Astrid had been out patrolling when she detected smoke from one of the nearby islands they kept watch over.

The sweet smell of burning wood was strong in the air, indicating the campfire was still currently in use.

She quickly hopped off Stormfly and pulled forth her axe.

A trampling sound vibrated against the ground.

The wise thing in that moment would be turn to around and return to the Edge, but Astrid's confrontational spirit always overtook her.

The bushes to her left shook violently, and Astrid made herself ready to attack. When, suddenly, a dragon roar filled up the air.

It sounded vaguely familiar. But she couldn't quite place it until the dragon stepped forward.

Astrid's eyes widened in surprise at the Typhoomerang.

It didn't take long for recognition to dawn upon her, especially as the dragon sought her attention.

"Torch?" she asked in bewilderment.

Torch had all but disappeared on them since their last encounter with him. He hadn't been seen again, not since...

No.

Astrid shook her head, trying to dismiss the thought that entered her mind.

It sounded too impossible. They were far beyond the borders of the Archipelago. What were the chances that all their troubles followed them here?

Then again, Dagur the Deranged had showed up. Granted, he had actually been looking for them.

Astrid relaxed from her defensive stance, smiling unsurely at Torch.

"Long time, no see," she said with a breathy laugh. The Typhoomerang leaned into her touch.

"I could say the same to you," a voice suddenly echoed back at her. Astrid quickly grabbed her axe again.

Hroar's handsome form walked into view, a self-satisfied smirk playing on his face.

"You!" Astrid spat. "What are you doing out here?!" she edged her weapon farther as he stepped closer.

Hroar held up his hands in surrender.

"Geez, Astrid. Relax. I'm not here to hurt you," he spoke in a soft tone.

Astrid snorted. "Why should I believe you? You tried to hurt us and our dragons last time we saw you!"

Hroar sighed. "You are right," he agreed tentatively. "What I did was wrong, I know that and I apologize. But that was years ago. I promise I have changed now!" he insisted, stroking a hand over Torch.

She opened her mouth to argue but her mind lingered on Dagur suddenly. They had never expected him to go through the change he did, or his noble sacrifice.

Astrid sighed.

"What are you doing here?" she repeated her initial question.

Hroar leaned his lanky body against a tree, eyes closed.

"I was looking for you," he admitted. "You and the the rest of the riders."

Astrid raised her eyebrow skeptically."Why?"

Hroar scratched the back of his head in a similar manner Hiccup often did. "I want to be a dragon rider like you guys," he answered with a shrug. "Help out, be a hero for once."

Astrid couldn't completely shake off her weariness, but she also had to acknowledge that more riders meant a stronger defense against Viggo and his men. They could use all the help they could get.

"I.. I need to talk to Hiccup and the others first," she sighed.

Hroar nodded. "That's fine. Torch and I will just stick around here until you come back."

Astrid mounted Stormfly again, getting ready to take off.

"Oh and Astrid?" Hroar's voice made her pause. She looked over at him to see him staring at her intently, eyes lingering over her face and chest. "You look really good."

Astrid rolled her eyes and motioned Stormfly to take off. "C'mon girl. Lets go and get Hiccup."

-o-

AN: Hroar is a character from the HTTYD comic book series, and I'm so glad he has finally been added on here.

Some facts about Hroar: He appeared as a disguised villain in the 5th edition of the comics, The Stowaway. He has qualities that would make him an anti-hero. He trained Torch from Defenders of Berk. Hroar is described as intelligent, handsome, charming, clever and wicked. He is slightly taller and a bit bulkier than Hiccup. In the comics he and Hiccup are presented as opposites when it comes to dragons. Hiccup calms them down while Hroar riles them up.

Oh and Hroar thinks of Astrid as his kindred spirit. He is the only character to make Hiccup feel jealousy when it comes to Astrid. You can read more about Hroar on the HTTYD wikipedia.

I'm going to use Hroar to drive Hiccup and Astrid closer to an official couple.

Stay tuned!