This is the sixth leg on what will be a 10 chapter story. A tribute to the people who have been reading, following, have hit favourite, reviewed and shown your support for this story. You have my esteemed gratitude. Especially a very special someone.

The day passed over much faster than Hiccup could comprehend. From lunch in the hall, his father had collected him to begin the line of tasks that afternoon. The winds had picked up some more blowing a piercing chill that glazed his skin turning the surface pink. It was rigorous exercise going from one conundrum to the next, attending to the various disputes and labour tasks at hand. Each stop pertaining to a new lesson in appropriate conduct and manner.

Hiccup was lost in translation over the sudden load of new responsibilities which would eventually encompass him, should his father declare him as the successor. For a very long time, he was the receiving end of great disappointment and disapproval. Accident prone was one way to describe the many faults that followed in his shadow, but that was until he learned a secret, one that was only found by an open mind and strong heart. It was a leap of faith that cost him a part of himself but in turn brought the salvation of his people.

Now he was greeted with the pride, gratitude and love of his father. He saw it written across his face whenever they talked. Stoick merely wished for the best of his only son and that he also discovered quite quickly it meant learning patience. Sometimes however, patience was a virtue overlooked with excitement. As it was today, Hiccup scuttled along behind the vast chief picking only bits and pieces of his grand explanations. So much for 'just a few things here and there.'

After three full hours of trekking the village, Hiccup finally sighed heavily under the strain and collapsed onto the steps of his home. Stoick took his place beside him wrapping a burly around his shoulders.

'You alright son? You seem a little distracted,' He asked, the deep voice soft and reassuring.
Hiccup rubbed his face with exhaustion. 'You know, I'd have thought years of forge work and dragon riding would have made this easier,' his voice partly hysterical.

Stoick gripped his shoulder tighter pulling him in closer. 'You did well Hiccup, pushing all those barrels isn't quite the same as dragon riding, it's more about plain strength than endurance. Though you looked as if your head was still up in the sky,' He noted on an observation he made earlier.

Hiccup ducked his head from guilt. 'I know,' he said solemnly. 'I guess I'm a bit distracted today, a lot has happened recently and there is still more to come this week.'

Stoick nodded in concurrence, he understood the pressures which were riding heavily on his shoulders. 'Aye, there is a lot to do and I know how important it is you. You have taken it upon yourself to lead your friends from beyond Berk's shores and it has taught you so much. I have seen you take charge and plan strategies against Alvin, Dagur and now Viggo and his Hunters,' he paused considering his choice of words. 'Berk has benefitted so much from what you have done, our way of life is for the better. But sometimes it's important to remember the things that haven't changed, the small traditions and services like loading fish barrels or even helping a neighbour with their laundry. A leader can call his people into battle and negotiate peace, but a chief can give them a home to rest in, food to eat and blankets for warmth,' Stoick concluded his expression calm yet stern.

Hiccup listened to his words, those strong words. He knew his father didn't have the widest vocabulary, but he was a master of persuasion. His words could move mountains if his fist could not. Although, his mighty figure may have helped in adding a certain emphasis.

'Oh, I almost forgot, I have some other news,' Stoick added.

Hiccup was caught by surprise, his focus had been solely on his equipment he too had nearly forgotten about the business his father had attended to whilst he was at the academy.

'Like I promised, I sat down with the Hofferson's and discussed terms for your betrothal to Astrid,' He began.

Hiccup felt his heart begin to accelerate in his chest. 'What did they say?' his eyes were wide with anticipation and his voice was quiet and hopeful.

Stoick's smile lifted into the largest he had ever seen, the pride was mixed with excitement and he struggled to say the words. 'They agreed! To everything. Just like I said they would,' he burst out laughing embracing his against his expansive chest before Hiccup had a chance to speak. 'My boy!' Stoick announced loud enough so only they could hear it.

