New Year Old Promise
It was New Year's Eve on Berk and there was a small party going on at the Haddock House and looking both on the outside and within showed clearly the passage of the time.
For the house was both large in size on the outside and the occupants within it as well.
It was no longer just Valka and her children living here, clearly several years had passed. Enough that apparently both Hiccup and Boden had wedded their true loves Astrid and Asta respectively and had started small families of their own.
Since currently Astrid was nursing a one year old boy while also trying to keep an eye on the two year old girl at her feet. Asta was also was occupied with her rocking her one year old daughter to sleep while trying not throw up since it was obvious she was already expecting her second child given her belly was bulging enough to estimate she was just at the end of her first trimester.
Each of the young mothers had grown only more beautiful and looked about the same with their outfits the same last time they'd been seen. The only difference were their accessories. Both wore a pair of earrings, Astrid's were gold and Asta's somewhere between lavender and silver and Astrid wore a pendent as well and Asta sported a brooch.
As for their husbands? They looked about the same other there then like their wives their faces had more matured, but on the strong advice of the women in their tight knit family, they'd stayed clean-shaven because any facial hair would've killed their sexy good looks instantly.
Consequently their outfits were same, though like their wives they did also have a change in accessories. Hiccup wore a strange golden medallion that had strange writing on the back and the front bore the Eye of Odin, a diamond shape fragment of a Night Fury Egg shell, golden Valkyrie wings sprouting from it and a Night Fury tail going down from it all surround by a rainbow back ground.
Boden's new accessories were very strange silver lightning bolt earrings but it didn't look like normal silver as nothing that made up Hiccup's medallion looked normal or even Una's new accessories looked normal either.
Looking at Una there was no denying the truth about her. She had by now grown into a lady as beautiful as a goddess just as beautiful as her mother. She was six feet tall, with a fit and curvy body, extremely well endowed, long golden blond hair with vibrant lilac tips and radiant blue eyes.
And the stunning golden earrings and reddish pink and the blue that couldn't be properly named diadem she been wearing for years now truly made her so beautiful and goddess like everyone on Berk felt she could even surpass Odin's wife Frigga in the title of most beautiful in all the Nine Realms.
Only Valka who was still beautiful but auburn hair was starting to gray and gain a few wrinkles didn't seem to have anything to say much about the changes going on with the family other than she was admiring her first few grandchildren.
"You know I think we have much to be thankful for this coming New Year. We've done a lot in a decade, haven't we?" she sighed happily gazing at her growing family and thinking all they'd done.
"We sure have done quite a bit in the last ten years, Mom." Hiccup sighed. "I mean as we are counting down to midnight to welcome in the New Year it's time to reflect on all we have done this year alone."
"Well, the Dragon Harmony Alliance is only gotten stronger and spreading further with each passing year, my beloved. So that something that been going strong for the last ten years." Astrid told her husband as she finished nursing their son.
"Your wife does have a point on that one, bro. How many more islands have we united in peace and harmony? I think the latest one is the one your best friend Bloodfire dating the Chief's son, right Una?" Boden glanced at his sister Una who seemed to be a bit withdrawn tonight.
"What? Oh, yeah, Bloodfire and Rolian. Yes, Rolian's parents Chief Nason and his mother Lady Isla have done their best to take in refugee for years. Though we are still gonna try and relocate them here to one of the New Islands, right?"
"Of course, Una. We know there island slowly dying and anyway can't support the amount of people they've taken in. We'll make sure to move them once the ice melts and the weather better for moving them. It's our duty and we've done that well for years," her mother assured her.
"I'm glad we've figured out with some help from Azure how to make new islands. We've always been genius ahead of our times, but even with our powers and keen minds any and all help been welcome," Una replied in a grateful tone.
"Well, I think I'm just thankful that the gods were able to bless Azure and Cloudjumper with their daughter Cloudwings. And prove dragons of different species can have children.
It would've been so heartbreaking if they didn't have a child when they love each other so much. Can't imagine anything sadder than being in love and waiting a child and not being able to have one." Valka spoke in a very sad tone.
"Well, that sure made those down in the Nursery very happy. Your friends Skullette and Firefang very happy when Cloudwings was hatched and soon after the twins of Smigvarg and Glitter their son Nightshade and daughter Belladonna.
They're like on cloud nine for a week as that open a whole new realm of possibility and a tidal wave of new information for all the books we have on Berk, did it not?" Asta pointed out sensibly as she looked at Astrid who nodded.
