Dinner was completely different from what the Vikings were all used to. Even though a massive and rather eye catching banquet was served for them on a traditional ten seat dining table, the setting was still something they didn't face everyday. Four lined golden chandeliers hanging from the stoned ceiling, paintings on the wall, and a lit fireplace made the room feel much more intimate.
Naturally, vikings would have scandalous meals, countless gallons of mead and music that turned the mood on for dancing. Tonight, no instrument was played.
Radames and Daria sat on the head seats. To Radames' right, Snotlout, Rei, Eret, and Fishlegs.
To Daria's right, Hiccup, Astrid, Ruffnut, and Tuffnut.
"Please, feel free to eat as much as you desire." Daria offered.
"Why, thank you mademoiselle!" Tuffnut cheered while rubbing his hands together and then reached to serve himself some red potato chunks with roasted boar sausage.
Probably, the reason why no one dared to start a conversation, was because they were all starving and vastly exhausted after their long search. Ruffnut, didn't seem to care much on what others would say about her unladylike eating habits while she took a firm hold on her chicken drumstick and dug her teeth mercilessly through it.
Both of Astrid's hands rested on her thighs. Her eyes seemed lost in the food that soon became distant and worthless to her sight. She should have an endless appetite, but for some reason, she couldn't get herself to want to have a bite of anything at all.
Ugh, this sickening feeling taking over when I look at the variety of foods on the table is starting to get on my nerves...—Astrid thought, chewing her inner cheeks.
"Have you told him, yet?" Leaning her body closer to hers, Ruffnut whispered.
Astrid rose a brow at her, "Tell who what?"
"Seriously, Astrid?" munches on her drumstick. Moves her eyes up and down on her, "I'm talking about the package."
Disgusted by the thin and munched slices of meat that flew out of Ruffnut's mouth and landed on her arm, Astrid grabbed the nearest napkin and cleaned herself. "Arg, not yet. Would you mind swallowing first?"
"What on Idunn's harvest are you waiting for, woman? You know, you won't look as plain as a pumpkin tart for long." Ruffnut forced out.
"Shut up, they'll hear you." Astrid urges.
"Yeah, yeah. Did you at least talk about the root of our problems?" Ruffnut asked.
"Yes, I did. He now knows who kept us in the cell and what seemed to be the reasons for it." Astrid responds.
Astrid opened her mouth to say more when the chef came in and placed a bowl on her plate. Gazing down at it, she noticed that it contained kale and vegetable soup. "A request from the gentleman," the chef said before respectfully bowing his head and then returning to the kitchen without even giving her a chance to ask for details.
Hiccup—who was now drinking from his mug of mead—said, "Thought it would make Gothi glad to know we've been following her instructions even while we are away from home. I took the liberty of asking Daria if it was possible to make kale soup for you."
She glares, clearly unhappy with the thought of having to ask others for something that would probably make her look helpless.
As if reading her thoughts, Hiccup quickly added before she would start complaining, "Don't get me wrong, Astrid. I am only trying to help. Besides, when was the last time you actually had a real meal?"
How could she argue with that? His tone was soft, full of honesty and of course, determined. "Before we went into battle." She honestly responds, releasing a long sigh and giving in. "Thanks," Hopefully, the soup might calm her stomach down.
He watched her dip her spoon into the soup and then went back to finishing his roasted salmon with asparagus on the side.
Takes in another spoonful, exhaling deeply and closing her eyes. It was inevitable to hold back the fact that while eating the kale and vegetable soup, Astrid could once again feel the broth's warmth send shivers through her muscles and have her shoulders finally relax. For a brief moment, all the torture she and Ruffnut went through reflecting on the feeling of her bones seemed to have disappeared in the seasoned hot water with vegetables that filled one simple teaspoon. Even the pain treason's stab had brought into her sides also became completely insignificant.
Now it wasn't the time to give into the feeling those horrible memories caused. Simply because right now, nothing was missing. Her friends were here, Stormfly was resting outside with Toothless and the other dragons, and Hiccup was sitting right next to her. What more should she ask for?
"Which of them is the chief's wife?" Rei whispered to Eret. Stabbing a serious stare on both, Astrid and Ruffnut. "I suppose, the one gulping down her chicken, am I wrong?"
Lifting his eyes to meet with what Rei was referring to, Eret couldn't help but to choke on his own food, grab his mug and try to push it all down at once. "Cough, cough, cough. Wh-what? Are you blind or just pretending to be?" Moves his mug at Astrid's direction, "The fair lady over there, is Astrid. The chief's wife and bravest woman I had ever laid eyes on."
"So you finally admit you feel something for her?" Rei glared.
"Never actually denied it to you, have I?" Eret shrugs. "I will only give you enough credit for the fact that we haven't exactly introduced you to either of them."
True. Everything happened so fast, that they barely even had the chance to notice someone new was among them. Not that Astrid and Ruffnut ignored the girl's presence, on all contrary, they were both curious to know where she came from and why was she tagging along with the gang. The only thing that kept Ruffnut from asking, was the abundant food before her eyes. Luring her to ignore all other matters and simply focus in stuffing herself like there was no tomorrow. Astrid, on the other hand, had her mind quite busy.
"What does she have that is so attractive? I see nothing but blue eyes and a serene posture." Rei says.
"Ei, trust me. Right now, she is far from serene. I can tell from a distance that something is bothering her to the deepest core." Grins down at Rei, "Try not to give her clues on those dirty thoughts living in your head, concerning the chief." Clears throat, "To answer your question, I believe she possesses many traits that you lack, with all due respect. Like, she wouldn't spy on her chief as he bathes and fantasize with him while it."
Entirely amused by Rei's fiery red cheeks, Eret continued, "It might be best to blow the embarrassment out of your face for once and all before she takes notice and makes you regret the day you hid in Tuffnut's bag."
"What right does a man in love with a married woman has to say something like that?" Rei frowns.
Knowing how pointless it was to continue talking with Rei about their love secrets—especially since he already crossed the line with his lady chief in the past—Eret shrugged his shoulders and brought his mug back to his lips. "Believe and say whatever it is you desire, Rei. All I am simply asking you is to stay on her good side." Drinks up.
Not exactly willing to continue letting his calm humor slip away that easily, Eret looked up at Radames and finally decided to put an end to the sound of just fork, knife, and low murmurs in the room. "Forgive my discourteous behavior but, is there a significant meaning to the markings on your skin?"
"Not even I have asked him that yet." Ruffnut mutters to herself.
"There is." Radames simply responded while carving his roasted boar.
"What marks?" Tuffnut asked. Eyeing everything on the table, to his sides, at the ceiling, under the table, and everyone around him to at least try and find the marks Eret was talking of.
"These marks." Radames said, pushing back the sleeves on his right arm and showing the dark purple and blue patterns that went up his forearm and disappeared into his robes. "A reminder of an unforgiving sin I made." takes in a slow deep breath and lets it go as if it weighted much more than ice cubes stuck in his larynx.
"Awesome. How'd you get them?" A fascinated Tuffnut asked.
"We don't want to intrude," Hiccup quickly says, "There is no need to tell us if you don't feel comfortable."