As exhilarated as he was to hear the incredible news, Hiccup struggled in his father's iron grip enough for Stoick to realise his son's predicament. Stoick released his bear lock setting Hiccup back to the ground. His relentless chuckling lingered on as Hiccup released a series of short coughs as air entered his lungs.

'Hold on a second, what do you mean everything?' Hiccup asked between the fits of staggered breaths.

Stoick rested his hand on his son's shoulder, a comforting gesture retrospective of the joy. 'I explained all of your wishes to them and made sure they understood how much this means, to both of you and as hard as it will be, we have to be patient. I don't want to rush you two and make problems,' he recounted hollering over the last point. 'But don't take too long either, you know just in case,' he added.

Oblivious to the connotations implied in the last phrase, Hiccup simply smiled back looking his father in the aging green eyes. 'Thank you Dad, for everything.'

Stoick patted his shoulder slowly breaking away to return to the rest of his work. 'Aye, it's no problem son. Anyway, I've still got plenty to do, and from what I've heard, so do you. I'll see you later tonight,' he said as began making his path down towards the village centre.

Reaching the main path down the hill, Hiccup followed his father's trail as he disappeared around the side of the first few houses. He adjusted the strap on his satchel and set off for the forge again.

Loud clanks of steel was the first thing he heard as he approached the forge. Gobber was shifting through old pieces of metal sheets and broken weapons that were only good for melting down. He heard the familiar tap of Hiccup's leg as he approached the premises unslinging his bag from his shoulder.

'So, how'd you go,' Gobber asked remaining focused on the assortment of swords and axe heads.

Hiccup strolled through to his work station in the back clipping past the dozing figure of Grump. 'Eh, it wasn't too bad, lots of walking and lifting things though,' he replied setting down his bag and taking out his sketch book.
He opened it up to the designs of his new prosthetic before pacing over to the piles of metals. There were plenty of waste materials he could use but not the one product he needed.

'Hey Gobber, you don't have any Gronckle iron around do you?' Hiccup asked.

Another clatter of steel wringed through the air as Gobber set down a split axe head. He waddled back into the depths of the forge where a rotating rack of interchangeable hands hung against an internal pillar. He pulled down on the rack until he found his tongs replacing it with the long handled hook. The adept of his mentor missing both an arm and leg yet still retaining the same efficiency with metal work was something to admire, or dismiss as another classic example of Viking stubbornness. Nonetheless, Gobber had taught everything Hiccup knew about smelting and the craftsmanship of weapons, though the Dragon Rider's unique mind was one to adapt an idea into a mechanical marvel.

'As a matter of fact, I've got something better,' Gobber replied, ushering Hiccup to follow him.

Hiccup took a quick glance to the post where he left Toothless before lunch. The Night Fury had left unsurprisingly, although where his current whereabouts was another mystery.

'Gobber, do you know where Toothless went?' he asked hoping to possibly narrow his search.
The blacksmith merely shrugged his shoulders bending down to reach into a storage rack of thin metal slabs. 'Astrid came and got him after lunch, said something about the forest,' he recollected tugging on the metal.

Hiccup let out a short sigh of relief. 'What would I do without her,' He mused. His ever watching guardian Valkyrie always looking out for both of them again. It was true, what would the world be without her? More scraping echoed through the forge as Gobber tugged away the metal.

'What is that stuff Gobber?' Hiccup's attention was grounded again by the scraping.

Gobber clambered back to his foot and wooden peg clasping the slab in his tongs. 'Metal obviously,' he joked clamping it tightly into a vice Hiccup design a few years ago.

Hiccup observed carefully as Gobber compressed it tightly between the clamps. 'Cover your ears Hiccup, this is going to be loud,'

Picking up a rather malevolent hammer, the blacksmith drew the weapon back and swung with mighty force pelting the steel. Hiccup had just enough time to cover his ears and lock his eyes shut before the awesome power behind the swing clashed with a spectacular crack reverberating across the entire village. A few startled Terrible Terrors attempted to flap away in a very inelegant manner ultimately falling out of the sky, completely disoriented by the sudden blast of sound. Several villagers cast shocked looks towards the gruff man rubbing their ears now rendered sore. Hiccup opened his eyes as the masses of people began flooding from their houses to investigate the sudden boom of sound. Even Stoick appeared glaring from above the crowds.

