Disclaimer: I don't own HTTYD

A/N: Well, this story got away from me. The next chronological story will be somewhat delayed, partly because I need to plan it out more thoroughly (it's a doozy), and partly because my plot bunnies are (holding me hostage, please send help) asking (demanding) that I write a (very dark and disturbing) Heart Bound AU, and I need to get that out of my system.

Chapter Nine

"What are we going to do now?" Beatris asked. She and Ildaria had bandaged up Gelvira's wound, but the dragon had broken her right arm, the one she fought with. Not that she couldn't make do with her left, but it was difficult and inconvenient, especially with her other arm in a sling. Gelvira hated that Sand Wraith; what had she done to deserve it mauling her like this?

To Beatris, she replied "All we can do is find somewhere defensible, or find the rest of the crew. There's no way we can just stand around and wait for the damn beasts to come back and finish the job." (1) Almost prophetically, as soon as she'd said this, wingbeats cut through the air and a Deadly Nadder landed near them. It was the same one that had dropped the bandages, except now there was a young blonde woman on its back.

All three of them drew weapons immediately and moved into the dragon's blind spot. This didn't really work as they all tried to stand in it at once, and anyway the Nadder just turned it's head to the side. Gelvira glared at the girl riding it. "You people are insane!" she accused.

"Or maybe we know something you don't" the girl countered, swinging out of the saddle and dropping to the ground. The Nadder towered over her, but she just scratched it as if heedless of the dagger-sharp fangs jutting out of its jaw, or the huge claws it could scythe her in half with, or the deadly barbs of its tail.

"I know that you so-called dragon lovers are wretched barbarians!" Gelvira spat.

The girl glared at her. "Barbarians? That's rich coming from you, slaver" she retorted with a sneer.

"You Vikings stranded us all here and set dragons on us! Look at what that damn Sand Wraith did to my arm!" Gelvira snapped at her.

"Well, you broke her wing first."

The girl's accusation threw Gelvira and her comrades for a loop. "What?"

She rolled her eyes at them. "The female Sand Wraith's wing is broken. I bet you're the one who broke it" the girl accused Gelvira.

Well, she had helped. "What if I did?" Gelvira asked defensively.

"Um, hello? You broke her wing, she broke your arm. You're really not seeing the pattern here?" the girl asked incredulously. All three of them stared at her.

At last Beatris inquired, "Are you saying that dragon broke her arm to get revenge?" Her tone was dubious, sceptical.

"Yeah, but there's more to it than that" the girl began. Then she paused, and gestured to their weapons. "You were supposed to give those up."

Gelvira scoffed. "As if we'd give up all our weapons. You'd have to strip us first."

The girl pulled a face. "I guess I can't blame you" she said, surprisingly enough. "I'd probably do the same thing. They clearly didn't help you much anyway" she smirked. The older women bristled, insulted, but then the Nadder nudged the girl and croaked at her. "Yeah, I guess I am being rude" she nodded, inexplicably, before turning back to them and saying "I'm Brenda, dragon diplomat of Berk, and this is my girl, Shimmer."

They didn't offer their own names. "Dragon diplomat?" Ildaria repeated.

Brenda shrugged. "More like diplomat in training. Look, the Chief didn't strand you guys here and set the dragons on you for a laugh. You broke our laws in our territory, and the council decided the most fitting punishment would be to let the dragons you captured take matters into their own…err, claws. We got our dragons to follow them and make sure they didn't hurt you too much."

"Oh, and a fine job they did too!" Gelvira scoffed. "That Nadder of yours didn't show up until after the Sand Wraith nearly ripped my arm off!"

"Yeah, but she gave you those bindings" Brenda countered. "And I said 'too much', not 'at all'. That's what I'm trying to tell you! If the Sand Wraith was just a bloodthirsty monster, she would have torn you all limb from limb. But from what I can tell, she hasn't left much of a scratch on you two", she nodded at Beatris and Ildaria, "and all she did to you was break your arm. Your right arm, the way you broke her right wing."

It wasn't that they didn't get the idea of 'an eye for an eye'. But the notion that such a thing would be grasped by dragons was a bit much to swallow. "So you're saying you trained the Sand Wraith to only break the arms of the ones who broke its wing. I feel so much better now" Gelvira drawled sarcastically.

Brenda replied, "We didn't train her; it's only been a couple of days. We're good, but we're not that good. Our…chief…just asked the dragons to only give you the injuries you gave them." They stared at her again, so she elaborated, "Dragons can understand what we're saying. Can't you, Shimmer?" she cooed at the Nadder, which bobbed its large head up and down.

Ildaria protested, "You can't seriously expect us to believe that."

"What if I could prove it?" Brenda challenged. She pointed at Gelvira. "Come with me to find Oasis - that's the female Sand Wraith's name – and apologise for breaking her wing. I'll get her to apologise to you for breaking your arm."

To say the three of them were doubtful would be an understatement. Finally, Gelvira stepped forwards. "Fine. I'll humour you."

Brenda smiled. "That'll do. That way is east" she pointed; they could tell that much from the position of the sun. "Head that way until you get to the other side of the island. We'll be waiting. Take all the time you need, there's no rush." With that, the dragon crouched and she swung into the saddle, taking off.

