They flew out. It was a glorious afternoon. He and Fishlegs had stopped by Bog Island to talk to Camicazi, and to Bertha. They had a good talk. Bertha suggested she throw her weight into the situation. He thought it a good idea, but maybe she should wait. A good dressing-down from Bertha would give them all, -perspective at least. A good scare might be just what they needed.
They left Bog Island, and made it to Hopeless by early evening. They stayed overnight, as it would be about a three hour flight to the island. He didn't mind. As long as he was able to get off his own island, even for a little while… He reveled in it. At first, they were catching up. Then they started to share new things they found out about the dragons, and other ideas. He felt completely relaxed. He didn't have to watch what he said, or did.
Trófastr was a good host. The mead and the food flowed. They had been friends since the war with dragons ended. They were one of the first to adapt. He was two years his junior, but had been Chief three years more than he. Dolgbrasi was nearly a second father to him. Always ready to lend a sympathetic ear, and offer advice. They were frequent visitors to each others' village. He had helped after Astrids' passing, along with the other heirs.
They had left in the late morning. There were some issues that needed taking care of. He rested well as did Fishlegs. They had been in the air about two hours, when he saw a dragon in the distance, a yellow Zippleback. As it drew closer, there was somebody… Dogsbreath? Sitting in-between the heads. The dragons called to each other in greeting.
"Oi! Dogsbreath! A Zippleback? Where's Disa?" He asked.
"Ah, caught some kinda stomach parasite or something. Anyway I thought three heads my be better than one in this situation" He grinned. Trófastr disagreed.
"Errr, May I remind ye gentlemen of the Gronkle mudbath experiment?" It was Fishlegs idea spurred on by Trófastr. They had been looking for a natural treatment of a particular parasite that got under a Gronkles' scales, causing discomfort. It had led to a hot mud spring near Hopeless. Which in turn, led to noxious gasses, both natural, and Gronkle-induced, some vomiting, and a solemn vow to never speak of it again…
"And you Hiccup? I guess congratulations are in order? You've managed a match between you and the lovely Gjaflaug? I hear she is quite the beauty!" Dogsbreath said. He huffed.
"Yes, quite lovely…" He said flatly. "She tried to kill a Terror her first day!" His eyes widened.
"Well, you can't get rid of all that hate in a day, Hiccup. Maybe she just needs a chance." He sighed heavily.
"She's had a whole two weeks of chances. She's not really interested in the dragons. Only my position and power is what she's interested in… Can we change the subject now?" He didn't want to let on to Fishlegs. The other two, could he tell them? He wasn't sure. He was sure that their interest in the matter was different from Camicazis'.
"But Hiccup? Surely a marriage such as this would… help things, -in the, -other matter at hand?" Trófastr said. Fishlegs chimed in.
"I know, I've been telling him that. But he won't listen!" He would have to send Fishlegs ahead of him. He could tell these two, but should he?
"Guys? When had a political marriage really mattered to Vikings? You know? When it really comes down to it, nothing says 'screw you, I disagree like a good 'ol axe to the skull.' -That kind of stuff." Both men chuckled.
"-And I didn't exactly, -manage it. The Hjofsteins did." Trófastr grimaced.
"Ach! It's just what I thought! A political connection then. Something else to keep them atop the heap!" Wait, -what?
"-Something, -else? What do you mean?" Trófastr explained.
"There's been someone else, parading around on Beserker Island. Says he's to be the next Chief, although there's some what still think one of their own would be better suited…" He knew who…
"Ref, -Reifnir? Are you kidding? He doesn't even own a dragon, he has as much leadership ability as a clump of moss, and the personality to match." That made sense, only in the fact he knew what the ships were carrying leaving Berk. They are in for a sad surprise.
"Well, they'll all be in a pickle for sure." Dogsbreath said. "Word has it that Heather is finally headed back to the archipelago! She'll have a right big mess to clean up when she does!" He wasn't looking forward to it. Part of that mess was his. She would see though, -right? Fishlegs spoke.
"Hiccup? What does this mean for us though? F, for you?" Fishlegs asked.
"Hiccup? Do you want us to get to her first? I'm sure she'll understand…" Trófastr asked. He wished he shared their enthusiasm.
"No guys, she'll come for me, not you, But I appreciate it though. I think Camacazi has this one though. We had the same conversation about a week ago." Yes, first Heather, -then, -Elsa… A thought came to this mind but he dismissed it. She should be here by now… They needed to get back.
"So, Trófastr… Tell us about this island."
