A/N: I apologize for the long delay between my recent chapters. We just wrapped up a big inspection, one that I had a large part in. Unfortunately, we now move into our Basic Phase, which means that time between updates will be quite extensive. However, I have no intention to abandon the story, nor do I plan to do a long hiatus. I will see this through before the next time I am expected to ship out. Luckily for all you loyal readers, I have a 2 week leave coming up for the Christmas period. The plan is to get 2 more chapters out in that time frame, if not more. Chapter 11 is already in the process of being completed and should be out shortly. Thank you to all those who have reviewed the story, and I hope you enjoy the chapter.

Chapter 10—Without You Here

Castle

03JUN24—0730

Toothless POV

I looked over my gear one last time to make sure I had everything I need for this month long trip. Today's the day we're going to be taking a team of Elsa's most trusted soldiers into the mountains to prepare them for the coming storm. It sure took Jack's team long enough to get here though 'friggin Brits.' A soft knock broke me from my thoughts. As I opened the door I came face to face with Elsa.

"Ah Elsa, what can I do for you?" She looked at me slightly sad "so you guys are leaving today?" I looked back at her slightly confused "yea, is something the matter?" She shook her head with a small smile on her face "no, just wanted to make sure you take care of my men….and that 'fearless' leader of yours." Instantly I thought back to the conversation we had yesterday "ah yes, I'll make sure they all stay safe." With a small nod she excused herself "very well, thank you Toothless." After that she turned and walked away, off to do whatever duties she had for the day. Once again my mind drifted back to the conversation between the two of us yesterday.

Flashback

02JUN24—1524

'That was one hell of a workout' I thought to myself as I wiped the sweat from my brow. On my way back to my room I passed Elsa in the hallway. She seemed to be deep in thought, but I decided to be polite in my passing "good afternoon Elsa." My voice seemed to bring her out of whatever world she was in as she looked at me with a slight wave. A few moments after she registered it was me I heard her call out "Toothless, wait." I turned to look at her "what's the matter Elsa?" She seemed to hesitate a second before she found her voice "can I have a word with you?" I looked at her with a pleasant smile "sure, but can you give me like twenty minutes to go clean up?" She nodded so I continued on "ok then, how about I meet you in the dining room?" Now she was smiling at me "okay."

20 Minutes Later

I met Elsa in the dining room with a small bowl of fruit in my hand. She was already seated so I grabbed the seat adjacent to her, as I offer her some fruit. When I sat down I looked to Elsa "so what did you want to speak to me about?" She seemed to be lost in thought for a moment before she spoke up "well…I wanted to talk to you about Hiccup." I couldn't help but be a bit taken back "come again?"

She became a little shy at my remark "I-I'd like…to know…a bit more about…Hiccup." My face softened "no, I heard that part, I was just surprised is all. However, it's not really my place to be speaking about his life." I saw her face fall at that "buuuuut, I guess some small things wouldn't hurt." Her face instantly did a one-eighty and she slightly trembled with excitement. A small smile made its way on to my face "is there anything specific you'd like to know?" With a nod she answered "he seems like a lady killer, is that really how he is?"

I couldn't help the smile that grace my face or the laugh that escaped my lips. Wiping a tear from my eye I replied "no, not at all. He's actually quite reserved." Another laugh escaped my mouth at the face she made. A moment later she responded "what? What do you mean by that? He seems so outgoing and exuberant." Once my chuckles had died down I answered her "that's his mask. Everyone wears a mask to cover up something and you've already heard about some of his exploits in the field. He uses that façade so people don't ask questions." She bore a look of confusion "what kind of questions?" With a blank face I responded "like the kind that you came here to ask me."

She seemed hesitant for a second but I continued on "look Elsa, although he hasn't said it outright or really expressed it, he does care for you. I can see it and the fact that you're standing here in front of me means that you see it too. I also see the way you look at him, but you're still unsure about your own feelings. I'm sure he can see that too. He doesn't want to be hurt like he was the last time. The real question is do you care for him the way he does for you?"

Without hesitation she blurted out an answer, once I wasn't expecting so soon. "Yes." I looked at her in shock for a moment "whoa, guess you didn't really have to think about that one. Let me ask you one more question then." She nodded her head. "He's in harm's way a lot. What are you going to do if something happens to him?" She paused for a moment this time, but still answered in a quick manner. "I would just have to be there for him no matter what happens." I looked at her solemnly "and if he doesn't come home?" Her face became downcast, but a small fire was burning in her eyes "my heart belongs to him and him alone."

