First of all, my deepest apologies! I had started writing this shortly after the last, and had gotten about two thousand words in, but then...Nothing! Not that I didn't have a plan, or a vision for this chapter or many more to follow it. It just...There were many distractions. And after a while I began to question: Was I looking for distraction? And why? I had a plan, and a vision...I just couldn't get myself to writing again...It was frustrating to say the least.
I managed to get myself in gear just before the holidays, and had meant to get this out before Christmas, then New Years day. The holidays being what they are...I failed. I hope you understand and will forgive me. I will do better in the future. I started it, I WILL finish!
I hope you like this chapter. A little bigger than some of the others. And please keep your arms, legs, and other appendages in the car during the ride!
Chapter 11
She stared at the paper she was supposed to be reading. But every time she stopped, her mind would wander. To thoughts she hadn't dared think until now. Thoughts of travel to the north. Farther than she'd ever traveled before. Thoughts of life as a married woman and all that that entailed. The idea of bearing children. Being a mother...Being a wife. Up until now, those thoughts held nothing but aversion. She had nearly given up on the idea of marrying someone she loved. She would be doomed to marry for political reasons. That had all changed when Hiccup agreed to ally with her. Now her mind was awash with all that she'd dare not hope before. Possibilities that until now she only secretly wished for, but thought them to be pure fantasy.
She still wasn't entirely convinced. She and Hiccup still needed to talk at length about this. She would have to bring Elenus, and perhaps the Lady Heather too. She'd had a few meetings with her council members separately all afternoon, but she hadn't told anyone. She thought it best to wait until they had time to discuss it at length. Hiccup had not come here to bargain for a bride, and she had always thought to stay single, but yet here they were. Bound by duty and circumstance. She was grateful that things had worked out the way they did. But there was something in the back of her mind that wouldn't stay quiet. Something bothering her about all this.
She took a deep breath and let it out. Straightening out the papers on her desk, she cleared her mind. A certain pinch in her stomach reminded her that she hadn't ate since lunch. Dinner would be soon. She needed to make a round of the castle before that. She wondered after Hiccup. If he would be there. What they would say to each other. Would they make an announcement then? She needed to see him, if only a brief moment before. And Anna. She really needed to see her sister. If only to lord it over her how she won their little bet. It would be so nice to have one over her for once. She couldn't help but smile at the thought of her pout. This would be worth a whole years' worth of pouting unless she missed her guess.
As if on cue, there was a soft knock on her door. She bid them enter. To say she was shocked would be an understatement, as Astrid came into view. She wore a dress that was more in the Aredellian style. Not befitting a lady at court, but nice. Her hair was braided in a style she guessed was more traditional. She sported a bruise that her hair only partly covered. She was beautiful, and fierce. She wished she shared her skills and confidence. But in another time...Perhaps things would be different.
"Your Highness? Am I disturbing you?" She couldn't begin to imagine what she was doing here. But maybe, this was an opportunity she should take. She shook her head and swept her arm toward the chair in front of her desk.
"No, not at all Lady Astrid! I was just finishing up" She offered her a smile. Astrid seemed to stiffen a little, but then took purposeful strides, then sat down. She looked around taking the room in. Astrids' eyes eventually settled on hers.
"So! How was lunch?" Innocent, but directly to the point. She liked that.
"It was good. My cooks out-did themselves as usual. And the garden is such a nice place to eat. Especially on a day like today." She wasn't sure how much she should let out. Astrid nodded, and took in the room some more. Her eyes settling on hers once again. She tilted her head slightly.
"And...You and Hiccup..." Astrid was leading her, she knew. But she should really talk to him first. She could probably trust her. But it seemed there was a slight tension in the air.
"He was very nice. We had a very pleasant conversation. Hiccup seemed more focused on the food, but it was nice." Astrids' brow creased a little, but she gave a tiny smile and nodded.
"I'm, I'm glad he was nice to you. If he had been anything but, I'd have to pound him..." Astrid was frowning. Elsa couldn't help but snort. Astrids' eyes snapped to hers in an instant. A tiny look of shock came over her features, then relaxed. She smiled quickly, but turned her gaze to her lap. She shifted in her chair. Astrids' eyes slowly lifted to hers.
"What did you talk about?" Her eyes widened a fraction. She turned away, seeming to take the room in once again. Her ire was raised. What business was it of hers to pry into her personal affairs? She wasn't even a noble, if she had heard correctly. She was just some other who had been brought along to, to…
-To look after Hiccup, she realized. The thought hitting her like a winter gale. She then remembered they had been sweethearts. Childhood sweethearts, she corrected. She was someone he had spent a lot of time with. Had grown up with. She was someone Hiccup could trust implicitly. She wasn't sure if she could trust her, but if he could…
"Hiccup and I, have agreed at least in principle, to the idea of an alliance between us." Astrids' head whipped around. A slight bit of shock showing on her face. Her eyes narrowed in a breath, then released. Her brow peaked before she turned away. When she turned back, there was a forced smile, and traces of hurt in her eyes.
"That's, good! Great! I'm...I'm happy for you both." It clearly wasn't alright. All that training and experience in diplomacy had taught her a few things. This was glaringly apparent. She wasn't exactly sure why, even given Astrid and Hiccups' history. The real question was if she would tell her, be completely honest with her. She'd give it a try. She leaned across her desk, reaching out for Astrid
"Astrid? This...Isn't going to be a problem with you, is it?" Astrid looked, she frowned harshly, opening her mouth. Her eyes widened and she looked away again. After a few moments, she let out a sigh. Their eyes met.
"No, it's fine really." She turned her gaze to her lap. She wrung her hands a bit, twining and untwining her fingers. Her eyes darted side to side before she met her gaze again.
"Hiccup and I..." She looked into her lap again, then back.
"We, grew up together. We played together as children. But as we got older, we kind of drifted apart. I was focused on being the best...warrior in Berk, and he was the son of the chief. But he was always getting into trouble. Causing messes the rest of us would have to clean up. He was all knees and elbows too. -And small. Not your average Viking. He, he never thought like the rest of us either." She stopped and shook her head, huffing. A smile broke out on her face.