'What in Thor's name was that Gobber!' He bellowed.

Gobber cast a cheeky look to Hiccup. 'Come, see for yourself,' he said lifting the sheet from the vice.

Stoick narrowed his expression looking at the point where it was recently struck. 'What the, it's unmarked,' he exclaimed completely bewildered by the absence of any dent or chip.

Hiccup joined them scanning the metallic surface for any trace of damage. It was flawless.

'Refined Hotburple iron. Discovered it by accident when I gave Grump the same formula as Gronckle iron. Figured since they're both Boulder class, the result should be the very similar,' Gobber explained. 'As it turns out, it's practically indestructible and even lighter. Though it can make quite the racket,' he continued.

Stoick frowned at the blacksmith. 'Well why haven't you been using?' he demanded.

Gobber's proud expression gave way as he revealed the truth behind the remarkable metal's manufacture. 'Well that's just the problem you see, it's not the easiest thing to refine or mould. Grump regurgitated quite a large vat of the stuff in molten form but as it cooled, most of the edges disintegrated or were too brittle to be of use. So what's in there is all I got. And besides, I can't seem to cook it right without it tearing,' Gobber explained leaning the Hotburple iron slab against Hiccup's work station.

He turned to Hiccup as he picked up the slab and ran his fingers across the smooth surface. It wasn't polished but it didn't grip his fingers either. He faced Gobber and his father who stood expectantly waiting for further explanation

'The metal was tearing when you tried to work it,' Hiccup clarified, drawing on an idea.

'Aye, I've tried the furnaces and the coal pits. Heck, I even got a Nadder to blast it. But I can't get the stuff hot enough. I was kind of hoping you could figure something out,' he expressed with frustration.

As if on cue, a slim young woman being trailed by large form of black scales and luminous green eyes bounded towards the forge. Her cheeks were burnt pink from the chilly air and the golden strands of hair were beginning to unravel in her braid.

Hiccup edged past the two goliath men sitting the sheet on his bench. 'I think I may have an idea,' he said passively making his way outside.

Stoick nodded curtly slowly stepping away to continue is daily duties. 'Well I guess I leave you to it. Good luck,' he said bestowing his wishes.

Astrid and Toothless skidded to a halt as Hiccup approached them, their faces wide and attentive. She saw the small crowds of villagers and Stoick grouped around the forge.

'Hiccup, what's going on? We heard a huge bang, is there an emergency?' She rushed her words in concern of the unusual event.

Hiccup couldn't help but smile at the sense of urgency Astrid was portraying. 'What? No, everything's fine. Gobber was just showing me this new metal he discovered. Come see,' he escorted Astrid and Toothless inside the forge.

Toothless tucked his wings flush to his hide in order to fit in properly navigating slowly through the racks of weapons and materials until they reached Hiccup's work station.

'Hiccup, what is that?' Astrid asked as Hiccup positioned the sheet across an anvil.

He reached into his satchel pulling out the Deathsong amber layered wielding goggles. He grabbed a small hammer from the tool shelf and slid the goggles over his eyes.

'This is Gobber's attempt at innovation. It's called Hotburple iron, derived from the same recipe as Gronckle iron only processed by our friend Grump here,' He pointed to the sleeping brown dragon lying against the central furnace.

Toothless had his muzzle working away near the Hotbuple's face smelling the dragon's scent when a yellow eye popped open startling the Night Fury. He tried to reel back a bit only to find himself cramped against wooden pillars bumping his head on several overhanging tools and shields. The clatter of shields caught the attention of Hiccup, Astrid and Gobber who hobbled back inside shooing the Night Fury away.

'Look at the mess you made, go on,' He exclaimed gathering up the fallen tools.

