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Hiccup had been working on some improvements for Toothless' tail when a villager came into the forge panting. Vessa had been lounging, trying to fix a small mechanism Hiccup had given her for practice. The messenger gleefully informed her that the men were returning and a grin found its way to Hiccup's face. Vessa snickered from her spot to the ground. Hiccup ignored her and got to her feet, running down the path, without her cloak to keep her warm. She stood shivering at the docks, watching the ships grow larger and larger. Vessa joined her, carrying her winter cloak, muttering about what a pain she could be. Soon, the other families with loved ones on the ship stood waiting. The first of the ships docked and the men then immediately disembarked waiting for their loved ones.
Hiccup watched as many of the men and handful of women dashed down, embracing children, husbands and wives. A few shot her cautious looks but left with their families. Hiccup was beginning to feel left out. Dagur should have been dashing for her, picking her up and spinning her around a touch too fast, and Oswald was supposed to ruffle her hair while still being lifted by Dagur. Then Dagur walked down the plank, and immediately Hiccup knew something was wrong. They may not have been married all that long, but she had known him since they were children and she could read his body language like a book. He was tense, and looked like he hadn't slept. Hiccup immediately worried. Something happened and she dashed up to where he was stepping on the dock, hoping a greeting would help. It didn't.
"Dagur!" She called his attention and he fixed his gaze on her. Hiccup tensed, he was in a moment of quiet rage. Then he reached out and grabbed her arm, hard.
"We're going home." He said simply then strode off purposely, dragging her along, roughly.
"Oh, okay." She stammered. She looked at Vessa with a confused look, Vessa shrugged back at her. There was a moment when Vessa moved to follow them but Hiccup shook her head. Whatever storm was coming, Vessa didn't need to get involved.
"What's wrong?"
"Quiet." Yes, this fury was a lot scarier than his fits. His deranged fits usually meant he was going to do something impulsive and was fairly predictable, but when he was like this, well, something must have gone very wrong. He tugged her, trying to get her to move faster and Hiccup knew she would have bruises on her arm in the morning.
Once they reached their home he practically tossed her inside and followed her in. Once the door was locked and bolted it, Hiccup was pushed against it. She was held under his gaze for a very long time, his grip biting into her upper arms. She managed to move one arm enough to touch his war paint. It was then she realized that there was blood smeared on his hands, and it was under his fingernails.
"Are you afraid of me?" He whispered.
"No." The answer seemed obvious to her, and she must have sounded crazy. But Dagur narrowed his eyes and came in closer.
"Really, do you think I won't ever hurt you, just because you're my wife?" Hiccup felt oddly calm, tilting her head lightly and looking down she replied.
"No, you've hurt me before, you'll hurt me again."
"Then why aren't you afraid?"
"Because I've had worse, from you and others. I knew what to expect when we were married." His hands released her entirely and slammed on both sides of her head.
"You should be afraid." He hissed.
"Why? What happened, Dagur?" Calming him the only way she could think of, she cupped the sides of his face.
"I killed him."
"Who?"
"My Father." Hiccup tensed up, the shock etching into her very eyes.
"I killed him for you." Hiccup swallowed her fear and stepped into him, wrapping her arms around his neck.
"Why?"
"He wanted to send you back to Berk, as a disgraced wife, said you were making me dangerous." Hiccup held him closer, suddenly confident that he wouldn't hurt her. One arm wound its way over her back and then another.
"Some coward made a remark that was an insult to your honor, so I killed him." Hiccup refused to let her body shake, and Dagur started to return the embrace.
"No one, sullies your honor, nobody. I killed that man for you, one of your former tribe mates." He hugged her so fiercely he felt his arms lift her, just a little off her heels.
"You killed a Hooligan." She whispered.
"He said you were a curse and you should have been drowned." Hiccup tensed at that. The idea of her needing to be drowned as an infant was hardly new to her, but the fact that people were bringing it up to her husband of all people….
"So I cut his tongue out, through his throat. I nearly caused a war, and my father threatened to send you back with your dowry and everything." Hiccup shook, no; she didn't want to go back. Dagur was dangerous, but he cared for her. Here she was an honored chief's wife, she was respected. To return home, disgraced and divorced would be worse than when she had been there to begin with. A woman could remarry, but a bride that was not a virgin was certainly less valuable and Hiccup already had so little value as it was. Doubtlessly she'd be married to Snoutlout as originally planned as Hiccup knew her cousin well; he would not treat her as well as was within his power. Doubtlessly he would take slaves and keep Hiccup as a wife of convenience, not worthy of respect. Dagur was sadistic and cruel but he respected her, cared for her as she was, something even her own father could not do.
