AN: I edited the chapter so it would be easier to read. Please don't be shy to let me know if you notice any grammatical error. English is not my first language, and though I have been practicing it for a long time, I know there are still things I need to be reminded of.

A Little More About the Story: As the title implies, this is the story of how a certain girl finds a dragon under quite different circumstance but don't think this is just my ego trying to get high. This is her story, but is also Hiccup's. The past and his legacy are constantly, if not equally part of the story. What was done in the past, affects the present and future (though I am still debating with myself about the last one).

YES, there will be mature language and situations. Teens drinking, smoking and other (use your imagination.) I am not particularly good at writing lemons but I will show one here or there every once in a while, though don't expect much detail.

Alya Spruce: She has already forgotten about Conell or at least ignores the pain in her heart. He won't matter much in the story anymore. Yes, they are meant to be genderbend characters, but I didn't want them to be like 'In your face!' gerderbend.

an9454: Thank you, thank you (bows before the crowd).

Ferdoos: Again, thanks for noting me about the name issue :P

How to Find a Dragon

Chapter 13

Berk had never known a busier week than the one they were having at that time. From Monday morning to then Friday everyone had pitched in to make the town look its best. There was an estimated of ten thousand Berkerians in the island, which meant there were a lot of people out and about. It had been a terribly long time since their island was visited by anyone of high standing, and just as importantly having someone of blue blood living among them. The frantic of the town was also due to the fact that they yet didn't know who the heir of the old lady was.

Soleil felt numb as she watched everyone run back and forth, or maybe it was the anesthetic after visiting the dentist. She was waiting outside the dentist's office just as she had been told, after getting her front teeth put back. Her mother didn't want her giving her any more trouble, especially with the Crown and other High-class members coming to the island.

She had been lucky her aunt had only told her mother of what she had said about her uncle. Her mother hadn't liked her uncle Varick much, but she knew that once her father heard of what she said there would be hell to pay. Her dad and uncle had been the best of friends even though they had been so different; more than once her father had used this as an example to have her try be nicer to Hagnes. Hell would freeze first.

"Let me see," said her mother when she found her, not even a hello or apology for taking so long to get there.

Soleil gave her a strained smile to show her the pearly whites aligned perfectly.

"The seamstress is waiting for us," Noreen said before she had her daughter follow her.

Just as they were to cross the street to reach the seamstress they saw Hagnes leave the place with Jason Gallion, who carried a large zipper bag, the type made to hold suits and dresses.

"Don't even think about it," he mother said following her line of sight.

Soleil didn't say anything. They waited until Jason had driven off with Hagnes. Now she was seeing an older guy? Surely not, that wasn't like Hagnes at all, but she couldn't help to wonder. After the seamstress had all the details fixed on their dresses they went off to the parlor, which was full like it never had in years. Thankfully, her aunt had booked them early in the week when she learned of the news. They met her there. She was having her long red locks done on twisting spirals. She could feel jealousy radiating off her mother. Her aunt was exceptionally beautiful, and had been approached by many suitors over the years, but she had rejected them all.

"Noreen, Soleil; they will be done with me in just a moment," she offered them a smile. Soleil realized it was from her that Hagnes got her smile from. It was an easy smile but didn't let you in. You couldn't know what hid behind it; if there was sincerity in it at all. How come she hadn't noticed before? It was a politician's smile.

"Take your time Steinunn, the major must look her best," Noreen said with a strained smile.

Soleil was surprised her mother didn't bite her tongue. Well, she guessed even her mother couldn't deny there were some perks at being related to the major. They would be at the ball held the following night as Steinunn's special guests. She wondered if her aunt couldn't pull out their names from the list when she found what she had done to Hagnes.

"Will Hagnes be coming?" her mother dared to ask.

"She said she didn't need to," Steinunn's smile became tired, "said there wouldn't be much they could do with her hair"

"I suppose," Noreen felt embarrassed for asking such question. She had forgotten Hagnes' extreme haircut.

"All done Major," said the stylist. The major thanked before clearing the chair for Noreen.

"The limousine will pick you up tomorrow at six o clock," she said before parting.

***** With Hagnes *****

Maybe the Crown wasn't so bad, Hagnes thought as Jason Gallion drove her to all the places she needed to go before the Crown arrived. They had ordered him to help her with whatever she needed.

"Don't think this a permanent arrangement," he said giving her only a small glace as he drove. She had made him take her to the seamstress to fix some old dress, then to the museum to deliver something, then to the house of the twins, and then to one her friends by the name of Philly, and then to finish the final arrangement for the funeral of the previous Douches.

