Happy Birthday Una! Part 3

Never Forgotten

Una was standing outside the newly complete house in the Village of Valhalla. She and Boden looked up at the house with enormous eyes full of excitement and wonder. They didn't know at the time it was pretty much an exact replica of their big brother Hiccup's home on Berk, with a few minor differences but otherwise it was a perfect replica of where she unknowingly live one day.

But at that moment standing on that beautiful brightly jade green grassy hill looking at that house and Stoick-daddy's strong but comforting hands gently touching both their shoulder she and Boden felt at peace and finally in all their time in the afterlife a sense of belonging and true happiness.

"Well, it looks like a grand house, but it won't be a home to we all go inside, and even then it's not a home, a house is only a home when its fill with love. And I want to fill that house of my afterlife fill of the love of my second son and my only daughter. So shall we go inside?"

"Yes! C'mon, Boden! Let's go inside our home! It's what we've waited for an eternity! Please?! C'mon big brother! Let's go inside with Stoick-daddy right now! C'mon! I cannot wait a second longer! Let's go inside!" she was begging and squealing with excitement as she tugged at Boden's left arm and he was having trouble not falling over. He did in fact fall over and Stoick-daddy caught him in his arms.

"Umm…thanks, Stoick. And really thank you for taking us in and giving us a home to live in. It sucks being homeless in your afterlife. So thanks." Boden stuttered nervously while blushing and tugging at his ponytail.

"My son, it's only right for family to be together whether they be alive or dead. Home where the heart is and a heart's only whole when it's filled with love. And right now I've got a lot of love for you both."

"Thanks, Stoick-daddy!" Una squealed louder as she jumped up and down and he picked her up and propped her on his left shoulder and she hugged him and accidently knocked his helmet off his head, to which Boden caught it.

"Don't want to lose that. Hiccup told Una you crafted it from your wife's breastplate. Shouldn't lose that even here."

"No I don't, Boden, you two ready to walk into that house and make it a home?"

"Yes! Yes we are, Stoick-daddy!"

"Let's go inside before Una burst, Stoick."

So the three of them went inside and once they'd crossed the threshold into the house Stoick sat Una down on the ground. Her bare feet touched the wooden floor and she gazed with loving rapture in her blue eyes and even Boden looked like he was happier then he'd ever been in death. The hem of her snow-white spirit dress didn't even get dirty as it brushed against the floorboards as she looked over the house.

Stoick gave them a few moments to explore every nook and cranny of the new house and finally both shouted gleefully that it was perfect and they loved it and were both extremely grateful for him taking them in and ultimately giving them a home and a family at long last.

Boden had tried to cook their first spirit meal together that night. On the other hand only proved the point he was bad as Valka-mommy with his cooking skills, however Stoick-daddy didn't seem to mind at all and compliment the meal which made Boden smile.

That's when the Spirit Moon which was full that night ascended into the multicolored heavens above their home. Boden of course had the room that was the same as Hiccup's on Berk. Una didn't have a room of her own yet. But Stoick came to the rescue and made a nice cozy little bed for her in the living room next to his own.

But while Una was ecstatic to finally have a home she was still scared about the whole thing being new and she was still a child even when she acted mature she was still a little girl.

She was trembling a bit in the new bed and at first Boden didn't want to go to his new room to sleep either. He looked a bit scared too. So Stoick started to be a dad to both of them right away.

Even though it looked like Una would most likely have a few nightmares the first few nights here in this house and even Boden was worried about that Stoick took them both aside by the fire and made them both a promise that he'd kept well.

He said that they'd count on him for anything like if either of them leapt awake from any bad dreams he'd be by their bedside in an instant. Plus he'd promised to always check to make sure no scary monsters were under Una's new bed to which she'd been very grateful for.

He also told them that just like the river outside their window from their house was strong, swift and fast he'd be just as quick and strong too no-matter-what came to pass from that night forward.

Even if they'd got terrified or anything at all ever happened they just had to call for him and he'd be there. So even if it was just for the faction of a second that fear or worry set in, he'd be there to protect them and calm the storm, and make sure whether they'd be awake or asleep, the rest of their life after death be nothing but like a sweet never-ending dream of pure joy dancing forever and a day in their heads.

They didn't have anything to worry about now. It wasn't like they'd to worry about things like the Spirit Marketplace or helping the human race. He'd go with them to get their spirit food at the Marketplace. So with their new dad around they wouldn't have to do some of what they'd done before just to get spirit food.

Also just being a family and keeping an eye on Hiccup and Valka from up here would be more than enough to help the human race. So he'd also said once things got a little more settle he take them to do things he'd done with Hiccup so they'd could make their own special memories.

Once Stoick came they could finally enjoy the different parts of Valhalla outside the village. Not being told to stay in the village because they're children and had no adult soul to watch them, now that had changed and for the better.

Now they'd actually go and enjoy the nature and its magical and beautiful wonders that all the gods had created for the souls to escape the village and just enjoy the beauty of nature still. It was an amazing world beyond the Village of Valhalla and it was nice to enjoy the other half of Valhalla's paradise and just enjoy things for the soul even in the afterlife you need something for your soul.

So many gods and goddess had worked so long and hard to make a very special contributions to truly make the endless and still growing backyard of Valhalla perfect for the many souls there and to come.

The goddess of the Earth itself and mother of Frigga, Fjorgyn had created most of Valhalla's natural paradise like magnificence and splendor. As the second jewel of her incredibly talent. Earth was the real gem in the Nine Realms, but this came in a very close second.

The beautiful tall fruit trees in the nearby orchard had been a gift from Goddess of Spring Idun who's apples were usually just for gods to remain young had granted them a different kind of apple to enjoy and revitalized their spiritual energy and they'd the most amazing taste ever And never were they bruised or rotten!

The remaining nature gods and goddess Freyja, Freyr and Skadi who had many different jobs and abilities and also worked together when creating their part of Valhalla for truthfully each noble god and goddess had done some small part to make this afterlife a true paradise.

But now that Una and Boden had a parent in their lives they could finally enjoy so much more in Valhalla, and had been extremely eager to explore the natural beauty they had so long sought to explore, however couldn't without adult supervision. Now they could!

He'd agree to take them to explore the wilderness and natural beauty beyond the Village as soon as possible. He'd kept that promise rather quickly but then again he'd kept all his promise to them rather quickly. Though they didn't expect the one to explore the wilds of Valhalla to happen so soon. It was a week and half after he'd come that he kept that one.

He'd taken Boden finishing at the Mimir River that would one day feed into the valley to become the Dragon Soul Sanctuary. Also Una had enjoyed playing and exploring for hours in the Skadi Mountains. From the enchanted meadows near that sacred valley to the land of enteral summer pleasures which was the god Freyr's contribution to this part of Valhalla's natural beauty, as he was the god of fertility, rain, sunlight, life and summer.

So very quickly this half of the Haddock family had made many more special memories to be made within the next three and half months by Valhalla's sense of time.

The night before Stoick-daddy had come had been the darkest harshest night of their afterlives. But now it was like a spotlight of love was bathing and shining on them forever and the way both Boden and Una felt that first night in that house with Stoick saying goodnight to both of them was simply in their minds.

If one and one always added up to two they knew even if it had taken longer for Boden to call Stoick "Dad" they both knew in that moment as they fell asleep in that house their home for the first time that as long as one and one equal two, there had never been another father in all the Nine Realms that had loved all three of his children the way Stoick loved all three of them.

