“It’s MORE than just sensing your dragon’s intentions. When you are flying there will always be subtle shifts to hint at changes in flight.” Toothless dipped at the clouds- passing under the younger pair as Hiccup tipped back to keep an eye on them until they leveled out on the other side. “Alright, let me show you.” When Hiccup steered away this time the flight was at a much more reasonable rate. “Put your hands near his neck.” He called back to his daughter “when we turn…” Toothless angled his head and then body arching around in the sky, Blizzard did like wise. “See what I mean. Just like knowing when a deer is about to bolt or a panther is about to lunge. What you’re doing is trying to give Blizzard as much speed as you can which is good but you should focus on leaning with him instead. If you want to benefit his flight.” 

He held up a hand to Blizzard with a soothing order of “stay”. Then off Toothless went, speeding across the sky in demonstration. Every angle of his body took was mirrored by his rider so they seemed less like two beings and instead a single well oiled machine. The nightfury circled back around to them and Hiccup locked the tailfin into place before rising up in a crouch on his dragon’s back. “If you do this you are less likely to fall.” With a smile he slipped off Toothless’ back and began to freefall. While Blizzard roared at the recklessness Toothless soon plunged after. A hundred feet down Hiccup snagged the saddle and they pulled up from the dive.

“If you don’t want a saddle Ava that’s fine. But while your learning at least allow me to make a strap for you to hold on if you need to. Our little stunt just spooked Blizzard.” Said dragon snorted and shook his head, grumbling to himself before perching a top one of the spires. Hiccup showed amusement but before he could say anymore a nadder swooped in on their session. 

“Hiccup!” Astrid called before circling around him to minimize the volume of their conversation. “There is a man at our docks demanding to speak with you, accusing you of stealing his daughter.” She explained with distain.

Hiccup set his jaw, not wanting to believe the man would dare set foot on Berk after what he’d tried. The anger he felt was self implored- outrage for his daughter and whatever dragons were prisoner upon that island. He exhaled and patted Toothless as the dragon rumbled in response to his distress. “It’s okay” he murmured.