"It, it wasn't until he started changing things that we really noticed him. Saw him for the future chief he would eventually become. And, for...For the longest time, I saw my future all laid out before me. He as chief of Berk, and I would be his wife. We...We would lead our people, together...Into this new future he started to create for all of us." A sad sort of smile ghosted across her face before she began again.
"Then...Then Drago happened. He lost his father, Stoic the Vast. He was a great chief. His loss, was very hard to take. Then this damn war. He and his mother...Had a falling out. After that I, guess we, just...Drifted apart again. I, never stopped caring for him. And I've always had his back. He just...He hasn't been quite himself for a very long time..." Astrid looked away again. A sad expression on her face. It was a few moments before she looked back, her features brightening as she spoke again.
"But, this trip...And you, -you've been good for him. I've, we...Haven't seen him smile, or carry on like he has been lately, for a long, long time. He's been more...Like he used to be." Elsa had to fight hard to contain her snort.
"You mean, like a jerk?" Astrid snorted at that, then her eyes snapped to hers. A frigid, calculating sheen came over her eyes until she quickly blinked twice.
"Well, yes. B, but he never really means it in a mean way. N, not really." A wry smile came over her lips. "He needs to be reminded, - a lot, that he isn't always the smartest person in the room!" Elsa did snort at that, and giggled.
"Well, that certainly won't be a problem!" Astrid laughed, leaning forward a bit. She locked eyes with her, lidding them slightly.
"You just come to us, if he ever gets out of hand...We'll straighten him out!" Elsa nodded, smiling. They shared a long look, Astrids' features hardened.
"Seriously Elsa, I'm, I'm glad he's met someone like you. Someone who's his equal. Someone who won't try to use his status for their own gain. Who won't take advantage of his...Usually good nature, and, and his heart..." She blushed fiercely, but continued to hold her gaze. Honest and true. She really liked this woman. There were still tiny doubts in her mind, perhaps the same ones that had been nagging her for most of their stay. But like Hiccup, neither she, nor anyone else in his party had done nothing to really lead her to question whether they were nothing more than they seemed. Fierce and intimidating at times yes, but also good natured in general, and honest.
Her mind began flooding with ideas. Her whole body bubbled with the prospect of having such allies. People who weren't interested in the petty squabbles, and feigned insults. People who actually meant what they said, and who would be at her side at a moments' notice.
A grumbling in her tummy brought her back. She had just finished up here. She stood, and so did Astrid. She then had probably one of the best ideas she'd had in a while…
"So, Lady Astrid. Dinner will be in a little while, but I must make my round of the castle. Would you, -would you care to join me?" She hoped she would agree. Astrids' face screwed in thought for a moment, she then brightened.
"Sure Elsa! I'd..." Her eyes went wide, and her mouth dropped open. A breath later, she stepped back and bowed her head.
"I, I mean...Yes, your Highness! I would like that very much! Please forgive me..." She walked around her desk, and placed a hand on Astrids' shoulder.
"Please Astrid! It's just us. You don't know how good it feels just to talk to another woman as just women do." A cloud of thought seemed to take over her eyes as Astrid straightened. Their eyes met, and she nodded.
"That's...Wow! It, it must be very difficult..." Elsa smiled at her.
"Oh, you have no idea!" They shared another smile. Elsa took her hand.
"Come Lady Astrid! Shall we see what the rest of the castle is up to?" Astrid nodded, Her eyes traveling from their hands to her face. Her smile widened.
They had nearly made it to the door when she heard a dull thump. The mild vibration of which she could feel through her shoes. She stopped, her hand reaching for the knob. There was another, a bit louder, and a bit closer. She heard a screech, and then another. It was like an animals' -but none that she had ever heard before. Her eyes flit quickly to Astrids' face. She imagined the same look on her own.
Just then one, then another...Then two more shadows in quick succession passed her windows. There was a gust of wind. An explosion then rocked the castle, nearly knocking them off their feet. Alarm bells started ringing nearby. She then heard a sound she knew she would be hearing in her nightmares for a long, long time.
It started out low and rumbling like thunder, finishing off in a loud screeching. Like metal grating on metal. It pierced her ears, seemingly all the way to her very soul. Another loud roar from what seemed like another source followed. There was another explosion...Her eyes found Astrids'. They were wide. Her mouth had dropped open. In a blink, her features hardened. They both moved as one to the balcony doors.
She wasn't sure if it was her doing, or Astrids'. The doors flung open, the glass panes failing as the doors struck the walls beyond. They both crashed into the balluster, nearly toppling over the top. What she saw was horrifying.
Winged creatures of all shapes, sizes, and colors were flying around the castle. Some straying into the town beyond. Some were spitting fire. Others were spitting a green or yellow liquid with disastrous results. Wood and stone melted in the grasp of the green fluid. Men were trapped in the yellow, becoming easy prey for the monsters that came after.
She looked upon the tops of the walls. Her soldiers were fighting bravely, but the creatures were apparently smart too, for they stayed just out of range of the swords and spears. The men with the newer crossbows seemed to fare a little better, but not by much. Everywhere large clouds of smoke started rising towards the sky. She tried to make a count of the beasts, but gave up at twenty. There were at least thrice that amount. And with the way they constantly moved about, there was no point in trying.
She looked beyond the castle walls. The town had several columns of smoke rising from it as well. The thought of all the innocent townspeople without shelter...It nearly made her sick to her stomach. She quickly glanced at Astrid. Her face was set in a grimace. Her eyes flitting from the ground to the sky then back to the ground, then to the town beyond. There was no fear there...Not a shred. Only what seemed like to her was a calculating fierceness. Her jaw muscles seemed to be working hard.
Her jaw...She remembered she had one too...Questions...She had to physically force the words out of her lungs and through her throat. Her fear and confusion making it a difficult process to do so…
"A, Astrid? Wh, What...what..." She seemed to not hear her. Astrid looked again to the courtyard, to the town, then back. She then turned around, looking up the wall behind them to the roof. She then turned back to the courtyard. Her hand went out, grasping Astrids' arm. The other womans' eyes snapped to hers. That fierce, menacing look that was on her face...It set her blood cold. She was fearful, but what she said next sent that chilled blood straight to her feet…
"Dragons!" WHAT? She thought. They...They were...Had been, extinct...For, what had to be a hundred years. But as she looked out...Yes. These creatures fit the descriptions she'd read. But, how?! Her mind set to thinking of the possibilities, but the billowing smoke broke her attention. There were several more fires breaking out, and their numbers were increasing. Thankfully, most of the castles' construction was stone, but the roofs…
One terrible thought followed another. The town...The houses...Were nearly entirely made of wood. Her mind raced. How best to put them out, what supplies...Housing all those people...She was physically shaken out of her thoughts. Astrid was gripping both her arms just below her shoulders, and painfully so. There was a look on her face that brokered no argument.
