Before you start reading, let me say this: I am so sorry for not updating! Drunk people are harder to write than I thought. Yes, you read that right. Drunk people.

Enjoy!

Chapter 38 The feast

Hiccup looked at Wrenlou. Tomorrow they would hear the final decision from Aminda. Tomorrow they would hear if he would lose his arm or not. The past two days had shown improvement. Wrenlou could move his arm a little, but the pain had not subsided. The wound had finally closed, but the infection was still there. He sighed and flipped open his notebook. If Wrenlou was to lose his arm, he would make sure he could shoot a bow again. No matter how difficult it would be. He had solved other problems that others would have given up on. Like Toothless' tail. His own leg. A new way to control the fin after he had lost his leg. He had found a working, suitable solution for all of that. He could find a solution for this as well. After a few hours he was so tired he couldn't keep his eyes open anymore. He fell asleep in the chair, the book slipping from his hands, the pencil rolling from his lap.

He was looking down on Wrenlou. It seemed he was asleep, his eyes closed. The blanket was pulled up to his chin, but Hiccup could see something was wrong. He reached out for the blanket, but before he could pull it away, he heard something behind him. He turned around, his eyes widening in shock. Aminda was putting her knifes and saws away, completely covered in blood. The splatters were all over her face, larger bloodstains covering her skirt and blouse. There was a white sheet next to her bag on the table, covering something. The white fabric was quickly turning red as the blood from whatever it held soaked into it. Hiccup's heart sank. He suddenly knew what had seemed wrong about Wrenlou. He turned back to his brother, his fingers brushing over the blanket, before he grabbed it and pulled it away.

He shot up. He couldn't have been asleep for more than a few minutes. He looked at Wrenlou. He looked like he was asleep so Hiccup stayed where he was, not wanting to wake him. It had been a dream. He could see Wrenlou's arm laying on his chest. It had just been a dream. After catching his breath, he picked his book from the ground and flipped it open.

At dawn he had a few ideas that could possibly work. He just had to built them and test them. He closed the book and rubbed his eyes.

'You look tired.'

He looked up. Wrenlou was staring at him. He sighed and ran a hand through his hair.

'I didn't really sleep last night.'

Wrenlou turned away. 'I know.'

'You didn't either did you.'

Wrenlou shook his head, then sat up. He looked just as tired as Hiccup felt. He sighed, absentmindedly twitching the fingers on his right hand. It was something he had been doing a lot these past few days.

'Scared?'

Wrenlou looked up, then nodded. He was scared. Scared that he would lose his arm after all. He knew the infection was still there and that the only way to keep it from spreading was to cut it out. But because it was so deep that would result in his arm being severed anyway. He just hoped that it had healed enough so that wouldn't be necessary.

'I am too. I mean, I know what it means to you, shooting a bow. And basically it's my fault that this happened. If I hadn't convinced you to come with me you wouldn't be injured.'

'Hiccup! Don't you dare blame yourself for what happened! If you hadn't asked me to come with you, I would have come anyway, you know that. And I made a choice on that island. I choose to save your father. None of it is your fault. It's my own.'

'Maybe, but...'

He was interrupted when Broghan came in. 'Aminda is here. She needs you to leave, Hiccup.'

Wrenlou wrapped his arms around his chest and looked at Hiccup. The fear was evident on his face. After putting his sketchbook away Hiccup stood up.

'I guess I'll be waiting downstairs. Wren, it will be fine.'

'I hope so.' Wrenlou mumbled, pulling up his legs and resting his head on his knees.

After exchanging a last look, Hiccup left. He saw every dragon rider there, the same worried look mirrored on their faces. Toothless was keeping Snowflake down, preventing her from rushing upstairs. Broghan came down a few moments later, giving Aminda the go ahead. She had gone upstairs, carrying her back. They all knew what was inside it, but they were all afraid to say it.

The waiting was horrible. Hiccup was pacing up and down the room, biting his knuckles. Broghan was sitting on the bench, his head in his hands. Leila was stroking Snowflake's nose, trying to keep the dragon calm. Suzan and Sharon were sitting on the table, legs swaying back and forth. The tension was almost visible in the air, hanging around them like a shroud. To them it seemed hours before Aminda came down again, wiping her hands on her skirt, her bag hanging over her shoulder. There was no sign of blood on her, but they didn't know if that was good or bad. They stared at her, afraid to say something, waiting for her to speak.