"You are so fickle," she said with a short laugh, "first you want to hound me about information and then you can't stand being with me"

"I just don't like a little girl ordering me around" he was an adult man, owner of his own business, and one heck of a spy; he did not like playing chauffer.

"You mean the Douches of Berk" she said with a fake pompous tone.

"Like you care for that title" he couldn't help to bark a laugh after imitate a royal.

"Ah, but I do" she said deviously.

"You do?" he started to wonder what she had planned for the following night.

"Yeah, it's just the beginning" and she was evading him again. He wondered if the girl would ever give him a straight answer.

"To what?" he didn't get upset; he was always able to get a little out of the secret from her anytime he asked.

"You will see, but are you sure you wouldn't like to be on my side instead?" she said leaning close to him. Though she was not much of a flirter, but still felt like patting herself when she saw him tense. She wondered if this was how Soleil did it.

"I am not an idiot" he said after a few moments. He had been shocked by her closeness and the fact that she was asking him to join him. Was she that confident that she could win?

"I will take that as a no then," she leaned back on her seat and pouted. The gods had to hate him! Jason thought as he caught sight of those lips. It was a very tempting sight.

"Not necessarily" she didn't say anything hoping he would explain, "I want to see the full picture Hagnes; until then I won't make a decision"

"The full picture will burn you to a crisp," she said simply, "I recommend you to see it from somewhere faraway"

"Yet, you are asking me to be on your side" he couldn't help to smile. He never got bored with her around.

"I find you a wonderful chauffeur" she said leaning back and relaxing.

"Of course," he laughed.

Jason found her rather curious, if only she was a bit older, and not the number one enemy of the Crown, he would go after her. She would slap him silly, but that was actually part of her charm. Since he had heard of her fight with Soleil, and her fallout with Conall he wondered if she was truly as strong as she behaved. She was this tiny girl with too much energy, too many ideas, and too much unnecessary bravery. He actually worried about her.

"Stop at the café please" she said.

***** Later that day *****

The Crown and the other high-class members arrived that night to rest. The following day Steinunn and other valued members of their community took their time showing them around their town. All the while she wondered about Halldora's successor. The crown prince and princess had yet to ask about him or her.

"Is everything alright major?" the prince asked her as they were being driven to their next destination.

She did her best not to blush like a school girl. Prince Livius was more handsome than she had imagined. His eyes were a sapphire blue, his long blond hair tied in at the base of his head was straight, and looked softer than any other she had ever seen. His jawline was that of a man, strong but not so sharp as to make him look older. His nose, as she had heard, was the definition of perfection. He was twenty-one years old, and his parents were already sending him and his sister as representatives of the Crown.

"My apologies your majesty, I know you sent word to me that the heir of the Duchess would show at the ball but…"

"Please, do not fret major," said the Princess Sini, "we have already contacted her, and she told us she would be there. She seems a little shy, reason why she is not joining us today" the princess was just as beautiful as her older brother. She had long blond golden hair, which she arranged on a French braid. Her eyes were the same blue, but her eyes were bigger and full of expression. Her lips were plump, but only lightly colored, showing modesty. Her face was slightly round; she was but fifteen but already behaved like a proper lady.

"It's a lady then," she hadn't heard until then.

"Yes," said the prince with a smile, "from what we have been informed she is also quite young. She probably didn't have idea of her inherency until recently"

"I see," no wonder they had never heard of her.

"Major, I wanted to ask you, and please don't think we see this as an insult, but where is your daughter?" Livius asked her.

"Hagnes…" that morning Hagnes hadn't been in the house. She couldn't find her in time to join them, "she was rather nervous, but she promised me she would be at the ball"

"I hope so," said the princess with a giggle.

Steinunn was shocked, why would they be interested on her daughter?

"Forgive my sister dear major," said Livius with a nervous look towards his giggling sister, "my sister, you could say, is sort of her fan"

She looked shocked at the princess.

"She was ranked the smartest high school student in the islands," Sini said controlling herself, "I know those records are meant to be confidential brother, but I just couldn't help myself" she added when her brother gave her a reproachful, yet teasing look, "or are you worried she will give you a run for your money?"

Steinunn felt her cheeks redden. It was no secret the prince was extremely smart, but so was her daughter. But where the prince was charming and graceful, Hagnes was brash and clumsy.

"You speak too much dear sister," he added almost childishly, but she was able to perceive a light blush on his cheeks.

****PAST****

Camicazi was not happy as she swung her sword and cut the head of another hunter. How could they fail to find one girl! She didn't know what the girl heard or seen, but for her to run away it was something that could probably hurt them. Damn it all when she decided to bring her from the mainland. She had been worried the Bog-Burglars would do something to her child if it was a boy, so she had gotten outside help, and well paid.