"So I killed him too. I'm the chief now." Then he began lower himself to the floor and Hiccup followed him down until they were sitting.
"You're staying here, with me. He can't send you away now."
"Dagur, he was your father." Dagur purposely looked away, on the verge of fury, but not with her.
"He was weak. You are the wife of a chief, and that man cursed you. He couldn't be allowed to live for such a crime." Then a silence ensued. Hiccup liked Oswald, they both knew this, but nothing could be done to change what had happened. Dagur didn't like making Hiccup unhappy, and Hiccup knew hat Dagur hadn't been thinking at the time, that he probably regretted it at some level. But it was done regardless and they had to work with what they had, because now way in Hel was Hiccup returning to Berk. Hiccup could only hope this wouldn't affect relations with her birth-tribe.
"I won't let you go back to those, those, cowards." He was spitting the word out between his teeth. Hiccup found she wasn't insulted over his animosity for the Hooligan tribe. She guessed it was because she really wasn't one, not anymore. He was shaking slightly; it took her a moment to realize that Dagur was afraid, afraid for her. He knew how they treated her and in some weird way, Dagur had come to depend on her. Hiccup was snarky and sassy with everyone, even Dagur. But she understood him and tried to work with him rather than against him. Dagur was different, and Hiccup tried to understand him, as he tried for her. He needed her, and well, it felt nice to be needed.
"I don't want to." It was strange and crazy even that she would rather stay with a madman of a husband then return to her father and Gobber, who only wanted her safe, to that little room in the forge that was just for her. But she couldn't leave Dagur, not now especially, he needed her and she needed him. Perhaps she was a little deranged herself. With him looking at her with such an insecure expression as if she were his only chance of salvation that could slip away any moment, she was no longer afraid.
"You want to stay with me?" He whispered.
"Yes."
"You want to be my wife?"
"Yes."
"You want to have my children?"
"Yes."
"Do you love me?" Hiccup sat back now and looked at him. His eyes met hers, he was serious and Hiccup allowed a faint smiled to etch into her lips. She gently removed his helm, pulled his hair loose as he did the same for her. His fingers twined in her hair, practically a security blanket for him, something familiar and comforting to hang on to. Hiccup returned the gesture, knowing he liked having fingers go through his normally tightly wound hair. His hair was more brilliant than hers; everything about him was brilliant and radiant to look at. His freckles were lightly dusted and his hair contrasted his eyes so well, so brightly. Hiccup, who had been called by many, auburn haired, could only see brown against his red. His hands were big and made her feel safe when he held her; he was a magnificent looking man. She felt so small and helpless by comparison, so plain. But Dagur thought she was beautiful. He had a great affection for her and it would be a lie to say Hiccup didn't.
"Not just yet, but I think I will." She told him truthfully, Dagur didn't like lying, so she wouldn't lie. And rather than being upset, Dagur pressed his forehead to hers. His grip tightened on her, pulling her against him, with no space in-between. It was as though he wanted to merge their bodies together, to make it so she could never leave him. Hiccup simply mimicked it, sliding her cheek against his and tucking her face into the crook of his neck.
"I think I will too." It wasn't love, not yet, but it was what they had.
X
Hiccup didn't lie when she said she wasn't scared of him. he knew that he would never intentionally hurt her, not anymore. He was too rough with her sometimes, but he was never cruel with her. But things were changing. With Oswald's death, Dagur was the chief now and there wasn't a single person on the island who didn't respect that, even knowing that he was the reason Oswald died. Hiccup liked Oswald; he had been kind to her. But she knew better than to discuss it with Dagur. He hadn't killed his father in a calculated method or to gain power, he had killed his father in a fit of rage. Despite what people thought, Dagur could get attached to people; Hiccup was fine example of it. He was hurting about the whole thing, even if he didn't admit it. And Hiccup didn't push him, she knew how he felt, there was no need. He was grieving, he just didn't show it. He didn't like lying, he didn't like betrayal.
It was time for him to meet Toothless.
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"Are you sure you should do this, honey?"
"He needs to know. I shouldn't lie to him."