With a smile I looked at her and replied "looks like Hiccup found himself someone truly special." She smiled as I continued "I'll support you in your endeavor, but it's still going to be a slight uphill battle." With a small smile still lingering she spoke softly "I realized that, but all good things come with a challenge." A small chuckle escaped my lips as I spoke "that's true. I feel you'll succeed with a little persistence."

Another grin threatened to swallow her face "thanks Toothless. This was just the talk I needed to have with you." A small smile still on my face I replied "anytime Elsa." With that she bid me a goodbye and took her leave. Well that was a fun chat, but now I have to finish packing.

Flashback End

Hiccup met up with me as I was walking out of my room. "You ok there Toothless? You seem a little lost in thought." I look at him as we walk toward the courtyard "yea, I'm good man. Just remembering something important." He nodded to me "hope it's not going to distract you from the mission at hand." I looked at him with a playfully hurt expression "you think so little of me." A small laugh escapes his lips "right, sorry bud."

As we arrived in the courtyard we were greeted by Elsa, Anna, and the selected group of trainees. Once we were a few feet away Elsa spoke up "where's your transportation? Surely you're not going to walk up the mountain." As if on cue a loud chopping sound echoed through the courtyard as a CH-46 Chinook rounded one of the towers closest to the airfield. Hiccup spoke up with a slight grin "ask and you shall receive."

A few moments later the helicopter made it's descent into the courtyard kicking up dust and causing the two women and a few of the guards to cover their faces. Upon its touchdown, Kristoff made his way off and over to us "sorry about the wait, you know how finicky these old tin cans are." With a knowing smile he turned to the group "who here has been in a helo crash?" Of course, all of our guys threw up a hand, but only a few of the more veteran Arendellians raised theirs. With a small chuckle I spoke "well, let's hope we won't have to give any training on that." The others gave a chuckle as we grabbed our gear and made way for the helicopter.

Hiccup and I made our way to the base of the CH-46's ramp and waited as the Arendellians loaded up. Once the last Arendellian was aboard, Kristoff walked passed us toward the cockpit and let the pilots know we were ready to go. As the rotors picked up speed Hiccup and myself stepped aboard, and with one final wave the ramp closed and we were off.

Elsa POV

I watched as the helicopter's ramp door shut and offered a small wave as I caught Hiccup's last glance. With that the helicopter took to the sky and toward the mountain before disappearing beyond the clouds. Once it was out of sight I turned to Anna "it's going to be quiet over the next month isn't it?" With a small frown she nodded, but quickly perked up as she spoke "time is going to fly by though. They'll be back before we know it!" A small smile graced my lips as I replied "you're right. Now let's go have some chocolate ice cream!"

09JUN24—1230

Anna POV

'I spent the better half of an hour searching the castle for her and she's been here the whole time?!' As I made my way into the study I noticed Elsa sitting by the window with her back facing the door. I walked around the chair and reveled in the sight before me. Elsa was slightly hunched over with her head on her right shoulder signaling she was passed out. What was really funny was the fact that she was drooling slightly.

I couldn't help the cheshire grin that spread to my face as a plan formulated in my mind. I pulled out my phone and snapped a picture of Elsa, but I didn't stop there. I also put my phone on record and set it on the table. Once that was complete I stood directly in front of her and yelled with a smile "Wow Hiccup, you're back already?!"

The reaction was priceless as Elsa's head snapped up slightly messing up her hair, and flinging a little drool around. Instantly, she wiped the drool from her mouth and shot up to face the door. I couldn't contain my laughter any longer and just let it go. I laughed so hard it brought tears to my eyes and even made my stomach hurt.

After a few moments I regained my composure, and looked up to see Elsa glaring at me with a dark expression and a sinister smile. "So you think that's funny huh Anna? Well how about I show you funny?" The temperature in the room dropped slightly, and I took that as my cue to leave. I instantly reached over, grabbed my phone and something else, then took off like a bat out of hell out of the study.