"Find her!" she screamed, before everyone left the great hall. She was so deep in her thoughts that it was only moments later that she was able to hear her son cry. She cradled him and whispered soft words to him. She wouldn't let them win; it was his destiny to rule all. The girl had said so herself.

*****PRESENT*****

The Berk municipal hall was full of lights and fancy adornments. It was the most beautiful it had ever been. Large blue flags with the Crown's crest hung from the windows, along with one they had never seen before. It was red, with the shape of what seemed to be a dragon curling.

Runa felt as if her heart would burst out of her chest. The day before Hagnes had dropped by. She behaved as if nothing had happened between then, but wasn't friendly either. She handed her and her brother two invitations to the ball. She heard her say she would also give some to Philly and Ashton. She wondered if this was a plan to win her over, but she doubted it. Hagnes was not the manipulative type. Still, as they neared the entrance and she caught sight of the crown prince and the princess she couldn't help to admire their beauty.

She and her brother bowed just as the other guest when they arrived. They seemed somewhat surprised at seeing twins, but then welcomed them with smiles.

Inside, they were guided to a table near the one where the noble were sitting along with the major and her family.

"Isn't this exciting?" Philly was already seated with Ashton and looking everywhere.

"I can't believe Hagnes got us such good places," said Ashton, he was just as surprised as Runa to have been given an invitation. Hagnes had dropped at the café, handed him the ticket with a mysterious message 'things will become clearer' and then left. He wondered what she would do. Of course, he couldn't tell the rest she was up to something. That would ruin the surprise. After watching her smash Soleil's mouth, it would be a hard one to top.

"Me neither," Soleil said standing behind him. He did his best not to turn around and check if her teeth were in place.

"Where is Hagnes, anyway?" asked Runi, though not towards Soleil. He preferred to act as if she wasn't there. They looked around but couldn't see her at all. The major, her family and the royals were all already sitting to dine. Wordlessly Soleil left to join them.

"You think she bailed?" asked Runi before they were served dinner. He forgot all about his questing when he saw the steak "wherever you are Hagnes, thank you"

Philly and Ashton couldn't help to laugh as he started to attack the steak. Runa in the other hand was worried; she knew she didn't have the right to, but she couldn't help it. Had Soleil done something to her to miss the ball? She turned to look at the major; she also looked worried, though she was doing a good job at hiding it. There was an empty chair between her and the prince.

After the dinner, the prince excused himself and left through the back doors of the ballroom towards the garden. The princess also got up before leaving to another room. Everyone wondered what was going on.

****Outside

Livius felt like fool outside in the cold. If she didn't show up, heads were going to roll! It was just an expression, of course.

"I am sorry for the delay," he heard a girl's voice say. He turned towards the bushes before a girl made her way out of them. She was covered in the blackest cloak he had ever seen, yet it shone as it reflected the light of the moon. She had a hood up, which made it impossible for him to see her face.

"The duchess, I presume" he said standing straight, and looking down on her. She was short, and her voice had been soft; was this really the one that could take Berk away from his family?

"Yes, your majesty" she made a bow in respect, but as she did he caught sight of something behind her. Behind the bushes, bright green eyes watched him.

"Is that…" he did his best to not step back. The creature regarded him coldly.

"Kara won't harm you," she said straightening from the bow, "but she was rather persistent on waiting out here until the ball ends" and she was thankful for it. You never knew when you would need a dragon around a Bog-Burglar.

"Can't you control it?" he asked not liking the idea of a dragon waiting outside.

"She has a mind of her own, but don't worry. She is just being overprotective" they heard a slight croon, "oh shush you overfed lizard"

Now he had undoubtedly seen it all.

"I am deeply sorry for asking this," he turned to look at her pull something out of the bushes, "but would you please help me with this inside?"

*****PAST*****

The woods were as green as they had been when he had been a child playing on them. They had gotten into so much trouble in those years that they made their father go grey a bit too early. Of course, Rocknutt learnt to manage as the years passed. His twins were mischievous but not as evil as their grins and words made them look. Tuffnut allowed his mind to wonder, something he usually didn't do while hunting. Had he changed as much as the rest?

Surely Fishlegs was still a know it all, but he had more backbone. If he thought something wasn't right, or too risky, he voiced it. It was one of the reasons why Hiccup kept him so close during meetings. Snotlout was still a boasting idiot, but he usually did it only when it came to his wife. Snotlout had learned to open his thick skull somewhat and was willing to listen to his cousin. They still clashed sometimes, but not as bad as before. Through the years, Hiccup had earned his respect. Hiccup, Hiccup; he would never understand the guy. He was not just smart, but a mad genius and Tuffnut honestly thought he was mad. No one could come up with the ideas the chief did with a sane mind. They all knew this from the moment they found he had befriended a dragon. It was the cool kind of mad.