"Of course we want to know." Tuffnut said, "I mean, I want to know. Would be cool if I can get some for myself."
"Tuff, how do you know he didn't go through something worse than Hel to get them?" Ruffnut asks.
"What can possibly be worse than Hel?" Tuffnut raises a brow at her.
"Well, since I actually spent some time in Helheim, I would be glad to answer your question—"
"Oh, please sis!" Tuffnut interrupts her, "An empty dungeon doesn't qualify as Helheim, not to me."
"Not if you're not the one being deprived from food, at least a little of sunlight, and a blanket to keep you warm during the night. You're not the one whose wrists were almost broken apart by oxidized iron chomping off your skin." Slamming both hands on the table, Ruffnut spat.
"Ruffnut," Astrid mutters, yet Ruffnut didn't seem to listen. For she and her brother continued ranting without any sign of stopping at any second.
"I very much rather fight ogres the rest of my life, than to send my worse enemy to Helheim. I—" She trailed off. Realizing what she was trying to say, Ruffnut's eyes darkened with rage. With a low tone, she corrected, "No. Actually, I hope and pray to all the gods up there watching us from Asgard, that my worse enemy ends up rotting in a place like that." Turns to Astrid, "Exactly how we did. And—"
"That's enough." Hiccup stood from his seat. Both eyes closed, palms firm against the table. Knowing exactly who Ruffnut was referring to, and clear enough to understand that this conversation wasn't doing any good to Astrid's ears, he just had to put a stop to it.
As soon as silence was summoned, Hiccup's eyes reopened and fell over each and every one of them, "I don't understand how a simple question turned into a discussion not everyone would want to be in. As Vikings, there isn't much to be overlooked in ones' behavior, but as dragon riders and trainers, measuring your limits is essential. And you know it."
It was then that Radames calmly said, "I believe the reason behind the markings on my skin might serve as a valuable lesson for those in this room. After all, we learn from our own mistakes." Radames said.
Relieved Radames still felt like sharing his story, Hiccup took his seat. Unfortunately, his appetite had disappeared almost completely. Not only for Hiccup, but Astrid also didn't seem to want to grab the spoon again. The delicious banquet served before them had turned into undesirable to their palate thanks to the slightly disturbing discussion between the twins.
"A long time ago, I used to have a pair of the most magnificent and strong wings any knight would feel proud to have. Little did I know that my immaturity would team up with anger and hunger for revenge, and cost me my wings for good. After I lost them, I turned from a noble knight to no more than one of the lords of this house." Radames explained.
"You must have done something really bad in order to have lost your wings and believe so lowly of yourself, Right?" Astrid speaks. "What happened, exactly?"
"Killing my father after he killed my mother." Radames simply said.
A heavy flow of silence fell into the room. No one dared to release a word. No one, except Astrid, of course. "Taking revenge costed you your knight wings?"
"Yes, lady Astrid." Radames said.
"Why would your dad kill his wife in the first place?" Tuffnut asked.
"Details are insignificant at this moment, trust me." Radames said.
"Seriously, that's it!?" Disappointed, Snotlout let his fist fall on the table causing his empty plate and fork to give a slight jump. "Back on Berk, the punishment for something like that is death. Pay life for a life! Not meaning to scare you off, by the way."
"Things are quite different here. While your people get hung or executed for committing a crime, my people are forced to live with the burden. That day, I learned that taking him to face the Foreverwing's judgment would have been a better choice than to kill him myself." Radames said.
"Using our powers for grave matters like murder or mischief, goes against our limits as the Foreverwing's children. Radames should've thought an act like that could cause us both trouble." Daria said.
"Bullshit!" Snotlout spat. "If I see someone I love being killed, I wouldn't rest until I have the murderer's head stuck in my spear. I see nothing wrong with it!"
"Every living creature must accept the results of its actions. Radames should have left things as they were and simply let the Foreverwing take over the situation. My brother's cries for the loss of his wings saddened the skies for months." Daria explained.
"Perhaps, you may think losing a pair of wings means nothing. But to a knight, they are the most important part of their body. To me, my wings were a treasure I failed to protect. These marks are a symbol of what caused great dishonor. Thankfully, I was not sent to exile." Radames added.
"The people of Hoffnaan expects too much from us." Daria responds, "What happened back then caused insecurity and doubt. It became harder to trust in the thought of having a cursed knight take care of a whole realm. Especially after seeing that the Foreverwing only took his wings and marked him, instead of granting him a greater punishment."
"Daria's abilities were also doubted as well." Radames added, releasing a long sigh. "We asked the Foreverwing for guidance, but all we could do was give the villagers a chance to decide on who will take the lead. As a result, they chose one of the court's captains. You might as well already know him," glances at Hiccup, "Osch, promised to follow their former leader's steps and continue guiding Hoffnaan to a prosper future. But what the villagers ignored, was the fact that Osch enjoyed playing with dark magic. He—"
"Woa, woa, woa!" Left hand up, Snotlout interrupted. "Osch, you say. As in, the man that came to Berk claiming to be the leader of a tribe called Hollibusians, the same man that almost got Astrid to leave us, and the same man that declared war on us?! That Osch?!"
"I believe so." Radames hung his head apologetically. Knowing that this tale would come out a little sharper than expected for their human guests.
"But, if Osch was really from Hoffnaan, what was he doing on Berk?" Confused, tilting his head to the side, Fishlegs asked.
"Saddens me to say, we might be responsible for that." Daria apologetically responded.
"But," Radames interrupted his sister. "I believe we have had enough excitement for one night. Might be best if we leave that part for another time. After all, you must be exhausted. It has been a long day for all of us."
"You got that right." Eret mutters against the mug again. Gulping down more mead.
Standing from his seat, Hiccup's eyes found Radames'. The knight also stood up, "Thank you for sharing such delicate memory with strangers like us. I hope it wasn't too much trouble."
"It is my pleasure, master Hiccup." Radames bowed his head, then glanced over Hiccup's shoulder to find Astrid—who was beginning to stand from her seat. "Our actions determine the kind of path we take. As irritating as the situation before our eyes is, we must train our hearts to forgive and move on. Let life decide our enemy's fate."
With that said, Astrid watched how Radames left the room.
Moments later, the dining table was soon cleared by the maids while the rest of the gang stayed indoors talking to each other and drinking more mead.
Astrid stepped out to the terrace, searching for a good dose of fresh air. Thinking about Radames' story and comparing it to what was going on in their lives.
The moment she learned that Bertha had been toying with not just her friends and loved ones, but also with her, Astrid didn't know how to react. At first, she went completely blank. Back then, if she wouldn't have been chained to stone, then she probably would have allowed her impulses take over—just like how it happened with Radames.
"Here," Standing by her, Daria offers the white furred cloak she had gifted her.
Astrid took the cloak from her and nodded her gratitude before glancing back at the starry sky. "Radames' story, he insisted in telling it because he wanted me to know how risky it would be if I turn against Bertha, am I wrong?"
"No, you are not wrong." Daria cautiously touches Astrid's arm, giving her a slight turn so that their eyes would meet. "You haven't told master Hiccup about the child yet, have you?"
