For Better, For Worse.

Stoick looked slow, but his mind was quick. He looked at the Thorston girl curled on the floor. His son, with his arms around the Hofferson girl. Astrid looked towards him, and he saw the streaks on her face. He cleared his throat.

"Ahem. Well, now. I… suppose someone had better… get this one home." He pointed to Ruffnut. He went over and gently picked her up. "She was there for the meeting, so I guess you two got an earful." He winked at Astrid. "But she wasn't there for the big finish. Now you two say your goodnight while I get her home."

As he opened the door, he looked back. "No hurry. Take your time." He left.

Astrid wiped her face with the palm of her hand. "Now what? And why did he wink at me?"

Hiccup had a thoughtful look. "I don't know. But I know dad. I don't think its all bad news." He didn't have the look.

Astrid looked up at him. "Do you want me to wait? I've got to know."

Hiccup pulled her back to him. "No. But there's no rush." He smelled her hair. "For some strange reason, things have been working out for me lately. I thought I was good for nothing except being the butt of Loki's jokes, but maybe there's hope for me yet."

Astrid spoke to his chest, her arms tight around him again. "Just stop trying to get killed. Honorably or otherwise. Promise me." She leaned back and hit him in the shoulder. "Promise me, Hiccup!"

He gave a strange, crooked smile while rubbing the sore spot.. She was just becoming aware of the power his eyes could hold. "As long as you want me around, I'll have to stay. Just to see what's going to happen next."

As she hugged him again, she remembered Loki's words that night.

You should know by now, the person Hiccup needs the most protection from is himself!

Was that a prophesy too?

ooooooooooooooooooooooooo

Stoick dropped off the Thorston girl at her home. He had a short talk with the mother, assuring her that this time, she had caused no great trouble, and was only concerned for her friends. He also told her of his respect for those that rode dragons in the great battle, and suggested there be no punishment for her actions. Finally he bade her good night.

He then walked towards the Hofferson house. He saw light through the windows, so he went up and knocked on the door.

It opened to reveal Vigdis. She looked at the Chief, and her eyes went wide. "Is this about Astrid? Is there trouble?"

Stoick raised a hand. "No, there's no problem. Everyone is fine. The young ones, they have a lot to discuss. She will be home shortly." Then he gave a smile. "Could you please tell Augst I would like a talk with him, if it is not too late."

Her eyes narrowed. "Come in then, Chief. I was just going… for… a quick walk before bed. The two of you can talk men things alone."

He came into the room, and she grabbed a cloak off a hook by the door and slipped outside quickly. Slinging the cloak around her shoulders, she smiled.

ooooooooooooooooooooooooo

"His what?"

Thor slammed a hand on the table. "The sly devil! Didn't think he had it in him."

Freya's eye narrowed as she looked at Frigg. "Seriously? He's had more women than Thor's had tankards of ale."

Frigg shrugged. "Not lately."

Sif snorted at Freya's confusion. "Like a hundred years!"

Freya frowned. Loki was a tricky one. She liked keeping up with what he was doing. She always was looking for the chance to… guarantee his help. Something like this could never get past her. And why would Frigg tell her? Those two were too close.

Odin stood up. "And speaking of the devil…"

Loki entered the room. He was dressed in his most formal attire for this. He was slightly nervous.

And on his arm was a vision of loveliness. The long, flowing, silver gown reflected the lanterns of the room in the guise of a thousand tiny stars. The jewels in her hair sent rainbows of color sliding around the room with every small movement of her head. Her black hair shone, and lay straight down her back.

They walked slowly towards the table as everyone, except Freya, stood to receive the new guests.

"Sorry we're late." Loki explained. "You know how long it takes a woman to get ready."

Frigg walked over and took Thessa's arm, pulling her away. With a concerned glance at Loki, she allowed herself to be led to the table. "How about… no, that won't do. In that gown, I don't want you within arm's reach of Thor." She sat Thessa next to Sif. She waved Loki over to a place beside Freya and returned to her seat.

She looked around the table. "Now everyone, I'd like you to meet Thessa Haasdottr. Loki has been keeping her to himself far too long, and I'm sure we'll all get to know her better now."

"Do you have a sister?" Thor asked.

"Shut it, you!" Sif shot back.