'I think you will be happy to hear that I won't be cutting his arm off.'

A sigh of relief escaped their lips. 'You told him that, right?'

'Yes Hiccup, I did. But there is one other thing...'

They stared at her, almost afraid to hear what she had to say next.

'He will most likely never regain the full use of his arm.'

The silence that followed her statement was almost unbearable. Hiccup was staring at her in shock. Sure, it was better than if he lost it completely, but somewhere it was worse.

'Does he know that?'

'I told him, yes. He took it rather well, but I don't know him that good. The wound is healing and the infection is wearing off. His fever is almost completely gone. I have to apologize for my actions a few days ago. Maybe I was a little quick with wanting to cut his arm off, but I was trying to save his life.'

'I understand.' Broghan said, standing up. 'Really I do.'

'I have bandaged the wounds again. His chest is healing nicely, his shoulder will heal as well. You know where to find me if you need anything.'

They nodded and she left. Then they moved to go upstairs, but they were pushed aside by Snowflake, running up the stairs and barging through the door. They followed a little slower after getting back on their feet. Snowflake was running circles in the room, before getting back at Wrenlou's side, pushing her nose in his chest. He smiled when he saw them.

'So, not losing your arm after all.' Broghan said, sitting down on the chair next to the bed.

Hiccup sat down on the edge of the bed, Leila sat down next to Hiccup. The twins took position at his feet, one on either side.

'I guess not.'

'But you won't be able to get full control again.'

Wrenlou looked at Broghan, a warm smile on his face. 'I can live with that.'

'Is the pain any better?' Leila asked, tucking a lock of hair behind her ear.

'Define better. It doesn't hurt as much as it did before, if that's what you mean. But it still hurts like crazy.'

'It's better than not feeling anything at all.' Broghan stood up again. 'Who's hungry?'

'I could eat.' Wrenlou said.

Hiccup nodded. 'Me too.'

'Good! I'll be right back.'

Broghan left and it was silent for a while. The only sound was the content purr from Snowflake, as she lay with her head next to Wrenlou, happy her rider was still in one piece. Not long after he had left, Broghan came back. He was carrying several plates. After handing them out, he went back and came back with some cups. Even though he didn't eat much, Hiccup was happy to see that Wrenlou was eating. There was no doubt about it now, he would survive. And he would stay in one piece.

They sat all day, talking. Somewhere around noon Stoick suddenly walked into the room, demanding to speak with Hiccup and Wrenlou, alone. The other riders had left and now the three sat in silence. Hiccup and Wrenlou waiting for Stoick to say something, Stoick trying to find the words.

'There is a feast in the Great Hall tonight, and I want you two to come. That is, if you can of course.'

The last few words were directed towards Wrenlou, who nodded slowly.

'What feast? Why is there a feast?' Hiccup asked, scratching the back of his head.

'Because of you two. You saved the lives of everyone on Berk.' He continued after seeing their puzzled faces. 'Everyone is invited of course, all your friends included, but I want you two to be the guests of honour. What do you say?'

'Well... I suppose we could come. Wrenlou? What do you say? Should be go?'

'Why not? It will be fun!'

'We'll be there then.'

'Great! I will tell Gobber. He will be thrilled. This whole thing was his idea. I will see you tonight!'

After he had left, Hiccup looked over at Wrenlou. 'Are you sure you're up to it? I mean, you don't have to go if you think it will be to exhausting.'

'Hiccup, I'll be fine. Really. Don't worry about me.'

0-0-0-0-0-0

It was already getting dark when they were walking towards the Great Hall, Snowflake and Toothless in tow. Wrenlou was leaning on Hiccup. He was, after all, still injured. They could hear the raw viking voices from far away. It seemed like the party was already going. When Hiccup opened the doors, the silence was almost immediate. Unlike the last time, when they had swarmed him and bombarded him with questions, the vikings stepped aside, forming a path, gasping when the dragons followed. They walked towards the table, where Stoick sat. Astrid and Gobber were by his side. He stood up as they approached. They stopped in front of the table, not really sure where they had to go.