They left the room for a moment to head upstairs to put the children to bed before coming back downstairs to enjoy the rest of the party.
"I think we should also beside the new information we've been bestowed, or the furthering of the amazing gadgets you three have built or how much of a Golden Age you built is spreading, we should be thankful for our families," Astrid spoke lovingly as she gave Hiccup a kiss.
"Indeed Astrid I'm very thankful for Breena and Brant or if we have any more children I'm grateful for all of them. I understand the feelings my own parents had with all of us now. I just wish Breena was older so I could've given her the same talk Dad gave me so when Brant was born she understood her duties was all."
"Well, bro it not like Edyis gonna be able to do it to her own sibling when they are born either." Boden reminded his brother.
"Either way you can inform them all when they are older and better able to understand the concept of family. Or when we know our families our complete." Asta said as she put her hand to her mouth, "Excuse me," and grabbed a bucket and puked.
"Ugh, that is one symptom of being with child I could live without. I can't even enjoy the feast of New Year because all the smell make me want to throw up and I almost throw up everything anyway!"
"Well, I just keep praying to all the Goddess of Asgard none of you have to go through what I went through with Hiccup is all. That's my only wish," Valka looked sadly at her firstborn and couldn't help but still feel the terror from his early birth.
"Mom, you didn't do anything wrong and I'm fine. We are both alive and Dad was right. I grew strong and I'm still the best big brother in all the Nine Realms. Sometimes things happen and we don't know why. But you got to stop blaming yourself for what could've happen to anyone!" Hiccup pleaded with his mother.
"I could've lost you! I could've died! Boden and Una would've never been born! None of your own children would've been born! Why did it have to happen?! What made it happen?!" she wailed as she was crying as she did every time she thought about that night since telling Hiccup about his birth.
Una knew exactly what to do assure her mother everything was alright. She opened her mother and with her voice that all the Valkyries of Valhalla envied which she knew for a fact they did she began to sing and soon everyone joined in.
"Family is always there to warm you in the winter. They are always there to give you shelter from the rain. We are always gonna be there to catch each other when one of us is falling. We will always be there to stand each other back up again.
Because we are family. Because we are a family. Because we are a family.
We are right by each other side in mere seconds if you ask for it. Arms are out wide to welcome you to stay and we are always near enough to hear one another's heart's song. Because we are always there to help each other find their way.
Because we are family. Because we are family. Because we are a family!
Some may asks the question "What is a family?" and the answer is simple. It's caring and devoted hearts. That have endless love to share. Love that will follow you everywhere!
So we are always there to welcome you in winter. With arms out wide to welcome you to stay. Right by your side. Near enough to hear your heart's song. Always there to help you find your way. We are always there. Why?
Because we are family! Because we are family! Because we are family!"
Valka finally calm down and smiled as she always did when that song was sung and she was reminded of what her own family knew so well. "Thank you. I don't know how many times I need to hear it. Though it always makes me feel better hearing it."
"We'll sing it as many times as you need to hear it, Mommy. Forever and for always if need be. I just wish Daddy was here to hear us singing it. He wrote it after all. I mean it was one of his secret songs we found the first New Year we celebrate without him," Una looked very sad as she said that.
"I know, this is New Year marks the 11th year without him. Not the anniversary till we get to exact date, but it will still be the 11th year nonetheless since he gave his life for all three of you and you all took up leadership of Berk and began what you've spend the last decade building.
He's proud of you and you know that. Better than anyone you know that and you know his spirit is always with you. Guiding you when you need him. And I'll always remember him and the time we had together."
Valka took a deep breath as her eyes showed she was thinking back to when she was a young girl in first throes of love and was with the man she loved and began to sing in her beautiful voice about how she'd always remember him and the beautiful memories they'd made together.
"It's has been so long since we have talked and yet things still feel just the same. Some things just never seem to change.
Because what we had can't be replaced and I won't let our memories fade away. I'll keep you in my heart for always. For you made me believe I could do anything. You stood right by me through smiles and tears through anything and everything!
I'll remember you Stoick and that's forever gonna be true. You'll be the one I'll always miss. I never thought I feel a pain such as this.
But I know you still there for me like you always where. Because you promised me no matter what you're gonna through in each other's hearts we will always be because we shall always remember the words "I love you."
I promise you Stoick. That I won't forget the times we shared or the tears we cried. You were always the sun in my sky. One day fate will bring us back to meet again even though for now we've gone separate ways.
For you made me believe I could do anything. You stood right by me through smiles and tears through anything and everything!
