Una's first camping trip
(I'd like to thank all my friends for all the ideas that they came up with that to help me with this chapter and any future chapter. So thank you Sam, Phil, Amy, Jamie and Lauren for all your guys help and just listening when I needed you! So thanks for all the help!)
It was a pleasant evening on Berk as twilight was just casting its magical glow across the island. Everyone was in fairly good mood at the moment and for the moment too at least Berk didn't appear to have any problems. Or at least for the moment, tomorrow was sure to have its own problems. As for this early evening everything was alright.
Right now the Haddock family seemed to be enjoying each other company. Valka came from being upstairs collecting some of the clothes that needed to be washed in the morning. As she reached the living room she smiled happily at the sweet sight before her.
Right now curled up next to the fire were both her children and their dragons. Since their day of bonding Toothless and Nightrainbow certainly seemed to be a lot closer and have a stronger bond then before. So right now they're curled up together just dreaming away in the warm amber glow. A little ways away Hiccup and Una were lying side-by-side on worn-out hearth rug near the fire also bathed in its soothing warm amber glow. Hiccup was helping correct Una's writing and showing her how to catch the mistakes herself. He ruffled her hair fondly as he showed her the proper spelling for her newest song lyrics.
She smiled elatedly and whispered something in his ear and he nodded, then she feverishly wrote something down and he nodded once more. Hugging him tightly in happiness he returned it with the same amount if not more of loving and affection.
The sight of her family full of love and happiness just warmed cockles of Valka's heart and made her heart have a reason to beat once more. Still she looked at her daughter with some concern and trouble in her light green eyes. Flicking her long auburn hair out of her face she sighed for a second. In that second she had a flashback to that morning of the Dragon Race. The memory of the cruelty she'd witnessed stabbed her heart again and clutching her fist for a moment she composed herself before speaking.
"Hiccup? Una?"
Looking up they smiled at her and her son spoke first "Hey, Mom! Everything alright? Dinner was just fine if you're worried about that. Is something the matter? You look like something troubling you, you okay, Mom?"
"I'm fine, Hiccup. I just thought I go for a little moonlight stroll, is all. I'll be back in a little while. If you two could finish collecting the things for me to do for the laundry in the morning, I'd appreciate that. Think you can do that?"
"Of course we can, Valka-mommy! Once Hiccup finishes correcting my lyrics we'll get everything ready for the laundry tomorrow. And I'll even help you do the laundry tomorrow! I can help!" Una piped up.
"That I would like too. You do your other chores nicely and on time. I could use some help with the wash. Since Hiccup's got that meeting in the morning to go too, so any help would be welcomed, sweetheart. So, I'll be back in a little while. I'm just going for a little stroll. See you two in a little bit."
"Okay, Mom. We'll do as you asked as soon as we're finished here. Which shouldn't take much longer. So everything will be done by the time you get home, I promise."
"Thanks, Hiccup," Valka replied as she closed the door behind her. Twilight was still casting its mystical enchantment all around Berk. She took a moment to breathe in the magic and admire its beauty. Then with one fleeting look behind her she set off in a faster pace the one might take for a stroll. It was obvious this wasn't much of a stroll as it was an excuse to get out of the house for a mission.
Valka quickly hurried through the village, not even taken a moment to stop and smell the roses as they say. She just quickly hurried till she reached her first stop. Which was surprisingly Astrid's house. She first looked at the sleeping place of Stormfly for Astrid, and found that the fair-haired warrior girl was busy stroking her Nadder spines, whilst she had her barrel of chicken. She seemed to be humming a tune that Valka suspected was the song Una had written for Hiccup and Astrid.
"Hello, Astrid, might I trouble you for a few moments?"
"Ah!" Astrid jumped and clutched her heart and Valka ducked as the Nadder's spines shot over her head. The spines luckily missed her and hit an old lean-to behind her. Taking a moment to catch her own breath she looked up at her son's girlfriend apologetically. "Sorry for scaring you, Astrid, it wasn't my intent at all."
Astrid took a deep breath and smiled. "Valka! You did surprise me! Which is an incredible feat really. I'm the best warrior my age on the whole island. Not much scares me or Stormfly. You did catch us by the surprise though. So, um…why are you here? Is Hiccup in trouble or something?"
"I need to speak with you in private. You and Ruffnut. So if you could come with me and we could go collect her, I'll speak to you both the private matter I wish to talk to you two about. I'm sure Stormfly will be fine for a little while. So, will you come with me?"
"Sure, Valka, if you need me I'm here. Don't worry, girl. Just finish your chicken and get a goodnight's sleep. I'll be back later. Don't fret about me, girl, we're both warriors and we can handle anything. Love you, girl!" she whispered lovingly as she kissed her dragon's forehead and then followed Valka.
"You've got a good relationship with your dragon. I never even guessed chicken could make them faster. Not that I had any chicken with me in the home of the Bewilderbeast. Though when he had feeding time…well… my son can tell you it was amazing enough to leave him speechless." Valka commented as the women hurried to the twins' home.
"It was just an idea I tried out to beat Hiccup and Toothless at speed. It worked quite well. And Stormfly simply loves chicken now. Consequently she at least gets a barrel of it at least once a week. I wish I could've seen the good Bewilderbeast feed all those dragons like you showed Hiccup. It does sound amazing!" Astrid answered back with open envy in her voice.
"It was an amazing thing to behold. I miss it. Still I'm at least happy to be back among people, mostly now that I see that people are capable of change. Not everyone but it makes me happier than anyone will ever know to see my dream become a reality. And even happier to know it was my own son who made it possible. It's still hard for me at times to be around other humans, after twenty years of being amongst only dragons. Nevertheless I'm still happy to be home with my family and see what I only dreamed of a reality." Valka replied with some sadness and longing in her voice. Yet while her tone was a bit melancholy her eyes sparked with a little bit of happiness as well.