"You're his wife; it's practically in the job description."
"I need him to know that I trust him."
"Do you?"
"I do."
"Alright, do what you need to, but it goes sour, don't say I didn't warn you hun."
"I know."
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"Dagur!" Se shouted cheerfulyy.
"Hmm?" He asked, not looking uo]p from his sword sharpening.
"I have something I want to show you." It caught his attention as she'd hoped and he looked at he curiousl.
"Alright, what is it?"
"It's in the woods." He gave her a long look.
"What's in the woods?"
"It's a surprise." She tired to b cute, bt hiccup was never ute whens she was trying. It just made Dagur skeptical of her.
"I don't like surprises."
"You'll like this one." Dagur blinked slowly. Hiccup smiled awkwardly.
"Alright, alright, let's go."
"Uh, uh, uh, no weapons."
"Why?" Hiccup stood near him, tilting her head innocently.
"They'll get in the way." She teased. Dagur looked interest but pulled off his axe and sword. Hiccup gave him an expectant look, he sighed and pulled a few knives from his arm and belt sheathes, mostly hidden from the untrained eyes. Hiccup gave him another look and he pulled another pair of knives he kept strapped to his thighs under his hip guards. Then he held out his arms. Hiccup continued to give him the look.
"What?" He demanded. Hiccup rolled her eyes and leaned over to him. She plucked a knife out of each boot and one from the front of his pants. She gave him a dry look.
"Seriously? I watch you get dressed in the morning; I know how many knives you keep on your person. And why you keep one in your pants is beyond me, just seems like a bad idea."
"No one but you would look there."
"Yeah well, if some essential bits get chopped off, don't complain to me. I'll be upset enough on my own."
"It's in a sheath."
"I stand by what I said."
"Alright, whatever, can we go now?"
"Yes, yes."
He followed her deep into the woods but she could practically feel him getting impatient. Once they're more than shouting distance from the village Dagur spun on her, herding her against a tree. He grinned that eerily grin that displayed every one of his teeth. He moved to pull off his helm when Hiccup grabbed his hand, blushing furiously. This sort of thing shouldn't embarrass her, but it did regardless.
"Cut it out that is not why we're here."
"You were the one who said knives would get in the way."
"Well yeah, but this isn't what I meant."
"You were the one practically suggesting it with the shake of your little ass." He swatted it and Hiccup was sure she couldn't get any more red.
"Look, we can do this later; I really have to show you something."
"Can't it wait for a few more hours?"
"Hours?"
"Well it is me."
"No, it really can't."
"Aw come oooooon."
"Dagur."
"Fine, but you owe me later Silver-tongue."
"Enough with that nickname, its embarrassing.'
"Hey, it's a comment, on your wit, whatever you're thinking of must be very inappropriate."
"Seriously! Cut it out!"
"You're adorable when you blush."
"I look like an apple, an ugly, skinny apple." Dagur laughed again and swatted her rear. Hiccup slapped his hand away frantically and stormed further into the woods. Well he seemed to be back to his usual teasing, pervy, and playfully sadistic self. That was a good sign. They walked a bit further, further to the cove where Toothless rested. She stepped, looked at Dagur one, then took a deep breath, and then whistled. Then the dark shape of her dragon came barreling into the clearing. On look at Dagur and the beast tensed up, in a battle ready pose. Dagur was standing there slack jawed s Hiccup walked next to the dragon, stroking his neck. She gave him a sheepish smile.
"What in the name of Odin….?"
"Dagur, this is Toothless. Toothless, Dagur."
"Is that a night fury?"
"Yes?"
"Why the hell didn't you tell me?!"
"I'm sorry." He stormed forward and the dragon roared before moving Hiccup behind him.
"I'll kill you hell-spawn!" Toothless roared and gathered gas into his maw. Hiccup yanked on his head fins and looked Dagur in the eye.
"That's enough, both of you!" Toothless looked her, his eyes becoming docile and nudged her. Dagur watched in fascination and passed. This must have been why Hiccup said no weapons. She knew him too well.
"Dagur, give him a chance. Come here, slowly, let him get your scent, I won't let him hurt you." Dagur looked her up and down, looking for any bit of a lie. But she was sincere, so he listened, reluctantly. He slowly approached the dragon. Toothless watched him warily; any tenseness in the beast was soothed by Hiccup's touch. Toothless sniffed him a few times and seemed to relax further, enough so that he sat on his haunches.