"I'm starting to feel like that's the question of the day." Mutters to self, "How'd you guess?"
"Your eyes reveal uneasiness from a fair distance."
Astrid sighs aloud, "Sometimes, the sole thought that people can get away by speaking their true feelings without any hesitation or shame, bothers me." Opens right hand and gazes down at it, —I dare wager that the times I've let Hiccup know how much I love him, with words, can be counted with the fingers of this hand.—She thought.
"When I first learned about the news, I couldn't help myself from wanting to spill the beans as soon as possible." Chuckles at the memory, "I hopped on Stormfly and hurried to find him. The fact of how dangerous it was for me to be with child at a time like that, simply disappeared. To be honest, I couldn't even remember that we were about to get ourselves into a war. Right now, I'd give anything to feel those careless urges once again."
"What made you not tell him at the moment?" Daria asked.
"Horns." Astrid's expression changed from nostalgic to regretful, "The horns of Berk were blown, announcing that the enemy was close and everyone had to take their assigned places, ready for battle. I was sure that if I tell Hiccup the news, then he probably wouldn't be able to concentrate because if something happens, then now it wasn't just me." Squeezes eyes shut while hands ball into fists, "—In the end, something did happen."
"I can only imagine how difficult it must have been for master Hiccup to maintain a positive attitude in being able to find you. His courage and faith must be admired, of course. Even so, all has been left in the past, Astrid. Now, it is time to set aside the pain of what once was and enjoy the gifts of our present."
From the insides of the dining room, a pair of pure cobalt eyes watched how Daria and Astrid conversed at the terrace. Left shoulder holding her weight against the wall, both arms crossed over her chest and right leg over the other, Rei observed how Astrid unfolded the white furred cloak and swung it over her shoulders.
After she clipped the cloak together over her chest, Astrid's right hand moved to the back of her neck, pulled her braid out, and over her shoulder.
"I still don't see what is so special about her." Muttering to herself, Rei's chances of actually forcing her feet to walk further and finally greet the mysterious girl for whom they owed the credit of being in a strange land, were snatched away when an apologetic low tone reached her ears. As she turned her head from the terrace, she found Hiccup standing right next to her while holding two mugs in his hands. "Chief—"
"Rei, I have no words to describe how sorry I am for dragging you into this mess with us." Offers her a mug.
Takes the mug and eyes the mead inside. "Thank you, but there is no need to apologize. None of us expected this to happen."
"Actually, Rei… We dragon riders are used to go through experiences that not just anyone would get into. Look around you." Moves his mug to point at Snotlout sitting on a chair with both legs —ankle over ankle—on the table, trying to pull what looked like pieces of pork from his teeth with the help of his fingernails.
Fishlegs, was standing a few feet away from Snotlout, talking with Radames. Eret, flirted with one of the maids by the entrance door, and the twins played a thumb wrestling game with both of their hands at the same time.
"Right now, there isn't much to be surprised of. Aside from being far from home, I don't think anyone is bothered by the fact that we are surrounded by creatures with amazing powers that go beyond our understanding." Hiccup brings his mug to his lips and sips in.
"As Vikings," Rei exhaled, "I understand that we tend to become immune to the effects of war and battles, but nothing really compares to this." Slightly stutters, "I-I mean, Hiccup, what else is missing? Why are we still in a place where we clearly don't belong, when you already got what you were looking for?"
"I honestly don't mind staying for a few more days." Eret's voice stepped in before Hiccup's would even try to escape from his lips. Walking to them, "It is a new land. Dragon riders enjoy exploring new lands. Why not give us the chance to feed our enthusiasm and see what great creatures hide within the mysterious forest ahead?"
"I am no dragon rider." Rei snapped at him.
"And yet you are stuck with us for the time being. No one asked you to separate from your tribe." Eret said.
"Your duty has been fulfilled." Rei gripped on her mug. "To find the girls. What else is there to see?"
"Ah, lots of wonderful things, I predict." Eret snickered.
"Guys, please calm down." Hiccup intervenes, gifting himself a few seconds pause. "You know, now that I think of it, Eret might be right. I mean, I am eager to meet the Foreverwing, after all." Stammers when notices Rei's serious glare, "Um, not to make things worse for you Rei, really. I'm just saying—"
Rei shook her shoulders back and released a heavy sigh, "Guess I have no ways to argue with you."
"Trust me, not many have been able to argue with him and win the conversation." Astrid's voice startled all three of them. When her eyes fell on Rei, she pushed her right hand out of the cloak and offered it to her. "About time we formally meet. Astrid Hofferson."
Rei hesitated, but seeing the intense look on her sapphire shaded eyes, she couldn't help but to feel her hand move involuntarily to take hers.
At the touch of their hands, Astrid's insides felt an unexpected heavy vibe that only made her feel even more uneasy in front of this new person. As if by impulse, her hand slightly gripped on Rei's. "Of Haddock."
Not to make her feel uncomfortable or anything by it. Just, to make sure that they had their paths clear enough and understand that regardless of who this new girl was, she should know that her moves will be watched for a while. At least, until she proves herself worthy of their trust.
Returning the grip, Rei's brows slightly furrowed, "Rei Eldur." stretches a daring grin on her lips, then lowers her head just enough to show her respects. "At your services, lady chief. I hear you enjoy training with sharp weapons. Maybe one day, I may be granted the privilege to train with you."
Astrid lets go of their hands "We'll see." Back at Hiccup, "Hiccup, would you mind joining me out for a walk?"
Hiccup's shoulders rose and a slight chuckle tried to hide the sudden enthusiasm that had grown inside, "Sure, why not? I'd be happy to." Turns around, searching for his cloak which had been previously taken by the maids and hung on a wooden hanger by the entrance door.
A pair of hands got in the way of his and brought the cloak down. "Someone looks awfully happy to go out." Snotlout's tease pushed the red button for Hiccup's embarrassment as he felt the heat of his body concentrate on his face. In return, Snotlout released an amused snicker and threw the cloak at his cousin, "Try not to go all crazy out there."
Shocked, Hiccup rose a brow at him, "Uh, Snotlout—"
"Listen, Hiccup." Snotlout hushed, "I just came to say sorry for letting my tongue run off down at the tunnels." Shrugs, "Guess it wasn't the best time to let my mind take over and kinda worsened everything for you. Should have been more considerate."
"Wow, Snotlout I'm impressed." snickers, "How does those words taste like?" Grins, knowing for sure that apologizing wasn't exactly Snotlout's thing.
"Like a spoiled herring chewed a thousand times by a sick Monstrous Nightmare." Snotlout mumbles.
Hiccup laughs, making Snotlout shake all worries aside and join in laughing the past away. "Anyway, I'm serious when I say not to get all crazy out there. We never know what could happen while you two idiots are out alone exploring."
"I honestly doubt there'd be any creature out there wanting to waste energies on two humans at this hour, but thank you for your concern. Although, feels more intimidating than flattering coming from you, but thanks. I guess."