Three and half months of treasured memories and just knowing he'd call her his special little girl and though every morning before they'd got to see the new arrivals he'd tell them both how much he loved them, they never knew how much he meant that till after the Siege and now there was a whole new appreciation for Stoick in both Una and Boden's lives

Una was awoken from her dream which was just really her memories of the only father she knew. It was still nighttime, she was guessing by looking outside the window above Nightrainbow's bed it was like two in the morning. She didn't know why she'd woken up at first and then hurried to the bathroom before she had an accident.

As she climb silently back into bed without arousing anyone else she couldn't help but think more about Stoick-daddy as from her window she'd a glimpse of his statue. She closed her eyes and began to relive a few more precious moments with her daddy however she didn't immediately fall back to sleep. She felt restless so she sat up in bed clutching the dragon doll her mommy had made her. Her pretty blue eyes looked up at the moon once more and she'd sensed that something more was going on right now.

"Stoick-daddy if you're listening I've got a few things to say to you. Though you didn't know it any more than I did that I'd one day be reborn I was always full of unbridle joy and feeling very special when you said every night as you put me to bed those simple words that I didn't truly understand till. That I've always had the power to chase my dreams and make them true. I also know you also spoke the truth that the path my heart would tell me to take will indeed always lead me home whether that's here on Berk or in Valhalla again one day. My heart is home here not just on Berk with Hiccup and Valka-mommy, but whenever I'm with any of my family. Whether it be in Valhalla, the secret Realm, or this house on this island, doesn't matter the location or if I'm dead or alive. My heart has always led me home and my home is where my family is, regardless of where my family is. I'm home where you all are.

I know now that what all of my family have said is true as well. Every one of you told me the same thing at one time or another, that I can take on this whole world and I plan too! I plan to leave my mark and make my own legacy of love like none of the Nine Realms ever seen before will ever to come! Though thanks to you, Stoick-daddy I've at least have an honor no-one else has in this huge world or any of the other Realms. The honor of being yours, Stoick the Vast's little girl for all time.

Stoick-daddy? I know you're very busy right now in Valhalla with running its Village and all, that we've not had time for a visit in the Realm. Nevertheless know I still think of you time and again as does Hiccup. I do promise you right now, Stoick-daddy this. I promise to tell him more about our time together as soon as possible. So if you're trying to give me a hint by making me relive my precious memories of our time together those three and half months of Valhalla's time together I get the message.

You want me to comfort Hiccup with my memories of our time together so he'd might be happier to relive his own of you. So message received, Stoick-daddy. Message received. Now may I please go back to bed? It's 2 in the morning and you said before little girls need their beauty sleep," she finished whispering to herself with a giggle.

She then laid her sweet head on the pillow to rest and felt as if someone was tucking the blanket around her and kissed her, though she knew no-one was in the room to do that. Smiling she knew her daddy's unseen spirit had done it and she knew she'd gotten the message he'd wanted her to get.

Una wasn't the only one having dreams of memories to do with Stoick. Downstairs in her bed as she pulled the fur cap blanket closer around her body Valka was dreaming of a long ago memory too.

She awoke for a second and now it was 2:30 in the morning. For a moment she couldn't recall what the memory was she'd been dreaming of, so feeling a bit parch she went over to table to pour herself some ice water and sipped it slowly.

The house was totally silent as was everything else on the island except the crickets chirping outside. She then heard a creak behind her and got startled for a moment. Slowly very slowly she turned around but didn't see anything at first. As her eyes slowly adjusted to the darkness of her home she then spotted that the trunk that held her childhood mementoes and a few things of her life before her self-imposed exile had somehow opened a crack.

Cautiously she walked little by little over to investigate and what was hanging out of the something that surprised and shook her to her core. It was a baby blanket, Hiccup's. She'd made it while pregnant with him and had finished it the week before his early birth. She had in fact finished it and then went to try and nap before Stoick had shown up with Gothi's medicine.

She held her close to heart and sank to the ground and cried for a moment and like with her daughter she knew at once that Stoick's unseen spirit was at work in the house tonight. Visiting each member of the family to help them recall important memories of him, given the date that would soon be upon them.

Valka recalled how she had promised her late husband when she'd been in the Realm last with him and her second son Boden that they'd agreed that they shouldn't visit the Realm for a while for the specific reason that the one year anniversary of Stoick's death was coming faster than they'd like and it wouldn't do anyone any good particular Hiccup to visit the Realm on that day when they need to grieve and accept the realities of death.

They needed to mourn like everyone else in the Earth Realm grieved and remembered their lost loved ones on the painful days that marked anniversaries of tragic loss and great suffering. It was never easy for anyone of any Realm, all the same one and all needed to do it and the first year anniversary was always the hardest to deal with, but still must be dealt with correctly if healing was to happen in the right way.

Consequently it was vitally important for their son Hiccup to not be with his father's spirit any time soon, so he could deal with the death of his father properly on the one year anniversary. As a result it seemed that Stoick was being a bit of a ghost tonight, by making sure his wife and only daughter recall important memories of him. Precious and irreplaceable memories they're supposed to share with Hiccup when they did as Valka said the plan was. To go to the ruins of the Dome of the Proud to remember and grieve together as a family.

Valka looked once more at the tattered timeworn blanket. When she'd made it had been dark red with a green dragon stitched in the center. But the color had long since faded and so had the dragon in the middle. Still she held it close to heart again and now she remembered what she'd forgotten for a moment she'd been dreaming of.

It had been the memory when she'd wrapped her son up in this blanket and sung him a lullaby her own mother had sung to her and that had been passed down in her family for many generations. Smiling the memory became alive in her mind and she could see it as if she was there living it at the moment not remembering it.

"Hiccup had been a fussy baby even for a preemie he'd been extra fussy. He was about two weeks old now.

Valka had been trying to rest some when she was awoken by her son's inconsolable crying. Looking up she saw her husband was attempting to calm their son down. But sadly wasn't doing a very good job.

She was still pleased that he'd taken her threat to feed him to wild boars seriously if he'd given their son that baby ax that he'd asked Gobber to make for him. Babies were fragile enough and Hiccup was a preemie too. And as a mother she wanted no weapons or anything dangerous around her child at all.

Looking amusingly at her husband he was trying all he could to make Hiccup stop crying but their little son won't stop crying and they didn't even know what was making him cry so much.

"I can run a village and take out a Monstrous Nightmare with one hand, but I can't get my own son to stop crying so my beautiful wife can get some sleep. C'mon, Hiccup, please let's let mommy sleep tonight. Please stop crying."

But Hiccup just was crying louder and louder and Stoick was just not having any success no matter what he tried to sooth his son. Finally Valka climbed out bed and though exhausted herself walked over to her husband.

"Here, Stoick, let me have him."

"Val! You need to be resting! You still haven't regained your strength from the birth and I can handle my own son. You really should be sleeping and resting. Please go back to bed."

"I'm strong enough, Stoick, that I can care for my own child. I do appreciate that you're looking out for both of us. But it looks like our son wants his mommy right now not his daddy. Let me try and calm him down. Please?"

So Stoick reluctantly gave the crying baby over to his wife who wrapped their son up in the thick blanket she'd made him. She'd had it warming by the fire so it was a soothing warmth. Not too hot but warm enough to sooth the child.

Smiling down on her son who looked again just like her she smiled and rocked him slowly. As she rocked him she was humming the same lullaby her mom had done for her and her mother had done before her.

So walking over slowly to a rocking chair next to the fire she was humming and rocking Hiccup and started to sing him the lullaby and also to sooth him she let him nurse some as he was probably a bit hungry too.

So still rocking him as she rocked in the chair she started to sing in her beautiful voice the lullaby.

"Hush now, my little one, my gift of love from the gods above. Close your eyes and sleep as the gentle turquoise waves lull you to your dreams of peace. Let yourself dive deep into the ocean of dreams where the stars shine forever bright with the wind whispering long lost lullabies.

