"So, you competing?" Astrid asked Hiccup casually as they walked toward the docks around noon. They were flying there but had to see off most of the village as they preferred boat.
"Why wouldn't I?" He countered with an easy smile despite the nerves slowly appearing in the pit of his stomach.
"It's just so unfair that her parents are making her go through with this."
"Yeah, I know, but it's tradition." This conversation wasn't one Hiccup was enjoying and he made that point by giving her a look. "There's no way around it and I wouldn't mind winning." He added truthfully.
Astrid gave him a knowing smirk, beyond her jealousy to realize Hiccup truly cared about that girl, and turned her attention to the ship as they sailed off, waving. "Is your dad on the boat?"
Hiccup nodded while his friends flew above them on their dragons, "Yupp, he thought it best if we didn't bring a bunch of dragons with other tribes coming."
"Smart." She commented. They both mounted their dragons and she caught up with Snotlout and the others, leaving Hiccup alone with his thoughts.
Astrid did bring up a very good point; it was unfair and Hiccup couldn't think of any reason why her parents would make her go through with this. It didn't seem like something Gunthrum would do, let alone Frea. There must be something they aren't telling anyone, Hiccup decided as Toothless landed on the coast of Arbor Island. He dismounted and the pair of friends walked towards the village center to see Frea greeting Stoick and Valka. "Oh, Hiccup, I'm so glad you could make it." She smiled and gave him a small hug; a big act for the usually withdrawn woman.
"Wouldn't miss it for the world." Hiccup grinned while Toothless let out a dragony snicker. "Oh, shut up, baby boo. Where's Igraine?"
Frea's face took on a sour expression. "Flying about on that dragon of hers. Even though four tribes have already arrived."
"I'll go find her." Hiccup offered enthusiastically and began readying for departure when the sky above them darkened drastically.
Vikings all around murmured to each other as they looked up at the menacing clouds blocking out the sunlight, giving the impression of an oncoming storm. Apprehension filled Hiccup as the air turned humid and it was as if the entire atmosphere was waiting with baited breath for something to happen. Then, all at once, the sky split open in a bright white flash and a vicious roar thundered, sending the vikings into a scramble for their weapons; even Hiccup took on a defensive stance with Toothless looking up at the sky inquisitively. Another sharp bolt of lightning lit up the sky but there was a dark silhouette within, diving down towards the village square. With a snap of air, the menacing looking dragon unfurled it's wings, the wind catching and slowing it's descent until the Skrill landed gracefully, kneeling to allow it's rider to hop off.
Hiccup's breath caught in his throat and it felt as if his stomach had dropped. There Igraine stood, alight with a wild, untamed energy that made her eyes glow with life. Her hair was a tangled mess of loos curls around her and she had this windblown look, her dress clinging to her skin. Her grin made Hiccup's heart skip a bit and he couldn't help but return it when her blue eyes met his and applause slowly began until becoming a thundering roar. Sparky stood tall and proud next to her as she bowed, "Welcome to Arbor!"
"She's a prize." Hiccup overheard someone behind him say and he glanced to see a gruff brunette man whispering to his son. There was a scar over his eye but the other glinted with greed, something Hiccup didn't like at all. "A fighter, but she just might be worth the trouble."
Turning his attention from something that didn't spark his anger, Hiccup turned back to his rather beautiful girlfriend to see her greeting new people with ease and a sort of aloof charm. Someone rested a hand on his shoulder and he turned to come face to face with Frea, a small smile on her face. "That's Asvald and his son, Finn. Our tribes have had a very unstable peace treaty and this might just fix the tension between us. Or not." She gave him a long look and Hiccup understood; if he took over, Hanok would suffer. "Good luck in the competition, dear."
She began to walk away but Hiccup stopped her. "Why are you making Igraine do this?"
"She needs to make herself known, earn respect. And it was the only way to get her to do just that." Frea explained, still giving off that feeling that she wasn't telling everything she knew. But Hiccup let her go back to her guests and turned to find his parents.
Stoick was laughing at someone in front of him that Hiccup couldn't see. Valka was by his side and waved her son over, smiling a little easier than when they had first docked. People still weren't her strong suit, especially a crowd as big as the bustling one on Arbor. Giving her an encouraging grin, Hiccup joined his parents and was pleasantly surprised to see Igraine with a smile lighting her face. "Hiccup!" She cheered, giving him a tight hug.
"Hey, dragon princess." He teased, earning a playful jab in the side. "Nice entrance."
"Why thank you, my chivalrous knight. I'm glad you came."
"Igraine, it's time to start the festivities."
"Hm?" She looked toward her mother, her happiness slipping a bit before a determined look hardened her features. "Right. Excuse me, Hiccup."
He watched with his parents as she strode towards the pyre and stood on the edge, surprisingly close to the flames. Igraine tried yelling over the animated talking but her voice couldn't carry and she rolled her eyes, nodding towards Toothless. Toothless grinned at her and let out his roar, successfully silencing the crowd. "Thank you, Toothless. It's time for the competition for my hand in marriage. The game is simple; capture the flag. The flag is hidden somewhere on Cedar Isle and must be returned to my father on his boat to win. Anything goes as long as it leaves no permanent scarring, broken bones, or killing. I'd wish you all good luck, but I'm going to win anyway so there wouldn't be a point."
Her statement received a cluster of shocked outbursts and even a few cries of protest which she ignored as she hopped down and headed to the docks, her shoulders relaxed when she sent Hiccup a wink. He couldn't help but smirk, pride obvious as he watched her stand on Sparky's back, and he mounted Toothless and shot into the air at the same time as her and the Skrill. This was certainly going to be an interesting game.