Stoick cleared his throat. 'As you all know, this man here, saved my life.'

Wrenlou looked up in surprise.

'You were all there when these two men fought the Titan Wing, even after everything I said to them. They were willing to sacrifice their lives for ours, and Wrenlou almost died, saving my life. In the weeks that followed, I have never properly thanked him for that. Mostly because Hiccup was so protective of him and wouldn't let me in the same room.'

Laughter arose from the crowd.

'But he was right to protect him. The last time he was here he was a prisoner. The last time he was here, we hurt him. I have come to know how much he means to you, Hiccup. I have come to know how strong the bond is between you two. Wrenlou, I would ask you to come up here.'

Wrenlou looked over at Hiccup, who nodded. Wrenlou walked over to the stairs that led to the platform where the chiefs table stood. Every step he took was tentative, almost careful, like he was afraid he would fall. When he stood next to the chief, he seemed small. Wrenlou was tall, but Stoick was still twice his height. The chief gently put a hand on the younger mans shoulder. Wrenlou seemed shocked by the gesture, almost shrinking at the man's touch

'This man here is Hiccup's brother. Not by blood, but by friendship. I don't pretend to know everything they have done together, every adventure, good or bad, they shared. But I do know that Hiccup stands before us today because of Wrenlou. And Wrenlou is here because of Hiccup. I have never seen two closer friends. Wrenlou, I would like to thank you, for all you have done for Hiccup, all you have done for Berk, the sacrifice you were willing to make for me, someone you didn't know, except from the stories told by a heartbroken child. Yes, I know what Hiccup told you, and after all that you still were willing to give your life for mine. I am very happy that you pulled through. I think we all are.'

The crowd started cheering, emphasizing Stoick's words.

'I would like to welcome you to our village, officially this time, and I would like to welcome you in my house. I know Hiccup thinks of you as a brother, and I know you do the same. Therefor, I would like to welcome you into my house as my son. That is, if you want that.'

Wrenlou's jaw had dropped and he was staring at Stoick with wide open eyes. He couldn't find the words to answer the man, so he just nodded. Stoick smiled widely, the called Hiccup to the platform as well. With his right hand on Wrenlou's shoulder and his left hand on Hiccup's he stood proudly before his people.

'My sons have come home! Let us feast in their honour!'

The crowd cheered even louder. Hiccup escaped his father grasp and sat down next to Wrenlou.

'Hiccup, did that just happen?'

'I believe it did. Welcome home, brother. Here, drink something.'

Wrenlou took the cup from him, still baffled by what had just happened.

A few hours later and they were drunk. The vikings were singing loudly, terribly out of tune and unable to keep the pace of the song. Stoick had left already, mumbling something about chiefing business. After he had left, Hiccup and Wrenlou had moved to a table in the corner, joining Broghan, Leila, Suzan and Sharon. Astrid had joined them later, bringing more ale. Leila and the twins had given up already, laying on the table or on the floor, fast asleep. Astrid was sitting across from Hiccup and Wrenlou, her chin resting on her empty cup. She had trouble keeping her eyes open, looking from Hiccup to Wrenlou, then back to Hiccup. The two men were drunk, and merrier than she had ever seen them. Broghan was sitting next to her. He wasn't as far gone as his brothers, and he was keeping a watchful eye on the younger men.

'Hey Hiccup, you didn't get a twin all of a sudden, did you?'

Wrenlou was slurring the words a little, staring at Hiccup intently. Hiccup looked confused, before he looked to his left, then his right. He shook his head vigorously, his hair flying around his head.

'Then I'm seeing double. There's two of you!'

Hiccup frowned, looking around him again. 'I think you had to much to drink. Want some more?'

Wrenlou giggled while he looked into his empty cup. Then he looked at Hiccup. 'Sure, why not.'

After grabbing the cup, Hiccup stood up. As soon as he tried to stand however, he fell again. He sat on the ground, baffled, staring at Wrenlou who was staring back. Then, as if on cue, both men bursted out in laughter. Astrid looked up a little, but her head felt incredibly heavy. She couldn't see why Hiccup had fallen, and didn't understand why it would be so funny.

