So...this idea popped up into my head after reading stories from both fandoms. I'm planning this entire story to be a prologue for another one I'm going to write. This story may have similarities to others you've read from both series because my story is inspired from some of them. Sorry if my grammar and dialogue aren't that great, this is pretty much my first time writing a story and I'm pretty sure the writing is bad. Kind of ironic, really, considering I have been an avid book reader since I was a kid.
I hope you enjoy this story—or at least the concept of it—and please give reviews with honest criticisms. Hopefully my writing will improve if this story gets going. Thank you and enjoy reading!
Hiccup woke up to the sound of heavy thumping and a muffled roar.
He blearily opened his eyes and groaned, placing a hand on his forehead. Yesterday had been a tiring day, having to fix a dispute in the proceedings of a marriage contract and entertaining various suggestions of land expansion and alliances with other tribes. With the former giving Hiccup more grief than the latter, considering that Vikings in their nature are a stubborn lot. So what do you get when two Viking families are at a standoff as to the amount of mundr being given and the exact date of the planned marriage with neither kinsfolk budging?
A throbbing headache with a dose of near decapitation.
Hiccup yawned and sat up as he surveyed the room. He immediately notices the empty stone slab that a certain black-scaled, mischievous Night Fury usually sleeps in. That explains where the noise is coming from, Hiccup thought exasperatedly, though the smile on his face betrayed his initial annoyance. This time the roof shook once more, and Hiccup could almost imagine Toothless' impatient expression as he waits for his rider to wake up.
With that image in mind, Hiccup chuckled and removed his fur blankets, proceeding to suit up for an early morning flight.
As Hiccup was about to leave through the door, he gave one last glance to the room and couldn't help but notice the left-side of his empty bed that not a year ago occupied a fiery, blonde Valkyrie who would grumble and snore softly as she slept in contentment.
Immediately his expression changed from one of amusement to sadness and melancholy.
Hiccup looked upon the scene with regret and wistful eyes, as if remembering a particular memory of that situation; one from a happier time. He sighed, closing the door and began making his way towards the stairs.
It has only been nine months since she left, since her passing, yet Hiccup could still remember that day…
The sky was dark and stormy, as if the gods themselves knew the outcome of that day and could do nothing but offer the downpour of rain as grievance. A rugged battleaxe was left on the ground, its blade dripping with blood. Hiccup ran as fast as his prosthetic could provide him, frantically searching the field, shouting her name amidst the sound of clashing metal and the tumultuous roar of thunder. Then he saw it from the corner of his eye—a narrow shaft zipping through the air, its bladed tip heading straight for him. He hadn't a moment to lose before it pierces his heart until—
No, no. He shook his head violently, refusing to be reminded of that particular moment. His nightmares had greedily forced him to relive that scene over and over again these past months, resulting in nights of insomnia and sleep deprivation. He promised himself then that he would honor her memory. Live the life that was meant to be with her and to enjoy it while it lasted. Easier said than done, he recalled sadly.
Hiccup stopped by a door located right next to the stairway leading towards the main room of the house. He hesitated for a moment then quietly opened the door, peeking into the room. Hiccup waited for an acknowledgement, any response to his entry and when received none, he entered and tiptoed to the sleeping figure dozing in the corner of the room.
As he stood before the bed, he gave a small smile as he smoothed the hair of his sleeping, mumbling four-year old daughter. Most of the villagers argued that she looks exactly like her mother, and Hiccup agreed. With her long flowing blonde hair and round face, she looks like an exact replica of her when she was child, although his mother had said that she inherited his ears, which he doubted. The most notable feature that she got from Hiccup was his forest green eyes.
"Nora," he gently whispered.
She looks so much like Astrid that sometimes it pains him to see her, especially the months leading up to this. It was hard, especially after her passing. Nora was the only thing he had left of her yet it pains him to see her at times because she reminded him of what he had lost.
Suddenly he felt extremely guilty. He wasn't the only affected by this. His daughter just lost her mother for Odin's sake, his wife. He should have spent more time with her during those first few months that followed, comforting her, grieving with her rather than drowning himself in chiefly duties and dragon riding. He feels like a horrible father.