Astrid laid a reassuring arm over Valka's own arm and the women shared a special smile. By this time they'd reached the twins' home. "Should we knock?" Astrid asked as they heard the loud sounds of crashing and smashing inside.
"It is polite and respectful to knock. I may have been in my son's own words "crazy, feral, vigilante dragon lady" but I was still raised by my own parents to be polite and respectful. So we shall knock," she answered back as they both knocked hoping that two knockers would be heard over whatever the twins were doing.
It appeared for a moment that nothing could be heard over whatever commotion that Ruff and Tuff were doing. Though a split second later the door was flung open and Ruffnut stood looking at them in some bewilderment.
"Excuse me a minute, will you?" she said before turning to shout back at her brother. "Tuff! You can love your stupid mace all night long for all I care! But it still won't love you back! And not to mention because of you building that stupid shrine for it even bigger you've destroyed half the living room! So while you go have a make-out session with a stupid iron rod, I'll be gone!" and with that she slammed the door behind her. "He won't even noticed I'm gone, trust me. It's 'Macey" birthday. And he's more interested in making that stupid thing happy that nothing else will catch his attention. He didn't even notice that Barf and Belch left after his terrible singing of Happy Birthday! So what can I do you ladies for?"
"I'm not gonna pretend I understand how a mace has a birthday or why someone would kiss it or sing to it, but if you girls would follow me, I've a something both private and urgent I need to speak with you about. So follow me, please!" Valka urged the two ladies who followed her obediently as they headed for the forest edge.
By the time they made it to the edge of the woods it was truly nightfall now. Seeing how the large silvery moon was ascending little by little into the midnight blue heavens, with laughing and dancing diamond stars above them came out to play.
"So we are here now. In the creepy dark woods. And shivering our boots off, I might add," Ruffnut said with chattering teeth. She leaned against a tree and tried to warm herself up.
"I wish we had brought one dragon so they can light a fire. It's too early in the year to be this chilly. But then again a small cold snap is to be expect once in a while, I guess." Astrid admitted.
Valka quickly gathered some wood and used some flint rocks to start a fire. "I lived for 20 years in a land of freezing cold. I'm used to far worse than just a slightly chilly breeze. Still I do know how to keep warm. So warm yourself for a moment, then we can talk."
So for a short while the three Viking women gathered around the small campfire, and when they'd been warmed enough, Valka finally got to the point of why she'd singled the two of them out, and brought them here under the cover of night.
"Alright the reason I brought you two here is because I've got a huge favor to ask of you. Since I guessed you both know or have guessed a problem Una is having. Something she doesn't want Hiccup to know about."
"If you mean the reason she won't play with the other children? Or to be more precise they won't play with her? Is that what you're talking about, Valka?" Astrid inquired.
She nodded, "I don't know how you two know, but I did witness on the day of the race the bullying firsthand. I'd hidden nearby and while I couldn't hear what was said, I did see it."
"Well, we kinda guessed that what had happened," Ruffnut admitted as she stopped shivering for few seconds. Flicking her lengthy greasy braids over her shoulder she looked sad for a moment. Then snuggling closer to the fire so she wouldn't get cold again she continued on explaining on how the two of them figured it out.
"When we took care of Una during the day when you and the boys built her bedroom, we stopped to have a snack. And well I may not be the brightest candle on this island. Nevertheless I do know the look of someone whose been bullied. I did some of it myself with Hiccup. And I do feel bad about it now, Valka, I really do. Still it doesn't take a lot of brain power just by looking at her eyes to know something happened."
"Besides it may've escaped Hiccup's watchful and observant eyes, but if you took the time to noticed small things, you'd pick it up quickly. Like the fact Una never plays with children or talks to them. Kinda of a big hint that something is going on. More to the point it's also obvious Una only either spends time with her family or other grownups. Or is alone with Nightrainbow. She doesn't do anything with people her own age. Hiccup's just been too busy to notice it, hasn't he?"
"Yes, I think he has had so much to do for both his family and Berk that he's sadly overlooked this. And I was gonna tell him, then I kinda realized why Una hasn't spoken about it herself."
"Why?" both girls asked clearly confused as to why Una wouldn't confide with her brother on the subject.
Sighing Valka tried to explain her daughter's reasoning for her. "Normally I would've told him in a heartbeat. And so would've Una. But the other children won't see it as Una is just talking to her older brother. Or a brother acting on behalf of his sister. They'll just see it as her tattling on them to the Chief. They've got it figured that if they so much as give her a tiny scratch she's got the power to get them kicked off the island. That's how they see it. As a result Una hasn't said anything about that day to her brother 'cause she doesn't want to make the problem worse."
"I think I see your point, Valka. Therefore it begs the question, what do you want us to do about it? We can't tell Hiccup for her or the problem could get worse. So, what do you want us to do?"
"Well, Astrid, I've got an idea if you and Ruffnut are up to it."
"What's the idea, Valka?" asked Ruffnut curiously.
"I'd think it do Una some good to get away for a while and off Berk. To get away from her troubles and have a small adventure and just be in a new place. So perhaps you two could take her on a long weekend camping trip or something of the sort? Just get her off Berk for a few days? Maybe a change in scenery will do her good in many ways. And possibly get her to open up some more so she'll talk about her problems."