Snotlout frowned, crossed his arms over his chest, and then rolled his eyes as he turned his back to Hiccup. "Pfft, ha. Only in your dreams would I worry that much. Just so you know, wasn't the kind of crazy I was referring to." Leaving a confused Hiccup behind, Snotlout walked away and went over where Rei and Eret stood.
"Ready?" Astrid offers him her right hand—which he never hesitated to take in.
Nods, "Always am." Extends the other hand before them to gesture for her to go first.
Even at this late time, Daria insisted Astrid in taking Hiccup to meet the Foreverwing. The moment Hiccup and Astrid stepped foot out of the mansion, they found Toothless and Stormfly sitting just a few feet from the door.
Astrid, was more than pleased with the thought of mounting Stormfly after being apart from her for so long—until Hiccup explained how Stormfly spent the week after battle, recovering from a wing injury.
Of course, as much as Toothless would agree with Astrid on having Stormfly stay and rest for the night, Stormfly acted as if she didn't even hear her rider object to a flight with her. Instead, the Deadly Nadder turned her back at the two riders and kneeled. She lowered her wings and then glanced back over her shoulder. "Grooouah?"
Understanding her own dragon's language, Astrid couldn't help the slight laughter that dared escape from her lungs as she walked toward her dragon, "Alright, alright. If you insist." Extends right hand to touch Stormfly's now healed wing, "Just let me make sure my brave girl's wing is truly okay and could manage a little more wind." Dramatically tilts torso and head to the side, looking up at the dragon, "May I?"
Stormfly flapped her wings twice and then offered the wing in question to her rider's hands. "Gruuaah!"
Watching how Astrid's hands skillfully examined the Deadly Nadder's wing, Hiccup released a playful huff and crossed his arms over his chest as he felt Toothless standing behind him. "Well, look at that, bud. Even after treating her like a queen when no one dared to get close to her, Astrid gets to touch her without having to wear a shield over her head. Talk about being grateful..."
Toothless tilted his head at his rider. When Hiccup motioned his head at Stormfly's direction and sent him the big emerald pleading eyes of following his line, Toothless finally understood what his rider was up to and turned back at the girls—growling within.
Hearing him, Astrid laughed, "I'm pretty sure she is more than just grateful to you two." Fingers slowly running down the Nadder's wing, to the left, and back up. "And so am I." Releases Stormfly's wing and goes straight to her head, opening her arms for her.
Pleased, Stormfly screeched and carefully pushed her head against Astrid's body. Snuggling with her.
"Aw, I am really proud of you, girl!" Astrid rubs on her scales, eyes closed. "Let's just not overdo it, okay? We'll take it easy for a while." Swings her leg over her dragon's back. "Let's go beautiful." With that said, the two riders and their dragons took off in search for the Foreverwing.
Take this golden leaf with you. Shines with the light of guidance as it will help you find the Foreverwing. The closer you are, the brighter the light of the leaf gets. Show the leaf to the Foreverwing, it will let him know that I sent you.
Daria's words at the terrace repeated themselves in Astrid's head as her eyes studied the golden leaf in a tiny glass box resting in her hand. The leaf was a dark yellow Aspen type. Its light got brighter as they continued heading north through the cold wind that soon welcomed snow into the night.
It is truly amazing how many wonderful things are hidden behind the mysteries of realms that we only get to hear from a storybook written by our ancestors. All of this, only makes us realize how big the world we live in is. No doubt, that there was more than enough room for the desires to learn more about this place than expected.
Finally feeling the enthusiasm of exploring this new land with Hiccup, the rest of the gang and their dragons, Astrid glanced back over her shoulder to share her thoughts with Hiccup when the image her eyes caught was far from pleasing.
Hiccup's head hung, eyes squeezed shut, and right palm rested below his chest. His left hand tightly gripped on the saddle and his cheeks sunk into his mouth.
"Hiccup?" By the time Hiccup's eyes finally decided to open, Astrid and Stormfly were already flying only inches by Toothless' left. "Is everything alright?"
Breathing out, Hiccup's facial muscles soon began to relax, gifting her a rather forced smirk. "I'm okay, Astrid. Thanks."
Unconvinced, Astrid frowns at him while pointing her forefinger at his torso. "You're hurt."
Not even daring to think in denying something that would probably cost him a painful punch on the sides, Hiccup brought both hands to his torso and gently rubbed over his shirt, "Right, as usual." Sighs, "Back in battle, I was fighting against someone when Toothless defended me and while he did, a shapeshifter dashed right in front of me. Next thing I knew, my chest burned and there was blood everywhere I touched."
Gripping both hands on her saddle, Astrid cleared her throat, "Did you see anything else?"
"To be honest? No." Looks back at her, "Toothless caught me in before my knees would touch the ground. Fishlegs and Meatlug guided Toothless to safe grounds but before they could even take a look at the wound, the enemy warriors began to melt in some strange blackish slime and soon everything went abnormally quiet. It was as if they had what they came in for and left."
"Basically, that's exactly what happened." Glancing away, Astrid muttered.
Toothless and Stormfly shared a sad eye-lock. Nodding at the Nadder, Toothless glided closer to her.
Stormfly steadied herself in the air.
Knowing she had seen this before, Astrid decided to trust on her instincts and placed the glass box in the supply bag, clipped off her cloak and let it fall on the saddle. She swung a leg over her dragon's back and turned to the side, took in a deep breath, and pushed her body off her dragon.
Surprised, Hiccup caught her in and released a quick and low groan. Arms holding her waist and gifting her a welcoming grin, he said, "Welcome aboard, milady. Been a while."
Chuckling, Astrid shook her head and tried to push their bodies apart but his firm hold on her kept her from moving so much.
Her fingers slowly traveled from his shoulders down his forearms and straight up to his torso. Down again over his abdomen and finding the tunic's hem. They crawled beneath it, and sent freezing shivers down his spine at the single touch of her skin against his. Feeling Hiccup's bands around his torso, Astrid followed invisible patterns on the fabric, "When were you planning on telling me?"
"Probably the same time you were going to tell me about yours." Hiccup whispers, touching the bulge on her upper arm caused by the gauze wrapped around her flesh and hidden under the sleeve "This, I mean." Slides his hand down to her thigh and brushes his fingers over the bulge on her right thigh "And this one." Smirks teasingly up at her, "Thought I wouldn't notice?"
Shrugs, "They are just scratches from battle, Hiccup."
Raises a brow, "Scratches? From battle? Astrid, battle was a while ago, those scratches as you so call them would have healed already. Don't you think?"
"Yes." Astrid assures, "But apparently, they got infected while we were at the dungeon." Looks down at her arm, "I can only think of reopening the wounds to properly treat the infection. Before I got dressed today, I checked them out and think I could take the bands off by tomorrow or the day after. No big deal, to be honest. I've been through worse."
Hiccup couldn't find words after hearing such truth. Yes, she has been through a lot worse than some scratches as so she called them. Suddenly, Toothless' growl caught both rider's attention. The corner of their eyes caught a bright radiance coming from Astrid's supply bag.