Toothless bowed his head down apologetically slinking back into the depths of the forge next to Hiccup. He tried to hide himself behind the lean figure of Hiccup sounding a small coo for pity.

'Really Toothless? Come on, I need your help,' Hiccup asked waving him around the anvil, his eyebrow quirked at the dragons actions.

Astrid giggled to herself at the guilty behaviour as Toothless slunk like a cat from behind Hiccup. 'Anyway, the metal is even stronger than Gronckle iron and lighter, but the problem is Gobber couldn't get it hot enough to works it into shape,' Hiccup continued with his explanation.

Astrid interjected to offer her assistance. 'Well I could go get Stormfly, a Nadder's fire burns hotter than the other dragons we have,' she said heartily.

Hiccup raised a hand submissively against the offer. 'Gobber's already tried using a Nadder, no, see I don't actually think heat is the problem, I think it has more to do with concentration,' he explained.

Astrid frowned slightly over the thought. Hiccup knew this stuff far better than she ever would, so it was likely he was right about the method of smelting.

Hiccup raised his gaze to Toolthless who was now sitting high overlooking the two conversing. 'Hey bud, can you give me a concentrated flame on this corner,' he pointed to the corner closest to him, 'Just enough to make it malleable so you don't cut through ok?' He instructed.

Toothless crooned his inclination lowering himself down to the metal. Hiccup knelt down to eye level with the slab holding the hammer ready. White light blazed down upon the surface illuminating the forge. Astrid raised her arm to shield her eyes from the penetrating glare as the plasma increased in intensity. With cautious venturing, Hiccup began tapping at the Hotburple iron right where Toothless's plasma breath was searing down. A full minute passed as Hiccup gently tapped away at the metal slowly folding in one of the corners. The blinding light from the plasma flickered to a halt as the last of Toothless's energy was expended. He shook his head from the weariness of the holding the continuous plasma stream for so long, heavy breaths of air filling his lungs. Gobber joined them lifting up his face shield to inspect the metal slab. Hiccup propped his goggles to his forehead and watched as the lingering glow on the metal cooled. The corner which he worked was curled inwards almost touching the still flat centre. Gobber stared at the successful bend in the slab too dumbstruck to speak.

Hiccup broke the silence hovering his hand near the curl feeling the heat as it resonated from the metal. 'What did I tell you, concentration,' he said casting a look of glee between his partner, dragon and mentor.

Gobber clapped his hand against the side of his leg chuckling with the revelation. 'How about that,' his tone excited to having his estimation confirmed. 'I'm glad I didn't toss those bits to scrap. Though I guessed if anyone was able to find a solution on how to mould the stuff, it would be my old apprentice,' he congratulated returning to his previous work.

Hiccup remained crouched behind the slab admiring the even curve in the iron synthesis as small waves of residual heat emanated from the surface. There was a shuffle of movement before a pair of small, soft but moist lips pressed against his cheek. He turned to see Astrid beam down upon him with pride. He couldn't help but smile back at her.

'So what now?' she asked inquisitively.

Hiccup rocked back into a fluent rising motion standing up, he extended his hand to Astrid and pulled her up into his arms. 'Well, Toothless has earnt a well deserved break so I'm going to start with what I can on the wooden components and leather for the saddle,' he explained giving the Night Fury a firm rub along the side of his head.

Toothless hummed a grateful tune in response, his eyes falling under black lids before opening again to his dearest companion and rider. He was presented with that loveable lopsided smile he had learned very quickly meant honest gratitude. Toothless retracted his teeth and opened with the gummy smile Hiccup knew meant exactly the same if not more excited.

The hours rolled on as Hiccup and Toothless made small progressions moulding the Hotburple iron into the base parts for Hiccup's remodelled leg. Each little adjustment was executed with precision accuracy as the duo worked as one igniting the metal's core rendering the bonds malleable and prepared for adjustments. On the horizon the sun fell behind the great expansive sea of the archipelago closing its light on the world for another day past. Still as the sun wished it a final farewell, Hiccup and Toothless did not rest in the cosy confines of the forge. Straps of leather lay strewn across Hiccup's workbench as he layered the tanned material across one another punching holes along the edge of each length for the thick lines of thread to conjoin the pieces.