The two young blond Viking girls looked at each other and pondered the idea for a few moments. And surprisingly the first to answer was Ruffnut. "That is doable. We promised Hiccup already we do something to help him with Una. Plus maybe some girl time will help."
"Yeah, we could do our part and help train her in basic fighting while on a camping trip. But where do we go for a long weekend alone and not to be disturbed for one?" Astrid asked in stumped voice.
"I know the perfect place. I've been camping there before. It's Markku's Cove. Named for the legend of Markku the Rebellious. We can tell Una the legend when we get there. It's a great place trust me on that. It's nice, quiet, and also extremely beautiful. Also it's highly secluded so we'd have it all to ourselves for a long weekend. Furthermore, my friends, it' an excellent location to get away for a few days. It's perfect. Though I'll have to ride with you, Astrid, since I can't ride Barf and Belch by myself."
"I've heard of that place. That little isle lives up to its name. I'd say it's perfect. So how about this weekend? You think you can leave early Friday morning and be back by late Monday evening?"
"It's a done deal! We'll get things ready for the trip. You can count on us, Valka!" the girls said in unison.
"Thank you for doing this for my family. I really do appreciate it. Come we should get back to our homes. I don't want to be gone too long or Hiccup might figure out my 'stroll' was just an excuse to do something else. So, let's put of the fire properly and I'll walk you both home, kay?"
"Alright! I just hope this cold weather vanishes by the weekend. We don't want Una getting sick on her first camping trip, or Hiccup will do something crazy to us!" Ruffnut pointed out smartly as Astrid extinguished the fire properly. With that taken care of the three women left hoping this idea would work.
The next morning Una and Valka were outside with their dragons doing all the laundry. Valka was showing her how to best get bloodstains out of clothes which Una was paying close attention to what her mommy was trying to teach her. Nearby Nightrainbow was singing an aria to make it a more enjoyable experience, and Cloudjumper was just keeping him company in addition to watching his rider carefully. Like a true friend.
It looked also like there was some bonding going on between Nightrainbow and his 'uncle' as what the Haddocks guessed was what Nightrainbow viewed the older and bigger dragon as. It seemed Cloudjumper was alright with this role and took it as seriously as Toothless to the role of being a big brother to Nightrainbow. So even the dragons were becoming a closer family and this could only make the whole family closer and happier.
Una looked up from her scrubbing a particular hard stain in the warm soapy water to look closer at something. It had caught the corner of her eye and her mom followed her gaze. They saw in the distant the unmistakable figure of Snotlout. He seemed to be from what they could tell from where they're standing trying to charm a girl. Though Valka couldn't tell who because the sun was blinding her vision with a glare. Una on the other hand could tell in an instant who it was. Turning to face her mommy she remarked, "It looks like Snotlout trying to talk with Firefang. I'm confused though, doesn't he realize she's scared to death of Monstrous Nightmares and scared of him riding Hookfang?" she said clearly confused by the whole exchange.
"Don't think much gets through that thickhead of Snotlout, honey. From what I've heard he thinks he's the gods' gift to all the ladies on the island. Still not our problem. I've got something I wish to tell you though. Though give me a second. Cloudjumper?"
The four winged dragon looked up from his talking with his nephew and eyed his rider. "Could you be a dear and reheat the tub? The waters getting colder and it needs to be a tad warmer? If you could do that while I fetch more soap from the house that would be greatly appreciated." Valka requested to which Cloudjumper eagerly compiled. While he reheated the tub Valka did dash into the house to get some more soap.
"I love the bubbles it makes when you put the soap in! They tickle my nose some when the float up! It nice!" Una giggled as that happened. And it was a cute sight to behold.
"So, Una, I've got a surprise for you. Would you like to hear what it is?"
"I don't know, Valka-mommy. Will I like it more than the surprise I got when my bedroom was built? It's not scary anymore thanks to Hiccup's nightlights. And I've finally gotten used to it too. So what's this surprise?" she asked cautiously.
"Well, I've arranged for you to go on let's call it a mini vacation."
"Mini vacation? Well I've never had that before. With who? And where?"
"I've asked Astrid and Ruffnut to take you on camping trip for this coming weekend. It's gonna be a bit longer than just three days. You'll leave early Friday morning and be back by late Monday evening. Sound like fun?"
Una looked like she was thinking it over in her mind for a few moments before she replied. "It sounds like it will be fun. And it will be a great adventure! So where are we going to have this adventure and can Nightrainbow come along?"
Laughing happily she nodded, "You're three are going to an island that is a bit far from here and a little out-of-the-way. It's called Markku's Cove. The girls have promised to tell you the legend that goes with it when you arrive. But of course you'll need dragons to get their quickly. Since a boat would take you over a week to get there and longer to get back. So how does that sound, daughter?"
"It sounds like it will be a total blast! Can I go start packing for it once we're done with the laundry? And is Hiccup okay with it? I don't want him to worry about me being so far from Berk."
"I'll talked to him when he gets home from his meeting with the neighboring chiefs. Don't worry too much, Una. Astrid and Ruffnut can do just as good a job watching over you as your brother. It will be fine. Trust me!"
"Alright! This should be very fun! It will be also super cool to get see more of this world of the living then just Berk. So now do we hang these to dry? And then can you show me how to properly fold them too?"
"Yes, we shall do that. First we'll set up the clothesline and then after they dry I shall teach you how to fold correctly. For now please help me get the clothesline set up," which they set up quickly and soon the laundry was blowing in the gentle breeze which was warmer than last night's one.
By the time they're finishing folding the clothes correctly, which had taken a bit longer for Una kept messing up her first few times. But her mom was patient and understanding. As the last of it was fold Hiccup and Toothless came in the door and looked very tired.