I looked over my shoulder to see Elsa hot on my heels. As I looked back forward I saw my room at the end of the hall, and put everything I had into getting away. Elsa must have noticed because she iced over the floor and I fell flat on my butt. I looked to see her quickly gaining ground and began to say my last prayer. Before I knew it she…

09JUN24—1442

Anna POV

"Ruelsa…ret re ro!" I said with my lips frozen to an ice sculpture of Kristoff. Elsa was laughing her head off at my predicament as she snapped picture after picture on her phone. "Sheriously Ruelsa!" I attempted to yell at her of melt the statue, but she just continued laughing. I managed to pull my lips off far enough to get an actual sentence out "ok Elsa, I'll just have to make sure I show Hiccup your diary when he gets back." That actually hurt my lips more than I thought.

Her face fell after I said that, and she spoke "what do you mean? I left my diary locked in my study." With a triumphant look I endured the pain as I replied "you think my phone was the only thing I took off that table? And I've already hidden it where only I will find it." With a glare she released me from my 'hunky ice prison' and turned to me "ok, now where's my diary?"

She must have sensed I was going to run again because she built up an ice wall behind me. A cheshire grin spread across my face as I spoke "what's the matter Elsa? Don't want Hiccup knowing about all the little things you think about him?" Shen seemed taken back a bit, but she quickly replaced that look with a smile I didn't like. "Ok, Anna you can tell Hiccup all about my Diary…I'll just have to make sure I tell Kristoff about last year's Christmas party."

My eyes grew wide as saucers and my body went rigid as she said that "you wouldn't dare." With a smile she spoke once more "oh, but I would." Her eyes looked up and to the right as she continued "if I remember correctly, I think I still have the picture too." This time I felt fear run through me "now Elsa, let's not do anything rash." With a defiant smile she replied "well if I had my diary back I wouldn't have to."

A feeling of defeat surged through me "fine…follow me." As we made our way to the resident wing of the castle I struck up a conversation "you're such a jerk Elsa. My lips are still sore from that little ice sculpture of yours." With a blank look she turned her head to me "well, I wouldn't have had to do that if you hadn't scared the crap out of me…or took my diary." With a small glare I replied "well I wouldn't have mentioned your diary if you hadn't frozen my lips."

She shot a glare back "and what would you have done with it exactly?" A sheepish look graced my features "oh…ya know…read it, hide it…" with a mumble "…showed it to Hiccup." She stopped on the spot, as did I "wait, you mean you actually would have showed that to him?" I just shrugged my shoulders "maybe, it seems like you need a bit of a push in the right direction." She shot me another glare "what does that mean?" I just looked back at her with a look that said 'did you really just ask me that?'

Her face softened a little bit, but I could see the conflict in her eyes "I understand why you're apprehensive about him. You don't want him to turn out like the last guy you were with…what was it again?" She chimed in "you mean Hans?" She shot me a dirty look "Hiccup is nothing like Hans! You can't even begin to put them in the same category." A knowing smile graced my face "seems like you've already made up your mind about him then."

She became silent after that so I decided to change the subject. "How do you think the group of guys you sent is fairing with those three?" She seemed to think about it for a second "well I've heard stories about what they go through in training. I know it's going to pay off, but will our guys be able to take the hell that those three are going to put them through?" I looked at her "of course! You sent some of our best up there with them. If they can't do it then nobody can." She smiled at me "you're right Anna." Feeling jubilant I exclaimed "of course I am! Now let's go grab a treat…" She looked at me with confusion. "…I know where Kai hid the stash of chocolate." Instantly her face lit up with joy "lead the way then…and then I'll get my diary back." I nodded with a smile and then took off with Elsa right behind me.

17JUN24—1125

Elsa POV

I was on a walk in the gardens when I bumped into someone I didn't expect. Looking at the man, I made my presence known "good morning Sven." He turned and looked at me "ah, good morning Queen Elsa." With a giggle I replied "please Sven, we've been over this, it's just Elsa." He smiled "right, sorry Elsa. Anyway what brings you to the gardens on this fine day?" With the smile still on my face I answered "just wanted to walk around and clear my head. What about you Sven?" "I just turned over my roving patrol to Meathead, and was just cutting through the gardens to enjoy the scenery. Care to join me for the rest of my walk?"

With a small nod I replied "I would like that." With that we began our way toward the fountain. "So Elsa, what's it like being a Queen?" I looked at him while walking "well, to be honest, it's a quite stressful job. I'm sure you figured out that Arendele is one of the last absolute monarchies still functioning." He nodded and I continued "while I do have a counsel to assist me with my duties, in the end all responsibility and decisions made falls solely on my shoulders. It can be quite stressful, but also very rewarding."