"Well, we had a long range patrol come across it about a month ago. They reported a strange ship out there, but not much else. I went meself, and saw the fog surrounding it. Thought nothing of it. Went back a day or two later, it were gone… Again, nothing. But a day or so later, it was back. Flew over to check it out, but there was nothing to explain the fog. And Tolla was acting, -strange. She was agitated, didn't want to listen… Sent some others out there. They would report the same. I couldn't get a straight report on the fog though, just that the dragons were acting, differently." That was odd…
The ship being out there was a bit troubling, but the dragons' behavior was more so. Dragon Island was a volcano too, but there was always… Something to explain the fog that would gather there. Gasses from inside somewhere, Hot liquid rock, when it came in contact with the water would cause a fog to appear. But Trófastr had said… It did bear investigation.
They had flown out a little more when the island came into view. There was nothing special about it other than it was a volcano. They made a couple of passes. There were two large tunnels heading into the interior. They landed on a large flat beach and looked around. No tracks, no discarded scales, -nothing. Meatlug may have caught a faint scent as did Tolla, but it was very faint, judging by the way they were picking it up.
He jumped on Toothless' back and chanced a flight into the interior. Through one tunnel, there were faint scratch marks, Maybe a few dragons had taken shelter in a storm. They flew around the inner chamber. Many shelves lined the walls, It would be a decent nest, but there were no dragons here. It looked the same as on Dragon Island. It was, -odd. They were at the very edge of the archipelago. And the dragons were behaving themselves. He would have to come out here himself. Maybe he could talk Elsa into an overnight trip, -purely to, -negotiate of course…
They came out, and made another pass of the island at a lower height. He only noted a few very old campsites, and not much else.
"Well, gents! It seems I have wasted your time. There's nothing here!" Trófastr apologized.
"No, no! It's fine! What about this ship they saw? Was it the same one both times?" He asked.
"I don't rightly know. They said they'd never seen one like it before, but we are at the edge of the archipelago… It could be anything!" He was right, but he couldn't help feeling…
"Fish? What does this remind you of?" The man grasped his chin in his fingers for a moment.
"Uhhh, Dragon, -Island? The nest… Hiccup! You don't think…" He didn't want to but…
"I, -I don't. Know… If there was more than one Bewilderbeast… Who's to say there isn't more than one… Red Death?" The two other men frowned.
"When we finally got to the nest all those years ago, It, it was like you described… There was always a fog covering the island. The queen, -the Red Death, roosted inside. She would call the dragons… That might explain the dragons' behavior, but…" Dogsbreath finished his thought.
"But there aren't any dragons here!" This was troubling.
"Trófastr? If I send some of my people out here, would you look after them? See that they are supplied?" He guessed his answer. It wouldn't hurt to ask.
"Of course Hiccup! What do you have in mind?" They needed to know…
"Constant watch! We could send a pair of riders out here, with Nadders. We could rotate, one group every three days. If one shows up, they'll need to get out fast! To spread the alarm! We need to know about this ship your people saw as well." Dogsbreath nodded.
"I'll get word to Thuggory, see if he will contribute as well." He nodded.
"Make them understand! They are NOT to take this on! As soon as it's spotted, they are to get out! To spread the word!" Both men nodded. They were taken to the island after, they had seen the great queens' remains themselves. Trófastr engaged Fishlegs in conversation, leading him away with a question. Dogsbreath lowered his voice, and leaned toward him.
"Hiccup? I was wondering, if you would come with me. I have something to, -show you." Oh? Well, he had meant to send Fishlegs ahead… He nodded. When their conversation was over, he approached Fishlegs.
"Fish? You go on ahead, I'll be back later." He could see a trace of hurt, but he understood.
"-And Fish? -Someone, -is coming. She's, -important! Make sure she's taken care of, and looked after. My Mom knows, and so does Gobber. She can take care of herself, but she'll need help. OK?" Fishlegs nodded. He seemed to get the importance of this.
"Uhh, OK Hiccup! I'll see you later!" He said his goodbye to the others then flew off. When he was out of sight, they turned to him. The same cocked-eyebrow look of curiosity. It was almost comical.
"OK guys, -I have something to tell you. They were his friends after all… He told them of Elsa, but spared the details for now. They had already spoken for each other, and she was on her way here. But with everything going on, they had to keep it a secret for now. He thought of Jórunna… Yes, they needed to know that too, -but, -just not right now.
They took a course northwest, then after a while, decidedly west. They had been heading toward the TrollGuts, but now…
"Just, where are we going Dogsbreath?" He cast him a sidelong glance.