'Hey Hiccup.'

Hiccup looked up at Wrenlou, still snickering. 'What?'

'Your leg came off.'

Hiccup looked down on his leg, blinking to get his eyes to cooperate and focus. Wrenlou was right. He had fallen because for some reason his prosthetic had come off. He looked up and as soon as his eyes met Wrenlou's, they bursted out in laughter again.

'You know, losing your leg once is sloppy. But twice, that's just careless.'

'Shut up.' Hiccup mumbled, while he was trying to get the prosthetic back in place. His hands were shaking slightly and his fingers wouldn't work with him. He managed to attach it again and stood up, unsteady on his feet. He looked like he could fall again any moment. His staggering only made Wrenlou laugh even harder, the man hanging over the table.

Broghan stood up, walking around the table and catching Hiccup before he could fall again. He pulled him him up, grabbing Wrenlou's left arm with his free hand.

'Alright. It's time for the sons of Stoick the Vast to go to bed. No more ale for you tonight.'

'Broghan! We're fine!'

'Hiccup, you're drunk. You both are. It would be very unflattering if the Heir of Berk passed out in the middle of the street on his way home.'

'That's what you're here for, right?'

'Why do you think I'm bringing you home while you can still walk. I can't carry both of you.'

0-0-0-0-0-0

Stoick looked up when the door swung open, Broghan standing in the doorway. He had Hiccup on his left, Wrenlou on his right and both men had trouble staying on their feet. He came in, almost dragging them along and dumping first Hiccup, then Wrenlou on the bench.

'Broghan. What happened? Is something wrong?'

'Nothing happened. They're just drunk, that's all.'

Stoick's jaw dropped as he looked over to his son. He kept forgetting that Hiccup was no longer the teenage boy from all those years ago, but a grown man. It was still a strange sight though. Hiccup was giggling at something Wrenlou had said, his head buried in his hands.

'Can you get him into bed? I'll take care of Wrenlou.'

Stoick nodded, still shocked. He couldn't wrap his mind about Hiccup being drunk. Broghan pulled Wrenlou up, almost carrying him upstairs. Stoick knelt in front of Hiccup.

'Hey dad. You look funny.'

'Hey Hiccup. Let's get you to bed, shall we?'

He grabbed Hiccup's arms. Hiccup groaned, but didn't struggle. He didn't do anything to help either and Stoick had to carry him to the bed. As soon as he put him down, Hiccup curled up, smiling widely. Stoick didn't even bother to try to get him out of his clothes, the only thing he did was pull his boot off. Then he covered him with the blanket. After he had done that, he walked towards the door.

'Dad?'

Hiccup's sleepy voice made him turn around, going back to the bed.

'What is it?'

'Thanks...'

The rest of the sentence was lost as Hiccup was already asleep. Broghan came down the stairs, swaying lightly and rubbing his eyes. He looked over at Hiccup, then looked at Stoick.

'Thank you. Now I need to go get the rest of the gang.'

'Why don't you let me do that. You go lay down before you fall.'

Broghan looked at the chief in surprise. Had Stoick really just said that? He nodded and watched the man walk away, leaving the door open behind him. After another short look at Hiccup he went outside, slowly walking towards his tent.

0-0-0-0-0-0

He found the dragon riders on the corner, at the table where they had been all night. Astrid was still sitting there, her chin resting on her cup, staring at the wall. He put a hand on her shoulder and she looked up slowly.

'Why don't you go get some sleep?'

She nodded and he turned to the girls on the floor. They weren't heavy and he was able to lift them all at once. After one last glance at Astrid he left the Great Hall again.

He left them at the tents that stood erected behind his house, letting Broghan get them in bed. Then he went back to the Great Hall, slightly worried about Astrid. She was still sitting where he left her, her eyes closed. Upon closer inspection, he realized that she too had fallen asleep.

'Astrid... when I said go get some sleep I didn't mean right here. Come on.'

After bringing Astrid home, he went back to his own house, softly closing the door. Hiccup was snoring, or maybe it was the dragon laying next to him. He sat down in his chair by the fire again. They had to find another bed somewhere, and soon.