A World Gives and Takes: Author Foreword
I seriously did not plan on writing a fourth novel in this series. However, after seeing HTTYD: The Hidden World, I found a question that needed answering in this alternate universe. Once I began thinking about it, the words started to arrive. It did not come in one great whoosh as did the other stories. Over the course of about six months (literally twice the time it normally takes me to write a story) I wrote this in fits and starts. If it seems uneven in places, that is cause.
A lot of people will find this tale boring. While technically an action-adventure story, it gave me the chance to showcase Hiccup and Jack in an isolated and intimate setting, and not one entirely pleasant. I wanted to see how they interacted with one another when they needed to strictly depend on each other. It proved illuminating. I found hidden themes that connected straight to the source material and required discovery. Hence, this story evolved from that exploration.
Not everyone will enjoy this tale. It is mired entirely in the alternate HiJack universe I created, and specifically Halla. I suspect half the reading audience will get through the first four or five chapters and then toss it to the side. That is absolutely fine. My bookshelves contain a number of tomes I never quite could get into for one reason or another. There is good reason to suspect I wrote this entirely for myself.
For this festive season I present Of Dragons, Winter, and Men: A World Gives and Takes, volume four in the series. I sincerely hope you enjoy the story, and Merry Whatever-It-Is you celebrate.
D O'Shae
2 December 2019
P.S.: For the longest time I experienced issues posting to Fan Fiction, and that explains why this is so late in being delivered.
A World Gives and Takes: Chapter 1
"Is he okay?" Astrid asked and narrowed her eyes.
"I think so. He seemed okay last night when I saw him last," Hiccup replied.
They eyed one another for a moment. Sunlight streamed in through the open forge window letting in the pleasant late spring air. It reminded Hiccup of Bunnymund's warren he visited a dozen years before, and it still remained fresh in his mind. It seemed both Thursar H'rim and Blikse'fey decided to be elsewhere for the day. Perhaps as a gift, Hiccup thought earlier.
"Are you okay?" She inquired when he said nothing further.
"I think so," he answered and pulled the waistband of his new pants back and forth in the hopes it would alleviate the stiffness of the fabric. It did not, and so he tugged at the sash against his neck.
"Hiccup, you can't just keep saying you think so, and stop playing with your sash," Astrid snapped at him and slapped at his hand.
"It's itching my neck. I'm not used to woven wool this close to my neck. I'd be fine if I could just wear my flax…
"No. You look nice, and it's good to see you wearing the family colors again. That brooch is nice on the sash."
"I wouldn't call green and brown family colors, Astrid. Half the village wears green and brown," Hiccup said as he pulled the sash further away from his neck. "Besides, did you see what my mom is wearing? I swear it looks like she's being escorted by Cloudjumper."
Astrid snickered. Hiccup looked her over again. The woman, also a wife and mother, wore a color similar to a newly bloomed blaveis. The skirt hung just above the knees and bore a slightly darker hue than the blouse with the puffy sleeves. In true Astrid fashion, she also wore her metal pauldrons, although they looked scrubbed and polished. Hiccup barely noticed the chain maille fringe on the wide belt.
"You look nice, too. That lavender brings out your eyes," he said to her.
"Thanks," Astrid replied, and her cheeks turned a bit rosy.
"Astrid, these last two years…"
"Hiccup, please," she interrupted him while fiddling with the brooch that held the sash in place. She gazed at it in curiosity. "You've explained it to me at least a hundred times."
"Please, hear me out," he all but begged and held her eyes. She softened and nodded. "I missed our friendship for those ten years. I didn't mean to hurt you like that."
"I know, but do you know what really hurt?"
Hiccup shook his head back and forth. The small amount of styling done to it came half undone.
"That you hid so much of yourself from me. Did you ever think early on I might've understood and maybe could've helped?" Astrid queried in a stern voice.
"I was terrified of anyone knowing, Astrid. I was scared what my dad would say… the village… I thought I had to be exactly like him to keep the village together," he said, and not for the first time, but never in so meaningful a manner.
She took his hand and held his eye again.
"You don't have to be exactly him: only just a little bit. He was your father after all."
Hiccup nodded and more of his hair assumed it's natural state.
"I was angry because I didn't know what the future was going to be. It scared me. I don't like being scared… and maybe I overreacted a tiny bit."
He smirked and said: "But you came through when it mattered. You always did. Even when you hated me you still did what needed to be done."
"I never hated you, Hiccup. Did you know Stone's middle name is Horrendous?"
"Astrid!" Hiccup breathed in astonishment. "You never told me."