"ELSA! Find your sister! -And get everyone inside...NOW! -We'll handle this!" She could only feebly nod in agreement. Elsa was feeling shocked at what she saw. Unbelieving of what she had been told. She turned and made her way inside, stealing a few glances over her shoulder as she went. She saw Astrid looking over the courtyard, leaning over the railing. Then she saw her turned around, looking toward the roof again. She made it to the door. A shrill whistle stopped her hand. She turned around just in time to see her leap off the railing...And disappear?
She turned to the door and flung it open. The fearful look on the guards' faces stopped her.
"My Queen? Y, Your Highness? -What...What shall we do?" The quivering voice stopped her too. Her thoughts quickly turned...That steely look in her eyes...Her fierce determination…
NO! She thought. This was her kingdom. It was her duty to defend it...Against ALL enemies. A pool of courage and determination, and -she imagined, her magic welled up inside her. Her voice rang out clear.
"Find the Princess, and take her to the lower store rooms!" The men looked at each other for a brief moment…
"B, but...Your Highness..." She cut him off. Her ire was bubbling forth.
"Find Anna and get her somewhere safe!" She screamed. It had the desired effect. Them men bowed quickly and left without another word, just as three more royal guardsmen rushed up.
"You Three! Come with me!" She barked. She strode past them. She could hear them as they turned to follow. Down one hallway, then another. Two flights of stairs to the doorway. The heavy doors burst open before her. She was good and angry now. Her magic flowed and coursed through her body. What she saw was near chaos.
There were piles of wood burning in the courtyard from what she guessed was the watch tower roofs. Beyond the walls, the town was burning too. And the beasts that had caused this were still flying about. She welled up and formed a glowing ball of frost and magic in her hand. A trio of dragons had a group of soldiers pinned against the tower nearest her. She drew back and let fly…
The ball struck one creature in the back between the wings and head. It faltered and flew off. The other two took off as well, allowing the men to escape. On the wall opposite her two dragons were harassing a group of men between them. She formed a ball in each hand and let go. Her magic struck true, the beasts taken completely by surprise. One flew off, the other looked around, then took off as well.
She looked down into the courtyard. Several dragons were loping about, harassing the men who had either come to help carry off the wounded, or put out the fires. She let out a stream of frost, striking several dragons in the process. A few of them flew off, but two fell victim to her ice. They were quickly subdued by her men. They were bleeding in moments. She felt a little bad, but shook the thoughts off. She began looking around.
There were so many...Most it seemed had taken flight. Possibly surprised at her attacks. A few began to circle high above her. She looked down into the courtyard. She needed to protect the people on the ground. A dragon swooped close by her. A few moments later another flew closer still. Good! She thought. If she could redirect their attention, she might be able to take a few more of the beasts out. Then, maybe the others would fly off...she felt more confident as to her abilities to defend herself. Her thoughts were redirected by a deafening roar and a scream from the men behind her...
She spun quickly, just in time for a huge dragon to land heavily in front of her. Its weight rattled the very stones beneath her feet. It was a large dragon. Mottled green in color, with a knob or what might have been a horn once on the end of its' nose. It had a mouthful of pointed teeth. It raised its wings, opened its mouth and roared loudly. It then lowered its head. The front feet scraped the ground a couple of times. It then raised its head. Slowly, almost calculating...Its' mouth opened, she saw an orange glow start to form in the back of its' throat…
Instincts took over. Her arms automatically came out in front of her. Frost and ice and magic flowed out, creating a wall between them and the beast. The ice cracked, but held. She spread her arms out making the wall wider, eventually forming a bubble. She encased the creature so it would not harm anyone else. She began looking around hoping to find another she might give the same treatment to. She was about to fling her magic at another when she heard another loud roar. But this time…
She looked up, it looked like another group of dragons had arrived. Great! She was beginning to tire slightly, but she felt she had more than enough left. -If she could just get them to leave. She started pelting dragons as they flew by. Most were taken by surprise again but...Something out of the corner of her eye…
She looked...The other dragons, they, they were attacking...Other dragons! Larger ones would swoop in from above, and gather smaller ones in their claws. Once shaken or squeezed roughly, the larger ones would let go. And...as she looked closer…People! There were people...People riding these other dragons! She had to blink to make sure her eyes were working correctly. Sure enough, one dragon then another came into her field of view...dragons, -with riders! The audacity! The nerve...She shook her head. She still needed to focus. There were several dragons now in her midst. She needed to protect her people.
Voices started to filter in from above...Fishlegs! On your right!...Got it! -Snotlout! Hoark! Take your group...See if you can help put those fires out! Ruff, Tuff get those dragons off the courtyard! On it! Hey! I was on it first! No, I was you butt-elf! She tried hard to listen, all the while trying to focus on the task at hand...There was suddenly a gust of wind...A flapping off to her right...She formed a ball and spun quickly…
She was met with the sight of Camicazi...On the back of a ferocious-looking red dragon...But she hadn't seen her approach...Camis' hands quickly came up.
"Whoa! Elsa! Calm down!" She thought she might be dreaming...but no, no she wasn't. Camicazi looked around then back at her. Cami scowled.
"Elsa! Tell your men, tell your people...Try to not harm the dragons!" What? Did she...What was...The look she gave Cami must have spurred her.
"Look Elsa, These dragons...They're not themselves!" She still couldn't grasp it.
"Cami? What...How, -How are you doing that?" She was slightly put off, and very intrigued at the same time. Camicazi shook her head.
"Look Elsa...We'll explain later. Just, don't panic, and try not to harm them!" Try not to...Dragons...Not themselves? What could she mean?
She shook her head. She found it quite incredulous, but she really didn't want to harm another living being, if she could avoid it. She redirected herself, trying to hurl her magic with a little less force. It didn't seem to be having much effect. But it seemed their numbers were diminishing slightly.