Then, there was his sister; Ruffnut was the famous warrior she always said she was going to be. Everyone feared her in battle and not in vain. She was close in league with Astrid. He always thought they would die side by side in battle. It didn't occur to him that his sister might want more out of life. It had been stupid of him to beat up all of her suitors, though he doubted any of them could have handled her. Now, he was playing it all with Ulfar. Though he felt as if he was losing a part of himself, he knew he couldn't keep his sister always by his side.

Tuffnut felt lonely, though he would never admit it. He missed his sister who was away in a spy mission with Ulfar. It felt extremely odd to go hunting without her. He pulled the arrow tighter as the boar started to sniff the air. His blue eyes met the boar's brown ones. It was in such moments that he felt truly alive. He released the arrow and it shoot straight in between the boar's eyes, piercing the skull and brain. The sound was crunchy and wet at the same time. At such times, he and his sister would usually cheer, but he only felt nostalgia. He hoped she was okay.

He heard a growl and turned to find more boars glaring at him with their beady brown eyes. They weren't happy to find their friend slayed, who would be? Though he wasn't the sharpest battle-ax in the village, he knew better than to turn his back on a pack of wild boards. At this time, he could only fight them, and hope to survive, or hope that help arrived. The issue with the second one was that he didn't tell anyone where he had gone. Well, too late for regrets; he thought as he pulled his words free from his belt.

"Let's dance," he said before charging with a wild cry toward the boars. Never did he ever feel so alive. When against other Vikings, along with his sister and their dragon he knew he had someone watching his back. But now, out here in the woods, far away from anyone who could aid him; he was on his own. His leg burned as one of the hogs bit into it, blood running out of its snout as it sank its fangs deeper until it closed on his bones.

"Ah!" he had never felt so much pain! With a wild smile, he swung his sword and cut off the boars head cleanly off its body. Blood sprayed him entirely as he pried the dead mouth off him. He swung his sword once again before piercing another boar that had tried to tackle him to the ground. It slid off his swords with a wet sound before collapsing on the floor, whining as it lost all life.

By the time the sun started to set all boars were dead and he had more bites than he could count. He lay on the grass drenched in blood. This was the best way to go, right? He had fought and defeated all of his enemies. It was only bad luck now that there was no one near him to help him. He caught sight of the night sky; the stars twinkled at him, as in welcome to that other place where talented warriors go. Never was he going to admit that he was afraid; he decided to stop thinking all together and closed his eyes.

It was sunny. He and his sister were about eight or nine years old. They were running through the woods playing war with the other Viking children. They both held wooden swords and shields. Snotlout was off somewhere torturing Hiccup, and Astrid was looking after Fishlegs, who had hurt his knee. So, this left the twins to play against each other. They clashed their swords and shields cursing like the adults did, and laughed about it.

"Die!" shouted Ruffnut before she poked him with her wooden sword on his arm.

"Oh no!" he said melodramatically, before dropping his shield, "what should I do!"

Ruffnut giggled before kicking him in the shin making him fall to his knee and rub the sore spot.

"I said die!" she said pointing her sword at his neck.

He looked up at her trying to hold his tears back. She had actually made his shin bleed and her smirk wasn't making it any better.

"No!" he said glaring at her.

"What? But I got…" she didn't get to finish before he tackled her.

They wrestled on the dirt until they were both out of breath, and cheeks red. Tuffnut turned to look at his sister sprawled on the dirt; she was smiling as she looked up at the sky.

"What are you smiling about?" he asked.

"You," she started still looking at the sky, "will not die before I do" and then she turned to look at him. Tears were on her eyes, but she was smiling still. He didn't understand. Then she was hugging him and crying on his chest "you will not die!" he only sat there as she held him. He wasn't sure why, but he started crying too.

In his subconscious, he now understood why he had cried. He cried because she was crying, and he hated to see his sister cry. He cried because he didn't know how to make her feel better because at the time, he didn't understand what was hurting her. Now, he understood. It had been the same as when their mother passed away. At the time, they had both cried because of their loss. Ruffnut was remembering that pain, but this time it wasn't their mother who was being laid to rest, it was Tuffnut. She didn't want her brother to die, at least not while she was alive.

He decided she was being selfish because if he did as she wanted, then he would be the one crying when she died. He would be the one missing part of himself. Still, he didn't want her to cry again. He would have to live. Valhalla be damned.

"You will not die!"