"Well, if you're still mad at me…" Thor winked at his wife.

Sif leaned towards Thessa. "When you see him on his fourth tankard, run for the hills. You'll end up with paw prints all over that dress."

Sif saw the worry in the other woman's eyes. She reached out and took Thessa's hand. "It's okay. Really. Mom says you need a night out."

Frigg smiled at her. "Freya was afraid we were just going to have another hero here tonight. Some of those war stories do get a bit boring, don't you think?"

Thessa conquered her fear enough to give a slight nod. Her eyes kept darting quick glances at Freya across the table.

Who was frowning slightly. I've seen that face before. But Loki never keeps a woman beyond one night.

Frigg signaled, and they were served.

There was silence for a while, as Frigg had laid out more of the exotic foods of the realms than usual. Various wines were available, and Loki chose one from Alfheim. As nasty as those elves could be, they made great wine. Hard to get lately, due to the circumstances.

Frigg pointed a two-tined fork towards Loki. "So, dear, when do we hear about the wedding?"

Several things happened at once. There was a gasp from everyone else, added to Loki dribbling wine down his face as he fought to hold what he had drunk in his mouth.

He put the goblet down, which was shaking visibly, as he reached for one of the small cloths on the table. Wiping his chin, he had to clear his throat several times.

"Wedding, mother? What… why would you… "

Frigg laughed. "I haven't seen you so red since you gave Thor's hammer away."

"That was you?" Thor snarled. "Why, I'll…"

Frigg waved him down. "Now, Thor. It was all in fun, and something good did come of it, didn't it?"

Thor sat back. "I knew it was him all along." He looked at Odin. "I really did."

Loki looked over at Thessa. "Well, we haven't really… discussed it… yet." Thessa's eyes were the size of plates, her goblet frozen in front of her face.

Frigg smiled at him. "Wouldn't that make everything easier?"

Loki frowned. "Easier? What… easier?"

Frigg waved towards Thessa. "Why the traveling! It's not easy getting between here and Valhalla for her. I'm certain it would be much simpler for her to stay here with you."

Freya's eyes narrowed to small slits. She was a dead mortal! Aha! Now I have him!

Odin was paying attention a little more than usual to Frigg. He knew many accused her of mused ramblings, but he knew her too well. Her mind was as sharp as any blade, and she said nothing without a purpose. This was being played out specifically for someone. He glanced around the table. But who?

Frigg went on. "I guess that by now you've got all those little problems couples have worked out."

Thessa sat down her goblet, temper overcoming her fear. "If you don't count his abandoning me in that Gods-forsaken city. He still hasn't properly paid for it yet."

"Oh, he still didn't explain that?"

"Explain what?"

"She wouldn't listen, mother."

"I can listen fine! Ohhhh, you were so attentive! So… caring! But when I come up pregnant, you just…" She shut her mouth. She had gone too far. She grabbed her goblet and took a long drink of wine.

Freya froze. So did everybody else. Even Sif had not known this juicy detail.

Sif looked down and toyed with her food. "Sooooo, you and Loki spent… quite a bit of time together?"

Thessa sat holding her goblet with both hands, trying to control her shaking. "Y…yes. About twelve years."

Sif sighed. "Long enough, then."

"Long enough… for what?"

"For the law of appearance to take effect."

"I've tried to explain-"

"Explain what? You've given me this load of-"

"It wasn't my choice!"

"ENOUGH!"

Frigg cleared her throat after that shout. "Loki, maybe she'll get the idea now." She turned towards Thessa. "Our time on Midgard is limited, dear. One of our great Laws is that we don't stay on any realm too long. Assgardians used to try and create their own empires in the old days." She shrugged. "Living many thousands of years gave one a great advantage. We're not allowed to remain once we're noticed to be staying young. And then we can't go back until everyone alive at that time is dead."

Thessa looked at Loki. He had a sad look. He took a deep breath.

"It's not that I wanted to ever leave. But when you showed those grey hairs, and the lines around your eyes, I knew I would be forced to return here. I was very happy there with you."

Thessa felt a twinge of grief. "So you didn't just get up and leave in the night."

"Every time I try to explain it all, you just try to kill me. So I gave up."

"Pregnant." Freya said.

