of happiness. 
“It’s kind of hard to explain right now, Mom,” Grey said, “but I promise, this is something you’re really…really going to love.” Soon enough, the two Bergman women found the Deadly Nadder waiting for them. “Okay, Hrinthe, we’re ready. Is he here yet?”
“He?” Ingrid asked.
Hrinthe Soulspeaker: Hrinthe smiled at the two, then at the spirit floating above.  Then she closed her eyes and began to hum.
The thrum of dragon’s song rumbled in the air for a good few moments, first echoing about the area, then concentrated towards a single spot.  Hrinthe lifted her head as she vocalized again, and slowly, an ethereal glow began to hold in a vague shape of a man.
Then the dragon opened her eyes, her unfocused golden eyes whirring with a mottled rainbow of colors, and she bowed her head.
The ethereal glow solidified into the image and form of Sven Bergman.
Grey Bergman: Sven Bergman, the father of the new Chief and husband of Ingrid Bergman, opened his eyes allowing his wife and daughter to see his familiar brown eyes. Grey smiled as tears came to her eyes. She couldn’t believe it!
“D-Daddy?” she asked hopefully. 
The man smiled at his daughter admiring the mark on her forehead. “Hello, my little Valkyrie,” he finally said. “It’s been a long time.”
Grey gasped hearing her father’s pet name for her as she finally let the tears flow down her cheeks. “I can’t believe it!” she said jumping up and down. Normally she wouldn’t be this overly excited and emotional, especially now that she was the tribe’s new leader, but for now, she wasn’t a chief or a king’s second-in-command. She was just a girl who missed her daddy. “It’s really you!” She was about to jump into Sven’s arms for a hug but suddenly stopped when she realized something very important.
Her father wasn’t physically present. Only his spirit from the afterlife…did that mean that they couldn’t touch?
Sven saw Grey’s hesitance and chuckled. “It’s alright, sweetie,” he said touching her arms to prove his point. “I may be nothing but a spirit, but,” he pulled Grey into an embrace, “I can still hug my little girl.”
Hrinthe Soulspeaker: Hrinthe crooned again, still gazing straight ahead with her unfocused, whirring eyes.  She nodded, content with allowing this family moment to happen.
If you have questions, I can answer.  Do not worry.
Grey Bergman: “Thank you, Hrinthe,” she said still hugging her father. It’s wasn’t exactly the same as whenever she hugged him while he was alive, but the feel of protection…familiarity…love of a father to a daughter…it was all still there. Tears rolled down her face as she nuzzled into Sven’s chest. “I missed you so much, Daddy.”
“I missed you, too, my little Valkryie,” Sven said running a hand through Grey’s brown hair. 
“I didn’t think I was ever going to see you again,” Grey said looking up at him. “I thought–” The new Chief suddenly stopped and then turned around to see her mother right behind her. Grey slightly cringed in seeing her mother in a state of shock. She had forgotten that she hadn’t really explained this part…the fact that Hrinthe had done this before. “Mom? Mom, it’s okay.”
“No, no, it’s not,” Ingrid said still staring at the spirit of her late husband. “This must be a trick…by Loki. My husband…your father is dead, Grey! Do not fall for this trickery!”
“Ingrid, my love,” Sven said releasing their daughter and taking a step toward her, “I assure you it’s not a trick. I’m here. This is one of Grey’s friends from the Rebellion. She’s a soulspeaker. She can contact us in the afterlife and allow you to see me.”
“It’s true, Mom,” Grey said. “I’ve seen her do it. The God of the dragons himself granted her the ability. Warren’s dragon can do the same exact thing!”
Hrinthe Soulspeaker: It is gift from Father Midgardsormr, Hrinthe hummed, her voice echoing in an odd trancelike manner.  It is why we are called Soulspeakers.  Connect with all souls and speak, whether dead or alive.  Appear human if have to for sake of humans.  All for sake of speaking.  Communicating.  Bridging the gap between human and dragon, dead and living.  It is our duty.  It is safe.
Grey Bergman: “Please, Ingrid, my love, trust the dragon and your daughter,” Sven said stepping closer to his wife. “It really is me.”
“I promise you, Mom,” Grey said as she came up to her mother. “I would never lie to you about something like this or bring you into it if I didn’t think it was for real.”
Ingrid looked from her daughter to the man in front of her.
“I’ll prove it to you,” Sven said. “I remember when we went sailing before we courted, you were so startled when I held up a fish to show you what I caught that you fell overboard, and then I had–”
“–to jump in after me,” Ingrid finished. She looked at Sven and then at Grey, who was simply watching the scene unfold between her parents. They never told her that story before. They never told anyone that story. It was supposed to their special moment that only they could share together. “And then you–”
“That’s right,” Sven replied nodding. “It was the first time we kissed.”