I'll remember you Stoick and that's forever gonna be true. You'll be the one I'll always miss. I never thought I feel a pain such as this.
But I know you still there for me like you always where. Because you promised me no matter what you're gonna through in each other's hearts we will always be because we shall always remember the words "I love you."
If the day should ever come we need someone I know I only have to follow my heart and you'll be right there. There will be no doubt in my mind! Because I can still hear the words "I love you!"
I'll remember you Stoick and that's forever gonna be true. You'll be the one I'll always miss. I never thought I feel a pain such as this.
But I know you still there for me like you always where. Because you promised me no matter what you're gonna through in each other's hearts we will always be because we shall always remember the words "I love you."
Forever Stoick I'll remember you!"
Everyone couldn't help but clap and remember all the good times they'd had with the late Stoick the Vast and how they wish he wasn't gone. It was now a quarter to midnight and almost time to ring in the New Year.
Since they hadn't invented fireworks yet all the dragons on the island were getting into position to do their own version of setting over their fire in place as well as Toothless and Moon Shadow and their family lighting the New Year Flame in the center of the village.
They didn't have a ball or anything but the people of Berk did have a tradition of sorts. It was a weird way of doing both sort of a ball drop and starting New Year's resolutions.
Everyone on the island wrote down their long lists of resolutions which had been gathered up the last decade by Azure her mate Cloudjumper and since her birth their daughter Cloudwings who was the first crossbreed dragon.
Meanwhile the Dragon Riders and their siblings who'd of course grown up in the passing decade went around gathering things people wish to burn that was either trash or represent things of the old year that they wish to get rid or so they could start fresh for the New Year.
So all the burning pile was then neatly arrange in an artist fashion in the center of the village with a large fireproof basin on top. At the stroke of midnight when the New Year began the pile was set afire to burn away the old year.
Then the Night Furies light the basin on top and everyone on Berk would fly over the top of the basin. Read their resolution list aloud before dropping it fire.
After this ceremony was complete the dragons would then do both their own version of the fireworks and the Night Terrors and Glistening Mistbreaths would start of the New Year Airshow which would be followed by other dragons to fully welcome in the New Year.
Though it would seem this year the Haddocks wouldn't be taken part in this tradition even as the countdown began to ring it in and everyone in the village was singing the traditional song they sang when about to welcome in the New Year.
"When we get where we going on the far side of the rainbow bridge the first thing we are gonna do is spread our own wings and fly.
We are gonna land beside a Reaping Mare and run our fingers through her mane. Or we might find out what it like to ride the soothing drops of rain.
When we get where we're going there will only be happy tears. We will shed the sins and mistakes we've carried countless years.
And our hearts shall be open with endless love and no more fear. When we get where we are going there will be no need to shed anymore tears.
As we going walking with the souls of who've passed into the Valhalla who match us here step by step. We tell them every day how much we miss since they left. And one day we will hug them around the neck.
When we get where we're going there will only be happy tears. We will shed the sins and mistakes we've carried countless years.
And our hearts shall be open with endless love and no more fear. When we get where we are going there will be no need to shed anymore tears.
The world can have so much pain and darkness as we stumble through this world. We have so many questions that seem to have no answers too. And yet we still have so much work we have to do!
But when we get where we going and we at last see the Gods of Asgard's faces. And are welcome to Valhalla by Odin and his beautiful Valkyries' grace. We'll be standing on the edge of a bridge made of rainbow light and know everything will be forever all right!
When we get where we're going there will only be happy tears. We will shed the sins and mistakes we've carried countless years.
And our hearts shall be open with endless love and no more fear. When we get where we are going there will be no need to shed anymore tears."
And right on cue as the song end the traditional ceremony to welcome Berk into New Year start to take place outside. But the Haddocks made no movement to join in.
Their attention had been drawn to Una crying uncontrollably in the corner of the room. The sobs were enough to distract from fact the accessories each of the Haddock siblings wore at a faint glowing aura around them at the moment.
"What's the matter, sweetheart? What's bothering you? It's New Year and we should be going to take part in the rest of the ceremony. Or at least some of us. What's bothering you, sweetheart?" asked her mother though she had a hunch what it was as did her sons.
"Six months are left till I turn 21! Six months left or Daddy's promise is broken! It was a Haddock Promise, Mommy! And we NEVER BREAK PROMISE!" she was still sobbing uncontrollably and won't stop.
"Honey, there still time. Your father still has six months to keep his promise and he wouldn't let even death stop him from keeping his personal promise to you. His own daughter. Not about this."