Up in the air, Brenda remarked to Shimmer, "I can't believe that worked!"

*It's not over yet, Brenda. We still have to persuade them to apologise* Shimmer reminded her. The Berkian diplomat wasn't worried though. "Don't worry, Shim. We got this."


Clarencia had managed to reunite with a couple more of her crew-mates; Briceida and her brother Cristóbal, the latter of which was nursing a broken arm after the Sand Wraiths had attacked him. Bizarrely, he said a dark purple Nadder had dropped a splint and bandages after scaring the other dragons away

Now they'd just heard dragons swooping down on them, and were trying to flee. They didn't get far, only to a largish clearing, before a Monstrous Nightmare landed in front of them, and a Deadly Nadder behind. The four trappers formed a defensive circle. The black haired girl on the Nadder's back called "Would you guys chill? We're not attacking you."

They stared at her, and the boy on the Nightmare. Cristóbal suddenly exclaimed, "I know that dragon! That's the Nadder that…that…"

"Gave you a splint after the female Sand Wraith broke your arm? Or was it the Triple Stryke? Either way, they only did it to show you what it's like, cos you did break their wings first. I'm Ashildr, by the way; this is Magpie, that's Braun and Firestorm" she introduced them all. The trappers just kept staring.

Clarencia recognised the Nightmare. "Your dragon…pulled me out of the swamp" she said slowly, eyeing Braun questioningly.

"Out of it?"

"…That stupid Mudraker dragged me in" she shrugged.

Braun grinned. "Ha. Muddie got you muddy."

"What?"

"That's the Mudraker's name. You said thank you after Firestorm got you out of the mud, right?"

"Didn't have much choice. Your dragon wouldn't leave me alone until I did."

"You're two of those riders who attacked our ship the other day" Briceida recognised them. "Have you come to finish the job?"

Riders and dragons alike rolled their eyes. "If we were gonna hurt you, we'd have done it already. We're here to offer you guys a ride off the island" Ashildr explained. Needless to say, the trappers weren't buying it.

"Why would you do that?" Briceida questioned. "More importantly, why would we do that? Who are you two? Apart from being crazy dragon loving Vikings."

"That pretty much sums us up" Braun grinned.

"We're dragon diplomats in training" Ashildr explained.

"….Diplomats?"

"Yeah" Braun nodded, "We're s'posed to show people how dragons are people too, and how dragons and humans can live in peace, so they'll stop tryin' to kill each other. Uh, and help our own tribes get along with our dragons better."

The incredulous expressions on the trapper's faces increased. "Live in peace with dragons" Cristóbal repeated. "I hope you don't mean literally live with dragons, like you Vikings do."

"Well, people don't have to live with dragons" Braun shrugged, "but if they want to that's even better."

"Better? It'd be a complete disaster!" Cristóbal exclaimed.

"He's right" agreed Briceida, "it wouldn't be fair. What if some people in a village wanted to live with dragons and some people didn't?"

"Easy. Just put a no-dragons-allowed ring around the village and tell everyone who wants to ride them to put the stables and feeding-places outside that zone" explained Ashildr. "That's what our tribes did."

"How could people possibly feed dragons?" asked Clarencia.

"Simple. They eat fish. Or if that's too hard, just befriend and train Rock…I mean, Gronckles" said Braun. "They eat rocks. It's kind of hard to run out of rocks. They're pretty much always underfoot."

Cristóbal shook his head. "You don't get it" he insisted, wincing at the pain in his arm. "Humans and dragons, living together…you think it's so easy. Have you never thought, that this would make things worse? Do you have any idea what those with dragons could do, would do, to those without?"

"Dragons are smarter than you give them credit for" insisted Ashildr, "they wouldn't let themselves be used as weapons like you're implying. Our dragon partners defend us, but they wouldn't attack innocent people just because we told them to."

Cristóbal was unmoved. "I stand by my words. Dragons are dangerous, but people with dragons are even more so. If you dragon lovers really wanted peace, you should be trying to keep humans and dragons apart, not force them together. And maybe consider not letting them hunt people."

"Should've thought of that before you broke the rules. If you don't want a ride then just keep heading east, to the far side of the island" Ashildr pointed helpfully. Then both of their dragons spread wings and flew away.


"You wouldn't, right?" Ashildr asked Magpie. "Do what I say blindly, I mean. Like, if I said 'I don't like that person over there, please skewer them', you wouldn't just do it...would you?"

Magpie clicked in confusion. *What person? Are you talking about Braun? Because I think Alpha-Hiccup would be angry if I skewered him.*

"Hey!" Braun exclaimed, indignant. "Never mind Hiccup being angry, I'd be angry if you skewered me! Thanks a lot, Magpie. What gives, Ash?"

Ashildr rolled her eyes. "I forgot how literal you guys can be. Magpie, I said if. You know, things that might or might not happen? Let me rephrase that. If humans asked dragons to help them attack other humans, would dragons do it?"