Tuffnut woke up first with a gasp and then had a lot of difficulty breathing. He was a little dizzy too. He looked down and found his sister sleeping with her head on his bandaged chest. The rest of her sat on a chair rather uncomfortably. He was seriously tempted to push her off him, but his dream returned to him and decided against it. As long as no-one saw them it would be fine. He passed a bandaged hand through her hair. It felt just like their mother's. He didn't want her to die. And as soon as that thought passed through his mind, he felt his eyes tear up.

As his mind pulled itself together, he realized he was in his room. Somehow, he had made it back, but how?

"You are lucky to be alive," he heard an unknown voice say before he turned his head to the side and spotted a young woman. He had never seen her before, but she had a tad of an accent that told him she was not from the islands. Her long black robe with silver patterns he had never seen alone was a sign of it.

Her hair was an extremely dark brown almost mistaken by black, curled and long almost reaching the ground. Her skin was pasty white as if she didn't see much of the outside world. Her eyes were grey, but not cold. She was pretty, he had to admit, and tall; almost reaching his height. She was really thin, not in an underfed way, but he knew right away she was not a warrior.

"Who are you?" he wondered where his sword was. Warrior or not, he wouldn't take chances.

"My name is Melkorka" she said sitting on a chair near his bed, "I was the one who found you half dead in the woods"

"What are you doing here?" he said suspiciously.

"Your chief has already taken the time to interrogate me, you don't need to worry"

"You are in my house, in my room, and I am injured" he didn't want her there. Had she seen him cry?

"I am a healer; I am only looking after my patient. No matter how ungrateful they are"

"I don't need you, go away"

"But you do!" he almost jumped when Astrid appeared at his door, "you are more stupid than I thought if you think we are going to leave you alone after almost getting yourself killed. What were you thinking going hunting so deep in the woods by yourself!" she was turning red, which wasn't as good sign "the only reason you are alive is because Melkorka's boat arrived on the shore nearby and found you!"

He was about to retort back, but then Ruffnut stirred. They all became very quiet as she pulled herself off his chest. He felt a lump on his throat when he spotted how swollen and red her eyes were. She had been crying for him.

"Hey idiot," she said with a tired but relieved smile.

"Hey stupid," he answered back automatically, "when did you come back?"

"Just this morning," she said with a shrug, "had a terrible feeling in my gut"

"Let's go Melkorka, dinner is ready" Astrid said knowing they needed some time alone.

"Around yesterday in the afternoon I started feeling sick," she dug her fingers into her skirt, "you are undoubtedly an idiot"

"I am sorry," he said before she looked at him shocked, "for making you cry"

Her face turned red before she gaped like a fish out of water.

"I cried too," he said pointing at his red eyes, "see?"

"But why?" she asked curiously. She knew her brother was a sap, and he didn't even realize it.

He shrugged just like she knew he would do.

"I will bring you something to eat," she said before leaving the room.

It wasn't long before Hiccup came to visit him. He looked relieved when he saw the twin sitting.

"How are you feeling?"

"As if a pack of boars had tried to eat me alive, what do you think?"

Hiccup shook his head in misbelieve, "you are extremely lucky"

"So I keep hearing, who is this Melkorka?"

"That's rather complicated," said Hiccup taking seat, "simply put, she was the one who tended Camicazi while she gave birth. She heard some rather disturbing information and decided to run away"

"Why here?"

"Because she wants to stop her" Hiccup looked upset, "she heard Camicazi say she wanted to use our dragons to attack the main land and take over them. Melkorka is not from the islands, she is from all over the mainland. She doesn't want it destroyed"

"So you trust her," they had gone through a similar situation a few years back. Hiccup was too trusting at times.

"I have to; she has brought us information that could change everything"

*****PRESENT*****

The princess had returned with two bodyguards who carried between themselves a large white metal chest. It was covered with precious stones of every color. Just as the chest was placed in the middle of the room, a space that had been kept clear for the dance, the prince came back from the garden carrying a black chest with intriguing patters. Behind him followed a cloaked figure. The cloak didn't reveal anything from the wearer, but they all could see it was made from an exquisite material as it pooled around the legs of the wearer.

The prince placed the chest on the floor before walking towards his sister and the white chest. He opened it as the cloaked figure opened the black chest. Both pulled out swords and shields of the same colors.

The sword of the Crown was as brilliant as a diamond. The handle was T shaped. It was made of silver with golden coils running through it. The ends had beautiful diamonds. In the center, the crest of the crown was depicted by small blue gems. The handle was long, for someone with large hands. The blade itself was as wide as a man's hand and close to a meter in length. The shield was circular, with a sun carved into it.

The sword the cloaked figured pulled out was dark as the night. The hilt was T shaped and was pure black, bound with leather and something that looked like obsidian stones at the ends. The blade was thin as a finger from one side, and two fingers from the other, almost invisible if not near enough. It resembled a needle with an exceptionally sharp looking end. The shield was a curious thing. It was circular but seemed to be covered with more obsidian rocks in the shape of scales.

