Chapter 17

Without his saddle and tail, flying after the werewolf was not possible but a running dragon is still a very efficient form of transport. Together Hiccup and Toothless were able to remain close to Astrid as she bolted through the forest at a full pace. Eventually they managed to catch up to her when she stopped at a running stream. They found the wolf sitting in front of a deep pool where the water flowed quite slowly. It was clear to see she was very upset at her reflection in the water.

"Wait here Bud" Hiccup told his dragon as he walked towards the wolf.

He knew Astrid was aware of his presence, but now she appeared to be ignoring him. Hiccup couldn't begin to imagine what she must be going through, but he did know how strongly he still felt about her.

"You know... you would have to be the prettiest wolf I've ever seen" Hiccup said, trying to lighten the mood a little.

His attempt at humour appeared to have a negative effect though, as Astrid raised her head and gave a mournful howl.

"And you've got a wonderful singing voice."

The wolf's head turned around and gave Hiccup the kind of stare that would turn Yak butter rancid.

"Alright, I'm sorry; but you have to understand that I'm feeling a smidgen nervous at the moment."

The wolf turned away again, apparently trying to simply ignore him.

"Look I get it; this is new to you and... well it's new to me too so why don't we just go back home... and wait this out... together?"

The wolf dropped its head and gave an audible sigh. Seemingly resigned at last to her fate, Astrid rose up and walked over to Hiccup. As she approached, he dropped to his knees and held out his arms, giving her a massive loving hug. He knew full well the howl she gave then, was a cry of genuine despair and it truly broke his heart.

"I don't think you need this anymore" Hiccup declared as he undid the chest buckle and removed the harness.

In a strange reversal of reality, the last few links of chain attached to the back jangled merrily as it dropped to the ground, giving the dark gloomy forest a real Snoggletog feel.

"Loose clothing; you were 100% right with that decision" Hiccup smiled as he got to his feet.

Astrid was a tall wolf and Hiccup found he could put his hand on her shoulder as they began the long walk back to Berk. When she came nose to nose with Toothless, the pair sniffed each other's faces before the wolf licked the dragons chin in an obvious gesture of thanks.

"Come on Bud, let's go home" Hiccup smiled.

'

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I have just found out some new information about the gifts I should receive from the bearded guy in the red suit. Apparently he should deliver them on Christmas eve so they'll be here when I wake up Christmas morning. So going to the shopping center to talk to him wasn't a waste of time after all, because he'll bring what I asked for.

...I assume he speaks Cat.