He looked to me slightly confused "how so?" "Well, every time I make my way into the city I'm reminded of all the choices I've made for this country. Everything from trade contracts to festivals of honor and so on. Seeing the smiles on the faces of my people makes all the hardship I face worth it in the end." I could feel my smile fade away "I just wish I didn't have to do it all alone." Once more he seemed slightly confused as he spoke up "but you're not alone. You have Anna to help you."

I shook my head slightly "while yes Anna does help at time, she has no real leadership experience. Plus, she has a tendency to act without thinking and can be a little naive at times. Do I think she could lead the kingdom? Absolutely, but I think if it came down to a difficult choice. For example, send an army to neutralize a threat with a low possibility of survival, or risk an attack on the kingdom. I'm not sure how, or if she even could, handle that pressure. Hell, I hate making choices like that but I also realize what's at stake. I just wish I could find a guy who could make choices like that, and help me burden the weight of the outcome. Someone who would put his people before himself. Someone…"

"…like Hiccup." "Yea, Sven like Hic-" I shot him an incredulous look "wait, what?" He looked to me with a smile "you just described Hiccup. Plus, anyone can see that you're quite fond of him." "Wh-no…I…" I crossed my arms and felt a pout grace my face "oh come on! Is everyone going to call me out on that?!" He just laughed "like I said, it's quite obvious to everyone. That's just as obvious as the thing going on between Kristoff and Anna. At least they're open about it. Seeing you and Hiccup is like watching a 'chick flick.'" I looked at him with a blank expression as he continued "I'm sure I'm not the only person who has told you this, nor will I probably be the last, but you should talk to Hiccup and let him know how you really feel."

I sighed "I knew you were going to say that." He just laughed "well maybe we're all trying to tell you something. Remember Elsa, life is short, don't waste it and lose out on things that 'might' have been." I recognized the castle door standing in front of us. "Wait, what happened to stopping by the fountain?" He looked at me and shrugged "I guess we were so caught up in our conversation we didn't notice we passed it." He looked at his watch "anyway, let's head in and join the others for dinner. It's already 1630." I looked at him shocked "wow, time really flies." With a nod he led the way into the dining hall for dinner.

23JUN24—1315

Anna POV

"Elsa, it is so boring. I miss Kris….the others." I whined as we walked the grounds of the castle. She gave a slight nod and replied "yes, Meathead and Sven aren't as talkative as the other three." As we were walking we bumped into someone we hadn't seen in a while. He noticed our presence and made his way over to us. "Good afternoon your majesties." Elsa offered a quick nod followed by a "good afternoon, Mr. Overland."

He responded with a smile "please your majesty, call me Frost." The both of us gave him an odd look before I responded "ok, Frost. So what brings you out on the grounds today?" He offered us a smile "actually, you just caught me on my way out into town, care to join me?" The two of us looked at one another then shrugged and said "sure."

After a walk through the gates and down a ways we found ourselves in the merchant district of the city. We found ourselves at a Starbucks next door to our favorite chocolate shop Godiva. While Elsa and Mr. Frost went in to get some coffee or hot chocolate I popped in to the chocolate store to grab us some treats. A few minutes later we found a seat on the patio area of the Starbucks.

A short silence followed for a few minutes until I decided to break the ice "so Mr. Overland…" "Please, just Frost." "…right, Frost, what's it like being part of the British SAS?" A large smile adorned his features as he spoke "well for starters…we're better than the SEALs." Both my sister and I deadpanned at his declaration. Elsa asked the question on both of our minds "why's that?" The smile still on his face he replied "well, we never lose."

Me and my sister just looked at each other before I responded "didn't Hiccup out lift you by a hundred pounds?" A pout adorned his face "yea, but…" This time Elsa chimed in "and if I remember correctly didn't Toothless out drink that Nick fellow?" Once again he tried to defend himself "well, he…" Once more I made a point "oh Elsa, didn't Kristof also beat their supposed fastest member in a foot race?" She got the point and played along "why yes he did."