"Well, you know Hiccup, I've made, -progress, in my neck of the archipelago… I thought you might like to, -see the results of my, -efforts." That was strangely, -cryptic… What could he mean? It dawned on him after a moment. The course they were now taking would lead them to… the Murderous tribe! Not exactly friends, not -enemies either. BUT, allies with - them . He cast Dogsbreath a glance. He was looking at him somewhat worriedly. Was he afraid he might decline… Or something, -else? NO! He was his friend. They had been friends for a long time now. He was one of the first to initiate change here…
But the Murderous. They had been making efforts to change. If the gaps were to be closed, they needed to talk. Maybe this was what he had in mind… No efforts had been made between the Hooligans and the Murderous. It was sort of a benign neglect. But now, with the talk going on… He nodded. A small look of relief came over the other mans' face.
The island came in sight. Bigger than Berk, and flatter. Many, many fields for growing crops of different kinds. And for grazing huge herds of sheep, goats and yak. Before the dragon war ended, it was said they were a favorite target of the queens dragons. Almost as popular as Berk. But now, the herds thrived. They were one of the leading producers of meat in the archipelago.
They dropped to a lower altitude. Dogsbreath pointed out newly installed feeding bowls. One of which was being filled as they passed over. He could see the looks of shock as he flew over. He couldn't discern a reason, maybe, it was the Night Fury he rode. Maybe it was shock because they realized who was riding it.
They dropped even lower as they passed over the main village. They made a circuit. Hiccup noted a windmill, his design, erected on one side, near the water. Another going up, in the early stages of construction. The people looked up nervously. A few weapons were drawn, but they did not appear threatening. Dogsbreath directed them to a square in front of a large building. It was made of cut stone, heavily roofed. Before he realized, they were dropping down… to land!
The people cleared a spot for them. They landed gently in the square. He noted fear in many of their eyes. But again, was it Toothless they were afraid of, or him? Because of what, -happened… He didn't want that. He didn't want people to fear him, or Toothless. Sure, it would keep them in line, but eventually…
The doors opened, and Bergulfr stepped out of the building. He was an imposing figure. Not as big as his dad, But nearly so. His hair was dark, dark, brown. Almost black, and streaked with gray. His beard was almost completely gray. Braided and hung down to his belly. Sharp bluish-green eyes shone from under his heavy brow. He considered his visitors.
"Dogsbreath? Who's this ye have wi' ye?" Ooops! he was so caught up… He reached up and quickly removed his helmet. His eyes went wide for a split second. He then frowned.
"Chief… Haddock? What brings ye here? 'Tis been a long time since we've 'ad a visit from the likes of you?" He nodded.
"Aye! Too long if I'm honest Chief! Dogsbreath wanted to show me the improvements you've made here. I'm impressed! Keeping the wild dragons out of the village proper is a big step in improving your relations with them." He nodded.
"Aye! A lot of the older folk thought it was crazy! But just one feeding bowl helped immensely! We've got plans to put up two more by summers' end. It's a bit of work sometimes, keeping them filled. But we've had no major incidents so far this year." He said.
"I'm glad! We can show you an easier way to fill them. The dragons can help in that regard. Dogsbreath can show you." Bergulfr nodded.
"Well, with things, -changing in the archipelago, we felt a different approach was needed." Hiccup nodded. There followed a somewhat uncomfortable silence. Bergulfr spoke.
"Chief… Hiccup? I was wonderin' if we might, -talk a bit?" He shot a wary glance around at the gathered crowd. Dogsbreath nodded slightly. He was unsure…
"-Please Hiccup, we wouldn't have allowed ye ta land, nor fly over, if we meant ye harm!" He looked at Dogsbreath again. He glared, and nodded his head in the direction of the door. He slid off the saddle, and tied his helmet to it. He walked around to Toothless' head. He gathered the dragons' attention.
"Hey Bud! Listen to Dogsbreath OK?" Toothless considered the man, then turned his head back to him. He huffed. "Stay calm won't you? We need these people to like us, Yes? Best paw forward?" He huffed and barked. And pushed his snout in his chest. He ran his hands over his head and scratched him briefly.
"You're awesome Bud!" He huffed again. He walked towards the doors. Bergulfr motioned him in. His eyes adjusted to the light. It was much like the Hall on Berk. There was a larger dias on the other end of the room. And a great firepit in the middle. A serving area off to the left. A change of the tapestries on the wall, and a few carvings here and there… He could be in his own hall. Hmmm.