"I'm sorry," he said softly. "I'm so sorry that I wasn't there for you, I—" he breathed in and out. "I promise daddy will make it up to you. Hopefully you won't be too angry with me, your punches hurt like your mother's." He grinned, leaning down to give a kiss on her forehead.
"I love you."
As he left the room, he gave one last glance at his daughter and swore that her lips curled up as she twisted her body to find a more comfortable position. Hiccup smiled.
000
"Hey there bud, how's it going? Hope I didn't keep you long." Hiccup teased as Toothless jumped off the roof and bounded towards him.
The Night Fury merely rolled his eyes and grumbled, as if complaining why his rider took so long in preparing. He eagerly nudged Hiccup with his nose.
"Yeah yeah, you impatient reptile, just hold on," he adjusted the straps on the saddle and checked the tail rig for any malfunctions. Once satisfied, he hopped onto Toothless and readied himself.
"Alright, let's see what you got, bud!"
With a roar, Toothless shot through air the like an arrow released from a bow. The Chief's laughter echoed throughout the entire village.
000
Even after returning to Berk nearly 5 years ago, Valka still couldn't believe how much this small Viking village had grown.
She was walking across the marketplace with Cloudjumper, greeting a few villagers as she made way for the Great Hall. Observing how dragons now helped Vikings in their day-to-day needs and the amount of people now walking the streets of Berk.
After the defeat of Drago's army, the Berkians entered a brief season of hardship seeing as most of village was destroyed and is in need of supplies to help them rebuild and recover for the upcoming months of winter.
It was through this reason as to why Chief Hiccup's first order of business as chief, other than rebuilding his home, was to finally open its trade routes to other villages. Before, Berk mostly relied on its island resources for food, shelter and clothing. Their closest means of contact to the outside world is through Trader Johann, a sea trader who occasionally visits to barter goods with the villagers.
This decision proved to be most beneficial on Berk's part, as their open invitation was soon answered by two Viking tribes: the Bog-Burglars and the Meatheads. They had heard rumors of Drago Bludfist's defeat by the hands of Stoick the Vast's son, and were unable to believe the enormity of such a tale. But the moment they entered in Berk waters and saw the multitude of dragons that surround the island and the dragon riders that accompanied them as they passed through the docks, they gathered an inkling on who they are dealing with.
Viking chief Mogadon the Meathead and Big-Boobied Bertha of the Bogs paid their respects to the new chief, claiming to personally know Stoick during their time in Chief Gatherings, and offered an alliance with open trade amongst their villages. They had some misgivings on dealing with Hiccup, believing that he is still young and inexperienced to be chief. To which the Dragon Trainer dryly replied, "Well, most people would say that the first dragon that I killed was a bit colossal, and that my first battle scar was quite the limb jerker, but I pushed through. I never was one to follow the rules of nature, hence why I got a dragon to befriend me in the first place, right bud?" To which the Alpha warbled in agreement. The Vikings tribes ended up signing a treaty and forged an alliance that solidified the start of a new era for Berk.
With this treaty came dragons, as both the Bog-Burglars and the Meatheads agreed to entertain and allow dragons to live with them in their villages. Berk's port became quite the melting pot for many merchants, traders, and visitors who came to sneak a peak in the Isle of Berk.
There had been other Viking tribes that later realized the benefits of having Berk as an ally and came to offer their alliance, spilling out reasons as to why they haven't answer their call before. Chief Hiccup accepted some and declined others, advised by his wife that not all of them have good intentions in allying with Berk.
Berk had achieved quite the flux throughout the following years, its buildings having been rebuilt and updated through blueprints bartered from lands beyond the Long Sea; new dangers and dragons to be fought yet the island prevailed. Berk had become the undisputed center of Viking civilization throughout the Barbaric Archipelago.
Once, a lifetime ago she wouldn't have believed it were possible to achieve peace between Vikings and dragons. But the world proved to her that even the most stubborn minds are able to see through change; though its achievement did not go through without casualties.
As if being drawn to them, Valka's eyes now latched onto the monument of her late husband, Stoick the Vast, which was located above the Great Hall. Her eyes glazed in brief sadness then wistful amusement at the thought of Stoick watching over her and their son, boasting their achievements throughout the halls of Valhalla.