There was a sound like rushing water. As if the whole fjord had come alive somehow and was rushing toward the harbor. A screech and a roar from high above took her attention. The was a single, tiny black dragon hovering over the water. Looking harder, she noticed a rider on its' back.
There was then a thunderous roar, but it wasn't the water. This, this was an animal. She despaired slightly at the thought of another beast she would have to fight, but the sight of this one nearly took her breath away.
First one, then another, then several more spines came into her view above the top of the far wall next to the water. The great beast the rose higher, then higher still. The spines created a crest around the massive creatures' head. There was two, no...one, it looked like it had two large tusks. One appeared to have been cut off. She blanched. It was already several times higher than the castle wall towers, -and still it rose! This was a giant! Just about as tall as Arendelles' tallest tower! She nearly fainted. How, how was she to defeat THAT?
A light from the smaller dragon caught her eye. Its' rider held aloft a…Flaming sword? He made a couple of circles over his head, then pointed his sword in the direction of the mass of dragons that had taken to flying over the town. The giant beast looked their way. She then heard a pulsing, thrumming sound. Within a few breaths, the mass of dragons as a whole, flew to this giant beast, Circling his head like a giant crown.
The rider made another gesture which she couldn't discern. The giant then roared, grunted, then moved away towards the sea, taking the mass of dragons with him. Nearly as quickly as it started, it was over. She looked to the courtyard. A couple of large dragons swooped in and gathered the smaller ones in their claws, and flew off. She turned around, wondering what was to be done with the one she had trapped. Just then, a great, four-winged dragon came in and landed on the other side of the ice dome she created. As she looked, there was a rider on its' back as well. She readied her stance, calling on her magic. The rider then stood straight, and held up her hand.
The rider then slowly and carefully reached up and pulled off its' helmet. She, she had seen this woman before! But no, she would have remembered. Especially because of the dragon she was standing on. But, she looked so...familiar...The woman then walked down the dragons' neck to its' head. The dragon then tilted its head and she slid down the beasts' horn to land on the dome she created. She crouched down, feeling the ice beneath her feet. She then straightened, and tapped it with the staff she held. The woman then cast her eyes her way.
"The dragon inside?" Her voice sounded vaguely familiar too. She looked a little harder. Green eyes. Reddish-brown hair. It was a bit faded, with streaks of gray running through it. The woman was obviously older than she, but where...Where had she seen her? The woman tilted her head slightly, as did the dragon behind her. She nearly laughed, if not for the seriousness of the situation. She remembered she'd been asked a question.
"It, it should be fine." She had only meant to contain it. To keep it from harming anyone or anything else. But she had never done anything like this before. The woman nodded, then looked over the ice dome she was standing on. She looked at her again.
"Would ye mind..." She gestured at her feet. To say she was taken aback would be quite the understatement.
"Are, -are you sure? It tried to attack me!" The woman looked down once more, then back at her. She nodded.
"Aye, That it did. Someone set these dragons on you, but we don't know how. They're usually quite tame and docile for the most part..." Tame? Docile? She nearly snorted. The things that had attacked them were anything but. The woman then smiled a tiny bit, then shook her head.
"I'll be fine dear! Cloudjumper will protect me!" She indicated the dragon behind her. It gurgled, Then set its' gaze upon her. It tilted its head slightly, blinking one of its' owlish eyes, then the other. It then gave a tiny grunt. The woman turned and started scratching him on his chin, to which the dragon apparently took great delight. It closed its' eyes and purred? She blinked again.
The dragon raised its' head. The woman then hooked his horn with the end of her staff, setting her gently on the ground beyond. She shook her head, and turned to look at the men behind her. Their mouths were both hanging open. She nodded, catching their attention. She then turned back and willed the ice on the far side away slowly.
There was a hiss and a roar. Cloudjumper screamed, lowering his head. He then started to gurgle. As she willed more of the ice away, she was met with an incredulous sight. Valka had her hands on both sides of the dragons' jaw talking to it and bobbing her head. The dragons' body wriggled and wagged its' tail as she scratched its' jaw. She then made a few more gestures with her head and stood. The dragon then raised its wings and pivoted. It gave her a, what she could swear, was an apologetic look. Before it flapped its' wings and took off.
She and Valka watched it fly off. The met each others' glance at the same time. Valka gave her a tiny smile. She couldn't really believe what she had just seen. It all seemed so incredible. She took a couple of steps, but Valka turned. Cloudjumper lowered his shoulder to let her climb up on to his back. She had been trying to process it all, and could only now find her words.
"Valka? What? -How?" What had just happened? How did she do that? The thoughts were too many and all at once. Valka looked to the sky, following the retreating dragon. She turned back to her.
"Hiccup will be along soon enough to explain. For now, we have to take care of those dragons." Her mind filled with possible outcomes. None of them were good.
"What, what are you going to do with them?" She asked. The animals had attacked them, but Camaicazis' words and Valkas' had struck her. Valka gave her a warm smile.
"Oh don't you worry dear, we'll care for the injured ones. The rest we'll take back to the nest with us." She let go a tiny breath. She was glad the creatures wouldn't be needlessly slaughtered…Then her words struck her like an avalanche.
"Wait...WHAT? N, NEST! You, you mean, th there's more out there? Wh...where? How? How are we to defend ourselves? Are they going to attack again?" She couldn't imagine having to go through that again. She was feeling a bit strained from using her magic just now. She needed to recover. Valka smiled and shook her head.
"No need to worry 'bout them dear. They'll no be attackin' you again." Valka gave her a long, considering look, then called out to Cloudjumper. He flapped his wings and they took off. Valka called out to her.
"Hiccup will be back shortly dear!" They made a circle around the castle and were gone. She followed them as they flew off. Questions upon questions piled in her head. She was brought around by one of her guards.
"Your Highness? What shall we do?" She was snapped back. Worry took over from the wonder and the curiosity. Worry for the city, its' people...And her own sister! She needed to see Anna just to confirm she was alright. First things first!