Bergulfr chose a table in the middle of the room. "Marta! Bring a plate of food and a mug of ale for our guest!" He heard a clattering. He glanced over and noted a look of shock on the servers faces. He turned his attention back to Bergulfr. He seemed to be sizing him up, or deciding how to start the conversation. A mug and a plate were set between them. The woman lingered for a moment. Bergulfrs' arm slid around her waist.
"My wife, Marta. Marta? Chief Hiccup Haddock of the Hooligans!" She dipped. She was a comely woman and, -sturdy. He nodded in return. He eyed the plate, and the mug. He was rather hungry, and to refuse could be an insult. Bergulfr reached over, and took a piece of meat off the plate and popped it in his mouth. He then took his mug, and took a drink. The corner of his mouth curled a bit. Hiccup was satisfied. He dug in.
"Hiccup… I'd like to start by sayin'… We were, -saddened about the loss of yer father. While we were never exactly, -friends, we had a great deal o' respect for 'im. He was a good man, and a great Chief!" He nodded.
"Thank you. It was hard for us to take. I doubt if I will ever be as great as him, I am trying very hard to do so." His eyebrows lifted.
"Oh Aye? So ye have somethin' greater planned than the end of the dragon war do ye?" This was… different! He smiled.
"No… Not, -planned anyway. My father, and my peers had as much to do with that as I. I jus, I was just trying to save my, my tribe…" He nodded.
"And then, ye do it again I've heard. Defeated that Drago, and a great beast that surely would've wreaked havoc all among the islands!" He didn't see it that way. He was trying to save the dragons. A thought came to his mind, but it was gone. Bergulfr fixed him with a look.
"That Dagur tried to drag us in to his mess…" This was new! "But we decided to stay out of it. Seeing what happened, I'm glad we did!" He thought about this. How he would handle this if, when… it came up. Should he? YES! Bridge the gap…
"Ahmmm, about that, I, -I…" He stood, and stepped over to Bergulfrs' side of the table. Without thinking, he dropped to his knee. He placed his hands on his right knee, palms down. He bowed his head.
"I want to apologize for that! It, -it wasn't very, -Chiefly of me! I, -I was upset. I know that is not a very good excuse… A leader shouldn't let his… emotions get away, and drive his, decisions… I, -I am very sorry that… happened." There was silence for a few breaths. Bergulfr spoke softly.
"Ye loved yer wife." He nodded.
"She, -she was, -pregnant, with our, first child. I only found out that morning… It, -it still… It's no excuse…" A few more breaths' pause. He felt a hand on his head.
"It's no crime ta love someone that fiercely, Hiccup. The question now is, having crossed a line, what will you do?" A very profound question. He was a smart man. He thought for a moment…
"You, -try… try to make, -amends… and, -and, learn from it…" He slowly lifted his gaze. There was light in his eyes, and a fond smile. His apology was accepted. He felt something swell in his chest. He had more hope for the future than he'd imagined. Bergulfr nodded once.
"So Hiccup! What will you do? Aye? There's talk of a great Kingdom that's reached our ears! Aye even here! A kingdom that will encompass the whole archipelago! With us smack in the middle of it!" He had returned to his seat. He looked Bergulfr in the eye.
"I have been against the idea from the start." His eyes went wide. "The immensity, -the logistics… It, it doesn't make a lot of sense! We have treaties in place, -agreements…" He got cut off.
"Aye! Treaties and agreements we are not privy to! My question stands! What. will. you. -do? We have made improvements here, but others… If we can't, -or won't accept the dragons… will you descend upon us? Aye? And burn us too?" Ouch! -That, -stung. But he deserved it. It was a legitimate question.
"NO! No…" He sighed. "As long as the mindless killing of dragons stop… I, I realize they can be, -difficult to deal with sometimes… But they are creatures, just, -trying to survive in the bigger world… Like us! Aye? If you…" He fixed him with a look. "-ANY- of you, run into a particularly nasty problem… Send word! Dogsbreath is very good with them. If he can't help, one of the others can." Bergulfr nodded and grabbed his chin. "-Or, send word to me, -personally! My mother is, -incredible with them! She can help as well." He looked askance rubbing his chin. He forged ahead.
"I want to extend an invitation to you, -ALL- of you. Send some of your people, your young ones. Send them to Berk. There will be no questions asked. They will be under MY protection! And constantly supervised. Let us show you what we've learned… How to deal with them." This was what was needed. Interaction, not just between two people, but many. Bergulfr cast him a sidelong glance. His eyebrow raised. After a few moments' pause, he slapped the table hard.