It was at this point Frost folded "okay, okay, maybe we do lose sometimes, but those are only petty squabbles. We'd never lose anything major to an American." A sweet smile graced my face "then what happened in 1776?" His look of astonishment was priceless, and even Elsa let out a chuckle. He pouted once more as he spoke to us "that bloody Hiccup told you to say that didn't he?" I just nodded as Elsa answered "actually, he told us to ask you that question first, knowing it would rile you up." This time he scowled a bit, but still held a tone of playfulness "I'm guna kill him."

Me and Elsa couldn't help but laugh as he slightly fumed. I decided to divert the topic "anyway Frost, why not tell us a little about yourself." The scowl dropped from his face as a small smile returned "let's see. First off, I come from a small town called New Abbey in the northern part of England. I enlisted in the English Royal Army at the age of eighteen and began my career as a commando. Roughly a year later I went up for the SAS selection process, and well here I am."

I looked to Elsa then back to him "that's it?" He looked at me a little oddly "yea, that's basically my life in a nutshell." Once more I looked to Elsa "what is with these special forces guys and being so secretive? It's really kind of annoying." She simply nodded at me. I turned back around to face Frost "ok, since you don't wanna say too much about your background, why not tell us how you and Hiccup became friends."

A neutral look adorned his features as he spoke "friends? I guess you could use that word for that peg-legged, burger eating, patriot."

Elsewhere with Hiccup

"Achoo." "What's wrong Hiccup? You're not catching a cold are you?" Toothless asked. Hiccup shook his head "no, but I just got the sudden urge to put a tea drinking Brit in his place."

Back with Anna

Frost spoke "let's see, I guess what really made us close was the ambush." That immediately perked my interest, and from the corner of my eye I could see Elsa was also intrigued. Elsa piped up and asked the question on both of our minds "what ambush?" Frost's face went solemn "remember King Lancer? The Southern Isles king who was killed by his youngest son so that he could gain the throne?" Both of us just nodded as he continued "well, his son Hans had made a deal with a few high ranking, at the time, Al-Qaeda leaders. Basically, if they helped him gain the throne then he would grant them protection."

"A French Interpol agent had caught wind of what was going on, and was killed in his attempt to escape. However, he managed to get the word to a couple of NBC World reporters. One was American and the other was British. The two managed to make it to a British Embassy close to their location. The news made it back to both host countries as they devised a plan to get the embassy clear."

He paused for a moment as he sipped his tea before continuing. "Quickly it became a joint operation between our two countries. Upon our arrival aboard the USS Stennis, we were greeted by the team that was going to be escorting us. I was a tad bit shocked to find Hiccup standing in front of me. I was expecting team six, in all honesty. Now, by this time I had met his team a few times, but we never really had a mission together."

Once more he drank some tea, and allowed the information to settle in our minds. "We got right down to business as soon as everyone gathered. The plan was to have the two SAS teams enter from the parking garage underneath, while Hiccup's team and the MARSOC team that was joining us rappelled in from a helo." I quickly cut him off "I've heard Hiccup say something like that, but what is a MARSOC team?" Frost offered a small smile "it stands for Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command. Basically, it's just what it sounds like."

Still a little confused I asked another question "but why do the Marines have special teams if the SEALs are so good?" He offered a little chuckle before answering "all Special Forces are very well rounded, but each group excels in certain areas." He looked at the look on our faces and elaborated "for example, take a SEAL team. They're great in all aspects of combat just like every other special team, but they excel in any kind of waterborne combat. Whether it's underwater demolition or saving a ship captain from pirates in the middle of the ocean. Another example is the SAS, once again we are very well rounded in all aspects of combat, but we really excel when it comes to jumping in behind enemy lines and neutralizing them. The reason for that lies in our origin. We were originally created during World War II to jump behind enemy lines to do damage. MARSOC units are the same way, except they excel at sniping. These guys could shoot the wings off a fly at five hundred yards. Does that clear things up a bit?"

I nodded, but it seems Elsa had one last question "so, you said that the SAS background lies in its paratrooper origin right?" I saw him nod "what is the background of the SEAL program?" I could see him ponder the question for a second before he replied "honestly, I'm not sure. That's something you would have to ask one of them." He finished off the rest of his tea and the looked at his watch. "I believe it's time we head back, it's getting close to dinner time." The two of us looked at each other, nodded, and rose from our seats with Frost following our lead. The trip to the castle was a peacefully silent one.