*I don't know. Maybe? Dragons don't all do the same thing. You said it was a 'might or might not'.*

*You humans are always worrying about 'if's. It's a wonder you get anything done* Firestorm remarked to Braun. He patted his dragon's neck and said, "Firestorm thinks we worry too much. I dunno about you, but I think he's right."

"Yeah, I guess. C'mon, let's make sure the way ahead is clear."


The trappers finally regrouped on the eastern side of the island. Everyone was accounted for except Nicole, who was nowhere to be seen. Beyond the trees they could see the Tempest, fully repaired, anchored off shore and with a few rowboats on the beach they could get back on board with, and escape from this crazy archipelago. They wouldn't leave without the Captain – she'd kill them – but they couldn't leave anyway, because between them and their ship were several dragons. Four of the ones they'd captured and lost, as well as the ones with Vikings riding them.

"You know we know you're there" Brenda called out to them. "Come on out. They're not going to attack you. Do you want an apology or not?"

That last, Gelvira took as a direct challenge. Squaring her shoulders as best she could with an injured arm, she strode out onto the beach, head held high. Slit-pupilled eyes landed on her and she slowed to a stop, watching them just as warily. When the dragons made no move, she risked looking at Brenda and tersely prompted, "Well? Make that dragon apologise, now."

Brenda shook her head. "Uh-uh, that wasn't the deal. You have to apologise first, and mean it" she insisted, making a 'go on' gesture.

Pursing her lips, Gelvira faced the Sand Wraith. "Fine. If it'll get me out of here…Listen, dragon" –

"Her name's Oasis."

Shooting a glare at the blonde, she nonetheless reluctantly corrected herself. "Listen, Oasis." Surprisingly, the dragon seemed to respond, tilting its head to the side. "I helped, break, your wing" she said; she pointed at herself, mimed snapping something, and pointed at the dragon's wing. It hissed at her.

Frustrated, she said out of the side of her mouth towards Brenda, "This is ridiculous. It's a dragon, it can't understand me."

"She understands you just fine" Brenda retorted, "even without the silly gestures. Look, just…just pretend you're talking to a human. Can you do that?"

Pretend it's a human, she says. "I can't believe I'm doing this" Gelvira muttered, before saying aloud to the dragon, "You attacked me and broke my arm. This girl is telling me you did it to get revenge for me breaking your wing. But you didn't have to break my arm. I had orders to break your wing. I had no choice."

The Sand Wraith stared at her, head still tipped to the side. The male growled softly, eyes flicking between Gelvira and his mate. One wrong move and he'd be tearing her throat out for sure. Brenda spoke up again. "Tell her your Alpha made you do it. She'll understand that better" the girl advised.

Not knowing how that would help, but having (almost) nothing to lose, Gelvira tried it. "My…Alpha…told me to break your wing." She assumed by 'Alpha', the rider meant her captain; the highest person on the pecking order. "If we had refused, we'd have been punished."

Incredibly, the Sand Wraith actually responded. Her pupils flickered from slits to black pools and back, and she made a strange half-growl, half-moan sort of sound. The male snarled a bit, but the female nudged him with her good wing and snapped at him. She stared at Gelvira again, whining. Might as well get it over with the huntress thought. "I'm…sorry, that I broke your wing."

The Sand Wraith blinked, and crooned, lowering her head. Gelvira looked at Brenda and said impatiently, "There, I apologised. Happy? Now it's your turn."

"You're right, a deal's a deal" Brenda replied, pacifying. "Oasis?" she cooed, "I know the horrid lady broke your wing, but she did say sorry, so now you need to apologise for breaking her arm, okay?"

*Please, Oasis. All you have to do is say sorry, that's all* Shimmer encouraged. The drakaina whined and shifted from foot to foot. *How can I do that? She won't understand!*

*Brenda will make her understand.*

Still doubtful, Oasis stepped forwards. She ignored Sirocco's protests and lowered her body, tilting her jaw up and whining. *I'm sorry I broke your arm.*

Gelvira stared at her, and then at Brenda. "What is this?" she demanded.

"An apology, of course. Well, what were you expecting? For her to actually say 'sorry' out loud?" Actually, Shimmer told her that Oasis had pretty much done just that, but if she claimed dragons could talk with their minds then she'd lose the woman entirely. "Dragons talk with their bodies and their sounds. Crouching down, baring her throat, whining – it's all her way of saying 'I'm sorry.' Get it?"

It made sense, Gelvira supposed. "How do I know this isn't something you trained her to do?" she asked suspiciously.

Brenda threw her hands up and declared, "You're gonna have to trust me. Just accept her apology; the sooner you do that, the sooner we can go our separate ways" she said impatiently.

These people are insufferable. "Apology accepted" Gelvira said curtly. Oasis lifted her head again, and Sirocco padded over to lick at her and make sure she was alright. *I can't tell if she means it* she complained to Shimmer and Brenda.

"Not so fast" the young shield-maiden declared, "You've gotta show her you mean it; that you're sorry, and that you forgive her. You've gotta touch her."

The hunters gasped; the dragons recoiled as well. "Are you insane?" Gelvira cried. What kind of question is that? Of course she is.