"The leaf." Astrid said while moving to stand on Toothless' saddle. "Steady, Stormfly." Stormfly glided a few inches beneath Toothless and waited for her rider. When Astrid jumped and landed on her dragon's back, she immediately dug her hand in the bag and pulled the glass box out. "We're here."
Hiccup
We landed on a nearby field shortly after the leaf's piercing brightness nearly got us blind.
When our feet touched the ground, the leaf stopped shining and soon only glowed golden as if someone had spilled half a teaspoon of glitter on it.
Glancing over at our surroundings, I noticed that there were paper-made lanterns hanging aleatory from tree branches. There was enough space between the trees to allow people to walk, run, or even dance freely if desired.
Astrid, walked a few feet of distance ahead. She held the glass box with the leaf inside on one hand and let the other hang on her side.
What made me grow even more curious, was the image of Toothless and Stormfly checking on Astrid every few seconds. —Not that it was a new thing that your dragon may behave a little overprotective, but it was more like a feeling that even I had.
Don't ask why but, since that night at our cabin—when Astrid later then confessed she had fainted in the washroom in the middle of the night and saw bloodstains on her thighs—I feel like something is constantly having me want to silently watch after her more than what I am already used to. It has been a feeling that has been lingering inside for the past month.
Silently, because revealing with words every time we watch each other's backs has never really resulted necessary. Simply, because we know that even if words don't say it, our actions do.
"Are you sure this is The Sanctuary?" I couldn't help myself from asking, I mean, the leaf's light went almost completely out!
"Yes." Although all I could see from her was her backside, her voice sounded incredibly confident. "I remember the lanterns from the last time Ruffnut and I were here. He should be here somewhere," She mumbled. Seconds later, she stopped walking, the hand that held the glass box hung on her sides, and her head tilted back in wonder.
"Do you see anything, bud?" I asked Toothless—who was glancing at his surroundings in curiosity as well.
Him shaking his head in denial only made me grow even more confused than what I already felt. How could neither of our dragons sense anything. At all!?
"Maybe he is shy." Astrid said as if able to hear my thoughts. "Or asleep."
"We can stay for a few more minutes and wait. Maybe he just needs to make sure we don't come with wrong motives." I suggested.
For a moment, I thought Astrid would insist on walking further into the woods. To my surprise, she nodded in agreement and placed the glass box in her inner-cloak-pocket. "Good thinking. The dragons could use a rest." Turns to the Deadly Nadder and starts to affectionately rub her chin, "Especially you, girl."
"Heh, I wasn't talking about the dragons, Astrid." Scratches the back of my head. "I was hoping we could talk a little more."
Taking a better look at her as she let go of Stormfly, I noticed a rather familiar knife hanging from her belt. Pointing down at it, I said, "Isn't that your dad's knife? I thought you didn't like using it."
"For a moment, I thought having it with me would make me feel more like he's fighting by my side." She says, "Might sound stupid, but I did feel his presence during battle. Weird, huh?"
I couldn't allow myself answer to that. I knew how precious the memory of Vincent was for Astrid, especially now that she must be feeling awful by just knowing that her mother betrayed her—and everyone else. Astrid doesn't have any brothers or sisters. Her uncle, Finn Hofferson, disappeared shortly after being banned by Bertha when the Flightmare incident passed. The only Viking that actually showed her some fatherly affection, was my dad. And now he is also gone...
Same reason I wear my dad's furred cloak as often as I can. Let's me feel as if his presence is still with me everywhere I go.
At least I still have my mom, who shows care and support like any mother in love with her children would. But, I can't imagine how much energy Astrid might be putting into trying to hide her true feelings from me. I mean, I will always be by her side no matter what happens. We vowed to ourselves, our friends, and the gods in Asgard that through all sorrows and delights we would always stand by each other. But, is this really enough?
As much as I would give anything to squeeze her into the tightest hug I could ever manage, sometimes the arms of a caring father are irreplaceable.
She might think I don't have a clue on how she truly feels. Her strong and emotionless features might succeed in fooling our friends like they always do. But they don't fool me. I know Astrid enough to tell from a distance that she is forcing herself to maintain an iron coat around her.
Seriously, Astrid. Don't you find it exhausting?—I thought.
Just then, I realized there was something I could do to lighten up the mood for a bit. I Unclipped my cloak and neatly laid it over the nearest boulder to my left.
Perfectly able to read my eyes, Toothless beckoned for Stormfly to join him. Both dragons moved further from us. Toothless sat down and Stormfly laid on her claws.
I went back to my dear old friend and stood in front her. Bowing, I stretched my right hand out for her. "May I have this dance?"
"I thought you wanted to talk." She said. A brow raised and a fist resting on her hip.
"We are talking."
"Where does talking fit in dancing?"
Pouting up at her, still keeping my respectful bow before her, "Come on Astrid, one dance."
For a moment, I thought she would send me to sleep with trolls, turn around and continue walking. I could even feel my arm getting numb from waiting. It was then, that her fingers gently crawled over my hand. Finally.
My body reacted on its own. Inevitably, my left hand made its way to Astrid's waist while my right rose hers to our chest-level.
Asking her eyes for permission, I brought her hand to my lips and planted a soft kiss on the back of it.
Lips stretching into the faintest and most delicate smile I haven't seen in a while, "Nice way to talk." She said. Moves her hand from mine and rests it on my jawline. Her thumb gently rubbing on the harsh skin of my cheek made me lean more to her touch. Though it only lasted a few short seconds, her touch felt as warm, careful, and caring as I remember.
Closing the small distance between us, "My experience tells me that flying and dancing always make a conversation flow smoothly and at most times pleasant."
"Aaand since flying is for now out of the question."
"—Then we dance." I finished for her.
Takes a step backwards, drawing me with her, "We dance."
As if moving on their own, our bodies gave a complete turn. Letting go of our hold, we gave two steps away, and then while I hid my hands behind my back, I made slight skips around her.
When I met her frontside again, she placed one hand over my shoulder, hid the other behind her back, and also made slight skips around me. As she did, I closed my eyes to enjoy the feeling of her hand brushing from my acromial, across my dorsum, over the opposite shoulder, and finally end on my pectorals.
Taking her hand from my chest and lacing our fingers together, we slid two steps to the right, then I pulled away enough to raise our joined hands and gave her a half turn. Having her back against my chest, my free hand snaked around her waist and trapped her in my arms for a few seconds.
Laughing, Astrid playfully shook her shoulders to have me release her. As I freed her waist and turned her to face me, our palms met and rose to our neck-level, then our fingers laced together and our feet gave one step close to each other, and one step back. One step closer, one step back, one step closer, and one step back.
Her fingers escaped mine and her hands soon slid against the skin of my forearms, stopping on my elbows.
Lowering my hands to her hips and simply allowing our bodies to be controlled by the tamed breeze, gave our eyes plenty of time to let our souls be sucked in by the uniqueness of each other's light.
However, I do wonder what might be running through her thoughts right now. I mean, I understand Astrid's endless reasons to glue her lips for a while and simply let time do its job on her. But, I also know there is much more inside that heart of hers that yearns to speak up to mine.
You know, overthinking our current circumstances more carefully, perhaps all that has been going on lately, in the end has a positive outcome.