"Very well Chief! I will consider your words. And I, -appreciate your honesty! Such things are needed if there is to be an understanding!" He couldn't have said it better himself. They stood, and walked slowly towards the door. Bergulfr clapped him on the shoulder.
"May I offer my congratulations on your, -match! I'm sure Gjaflaug will make a fine wife!" Oh Gods…
"Yes! I, ahmmm, -about that… P, please offer my sincerest apologies to Róngvaldr, and the girls' father. It, it's nothing personal… She is lovely, but I cannot accept her. There, -there's, -something, -else." He felt maybe he could trust him, but it was still, -early in the proceedings. They stopped walking. He fixed him with a piercing look.
"Oh? -It is said you took a trip recently… Perhaps you found someone else?" He really liked how his mind worked. He hoped he could have more conversations with him.
"I, -I'd rather not say, right. now… My council… They have been dealing behind my back, and until I figure it out… You, you can understand…" He hoped so anyway. He nodded.
"Aye! They have! But as to the nature of it, I cannot say…" Couldn't or wouldn't? He realized Bergulfr may be in a difficult position as it is. If, -others found out, and didn't like it…"-But, understand, Hiccup! This will put us in a very precarious position! We must look after ourselves in such times!" He understood.
"You and I both know it will take more than a marriage to, -fix this between us and the LavaLouts. Please! Take my words to them! It is not our, -MY- intention to force this on anyone! If the needless killings will but stop, it will be enough for me!" Bergulfr nodded once. Good! It was a start! He pushed open the door.
As his eyes adjusted, he noticed Toothless. He was on his belly, crouched. His tail swishing and twitching back and forth. He noticed a young boy and girl stood a few steps apart from the gathered crowd. They were frozen in place. Toothless thought it was playtime. He shot Bergulfr a glance, a small smile crept across his face.
He walked up to the two children. Looking around he located their parents. He held his hands up, then crouched down to their level.
"Hello there! What's your name?" The boy turned his head slowly to look at him.
"Tristain, Chief!" He nodded, then considered the girl.
"And you? Young Lady?" She also turned her head slowly. He gave them credit. Any other dragon, and sudden moves, didn't go well together…
"V, -Veny, sir!" There was fear in their eyes. But also… curiosity. It was enough…
"Well, guys! This is Toothless! He is my dragon. He's a Night Fury!" They both turned and considered the dragon.
"He, he's, scary!" The girl said in a weak voice.
"Yes! He can be very scary sometimes! But look! His belly is on the ground! And you see his tail? How it's moving back and forth?" They both nodded. "Do you know what that means?" Heads shook. "It means he wants to play!" They both looked at him like he had three heads. He smiled.
"Yes! Toothless loves to play with children! He likes hide and seek! He likes to fetch balls and sticks! He even likes to play tag!" This was a bit rougher, but the older children loved it.
"But first, you must say hello! Now understand! A wild dragon IS dangerous! But, if it comes to you like this, flat on the ground, tail wagging… here is what you can do. Hold your hand out, fingers together… Yes! Not too close to him! And you let him come to you." Toothless scooted over, and the children were scratching him in no time. Another child walked out, then another. Soon, Toothless was belly-up, his eyes lidded in pleasure. Children scratching him from his chin to his belly. The big spoiled reptile! He addressed the crowd with a nod from Bergulfr.
"The dragons will react to you the same way you react to them. Fear with fear. Hate with hate. Toothless and Bersa here are used to humans, granted. But if you can approach them with calm, they will pay attention. If you are assertive, they will listen!" He saw several nods, and thoughtful looks. Good! Better than good!
"The dragons have a lesson to teach us! Only through trust and understanding will you gain their loyalty. And such it is with us! I am glad you are making changes here! I hope you all can one day experience the same benefits of good relations with the dragons!" More nods and murmuring from the crowd. He walked up to Bergulfr and clasped his forearm.
"Farewell Chief! I'm glad we had this talk!" He nodded.
"As am I Chief! I hope we may talk again in the future!" Hiccup nodded.
"-In the, -near future!" Bergulfr nodded. He was hopeful. He gained Toothless' attention, much to the childrens' disappointment. He told them perhaps he would return soon, and bring more dragons. To which the children cheered. He considered the gathered crowd, and gave them a nod. He climbed on Toothless and took off.
