Through many evenings, as Njal sat by her bedside, reading aloud from a worn book of fairytales, Frida would steal glances at him. He, in turn, found himself drawn to her, his gaze lingering on the faint scar that traced the outline on her cheek.


There were moments, though, when their eyes met, a flicker of something unspoken passed between them.

Through the hushed whispers of conversation, their pasts unraveled before each other. Njal learned of Frida's origins as a shape-shifting dragon, subjected to a cruel fate that forced her into an arranged union with the wicked Nidhogg. The chains of oppression she had endured being one of very few shape-shifting female dragons, ignited a glimmer of understanding in Njal's heart.


For the first time, he perceived dragons not merely as fearsome beasts but as creatures capable of suffering and injustice. Frida's plight stirred a sense of compassion within him, awakening him to the harsh realities inflicted upon those outside the realm of humans.


Njal's newfound empathy transformed his interactions with Frida. He listened with rapt attention to her stories of dragons and their ancient ways, unraveling the complexities of their society. Through Frida's eyes, he witnessed the prejudice and persecution that dragons had endured for centuries.


The journey toward healing was long, but with each passing day, Njal and Frida found themselves drawn closer, their conflicting feelings slowly transforming into something unexpected, something new, something hopeful.


Frida's recovery was a slow and arduous process, each day presenting a new challenge to overcome. With her broken right leg still on the mend, she found herself confined to the villa. Yet, despite the limitations imposed upon her, Frida refused to succumb to despair, her determination burning bright like a beacon in the darkness.


After training sessions, Njal spoke of his days as a hunter, the thrill of the chase, and the bittersweet taste of victory.


But beneath the bravado lay a well of loneliness, a longing for companionship that echoed in the depths of his soul.


Frida, in turn, hid the secrets of her heritage, the weight of her legacy pressing heavily upon her shoulders. She did speak of her battle with Nidhogg, and the subsequent failed escape to Asgard. This fueled Frida into training harder, gaining her strength back for another battle.


In each other's words, they found solace, a shared understanding that transcended the boundaries of their differences. And as the walls around their hearts began to crumble, a seed of mutual respect took root, blossoming into something deeper and more profound.


With each passing day, Njal's protective instincts grew stronger, his role shifting from hunter to caretaker as he watched over Frida with fierce determination. And though he fought to suppress the feelings stirring within him, he found himself drawn to her in ways he couldn't explain.


Likewise, Frida found herself seeing Njal in a new light, his strength and resilience awakening emotions she had long thought dormant. No longer just an enemy, he became a pillar of support, a beacon of hope in a world shrouded in darkness.


Under Njal's watchful eye, she continued a rigorous regiment of rehabilitation, each session pushing her to the limits of her endurance.


The clang of swords echoed through the training grounds as Frida and Njal sparred, their blades a blur of steel as they danced across the courtyard.


"Focus, Frida," Njal's voice rang out, sharp and commanding. "You cannot afford to let yourself think too much in battle. It must be reactionary."


Gritting her teeth against the pain shooting through her leg, Frida nodded, her muscles trembling with exertion. With each strike and parry, she felt the weight of her injuries bearing down upon her, a constant reminder of her fragility.


But Frida refused to yield, her determination unwavering as she met Njal's gaze head-on. "I will not falter," she vowed, her voice fierce with conviction. "Not now, not ever."


And so, their training continued, each day bringing new progress and newfound strength. Under Njal's guidance, Frida pushed herself beyond her limits, her body a testament to her unwavering resolve.