"Gather what men you can find, and help put out the fires! Get medical attention for the wounded! Gather blankets, and tell the staff to get ready to receive every one who has lost their homes!" The men nodded quickly and left. She turned and walked towards the castle.
oo00oo
She was tired. More than that. She was nearly exhausted. She felt it in her very bones. Not only had she used her magic earlier, she had also coordinated the efforts to put out the fires in the town. There had been unconfirmed reports of a few dragons that had returned, carrying bags of water that were dropped on some buildings. They had been chased off, she'd heard. She had also, with Annas' help, moved many of the people who were now homeless into the castle. She had found Anna safe and already helping with the wounded. She was grateful she was safe, and that she had taken upon herself to assist where she could.
She had even been with her at the council meeting. She seemed not to want to leave her side for most of the evening. The meeting really bothered her. The generals had different ideas as to what happened. Some had even suggested that Hiccup was behind it all. She quickly put that thought down, stopping short of telling them what had happened at lunch. She hadn't spoken to Hiccup yet after all. But the looks that had been cast around the room…
She took a deep breath and willed the thoughts out. Too much was going on. All the ideas whirling around in her head would keep her awake. She needed to rest, but there was still so much to do, and too many unanswered questions. She took another breath and closed her eyes. Trying to will herself to sinking into the mattress and the covers of her bed. She had almost gotten there when the questions came back.
How? How had they done it? And who? Who had had the audacity and the nerve to try and tame the beasts? What had they done to make this possible? How many dragons did they have, and where were they now? Where they still a threat? Why had they not heard about this until now? So many questions…
She shook her head. There were still so many things going on at once. And she really needed rest. But she really needed to see Hiccup too, whom she half expected to show up soon. She imagined he may be pretty busy. She hoped he was alright. She had been worried. After her sister, he was the first person she thought of when the attack began.
-Astrid...She had jumped off the railing when the attacks began. And had just disappeared! She had not seen her since, nor any of the others in Hiccups' party except Camicazi since. And that woman. Valka. Just who was she? And where had she seen her before. She knew Hiccup obviously. She also seemed to have command over the beasts as well. She would think she'd have remembered.
A soft shuffling outside her door brought her out of her thoughts. She assumed they were changing the guard at her door. She closed her eyes and drew her arm across her face. Willing herself into sleep. Maybe the morning would bring more clarity to the situation.
o0o
Her eyes snapped open. She felt like no time had passed at all. For some reason she was nearly wide awake. She listened intently. Many moments passed, but nothing. She was just about to close her eyes when there was a soft rustling. Like a strong breeze had struck the doors of her balcony. She sat up and looked out. There was a soft glow from the courtyard. Some fires had been lit for the sake of security. She could see nothing at first. But she blinked, and could swear she could see a shadow, or a form on the balcony. She blinked again, and there were two shapes now. One moving toward the door.
She jumped out of bed and ran to the door. She opened it as quietly as she could in her rush, and threw her arms around the form in front of her. Two armored arms swept around her waist pulling her in tightly. She smelled the wind and the sea, and charcoal. She knew who it was.
"Hiccup!" She tried to be quiet, but she was so happy he was safe! They held on to each other, for a few moments, savoring their closeness. She pulled away reluctantly and looked up. She was shocked initially. The helmet he wore threw her off a bit. He quickly reached up and pulled it off. He looked a bit haggard, and his hair was everywhere. But his eyes...There was light and gladness in them. He moved forward again embracing her fully. She wrapped her arms around his waist and squeezed. His arms came up to her shoulders after a bit and he separated them.
"Elsa? A, are you alright?" The concern and worry in his eyes and in his tone made her draw a breath. She nodded.
"And, and your sister?" Again she nodded.
"I, I was worried" He grabbed her again, drawing her flush to him. His scent and the forcefulness of his embrace had her reeling for a moment. Her hands traveled around his waist and up to his shoulders. She wished she could have a lot more time like this, but his armor reminded her of the situation. She tilted away from him.
"I'm OK. Just a little worn out." She looked up. His eyes searched her face for a moment before settling on hers. His lips drew into a thin line. She reluctantly took a half step back, but didn't let go of his arms.
"Hiccup? Wh, What happened? What was that?" A thousand other thoughts assaulted her. She held her breath though. Just barely…He looked off to the side and sighed heavily. He then closed his eyes tightly for a breath, then opened them.
"Someone...We're not quite sure who, -or how for that matter. Gathered a small flock and got them to attack. We, we didn't even get any warning...They, they were on top of us before we knew it!" He looked askance, deep in thought it seemed. She shook her head.
"You mean...They, didn't attack on their own? Some, someone made them?" Valka had said this, but still, it seemed pretty incredible. Given what they knew. -What the history books had said. He frowned, and turned it on her. She was taken aback a bit. He seemed to recognize it after a moment, and relented.
"NO!" He said forcefully. He then sighed. "Dragons...Aren't the mindless killers everyone thinks they are. Despite what you may have heard, or read...And they certainly wouldn't attack a town as large as this without cause, or motivation!" He frowned again looking aside.
"But how?" She asked. "How do you control a...a dragon?" He was frowning again when her turned to her. He opened his mouth then closed it.
"You don't!" He said finally. He looked aside again. It, didn't make any sense to her. She leaned over into his line of sight, hoping he would continue. He caught her eyes again and seemed to soften. He sighed heavily.
"Th...There are a couple of ways, although..." He stopped for just a moment. It seemed his mind was racing. She hoped he wasn't trying to dupe her. But no, he seemed very sincere. Perhaps he was just looking for a way to easily explain it to her.
"One, one way is with a titan or leviathan class. They emit a call or a sound that only dragons can detect. It, it makes them open to suggestion." He frowned again looking down.
"Titan? Leviathan?" She asked. He looked in her eyes, just for a blink.
"It's a...Classification, a type of dragon. The very large dragon in the fjord today? That was a leviathan class dragon. -A Bewilderbeast is what we call it." She nodded, although she still wasn't entirely sure.
"The, the other way is dragonroot, -although..." He paused. Grabbing his chin in thought. "That, that tends to just weaken them, make them sick and loose their ability to defend themselves..." He looked down. Deeply in thought again apparently.
"Well, how...How do you control your dragons?" She asked. Again he seemed to round on her.
"WE DON'T!" He nearly shouted. She took a step back. A gurgling noise broke the short silence. His eyes went wide, then he closed them tightly. He opened them with a pleading look. He then turned and made a gesture with his hand. She didn't quite catch it. He turned to her and shook his head, closing his eyes.