Dogsbreath and he said their goodbyes in the air. The sun almost completely below the horizon. He laid down on Toothless' back, wrapping his arms around his neck and scratching him.
"You were amazing Bud! That's a good dragon!" He warbled his assent. Of course he was! "Let's get home, Yes?" A warble and a croon answered him. It had been a full day… A couple of days actually. There was still a three hour flight home at least. He was sooo tired!
So the council was indeed plotting. He had actual confirmation. Not like it wasn't pretty obvious before… but, yeah. Did this mean the LavaLouts wanted in? Or was this some third-party ploy? Or were they simply afraid, and sought to head off any potential crisis? Bergulfr was smart enough to think this through. Now that they had talked, he hoped the Louts would at least try to come to the table…
And the situation at the island was disturbing. If it was a Red Death, why wasn't it there? Nesting dragons didn't tend to move. At least a nesting Bewilderbeast didn't. How different could they be? Unless… unless it was looking for a nesting spot! This had all kinds of bad written all over it! At least they knew now more than they did the first time around.
And knowing what they do, could such a thing be dealt with, without killing it? Could it be, -driven off? Re-directed? There was no time to study the first one, even if it were possible. All they had to go on was the Bewilderbeast. Which was, as far as he could tell, the other end of the dragon spectrum. The Bewilderbeast was kind and benign. The Red Death was, -not. But again, this was all post-mortem analysis. His mother never had encountered one. Och! So much they didn't know…
And Heather… On her way back? -Or not? There was a huge mess waiting for her when she did. He would support her, it was her birthright. Regardless of how she felt about what happened. And his council, right in the middle of it! It could be potentially bad for him and the tribe as a whole. But she would listen… unless, being away somehow changed her. Maybe, Elsa would help her understand.
Elsa! He whispered her name like a prayer. He wished to the Gods she was here with him! Just being with her would calm him. He knew it! He imagined her with him now, at his back. Her arms wrapped around him. -Or in front, his arms around her, holding her to him. Gods! He missed her.
They still had to talk. Which he intended to do as soon as an opportunity presented itself. Given the current situation, and especially Gjaflaug… No! he would remain positive. He would make time for their talk. He had learned his lesson. Get to it sooner rather than later. He hoped she would understand, but the potential for a, -less than positive outcome was not lost on him.
Soon the braziers came in sight. He thought about a stealthy arrival, but in light of recent revelations, it wasn't needed any more. He had the council where he wanted them. All that was needed was a slight hint that he knew what was going on, and they would drop in line. Either that, or they could stand and watch as their halls burned to the ground…
He made for the square in front of his hall. They landed somewhat heavily. They both had a few long days behind them. He might sleep in a bit tomorrow! They went into the stable. Hiln greeted them with a happy chirp and squawk. He scratched her. It appeared her charges were gone home for the night. The dragons greeted each other. When they were done, he stripped the flying rig off Toothless. He started to settle, but he seemed to catch a scent, or- something. He was acting very excited for some reason. He was sniffing and cooing. He shrugged it off, maybe one of the dragons Hiln had to watch had grabbed his attention.
He walked in the side door. The hall smelled, -differently. It was humid too! He then noticed the curtain was drawn, the one that separated the home for… bathing… He heard a splash of water, then all of a sudden, he was faced with the sight of a very surprised, very wet, and very, -naked… Elsa! She yelped, and ducked down.
"Hiccup?… HICCUP!" He heard the rustle of clothing. She stood again, thankfully, -mostly covered with a drying skin. She came around the corner of the cabinets, charging headlong. They crashed together. A full three minutes of hungry lips devouring each other. Wandering hands. Dancing tongues. Feverishly working, making up for all that lost time. His mind was blank. He could only feel her, smell her. It was all he ever wanted 'til Ragnarock.
Their pace slowed. Dwindling down to slower, sweeter impassioned kisses. They would separate, look upon each other, and crash together again. Hugging each other tightly. Planting sweet kisses on temples, cheeks, jaws, necks. He never wanted to stop. They did finally stop though, in a tight embrace, whispering each others' names. He rocked her gently.
After several minutes, standing there, holding each other, she spoke breathily.
"I missed you!" A smile crept across his face.
"I can tell!" He said softly. She pulled back and narrowed her eyes. It didn't last very long, for a huge smile spread across her face. She buried her face in his neck. He only now noticed her back, -ALL of her… back, was uncovered. He couldn't help but run his hands from her cheeks to her shoulders. So smooth, and soft… She shuddered. He heard his name whispered… Then he heard his name, -not whispered…
"HICCUP!" The curtain exploded. Oh, Gods! She had a furious scowl on her face. She stormed around the cabinets and cuffed him heavily on the head. Elsa yelped as they were separated in-gently. She grabbed his ear and twisted.