"I didn't want your head to get any bigger than that huge melon you've already got," she rejoined with grin.
"You really need to stop listening to Jack about stuff like that," he told her and jerked at the sash again.
Astrid slapped his hand yet again. Then they chuckled at one another.
"I never thanked you for asking me to be your witness. Sure surprised Hund, I tell you that," she said of her husband.
"Still doesn't know what to make of me, huh?"
"You got drunk and called him good looking last Isemalerdag."
"He is good looking. You know that," Hiccup innocently stated behind his smirk.
"If it weren't for Jack I'd be afraid for him and of you," Astrid replied and sounded serious.
"Astrid!"
"Got you."
They narrowed their eyes at one another, and then slowly smiled. Hiccup truly did enjoy the friendship that got rekindled between them following the events surrounding the demise of the second Isemaler. She and Fishlegs of all people cooked up the Isemalerdag celebration and forced it on the people of Berk. It touched both Hiccup and Jack to the core. For two winters the village spent one day feasting to the honor of Isemaler, the ice painter and bringer of winter joy. For nine people on Berk, it served as bittersweet remembrance of one they once called a comrade-in-arms.
From outside they heard the din of many dragons trumpeting.
"That's the signal. You ready for this, Hiccup?" His friend asked.
"Were you?" He countered.
"No, but I survived it. So will you. You need this more than anyone else I know."
"Is that supposed to be a compliment?"
Astrid grinned and shrugged. She then hooked her arm around his and led him to the door. They opened it and stepped out from the smithy they used as their staging area. It seemed appropriate since Hiccup served as the master smith, and it also gave him a greater sense that Gobber took part in the day. Almost the entire village turned out and jammed into the main square. All of the buildings got bedecked in spring flowers, and most of the people actually cleaned their clothing. The smaller dragons lined the roofs and rafter ends. The larger ones circled the perimeter of the people. The gathering cheered as Hiccup and Astrid made their way to the central fire post. Moments later another cheer rose up from across the square.
"Okay, Hiccup. We're coming down to it. If you're gonna back out now, you'd better call Toothless and get out of here," Astrid loudly said to be heard above the din.
"Ha, ha," Hiccup drolly rejoined.
Friends called out well wishes to him as he made his way toward the dais erected next to the fire post. On it stood Nichrank, the healer of the village who took over for Gothi when she became too age addled. Next to him Gothi sat on a chair with a pleasant smile on her face and stared out through whitened eyes. Behind them Toothless and IceSpike occupied the stone curtain of the fire post. The tall, husky man got permission from the governing counsel to officiate the ceremony in lieu of Gothi who could not longer serve in the position. His head swung back and forth watching Hiccup's and another party approach.
"Gods, look at him," Hiccup breathed the words and felt them catch in his throat.
He saw Jack approach through another opening in the crowd. Fishlegs walked next to him. People shouted to Jack in the same way they did to Hiccup. However, Hiccup felt dazed by the sight of the man he loved. Jack wore a sky-blue jerkin over a sky-blue shirt. Small bits of seashell and mother of pearl got attached to the shoulders of the jerkin and down the arms of the shirt. It looked like snow. He wore new, dark brown leather pants. To top it off, Jack went barefoot. Hiccup's mind ran riot with images of Jack in his Guardian garb, something not seen for two years.
"And you think Hundfus is handsome," Astrid said with a laugh.
Hiccup felt his throat constrict even more. His love for the man from another world seemed boundless, especially after they worked so hard for two years to fix their relationship. That it would culminate with the day at hand seemed almost unimaginable back then, but circumstances changed for them. He saw Jack staring at him and Fishlegs gently guiding the other-worlder toward the small platform. Their eyes remained locked on one another as they converged on the same spot. Large, sloppy smiles spread across their faces as they held hands and turned to faced the massed gathering of their people.
Nichrank held aloft the traditional Staff of Elders, and the crowd gradually grew silent. The man, dressed in the ceremonial gray of his post, looked out over the gathering. Then he held the staff over the heads of Hiccup and Jack.
"Who of the line of Haddock blesses this union?" Nichrank loudly asked.
"I, Valka Haddock, mother of Hiccup, give my full blessings," Valka stated in a clear voice.
"Who then of the line of Fries blesses this union?"
Spitlout stood out form the crowd and said: "Jack Fries has become one of our own, the Jorgensons, and we're honored to offer our blessings for him!"
The crowd cheered.
Nichrank waved the staff over the heads of Hiccup and Jack. The crowd calmed on command. He then moved the staff over the russet-haired man.