My heart was sure that we would find Astrid on one piece, but maybe I had to lose her in order to allow myself to understand how valuable she is to me. To be more specific, losing her these days made me realize that we don't think much on what we have, then end up paying the terrible price of actually seeing the beauty of our own treasures right after we lose them.
It was then that little stars floated all around the place. Stars that shined in different shades like azure blue, lavender purple, mint green, sunflower yellow, and pearl white. They emerged from the ground and moved in big circles over the flowers, around tree trunks, between the lanterns, and even around Toothless and Stromfly—who were now trying to chase and catch them in.
Finding Astrid's eyes, I noticed there was no sign of surprise in them. Instead, a faded smile was sketched on her lips as her hands slid from my pectorals to my shoulders. Her touch made me forget the reason I was thinking about the stars on the first place. When her feet came to a stop, her eyes locked mine.
Teal blue, jadeite green, and marble white stars began to dance around us. But I couldn't pay much attention to them, there was this unique glow on the corner of Astrid's iris that I surely have seen before—but can't get myself into figuring out when.
A shine doubtlessly beautiful and hypnotizing. So much, that only a slow heat stopping the cold breeze from continuing scratching my face made me realize that our breaths collided and our lips brushed against one another. A taste of bitter and sweet nostalgic magic mixed in with every rub our lips made.
"Hiccup," Presses lips together, "There is something," Lips pressing again, "I need to tell you."
Breaking our lips apart, our foreheads met and soon my arms hugged the small of her waist. "Go on," I whisper.
"Do you remember when Gothi came back from her trip to the highest mountains to consult the gods?"
"Yes, you went to see her right away. What did she tell you? We didn't have the chance to talk about it."
"That's because the horns were blown."
"And so was our chance to share something important." I teased, though it didn't sound as amusing for her as it was to me. Astrid's sudden silence made me grow a little bit uneasy. Pulling my head back and finding her eyes with a glare, "Wait, what exactly did she tell you, Astrid? Something grave?"
"No!" She blurted, then cleared her throat and shook her head, "Relax, it is nothing like that." Gazes down, upper incisors slightly chewing on her lower lip.
I moved a hand up, placed two fingers beneath her chin and rose her face so that our eyes would meet again. Thumb gently touching her lower lip so she would stop biting on it. "Then?"
Silence again. Geesh Astrid, what is making you hold back? Just when I was about to say something about it, her lips parted and words—finally—came out. "Hiccup, I love you..." Pauses to let out a quick and sharp exhale, "There aren't enough ways to tell and show you how glad I am that you didn't exactly delay years in finding your way to where I stood. Having you and our friends near makes the nails forced right through me more bearable. For a quick moment, the circumstances made me believe that it was a matter of time before I had to blame myself for being far too careless."
A forced smile that lasted about three seconds somehow made my heart feel as if someone was trying to bury its claws in. I didn't expect to hear any of this right now. The more she confessed, the less I wanted to interrupt her. "Gothi gave me wonderful news. I wanted to find you right away but then everything happened so fast that it isn't up to now that I can finally tell you everything without worrying about what could possibly happen next."
"Hiccup," Voice low enough to have me absently lean a little closer. One hand of hers slid up to my cheek and as my head leaned to her touch, her lips revealed her teeth in a sudden dear and pleased smile that made it look like her true spirit was—gradually—coming back to her. Astrid's other hand took a firm hold of my wrist and next thing I knew, was that I was touching her lower abdomen.
I tried to look down at where my hand touched, but she wouldn't let me escape from her deep sapphire gems. With one hand holding mine on her lower abdomen and the other cupping my cheek, she said, "I-I am with child."
Moving my head straight, her hand followed my cheek but soon fell to the side of my neck. "What?" I couldn't help hearing myself mumble. The hand on her abdomen pressed a little more against her before quickly crawling beneath her tunic and touching her skin directly.
Even though Astrid's stomach contracted by the cold of my fingertips, I simply could not resist releasing a loud gasp and still refuse to lose eye contact "T-t-there's a baby in here? A-are you sure?!"
Seeing her nod only made my fingers against her shake. Hel, my knees were shaking!
For a while, I didn't know how long would I be able to keep my posture—nor did I actually care to be honest. I couldn't decide on how to release all the joy that welled inside in just a couple of seconds. There also weren't any possible ways to behave without looking like a complete fool.
"Dear Frigga, Astrid, This...this...this is amazing!" In the end my body reacted on its own. My hand left from her tunic and without feeling any control of my impulses, both of my hands groped her shoulders, slid down to her forearms, and encased her in a tight embrace. "I can't believe it!."
Feeling her arms on my back and her chin resting on my neck, she said, "Trust me, me neither."
Is it me, or am I much more excited than what she is? Thinking as such, I grabbed her forearms and gently pushed our bodies from the hug—just enough to be able to see each other's facial features. It was then, that I realized something...
If there were reasons to feel joy and excitement over something as great as learning that the product of true love was now starting to take form, then there were many more reasons to fear of the outcomes after forcing Hel into someone.
Clenched jaw, "Astrid, tell me the baby is still okay." Gulps down saliva, "Please, tell me that woman's intentions didn't touch our child."
It felt as if all the pieces of the unsolved puzzle were taking their rightful place on the mat. Big Boobied Bertha guided Astrid's life into a destiny far worse than treason itself. If Astrid's body agonized in the dungeon as much as Ruffnut described back at dinner, then I cannot keep myself from thinking about something possibly happening to our child.
Astrid found my grip on her arms and gently pushed my hands off of her. "I'd be lying if I say something like that, Hiccup." Steps backwards, my arms falling on my sides as I watched her walk further away. "That is exactly what she wanted. A dead fetus would mean the end of me without any sign of her having anything to do with something that people could easily blame nature for."
A stingy feeling in the core of my stomach made it hard for me to keep a normal breathing cycle. For each word that came out of her drowned me even more into the deepest ocean in existence. The back of my thighs touched what felt like a boulder and without caring about anything else, I let my butt fall on it.
"She knew I would trust her despite anything." Astrid continued, "Had me take large doses of Snowbell to make sure her mission wouldn't fail. When she showed herself at the dungeon, she admitted that she had to get rid of the one thing that got in the way of her plans without being so obvious. Bertha made me believe what I was drinking was a nice way to hold up conception at least until things on Berk got a little smoother. What no one knew, was that whatever she was making me drink, had the duty of cutting out my body's ability to have a child growing inside."
"Hold up," Right hand up, points at her stomach. "She wanted to make the baby kill you? Is that, is that why you were bleeding last time? Why you fainted at the academy, the twinges?" Standing up, taking slow steps forward, and hands balling into fists, "Is it all because of her forcing a defenseless child to break your insides apart!? What was she going to benefit from all this?!"
"Hiccup, calm down."
"No, Astrid." Turn on my heel and sit back on the boulder. "She'll hear me out when I find her."
"If you find her." She said, "And what are you going to do? Send her to the guillotine? Is that going to guarantee you that she won't think of putting someone else in charge of finishing what she started? Hiccup, It's Big Boobied Bertha we are talking about. A woman that comes from an incredible lineage of warriors. Going against her isn't exactly like challenging any other enemy. Also, remember that she is still my mother."