Una folded her last tunic and rushed to get her brother something to eat and drink. "Here you go, Hiccup. A nice apple and some cool mountain spring water. This should perk you right up."
"Thank you, Una. Got anything for Toothless?"
"Here you go, Toothless have some lamb chops. I'm afraid it's a little burnt. Between learning how to do the laundry and short cooking lesson me didn't exactly cook the lamb chop properly," she admitted embarrassingly.
"It is okay, Una, we all fail the first time we try something new. It's natural to fall down a few times but we must always pick ourselves up and try again," Hiccup assured her as he took a big bite of apple.
"Okay, brother, thanks for those words of wisdom and comfort. It's nice to hear them. Valka-mommy? Can I go pack now? We've gotten everything else done so I can go pack now?"
"Yes, sweetheart, go get all you need. I wrote a list for you just to make sure you've got everything. Here it is. Now go pack!" she said as she handed her the list and Una took up the stairs two at a time.
"Pack? Pack for what? What's going on, Mom?"
"You're sister is going on a camping trip with Astrid and Ruffnut for a long weekend. They're leaving early Friday morning and be back late Monday evening. I wouldn't worry, the girls can do a fair job of looking after her and protecting her. She'll be fine. So don't even worry about it."
He still looked a bit uneasy about the idea but nodded all the same. He wanted Una to be happy and if a good idea was for their dragons to bond, then this was probably a good idea too. Astrid he knew would do a good job with Una, and though he had some reservations with Ruffnut, she'd promised in Riker's Valley to help and he'd to trust she would do a good job at it.
The night before the big trip Una was just a ball of energy. She couldn't even sit still for a second, in fact she almost was literally bouncing off the walls with great enthusiasm. Her family was having a hard time getting her to calm down enough to just eat dinner which was one of her favorites.
"Una, calm down, sis! I know you're excited about this camping trip, but please try and relax! Mom didn't make yak steaks glazed in honey with applesauce and berry juice for no reason! Plus that pie we all baked together this afternoon, will be far more enjoyable for all of us, if you don't chock on it by eating too much, 'cause your that excited you ain't paying attention to how big your piece is! So, please, Una, just take a deep breath and relax! Inhale and exhale! C'mon!" Hiccup commanded her in the nicest tone he could manage.
Una complied and after a few moments of deep breathing finally calm down enough to relax. "Alright, I think I've managed to burn off most of the energy. So let's eat!"
"Good, the steaks are getting cold, anyway. Though before you go to bed I'll go through the list with you, so we can double check that you've got everything you'll need for the trip. Then you really need to rest since you're leaving shortly after dawn. So get a goodnight's sleep, Una."
"Okay, Valka-mommy!"
Una was up the next day about half an hour before daybreak gathering all her things and hurrying to get down the stairs. She was going faster than a whirlwind with how she was blazing around the house. Luckily Hiccup had woken up early too. Wanting see her off.
"Now, Una, Astrid will be here soon to pick you up. I want to go over the rules with you one final time before she gets here. So do you remember them?"
"I'm not do any dangerous air tricks while we fly to the Cove, I'm to stay within earshot and not stray off on my own. That Astrid and Ruffnut know where I am at all times. I'm to listen to what they say and most importantly I'm to have a good time!" she recited what they'd gone over the night before when he'd tucked in for the night.
"Alright, that sounds good. Sounds like you know everything," there was a knocking at the door. Thinking it was Astrid Una threw open the door and was shocked to see it wasn't Astrid, but Skullette.
"Skullette? What are you doing here this early?" Una asked confused. Even Hiccup looked confused as he came around to see what was going on.
"Skullette? You look pretty mad about something. Is there a problem?"
"I've got a problem yes, one that needs your immediate attention and intervention," she began to say while flick one of her long pigtails over her shoulder.
Before Hiccup could ask what the problem was Astrid appeared behind Skullette to fetch Una. "Oh, pardon me, Skullette. I just came to get Una. If you have something to talk about Hiccup with I can wait."
"Well, I do have a problem but I'll wait till Una out of the house to talk about it with Hiccup."
"Okay, Una you got everything?"
"Yep!" and hurried outside and made it fifteen feet before slapping her hand to her forehead. She was frantically digging through her back and looking more panicked each moment.
"What's wrong, Una? Did you forget something?"
"My dragon doll! I can't sleep without him! Can I run back and get him? Ruffnut won't be mad will she if we're a few minutes late right?"
"It won't take you more than ten minutes to run back up to your room and back. So hurry and go get him. I'll be waiting right here."
So Una dashed back to the house and went to her room and found the doll sitting on her bed. Smiling and hugging it tightly she hurried back downstairs. On her way out she saw out of the corner of her eye that Skullette appeared to be having a heated discussion with her brother. She only manage to catch a few words. "Firefang, Snotlout, birthday, and harassment. And something about a corpse if it wasn't fix" She quickly slipped outside without being noticed but when they reached where Ruffnut was waiting by the docks Una asked a question.
"Um, Astrid? I've got a question?"
"Sure, what is it?" she asked as she and Ruff worked together to get everything loaded up. While Ruff was tying up the food basket Astrid looked directly at Una and the little girl asked her question.
"What does the word "harassment" mean? I overheard Skullette use that word on my way out the door. But I've never heard of it before. So what does it mean? And what does it have to do with Firefang and Snotlout? Their names were mention too. So what's going on?" she inquired curiously.
Both Vikings looked a bit uncomfortable with that question and seemed to say something with their eyes to each other. "We'll tell you the answer to that once we're in the air and bit away from Berk, Una. Now let's get going. We're burning daylight! So Nightrainbow up for a long journey? 'Cause we've got a ways to go!" Ruffnut informed the five year old.