"Are you scared?" she shot back. One of Hiccup's lessons had been about not offending the people whose minds they were trying to change, but as much as she liked Hiccup, he could be rather idealistic. Sometimes a good insult or jab to the pride was just what stubborn folk needed to get their heads out of their asses. It wasn't like she was asking the woman to be Oasis' best friend.

Gelvira's eyes narrowed. "I am not scared" she insisted, "but you can't seriously expect me to just reach out and…pet a dragon. I've already had my arm broken, I have no wish to lose my other hand to boot."

"Aargh!" Braun groaned in frustration, stomping forwards. "You trappers are killing us!" His dragon flamed up and snarled before he added, "It's a figure of speech, Firestorm", at which point the Fire-Scale doused himself and ducked his head, looking sheepish.

Braun rounded on Gelvira and the other trappers. "Do you really not get it? They aren't going to hurt you! She just showed you she's sorry for breaking your arm, and it's not even…okay, you want someone to blame? Letting the dragons have vengeance was my idea. Don't blame Oasis, blame me. Go ahead. Punch me in the face for all I care, but – ow!"

He staggered backwards, clutching at his face. A rivulet of blood was already sliding down from his nostrils. "You know, I do feel better" Gelvira remarked, shaking out her fingers. Braun stared at her in shock, and then glared at Brenda when she sniggered at him.

Firestorm growled. *I'll protect you, Braun!* he cried, trying to get between his rider and Gelvira. "Whoa! Firestorm, down! No roasting her. I'm fine, and I was pretty much asking for it."

*You're bleeding. Let me help* the Fire-Scale insisted, leaning down to lick at the wound.

"Agh! Your tongue is going up my nose, gerroff!"

*Hold still!*


As entertaining as it was to watch Firestorm chasing Braun along the beach, Brenda told herself to focus and turned back to the matter at hand. "All you have to do is touch a dragon, and you can all get back on your ship" she told Gelvira and the assembled trappers; there was an immediate flurry of protests.

"We were just doing our jobs" Gelvira scowled at her.

"So are we" Ashildr countered. "Come on, then. You just have to do this", she demonstrated the 'trusting hand' technique with Magpies help. "It's as easy as that. If it makes you feel any better, they're just as scared of you as you are of them" Ashildr declared, though it was clear from the trapper's incredulous expressions that none of them actually believed this.

Meanwhile, their dragons were trying to convince the wild ones to let the trappers touch them. *Just let them put their fingers on your snout for a few seconds, and then pull away* Magpie encouraged, *Like my rider said, they're just as nervous. Probably more.*

The wild dragons shied away, tails lashing with agitation, fangs bared. *I won't do it* Sirocco refused, growling deep in his chest, keeping himself between the trappers and Oasis. Just because this female had apologised for breaking his other half's wing didn't mean he forgave it. Oasis meant the world to him, she was the best and most beautiful drakaina in their now lost pack, he had heart bound to her so he'd never have to be without her, and to have her hurt broke his heart, even if he hadn't been able to feel her pain. *We can't trust them!*

*I did it* a rasping voice croaked solemnly. Sirocco, Oasis and Muddie stared at Scorpia in bewilderment and surprise, as she added, *I…let a human touch me.*

*What?* the male Sand-Wing exclaimed, *Why? You hate humans! Even more than I do!* he protested. What could have possibly changed her mind?

Scorpia snarled at him, but it was only bluster. *I do hate them! It's just…the humans Alpha, she froze me, she was going to kill me – and Sleuther's human jumped off his back and attacked the Alpha-Captain to defend me. He scratched my neck and I passed out, I thought I was going to die, but then I woke up and I could move and he had stopped me falling onto my bad wing. That human…Dagur…saved my life* Scorpia explained, head lowered, unusually subdued. She was struggling to come to terms with it herself.

*That doesn't make me feel any better* Sirocco complained. *You said their Alpha tried to kill you! They'll try to kill us, they have blades!*

*And you have claws* Gurgle pointed out, *and fangs and fire. You can choose not to use them. Just like the humans can choose not to use their blades.*

Shimmer encouraged, *Sirocco, please, think about it. These are not good humans, but they are not very bad humans either. If they wanted to hurt you, or kill you – any of you - wouldn't they have already done that?*

He stared at her. In the meantime, the diplomats and trappers had been arguing over touching the dragons, and Brenda was sick of it. She whistled to get Shimmer's attention, and gave her two hand signals – one for fire, and one for up. *Right* Shimmer agreed, happy she could let her rider know she understand, and craned her neck back.

When she spat a gout of bright, hot flame straight up in the air, someone or more screamed, and then everyone went silent. "Okay! Thanks, Shimmer. Now that I've got your attention, can we all just calm down?" Brenda inquired rhetorically. Sucking in a deep breath, she turned to her fellow diplomats. "Guys, this isn't working. We're gonna have to compromise."

Then, she looked at the trappers; by now Gelvira had retreated back towards her comrades, and away from the snarling, agitated dragons. "Can one of you please tell me, what exactly it is you're afraid of? It's not like you've never touched these dragons before. You painted one of them black, for goodness sake" she pointed out.