With that cheerful image mind, Valka's thoughts now scattered towards her son, Hiccup, and she let out a sigh. She knows how hard it must've been for him, to lose Astrid like that so quickly. It felt the same way when she was first separated from Stoick, and was reignited in the aftermath of their more recent reunion.
Valka was worried for him, even after nine months, he still hasn't accepted her death. Oh, he may have said to her and Gobber months prior that he was fine, but she can see past his reassuring demeanor. He may fool his friends be he cannot fool her instincts as a mother. She can see through those quips and strained smiles that he makes. Hel, Valka can practically see it in his eyes. It was like staring at a mirror. Twenty-five years ago she had that same gaunt look when she first realized that she can never see Stoick again. Pain, silent pain.
She started a bit when she felt a row of scales on her palms. Cloudjumper tilted his head at her, crooning worriedly. Valka realized that she had stopped walking and had been standing rigid in the same spot for nearly five minutes. Shaking off her stupor, she curtly ascended to the steps of the Great Hall, focusing her mind as to why she went here in the first place.
As she entered through the large oaken doors of the hall, all conversations briefly quieted. Not that there was much in the first place, considering that it was too early for people to drink in the mead hall. Realizing that it was only a familiar face that entered, the Vikings muttered greetings and went back to their eager discussions.
"Well, fancy seeing you around here this early. You lookin' for someone?" a familiar voice said. Both Valka and the Stormcutter turned to look at source.
"Oh, hello Gobber, I was just about to look for you. Are you busy?" she asked.
"Ah well, you know me, just up for a morning stroll! These bones aren't getting any younger, and my back is creaking like Hel, but otherwise I'm fine," Gobber says with a cheeky grin. "I was about to get me some grub, but never mind that. I've got plenty of time! So, what's the occasion? Need some company?"
"I was hoping if you could gather Snotlout and the others and lead them to the back room? Bring Eret as well, I need to discuss something with all of you, but it must be private." Valka said.
Gobber raised a brow at this. "Sounds serious, I'll bring them up here in no time. But Val, mind telling me what this is about?"
She mused for a moment if she should share her fears, but declined. "It's best if I'll explain all of it once the others are here so I won't have to repeat myself."
The blacksmith looked at her questioningly, but nodded. Without another word he was out of the mead hall to get the other teens.
She told Cloudjumper to stay outside since he won't be able to fit in the inner rooms of the hall. The dragon wasn't happy about it but complied.
Not more than fifteen minutes later, Gobber entered the room with a sniggering Ruffnut and Tuffnut, a bleary-eyed looking Snotlout, and both Fishlegs and Eret with a curious expression on their faces.
As Gobber closed and locked the door, Valka was the first to speak. "I know you're wondering why I had Gobber call all of you here. Well to put it plainly, this problem concerns more than just the village, it's personal as well."
"Oh, oh, is it about that incident in the pier yesterday? Because I swear, I did not know that barrel was filled with lobsters and it was totally an acci—"
"Of course it wasn't, idiot! And I call bull, you totally knew what was in that barrel. I saw you asking Bucket what was in those before you pranked those sailors." Ruffnut rolled her eyes.
"Nuh-uh! Wasn't me! And besides, I saw you dealing with the Bog Burglars, something about a golden necklace?" Tuffnut puffed his chest out triumphantly.
"W-What?! I was sure nobody saw that—" Ruffnut sputtered.
"Is it about Dagur?" Fishlegs asked, trying to ignore the twins' antics. "Because it's been a long time since we heard from him and I was told a rumor that he's starting a new tribe."
"Can't be Dagur, the last time we saw him was when we sunk his Beserker fleet together with his sister," Snotlout said confidently. "There's no way he could have escaped that, and besides, Nóttilla is a more... agreeable leader than her brother ever was."
"Not to mention sane," Gobber quipped. "Aye, she's a fine lass, just remind me to never ever get in between her and a book. I swear she's got a glare that could turn a jötunn into a steaming puddle. I remember that one time—"
"No, no, it's not about those. As I said, it's a more personal matter and some of you might already suspect what I'm talking about." said Valka, looking intently at Eret. He looked confused for second, until his brown eyes widened in recognition.
Finally, Valka decided to get to the point and sighed. "It's about Hiccup."