Come with me now to where the moon is made of gold and the sun lights the path on the waves as smooth as glass. We'll ride the waves on a little boat through ocean of dreams just you and me till we reach where the sky and the sea meet.

Come with me to the sea of dreams, just you and me, and we'll sing the song of the dream sea. The dream of the night before begins anew as we sail further in the bright blue as we follow the sweetest of sounds into a path of bright light of love and hope.

We'll reach a beach full of white sand and green trees. We'll build a castle together just you and me where we can dream by the side of the sea of dreams. Don't cry, my child, it's just you and me.

So come with me, my child of love, so we may sail the sea of dreams just you and me. We'll sail that sea of dreams with the moon of gold shining brightly on the waves of a new night's dream as the song of the dream sea becomes anew. Just for me and you.

So as we sail on these rolling waves I still hold you tight don't be scared and don't you cry. I'll always be by your side.

So come with me to where the sea of dreams is lit by the moon that is made of gold and where we can sail to where the sky and the sea meet. Just come with me to the sea of dreams and that is where the song of the dream sea will be. And there I'll be to sing it too you so you may travel this ocean of bright blue to sail to your dreams anew. So rock a bye my child of love so we may sing the song of love as we sail that sea of dreams forever and always beginning tonight, my most precious gift from above."

As she finished singing and nursing him he let out a small yawn and laid his tiny hand over her heart and finally feel asleep. Clearly having gone to where that sea of dreams was lit by the moon of gold.

"That was very beautiful, Val. I've never heard a sweeter song than that. You also made him sleep and he's been crying all day. Now maybe you can get the sleep you need to help him out later."

"My mother taught me that lullaby. She sang it too me when I wouldn't stop crying as her mother done for before. Now let's get this little dreamer to bed so he may start to sail to that sea of dreams. Then we can sleep too, my love," as she placed the sleeping babe into his cradle rocked it a few time and tucked the blanket around his tiny body and kissed his forehead.

"I love you my son, my little Hiccup. Never forget that no matter what. That I love you more than anything else in this world. Now sleep my little dreamer."

With that Hiccup rolled over and just was sleeping soundly with a very cute smile on his face and his parents beamed happily at their child. Then became involved in a deep passionate kiss then went to bed themselves.

Valka awoke from her memory with both tears of joy and sadness streaming down her face. She could feel Stoick's warm embrace around her and she felt as if his hand was brushing the tears away.

"I understand, Stoick. I understand. Thank you for not forgetting that song and thank you for reminding me of what I may've failed to recall when I needed to the most. Be safe and be happy for now in Valhalla. Don't worry we'll make sure to remember you fondly and with joy in our hearts in that short amount of time. Your message has been received now may I go back to sleep to my own sea of dreams?" she asked aloud and she could feel in her heart he'd said 'yes." So she closed the chest and locked it tightly but didn't put the blanket back. Instead she folded it and held it close to her heart for the rest of the night.

The next morning both mother and daughter were up in time to see the sunrise. Everyone else was asleep still. Well actually Toothless and Moon Shadow had spent the last few nights with their eggs in their private room in the Nursery.

But Toothless always came back to the house in time for breakfast. Moon Shadow didn't usually leave the eggs till about midmorning after making sure they're heated enough and that they're safe enough. Then she would come back to the house and allow the Haddocks to help train her some.

Moon Shadow so far had made one thing very clear. Only the Haddock family had fully earned her total trust. She was finally starting to feel at home on Berk and the gang's dragons were her closest friends so she was adjusting well. She was still a bit weary of the males, but had accepted Hiccup's friends and Gobber as close friends herself and she was very comfortable with of course Skullette and Firefang who she was counting on to make sure that the eggs were protected and cared for when she had to leave sometimes for other things.

But the main thing she'd made crystal clear? No-one but the Haddock family was allowed the honor to ride her. She would let anyone in the family ride her but anyone else could forget it. She was allowing herself to be petted or touched in the approved manner. But for a rider? So far only Hiccup, Valka and Una all had turns to do it when they'd done some training with her and Toothless watching nearby to ride her. Otherwise no-one else had done it.

So right now mother and daughter sat side-by-side watching the gorgeous break of day and just snuggled closely next to each other. Valka started to softly sing the lullaby from her memory as she stroked her daughter's hair and Una just listened truly enchanted by it.

She did ask once the song had ended where it had come from and it was by this question that both of them realized that Stoick had paid them both a visit the previous night and they knew he was trying to tell them what he wished for both of them too do for Hiccup with the anniversary of his death fast approaching.

They hugged each other tightly and just cried together. Then they felt being hugged more and someone wiping their tears away. Looking up they saw all the dragons were around them. Moon Shadow was using used her left wing to first dry Una's tears. Then used her right to dry Valka's tears. Cloudjumper was curled around them and Nightrainbow was singing a sad sounding song but it was just right for the mood and Toothless then licked them both to death.

"We're so lucky each of you are a part of this family. I only wish Stardust was here too with Boden to really comfort us all. But she's most likely doing what you're all doing with Boden right now. He's probably doing his best to help his father cope with the one year anniversary of his deathday from the other side. Though that day is still five days away from our sense of time. Still we'll all play our part on that day, agreed?" asked Valka and everyone nodded.

Just then the front door burst open and Hiccup was standing looking a bit ragged. His hair was a mess and he looked not quite right. Still he was shoveling a large piece of toast in his mouth and gulped it down with a shudder.

"Hi, Mom. Hi, Una. Hi, everyone! I'm sorry I can't stay for a proper breakfast but I've got a million things to do today and better get started on all of them! C'mon, Toothless we got a full day ahead of us! And it ain't gonna stop and wait for us! C'mon buddy!" he spoke very quickly not even taking time to draw a breath.

Toothless kissed his mate goodbye and licked his little brother once before hurrying off to help Hiccup with his chiefly duties. But they seemed to going faster than needed.

Una for a moment was quiet and then turned to look up at her mommy who looked worried. "Valka-mommy?"

"Yes, sweetheart?"

"Are you thinking what I'm thinking? That Hiccup's trying to give himself more to do then he really needs to do? I know he's busy but it seems for the last three days he's been busier than normal and I get the feeling that he's trying to just keep himself busy."

"I believe you're right, Una. You're very good at picking up other's inner feelings. That's a good thing, honey. I do believe he's trying to give himself so much work even unnecessary work so he doesn't have to think about your father's deathday anniversary in five days. Or it will mark the one year anniversary of him being Chief and me coming home. So he's doing all he can to keep his mind off it and not deal with it."

"Stoick-daddy told me as you've told me before. That avoiding a problem never solves it. Ignoring or pretending it doesn't exist never resolves the problem it only delays the solution. That also goes for emotional problems too, not just problems of life thrown at us every day."

"Very true, Una, very true. It's alright to feel sad, upset and depressed. It's a huge mistake to conceal it and not feel it. You've got to feel the bad with the good. It makes us human and is just a part of life. You cannot live your live without one moment of pain in it. We all get hurt one way or another and there is nothing wrong with feeling any kind of emotion, good or bad. There's nothing wrong with crying or showing that you're not happy, it's not a sign of weakness as it is in some people's eyes, it's a sign of strength to be honest," Valka sighed sadly as she hung her head in dismay.

Una didn't like her mommy looking like that she just hugged her tightly and her mom hugged her too. Falling down to her knees she smiled at her daughter and looked at her then over her shoulder towards the woods.

"I think you and I should go somewhere private for a while to discuss what we're going to do in five days to honor and remember your father, my child. How about we go to Dragon's Glen? We could take Moon Shadow there. She's not been there before and a change of secrecy should sooth her before she becomes too much of an emotional wreak. Even an expecting mother needs to relax or it won't do her children any good. I can tell you that for a fact given how I was before your brother was born."