"WHAT THE HEL DO YOU MEAN! BARGING IN HERE AND SEEING THIS WOMAN IMMODESTLY?!" She drug him out of the room… by his ear… It REALLY hurt!
"ACH! MOM! We are consenting adults! AHHH! MOM! I, -I just GOT HERE! -MOM!" She spun him around, and punched him in the gut. He doubled over. Gods! That hurt too! He heard Elsa call Toothless. The dragon was cooing and purring loudly. At least someone got a non-painful reunion.
"Hiccup! What are ye doin'?" He wheezed his answer.
"Mom! I, -I just got home! I didn't know she was here, and, -bathing! PLEASE!" Gods that hurt! He heard Elsa giggling. At him, or Toothless, he couldn't tell.
"Well, ye should be more careful! Why'd ye nae' come in the front door?" She scowled again, then headed off to the curtain.
"Get dressed you! Oh, hello Toothless." There was a muffled conversation. Toothless bounded out and came to him, tongue wagging.
"Yeah Bud! Elsa's here!" He choked out. Toothless huffed and licked him in the face. He gingerly straightened, and sat himself in his chair by the fire. He put his head between his legs. Gods these women! Maybe he should reconsider his bachelorhood. A few minutes later, he saw a pair of feet in front of him. He looked up, and Elsa was there holding a mug. He went to get up, but she put a hand on his shoulder, forcing him to sit. She was wearing a simple nightgown that covered her neck to feet.
She turned slightly, and deposited herself in his lap. She smelled wonderful! She curled her legs, and put her head on his shoulder. She kissed him chastely on the jaw. He felt better already. She held the mug to his lips. He sipped some of the tea. He recognized the smell. It was for pain. She curled her free arm around his neck, and toyed with his hair. Valka came in mildly scowling at them. But, she sat calmly in the chair across from them with her own mug.
"So, what is it ye've been up to these last few days?" Valka asked.
"Well, we did go by and had a talk with Bertha. She wanted to come over, but at the time, I thought it best she wait." She nodded. "But I'm calling a council meeting first thing in the morning." He looked up at Elsa. "I want you to be there as well." She nodded. Valka spoke.
"Aye they need a stern talkin' to after what they did today." His curiosity spiked. Elsa explained what happened, insisting she was in no danger. He was mad as Hel! Just who did they think… What were they thinking? It was a good thing then that he had changed his mind. Yes, he would put the fear of Odin in them! Aye! And himself! But he wouldn't let on about the situation on Beserker island just yet… He would let that play out, all on its' own.
She fixed him with a look, and his anger left him, -mostly. She told him of the incident on the dock. He was impressed! He loved her even more! She also told him about her riding lessons. He was proud of her! Even more proud when she told him of meeting the Nadder. A purple one? He needed to see this one! It seemed, important somehow. Could it be the one? The one he had been seeing since… It seemed, -strange.
"Dogsbreath took me over to the Murderous tribe…" Valkas' eyes went wide. She straightened in her chair. He told them of their conversation. He hoped Bergulfr would take his words to the LavaLouts. At least maybe they could sit down and talk, and avoid any further bloodshed. Valka nodded. She was looking at him with pride. He chanced a look at Elsa. He couldn't exactly discern the look on her face, but he felt it was good. He unfortunately became aware of the time. He tapped her on the back. He had already been here too long, -sadly.
"I'd better go… It, it's getting late." He saw the disappointment. "I know! I don't want to, but, well, we both… we have to keep this up for just a little while longer." She nodded. He got up, and went to his room.
She may have straightened up, but otherwise, the room was the same. Until he spied some of her, -unmentionables hanging on a line. An image came back he was sure wouldn't leave anytime soon. Burned into his very being. The sight of her, wet, and -naked… NO! He had to focus! Just gather a few changes of clothes… He heard the door close softly behind him.
He turned around, and Gods! Even in her simple nightgown, she was lovely. It took all his resolve… She, THEY were here, in his bedroom… focus Hiccup! He gulped dryly. She was fidgeting. Surprising, after what happened in Arendelle. The bath incident… Keeping him in bed a whole day after… FOCUS! And after, undressing… un-buttoning her dress… DAMMIT!