"Is that why you haven't destroyed everything in your way with an axe yet? Because the thought of her being your mother keeps you from releasing all the rage stored inside like how you normally would? Astrid, what she did is unforgivable. Out of everyone, you should understand how bad this is."
"I know. And it feels horrible, Hiccup." Stands in front of me and places a hand on my shoulder, "I too, want to see her pay for her sins. This anger is doubtlessly burning my insides into ashes but, there is something that keeps me from losing my mind and give into the anger."
"What is?"
As if her incredible calmness had been poured down on me, Astrid's hands searched for mine and held them still. Then, she held both of my palms against her flat stomach. "A strong fighter that reminds me how great of a team we make."
My eyes fell from hers and landed on our hands over her stomach. There was a little Haddock-Hofferson growing inside. A future leader that will make a difference–just like its parents have. Who would've thought, that the most daring, fearless, brave, competitive, and beautiful warrior would choose a scrawny young man that spends most of his time studying the greatness of nature, creating things, and exploring lands.
Nevertheless, it would surprise the world how much these two quite opposite poles actually have in common.
–Like, this child.
Even if I haven't really dedicated myself enough time to think of all the wonderful things that tag along with the birth of a new creature, the feeling of a completely different life with great things in store for us waiting to be explored, seemed to work as a fire extinguisher for the flames that had ignited in my bloodstream just a second ago.
Astrid's fingers burying in my head and brushing through tangled knots made me realize that my forehead was against her abdomen. It was then, that without even caring about how she would react, I placed my hands on her thighs, holding her still, and pressed my lips over her tunic. I could hear her gasp of surprise, but all I could do was speak against the fabrics that covered her belly, "Astrid, I love you. And I swear, I will protect this child from any harm." kissing her belly between pauses, "Do you hear me, little one? From anything that wants to get in your way of finding happiness, you will always have me by your side."
I didn't know what the future held for us. All I could count on was on our present. I had to trust our present. And our present, was this wonderful gift Frigga and Freya granted us. Yes, this has to be a gift. Otherwise, being able to kiss Astrid's belly knowing that there was life inside her, would be another torturous dream. Hel, I wouldn't even be able to have Astrid right before me at this moment. The week she and Ruffnut spent in the dungeon would have surely killed her if Bertha was really aiming for it.
Luckily—and thankfully—her lungs still received and released the air around her, her eyes were able to admire every color that adorned nature, and the heartbeats of her heart were as loud as the last time I had the chance to be this close to her.
Slightly griping on my hair, I heard Astrid's voice, "That makes two of us."
Slowly moving from her abdomen and looking up at her, I could feel her hand sliding down to cup my cheek. Before I had the chance to stand up, or simply bring her down to sit with me, Toothless' head got between us and had us move away from each other. Enough, to let his head and shoulders fit between us.
His light growls and careful rub against Astrid's stomach made us both start laughing. "Wait, you knew about this, bud?"
"Groooo!" Rubs more against her. His ears slightly waggling with joy.
"Haha, I believe these two rascals knew it before anyone else would." Astrid said, glancing back at Stormfly—Who now stood right behind her—while she affectionately scratched Toothless' chin. "Right guys?"
"Squawk!" Stormfly flapped her wings twice then lowered her head for Astrid to stretch a hand and rub on her chin as well.
"Woooooooo..." Suddenly, the ground began to tremble. Instinctively, I grabbed Astrid's hand and gripped on it. Thinking, that if this was another ground-shake like the one the gang and I experienced at the dungeon, then chances of being sucked into a black hole weren't exactly that far.
I thought the dragons would jump in and block us from any weird thing that would come right at us, but both Toothless and Stormfly stood their ground.
The trembles became paused—and they brought in a stepping sound. As if a very big creature was walking.
The trees moved and as I looked up, a species of dragon I never even imagined I would ever witness showed its features to us.
Astrid let go of my hand and searched inside her cloak's inner pocket. She pulled out the glass box with the glowing leaf and showed it to the immense dragon.
Yes, immense. This dragon was bigger than the Bewilderbeast itself. While the Bewilderbeast had a crown pointing upward, this dragon's crown was bent backwards. The Bewilderbeast varied in colors between snow white and fainted gray, but this dragon had the light brownish skin color of a strong and healthy tree trunk.
There were oak and pine trees adorning its backside and even though the dim light wouldn't let me take in many details of him, I could find his eyes quite easily. They were the most extraordinary pair of eyes I had ever seen in a dragon. Black as the night itself and revealed a sea of stars.
"Wow," I heard myself say.
The dragon tilted his head to the side before moving it straight and blowing a golden thread from his mouth that swirled down straight to Astrid's hand, entered the glass box and within seconds, the box disappeared. When the golden threads vanished, so did the sea of stars in his eyes.
"Let me guess," I grin up at him, "You are Foreverwing, right?"
"Woooooooo!" Foreverwing stretched his lips into a wide smile. Looking into it, I noticed that he didn't have any teeth. Who knows? Maybe they are retractable like Toothless' or maybe they are too small for us to take notice in the dark.
"Hope you forgive us for intruding so late at night. Believe us, it isn't in our nature to give anyone a late night visit."
"Woooooo," Foreverwing leaned closer to us. His head soon became about five feet from us.
The corner of my eye caught Stormfly bowing before the Foreverwing. While it, she sent Toothless—who still stood straight by my side—a nasty glare and a low growl.
Hearing her, our very own proud and stubborn Night Fury Alpha rolled his eyes and lightly lowered his head.
Laughing, I rubbed Toothless' nose.
It looked like the Foreverwing noticed the Deadly Nadder's little intervention to make the Night Fury show his respects, for he gifted us all what sounded like an amused giggle and then lowered his head before Toothless.
Toothless tilted his head to the side and rose a brow. "Groouu?"
"Huuuuu-wo." Foreverwing's response seemed to have pleased Toothless, for the Night Fury straightened back and nodded.
"Looks like the Foreverwing recognized your position as the Alpha dragon back at home." I said. Without even thinking it twice, I made two slow steps forward. Now there was one last thing to do, let the Foreverwing trust me.
Stretching my arm out to him, I turned my head away and closed my eyes. Holding up my breath, trying to empty my mind as much as I could by—
Soft skin touched my palm before I could even give myself a chance to fully open my hand for him. As I turned my head, I saw my hand against his massive chin. Breathing out a decent amount of relief and slightly bowing my head once again in gratitude, I pulled my hand away.
"Oh wow, look at you! Judging by your extraordinary abilities, I say you might be part of the Mystery Class."
"Mysterious and miracle worker," Astrid said. Arms crossed over her chest. "I agree."
"Miracle worker?" Glancing over my shoulder, "In what way?"
"Let's just say that he contributed in making our child's healthy growth possible." resting her right hand on her lower abdomen, Astrid walked up to me and placed her left hand on my back. "We should head back, Hiccup."