Immediately, the atmosphere in the room dimmed and turned into concern.
"What? Did something happen to the chief?"
"Can't be, I just saw him yesterday. I think it was before my lobster prank…" Tuffnut mused.
"Is it about what happened months ago?"
Everyone started talking all at once, so Valka had to calm their fears by saying that no, Hiccup is not injured, nor dead, nor has he lost his left sock or something.
"No, I'm not talking about a physical injury," Valka explained. "It's about what happened in the Shield Islands, when… when we lost Astrid."
The mood in the room declined even further at the mention of the fiery shield maiden.
"I know how hard it is to lose a loved one. And most of you as well as I, still mourn for her." Valka's relationship with Astrid was initially awkward, seeing as she just returned home after nearly twenty years of isolating herself and that Astrid was a more used to spending time with Stoick. Having first meeting each other to comfort Hiccup after his father's untimely death.
However, as time went by, she came to bond with her daughter-in-law. When she became engaged with Hiccup, she spent a lot of time in the Haddock household with its current residence. Valka approved of Astrid, often amused at her interactions with Hiccup. Politically, she became a good advisor to Hiccup as well, not trusting the words of other men but their actions.
It was devastating for her to see Astrid leave that way. It was as if history was repeating itself all over again, like some cruel joke schemed by the trickster god, Loki. Only this time, it wasn't a dragon that did the deed.
"Hiccup may look alright, but he's not. Behind those closed doors, he's subjugating himself to a lot of pain by not talking to any of us. The closest he's had to having a full conversation with is Toothless, and while I don't reject that notion, he needs someone who can speak to him, lighten his burdens." Valka finished.
A long standing silence encompassed the room, which Gobber broke by pulling himself a chair and sitting down, resting his elbow on the table while bringing his fingers to his furrowed brows, creasing it with a tiring sigh.
"Valka's right," Gobber muttered. "I should have seen the signs. This was the same way on how Stoick mourned your death, Val."
He turned to Valka, who was silent. "He locked himself up and buried into his chief work and the dragons." It was during those times when Hiccup was growing up that Stoick began to unintentionally neglect him. "There were times when Hiccup came to me with questions that were meant to be with his father. I've always tried to get them on equal terms. And even when they've finally started to have that family relationship they've always wanted, it took years of getting to know each other to accomplish it."
Valka had heard of it herself, some coming from Gobber and most of it from Hiccup. He had always said that Stoick was a great and dedicated chief, but a terrible father to him in his childhood years. Always awkward in their father-son conversations, having different ideas on how things should work, and his stature being scrawny compared to his bulky, vast father. Their relationship was strained, to say the least. Only through the defeat of the Red Death and five years of reconciliation did their relationship flourish to ideal family they wanted it to be.
She had forgiven her husband for what he did to Hiccup. Stoick did not know the far reaching consequences of his actions. This time, however, she is determined to not let history repeat itself to her granddaughter.
"What about Nora?" It was Snotlout who phrased this question. "Is she alright?" He asked worriedly, finally beginning to see bigger picture of this whole ordeal. He loves his little niece, at times she reminded him of Astrid's flair and penchant for punching people to show her feelings. But he can also see some of Hiccup's attitude as well, especially on how curious she was of everything and how kindhearted she is.
"For the time being, yes, thank the gods. Knowing Hiccup, he probably would have noticed by now and is trying to make amends. At least she had the luxury of knowing and meeting her mother when she had the chance." Valka still felt guilty that she was not able to have a part in Hiccup's childhood, no matter how many times he had said that he forgives her. Maybe she could have prevented Stoick from ignoring their son and actually live as family.
"So now all of you can see how this affects the village. It might not be now or twenty years after today, but how Hiccup copes with this and how his daughter grows up will decide the legacy of Berk. And I do not want my granddaughter to experience the same problems we had to achieve peace." Valka finished.
Another brief silence accompanied the room.
"So… how can we help with Hiccup's problem?" Ruffnut asked. Astrid was her closest friend and even though she wasn't able to prevent her demise, she was damned sure to not let Nora suffer the same fate as she did. The others murmured in agreement.
"We could give him rest as chief so that he would have more time to spend with Nora," Fishlegs suggested, rubbing his chin. "But knowing Hiccup, he'll refuse it without good reason."