For a few moments nobody spoke. "That was different" Ildaria claimed at last, "The dragon was unconscious."

"And they were unconscious when we…grounded them" Cristóbal continued, keeping his voice level. "But now, you expect us to make ourselves vulnerable, to touch them when they're awake and aware, and able to hurt us."

"Oh, so it's okay for you to hurt them, but not the other way around?" Braun scoffed, returning from a brief wrestling bout with Firestorm. His dragon won.

Brenda pressed on before yet another argument could start. "But don't you guys see? We're asking them to make themselves vulnerable too. If they were going to attack you, don't you think they would have done it by now?" she asked. To her gratification, she noticed several of the trappers looking thoughtful at this. "Okay, how about this. You", she pointed at Gelvira, "were so close. If you can touch Oasis, then all of you can go back to your ship."

Gelvira hesitated, eyes roving between the Sand Wraith and the shield-maiden. She shook her head. "I can't. I can't. Not like that. Even if the reason you gave is true…that dragon broke my arm. It mauled me. I can't just…forget that, apology or not" she insisted, unwittingly echoing Sirocco's own sentiments.

Brenda sighed, wondering if they should just give it up as a lost cause. Until…"I'll do it" Clarencia declared, stepping forwards boldly. She wasn't much older than Brenda herself. "I'll touch a dragon. I'll…I'll touch the Mudraker."

Oh thank Freya. "Really? Great! Right, you pet Muddie, and you can all sail off into the sunset. Uh, y'know, you're not gonna be able to touch him from over there, right?" Brenda asked pointedly.

Clarencia blushed. "Oh! Right. Yes. Okay." Biting her lip, she began to stride forwards. Her brother reached out and grabbed at her elbow, but she shrugged him off. Ignoring his protests, and the twitching urge of her hand to grab a weapon, Clarencia walked towards the Mudraker. The purple dragon lumbered forwards, snorting at her and pawing at the sand. Was it going to charge at her?

When she was as close as she could bring herself to get, Clarencia paused. Okay. Now I just have to hold my hand out...easy. No problem she told herself. Trembling fingers inched their way towards the dragon, who was still a few feet away. Far enough for her to leap away if it lunged at her, the way it had when it ambushed her in the swamp and dragged her in, leaving her stranded and sinking in mud. Oh, God. What if it hauls me into the sea?!

"Clarencia, you idiot! Get out of there!" Cristóbal yelled at her. It didn't have the desired effect; if anything, it made her more determined. He might be her elder brother, but that didn't mean she would let him treat her like a child. Such was her indignation that she looked over her shoulder to protest, and tell him he was an idiot if he thought she would back down now.

Then she felt scales against her palm, and gasped. The Mudraker had pressed his muzzle to her hand when she wasn't watching. He gurgled and rubbed his snout against her fingers, whining. "He wants you to scratch him" Brenda explained, when Clarencia glanced at her questioningly. Uncertainly, the young woman obliged, and was amazed to feel and hear the dragon purring.

"See? It's not so bad, is it?" Margret said kindly. Clarencia didn't say anything, but she nodded slowly. In truth she'd volunteered more as a way to face her fears - how could she call herself a dragon trapper if she was afraid of dragons? – but now she was beginning to think the dragon rider's way was a bit better.

Brenda declared, "Well done! You all saw that, right?" she asked the assembled trappers. "He didn't hurt her. He didn't even try to hurt her. You've still gotta be careful, obviously; not every dragon is as friendly as Muddie here. Okay, a deal is a deal. We won't stop you from leaving, but if you want to stay for a bit longer, we can show you how our dragons can understand us."

Cateline protested, "We can't leave anyway, not without Nicole. So why don't you just hop on your dragons and find her, and lead her to us so we can" –

She never finished, because just then there came a draconic cry, and the Night Furies they'd come all this way to fail to capture flee down and alighted on the sand. On the back of the male there sat the mysterious masked rider…and jaws dropped as a passenger climbed down, smoothing down her long ebony tresses.

"Nicole!" exclaimed Cateline, rushing forwards, heedless of the dragons now. "Oh thank God, are you alright? I rushed straight back to where I last saw you but you were gone, so were the Triple Stryke's and that loud-mouthed dragon rider. What happened to you?"

"Compose yourself, please, Cateline. You know I can't abide hysterics (2)" Nicole replied coolly. She gestured to herself and explained "I'm perfectly fine, as you can see. If you must know, the Night Fury took me for a spin. It was quite an eye-opening experience."

"It took you for…" Cateline looked past Nicole at the Night Furies and the masked rider. "Nicole, is that…?"

"Later" Nicole hissed with a warning look. Then she stepped past the bewildered Cateline and strode towards the dragons with purposeful steps. They bristled, and the Mudraker retreated; they knew her as the leader of the ones who had captured them, and they were wary.

To the surprise of everyone, perhaps especially the dragons themselves, Nicole faced the female Triple Stryke with her head held high and said clearly, "I am sorry I tried to kill you. Although you were trying to kill me, I made you defenceless and would have slain you out of petty revenge. That was dishonourable. You are a worthy opponent, Scorpia."