"He's up for anything! Let's ride!" and so the three girls with two dragons left and soon Nightrainbow was singing a traveling tune and Una was singing along. After they're out of sight of Berk and gone about half a mile they felt it was now safe to answer Una's questions.
"Okay, Una, we'll answer your questions, but only if you swear never to reveal this conversation with either your mother or brother. Promise that?" Astrid called out to her.
"I swear on Stoick-daddy's soul I won't tell anyone what we talk about this whole weekend. So, what does the word harassment mean?"
"It basically means bugging someone with unwanted attention and not leaving them alone when they've asked you to stop. From what I've heard since Firefang finally turned 19 last week Snotlout been hitting on her. And she's not liking it at all. So that's harassment, Una. Bugging someone so much that they wanted they wanted to physically harm you just to get you to stop. I think Skullette's complaining about it to your brother so while we're gone all weekend he's got to deal with that. So he ain't gonna have as much fun as we're going to have this weekend. Understand now?" Ruffnut explained as clearly as she could.
She was not used to riding on another dragon. Still like she pointed out without Tuffnut she couldn't fly Barf and Belch. Devoid of a second rider it's impossible to control a Zippleback. Since most of the time those two heads were busy battling each other and unable to make up their minds without a third party to help with that. So she just clutched on tightly to Stormfly and tried to enjoy the salty ocean breeze. At least it had warmed up enough for the weekend.
"So, basically you're saying Snotlout being so annoying Firefang wants to beheaded him and let his headless body drift out to sea without a proper sendoff? He's that freakin' annoying and thickhead?" Una surmised what she had figured.
"Trust me, Una. Snotlout is a great athlete, but a huge bragger and has no idea when to stop annoying womankind. Trust me I had to mess with his head when we saved Scauldy just to get him to leave me the hell alone. Some people change and others don't change certain aspects about themselves," Astrid relayed to the young child.
"Wow, not exactly working in his favor is it, to change my opinion on him. And I've never even spent any time alone with him. So not exactly doing a great job on changing my mind about him," Una muttered as she stroked Nightrainbow's horns to make him smile.
"Let's forget about the boys and everyone on Berk for this weekend, okay, kid? Where we're going is really only for girls anyway. Seeing how legend has it a girl was the one who lived there for many years without anyone else," Ruffnut spoke up and got Una's interest.
"Legend? Tell me more! I love stories and I'd love to hear this one!"
"Okay, here it goes. Many generations ago there was this kick ass beautiful young Viking girl named Markku the Rebellious. Her name wasn't just a title based on her behavior either, it's literally what her name meant. So she really lived up to it. As you can guess from her name she wasn't one to conform to others ideas or expectations. She did whatever she wanted and spoke her mind without a bit of tact. Audacious as well as bold plus being a smart-mouth. Well, as you can imagine, Una, the others of the village nagged to their Chief at the time about it. Therefore rather than deal with an angry man, given Markku had no respect for them. Being in her words "Men are idiots" so she packed up and left in the middle of the night at age 14 and disappeared for 18 years presumed to have died at sea. It wasn't till a lost fishing boat stumbled upon an uncharted island and found her alive and well. They then brought her back against her will, and she was forced to stay for the rest of her days on Berk. She died shortly after being brought back from the loss of her freedom and a broken heart. Still her island was named "Markku's Cove" and its location is only really known to the female population of Berk. Since it's said she asked the Valkyries and Freya to curse the island so if a male set foot on it, they'd suffer some horrible fate. Seems its lived up to the hype!" Ruffnut said with a grin on her face as she finished telling the tale.
"Does that just able to human males? Since Nightrainbow is male and I don't want him to suffer some horrible curse because of it."
"Yeah, Una, the curse is only for men, humans. So dragons both male and female are fine on it. Ah its coming in view now. Take a look at a girl's only paradise Una and watch out for the strong winds," Astrid instructed her as they saw a greenish brown smudge on the distant horizon.
It didn't look like much from two miles out from the air to Una. Though that opinion changed very quickly as they got a lot closer. And she saw at once it was one of the most beautiful places in the whole Archipelago. The waters around the island were clear as crystal and the landscape was amazing as well. White unblemished sand, lush vibrate emerald forests, amazing cliffs, and she could just make out a huge cascading waterfall of the prettiest mix of blue and green thundering in the heart of the island.
"Wow! It's beautiful! I don't recall seeing anything this beautiful before. So where do we make camp?" Una asked with delight as she took in it all.
"First we have to go greet an old friend before we make camp. I know for a fact that someone very special to me lives in the waters around this island and protects it from male intruders," Ruffnut said in a sly voice. Neither Astrid nor Una knew whom she was talking about. Still they quickly landed on the beach and took off their boots to wiggling their toes in moist sand as the water gently splashed the beach.
"So, who lives all out here that you know of, Ruff?" Una asked curiously as she saw Ruffnut just gazing longingly at the sea. She then started to do a dragon call, but it wasn't a dragon species call Una recognized. Still everyone watched for a moment as the sea was calm and still. Then the other girls and their dragons backed quickly away as it became wild and untamed.
Then everyone relaxed, well except Una that is. Nightrainbow was more curious then frighten. For what had popped out the water to greet them was a very large Scauldron! He seemed to really love Ruffnut and was smelling her hair. Then licked her as if to greet her further. "Nice to see you too, Scauldy! Missed you a lot! We really didn't get much of chance to visit when you and your pod fought off those crazy invaders to save Berk! Nice to know we've got some nice quality time for this long weekend. Love you too," she cooed sweetly as she hugged him tightly.
