Rest

((Writer's note: This ficlet was based off an experience I had with my first child. She went through a period where she wouldn't sleep unless I was holding her. It was a trying time lol!))


Astrid blinked awake, groaning at the horrible ache in her arms. She shifted the sleeping babe receiving little relief. Much to her and Hiccup's chagrin, their 6-month old daughter had suddenly decided this week that she wanted nothing to do with her cradle and that being held was the only way for her to sleep. Astrid wasn't sure why this was happening. Maybe she was growing, and it was causing her to need extra comfort? Whatever it was, Astrid was about to lose her mind from having to hold her baby girl all night.

Astrid heaved a tired sigh. She rocked forward onto her stiff legs. Her left leg was numb, and it would be tingling back to life in painful little pricks soon enough. As carefully as possible, she laid Ester in her cradle and watched the sleeping babe for a long minute praying she would stay in dreamland.

Astrid had barely slipped under the furs on the bed when a small whimper came from the cradle. Astrid laid back on her pillow, shutting her eyes tightly and willing Ester to go back to sleep. A full-blown cry filled the bedroom not even a minute later.

Astrid rubbed the heels of her hands over her face wanting to cry herself. "Stop crying. Stop crying."

The other occupant in the bed stirred. "Astrid, is that Ester again?"

"I can't put her down without her crying." Astrid angrily wiped the tears of frustration and exhaustion away. "Hiccup, I'm about to lose it."

Hiccup sat up, smoothing a comforting hand on her head. He rubbed his own drowsy eyes. "I'll hold her the rest of the night."

Astrid was still crying, but now it was tears of relief. She leaned over, hugging his leg. "Thanks, babe."

Hiccup pressed a kiss into her hair. "Your welcome."

A small squeak escaped from under the fur blanket, and out popped Daybreak. She climbed out, nudging Hiccup. "Sorry, Daya. Ester needs me."

Astrid grabbed up Daybreak and settled the tiny dragon beside her under the blanket. "I'll cuddle with you, girl."

"Hiccup," Astrid called out in a sleepy voice. Hiccup 'hmmed' as he rocked Ester back to dreamland. "When do you think we'll get our bedroom back?"

"Soon, I hope. We really need to work on that."

"We do," Astrid murmured just before she drifted off.