"I'm sorry. It's...It has been a rough day." She nodded, although he wasn't looking at her again. He sighed heavily.
"You, you gain their trust." What? Was it as simple as that? He turned around and spoke.
"You, make friends with them. Gain their trust, and eventually their loyalty. After that, there's...Really nothing they won't do for you." He said almost matter of factly. A soft coo and a gurgle came from behind him. It didn't fully register until a small chill ran down her spine. She just had to know.
"Hiccup? Is, is there a dragon with us...Right now?" He turned back slowly and sheepishly. He nodded. She couldn't help the slight gasp. Her hand immediately went to her mouth. In a blink he grabbed her other wrist and pulled her towards him. Her hand came to grip his arm as she came up against him.
"Hey! Hey!" He said gently. "It's alright! Just, calm yourself." She was a bit frightened, but having Hiccup right there...Somehow she knew it would be OK. She took a couple of slow, deep breaths. He turned slightly and made a few soft clucks with his tongue. A few seconds later a dragon head, then the rest of its' body materialized in front of her. It took every bit of her strength to hide her reaction.
Strangely enough, the dragon seemed to sense this and backed off. Its' big yellow eyes looked almost apologetic. Hiccup reached up and started scratching it on its' chin. The dragon lidded its' eyes and cooed softly.
"This is Hildeborg. She's a Changewing. They're a bit temperamental, and territorial...But they're very sweet, once you get to know them!" The dragon gurgled, opening her eyes and looking at Hiccup almost...Fondly! It was the strangest thing! She couldn't help but put her hand out, never mind the very long and very sharp teeth that stuck out from its' lower jaw. Hiccup offered encouragement.
"That's it...Just...Let her get your scent...Let her accept you..." Hildeborg took her time, carefully sniffing her hand and her wrist. Which seemed very odd, given the fact that she could probably take her arm off in a blink. Soon enough though, she lowered her head, and she started to scratch her chin as she saw Hiccup do. The dragon cooed and rumbled, shaking its' whole body. It was all a bit surreal and she wondered if she was dreaming. But no, Hiccup was here. His arm around her waist and the dragon scales at her fingertips was enough.
She took in more of Hildeborg. Her body was somewhat flat. Her wings were triangular in shape. She couldn't determine her exact color in the light but...As she realized...It was the same type of dragon Camicazi rode earlier. And as she thought, the dragon had materialized out of nowhere. Another thought came to her.
"This, this is how you snuck into and out of...This is how you guys were sneaking on and off your ship without being seen!" He looked at her apologetically and nodded. A greater realization hit her full force.
"This is how you're attacking those ships! This, this is what you've been hiding up there! Up north, where you're from!" He nodded, still scratching Hildeborg. His eyes were on the dragon, but his mind seemed far away.
"We've...We've been protecting them!" She couldn't help blinking at him. Dragons...Needing protection? It seemed pretty hard to believe. Hiccup rolled his shoulders.
"They...There's been..." He drew in a breath. "Every year, there's been more and more people coming north. They don't see...They don't know how, how awesome they can be. They...They only see profit. In their hides, their claws and teeth...Or...How terrible they are in war." He sounded so sad. As she looked, she saw how defeated he looked. His eyes met hers.
"I mean, you...You saw it! They can be fearsome, and...There's pretty much no way to defend against them. But...It's really, -not their true nature..." He turned back to the dragon, running his hands up and down her side. The dragon cooed and rumbled. She looked up and saw the saddle. A curious design. Much like a horses' but different.
"How...How did you do it? How did you come to be their protector?" He looked out. Seeing but not seeing. He smiled a little.
"They, they raided us, our villages...For generations! They'd steal our food, our livestock. It was, kill or be killed for as long as anyone could remember. Until..." His smile grew a bit wider.
"Until, some...Crazy kid with an even crazier invention managed to shoot one down during a raid. And after that, everything changed. I, I found out that everything we thought we knew about them was wrong! I, we discovered the nature of the war, and ended it. After that, we tried to learn all we could about them." Hildeborg nuzzled her gently. She had absently stopped scratching her as she listened to Hiccups' tale. She smiled, shaking her head. She continued her scratching. It was still a bit hard to believe, but the dragon under her hands, acting like a pet might was proof enough.
"And this war? The one you are engaged in now?" She asked. His eyes came to hers, then to the dragon.
"We defeated Drago Bludfist. He meant to take our dragons and set up some kind of empire. Using the dragons to conquer people. He showed up on our shores with a huge flock of dragons. The rest of his army showed up later. We, tried to talk them out of fighting, but they wouldn't take no for an answer. Even with Drago dead...They continued to fight. To this day, they're still harassing us and trying to steal dragons to finance their operations." He frowned. Some of the light left his eyes.
Their hands met as they attended Hildeborg. She looked up. When their eyes met she saw him smile. She moved a bit closer. One of Hiccups' arms went around her waist. She moved into his side and did the same. She scratched along her neck absently. More questions came.
"So, what...What now?" She dreaded the answer, although, maybe...He sighed heavily.
"Well, I've got patrols going out in all directions, with tracking dragons. We need to find out who did this and where they came from. They'll give warning if another raid happens, which I don't think it will..." He trailed off. She nodded looking up at him.
"We'll try to keep the dragons out of sight, so we don't alarm your people. I'll let you know what we find out in the morning." She nodded again. She followed his gaze up and out. It was still dark out but she was unsure about the hour. He seemed to have them same thought.
"I...I really, should get going..." She nodded.
"Y, yes Hiccup, we sh, should get some rest." She doubted she would. What with all this new information. But she was so tired. She took the dragons' jaw in her hands and looked her in the eyes.
"Goodnight Hildeborg! It was nice meeting you!" She cooed and gurgled. Before she could react, a wet forked tongue darted out and gave her a quick lick on the nose. She giggled. Hiccup scratched her on her jaw once more as they turned towards the door. She had taken a couple of steps when she felt his hand in hers. She twined their fingers and squeezed. Happy and warm in his presence.
They had taken a few more steps inside the room when he tugged on her arm stopping her. She spun around into his embrace. Her knees nearly buckled. She entertained a fleeting idea of having him rest here in her room. She looked up to see an earnest look on his face.
"Elsa? I…I'm sorry...F, for keeping this from you..." She quickly shook her head, patting his chest.