"How about we trap him and Nora in a deserted island with only both of them in it? It'll be a family bonding time!" Tuffnut suggested proudly, while the others gave him weird looks.
"It might also help if Hiccup can find someone… new to spend time with," Valka meant to suggest that quietly but Gobber had heard and gave her an astonished look.
"What? Val, you know that's impossible! Hiccup is a pretty loyal lad and he would probably think that he'll be betraying Astrid's memory if he finds someone new to replace her!" Gobber is going to be honest, that is one option he didn't think through. Mildly due to the fact that his best friend never remarried after Valka was presumed dead.
Many of the others voiced their doubts as well. "I agree, I've seen the way they looked at each other when I first met them," Eret spoke for the first time since entering the room. "Even back then they were so caring with one another. That is something that he isn't going to let go easily."
"I'm not saying that he should remarry, I just want to see him speak to someone again with that same spark and energy that he once had for Astrid." While Valka was touched that Stoick never remarried after all these years he had believed that she was gone, she knew that it would have helped a lot if he had someone else that he can share his problems with. Marriage isn't even the main point, as long as he found a friend to open his heart to again, she wouldn't have minded.
"So how do we deal with this? We know that Hiccup won't agree to let go of his duties as chief without a valid reason, and even if he did, where would he go? He pretty much traveled across the whole archipelago, and that means he'll just distance himself more from us," Snotlout voiced his concerns. Over the years he had grown close with his cousin, becoming his second-in-command next to Astrid. It was due to Hiccup that Snotlout met his wife and later bore him a son. He was forever grateful to him for that. Now with a chance to repay all the kindness Hiccup gave to him, he is set on going through with it.
Valka, Gobber and the others tried to think of way, but Snotlout was right. How can Hiccup recover while at the same time spend quality moment with his daughter? He had already traversed through the whole of Berk, as well as the entire archipelago. They couldn't think of a way to help the recovery phase.
It was the former dragon trapper who finally spoke up. "I may have an idea," Eret began, a slow smile adorning his face.
000
The Queen of Arendelle rubbed her furrowed brows as she reread the letter in her hand with a frown.
It came from a foreign ambassador who came to Arendelle to discuss trade negotiations and potential alliances with their kingdom. The letter was shortly given to Elsa by a servant after a meeting with her council.
She was just about to dine lunch at her office before proceeding to court that afternoon when a knock came by the door, revealing to be a servant who received a message that was to be delivered directly to the queen. The letter contained a more intricate reading on how trade was going to work between the two kingdoms, written by their king himself. It also suggested, in a none-too-subtle manner, that a marriage pact between Elsa and their prince would seal an alliance more soundly.
Elsa sighed, dropping the letter in a drawer from her desk as she continued to eat lunch; though not feeling too hungry anymore. Her thoughts mused silently upon the matter.
After the Great Thaw, as most of Arendelle's inhabitants called it, the small kingdom began to flourish under Queen Elsa's rule. With its gates finally reopened, traders, merchants, seafarers and visitors of the like came to Arendelle to busy themselves and seek out the nation's delights. Nearby kingdoms and fiefdoms such as Weselton are still wary of country, mostly due to its ruler and her mythical powers. Some were adamant in believing the queen to be an ice sorceress, ruling her people in fear while others were cautiously optimistic that kingdom was quite peaceful and harmless to their own. Regardless, most were still uncertain on how to deal with Arendelle.
Elsa was afraid that she might have frightened other nations from ever visiting Arendelle, but Anna reassured her that they were just slow to trust and was confident that pretty soon their home is going to be bustling with people.
Her sister proved to be right, however, as Arendelle was as busy as ever in the course of three years since Elsa's coronation. The docks doubled in its usual containment of ships seeking refuge and merriment. Trade and business has been going well with neighboring kingdoms as well as sea captains who were willing to sell their stock in exchange for a new sail or assistance in reconstructing the hulls in their ships caused by passing storms.
Elsa was happy in seeing her kingdom prosper, bringing it back to its former glory before her parents closed its gates to the world. But, like a girl wanting to buy an expensive silk dress from some traveling merchant, everything has its price. Most of the other kingdoms finally came to realize that close relations with the fjord kingdom might prove fruitful. With that thought mind, Elsa was later bombarded with marriage proposals, usually hidden in alliance propositions.