"Scauldy?! He lives around here?!" Astrid said in disbelief.
"Wait a moment! My brother told me in the Cavern about how you guys once saved a Scauldron from Changewings on Changewings Island! This is him?! How did you know he lived around here? Or that this is even him?" Una echoed with her own disbelief.
"How did you know things about Nightrainbow when you just met him? Hmm? When you bonded with a dragon doesn't matter the distance, time or as from what we heard life or death. You remain bonded for the rest of time. You just know them. Even if they're like a thousand other Scauldrons in the world, I'd know Scauldy out of all of them, even if they all looked exactly alike. It's just a feeling a bond you've got for the rest of your life. Plus legend says this island is protected by certain dragon guardians to make sure Markku's home is never defiled by unwanted people.
"Um other dragons? What kind should we expect?"
"Well most likely Terrible Terrors live here since they live on just about every island in the Archipelago. So if Scauldy here I guess Scauldrons protect the waters around this island. As for what else might be on this island? Not sure at the moment. Still we should be okay. So let's have lunch with Scauldy and then go do some exploring and make camp. Shall we?" Astrid suggested as she began to unload their supplies.
Una helped with that for a few moments then went to meet Scauldy personally. Ruffnut picked her up and held her close so Scauldy good get a good whiff of her and then Nightrainbow and her started to sing which he apparently enjoyed. He disappeared for few moments then using his powerful wings forced a large school of fish onto the sand so they had plenty of extra food to enjoy. So they spent the afternoon on the beach visiting with Scauldy. Ruff promised to visit him in the morning after explaining they had to go inland some. He seem to understand and it seemed like he was saying he'd be waiting for them to return tomorrow. And so he swam off to get his own meal.
"That was fun and unexpected. I've never seen or met a Scauldron before. The only Tidal Class dragon I've met was Thornado who somehow got to Valhalla with his family to aid us and Stoick-daddy against Hel and Dagur. Though that my first time meeting that particular dragon."
"I'm sure you'll encounter plenty of dragons you've never seen before during this weekend. So let's go for a hike and find a place for the night. We've got a few hours before evening sets in. So let's go exploring. We promised Valka you'd have a great time this weekend, and we intend to keep that promise. Stormfly? Come on! Let's go see what we can see!"
The next few hours went by rather quickly nevertheless it was still a lot of fun. Just taking great pleasure in the unspoiled nature and beauty all over the place was fun enough. They did see a lot of Terrible Terror running amok all over the island. But they also encountered some unexpected dragons.
It happened after they found the perfect spot to camp. It was right by the giant cascading turquoise waterfall which fell into a pool of glittering teal water which led to the rest of the water around the island. As Una was gathering water she thought for a moment she saw something shimmering a little ways away. Forgetting her promise for a moment she wandered away from where the others were setting up camp. Neither the girls nor dragons noticed as Una slipped away from sight.
She quickly was at the edge of a beautiful meadow with countless gorgeous, sweet-scented and different blossoms. The scents alone were like out of a dream as was the beauty. She was so busy enjoying the lovely smells and flowers she almost didn't notice what shimmered again. Looking up from gazing at the unusual colored blossoms she saw a pair of young red dragons. Again a species she'd never seen before and it looked to her like they're dancing or something. It was odd to her at least as they danced in the flowers they seem to change to match the unusual colors.
Entranced by this dancing she tried to get closer and started to sing to enhance the dancing. It was only when she got a little too close she felt someone grab her and drag her back towards a safer distant. Looking up it was Astrid who looked slightly mad and slightly scared.
"Una! You're not supposed to stray from camp! And those are Changewings! They spit acid and they can hide anywhere! You shouldn't get near them!"
"Sorry," she mumbled, then looked at the dragons who weren't hiding themselves. They looked rather curious at the girls instead and didn't seem to be like the others from their island. Astrid clutched her battle ax tightly but Una shook her head. She wrestled out of her grip and before Astrid could stop her Una began to sing a lullaby tune.
The Changewings slowly approached them and yet again didn't show any of the typical traits of their species were known for. They did make some of their own sounds and Una continued to sing and change her notes to match. Then the Changewings did something unexpected. They rolled a large rock at them. Una bent down to pick it up and quick as a flash one Changewing smacked it with its tail and the rock split open. Revealing that the inside was full of beautiful colored stones. It was then Una realized what the hell was going on.
"These two are teenagers, Astrid, and they're on a date. Practicing for their upcoming mating season. And apparently Changewings dance to mate and also give each other colored rocks that must make them think of both their color changing abilities and their rainbow eggs! I don't think these two are going to hurt us at all!"
"Maybe they enjoy your singing. Music does soothe the most savage of creatures they say," she suggested as she slowly lowered her battle ax to be less threatening. Holding out her hand both the Changewings allowed her to touch them and cooed happily.
Una then gently pet both of them and they seemed happy enough from that. "It was nice meeting you both. Thank you for the gift. Hope you dance as beautiful as you did now when it comes time to commit to each other. Have a nice and safe flight home," she sang to them. Smiling once the pair bowed their heads and took off together to go their home island.
"Well, you can't say this trip so far been boring, can you, Una? Still don't wander off again, please? We're lucky that your singing made them less irritable and they didn't mind their date getting interrupted. Nice rock though. We'll have to add this to the Book of Dragons when we get home. Now let's head back to camp for dinner and before something like a Typhoonrang comes flying over us too. That would really make this the perfect trip!" she said sarcastically as she grabbed Una's hand and marched her back to the campsite.