"That sounds good to me, Valka-mommy. Does it sound something you like to do today, Moon Shadow? I'm sure that Skullette and Firefang are doing a good job doing today guarding of your eggs. You need a break from your stress to relax some. So would you like to go with us for a picnic and a few hours to unwind in the woods? Nightrainbow and Toothless spent the day there and it did their relationship a world of good. Brought them closer. How about it?"

Moon Shadow looked like she was debating it long and hard then she turned to her brother-in-law and asked his opinion and he told her what Una said was true and it would do her good. And Cloudjumper's great golden eyes told her that he'd be there to protect her no matter what too.

So she nodded and looked early happy about the prospect of a new location to see on the land that was her home now.

So Valka and Una hurried into the house to gather the things they need for a day to themselves. Valka was busy making sandwiches and packing up the basket of food with Una filling up the water flagons and getting a few other things gather up. She then spied out of the corner of her eye something leaning against the wall that she had long admired but never had gotten to touch before.

It was her mommy's staff she used as both a weapon and a tool to help with dragons. She'd crafted it herself and it was very beautiful looking and Una had only heard a few stories about it. Glancing over her shoulder she saw her mommy was still busy making sandwiches so she tipped-toed over to the staff and very hesitantly touched it and then picked it up to admire it.

She was in awe as she ran her hand down it and played with it some. Giggling gleefully she swung it once very poorly as she knocked over a jar full of chock cherries need to make more sleeping potion if need.

"What the…? Una! That isn't a toy! Put it down now!" she commanded sternly as she grabbed it out of her daughter's hands. She looked a little mad but not overly mad. Still Una looked down knowing she'd done wrong.

"Una, please don't touch things that aren't yours without asking first, okay? And please don't play with this. I still use it and need it and I don't want it to get broken by accident. I'm not mad, just a little disappointed okay? If you wanted to look at it you should've asked and I'd shown it. But please don't play with this again, alright?" she reprimanded her gently to which Una nodded.

After that was settled they finished gathering things and quickly took off for Dragon's Glen. As they flew high above the village they spotted everyone else doing a few different things.

They saw that Gobber was in his work shop busy making something. He was clearly happy with whatever he was making as they'd heard both his terrible singing and some strange noises that had to be connected with the unseen things he was making. Though they heard him shout at his lazy dragon for letting the forge die down again too.

Smiling and with a quick giggle they spotted the other Riders just outside the Nursery in a small outdoor playing area, that the Nursery workers from time to time took the babies outside for a short time to play when the weather was nice. It was a very nice day today for sure, with a vivid azure sky and a very warm shining sun so it was perfect day for the babies to get some fresh air.

The playpen area was about 75 feet long and 35 feet across. It was on very soft extremely bright lime green grass with numerous toys for the hatchlings to play with. It also had things for them to climb on and a large enough shallow pool for them to drink and play in, and some small food dishes nearby too. It had a very strong fence around it to keep the hatchling inside and safe. But of course there was always at least one to two people with the hatchlings inside the playpen area whenever the babies were brought outdoors for some fresh air and a short chance to play.

Firefang today was the one overseeing the playing with what was clearly just the hatchlings of the gang's dragons. Of course the gang was helping Firefang out and they're of course eager to have their dragons have quality time with their own children of course. So everyone was having fun playing and bonding with the babies Viking and dragons alike.

Valka and Una flew a little closer to get a better look at the sweet scene and it made them smile happily and made Moon Shadow more eager for the day her children came into this world and could play with her new friends' kids in this marvelous adventure playground of fun. Gazing down they all saw clearly all the hatchlings and it was just so cute and adorable watching them all play together.

Ash and Hellfire were playing with their ball again. Chaos and Havoc who really did look like her dad with just a slightly different green skin tone, were playing a game that involved throwing a small shield like a disc through the air with one of Meatlug's kids.

This was a daughter who was a bit different than others. Again like the other kids she closely resembled her mother again with just a slightly different skin tone. In this case she was a blend of amber and rosy brown. But it wasn't her skin color that made her different from the rest of her siblings or playmates.

She had a slight deformity to her back legs. As a result she walked with a bit of a limp though when she was big enough would in all probability fly just fine. On the other hand her slight deformity had earned her, her name which was Breccia which meant a rock full of broken fragments of different rocks that fused together.

So Breccia was having a slightly hard time catching the small flying shield, though on the other claw none of the other hatchlings were laughing or teasing her, but being perfectly friendly and kind to her. It looked like the hatchlings would all be good friends that much was for sure.

Feeling happy and delighted that the next generation of dragons were off to such a good start and that their bonds of loving friendship were already as strong as they're magical mother and daughter felt very confident that things would work out quite well for everyone. And it seemed Toothless's kids would've plenty of friends to play with when they finally hatched!

They reached Dragon's Glen about a quarter to noon. They unhitched their baskets and while mother and daughter set up their picnic lunch, Nightrainbow was showing his sister-in-law around and telling her all about his and Toothless day of brotherly bonding and fun here.

Cloudjumper merely got a drink of water from the small pool and settled down to rest, but still kept an eye out for Moon Shadow and also his nephew. He was just as concerned about his nephew as Moon Shadow. So he hadn't forgotten about Nightrainbow or overlooked him, he was still very important to him as well. So he just rested while watching them play around and Nightrainbow was at least doing his best to keep Moon Shadow away from the thorn bushes so she didn't get one like he had.

By now the food and drinks were out and the picnic was laid out perfectly so they called the dragons over and everyone was enjoying the food and just feeling good to be alive, so even if it did rain it wouldn't ruin the moment, it just be another surprise and adventure of life itself.

Una wiped her lips with a napkin and picked up her lyre and began to play a tune she'd been thinking about since waking up the first time last night. Dreaming about her memoires of her time with her father made her think of how she'd felt when she first got to Valhalla after being trapped so long in that Spirit Cavern.

Her first thoughts when she'd had the time to do as her brother Boden had done before. Finally really deal with her death and being with her only blood family again, she couldn't deny or lie she was still thinking about Hiccup those first few days in the afterlife. Even with Boden and Kara being there and getting her adjusted and the wonder that was Valhalla, she couldn't help but think of her other brother and wondering a very important question, to which she was now singing about.

Now it was Valka listening in enchanted silence as her daughter was singing her personal thoughts and feelings on what was to happen in five days' time. She knew better than to interrupt. So she just listen as did all the dragons even Nightrainbow remained silent as Una sang her feelings about when she first crossed over to Valhalla and her secrets thoughts she'd never spoken aloud before came out in a beautiful song.

"Time. We never seem to realize how it never seems to end and yet it continues to slip away from us and we don't even realize it goes by. From life to death we never know when the time of living will end and the endless time of forever death begins.

Like it's a new day today and yet where have the memories of yesterday gone? They've slipped away just like the time that passes so quickly by. Do you ever think of the memory most important one that makes every day worth living and makes death not to be feared?

It's the memory of your smile the first time you smiled at me. That simple gift from the heart that made me feel truly alive and it makes me thankful for the precious time I had with you and though we went our separates ways, you to return to your life and me to go to my afterlife, I did not forget or won't ever forgot the memories we made.

All I asked when I passed through the Golden Gates to Valhalla was for one wish to be granted then and there. Was this simple wish. I wished to my big brother Hiccup, I wished simply to please remember me.

I prayed and wished simply "Please remember, please remember me. I was there for you as you were there for me in my time of need. Please remember my big brother the time we spent together.

When time finally stop for both of us and it was just endless time of the perfect moments that were yours and mine to forever remember and cherish. From the wild beginning to you setting my soul free.