It wasn't like the queen didn't enjoy the attention she received. In fact, Elsa is quite surprised that men found her desirable. She always considered that her powers made her seem unnatural and feel like a... freak.
Anna had repeatedly told her that she wasn't lacking in the beauty department, even privately admitting that she was a bit jealous of her calm and regal beauty. Exclaiming that anyone who thinks otherwise needs a thorough eye rinsing.
Elsa smiled at the thought of her fun-loving sister, while taking a sip from a cup of hot chocolate. Anna had experienced so much since their childhood years, far more than what Elsa had put her through. She was glad that she and her sister were closer than ever, and that Anna still retains that sunny personality she had ever since they were kids. It was gratefully helpful during those times when Elsa still felt doubtful of herself and the decisions she makes.
She can still remember the old mantra that her father placed on her. Conceal don't feel. Conceal don't feel.
Anna was an essential help in that category, strengthening Elsa's self-esteem with her blunt yet honest opinions. Currently, the princess was in the gardens with a certain blond ice master and his reindeer.
The blooming romance between her sister and Kristoff sparked a grin on Elsa's face. She felt that Anna deserved finding true love after all that she's been through. Kristoff is often silent and polite to people he meets, yet Elsa has always seen his fun side showcased whenever he was with Anna. Elsa approved of their interaction, hoping that their true love is actually true this time, considering her previous handling in romance.
Monarchs in their time would normally marry off their siblings to different lords and ladies, setting about the foundations of an alliance or treaty. They wouldn't approve of a princess coupling with a commoner. But thanks to Elsa's status as queen, she does not mind her sister's relationship with the ice man and let them be, despite her council's protests that Anna marrying a prince from a foreign kingdom would prove more beneficial.
Hopefully Kristoff has plans to propose some time soon, Elsa thought with a smirk. Even though they have been together for almost three years, the former ice harvester has yet spoken of marriage, with Anna confiding to her that she was a bit nervous at the prospect of it. Little did her sister know, Kristoff had already asked the queen for her blessing, albeit privately of course, and she gave it to him. It was quite a sight, seeing the normally stoic and calm man sweating profusely as he meekly asked Elsa's permission for her sister's hand in marriage.
It was during these circumstances that Elsa feels a bit envious of Anna. She doesn't have to rule Arendelle and deal with the country's foreign affairs. She gets to experience love and not experience the various wedding proposals from suitors all over the land. She gets to have a simple life. Well, as simple as life could ever be for a princess.
That doesn't mean to say that Elsa didn't enjoy the attention she got from her suitors. She feels quite flattered that other men found her enticing and want to marry her, even though knowing their reasons why.
She knew that it was her duty as queen to marry a royal suitor so that her kingdom can prosper from the intertwined union. Though there was a part of her that indignantly believes that she can rule without the help of some man, at least for the time being.
Elsa doubts that she can love any of the suitors if she actually chooses to marry. That's not to say that most of them are all power-hungry and greedy, there might be good men that exists among them but she cannot relate with them.
She knows that it would be too easy to just flat out refuse all of those marriage proposals and instead find love in her own terms, but she also knew that it could affect future relationships with other kingdoms and can even use that reason to take offense and insinuate a war.
It has happened before, believe it or not.
Being a queen has its pleasures and restraints, but she wanted to at least experience the love that Anna had the most.
Despite her earlier statements about being an independent woman, Elsa wants to at least share her burden with another who understands. Someone who knows what it feels to have the lives hundreds of people in her hands. To know that every choice she makes will affect not only herself, but her kingdom as a whole. For a person to actually like her for herself, not because of her power and status.
Elsa sighed again as she finished her meal, wiping her mouth with a napkin. Placing the now empty tray on her table, she stood up to leave, clearing her mind of all these underlying thoughts. Preparing herself for the upcoming hours of hearing her peoples requests and foreign admittance in the throne room. She knew that she'll have to figure out her suitor problem sooner or later, but for now it can wait.
With one last glance at her desk filled with endless amounts of letters and documents, Elsa leaves the office and heads for court.