"No, NO! It's, alright! I get it! I..." It could have been giddiness from lack of sleep, or just being with him...She wasn't sure. She pushed away from him, crossing her arms, and sticking her nose in the air and off to the side.
"I forgive you! But only slightly!" She heard him chuckle softly. It sent her body shivering, but she wouldn't tell him that. When she opened one eye, he was bowing dramatically.
"Well! Thank you so much, Your Highness! I would truly be a lost soul without your approval, or forgiveness!" She snorted. That warm smile was on his face again. And again, it sent a shiver through her. They moved as one toward each other and hugged. She squeezed tightly, as did he. Resting her head on his chest before she pulled away slightly. His hand came around, resting on her shoulder for a moment before he cupped the side of her face. She unconsciously leaned into the contact, before turning her head and kissing his palm.
He leaned down as she rose up onto her toes. Their lips touched lightly at first. Then there was more contact. And then a glorious dance of their mouths. Twisting, sliding, turning, and parting only slightly, to start the dance in a different direction. It all left her feeling warm at first, -and dizzy. Then another type of warmth started building. One she had not experienced fully yet. That other idea followed again. One of having him stay…
The thought broke apart as they did with a soft smack. She leaned into him as she needed the support. His arms curled around her once more. Which was good, because her knees felt weak. A noise from outside the door distracted her, but only slightly. She stayed there for a few more moments before he pulled away. Looking into his face, his eyes. Tomorrow and yes, their whole future together...Could not come soon enough.
"I'll see you later." He said. She could only nod. He looked for a bit longer before taking her face in his hands. Turning it gently, he placed a kiss on her forehead. She covered his hands with hers. Scrunching her nose at him, she took his hands and kissed them.
"I'll be waiting!" She told him. She slowly released his hands as she backed away. She nearly tripped on her robe, then the rug before making it to her bed. She heard a noise behind her. As she turned around, Hiccup had a hand over his mouth, covering his smile and doing a good job of containing a snort. She bit her lip, but couldn't help smiling too.
She had just sat down. Turning her body to thrust her legs under the covers. There was slight warning as three guardsmen burst into her room. More noise from outside let on that they weren't the only ones. She was frozen in shock. No one, but NO ONE had ever entered her chambers without notice or permission. She could only turn her head. Hiccup looked about as shocked as she felt.
"THERE HE IS! GET HIM!" The captain roared. The men rushed into the room. Three more followed, joined by the captain. They were all focused on Hiccup. Though they still had ground to cover, they had reacted quickly. A growl and a screech from outside snapped her out of her stupor.
But she panicked. In her shock and fear for his safety. Her hands came out, and from them a bolt of ice shot out barely missing him and striking the door frame behind him. It froze the door, and also traveled across the floor. A growl and a roar came from outside. Hiccup turned and put up a hand. Perhaps to still the dragon outside. She wasn't sure. He slipped as he twisted casting her a look as he did.
"Hiccup!" She shouted. It was too late. His metal leg slipped out from under him and he went down. He hit the ground hard on his side. He may have also hit his head. She wasn't sure. This caused Hildeborg the screech and roar once more. The guardsmen rushing towards Hiccup also slipped. One managed to land on top of him. Hiccup managed to twist at the last moment, tilting his head to the doorway.
"Hilde! Go! GO NOW!" He shouted. She turned just in time to see even more guards pour thorough her door, spears and swords drawn. She knew in that instant Hiccup would merely be captured. Hildeborg however, may be killed on the spot with no hesitation.
"Hildeborg! Fly! GO, GO!" She shouted. A questioning croon and a grunt followed. She looked out just as the dragon disappeared. Followed by a gust of wind against the window panes. She caught a shimmer or trick of the light. But it was enough for her relief to know she had gotten away. She turned her attention back into the room. More soldiers had toppled on top of Hiccup. She noticed a few of the men had taken to punching him.
"Do not harm him!" She shouted. It seemed to fall of deaf ears. Until another bellowing voice rang out.
"Seize him! See that he doesn't get away!" She recognized the General Burghaums' voice. She was now becoming very aware of her situation. Both her own and Hiccups' She needed to get a hold of things before more mistakes were made.
"Check the balcony! Capture the beast before it leaves!" Now things were really going south. She needed to head this off.
'General! What is all this?" She screamed. He seemed a bit shocked at her words. But not as much as she would have hoped. He merely raised an eyebrow and looked toward where the men had finally subdued Hiccup. He cast an angry glance her way, but she needed to quell this. The General finally addressed her.
"I'm sorry, Your Highness! But this is a military issue here. I'm afraid you are a little too close to the situation to clearly assess the matter." She wasn't impressed, and her anger started to bubble forth.
"What do you mean exactly General?" He turned his head first then the rest of him. She already didn't like his answer or his attitude.
"Your Highness..." Yes there was that condescending tone. Her anger rose with each dripping word.
"Your...Interest in this man has been quite apparent since he arrived. But we cannot allow a second attack on your person. Let alone let him go and do as he pleases. What is next in his plans? Kidnap you or the Princess? Make demands? Take over our country? Why..." She cut him off.
"We have already discussed this! Hiccup...They, they had no part in this! If anything, they tried to help! We have spoken now, and I believe he is telling the truth!" He raised an eyebrow at her. She was considering whether or not to show him what she could do if he disregarded her orders. But he had been a faithful servant to her and Anna, and indeed to her parents as well…
"Be that as it may. We must question him, and find out how many more of the beasts he has at hand, and when will they attack again. I cannot in good conscience leave him to do as he may, regardless of the consequences! And regardless of your feelings toward him. The council has discussed this at length, and has decided this is the best course of action." She felt betrayed. Had they met behind her back? She had met with them. She thought they had agreed to seek him out in the morning. Sure, they needed answers, but this was the more dangerous course as far as she was concerned. She had said so.
She could freeze them all and let Hiccup escape, but what then? Would she loose their support? Would they continue to meet behind her back? If that, what next? Would they undermine her authority? Force her to abdicate? What would happen to Anna in all this? Her resolve started to weaken. At the same time, her heart was breaking. She was torn between her dear sister, and the man she had grown to...To, love? Maybe not just yet, but she did care for him deeply.