All jaws dropped, human and dragon alike. A tense few moments followed, but then…Scorpia bowed to Nicole, just as Oasis had bowed in apology to Gelvira. She inclined her head in acknowledgement, before turning her back on the dragons and walking back to address her crew. They were all staring at her as if she'd grown a second head, and she relished the attention.

"Alright, listen up! Things are going to change, starting now. I'm going with the dragon riders to their island to talk to their chief. As for you lot, get back on board the Tempest and make sure she's seaworthy. Start sailing southwards. I'll catch up. I will answer your questions later, if I so choose" she declared, cutting them off pre-emptively. "You have your orders. Cateline, you're in charge."

"Uh…" The first mate was still taken aback by the captains' change of heart. "Yes, ma'am!" Cateline saluted. "You heard her, maggots! Let's get a move on!"

The dragons moved aside, giving the trappers a clear path to the rowboats. There was enough room for all of them; these were their own boats, after all. Cateline stood in the prow of one and kept her eyes on Nicole, standing on the beach. I hope you know what you're doing, old friend.


When the trappers had rowed all the way to the ship and begun climbing up to the deck, Toothless-Hiccup and Selena approached the group left on the shore. Hiccup lifted his helmet off, made a half-hearted attempt to smooth his hair, and commented, "That went better than I expected."

"I told you they wouldn't put up too much of a fuss" Nicole smirked. "I've taught them well. I'm sure they'll be pestering me once I'm back on the ship and can't get away, of course" she said airily.

The diplomats were still there, of course. "Sir?" asked Brenda, looking from Hiccup to Nicole and back with a bewildered frown. "What's going on?"

"It's alright, Brenda" he reassured her and the others, "I just decided to take Otto's advice, that's all. Everyone, this is Captain Nicole Stormheart. Nicole, these are the dragon diplomats. Brenda, Braun, Otto, Ashildr and Margret."

Nicole nodded to them in greeting, undisturbed by the still-confused and distrusting looks she was getting. One boy asked, "My advice? What are you…do you mean what I said earlier? About…can she hear thought-speak?" he questioned, pointing to Nicole and staring at Hiccup in disbelief.

They were all staring at him, actually, and Hiccup rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly. "Well…yes, actually" he confessed. Nicole knew the dragons were aware; she had heard Toothless warn the wilder ones not to attack her, that she came in peace. She was interested to see how the Dragon Whisperer's followers would react. The women and the brown haired youth were surprised, but they trusted their leader's judgement. The black haired boy, however…

"No offence, sir, but are you mad? She trespassed on my island, she had them hurt these dragons and used them as bait – she took your dragon, you go berserk when that happens!" Braun protested to Hiccup.

"Feeling a little offended over here."

"It's a figure of speech, Otto!" Braun snapped back. Turning back to Hiccup, he demanded to know "What in the name of Thor happened to 'I can't let them hear thought-speak because we can't trust them'?"

Patiently, Hiccup replied "I'm allowed to change my mind, aren't I? Nicole had plenty of opportunities to lie to us, to harm us severely, and she took none of them. That gave me reason to believe she could be trustworthy, if given the chance. But rest assured I intend to keep an eye on her, whilst I can."

Feeling she should speak in her own defence, Nicole stepped forwards. "I'm guessing you're from Outcast Island" she addressed Braun, who scowled at her.

"Yeah, and we don't take kindly to trespassers" he glared. The orange-red Monstrous Nightmare behind him flamed up and snarled, which was rather more imposing than the dragon saying *Yeah, what he said!*

The blonde diplomat, Brenda, remarked teasingly "The Outcasts only like trespassing when they're the ones doing it." She and the others sniggered, as did their dragons, much to Braun's indignation.

"Shut up!"

After unleashing a death glare on his friends – that went utterly ignored – Braun turned back to Nicole. He folded his arms and scowled at her, silently demanding an apology and trying to ignore how pretty she was. I wouldn't mind her trespassing on my territory – the thought flitted across his brain and was ruthlessly squashed. Bad imagination, bad!

The smile she gave him did nothing to put his mind at ease. "You're right, my crew and I did trespass on your island. But really, did we do any harm? Nobody was hurt, we didn't take any dragons – all we did was cut down and burn a tree. Just one measly tree; that's not so bad, surely?"

"Uh…" Well, when she put it like that…No! Don't let her fool you! "You could have bought a tree from my people" Braun tried to protest.

Ashildr asked incredulously, "Since when do the Outcasts sell trees?"

"Firestorm, attack!" Braun cried, pointing dramatically at her. His dragon did nothing except stare at him.

*I thought you said you didn't want us to attack people just because you told us to. Make up your mind!*

"Argh! Fight with Magpie, then!"

*Works for me!* Firestorm growled, lunging. The Spike-Tail leapt aside and rushed at him, both dragons snapping and snarling at each other, fighting on their riders behalf's and thoroughly enjoying themselves.

Hiccup asked, "What's Firestorm talking about?"