"It is my honor today," started the prince as the cloaked figured started towards them with shield and sword in hands "to present to you tonight the Duchess of Berk" with that he took the sword and plunged it into the tiled floor breaking it easily until about a quarter of the sword was embedded into it. Now, let's see if she knew her part of the ritual.

"It is my honor today," said the cloaked figure raising the black sword as well a few feet across from them "to meet you today as the Duchess of Berk!" she plunged the sword into the tile as well and just as easily embedding it there. Both took the shield and used the handles of the swords to hang them through the straps. She could feel her insides shaking. Halldora had made her study the words many times, but to say them out loud in front of so many was remarkably different.

"We meet here today in peace," both said at the same time as if they had rehearsed this before, "and give our word that no blood will be spilled"

Everyone was frozen. What did they mean meeting in peace and not spilling blood?

"My dear Duchess, please reveal yourself to everyone. They all are waiting to meet you!" Livius all but sang.

"But they already know me," she laughed, and a few could tell they had heard her voice before.

Steinunn from the moment she had seen her come in had known who she was. Even with the cloak she could tell from the way she moved. When she first spoke, it only reassured her. So, this was what she was up to all summer. It was the last thing she would have expected, but it did explain her odd behavior all summer. Had she carried the secret by herself all this time?

"I am the daughter of Varick Cornelius Haddock the First!" She started shouting "granddaughter of Grima Ingun Haddock the Second! Great granddaughter of Runolf Skard Haddock the Fourth! Great grandniece of Halldora Rafarta Haddock the Second!" she removed her hood "I AM HAGNES HAILY HADDOCK THE SECOND! Duchess of Berk! And direct descendant of the chief line of Berk!"

*****PAST*****

Melkorka sat at the great hall with just about every single Viking of Berk. The other Vikings had brought back Tuffnut's kill and made a terrific dinner out of it. Nothing went to waste in that island, if only it was the same everywhere she had gone to. She sat by Astrid's side as she held her little boy. She was surprised to find out the chief of Berk had a son. No one knew this in the other islands.

"With the upcoming battle, your help will be tremendously appreciated" Fishlegs Ingerman said across from her, "our healer can only look after so many people at the same time"

"Where are you from Melkorka, I don't think I have ever seen someone like you" Ragnheid asked with curious eyes. To her, Melkorka resembled an elf somewhat.

"I am not sure myself," she said with calmly, she knew they meant no harm, "my mother was a healer as well, and as far as I can remember, we were always traveling through the mainland. I had visited the islands before, but never Berk"

"It is a little harsh around here," said Fishlegs with a chuckle "can't blame you"

"It is actually beautiful," she said with a smile.

"I thought I had heard that voice before!" they all turned to find Renald, with his little niece on his arms. She was almost one year old. Her hair was as black as Renald's, and that it would be straight too. Her little blue eyes were also exceptionally light like her mother's, almost breaching into white. She looked curiously at the lady she had never seen before.

"Renald?" Melkorka stood shocked, "I thought Camicazi said she had you killed"

"Camicazi says a lot of things," he said closing on her, she immediately tensed "Hiccup told me a healer had come with valuable information, but for that healer to be you…" in less than a second he had Astrid holding Shield too, and he had a firm hand on Melkorka's neck while the other hand held a dagger close to her neck, "you know this was fated to be, correct?"

"Renald! What are you doing!" cried Astrid standing back with both children in arms.

"She is a witch Astrid, not a healer" he said through clenched teeth, "you sunk Torrad's boat, admit it!"

"I admit nothing! A storm caught us!"

"Then how come only you survived," he pressed the dagger slightly into her flesh, "because of you Svala was heartbroken; she hadn't even been married for more than a month before you made her a widow"

"They were fools when they didn't listen to me. I told them a storm was coming! I left the boat before the storm hit on the previous port" Melkorka said trying not to panic, "I only did what I could to survive"

"Like serving that bitch," his hold on her neck tightened, "or are you going to say you weren't aware of all the lives she has taken?" If he wanted, he could just snap it. The dagger wasn't necessary.

"Release her Renald," Hiccup said arriving, Toothless at his side looking at the newcomer with curiosity. Ruffnut and Ulfar both had hands on the hilts of their swords, but weren't sure who they were supposed to attack if it came to the worst. They had been looking for Melkorka to ask her some questions.

"She will betray you Hiccup, don't trust her" he released her before picking little Shield again, "she is the worst kind of witch. She only brings death and pain wherever she goes" his niece didn't seem bothered at all by the situation, but she kept looking back as her uncle walked away.