"Elsa? Don't do this." Hiccup said in a low obviously warning tone. She turned towards him. There was a cold look in his eyes. Her heart rent further. She knew this was bad. It was a horrible turn of events. She knew she should release him. But her choices were few now. She feared for what might come after if she released him. Anna would surely come into the middle of it. And Hiccup…
He would understand. She knew it. But what of his people? Would they understand too? Or would they come after him. If he was here, he would be safer she felt. Lest he try to approach again, and possibly be injured or killed, by mistake or otherwise. She couldn't bear that thought. Let alone the consequences…
She looked at Hiccup again catching his eyes. A barely perceptible tilt of her head and a quick shift of her eyes in the Generals' direction was all she could risk. He frowned, a hard look in his eyes. His head then slumped towards the ground.
"Elsa..." He growled. On of the soldiers drove his fist into Hiccups' stomach. He grunted.
"I SAID, DO NOT HARM HIM! The next man that strikes him will not live long enough to take another breath!" She meant it. She could feel her anger rise. She was containing it by the slimmest of margins. She cast a frosty gaze back at the General.
"General Burghaum! I have said this before, and I will say it as many times as I must! -This is a horrible idea! I hope you are prepared for the consequences!" He raised a hand as if to shoo a fly.
"Nonsense Your Highness! If we have him, they'll think twice before attacking again!" She shook her head.
"And I told YOU, Hiccups' people had nothing to do with the attack! I was plain enough for me! I saw it for myself! I was out there, defending my kingdom. While you were inside doing…Whatever it was you were doing!" He turned very red. But to his credit, he didn't lose his temper. He inhaled deeply through his nose before he answered.
"Be that as it may, we will have him held and questioned. We will ascertain what happened and keep him until we are certain of his innocence! They wouldn't dare attack if he is in our custody!" She shook her head. She wasn't so sure. With all that was going on now, a thousand other possibilities went through her mind. First of which was getting her sister out of the kingdom. She sighed heavily. Her hand was forced, for now anyway…
"Very well. But I will have it known I am in complete disagreement with you! Make sure he is well treated! The Gods help you if he isn't!" She released some of her pent-up magic as a warning. She cast her eyes all around the room, making sure there was no doubt as to the seriousness of her words.
"You're making a big mistake here..." Hiccup said. She turned. He was addressing the General, but with the looks he had given her...Maybe it was for everyone in the room. She hoped it wasn't just her.
"You think my people won't attack if they find out you're holding me? You obviously don't know Vikings as well as you should. We're a more...'Bash their heads in and ask questions later'...kind of people. -And they may not attack this castle. But they will possibly attack the town, sink all your ships, and destroy all the bridges linking this place to the outside world. They will cut off all trade and commerce to this place. They will burn your fields, and take and or eat your livestock. There will be nothing to eat...And there will be nothing you can do about it!" She was shocked. There was a cold, menacing look on his face. The General had the gall to scoff.
"Impossible! There is no way you could gather that many numbers in so short a time!" A smile came across Hiccups' face. It was neither warm nor inviting.
"No? You don't think so? Well, one thing we've discovered about having dragons as allies, is that they make traveling long distances possible. That group of riders out there this afternoon? They are a small part of about a hundred riders that left Berk two days ago. In three more days, there could be as many as five hundred more. And by weeks end? Up to a thousand! That's one thousand mounted riders that you won't be able to defend yourselves against as they turn your kingdom into ashes!" A cold chill ran down her spine. She could see it. Thinking about it even a little.
There was nothing her men were able to do against the dragons. And if there was a rider atop one, directing their fire, spilling...Whatever it was...out of their mouths. It indeed seemed very possible. But would Hiccup actually do that? No, she decided, Hiccup may not. But if he was here...Would his people commit these acts? To get him back...They just might. She hoped this gave the General cause to think.
"You...You're bluffing! There is simply no way...It's not possible! You, you would share that fate if it were even possible for it to happen!" The General appeared between shocked and fearful. But neither did it seem like he would give in. Hiccup smiled and shook his head.
"One man..." He said. "One! How many people would die because you held on to one man? How much blood would my people extract from yours if I was killed?" The Gerneral paused again. He seemed to consider it, but only briefly.
"I don't believe you! It's not possible! They won't attack if we have you. We will make sure your dozen riders understand what will happen if they do. You had better pray they do!" Hiccup scowled harshly at the man. Then shook his head.
The General nodded and the men started moving towards the door. Hiccup was protesting loudly, looking her direction. She tried, but she couldn't -not look at him. She gave him the most apologetic look she could muster. She hoped he would see. But he shot her a cold, rebuffing look as he went through the door.
Anna came through the door as soon as they left. Followed by Kai and Gerda. Anna quickly made her way to the bed and jumped in, wrapping her arms around her. She immediately let go of her stress. But along with that came a crushing wave of guilt and despair. She was happy Anna was safe, but she couldn't help the thoughts that followed. The idea of betrayal hitting her hardest. This meant a great many things would change regarding her future. None of them were good.
Anna hugged her tightly. Try as she may, her eyes started stinging as tears welled up. She held on as she tried to not cry. Anna separated after a few moments. The concern written on her face nearly broke her.
"Elsa? What just happened? Why are you letting them take Hiccup?" She shook her head trying to get her thoughts in order. She told her everything that had transpired, including their li=unch together. Kai and Gerda both had grim looks on their faces. Anna looked to the door, then back at her. She tried to keep herself strong, but it was a loosing battle.
"Oh Anna! Anna! -It's just so...So messed up! I...Hiccup, he...I tried to tell them but they...And Hiccup, he won't...We won't..." Tears started flowing. She buried her face in her sisters' neck. Not only was she not marrying someone she chose. But she and Anna could possibly be in danger. She surrendered herself for now at least. Anna hugged her tighter and rubbed her back.
"Shhh, Elsa! Get some rest. We'll take care of this! We'll get this straightened out soon enough. You'll see!" She tried to take some of that confidence, but it didn't stay. She didn't want to leave her position in her arms. But she couldn't stay there forever. For now at least, she would surrender. She would clean this up later. For now, she would stay in her sisters' embrace. Safe and warm.
Sometime, -somewhere in the wandering of her thoughts and the possibilities they entertained, her exhaustion took over. She fell asleep. It was fitful. Full of dreams of fire and blood...