When we're forced to say the saddest word ever created "goodbye" for the first time it nearly killed me again. To walk sadly away from you never to know what might have been when we left for our destined homes with only the timeless memories we made.

Right then and there I wished as Boden held my hand and we walked into the light all I could think about was the life and time that we'd never know again and when I entered Valhalla all I thought was

"Please Remember ME! Please Remember ME, Hiccup. Remember how I was there for you in your time of need and you were there for me in my time of need. Please Hiccup remember the priceless time you spent with me as I'll remember forever you and the time we spent together.

That priceless precious moments of when time stood still and it was just me and you. Remember how we laughed and how we made each other smile and how for those timeless precious moments we're each other's worlds.

How no dream for either of us seemed out of our reach from the moment you stood by me and I stood by you as the new day finally came for both of us for the world to start anew. I knew you made the world shine on me as you flew across the skies to your home and destiny and I ascended into mine beyond the heavenly blue skies.

I knew from the moment I walked through the Golden Gates I'd forever have you and you'd forever had me. All I prayed asked at the moment was simply. "Please remember me, Hiccup. Please remember me."

Putting down the golden lyre for a moment she let out a breath and then she got a strange look on her pretty features. As if she was in a far-off place another plane of existence before she awoke back into the reality around her. "I never expressed those feelings and thoughts before. Never told Boden, never told Stoick-daddy, never told Kara and especially never told Hiccup before.

Never before did I say them aloud. But that is truthfully what I thought and felt from the moment Hiccup and I said that sad cursed word of goodbye. I was happy to finally be reunited with Boden and to finally go to the afterlife. I really was. Still when someone touches your heart you never do forget them or how they made you feel.

All I wanted was when I came to Valhalla and was getting settled, even with Boden and Kara doing their best to make me happy and finally feel at home. It wasn't enough. It wasn't even enough when Stoick-daddy came and gave us the home and family we longed and sought for the whole time in the Village of Valhalla.

Though I will keep my promise to him that I made last night. When the time comes when we mourn him as a family wherever that will take place I will keep my promise to the only one I've known as my father.

I'll tell Hiccup my stories of my memories with him so we may share the pain of loss and love together as a true family.

I don't know though, Valka-mommy how to tell him about what I just sang. My own personal feelings of my own times of pain and loss. I want to show I understand but will he?

Will my big brother understand my only prayer each day I lived in Valhalla was simply wanting to make sure he hadn't forgotten me? I was just thinking each day at Spirit Sunrise was one thought. "Please remember me" For I never wanted to be forgotten again, especially not by him.

He set me free, Valka-mommy, he's my big brother best friend till time ends. But even though we're to grieve for and remember Stoick-daddy as a family, how to I make these feelings known to him? He's got a right to know them doesn't he?"

"I'm once more amazed by you, my daughter, how truly you see the world both through the eyes of a child and yet see beyond that as well. I understand you hope to empathize in five days' time when we take the journey to the ruins of the Dome of the Proud where we'll have our day to remember and grieve. I already told Boden about the location I'll tell you more about it in a moment's time.

Though I'll say this first, my child. We'll do our grieving each in our own ways and share stories of memories, so please let that come to pass, before you share these feelings out. But also let him let out his. He might have some things of similar nature to share with you. Though please wait till the right moment to share those feeling with him, because he does have the right to know them and should know them."

"I'll wait till the right moment, Valka-mommy, I don't know how I'll know but I'll know when its right to share those feelings. So please tell me more about where we're going?"

Valka repeated the same story she'd told her second son to her only daughter concerning the Dome of the Proud. She also made it clear they'd be walking not flying as it was a very hard and difficult path to get to the ruins, but it was part of the grieving and healing journey, and they'd be literally taking the journey one step at a time so they'd have more time to think, remember and make the journey together as a family. Rather than a quick and easy flight on their dragons.

Una did ask if the dragons were allowed to at least come with them. She felt Toothless would want to mourn too, even if he'd unwillingly delivered the killing blow he would most likely like to grieve and pay his respects all the same for killing a man that had died saving his son life, but feel some peace for being forced to cause his best friend this pain in the first place.

Valka said of course the dragons were family and they'd a duty to be there as well. She just hoped they didn't mind getting blisters on their feet from the long and difficult path it took to get there. That they understood that they could get some slight flying in, but all the same the humans be walking on their own two feet.

So they did explain that to everyone present and they'd have to explain it too Toothless as well. Not that he'd much choice in the matter, seeing as he could only fly with Hiccup's help, and Hiccup whether he liked it or not be walking, Valka would make sure of that.

Hiccup and Toothless at the moment were just sitting at the end of the docks right now. Looking out at the great big blue sea. Hiccup was just dangling his foot and metal leg in the water just splashing the water around a bit with his foot.

He was looking awfully depressed and Toothless just snuggled close to him to comfort him. Hiccup looked up at the sky and saw in his mind's eye the time when he and his father had flown side-by-side after his father trained his first dragon Thornado.

He knew without being told many things that would happen in five days. Though his sister had been right when she guessed he'd tried to make himself overworked to not deal with the conflict inside his heart and soul. Not deal with the painful memories of his father.

He also knew without being told that they'd not be going to the Realm any time soon. He'd have to deal with this first anniversary of his father's passing like everyone else had too. That meant he had deal being without his father in any shape or form.

Still for now he'd run out of things to keep himself busy as well as excuse to keep busy. So for now he was just watching how the setting sun turned the ocean blue into a shimmering sea of reddish gold and how also like a masterpiece by some great divine artist above the skies were painted the most majestic and prettiest colors known and unknown to mankind. It filled his breaking heart with love and he just let out a sigh.

Reaching into his leather armor he pulled something out and cradle it in his hands. Toothless looked slightly surprise to see that Hiccup still had this object. It was the crystal necklace with Una's hair inside. He'd worn it every day since setting her free, though Toothless had thought he'd might have removed after her rebirth. Apparently he hadn't.

"You know Toothless, I made this necklace to always remember my sister. This crystal with her hair proved she wasn't a dream. And made me keep my promise that I would always remember her. I don't have something like that of Dad's to remember him by.

Still I was grieving before I lost Dad for when I lost Una. So this pain isn't that unfamiliar. I don't think I felt grief as strong as I did for Dad except for when my soul was return to my body after setting Una free.

I grieved for her and my brother for even though it wasn't till more recent times I got to know my brother, I still missed him as I missed Una. For both of them gave me what I really needed in life. Beyond my purpose of training all the dragons and making peace between Viking and Dragon.

Still I remember that night after I came back from setting Una free and I first put on this necklace. Do you remember that night, Toothless?"

Toothless nodded and waited as Hiccup confessed the feelings and thoughts he'd never shared before with anyone and he too was singing them softly as he let them out of his heart. It was amazing how both brother and sister grieved for each other and now shared the same grief for their father.

"Has it really been so long? Since that day my sister and I first talked together in that strange cavern in the woods? I had hoped things had stay the same and would never change. Still with life and death change is the one constant thing in both I guess.

Because what happened in that cavern in the woods changed both our lives forever as the bond we forged can't be replaced or broken in anyway. The memories we made have never faded from my heart and give a reason to beat each day despite the pain of being forced apart.

For she made me believe that I could do anything as she stood beside me in that cavern when we're just two souls alone in the dark and yet we created a light that was like nothing any of the Nine Realms had seen before or since.

Because of her I got through my tears of pain for anything and everything that came my way from that day forth. And when I stood on this very dock that night of my return wearing this crystal around my neck for the first time I only had one thought on my mind.

It was a promise I needed to keep and I did. I promised Una as I looked up at stars and the moon this. I promised "I'll remember you, my sister, and that will be forever true. That you'll be the one I'll always miss and never thought I'd ever feel a pain like this.