Thessa nodded. "I had a boy. My cousin was keeping him while I took a ship to the place I heard him talking about. Well, when he was pretending to be a merchant, that is." She shivered. "I was killed during an attack by rogue Legionnaires who had stolen a galley." Then she smiled. "But I took quite a few of them with me."

Sif said; "And that's how you got here!"

Thessa nodded. "I was here for fifty years before I saw Loki again, and then I realized who he was."

Loki smiled. "And I've been paying for it ever since."

"But you didn't abandon me by choice."

"Never."

"That's not the point!" Freya practically shouted. She turned and pointed at Loki. "You had a child with her. There!" Then she calmed. "Our blood can… can… cause problems there. This should not have been allowed."

Frigg stopped the bite of food halfway to her mouth. "Oh, nonsense! Besides, I think their children would be beautiful. Even grandchildren. Just think about it… Loki's good looks… his charm… his hair. And then I look at her beautiful green eyes. Did you notice those eyes, Freya?" She popped the food into her mouth.

Freya opened her mouth, but no sound came out. She stared at Thessa's face. Then Freya's eyebrows jumped higher than thought possible.

She stood up so quickly her chair fell behind her. "I've had enough of this. I must leave now." She stormed from the hall.

Loki was in total shock as Freya primly wiped her mouth. She smiled around the table. "I'm sorry for all the upset. But now it's just us family. More wine, dear?" She said to Loki.

ooooooooooooooooooooooooo

Hiccup was quite enjoying this. Her arms around him. His nose in her hair. For a while, there was nothing but quiet breathing.

He finally tried to stand up, pushing off of the chair, still holding her. It didn't work, so he put his hands on her shoulders and pushed her back. "Better head home. We can talk tomorrow."

She stood and pulled him up by the arms. "We never did get that leg rested."

He started for the door, her holding his arm. "I'm going straight to sleep… or try, anyway."

At the door, he stopped. He wasn't sure what to say or do here.

She pulled him around and kissed him lightly. "Tomorrow."

"Tomorrow." He replied, as he closed the door behind her.

Astrid walked to her house, lost in thought. She couldn't exactly get what Ruffnut was talking about. Hiccup had just performed the most heroic act ever accomplished by a Viking. Or anyone else she had heard of. The thought of punishment for it didn't make sense. And Stoick… his attitude didn't say punishment.

This was going to be a long night.

She saw someone walking around near her house. As she got closer, she picked out details.

"Mom?"

Vigdis walked up to her. "Just getting some air. Augst is talking to Stoick right now."

Astrid froze. "Good talk or bad talk?"

Vigdis smiled. "Good, I think."

"Mom? Were you at the meeting? Was there really an argument about him?"

Vigdis shook her head. "No, I wasn't. But Augst didn't say anything about it. He'd just sat down for a bite when Stoick knocked."

They were just standing there when there was the slam of a door. Stoick walked past them. "Evenin' ladies." He said as he walked by. They watched him walk quickly to his house and enter.

Astrid whispered. "Was that a normal slam or a mad slam?"

Vigdis frowned. "I don't know. Let's get home."

When they went in, Augst had already gone to their room. Vigdis shuffled Astrid upstairs to bed. She was assured to get all the news in the morning.

Astrid dressed for bed wondering exactly how she was supposed to sleep after today. Hiccup punished? Stoick and Augst talking? Ruffnut's rambling?

She lay down and pulled the blankets up with her mind swirling in a hundred directions. She knew things… important things… that nobody else on Midgard knew. And she had a personal task assigned by no less than Loki himself.

But how did she feel about all this? Loki seemed to feel she wouldn't mind watching Hiccup. Did she? She needed more time. But just like that night on the beach, time wasn't plentiful enough. The night before the final exam, she had decided that he was worth knowing better. When Stoick had led everyone to Dragon Island, she had pushed Hiccup to voice his feelings and do something.

Then she started putting other facts together. Hiccup didn't know she was gathering the others when he went to the arena. If she had been later, he would have flown off on the Monstrous Nightmare alone, to do the best he could. The others wouldn't have figured out everything in time to help. Without Toothless, he wouldn't have had much of a chance against the Red Death. She had eaten dragons that displeased her.

Great. So now, she had a boyfriend… Did I just think that? …with a death wish. Somehow, the timid rabbit had become the wolf. When he lost his fear, he lost all of it.