"But Mommy….?" Una looked at her mommy's blue eyes the same one she got. "How? How is he supposed to keep it? How?! It's now been 11 years and we only have six months left and well everyone else has already found someone! And look at my BBBFF! They already have found their true loves and have kids! What if Daddy can't do this?! What if this….what if this is the first Haddock promise….broken?"
"Una! Dad never broke a promise in life and death not gonna stop him from keeping this one either. Mom right this one was way too important to him not to keep.
If he kept his promise to Odin to his death then he'll keep this one too. I'm sure of it. No doubt in my mind." Hiccup stated firmly.
"Just have faith. Faith in love and faith in our father. I know he'll keep it. He never ever broke his word no matter what and he won't let you down. He'd rather be sent to Helihem then break his word to you!" Boden assured her.
"I just can't see how he's supposed to keep it now! Oh I hate this world and the Nine Realms! This isn't fair! A Haddock Promise is supposed to be kept no matter what and now my personal promise isn't gonna be and I'll never get my happily ever after! Oh Drago! You had to take it all away!" and with that Una ran up the stairs crying and slammed her bedroom door and they could still hear her sobs.
Astrid and Asta looked cluelessly at their mother-in-law and husbands for an explanation.
"You want to know what that was all about don't you?" asked Hiccup to which both of them nodded and said firmly "YES!"
"Okay it about a promise our father made Una years ago. As you know in our family when we make promises it's a big deal and we keep them no matter what. It's like a sin to break them. It's just not done." Hiccup started to explain.
"What kind of a promise?" Astrid started to ask as Valka poured them all of her famous hot chocolate.
"Let me start at the beginning. The very beginning. It happened the very night Una was born. Stoick couldn't help but keep looking at Una till it got to the point she couldn't sleep.
I was exhausted having given birth and trying to get Hiccup and Boden to sleep. So told Stoick to put Una to bed. He sang a beautiful lullaby about a butterfly and Una fell asleep.
That night Stoick had a dream unlike any dream he had before and never had again. It was like the kind of dreams Una has with her blessing from the gods.
His dream was all about Una's wedding day. It was so detailed you could taste the air and smell all the delicious food. He could recall every last detail down to the color of the flowers in her hair.
This wasn't a normal dream and when he woke he knew this was dream sent by the three goddesses, Frigga, Freya and Sjofn who are in charge of guiding people to find true love, marriage and having children.
We had prayed so long to all of them to give us a daughter, we knew that they'd sent Stoick that dream, as a way to assure us that not only would our daughter grow up to have a full and happy life, that she be well taken care of and live in love and bliss when both of us were gone.
Thus when Una was old enough to understand Stoick promised her that that dream would come true. And he told her about the dream in such detail. He told it to her as a bedtime story, every birthday, every Freya Day and always at New Year's." Valka explained further the origin of this promise.
"Okay, but we still aren't fully understanding all of this," Asta was saying in a confused manner.
"According to the context of the dream Una's wedding day be on her 21st birthday. It would be the most perfect summer day and she'd be the most beautiful bride ever seen on Berk since Mom." Hiccup rushed in with more details and Boden went further into details.
"It be the biggest celebration in all of Berk history and everything be larger than life and that Dad be there to walk her down the aisle and share a dance with her and everything be beyond perfect!
We all know all the details and well a lot of things have come to match the details in the past ten years of how Berk would grow and change."
"The only detail no-one ever knew was the identity of Una's groom. The face was always in shadows. We have a basic outline to work with but the Gods knew that was meant to be a surprise," Valka finished explaining.
"We just know the basic profile from the dream it be somehow that be around our height and body type and likely long strawberry blond hair was all we were able to get from the dream. Which is very vague to be honest." Hiccup informed them.
"Yeah, but no other really identifying features. Just that he'd be out height and body type and long strawberry blond hair that's all we got." Boden shrugged.
"Okay I think you've a more than a couple of things working against. Besides a very vague descriptions and a deadline of Una's 21st birthday," Astrid started to say.
"Yeah, like the big problem you Dad is dead! That really throws a kink in the dream!" Asta pointed out the obvious.
They waved their hands. "Minor detail. All we can tell you we ain't lying to Una. And we know our father well enough. This promise meant too much to him and death isn't gonna stop him from keeping it." Stoick's sons both said firmly.
"Yes, if I know my husband he'll move all the Nine Realms if he's got to make his daughter happy and for that dream to become a reality!"
At that exact moment the New Year was finished being welcome in by the Dragons of Berk firework show. The six months to fulfill a father's promise had just begun.