"Where you two been?" asked Ruffnut as she looked up from cooking their dinner. Turning the picket one final time she sighed at the tasty smoking flavor scent of the boar and salmon meat she'd been cooking.
"Una here stumbled upon a pair of Changewings when she was supposed to be staying at camp." Astrid answered back in a stern tone. Both girls crossed their arms and looked at the little girl who hung her head in shame.
"Sorry, I wandered off. I won't do it again, I promise. Though seeing a Changewing mating dance was very cool, right?"
"Yes, it was cool, still you shouldn't wander off in a place you have no idea about or how to find your way back. We promised we watch you and if we fail at that responsibility? Your brother gonna skin us alive. So, don't do it again, okay? And if you don't we won't mention this one time to Hiccup either. Now let's eat and I've got a lot of stories to pass the time before we star gaze for a while. So let's eat! It's done cooking." Ruffnut said still looking at Una who understood the disappoint look.
"I'm really sorry for wandering off, I mean it. Please don't tell my brother. I want to be allowed to eventually go off on my own, and he never let me do anything on my own if he found out I disobeyed him once even! So please don't tell!" she begged as they all sat down to eat.
"We won't tell him if you don't do it again, okay, Una? We'll just say we all spotted the Changewings dancing. Just don't wander off again and we'll forget this one time. Now its story time. Ruff? You said you can spin a tale better than your brother, didn't you?"
"Yeah, Tuffnut is so lousy at storytelling, remember how it was so bad the dragons left the cave when we went to Dragon Island on your suggestion? And that was what lead Dagur to start attacking Berk? Ugh! Tuffnut is so lousy with stories. We'll I at least make them interesting. So shall I spin a few yarns?"
"Please do! I love stories! The more the better!"
So that was how the first night went. They told stories till the campfire went down and once it was out they gazed at the millions of stars for a long time too. Then after making sure everything was okay and knowing the dragons would protect them they went to sleep.
The next morning they joined Scauldy on the beach for some breakfast and then went hiking and rock climbing. After they got done with rock climbing they headed back to camp for some lunch. Then it came time for the training to begin. Going to a nearby clearing with more space the girls began to instruct her in basic fighting styles and skills.
At first Una just watched while sitting on a large moss covered rock. Then was told she actually had to participate. Looking a bit nervous she got off the rock and tried to copy what they'd done. This went well into the early evening. They repeated some of it the next day. Spending the morning having fun exploring and then lunch and practicing for the rest of the day. Since they had to leave by five clock Monday to make it home in time, this seemed like the last chance to get Una to open up.
"You've done a great job just by two days of training, Una! You are definitely scrappy in a fight. You'll soon be able to hold your own in a real fight. You've got a good right hook that I'll say!" Ruffnut said she sank down on a tree stump.
"You've definitely improved in such a short time. You're a very fast learner."
"Thank you for the compliments, Astrid, you too, Ruffnut. It makes me feel really good. To know that you think so highly of me. And I'll say this to you, Ruffnut, I may not know what to think of Tuffnut, and I surely don't know if Snotlout ever gonna change my opinion of him, but you definitely are pretty nice, fun and not as silly as I originally thought. I guess Skullette was right, I just needed to get to know you better. Maybe spending time with the other boys will change my mind about them too. Hopefully," Una said as she took a seat on the rock again.
"Thanks for the compliment too, Una. Neither me nor Tuff get one very often. We may not be very smart, but we aren't completely stupid or helpless either. So thank you. Now we'd like to get to know you a bit better. So, tell us, what's going on in your life when you're not with your family or at the Nursery?" she asked causally.
"Yeah, you must tell us more about what you do when you're alone. We've done so much bonding this weekend. So tell us more about what going on with you," Astrid chimed in. It was obvious both girls had discussed how to best approach this matter to get Una to talk.
Una sighed and played with her hands for a moment, "I take it you guys want me to talk about something? Something in particular?"
"Well, maybe, talk about anything! Like how is the singing and music writing going. Or what Hiccup does when he's alone, or why you don't play with the other children," Ruffnut tried to mention it all nonchalantly. Una looked up at the girls and seemed to be figuring out their game.
"I don't know what you're talking about. I…play… um…I'm just…" she stumbled to answer it. But sighed in defeat and started to cry. Astrid walked slowly over and hugged her and stroked her hair.
"Una, it won't help to keep bad feelings inside you. If something is bothering you that you can't tell Hiccup then tell us. We won't betray you. We promise. It will just be between us girls. Just tell us, please."
"Yeah, we promise we won't tell him anything you tell us. It will be our secret. We swear. So come on, out with it before you burst into flames."
She was crying harder now but managed to start chock out the words. "The other….children….they…they… they bully me! It's been so horrible! They won't let me play with them or even talk to me! It started on the morning of the dragon race. I left the Nursery and tried to join some kids playing a ball game. Then this boy I think his name was Brimstone. He called me all kinds of bad names and then hurt this little girl named Bloodfire who tried to come to my aid. And they left me alone. But it's still going on. It didn't just end with that one day. I'm still being picked on and bullied by that kid and a few others too. Though I think it's more him bossing the others around and threatening them. But I've been tormented more than just that one day," she confessed through the tears.
This was news to Astrid and Ruffnut. For as far as they knew and Valka knew this was a one-time thing. Apparently it wasn't.
"When I'm out of sight of you guys, or my family, or out of the Nursery. I've been teased, mocked, and sometimes shoved and tripped and even had one time some rotten fish heads thrown at me when I was going to the Great Hall for lunch. I've kept quiet about it. I don't want Hiccup to know. Because if he knew it would only make things worse! So I've just been enduring silently."