She also had to worry about other things. For all her courage, all her training… was she strong enough to do what she needed to?

And how about the more personal side of that? What kind of a pair would they make? Just what did he inherit from… his famous ancestor?

Slowly, perhaps from pure mental exhaustion, she drifted off.

ooooooooooooooooooooooooo

Stoick walked back in his house. Hiccup was sprawled on his bed. He had a drained look on his face. It was only the first day of his new life. Stoick had sworn to make it easier for his son, now that he was beginning to understand the boy's mind. He had to be careful how he pushed. Now, instead of trying to force him into being something he wasn't, he must learn how to guide him in what he was. He must find the strengths that his son had, and channel them into what was best for him, and his people.

He pulled a blanket up over Hiccup. His beast had kept the fire high. The dragon's back was to him, but Stoick did not doubt that he knew the Chief was there. He had this last week learned that the Night Fury missed nothing that concerned Hiccup.

He went to bed quietly. He would tell Hiccup about his trial later.

ooooooooooooooooooooooooo

Loki was still sitting there in shock as Frigg began making small talk with Sif. Odin was silent, since he thought that surely, there was more to come. Thor drained another mug, and waved for a refill.

Loki slowly turned his head. "Mother."

Frigg looked back. "Yes, dear?"

"You told her everything."

"Yes, dear."

"Everything!"

"Don't get excited, dear."

"I don't have the power to stop her now. I've hidden everything under what magics work against her for all this time, and you… just…"

"But Loki, I only brought you here so we could fix it."

Loki was slightly shaking as he turned in his chair to face his mother. "And how can I fix it now? Secrecy was my protection. It was… her only…"

"Oh, enough of that." Said Frigg. Standing up, she walked around the table and held out a hand to Thessa. "Come with me, dear."

Thessa let herself be led around the table until they were beside Loki, who stood up also.

Frigg adjusted them until they were standing side by side. "Now, I'm not sure how all this works, exactly. I don't think we've had such a thing here. But I've checked, and there's no law against it."

She turned to Odin, beckoning him with a hand. "If we could just borrow you a minute, darling."

Odin was fighting the smile he felt as he walked over there. "You could have said something, you know."

Frigg waved a hand. "Oh, come now. Aren't you the all-knowing? I never get to have any fun."

She turned to the two confused people standing in front of her. "Okay, now. We don't have all that mortal ceremony, Thessa, so I'll just get to the point. My husband here is going to marry you."

Loki jerked badly. Thessa looked at him. "Now you're getting cold feet."

"No… no. It's just… Oh, go ahead."

Odin walked over to stand in front of them. He simply laid a hand on each of their heads. He bowed his head for a second, then straightened up. He walked back to his seat and called for more wine.

Thessa blinked. Then she looked at Frigg, standing there with a huge smile on her face. "That's… it?"

Loki was still frustrated. "And how does this help her, mother?"

Frigg laughed. "Loki, you can be so slow sometimes. I checked all the laws, and there's nothing said against an Aasgardian marrying a hero from Valhalla." She walked up and put her hands on Loki's shoulders. "And by the way, a binding between you gives her all the rights of an Aasgardian, including protection."

Frigg went on. "It's all very confusing, dear. But the binding carries until death. Oh, wait… she's already dead once. Odin dear, how does that work again?"

Odin shrugged. "Beats me. We've never done such a thing before. Your guess is as good as mine."

Loki's eyebrows furrowed as he began to grasp the meaning. "Then… Freya can't…"

Frigg shook him lightly. "She can't touch her without Odin's personal permission. She's family now!" She walked back around to her seat at the table. "Really, son, you should really try the simple approach sometimes. Or maybe you were just that scared of marriage."

Thessa reached out and took Loki's hand. "Married. I thought… there'd be more to it than that."

Loki faced her. "Actually, he could have done all that from the next room. Maybe even from Midgard. I think he just wanted to put on a show for you."

"Well, you're going to have to tell me where I can get some more clothes from."

"Mother…"

"And why didn't you think of this long ago?"

Thor laughed as he reached for his tankard. "Starting to sound like a wife already."

"I heard that!"

"See, you are paying attention."

ooooooooooooooooooooooooo

Most times, Vikings started their work outside the instant the sun came up. So when Hiccup woke up and noticed light through the windows, it seemed a bit odd. Of course, they could have just left him alone due to his recent injuries.