“Sven…my darling…” she said taking his face in her hands, “it’s really you!” She pulled him down into a soft, gentle kiss letting the tears flow down her cheeks. “Oh I’ve missed you so much!” She pulled Grey over to join her and Sven. “We both have.”
Sven pulled his wife and daughter into a group hug holding them close. It had been so long since his…well…his death. He never thought he would ever get to hold them like this ever again. Tears came to his eyes remembering when he saw his young daughter crying over his still body after that battle with the Barbaric Burglars. He wanted so badly to comfort her, but he couldn’t. And now thanks to the Soulspeaker, he could be with the most important women in his life one more time.
Grey sensed that her father was weeping and looked up at him. “Dad…? Daddy, what’s wrong?” she asked. 
“Oh I’m alright, my dear,” he said as he quickly wiped the tears away. “Don’t worry about me. Right now, I want to focus on my little Valkyrie.” He broke the hug and looked at Grey. “Look at you! You’re so beautiful…so grown-up. I can’t believe it.” He placed a hand on Grey’s cheek and admired the mark on her forehead. “My little Valkryie is actually the new Chief of Haligan Island.”
Hrinthe Soulspeaker: The thrum of Hrinthe’s draconic voice still vibrated the air.  She nodded contentedly, focusing her power more, nodding for the family to continue.  They were happy and could gain closure.  That was all she needed.  It was her duty after all.
Grey Bergman: After taking one last look at Hrinthe to make sure she was okay, Grey looked back at her father and smiled at her father leaning into his touch. Again, the touch didn’t feel the way it used to when he was alive, but it was there nonetheless. That was good enough for her.
“I’m so glad you were here today, Daddy,” Grey said. “This was the one gift I never thought I was going to get. The whole time I’ve been training with Hroar, I wanted nothing more than for you to be with me.”
Sven smiled. “I was always with you, Grey,” he said. “Even if you couldn’t see me, I was there, and words can never describe how proud I am of the woman you’ve become. You’re going to make a wonderful Chief, my little Valkyrie.”
“I really hope so,” Grey said. “You know, when I talked to King Haddock, he told me that I’m going mistakes sometimes and that it won’t be about whether or not they’re right, but it will be about what I do to correct it and how I stick to my morals and beliefs.”
“And His Majesty is very much correct,” Sven said lightly bopping Grey on her nose. “As long as you remember what you’ve learned from King Haddock and Hroar, I promise you you will be just fine, my dear.”
Grey smiled. “You know before last night, I probably wouldn’t have believed you,” she said, “but after the party for the guests, I actually realized that I’ve been ready for a while now. I mean…I didn’t know it at the time, but a lot of the stuff I learned from Hroar…I learned as Haddock’s second-in-command. I was pretty much a leader-in-training.”
“It’s true, my dear,” Ingrid said happily. “You’ve done it before, and you can do it again.”
“And let me tell you, Grey,” Sven said, “as soon as you told us that you’re His Majesty’s second-in-command, we knew without a doubt that it was only a matter of time before we would finally tell you.”
Grey smiled. “Thank you both for believing me,” she said before hugging them again. “I did make a pretty good second-in-command, right, Hrinthe?”
Hrinthe Soulspeaker: Hrinthe nodded, her eyes still unfocused and whirring with color.  You were very good second-in-command.  Very good commander.  Much happened after King fell over.  You did very good job.  Leader is hard job.  Sven, Ingrid, be proud of Lady.  She will be good chief.
Her voice, though retaining the odd, tranquil quality, sounded slightly strained.
Grey Bergman: Despite how odd Hrinthe’s voice sounded, the new Chief smiled at her parents and gestured to the Deadly Nadder. “See?” she said simply.
Both Ingrid and Sven laughed at their daughter admiring how confident she sounded, especially when she had a former comrade to support her. However, they both calmed down when they realized that Hrinthe had a very valid point. 
“But she does have a good point, darling,” Ingrid said to her daughter. “Being a leader is hard. I’m sure it took you awhile to get used to everything after King Haddock promoted you.”
Grey cringed as she thought back on her first few days-weeks as King Haddock’s Lady of the United Revolutionaries, especially when she and the other rebels were kidnapped by Loki himself and thrown in that pit. The King was not with her, so everyone looked to her for guidance. And Grey knew she would be lying if she said that it was easy dealing with that particular situation.
“Yeah…it-it wasn’t as easy as I thought it would be,” she finally said. 