Among the mess of tools and edges, his sketched designs had multiplied where detail and finesse were necessary. There was no room for imperfection as each tiny detail was followed to the mark slowly taking the architected form. Fresh loops of rope lines were coiled neatly against his work bench their ends melted with wax heads to prevent unravelling. Hiccup inserted the thread through the needle eye tying the end and began weaving through the base fastening the straps of leather. He continued the process until the layers were flushed neatly against the rim.

It was almost funny remembering the first time he built the saddle. He worked almost always in the cover of darkness away from prying eyes. The days were blurred together but he knew it was a couple of weeks of constructing and fine tuning the mechanics of the tail fin to the pedal stirrups. It made him wonder how those fateful events may have passed had he not partook in the old ways of dragon training. He would have spent longer with Toothless in the woods most likely, and the saddle construction may have taken half the time but then would he have learnt about the other dragon's unique gifts too? Would he have found another way to convince the headstrong view of his father? Would Berk still be ravaged by Dragon raids? These were all questions that he had asked himself numerous times in the past and may well do so in the years to come. In reminiscing how his life had changed with the new world and the good of those who wished to live in it, maybe the price he paid was worth it in the end.

Hiccup set the saddle base down on his workbench and stretched his arms and back. He looked outside the forge to the cliff side and the shimmering light on the open sea reflecting off the moon. The seas were as calm as the winter's night rocking low waves with the tide. A pair of luminescent green eyes appeared from the back entrance and poked through the gap in the wooden pillars. Life on Berk really was amazing. But at the same time the serenity of his island home was something he never thought he would miss. Dragons Edge had breaks in the action but there was always something that needed fixing or reinforcing, perks of having the Thorston twins in residence if one could call it that.

Hiccup had to admit though, without them here to disturb the settled waters of peace, he was able to relax in knowing someone was already taking the initiative in leading them in the right direction. Or Snotlout's direction knowing full well his obnoxious attitude was only amplified by his ego. Maybe he could have enjoyed the looks on the other's face a little more if he wasn't bothered by Snotlout's suggestive remarks. Hiccup could handle his brashness, but shame was not something he never wanted Astrid or himself to feel again. Together they had restored their honour; Astrid proved herself against the Flightmare those years ago and Hiccup, well, his story will live on in legend.
A scaly muzzle poked his left hand bringing the hero's focus back to Midgard. Toothless's eyes bulged with wonder staring up into the emerald green of his rider, loyal companion.

His best friend. 'You ready to go again bud?' Hiccup asked resting his hand in between Toothless's eyes.

He could feel the sleek texture of the scales slip between his fingers as he glided his hand further along his head. The first small fin came into contact with his pinky. Who were they without one another? What might have been if he missed that shot five years ago? Hiccup closed his eyes to the thought, what could have been no longer mattered, for despite all the pain and loss, he had gained so much more.

Hiccup guided Toothless over to the anvil where the once sheet of Hotburple iron had taken into a form of a small foot piece. It was one of three Hiccup had designed on parchment but at the rate in which they progressed, it would indeed be a couple of days before the new leg was completed. Beside it, the first wooden brackets were carved and ready for refinement. His shoulder slumped a little. Sure there were times where Toothless was grounded for days on various occasions, but it always hurt to see him constrained to land when other dragons could simply fly away. It was a debt he knew he could never fully repay, but Hiccup would rather face Ragnarok then not try his absolute hardest to do so.

oOo

Astrid returned from the Great Hall with a basket of fish slung over her shoulder and a plate of food covered by a tea towel to retain the heat against the elements. The moon was rising against the sparkling backdrop of total darkness, but incredible white light spilled from the depths of the forge. She balance the plate on one hand whilst using her other arm to shield from the light. Edging her way into Hiccup's tiny, private work room, she sat the basket in the corner and the plate down on his main desk. She found some unused candles and set them alight with the two seemingly everlasting candles that sat at either corner of the desk. The light flickered as Toothless exhausted his energy and Hiccup's precise tapping ceased. Astrid slipped through the door and walked to his side placing her hand on his shoulder guards. His head snapped up at her surprised but eased in his expression as he recognised the rounded cheeks blue eyes and the soft golden strands of hair.