But I knew still even if she was gone that I would still be there for her as she was for me. No-matter-what either of us were going through we'd be forever in the others hearts and I promised I'll always remember you, Una, my one and only sister.

I promised her, Toothless, when she and I said goodbye for the first time as I looked up at the moon and stars from this very spot that night, I promised that I'd never forget the time we shared or the tears we cried for she would be the one to be the sun in the sky when things got too gloomy for me to see the light of day she'd be the one to light the way.

I can only say it was fate that brought us back together that day, even if it was five years later. Still when I saw her for the first time in five years all I could think in my heart and head was the words "I'd kept my promise to you. I did remember you. That it was forever true that you're the one I always missed but I never thought I'd ever feel a pain equal to this.

Though hearing from her lips how Dad had loved her and Boden? It was the day we both had desired to come from the day we meet. That we both needed someone and that someone was there for not just her and me, but for all three of us, the ones who became a family my family.

Now there is no doubt in my mind that I'll always remember those who touched my heart and soul with love. You, Dad, Mom, Una, Boden and so many more and no matter what I'm going through or what life throws at us we can all honestly say when all is said and done and we're all gone. That we remembered forever everyone and no-one is forgotten ever again."

He let out a breath as the sun fully set as he finished singing his song and he did feel better. So it looked like both and Una had worried about the same thing when they'd parted ways the first time. So they both did understand the pain of losing someone you love and figuring you'd never see them again. So at least they'd some common ground to bond over and it would help them both deal with loss of their father when the day came which would be sooner then he'd like but he couldn't stop time and it was just amazing how fast it flew by.

Well five days went by really fast and finally the one year anniversary of Stoick's death came. It also marked the anniversary of Valka's return home and Hiccup's first year as Chief. But at the moment no-one was thinking about the other two things.

It was still very early in the morning as it wasn't even close to dawn yet. Nevertheless the whole family was up long before dawn and had gotten everything ready for their journey of ten thousands steps. Well maybe not that many but they wouldn't reach the ruins till at least two clock in the afternoon. So they'd to leave now while it was cool and no-one was gonna get on their asses either.

Everyone slowly and silently crept out the back door and they began to walk up to the woods. Getting to the woods was easy. But when Una asked which of the paths they needed to take and there were three Valka said the one less travel and this looked indeed less traveled.

The footpath to the right was warm and welcoming and clearly traveled a lot. The one in front of them also looked nicer and easier to hike. But clearly they're taking the path to the left.

One look at this foreboding dirt footpath made them all a little anxious and to some extent apprehensive that included all the dragons too. They're accepting pretty well the fact they wouldn't be flying much today, but walking. But even for them one look at this pathway set chills down their spines.

It was shadowy, cold, and full of rocks and overgrown weeds with a lot of other debris on the trail. In addition to that it gave the clear impression to be extremely twisty and looked like it would only get steeper as they went. Still they all took a deep breath and started up the path slowly munching on a large bag of trail mix as they went.

Though they're supposed to be walking as for it was meant as both a metaphorical and literally walk down memory lane and to really go through the journey they needed to take as a family it still wasn't very easy.

Although Valka didn't objected to the dragons' presences and what they're doing to make it to some degree easier for them so the Haddocks were happy and appreciative that the dragons were there not just to make this journey a bit easier for them to make, but more importantly that they truly wanted to help them when they reached their destination.

Right now each dragon was doing something to help their family out and also trying to make the journey themselves. Nightrainbow was trying to keep their spirits up with his enchanting singing. Cloudjumper was keeping an eye out for danger, by carefully observing the environment around them, to make certain no danger befell any of them. Moon Shadow and Toothless were both carrying the supplies and Toothless was doing the extra job of clearing things that were blocking the path that be too hard to get around otherwise.

After he had moved a large fallen tree blocking the path they came to a small clearing space. Una took the moment to voice she needed a break for her feet were hurting and she was sure she had a rock in her boot.

Valka agreed after traveling for two hours up a difficult path they could take a short half hour break. And they really needed to eat a real breakfast as they hadn't had time for a proper one to get started on their journey without the village demanding Hiccup's attention.

So they unhitched things and everyone started to do something to help. Nightrainbow once Una got the rock out of her left boot helped her make a fire pit and get some kindling to make a fire with. Hiccup also with Toothless and Moon Shadow's help broke up some of that fallen tree for extra wood to use. Cloudjumper was clearing up the space some more and helping set it up to better suit them. Both by using some of the larger pieces of wood from the tree to sit up on and overseeing the younger ones making the fire pit correctly.

Valka was busy making breakfast sandwiches. She took out two enormous loafs of fresh bread that Brimstone and Bloodfire's mother Bloodfire had made specifically for them the day before them. She cut them up delicately and then had Moon Shadow lightly toast them. Then she added some berry jam she'd figured out how to make along with eggs, some boar meat and some good cabbage. She also got out some big shiny red apples and slice them up too. Then finally she took out both a flagon of yak's milk and some berry juice. Putting it all on a serving plate she handed it over to her family.

She had made a breakfast sandwich for the dragons too though they're mostly just fish with a little cabbage thrown in. Still everyone now sat down around the fire and began to enjoy their meal.

This was very good and didn't taste terrible at all. It didn't take much skill in cooking to make good sandwiches so that was good thing. Also for once Una wasn't getting on anyone case dragon or human if they had bad manners while eating this meal.

Taking a big bite out of her sandwich and a quick swing of berry juice she burped once and didn't say excuse me quickly enough. Valka looked at her and she blushed.

"Sorry, excuse me. This meal is really great, Valka-mommy. Stoick-daddy didn't even make a meal this good when he'd take me and Boden to the wilderness beyond the Village of Valhalla.

Boden really enjoyed it when Stoick-daddy would take him to fish in the Mimir River that was high in the Skadi Mountains. That river feeds into the sacred valley which we all know was converted into the Dragon Soul Sanctuary. It was a beautiful valley to behold. I don't think there are words that can accurately describe that beautiful and amazing majestic valley.

But it was very fun and enjoyable the time we spent together with Stoick-daddy. He once took us to a special forever summer meadow which was the God Freyr's contribution when Valhalla was originally created.

Since he's the god of summer this part of the Skadi Mountains was known as the Summerlands so it was always perfect summer in this part of the Mountains. Stoick-daddy made me a crown of pretty flowers and we all just enjoyed the apples from the orchard planted by the Goddess Idun who made a special silver apple, that unlike the ones the Gods themselves eat to keep young and their powers strong, these silver apples reenergized our spiritual energy so we'd have more strength and energy to one enjoy the afterlife and two to make sure we'd enough energy within ourselves to watch over our loved ones in the Earth Realm."

"That sounds unbelievably sweet and delightful, Una. It must've been an astonishingly gorgeous location to make those amazing sounding memories with your father. I'm more then over the moon to hear these wonderful tales of your precious memories with Stoick. He'd be delighted to know you're sharing them with us especially today."

"Yeah, it does," Hiccup said softly as he sipped his berry juice. He had a peculiar expression etched onto his handsome features for a moment then little by little turned to his sister and asked, "What other things did Dad do with you and Boden in Valhalla? Before you came to get my help to save the Nine Realms from Dagur and Hel's wickedness?"

Una was quiet for a moment and not sure how to talk further about her memories of her time with her daddy. Still looking at everyone around her and her mom gave her a slight nodded, she took a deep breath and told them all about those three and half months together with her daddy.

"According Valhalla's sense of time we're together the equivalent of three and half Earth months. The first night in the house was the best. After the darkest and harshest night we had hope at last. We had what we'd long sought for and felt we'd be forever denied.