"Oh, that" Ashildr rolled her eyes. "One of the trappers said getting humans to live with dragons is a bad idea; that the people who had dragons would just use them to attack people who didn't. But dragons wouldn't let themselves be used like that…right?"

"The only time I've seen dragons obey humans so blindly, they also had a powerful alpha making them submissive" Hiccup replied, "I don't think they'd attack a defenceless settlement at the command of humans. Dragons raid for food or fun or because they're being made to, and how could we make dragons do anything they didn't want to?"

The diplomats were reassured by this, but Nicole was not. Before she could say anything though, she noticed the male Sand Wraith was stalking her. He growled when he saw her look at him. *It's bad enough you took us from our home, and took our hatchlings away - but then you have your humans break my mate's wing and use her as bait!*

To her alarm, his jaws parted to reveal the bright orange glow of fire. *Give me one good reason why I shouldn't blast you right now!*

Nicole took a step back, reaching instinctively for her swords. Riders and dragons alike cried out in protest. *Sirocco, don't!* Oasis cried out, shoving him with her unhurt shoulder. His fire faded as he stared at her in disbelief. Toothless moved between Sirocco and Nicole, growling and spreading his wings to make himself bigger, standing tall with chest out, imposing.

*I'll give you three reasons. One, hurting humans is forbidden in our territory. Two, we're trying to help her see us dragons as people, not just savage beasts. Three, if your mate tried to stop you, she obviously doesn't want you to attack Nicole. Look, I know how you feel. Whenever someone hurts or insults Hiccup, I want to rip them to shreds too, but I don't, because I know that would hurt him more. Unless he gives me permission. But he never does, the spoilsport.*

Hiccup rolled his eyes in good natured exasperation. "Nicole didn't know you're people, Sirocco. She didn't know what she did was wrong, but you know this is wrong. I know it hurts, but attacking her isn't going to bring your hatchlings back or heal Oasis' wing. It's just more needless violence. Please don't do this."

Sirocco backed down, and spat the sand out of his mouth (3). Looking over at Scorpia, he grunted incredulously. *I can't believe you're okay with this. You hunted this human female; you said humans should be killed.*

The drakaina hissed at him and ruffled her good wing agitatedly. *I do hate humans* she insisted stubbornly, *…but the human male saved me, and this one called me a worthy foe. They're still lesser than us, but if these humans have learned to respect dragons, then I've decided they can be allowed to live.*

*You're not 'allowing' anything* Toothless warned her, snarling. He turned to Hiccup and begged him, *Whatever you do, please don't let Dagur introduce her to Sparkle.*

"Why not? I think they'd get along really well."

*That's what I'm worried about!*

Nicole squared her shoulders and stepped towards Sirocco, who was being calmed and nuzzled by his other half. They both looked at her warily, but didn't attack. With a deep breath, she told them, "I'm sorry. For capturing you; for taking your hatchlings away; for having your wing broken. I didn't understand…I didn't think I was doing any harm, breeding dragons."

She was no stranger to slavery. In her youth she'd sworn to never be her mother; as an adult she had relented, because surviving was more important than her pride. By the time Nicole realised that she'd been enslaved, more or less, by the brothel's owner, it was too late. She'd escaped, joined a ship's crew instead and worked her way up the ranks, but she had sworn off keeping slaves.

It didn't matter with the dragons because they weren't people - but now, they were. She had been trafficking people, the way she was once. She had taken their children from them and sold those children into slavery as well. Less scrupulous people might have dismissed it all; some people were slaves, that was that – but Nicole just couldn't. She was cunning, and ruthless when she needed to be, but she wasn't a monster.

She didn't expect them to forgive her, so she was surprised when the female…when Oasis nuzzled her mate encouragingly, and Sirocco looked at her. *I still don't like you, but if you're really sorry, I accept your apology. But if you come after my other half again…* he growled, moving between Nicole and Oasis. She rolled her eyes and nipped at him. *I can take care of myself, dear.*

"I won't" Nicole replied. She looked at Hiccup, who nodded and turned to the others, wild dragons and ridden ones alike, and the diplomats. Between them it was decided that the wild dragons would stay here rather than return to Berk, and the humans would bring food and herbs to dull the pain of Oasis' and Scorpia's broken wings. They had quite a high pain tolerance, though.

Nicole climbed onto Toothless' back behind Hiccup, and they took off to wing towards Berk, accompanied by the young riders getting fish for the wild dragons. It still felt incredible to be up in the sky, and if she didn't have her ship, she'd almost want to train a dragon to fly with herself. She couldn't have both…could she?


Back on Berk, Nicole stood before the council once more, only this time not in chains. She told them all she knew of Adulfr's schemes, and suggested she not pull out of her 'business deal' with him, at least not straightaway. Better to let their enemy believe her an ally of his, not theirs. Astrid was wary – she didn't trust Nicole at all – but in the end, the council agreed having a spy would help.

Hiccup had taught Gonzales to answer yes or no questions with a nod or shake of his head, so she could convince her crew that dragons really could understand people. Nicole was surprised they were letting her keep the Stinger, until Hiccup explained that Gonzales considered her his Queen. "He's loyal to you. He's chosen you, he's your dragon."