02JUL24—0947

Frost POV

I just finished Skyping my wife when a light tapping sound graced my door. I shut my laptop and made my way to the origin of the noise. I opened the oak door to reveal the SEAL team medic, Sven. The sight of the man confused me a tad. "What can I help you with this morning Sven?" His face showed no emotion as he spoke "I believe it's time we begin discussing assault plans for ISIS compounds in the area." Instantly, I was curious "why the change all of a sudden?"

He let out a sigh "a group of ISIS supporters attacked an elementary school in the rural areas on the other side of the North Mountain." My face grew stern "what was the outcome?" His silence was all I needed to confirm my worst fear. I could feel my anger building "FUCK! These bloody bastards need to be finished once and for all!" He took the opportunity to speak "you're right. The only problem, or should I say problems, are Pitch and Drago. If we could eliminate them then the organization would fall apart."

I spoke solemnly "but how long until another rises in its place?" He shook his head "I can't answer that, but we can show these radicals that there is no place in our world for their shit." I simply nodded while he continued "let's meet at 1300 in the Operations Room. We will inform Hiccup what is going on upon his return tomorrow. In the meantime those of us remaining will strategize and prepare a counter assault in case they get brave. I would appreciate it if your men could be there as well Major."

His use of my title didn't go unnoticed, nor did the severity in his voice. I spoke to him as if he was one of my own "me and my men will be in attendance. I heard that the two of you that Hiccup left behind are excellent tacticians." He nodded and answered "that's correct." I continued on "then I will observe your

opinions as if you were officers." He nodded slightly "thank you sir." With that he took his leave, and progressed down the hall and out of view. I looked to my desk that was riddled with notes and thought to myself 'it's going to be a long day.'

1300

As I entered the make-shift Operations room, all of the men already present rose to their feet. Upon my entry, I could see the royal family sitting with on the left side of the room. Opposite them were my men, and to the front of the room was Sven. I made my way to the front isle and took a seat next to my men. Once I sat down everyone else took that as their cue to sit as well, and Sven took it as his cue to begin the brief.

"Good morning Ladies and Gentlemen. As you know, around 1500 yesterday a group of ISIS supporters car bombed an elementary school in the River Province on the north side of the mountains." I heard a small gasp come from the Princess 'I guess she didn't know'. "Casualties numbered in the low hundreds and of all various age groups. What this tells us is that the supporters are getting braver. You were all called here today to formulate a plan in the event they decide to attack Arendelle directly. Of course, our immediate mission is to protect the royal family, but we will still plan to help where we can. Any questions?"

A small hand shot up from the Princess "But if they attack the city directly, won't it be with a large force? Are there enough of you to stop them if they do?" I was about to field that question, but I could see that Sven had already anticipated it so I let him take care of it. "Do you have so little faith in us Princess?" She went to answer but stopped herself as he continued "first off, we won't be fighting alone. I know that an attack on your soil would prompt your military to intervene with or without the Queen's consent. Secondly, all of the men in this room, and those out on the training mission, specialize in beating the odds, even if it means our death. Lastly, is precisely why we called this meeting, so that in the event a large force does attempt to occupy the city we, can cut them down without major losses."

The Princess seemed to have taken his words to heart and allowed herself to come down. The Queen on the other hand seemed a bit more concerned, but I'm not quite sure what about. Sven began speaking once more as I focused my attention back on him. "The watch rotation Hiccup established will be slowly phased into the regular guard shift. This will allow those of us with more combat experience, to include the team being trained currently, to act as a reaction force in the event an attack does happen. The initial Alpha team will consist of Team 13 and half of the Arendellian Reaction Force. The other half of the Arendellian Reaction Force and Major Frost's team will make up the Bravo team. The two teams will divide and assess the situation accordingly. The team closest to the last know location will be responsible for getting them to the safe room below the castle dubbed 'The Treehouse'. The other team will be responsible for driving back the opposing force from the city. Both teams are authorized to repel the threat with extreme prejudice. That's all I have for this brief. Any questions or concerns?"

Nobody bothered to answer, and I took that as an opportunity to look at my watch. '1537 huh?' The day was almost over, but the ominous feeling I had during the brief had yet to leave me. I couldn't quite place it, but it felt as if somehow the outcome of this mission was going to change us all in some way. I let that thought leave me as I went to grab a bite to eat. 'I wonder if Hiccup had any luck in getting those new recruits ready. I guess tomorrow we'll see.'