Boden and I finally had a home and someone to care for us and about us. Exploring the house and making it a home by filling it with love was a wonderful experience. Boden though he cannot cook very well would still be the one to make meals. I'd help keep the house clean and orderly.

Still Stoick-daddy went above and beyond the call of being a father. He made sure every night that no scary monster were lurking under my bed. He made sure for Boden that he would've someone to finally talk about certain things he couldn't share with me. Boy stuff.

One time after the new arrivals came and we greeted them things got really pack as everyone became a thundering stampede to get to the welcome party and I got lost in the huge crowd and I was scared out of my mind. Stoick-daddy fought tooth and nail to get through the crowd to find me and rescue me from getting trampled.

I was still upset and panicked so he took both of us to the wilds to calm down. We went sailing on a lake that day something we hadn't done before. We then explored around the lake and he held my hand the whole time and we all enjoyed watching the Spirit Sunset, which is beautiful but Earth's sunset is much more magical and beautiful.

So yes he was a good father both in the home and beyond that. It didn't take long for me to call him Stoick-daddy, though we all know for Boden it took much longer but he eventually called him "Dad."

So those are some of my fondest memories of our time together," she finished telling her tales and finished off her berry juice to quench her dry throat which was very dry from telling all that.

Everyone else was stunned into silence and in that moment of silence everyone took a moment to think and absorb what Una had shared and could see it in their own hearts and minds.

Shortly afterwards it was time get moving. They still had many miles to go to the ancient ruins and Valka said they take another break before they got there but they needed to get moving. So they broke their temporary resting place and made sure nothing was gonna burn or anything was left behind and started climbing up the path which only again seemed to get harder. But they felt stronger by Una's memories so they pushed through the pain.

About this time as they were taking a very narrow part of the path Hiccup was holding Una's hand tightly as they maneuvered carefully this part of the path. He was thinking even more about his own memories of the 20 years he'd with his father and was grateful that his beloved sister had gotten three and half months with him in Valhalla.

Una slipped for a moment and skinned her right need and he quickly tended it. When they looked at each other for that fleeting moment it looked like they might both be dying to talk about the feelings of their first goodbye but Una felt it still wasn't the right time or place. So she thanked her brother and they made through the narrowest part of the path and after walking across a small ravine on three large trees the dragons had knocked down to give them a bridge they made it too the next part of the path.

Nightrainbow felt the time had come for a special song he'd been working on for this day. His big brother had told him how awful he'd felt about ending Stoick's life and though he knew it wasn't his fault and he'd avenged him by becoming the new Alpha he still felt horrible for causing his best friend this pain. Toothless never wanted anyone to ever suffer this terrible pain again on his account and he was very worried of what might happen to his family. He couldn't image life without Moon Shadow now and was naturally scared about being a father himself soon.

So Nightrainbow had been working on a song about grief and hoped that it also helped Toothless deal with how conflicting mixed up emotions. So he began to sing it and amazingly again everyone heard in their hearts what he was singing so everyone dragon and human began to sing.

Una figured somehow at least for a couple of days that a combination of the miracle powers of Moon Shadow's mark and somehow Boden had temporary shared his gift with them so at least for a few important days and times they could all hear what their dragons were truly saying. A very small blessing but a welcome and needed one for today.

So when Nightrainbow began everyone was compelled to sing the song and knew the lyrics were his yet spoke for them all of how they're feeling.

"We shall never forget your face and remember that cute and loving smile of yours. We won't forgot the little things you did, we shall remember them most fondly.

It seems like it was only yesterday those memories were made and no matter what they won't fade away not today, tomorrow or ever. They're still as clear as the day they're made.

Goodbye maybe the saddest word ever created, but it's one we never truly have to say to you. For you will never be forgotten! A zillion days could pass us by for time itself is just a dream.

We feel you in our hearts that you're still with us here, you'll never be just a forgotten memory. You will never be forgotten Stoick!

We may no longer be able to hold your warm hand or see look in those brave green eyes again, and your powerful voice may only seem like echoes in our minds.

But as broken as our hearts are that they almost crumble into dust, that dust is more like stardust that brings forth wishes from our hearts to make them whole again.

We just look up at the diamond stars and silver moon and know just where you are. For you shall never be forgotten, not in a zillion days or years. For time may still pass us by but it's only just a long dream. For your memory is still alive within all of us.

For the world keeps on going though it has no way of knowing your gone. For your presence still lives on in a clear as day memory one that will never be forgotten.

Don't worry Stoick the Vast you'll shall never ever be forgotten."

Hiccup stopped in his tracks as the song ended and then went over to Nightrainbow who looked at him not sure what was going on. But Hiccup fell to his knees and hugged the dragon and with tears streaming down his father he whispered a thank you for the song honoring his father.

It took several more hours but they all got stronger physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritual as the day wore on. It seemed the further they went even if the path was still tricky it was getting easier for them as they went.

They finally reached their destination. After walking for about seven and half hours they finally reached the ruins built by Hiccup's ancestor who like his father had died to save his family.

They had reached a rocky ridge with a small cliff adjacent too it. It overlooked a large valley where you could see a small gap that would led into the ocean. It was even more overgrown and the ruins looked like they'd been worn not just by time and nature, but just by not having visitors in a long time.

"It must have been beautiful when the family of Barricade Ramrod Haddock finished building it in his honor. It was originally meant to be a look out for danger and also a safe haven do hide in during raids and other attacks. I remember reading some journals of our family ancestors as a child in my spare time. Which I had a lot of because I didn't have friends till I was 15.

But I remember reading a lot history with this location. It was magnificent when it was first built based on the illustration in the journal left behind by his family. It came with a hidden weapons and storage for emergency food and water for those hiding here and it was built with a few secret passageways and a bunker in the ground to hide in if it was ransack so the people hiding in it could still be safe.

So it was more than just a fortress or a memorial monument. It was a labor of love and a work of art." Hiccup finished recounting what he'd learned of this place.

"Well, right now all I see before me, big brother, is a pile of broken moldy old rocks carpeted with greenery, which it looks like is now home to the numerous small woodland creatures. So that's what I see with my eyes, but the eyes of my heart and mind are able to perceive what this place must have looked like in its prime and how it was meant to look."

"Well, for an old ruin that was built 275 years ago it isn't in too bad of a condition all things considered my children. So let's take a look around, but please both of you be careful. So must you all," Valka added to the dragons as they all preceded forward cautiously to the ruins themselves.

It was pretty decrepit and very much decaying and yet alive at the same time. Though it was still in good enough condition that no-one fell through floor or had something attempt to drop on their heads from above. So thanks the gods for that.

After a few hours exploring they settled down to eat dinner and watch the sunset and see the stars come out to play. As the meal cooked and everyone thought about everything that they'd been through that day and the events that happened exactly one year ago it was a lot to think about and deal with.

Hiccup was pretty much reliving many events of his father's life. Like when he'd thrown him to the ground and had temporary disowned him for siding with the dragons, then the moment he'd finally said he was proud to call him his son. He recalled some of their moments together when the Dragon Academy first came to be.

From training Thornado, the treasure hunt for the Treasure of Hamish II, getting the Scauldron's venom to cure the other dragons, being rescued from Outcast Island. There were even more memories to think about when they'd done so much together to protect Berk for more threats, like more Outcast attacks, dealing with the Screaming Death and the constant threats from Dagur the Deranged. And it was amusing how his advice to deal with Astrid and Snotlout had gone down like a treat. Then him saving his father from Dagur and the battle royally with the Outcasts, Berserkers and the Screaming Death.

Then just the events that played out a year ago he relived in his mind. They're the most vivid. He knew everyone was thinking of special memories connected to his father. His mom was most likely recalling her courtship and marriage with him before her abduction. Una was probably remembering even more of her time alone with him.