“And that’s perfectly normal, Grey,” Sven said. “There will be times where you will need guidance or where you will be stressed, but like everyone’s been telling you, you will have a lot of people around to support you…including me.”
“I know,” Grey said smiling wider. “Thanks, Dad.” With that she hugged her father again as her mother ran a hand through Grey’s long brown hair.
Grey Bergman: There was no telling how much time had passed since the moment her family was reunited for the first time in a year, but Grey didn’t care. Her late father was with her and her mother, that was all that mattered. The three of them were together…and it was just like old times. 
The new Chief remembered all those nights before and even after the rebellion when she, her parents, and Shadow would all sit by the fire in their house enjoying the silence. Sometimes, her father told stories, especially during her childhood. Not to mention it was what the Bergman family had done every night that week before she and Shadow left to help the prisoners in the Grounded Dungeon break out…only to join their rebellion and become their leader for three whole years. 
Grey mentally shook that thought out of her head. She wasn’t going to ruin this night…not when her family could enjoy a moment’s peace after being separated for so long. The three of them enjoyed pleasant conversation as they sat together with Hrinthe and even Shadow chiming in every now and then, but of course, Grey soon began to feel the exhaustion of the day overwhelm as the night became later and later as she leaned against her father’s shoulder. 
Unfortunately, her parents noticed how tired she was beginning to look, and it became clear what that meant. They couldn’t stay up all night together, especially when Hrinthe was the position that she was in. The time a spirit was able to speak with those among the living through a Soulspeaker had no time limit, thankfully, but it wouldn’t be fair to make Hrinthe stand like that forever, even more so when they knew that Grey needed to begin her duties as the new Chief tomorrow. 
Finally, Sven decided to say it trying to be brave for both his wife and daughter. “It’s getting late,” he said. 
“I’m afraid so,” Ingrid chimed in as she gripped her husband’s hand tighter. “Perhaps…it’s time that Grey and I return home.”
“What?” Grey said as she felt her stomach drop. “No…no, Mom, come on, don’t say that. We–”
“Grey, your mother is right,” Sven chimed in as he ran a hand through his daughter’s hair. “Besides…you have to begin your new life as Chief tomorrow. You should get some rest.”
“I know, but…” she paused as tears formed in her eyes, “I…I don’t want to say goodbye again, Dad. It was bad enough the first time around.”
“I know, my little Valkyrie,” he said before kissing Grey on the forehead avoiding the mark on her forehead, “but you know you can always speak to me again whenever you wish. You both can. All you need to do is ask the Soulspeaker.”
Tears flowed down Grey’s cheeks. The minute her father appeared to her and Ingrid, she immediately dreaded the moment they would have to say goodbye. She was aware that she could speak to her father again whenever she wanted now, but that didn’t hold a candle to the times when he was physically there with her…when he wasn’t just a spirit in the afterlife and she could see him everyday. Not to mention that her village needed her now that she was their new leader. She needed to protect her mother, her adopted siblings, her two nieces, and her people and to help the King of the Wilderwest run the kingdom. She had a purpose, and she needed to keep that in mind now.
“It’s not the same,” she said as Shadow nuzzled up against her. 
“You’re right, little Valkyrie,” Sven replied. “It’s not the same, but no matter what, I will always be with you.”
Grey looked from her father to her mother, who nodded encouragingly as she smiled. She smiled through her tears and looked back at her father nodding. With that, the Bergman family stood up to say their proper goodbyes…
For now at least… the new Chief added mentally. She would not be able to speak to her father every day as she used to, but the new Chief promised herself that this would not be the last time they spoke to each other. 
Ingrid decided to step forward and hugged her husband…tightly as if she was afraid he would disappear at that moment. “Sven, my darling,” she said. “I love you…with all my heart. Never forget that.”
“I wouldn’t dream of it, my love,” he said. “I love you too…with all my heart. Take care of our daughter. She may be the Chief now, but she will still need you.”
“I will, I promise,” she said with tears rolling down her cheeks. She kissed him on the cheek. “Watch over us, my dear.”
“Always,” he said. Then he turned to their only daughter…the new Chief of Haligan Island and placed a hand on her tear-stained cheek. “Grey…my little Valkyrie…you’re going to be a wonderful Chief. Never forget that you have so many people to help and to guide you should you ever need it…including me. Like I said, I will always be there for you…even if you can’t see me. I love you very much.”
Grey let out a little sob as she leaned into her father’s touch before stepping forward to hug her father tightly. “Thank you,” she said. “And…I love you, too, Daddy. I will always love you.”