"Wow, that's pretty horrible. And no-one notices this? I mean we all knew we're not being nice to Hiccup. But that was the whole island and everyone knew! You're saying no-one seen these children do this stuff to you?" Ruffnut asked in disbelief.
"Yeah, I'd I've thought someone would notice this much torment."
"They've done it out of sight and when I'm even alone for split second. They've even called Nightrainbow names. It's been pretty awful. It really does hurt. I've felt like crying this much for a while, I've just done my best not too," she finished as she sobbed even harder.
"Una that does sound terrible. Very terrible. I'm sorry to hear you're suffering so much. Wish we could help you out some," Astrid said apologetically as she tried to comfort the small child.
Ruffnut sat quietly for a few moments on the stump seemed to be thinking. Then she spoke up. "You said this kid whose been bullying you the most is called Brimstone, right? Ten years old, greasy unruly blond hair and stormy gray eyes? And he attacked you and hurt a little girl your age named Bloodfire, right? Dark blond hair in two braided pigtails? That's who doing this?"
Una hiccupped once and nodded. "Yeah that's about right. That's him. I thought he was nine, but I guess he could be ten."
"I know him and his little sister. It's really low of him to torment you, but to also torment his own little sister Bloodfire for trying to stand up for you? I'd give him more the spanking for that."
"How in the world do you know a ten year old kid, Ruff?" Astrid asked clearly confused.
"Brimstone and Bloodfire's mother is the best bread maker on the island. She and her children deliver my house's bread every Monday and Friday morning. I've seen how that kid acts up every time I get it. Since Tuffnut too lazy to get the bread, I always get it and I've noticed how wicked that little boy is."
"So, Bloodfire is Brimstone's sister?! And he attacked his own sister because she tried to stand up for me?" Una said in astonishment.
"Yep. There are other siblings on Berk beside you and Hiccup and me and Tuffnut. Others just don't get that much attention is all. I do have one piece of advice that might help you out and the rest of the children from being bullied themselves and made to serve Brimstone."
"What's your advice, Ruffnut, and it better not involve asking Una asking Nightrainbow to blow them up. Fire won't fix this."
"Chill, Astrid. It's rather simple really. The only way to shut up a bully is to one stand up to him. And two knock him on his ass. One punch at the biggest, meanest and toughest bully, and his power over others is broken. If others see you're willing to fight him and you punch him out once. Then they won't be scared. It's rather simple. One punch and the others will accept you. Just think about it."
"Well, it does kinda make sense. You take out someone bigger or tougher then you others won't be afraid to stand up either. And I'm guessing maybe some of the children wouldn't mind playing with you. They just don't want to torment themselves is all."
"Well, to be honest, when I did ask that one time to join the game others did look like they wanted to give me a chance, but it was that stupid Brimstone who started bullying me. The other children did seem terrified of him. Even if his own sister was willing to stand up to him," sighing she wiped her tears away with her tunic dress sleeve.
"We've taught you a lot of fighting skills this weekend. If you wish to continue back on Berk we can still carry on with it. But I'm pretty sure if you just punch him once in the nose and knock him on his butt, his power will be gone. Bullies only have power as long as no-one stands up to them. And sometimes words work and other times you need to use a fist. Or a little of both. Still if you can give Snotlout a black eye when he insulted you and Hiccup, I'm pretty positive you can get one punch in and well I think you'll find the other kids will let you join in."
"And if they talk to Hiccup and say she started it what then?"
"Not sure on that one. But that's about the only advice I can give on the subject."
"Well, if it does come to this I'm sure I'll handle it best I can. Even if they say I started it."
"Well, to be honest, you'll a witness or two to back you up saying Brimstone started it. She's obviously not afraid to stand up to him, just too afraid to hit him. Still we'll back you up and I'm sure your mother would too."
"Valka-mommy? How would she be able to back me up? No-one else knows about this problem."
"Actually, Una, part of the reason your mom requested us to take you here was to help you admit to this. Because while you didn't know but she saw the whole thing. And just figured out why you've not told Hiccup. But she's furious too. So if they try to place the blame on you, she'll tell the truth." Ruffnut admitted to a stunned Una.
"You mean…Valka-mommy does care about this, just didn't know how to help?"
"Yeah. Still we've got to leave soon to get home in time. So I've to say I agree with Ruffnut's advice for once. We can still help you learn to fight better. Still if push comes to shove you might just have to give Brimstone that punch in the nose. Still only do it as a last resort. So did you have a good camping trip weekend?"
"It was great! And I'll really try hard to learn to fight even better. So thank you, both of you. Now let's get home and find out if my brother dealt well with Skullette's harassment complaint!" she said with a laugh.
All of them laughed at that as they quickly gathered up their supplies and disassembled camp. After making sure everything was alright and that the island wasn't in any danger they start to fly. They flew to the beach and told Scauldy goodbye and Ruffnut remind him to come visit them on Berk sometime which he nodded too. Then just as they took off they saw a shower of sparks. At first they thought it was shooting stars, but it turned out to be a flock of Typhoonrangs heading off to their home on Eel Island.
"Wow! So that's what kinda dragon Troch is! Wow! Three new dragons for me to see in one weekend. Cool!"
"Yeah, cool. Let's head home, Una! Why don't you give us some traveling music? It's gonna be a long boring flight home otherwise," Ruffnut suggested and Una nodded and she and Nightrainbow began to sing and soon everyone else joined in as they headed home to Berk. Happy that the camping trip turned out just great and hopefully the bullying when they got back home would end soon too!
So they just sang happily as they flew off into the blazing and colorful sunset!