No doubt about it Stoick the Vast was one special soul. He'd been a good chief, a caring husband and a great father. All that Hiccup could think of though at that moment as he threw some firewood into the pit was some personal thoughts. Some life lessons so to speak.

He was thinking of the life lesson his father had tried to give to him about death when he was old enough to understand the suppose death of his mom. His father had been trying to teach him about not just how to deal with grief of the suppose death of his mother, but to prepare him for his own eventually death.

Stoick had given him this lesson when he was only a little older then Una, but his father seem to think even if he was still a child himself he was more than old enough as well as mature and smart enough as well to understand the lesson he was trying to give him.

Thinking back he could see himself about seven years old sitting his father's lap with the warm glow of amber flames. The sun was setting outside and it had been late spring so the fireflies were dancing outside with crickets making their nightly music.

"Hiccup, I need you to listen to me now. What I've got to say is very important and it's something you need to remember for all your life. So please for once pay attention to what I'm saying, okay?"

"Yes, Dad. I'm listening. What's going on? You look very gloomy, gloomier then the spring rain we had only yesterday. What's the matter?"

"You know how Mommy isn't around because she's gone? That she won't come back ever right?"

"Yes, Mommy's been gone forever, but you said she was in a better place. Where does she live? Why isn't she home here with us?"

"Son, some people die too young and its worse when they die before the ones they leave behind can't remember them. You know what you've been told right? That dragons took your mom and well… she was the dinner?"

"Yes, I guess I thought they had a meal with her, but you're saying she was the meal, aren't you?"

"Yes, while death comes to us all some do die young. But though it comes to us all and we don't know when or how we must remember some things important. Some things worth dying for. Like family, friends, love, and freedom are some of the things worth dying for."

"Is that why you ask me to pray to Odin each night that Mommy's okay where she is?"

"I pray to Odin to make sure he protects your mother's soul in Valhalla so she may watch over you. Because we never know again when Odin will call you home to Valhalla. But for us? As Vikings and just as people in general, son, we've got to keep fighting the good fight till we're called home to Valhalla.

You're mother died the only way to truly go. Fighting the good fight and died to protect you and remember fighting the good fight means fighting to protect and be willing to die for things that truly matter, family, friends, love and freedom."

"So will I ever be able to meet my mommy? If she died before I even knew how to say goodbye, will I ever see her again?"

"When you're called home to Valhalla she'll be waiting there to embrace you and she'll be proud of you, Hiccup. No doubt about that. You'll do something great one day and she'll be the proudest mother ever to lived and though she's gone she'll never stop being with you. And neither will I, son. I'll always be there when you need me. Now go get ready for bed okay?"

"Okay, Dad, maybe Mommy is with us right now. I'm sure she'd be smiling right now," as he hurried up to his room so he didn't see his father take off his helmet hold it too his heart and cried and whispered something to his mom.

"Hiccup? You alright, son? You've been very quiet the whole time we've been sharing stories. Did you hear any of them?" Valka asked her son who snapped back to reality.

"I'm sorry I wasn't paying attention at all. I was reliving my own memories of Dad. I just recalled the memory when he tried to teach me about death and how he was really not just trying to get me to understand you're suppose death, Mom, but prepare me for his own when that day came," he sighed deeply and cried and burst out angrily.

"I've just been so angry and mad and just full of guilt and rage. I didn't think I'd ever feel like this. I felt like this only once before and it was after you, Una, left to go home to Valhalla.

I felt like the next day when was back in my body that the day after you'd gone to Valhalla was the longest day of my life. I felt I had lost more than a friend I had lost a piece of myself.

Even though I told myself and you when we said goodbye we'd see each other again. I had so much I wanted to tell you when we did see each other again. But those first few days after you'd gone to Valhalla were pure agony and torture.

Though now we've come a long way from where we began and we've seen each other again, I was dealt a blow a devastating blow exactly one year ago. When I lost another member of my family.

It hurt even more because we're supposed to go home all three of us and be the family I'd wanted my whole life. And that dream still never came true. I lost my father and I had already lost you my sister. And losing Dad was even more devastating because it was my fault.

Yes, when I was trying to track down Drago to talk some sense into him helped me find you Mom, but at the same time fate still denied me my heart's desire of being with my whole family at home.

And I knew I'd never see Dad again. I lost Una and Boden, the only people who I consider sibling, then I lost my dad. And I knew I'd never seen any of them again.

Why did everyone leave me too soon? Why did any of them had to go? Why did I keep losing people I loved when I needed them the most? Cause I really don't know how tell any of you this without feeling worse.

Though I knew Dad and my little brother and sister were all in a better place it still hurt. A pain I couldn't deal with and didn't wish to feel. But it was there and never seem to really heal.

I know, Mom you gave me the strength to carry on after Dad died, but still it didn't seem to be enough at times. But before Una came back to get my help to save the Nine Realms I honestly felt like I couldn't breathe.

Every breath I took just kept reminding me of those I'd lost who could breathe anymore. I felt cold, numb and dead inside. I wanted to really go home. But even being home on Berk with you, Toothless and all my friends, I didn't feel like I was really home.

I lost the light for a long time that would led me home. For memories are the light that led you home were too painful to see so I shut out their light and lost the path that would take me home.

I know it's taken a very long time to fully find that bright light to guide me home again. I do accept that Dad is gone and never coming back. Even if I was very lucky to have you come back in my life for good, Una, I do understand why the gift of rebirth is so rare and why you're the only one to receive it.

I know that we do have the Realm to spend time together, and I know for the most part people could just dismiss the Realm as nothing but a dream we sometimes have. Still I really do accept Dad's death and I'm glad he died doing what he told me was the only way to die if you had to die by someone else's hand.

He died to protect his family, his friends, all that he loved and to keep peace, hope and freedom alive. So that's a hell of way to die and no wonder he got such an amazing welcome when he reached Valhalla. Kara's right someone like Dad truly need to be honored for being that kind of a person. Like the ancestor who built this ruin which we sit by right now.

Still it's a pain that I still have to live with each day and today it feels worse than ever. That's how I really been feeling for this past year and today I had to say it all or I'd die from that pain, a pain of a broken heart," he finished screaming with angry tears and just feel to the ground and curled up some and just cried.

Everyone just was deathly quiet as he laid there on the ground crying. Looking up at the skies above the sun had set, the moon was ascending into the sky and to their amazement though it wasn't supposed to happen the night rainbow lights lit up the sky with a shower of shooting stars.

Then all of them embraced, dragon and human alike and all of them just hugged and cried for a few moments. This was the moment that they'd been working towards and needed to happen. For Hiccup to finally let his pain and hurt out and really fully come to terms with his father's death. Finally they could all truly heal.

They stayed for about two more hours watching the show in the skies. Then Una asked if they had to walk back that dark and hard path at night. Valka assured her they could fly back home. The journey was meant for the daylight and they'd the moments they needed to happen so they could fly home. But they take the long way and go slowly.

So they mounted their dragons and left the ruins but they did take much longer then it normally would to get home. They just enjoy the moments together as a family and finally brother and sister revealed to each other as they flew slowly home how each of them had truly felt after they'd been force to say goodbye.

It looked like healing was on the horizon and truly those we love are never forgotten and now the only secret thought fill Valka and Hiccup's mind was the fact they really needed to celebrate life soon. For Una's sixth birthday was just three and half weeks away.

So today may have been about death, memories, grief and acceptance. But soon they be celebrating having new life for a whole year and they both knew without saying it they'd make sure this was the best day in the history of existence when Una's sixth birthday came around!

For now the family was just glad to be together and things were going to look up and be better soon.