Sven hugged his daughter in return as tears formed in his eyes. He didn’t want to leave his daughter and wife…not again, but they had begun to move on after he died in battle. He could not hold them back. Neither Ingrid nor Grey probably knew that, but that was okay. One day, they would. Until they could speak again through Hrinthe, he would continue to always watch over them from the afterlife. Then without any hesitation, he pulled Ingrid into the hug as well holding them tightly. 
“We will speak again, I promise,” he said. “Then, one day, we’ll together forever.”
Grey smiled to herself as she listened to her father’s words. He was right. They would get to speak again with Hrinthe’s help, and then when the time came, they would be together again for real in the afterlife. With that, she and Ingrid finally released Sven.
“Goodbye for now, my loves,” he said. He then turned to the Deadly Nadder behind him. “Soulspeaker, thank you for this opportunity, but it’s time for me to leave.”
Then as quickly as Sven came, his spirit began to disappear in front of Grey and Ingrid’s eyes.
“We love you, Dad!” Grey shouted one last time. 
“I love you both too…very much,” Sven said as he finally disappeared returning to the afterlife.
Grey and Ingrid were finally left alone with the Deadly Nadder, and as soon as she regained her composure, the new Chief stepped forward and hugged the dragon. “Thank you, Hrinthe, for giving me this gift,” she said quietly.
=== Part 1?: Conclusion/Grey's First Day as Chief ===
(May 22, 1050-the day after Grey’s coronation)
Grey Bergman…daughter of Sven and Ingrid Bergman, niece of Einar Bergman, adoptive sister of Greg Ericson, Warren Alvarsson-Ericson, and Asha Steinberg, adoptive aunt of Siri Steinberg and Lila Ericson, Lady of the United Revolutionaries to King Haddock, and now…Chief of the Haligan Tribe. 
Yesterday, she was coronated as the new Chief…successor to the former chief Hroar, and today, she was going to begin that new chapter. It still felt like a dream…the entire coronation felt like a dream, but it was all real. The elder placing the mark on her forehead…the party…mingling with her old comrades after not having seen them in quite a while…seeing her father in spirit thanks to Hrinthe…it was all real. 
Now…after a whole year of training, she was about to take on her new role as the Chief in addition to her equally huge role as the King’s second-in-command. She put on her usual red shirt and blue skirt along with her boots and, of course, the headband her parents gave her for her 20th birthday, and there was one final thing…the one thing that set her as the new leader of this village…her fur cape. 
The cape was a significant article that a chief wore during his or her chieftaincy. It was created from the fur of a bear that he or she hunted before the ceremony. She smiled a little remembering her hunt with Hroar and her uncle Einar as she picked it up off her desk and examined it and noticed the change she made. Under the cape, she had sewn the red fabric cape that she wore and would continue to wear as the Lady of the United Revolutionaries claiming that both roles were important to her. She threw the cape over her shoulders anchored by her metal shoulder pads, and once she clipped those on, she stared in the mirror. She looked the same yet felt different. 
The new Chief took a deep breath and then walked downstairs. 
After breakfast with Shadow and her mother, Grey needed to begin reporting to the day’s duties. Greg was probably waiting for her to give him his assignments as her new second-in-command, and Ingrid would be waiting to begin her first day as her scribe. Hroar had agreed to stick around on Haligan Island to help his successor settle into her new position before he planned to set off on traveling to see the world during his retirement to give Grey room to grow as a leader. 
The new Chief put her hand on the front door of her house and took a deep breath, and then she opened the door stepping out only to see that her people, her friends, and family had gathered around the house to watch her emerge from her house. With Shadow by her side, Grey stepped out ready to take on any obstacles that came her way. 
She remembered her father’s words the night before. “Grey…my little Valkyrie…you’re going to be a wonderful Chief. Never forget that you have so many people to help and to guide you should you ever need it…including me. Like I said, I will always be there for you…even if you can’t see me. I love you very much.”
He was right, and the events that occurred over the last few days proved that. Her mother, her dragon, her adoptive siblings, her friends and comrades, her predecessor, her village, and even her father were there to help her in this new chapter of her life. 
“Thanks, Dad,” she whispered briefly looking up into the sky and then at Shadow. “Come on, girl, the new Chief and her Night Fury can’t afford to stand here all day and dawdle on the first day.”
Shadow crooned in response, and with that, the two of them stepped forward into the village. The Chief had indeed come home.  
Category:Events
Category:Grey Bergman
Category:Greg Ericson
Category:Gareth Ragnar Haddock the Second
Category:Seasick
Category:The Empress
Category:Svie∂ Jóra Mær
Category:Kira Mær
Category:Cairbre
Category:Mera Violet Haddock
Category:Hrinthe Fishgiver
Category:Ingrid Rehan
Category:Akira Skye
Category:Mrindhal
Category:EU