"I am a healer" she said standing straight and rubbing her neck, "just because you can't see the difference doesn't give you the right to treat me like a wench" she called after him, but looked away as soon as she met the little girl's eyes.

"How did you know of the storm?" Hiccup asked before noting her shoulders tensed. From what Renald had told him, Torrad's boat didn't sink anywhere near a port; otherwise the crew would have survived.

"I am not a witch," she said adamantly, "but I am a seer" she looked at him in the eyes with her grey eyes, "I have seen the world where Camicazi wins. If I don't help you, it will come to be want it or not"

"Come with me," Hiccup said before he had her follow him, only with Toothless at his side.

*****PRESENT*****

Those of noble blood who had never been to Berk didn't understand why everyone looked so shocked. Just about everyone had their eyes coming out of their sockets. The girl was young, probably fifteen or sixteen, but nonetheless she was beautiful. Her eyes were green and expressive with black eye shadow that only made them look brighter; her cheeks covered by freckles which reminded them of her youth, her nose was little, and pinched upward; somewhat elfish, her lips were full and painted in a full red, and her face was small and a little round. The black cloak fell and pooled around her, revealing a beautiful black dress.

The skirt of the dress was long and made of what seemed to be a thousand layers of black silk. The corset part was heart shaped over her breast with black lace at the edges and sides. A black choker adorned her neck; it was like a web of small black stones. On her right hand, she wore a ring with what again seemed to be an oval shaped obsidian stone, and a small pair of black wings on the sides. On her bare right shoulder was (what they thought was) a tattoo of the same crest that was displayed outside on the red banner; a black, curling dragon (in reality it was black marker).

She extended her small hand towards the prince before he took it and kissed it before his other hand trailed to her ear. His finger brushed the long earring also resembling a black web before capturing one of her auburn locks between his fingers.

"I didn't hear you cut your hair," she whispered between them before he pulled her towards him and placed a firm hand on her hip "who would have imagined you could look even lovelier"

She only smiled before they started dancing at the tone of the orchestra.

No one dared to approach the prince to ask to dance with the duchess. Still, just about everyone had their eyes on them before. No one could believe Hagnes Haddock, walking disaster, was the Duchess of Berk. They had heard and seen her change a lot during the summer, but if someone would have told them that Hagnes would be dancing in the arms of the prince at the end of the summer, they all would have laughed their asses off.

"Ashton, are you alright?" asked Philly when she noted he was clenching his jaw.

He didn't answer because he was not fine. She told him this would clear some things up, but it only added to the mystery that was Hagnes Haddock. But, at that moment what bothered him the most was the way the prince was whispering to her ear and his hand on her hip. Then, Hagnes was looking back at him. He felt his stomach clench for two different reasons. The first was that she looked breathtaking, and the second was because her eyes showed fear. The words the prince and her had spoken before returned to him 'give our word that no blood will be spilled' they actually meant those words.

"Is he your boyfriend?" Hagnes turned to look at prince as he offered her a smile. Livius was the most handsome man she had ever met, but she could tell from his smile that he knew so too and wouldn't doubt of taking advantage of it. His previous words were proof of that.

"No, he is a friend" she said calmly. The last thing she wanted was to put Ashton in danger.

"Would you prefer if my offer came from him?" he asked teasingly

"I am too young, your majesty," she lowered her head so he could not see her expression, "besides, our families tried that path once; it didn't end well"

"Well, it isn't rare for people nowadays to see marriage as a death sentence," he knew what she meant.

A few hundred years ago their families tried to work out their difference by marrying two of their young. The young woman, who had been from Berk was poisoned by a jealous ex-lover while the young man, from the Crown, who had actually fallen in love with her, killed himself by jumping off the highest tower of their castle. Yeah, marriage was obviously out of the question, but he enjoyed teasing her. It was probably be the first and only time they met without trying to take the other out.

"I suppose sharing a night with me is out of the question," no woman had ever declined his offer. It was rather unfair, but he honestly wanted to know what she was made of.

"You are correct," she said calmly before he stopped for a slight moment. Well, there was always a first for everything.

"Are you sure?" he was sure she was into men; the way she had slightly trembled when he took her hand told him she had been attracted to him.

"Very sure, I had enough drama for one summer" she sighed tiredly. He gave off pheromones ten times more than Ashton, but that didn't mean she would just give in.

"Ah, I see," he had heard from Jason's latest reports that she had some kind of feud with her cousin. He caught sight of the raven beauty sitting by the table. She was looking at Hagnes with so much loathing that he was surprised she hadn't tried to kill her yet. Maybe, he had found an ally.

****PAST****

He had her sit across from him on the kitchen table. Toothless curled close to the hearth and appeared to be asleep, but every now and then he would open one eye and look at them just in case. He knew Hiccup was capable of taking care of himself, but one could never be too careful.