To Nicole's gratification, Hiccup also presented her with a small chest full of gold. "You'll probably need a lot more supplies to get you all the way back to the Med, and we didn't have much to spare" he explained, "but you can buy more with this. Oh, and you should get in touch with my friend Eret and his crew. They're dragon wranglers; you guys could do the same thing, just further south." Hiccup handed her a map with the ports the Crashing Tide docked at.

"I'll keep it in mind" she nodded. Nearby, Astrid was waiting with Stormfly to take her back to her ship. "You are nothing like I expected, Dragon Whisperer. It's been an honour" Nicole smirked, holding a hand out to shake.

Hiccup shook her hand. Nicole saluted him – he returned it with a grin – and then walked over to Astrid and Stormfly, handing the chest up to the chief and hauling herself up onto the dragon's back. Whoever thought she'd be riding dragons? God knew what her crew would say. They'd probably think her mad.


Later that day, Hiccup was approached by Brenda, who found him and Toothless breaking up a fight over a boar one Fire-Scale had caught and two Spike-Tails wanted. It involved Toothless taking on the Nightmare and Hiccup getting right between the squabbling Nadders, fire sword out and blazing to distract them.

"Sorry about that, Brenda" Hiccup said apologetically, as one of the Spike-Tails licked at a scratch on his hand. If one of the dragons hurt him by accident, he made a point to let them lick the wound, because he didn't want to lose trust in them. He had a good flock. "How are our wild friends getting along?"

"They're doing well" she nodded, "Muddie's really taken a liking to the swamp there. He says he wants to stay, but he wants Aceso to be there too, and he wants Skulder to scratch him more. Scorpia told us to go away. Oh, and Sirocco and Oasis were arguing over whether they should stay or not. He wants to find their home, but she says she's tired of sand."

Pausing to dismiss the dragons – with a chunk of boar between them – Hiccup replied "I'll see if I can get Aceso and her hatchlings moved out to Dogshead Island. As for Skulder, he told me he's gotten a bit fond of Muddie himself, so maybe I can work with them. Don't worry about Scorpia, she's probably just trying to salvage her pride. And I don't mind if Oasis and Sirocco stay or leave, but obviously if they do stay, they'll need to pledge to Toothless and I."

Brenda stared at him with a very amused expression. "You don't know what I just said, do you?"

"What? Of course I do, I just replied."

*Yes, you did* agreed Toothless, *but you didn't notice she said the dragons told her all that stuff.*

"Exactly. Thanks, Toothless."

*You're welcome.*

Hiccup's mouth fell open. "But that's…you can still hear them?!"

"That's what I'm trying to tell you!" she laughed.

*Alpha-Hiccup, I'm sure you told us that our riders would only hear us for a short time* remarked Shimmer, *but all of them can still hear us.*

"She's right. The other guys flew back to their own islands, though, to see if they could understand the dragons there as well."

Hiccup almost couldn't believe it. "This is…this is incredible! I thought – it must be because I formed the link between you and Shimmer, but you're both keeping it open" he figured out. "Brenda, do you know what this means?"

"…No?"

"It means", Hiccup could not wipe the grin off his face, "that I have a way to let more people hear thought-speak permanently! (4)" Giddy, he hugged her out of the blue. "You're amazing. Thank you. Well done. Toothless, come on! I've gotta tell Dagur about this!"

Before she knew it, the Alphas had taken off. "Wha- hey! Wait for us! We're your proof!" Brenda cried, mounting up and urging Shimmer to follow them.


"You failed, then."

Nicole and Adulfr faced off against each other on the deck of his ship. She glared at him through narrowed eyes, as he looked at her with a smug expression. "They had scouts" she replied curtly. "The plan would have succeeded, but we had hardly left that island before eleven dragons set upon us, and then three more. If you had given us a few more ships we might have salvaged this."

Adulfr pursed his lips. "Would have. Might have. It would be such a shame for you to prove to be as useless as Harald. I expected better. And what of the Dragon Whisperer?" he inquired, spitting the title as if it were a curse.

Nicole shook her head. "Never saw one. Red tailed Night Fury, yes. Mysterious one legged rider, no. Face it, your mortal enemy is, well, mortal. He's dead."

Adulfr scowled, and stepped past her, looking out towards the northern horizon. Skadi sniffed at his hand and he gripped the fur on the back of her neck. He did not believe Haddock was dead; the man would not let himself be defeated so easily. Nicole was lying; she had been corrupted by them.

Still, no matter. Nicole could still prove useful in drawing Haddock and his precious Night Fury into the open. Or perhaps, Adulfr considered, he should keep to his original plan. After all, there's more than one way to skin a dragon.


(1) I've never broken my arm (touch wood), so I don't know if it would hurt enough to make it hard to speak, but if it does let's just assume there were pain dulling herbs with the bandages, 'kay?

(2) Unless she's the one being hysterical, apparently ;)

(3) Sand Wraiths shoot chunks of hot sand – hot enough to become glass.

(4) I've been wanting to introduce this for a while, but I couldn't figure out how, so I figured why not have them discover it by accident? That's how some of the best discoveries were made, after all.