She walked right up, and lifted on her toes. She kissed him chastely. Her hands came up to his chest, then snaked around his neck. He kissed her deeply. His arms went around her waist, and he pulled her against him. He was glad for the armor now. Otherwise… yeahhh… He separated from her. Gods, he wanted to stay… There was something she needed to know…
"Elsa… about, Gjaflaug… I, -I'm sorry. I, they didn't leave me any choice! If, if I refused… I, I still haven't, -accepted her…" Gods! He should just shut up already! She searched his face.
"Hiccup? you, -haven't done anything, -untoward, have you?" He shook his head.
"And you, -you haven't… Shamed me, or dishonored me, have you?" Gods NO!
"No! No, Elsa, I… I, if I kept refusing, they, -there could be a call for, for new leadership. It would have torn the island apart!" She frowned a little.
"Hiccup! I think you underestimate your people! I have talked with many of them. They all speak very highly of you!" Maybe he did, but…
"I, -I just can't bear the thought of, the people fighting against each other…" There was another thing, she needed to know…
"Elsa? About the Beserkers…" She nodded. He really should tell her… now.
"My, council means to place one of their own at the head of the tribe there, only there's one problem… Heather is on her way back…" He was a coward… She looked away frowning, then back.
"But that would mean… You could be implicated… Or the tribe! It, it would look very bad upon you if she should come back…" He nodded. But…
"The other Chiefs know by now, and will seek to head her off…" He really should tell her…" But, Heather…" He separated from her, and took a few steps past her. She had to know… TELL HER! "Dagur was… Heathers' brother… They, they were separated at, -birth. She, had gone back, and -tried to turn things around, -which she did… but, she left, and we never found out why…" He chanced a look over his shoulder. She was facing him, he couldn't read her…
"Your mother said you and he fought… What happened Hiccup?" There was concern in her voice. He nodded.
"Elsa? I, I -was very, -upset! Yes, we fought, but I, I didn't kill him… I, -I pinned him to the ground with, -with Astrids axe… and spears I took from the field, -and… he, he -couldn't move… all he could do was, stand there and bleed out. He took from me the one person I thought I'd ever love. The child we always wanted… He, he took from me a bright, happy future… I -wanted him to feel what I was feeling. Show him what he'd done…" The memories came back. He winced against them. His mother called from downstairs.
"Hiccup? You really should be going!" She was right, But Elsa needed to know, and… and.
"Elsa? I, -we, we need to -talk but…" She nodded. He didn't want to leave like this. He wouldn't want her to… He couldn't let their relationship, -progress any further, until he told her. It was only fair. He couldn't assume she would be… OK with what, -happened after he and Dagur fought…
She took a few steps toward him. He turned to face her. She was somewhat timid in her approach.
"Hiccup? If she was Dagurs' sister… she would be upset, yes?" He nodded. "But she, she was your friend? She was friends with you all? Surely she would understand, if it were explained to her?" He couldn't know for sure. He shrugged. She looked away for a moment, then back.
"Hiccup? I, -can understand… If he was causing harm, and there was no other way… I, -I would be very upset, if, if something happened to you…" So she was, she understood, but…
"There's, -more to it… Just, I'll see you tomorrow." She nodded. Then closed the gap between them. She took his right hand and caressed it with her cheek. She placed a kiss on the back of it, then placed it over her heart. A small smile crept up on his face. He took her right hand, kissed it, and placed it over his.
"I love you, Hiccup!"
"And I love you, Elsa!" They embraced, and kissed. Long, but chaste. He turned and went down the stairs. Valka was waiting for him. She embraced him tightly.
"I'm so very happy for you Hiccup! She's something special, and no mistake." He nodded.
"You don't know the half of it! But, mom, you, -you didn't tell her?" She shook her head.
"No, Hiccup. It's best if it comes from you." He nodded. He knew this. "Ah! Hiccup! She's been all over the island, the tribe loves her! And she handled the council all on her own! She'll make a fine wife for ye!" He knew that from the start. If only…
"If she even wants me after…" He couldn't think about that now, he was so very tired. She placed a hand on his shoulder, the other cupped his cheek. She looked him in the eye.
"If she loves ye Hiccup, she'll forgive you! But you must tell her." He nodded. He embraced her once more, and kissed her on the temple.
"I love you mom!"
"Goodnight, son!" They shared a fond look, and he left.
Spitelout was a bit angry, but when he saw him, he smiled warmly, and clapped his shoulder. Droplaug hugged him in welcome. After a short conversation, he was up the stairs in Snotlouts' old room. He undressed, and was in bed, asleep as his head hit the pillow…