"So the beast likes me now?'
"He recognizes your smell, from me; he recognizes the bond we have." She shrugged.
"Can he?"
"I think he understands that you're my man and I'm your woman. He's a very protective lizard; he doesn't even let Terrible Terrors near me." Dagur stilled and looked at both of them.
"How long have you been lying to me?" Hiccup flinched at the bite in his voice.
"I shot Toothless in that dragon raid, a few weeks after our wedding. I found him in the woods, injured, and I thought if I killed him, I would get some respect." She told him, looking at Toothless, scratching him behind his fins.
"So why didn't you?" She looked at him, locking eyes. A pat of her wanted to flinch and cry, shy away or beg forgiveness, but Dagur liked strength. And she would be strong.
"Because he was scared, and alone, like me. I couldn't hurt him, when I let him go, he didn't kill me. And because he was injured, he couldn't leave. So, I visited him, earned his trust, built him a new tail and he lets me ride on his back." She told him coolly, her muscles we coiled, waiting for a reason to jump on Toothless back and leave.
"Why didn't you tell me any of this before?" He stepped toward her, keeping his posture as unimposing as possible. He didn't want to scare Hiccup, not before he understood. Hiccup was supposed to be his ally in all ways. She wasn't supposed to lie to him; she was supposed to be the one who never did. Dagur didn't let people in very often, and his trust came even more sparsely.
"Because I knew you'd kill him unless I set things up right." Dagur took a deep breath Hiccup tensed up more, moving closer to Toothless. Then he surprised her when he let the breath out, visibly relaxing.
"You're not wrong, so why tell me now?" Hiccup relaxed a smile on her mouth.
"Because I don't wanna lie to you." Dagur drew himself up.
"I want to trust you and to have your trust, and have earned it. Toothless is a bit like you, you need to earn trust, so I'm telling you my biggest secret now." She left Toothless and went to him, looking up at him. Toothless balked, trying to get Hiccup to stay behind him. But she put out a hand to calm him. Toothless stilled reluctantly. She walked until she was right in front of Dagur, close enough for him to hurt her if he wanted. This was it, the moment she showed him that she trusted him and he could trust her.
"So, here we are." She told him with a swing of her head and arms. Dagur looked over her, not making any sort of threatening move, he was considering. He stared at her for a very long time, before his gaze flicked up to where Toothless was sitting with a very menacing expression.
"It's kind of hard to say I hate you with that beast looming over your shoulder."
"Well I didn't intend to die here if that's what you're saying." He locked his vision back on her, for another tense moment he did nothing. Then he shook his head gently.
"I don't want that." He put his hand out slowly, keeping eye contact. Toothless understood and slowly walked up to where they were standing. Toothless tapped his hand with his muzzle then recoiled. His eyes followed the moving dragon.
"Can you train other dragons?" He asked, looking back to her.
"I, I haven't really tried besides some terrors and a wild Nadder that got unruly with me."
"But you think you can."
"I can try." His hand suddenly hooked around her waist, pulling her against him.
"But, first things first. I want to ride with you on that beast."
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Princess: And more happens. Dagur meets Toothless and it goes surprisingly well. Dagur like power, and probably finds the fact Hiccup can command one insanely hot. And Hiccup may seem a little crazy in not reacting much over Oswald, but she understands that they have to make the best of things, besides, she didn't want to go back to Berk.
Review: holy crud, I got so many I didn't have time to reply to them all, thanks guys!
REBD: It didn't really.
Viking Lady: Now you know
Snowflake: Ehhhhhhh
Pony1997: Thank you
Takara410: Hmmm
X-Jinx-X: Thank you
HTTYD-PJATO-OTG-41185: Now you know
Kitty.0: Shame
Guest: There will be.
Spottedmask12: We now know
Anie6142: That's something I didn't think of, wow.
ShadeShadowWolf: Here you go!
TGirl15: Well it's not that Hiccup doesn't want kids ever; she just wants to wait until she's older. When girls are too young they have higher death rates in childbirth because their bodies aren't developed, she is only 13. I do hope to use the song in a later chapter.
Twistedsister-emogirl: I did kind of gloss over the consequences, that is a good excuse though.
Emeraldshard: As you should mwahahaha
MySweetYoai: This is fan fiction net hun, nothing here is strange to me anymore.
Yoshy03: Gobber as a brake?