'How are you holding up?' she asked brushing her fingers up into his hair.

Astrid rubbed a tousle of the auburn locks between her thumb and finger. She followed the strand to the two braids behind his ear. She could remember the day she made those for Hiccup when his hair became longer. He was reluctant at first to having his hair styled, but nothing was going to stop her from playing with his hair. It was just so silky smooth. Hiccup pulled off his amber lensed goggles sitting them upon the work table next to the anvil. He rose to meet Astrid at eye level, her hand still feeling through the right side of his hair.

'I have surprise for you,' she teased taking his left hand and leading him into his little work room.

Before they even reached the door though, Toothless had caught the scent of the food and was sniffing up and down the door his ear flaps perked and eyes wide. Both Astrid and Hiccup laughed at the dragon's fruitless antics.

Hiccup wrapped his left arm around Astrid's shoulders and planted a soft kiss in her hair. 'You brought us dinner again didn't you?' he asked with an undoubtedly grateful smile.

Astrid snuggled closer circling her arms around Hiccups chest, 'Can't have you two going hungry now,' she said, as they reached the door.

Hiccup swung the door open and immediately his eyes fell upon the four candle lights on his work table illuminating what was a checked cloth over a plate of food. Astrid looked up into his eyes and an excited smile was plastered across her face.

'Oh, just a second,' she relinquished her grip around him, picking up the basket of fish.

Toothless poked his head through the door as Astrid lifted the lid of the basket for him to devour at his own leisure. The Night Fury was quick approach and soon began munching away. Hiccup could only stare back in disbelieve at his dragon's unrestraint towards food. He'd have thought after the giant stomach ache that morning, Toothless might have been a bit more reluctant to indulge in any size feast.

Astrid came back to his arm tugging it towards the wooden bench stools. 'Straight fresh from the fires,' she announced revealing the plate of steaming yak chops, cabbage leaves dressed in a marinate with cheese, roasted almonds and a side of bread.

Hiccup's eyes widened at the delicate mini feast assembled before him. Only as he looked down at the dish did the hunger dawn in the pits of his stomach. He was half temped to dig right in stopping himself as flush of fear washed his body.

'Did you make this?' he asked with hint of surprise in attempt to hide away the prejudice.

After the Yaknok incident, he had become extremely wary of anything supposedly edible prepared by Astrid. But as it turned out, her cooking ability wasn't entirely disastrous. Basic preparation from the dried stores like the other night were always nice, and with a bit of his help, Astrid could produce a number of quality meals. But this was a little too good for her alone.

Astrid quirked her eyebrow at him. It held very briefly only to fall away as she lolled her head giving in to the truth. 'I had help, from Gobber,' she admitted a hopeful look quietly creeping in.

On hearing this, Hiccup picked up a chop and sunk his teeth through the meat tasting the rich, succulent flavours. The sense of dread flew away as quickly as it came. Astrid stood behind and wrapped her arms around his chest.

'You know this is two you owe me now,' she said into his ear before placing a small kiss on his temple.

Hiccup chuckled at the gesture knowing full well his debt. 'I'll make up for it, trust me,' he said as Astrid turned towards the door.

Toothless was sniffing around the basket with the endearing gleam in his eyes. In that short time he had devoured all the fish and like a dog with an insatiable hunger was searching for the very last slither of meat. He saw Astrid approach and set upon her with a pleading look. Astrid smiled back scratching his chin. She looked back to Hiccup before heading out the door of his little work room.