"Right," I nod, understanding that it was probably time to let the Foreverwing get some rest. I hadn't really enjoyed a full night sleep in a while, but thinking about it now that most of our questions were gradually being answered, made my eyes suddenly feel kind of numb.
After all, I'm pretty sure this won't be our first and last meeting. No, I have a strong feeling that this is just the first of many while we are still in Hoffnaan.
Learning about the presence of a future new member of the family, dancing beneath the stars, and meeting the Foreverwing was only the beginning of their evening.
After racing back to the mansion, Toothless and Stormfly left their riders on the terrace of their bedchamber and left to find the other dragons.
The curtains had been drawn and there was no other lighting in the room that didn't come from the fireplace's flames. Their cloaks were hung, boots neatly placed by the bed, and their knives and Hiccup's fire-sword rested on the dresser.
Sitting on the center of the bed, facing each other, a wave of immeasurable calmness submerged them both into an ocean of peace and confidence. Leaving all of their problems and worries beyond the double doors of their room, Hiccup and Astrid gave into the night with open hearts.
With closed eyes, Astrid's fingers began exploring the hidden lines of his torso, between his chest and stopping over his collarbone. Tapping their way over his Adam's apple, to the side, touching his earlobe, up his cheek, over his nose, and finally landing on his upper lip. Studying every inch of him hidden by darkness.
Gently pushing his lips against the softness of her fingertips while his right hand took hold of the ends of her braid, his breath became shallow. He pulled off the bands that held her braid still, and slowly brushed it free.
As Hiccup ran all five fingers down her soft, golden hair, their breaths gradually crashed together as their faces slowly moved closer. His upper lip was claimed first, then it was his lower lip's turn. Placing a hand on the back of her head, he carefully laid her down.
Searching in the night the sound of his voice as they fill their bodies with the scent of passion itself, Astrid worked her hands to hide under his tunic. Directly touching his skin.
Breathing out against her lips the delicate feeling of her hands exploring his sides, a slight sting on his torso led him to give her an unintentional bite.
Not really minding the bite, Astrid's lips pressed harder against his. Yet, it was the sudden grip on the sheets and an unpleasant low groan that made her break their lips apart. Seeing that his eyes were squeezed shut, and his jaw clenched, her hands carefully searched his bands for any possible moist spots. "Pain?"
Hiccup shook his head and forced the words out between tight breathing, "No. I'm okay, it's just a sting."
"Liar."
Hiccup wanted to be able to release the chuckle he was meaning to when he heard her clearly admit that she didn't believe him. Luckily, his thoracic muscles finally decided to relax enough to have him open his eyes once again and look down at a worried lady. "I'm fine." Without giving her a chance to argue with that, he pressed his lips against hers. In her lips, he was able to savor peace, to forget everything, and send wordless messages.
Refusing to have him agonize or even get near any possibilities of his wound not being able to finish its healing process appropriately, Astrid wrapped both arms around him and pushed their bodies to roll over. With him on his back, straddling him, Astrid's lips brushed over his jawline and down to his jugular.
Feeling the tightness on his trousers get more evident by the minute, his hands worked to raise her tunic over her stomach. Not even allowing himself to wait a minute longer on his back, Hiccup pushed his elbows against the bed, sat up, slid her tunic up her arms and then let it fall on the bed. He took a hold of her chin and brought her to his lips again. His tongue dared to knock on the sacred doors of her mouth while his hands snaked around her to find the knot of her breast bands and quickly untie it.
She loosened the laces of his trousers and then pressed her palms against his navel, having his tunic's hem rest on the back of her hands. Her fingers raced up his abdomen, stomach, chest, and finally removed it. Then a daring cold breeze caressed her breasts once her bands fell from her chest.
She pushed his shoulders back, and his arms brought her down with him. As he felt her lips brush down his jawline and travel straight to his collarbone, his fingers absently ran up and down the lean yet firm muscles of her back, sides, and hips. Swallowing a low groan at the feeling of her lips freely continue their way down his chest, over his stomach, and stop on the navel while his trousers were pushed down his thighs. He couldn't hold back anymore. Their bodies were practically acting on their own. Shamelessly.
Groaning, he brought her up, hid his face in her neck and rolled them over. Shoulders rising and falling, taking in all of her scent and nibbling on her collarbone while a hand pushed her leggings down her thighs. Hearing her silent panting and feeling her hand slightly pull from his hair, his hips involuntarily pressed tighter against her. Hiccup then pulled back and brushed his lips across her flushed cheek while one hand got between their aching points and made a stop on her belly.
Hiccup looked down at his hand on her bare belly and without thinking it twice, kissed his way between her forbidden fruits until he reached her lower abdomen as soft kisses took his hands place. Thinking, that inside the girl he had always dreamt to be able to one day love, lived someone special. Someone, whom he would be granted the privilege to call son or daughter. Yes, half of this sounded quite scary, but also worth the wait.
Nevertheless, being able to feel Astrid's bare skin and know that he was only inches from their child, filled him with such joy that not even words could describe. His empty nights without a single chance to close his eyes and receive a well deserved rest, are finally over. Every kiss planted on her belly, was only filled with happiness and relief. "Sweet dreams," whispers to the child in his beloved's womb. A kiss between each pause, "Strong fighter. My brave little one."
Watching—and feeling—him, Astrid couldn't help but to let a warm smile stain her lips for a while. Running her fingers through his hair, she took in a deep breath and was surprised when she exhaled to see him move back up to her. Mirroring her smile while bringing a hand up to her cheek and gently caressing it.
"How can you love someone you haven't even met yet?" He asked.
"I'm still trying to figure out the answer myself." She responds.
Drowned by the wonders hidden in the spark of their eyes, their bodies ached to become one. "Nnn-haah," Only the sound of a slight inner moan of discomfort when his member was positioned between her moistness, made them realize that both of their bodies needed to get used to each other once again after a while of no contact.
Between low sighs, he slowly rubbed against her before feeling both of her hands on his hips and guide him in. "Mm, nnh..." He breathes, making sure his movements aren't controlled by passion or lust, rather by love and only love.
Desiring to hear him more, her legs took her hands place and locked around him, urging him to move further in. Once she felt herself opening up for him, her chest arched and her mouth claimed his once more as groans gradually became almost impossible to control.
The most profound love, was mutually felt. Like newlyweds, love was desired. Loving each other's bodies with the most delicate and genuine touch, being filled with the currents of pleasure as they became one body, one soul, one mind, and one heart over and over again that evening.
Beneath the secrets of their bed sheets, loving each other was like dreaming with eyes open. Like healing those old wounds, like forgetting the world spinning outside their room. Offering their hearts rich in new amounts of renewed tranquility. Reviving each precious moment since the very first time without the need to speak. Enjoying the soft melody of their lips crashing together and the innocent calls of desire trapped in their breathing as their arms debated endlessly on who would hold who next.
Remembering their vows with every kiss, every touch, every caress, and every thrust. To love and to hold beyond time itself. No matter how agonizing the events in life awaiting might turn out to be, this present was meant to strengthen the eternal golden knot their souls had. A knot Frigga tied together, a story Odin wrote, and a future both Hiccup and Astrid held close to their hearts.