Melkorka shifted uncomfortably on her chair. She had heard from everyone in Berk that the chief was exceptionally wise, and his word was rarely doubted. The fact that Renald had released her when Hiccup ordered him meant that even ex-chief respected the man. She noted there was a spark in his green eyes that she had only seen before in Camicazi. It was a spark that was neither good nor bad. Of this spark, she had only heard of before meeting Camicazi. Her mother had told her to keep close to those who had that spark as they could reach anything they ever wanted.

Hiccup poured two mugs of mead as she studied him. It made him uneasy. He had never been too interested on the mystical; he was a man of facts, but couldn't deny there were things he didn't understand. He didn't believe she was a witch, actually he didn't doubt she had tried to warn Torrad's crew about the storm. Still, the fact that she had worked for Camicazi knowing well she was a rotten apple worried him. It wasn't wrong for a person to protect their lives, but there was a limit when it came to sacrificing others for it.

He placed a mug before her before taking seat "you were the one who said Camicazi's son was destined to greatness" it wasn't as question. Camicazi had probably also hired her to reinforce the belief in those who followed her that her son would be a formidable leader.

"If things go as they are now, yes" Melkorka was surprised he was able to put the pieces together so fast.

"Will he be a good ruler?" he asked. If that was the case, he would take all of his people and go somewhere else.

"I never said that," she couldn't help to smile, "I simply worded it in a way that would keep Camicazi from cutting off my head" she drank the sweet mead trying to forget that specific vision, but she found herself talking, "the world will burn if she wins; if he becomes the king of all; he will destroy all"

A smile came to his lips slowly. She realized he was devilishly handsome; too bad he was already taken.

"So you are trying to save the world," but he didn't say it in a mocking way.

"One step at the time," she sighed, "as soon as the visions worsened, I came here"

"Have they changed?" he asked.

"There is a glimpse of another future," she said and he could see hope in her eyes, "it will require a lot of sacrifices, but if I see it, it can be done"

Hiccup wondered what type of sacrifices she meant, but was afraid to ask. He was sure he would know when the time came.

"I have a question," he said remembering a dream he had a long time ago. Melkorka nodded before he continued, "I dreamt of a girl once," he noted her curious look, "not like that. I believe we are related. For a while, I thought she was my daughter; that it was a vision of the future, but when Stein was born it got me thinking. I know we are related somehow, but what I see that surrounds her confuses me tremendously"

"Have you ever told anyone about this dream?" she asked, but he shook his head no, "don't; it could be a sign from your gods"

"You think it's a vision?"

"If you are convinced she is real, who am I to doubt you" she said sipping at her mead, "what else do you see in this dream, try to describe it"

She connected her eyes to his, and suddenly he found it easy to remember the elusive dream.

"I see her riding a Nightfury, like Toothless in the night" he said as in a trance "she wears clothes like I have never seen before. Below them, there is Berk, a town larger than I have ever seen. They are facing the sea as the earth starts to shake, and then a monster emerges from the sea. It's the White Death. It's larger than the previous Seadragonus Giganticus Maximus were. It looms over the town; people are shouting and screaming in panic. They had never seen such a creature. The girl rides forwards in her Nightfury, but she doesn't have anything to fight with" then he took a deep breath as she looked away from his eyes, "how did you do that?"

"I simply shared some of my power with you, so you could recall your dream" Melkorka frowned, that vision sounded unusually far from their time, "I believe you are being assigned a task to help this girl"

"What type of task?" he would do anything if it meant she could defeat that monster.

"You said she went unarmed towards this monster, right?" from many years of interpreting visions, she was able to tell what the vision wanted to tell him

"So I have to help her with that?" he said in awe. He tried to recall the girl again. She had been petite, but strong.

"You think you can?" she knew many were scared of visions; she hoped he could do what this vision asked of him.

He broke into a hysteric laugh, but then noted she was looking at him as if he had gone mad, "I am sorry, it's just that it's too perfect"

"What do you mean?" she asked.

He stood up and went to his room before returning with a long wooden box. When he opened it, Melkorka couldn't help to gasp. There was a beautiful black sword inside.

"I am a blacksmith too," he said drawing the sword out. It was unfinished, but she could tell it was to be a master piece "I believe this is meant for her" he didn't remember when he had started working on it. He told her that one day he suddenly realized he had it on his hands. At the time, he had been frightened by it, but as he kept finding himself working on it as in a spell, he guessed it was significant.

"I believe you are right," she touched it carefully. There was something about the sword that gave her Goosebumps. That sword was meant for extraordinary things.

*****To be continued…*****

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