He had dreamed about the battle again. It didn't hold the gut-wrenching fear of the real one, though. As he sat up, and dangled his legs over the side of the bed, he looked at his new metal leg. Same thing. He knew he had it, and it was just another thing to deal with. Toothless raised his head and looked at him.

It was almost as if his last five years had been spent training him for this. With no friends, he didn't expect much. With being ignored, or taunted, or insulted, or even hit, he had just filed those days away and dealt with it.

He thought he should feel angry somehow, but there was no anger. He was still amazed at being alive enough to allow it couldn't have been perfect. He really hadn't had a plan. Astrid and the others helped enough that he got the chance to do what he needed to.

Yesterday was all happy, and goodwill, and everyone was pleased he wasn't dead, but what now?

"What am I supposed to do now?" he asked the dragon.

"Well, for one, you can lay back down a minute."

Hiccup blinked at the dragon as if it had spoken. Then he looked towards the door. Berta had crept in quietly, not knowing if he was awake.

"Oh… Hi, Berta. I was… just… ummm, what brings you here?"

Berta walked over and dropped her bag by the bed. "You fool. You got up and went walking all over Berk yesterday. And, riding that dragon of yours. Don't you know these things need to heal?"

"It really isn't that-" He was interrupted by Berta putting a hand on his shoulder and shoving him hard back on the bed. Then she scooped his legs back on.

"You stay still, or I'll have your dragon sit on you. He'll do it, too. I've given the beast lots of fish this week."

"Traitor."

Toothless laughed. At least that's what Hiccup thought of the barking noise he came out with.

Berta rolled up his pants leg and started to unfasten his leg. "This was a lot easier when you didn't have any clothes on."

"Wait. You saw me… ummm… clothesless?

Berta laughed. "I think the word is naked, Hiccup. That's a pretty shade of pink you have there."

"Glad I wasn't awake for that, then."

Berta winked. "Oh, you were awake enough."

"I'm not going to ask."

She took off the metal leg, with its wood and leather fitting. She examined everything. Nothing leaking. The end of the stump seemed almost completely healed. There were just a few red areas where the leg wasn't used to having anything worn against it.

"Hmmm. Looks fair." She reached into her bag for some salve. "You're going to need to be careful until the skin toughens up a bit." She began rubbing the salve onto the raw areas. "I'll leave this with you. Don't forget, now."

"What about the foot?"

"What do you mean?"

"I mean, like when my foot hurts. Or itches."

Berta understood then. "I'm sorry, Hiccup. It usually goes away in time. There's nothing we have that can cure that. Gobber or the other veterans might can help."

She finished with the salve, and sat the jar at the end of the bed. Then she walked around to prop another pillow under Hiccup, raising him up some. Then she sat down on the edge of the bed by his side.

"How are you feeling?" she said.

"Okay. Just the foot thing."

"I mean, how are you feeling?"

"I… don't follow this."

Berta sighed. "Look. You've just been through a terrible battle, and you've lost a limb. Some people have bad nightmares. Some have a hard time adapting. How do you feel?"

"Oh. Okay, I guess." Hiccup looked at her raised eyebrow. "I'm really happy just to still be here! Really."

She smiled a little. "Is that all?"

"I'm not used to everyone talking to me all of a sudden. It's different… than I'm used to."

"But that's a good thing, Hiccup. You'll have to get used to being a hero now."

"Couldn't I just be… more like I… was?" Hiccup tried to explain. "When I was a nobody, people didn't expect too much out of me. Now I'm scared they're going to want me to do all kinds of… I don't know. Hero things."

Hiccup raised himself higher with his hands. "I'm not that kind of a hero! I only did that because I was scared out my mind what would happen to everyone. They had no idea what was out there!"

Berta reached over and pushed his hair over. "And that's what really makes you a hero, Hiccup. You knew what was there, and what a danger it was. And you went anyway. That's the difference everyone sees in you now."

She stood up and shouldered her satchel. "You've done so much for the village, Hiccup. It's a shame you had to suffer for it. Come see me anytime you have a problem. Any time."

She opened the door and started to step out. "And here comes your father. There's some big thing over at the Great Hall this morning."