'I'm heading to bed now, are you going to be up all night?' she asked.

Hiccup nodded back thinking over how much there was to do. 'Yeah, I've got a fair bit I want to finish with the saddle,' he replied.
Astrid smiled back at him. 'Ok, remember we have plenty time. Goodnight Hiccup,' she wished him scooting out the door.

'Goodnight Milady,' he called out after before settling back down into the glorious meal.
He could help but think about what he would do to repay her for the support and comfort she was providing. Most of the gifts he had presented in the past were of ornate weapons and the evening flights together with Toothless, but this time he felt a something different was the way to go. Seeping through the cracks in his brain, Hiccup looked to Toothless as his head was still poked through the doorway peering back. In that moment an idea struck him. Reaching down into the draws of his desk he pulled out fresh parchment and laid it flat on the desk, taking one of his charcoal pencils, he began a rough sketch of a Deadly Nadder.

oOo

The first signs of fatigue were creeping in on Hiccup as he pushed through the night into the earliest hours of morning. Late hours were nothing new to him but the strenuous work of the daytime was taking its toll. Toothless was long since subdued in a slumber, snores rumbling softly as little puffs of steam were exhaled from his nostrils. The snow was drifting in light flakes outside the forge littering the village in another layer of white.

Engulfed in darkness with only candles and the light from the central forging oven, Hiccup had wrapped himself with leather skins to shield himself from the harsher temperatures. More pieces of parchment were strewn across his workbench outside his working room with new designs and concepts. Stretched out across the ground were the makings of Toothless's new saddle and pulley system. The leather harnesses and sections of the metal work were assembled slowly beginning to resemble the drafted plans.

Hiccup had found Gobber's stores of Gronckle iron and thanks to its more forgiving nature, he had spent the last many hours of the night moulding the metal pieces and sewing the leather straps together by himself. Sitting comfortably by the anvil, Hiccup and Toothless had managed to cut and mould away the final imperfections to his walking foot piece. The light of the low flames sparkled off the raw metal as it sat awaiting for polish and assembly. Toothless had earnt his break resting in cover from the snow.

Now Hiccup was focused as well as he could against the cold and tiredness on the next part of the saddle, the part that allowed for the entire apparatus to take flight; the tail fin. It had taken time, but he developed the weather resistant fabric he was looking for. The material was stronger and more durable than regular ship sails and thanks to many months of experimenting in the past, was also fire resistant. A lightning strike would still knock them out of the sky, but it meant it wouldn't catch light from short bursts of regular flame. The search for the technique was not a waste in itself however as it resulted in a small arsenal of tail fin variants which lined the walls of his hut on Dragons Edge.

He ran his hand across the tanned material feeling the smooth texture slide with ease. A special oil product strengthened the fibres creating a glossy surface perfect for colouration and aesthetic applications. Hiccup set down the fin ready for assembly onto the spokes of the tail housing. Now he was ready to work into the morning light on another project, a token of his appreciation.

The End of Leather Clad, to be continued in Fire and Ice

Hotburple Iron, nigh indestructible, lighter than Gronckle iron, very original name (this is Gobber we are talking about) and a great way to get someone's attention. I wanted to add something new to the plot device pool. It makes the story more interesting. Even though most of the saddle stuff is only made from regular steel or something in the films.

I know everyone seems to think Astrid can't cook. But seriously, Yaknog is the only thing we know of that was disastrous. It was made from scratch too, with extra scratch by the looks of it, and maybe salt. Sure she isn't a domestic goddess, but surely someone (Hiccup) would have given some basic lessons, hence the sort of half-half ability in this story.

Also after all this time, I'd have thought to put a disclaimer note.
The How To Train Your Dragon franchise belongs to DreamWorks Animation studios and Cressida Cowell to whom without them, the world would be a dark depressing place. Without them, I would be lost in a dark depressive state without direction and very lonely. :) Thankyou, you magnificent people.