"Hiccup Horrendous Haddock the Third, do you enter this union freely and of your own will?"
"Yes, freely and of my own will… with all that I am," Hiccup recited the vow.
"And is there at least one who gives testament to this?"
"I give testament. I am his witness, his fellow dragon rider… his friend, Astrid Vollen. Hiccup does this freely and of his own will," she said in a strong, clear voice.
"Jack Jorgenson Fries, do you enter this union freely and of your own will?" Nichrank recited again after he moved the staff over Jack's head.
"Yes, freely, of my own will… with all my heart," Jack said and squeezed Hiccup's hand.
"And is there anyone who can give testament to this?" Nichrank again recited.
"I, Fishlegs Ingerman, having know this man since his arrival among us, having earned his trust… his kinship, I give testament Jack enters this union freely and of his own will," Fishlegs loudly announced.
"The vow is made, the testament is sworn," Nichrank's voice tolled. "Now, is there any here who challenges the will of these two men and those who stand witness for them?"
On cue Astrid and Fishlegs stepped forward. If need be, then they would do battle with any who spoke against the union. The people in the square stood in silence while the round man and the lithe woman scanned them all. For eight heartbeats they waited, and none spoke.
"Since there is no challenge, what say you people of Berk to the joining of these two to make their lives, their fortune, their fate together? What say you to the gods?" The officiant shouted at the crowd.
The sound from those gathered in the square rose like thunder to the skies. Soon the voices of dozens and dozens dragons of all breeds and sizes added their decree. The consent of the crowd washed over Hiccup and Jack, and everyone on the dais, with a physical force. They rocked back on their heels from the sheer wall of sound that hit them. In return, each man smiled so broadly it looked to crack their faces. After nearly a minute of wild cacophony, Nichrank raised the staff again over their heads, and the cacophony died down to mere whispers.
"Their families have blessed them, they made their vow, witnesses have sworn to their intent, and the people of Berk concur. Hiccup and Jack, face one another," the man commanded them.
They did.
"From this day onward you are wed in the eyes of all of Berk. Each day you must test this union. With each sunrise you must wake and face the other with a pure heart, pure intention, and stay true to your vows. Look about you. In times of trouble these are the ones you will turn to for counsel, guidance, and advice. As you are wed to one another, so too are you wed to all of Berk. Let this day be a cause for celebration and joy for Hiccup and Jack!" Nichrank exhorted them.
The crowd erupted into another raucous round of cheering. No one told them to do it, but Hiccup and Jack stepped forward, wrapped their arms around one another, and kissed so soundly the people nearest them could all but feel the heat. The people of Berk urged them on. They held the embrace until need of air forced them apart.
"Husband," Hiccup mouthed the word to his beloved.
"Husband," Jack returned as tears slid down his face.
They could not stop from smiling at one another as the adulation for their union swept around them. Soon hands patted their backs as Astrid and Fishlegs joined in. The four clasped one another. Eventually Valka and Spitlout made their way to them, and added their embrace to the foursome. Slowly, more arms got added until Hiccup and Jack stood cocooned, surrounded by the care and love of the village. After ten minutes the care and love started to get very warm from the number of bodies pressed together. It took another five minutes before either man could get a breath of fresh air. However, they never even thought about complaining.
"To the feast!" Nichrank hollered when he also got freed.
Trestle tables ringed the square just before where the larger dragons stood, who looked as though they wanted to feast first, laden with drink and food for the masses. While Hiccup and Jack provided a goodly portion of the victuals, the clan brought twice as much to feed themselves, family, friends, and the new couple. Once the wedding party left the dais, the first group of musicians took to the stage. They played a bouncy tune as Hiccup and Jack wended their way through the throng and received countless blessings and well-wishing for their future. Valka found them and hugged them so hard she nearly put a crick in their necks. The Jorgensons ganged up on the couple and treated them to several rounds of the family chant. After which the Thorston gang, both Ruffnut and Tuffnut's families along with others bearing the name, swarmed them. Jack felt certain one of the chickens bit his foot, and he looked forward to putting on his boots before his toes got crushed. Astrid, Hundfus, and their children converged on them. Little by little sections of the crowd took turns with the men. Berk celebrated.
"I wish Gobber…" Jack started to say when they got a moment to themselves.
"Some part of him is here, Jack… in us… in our memories of him," Hiccup cut him off, and his hand caressed the broach.
Jack nodded and said: "Like your father and Isemaler."
Hiccup nodded. The moment became very poignant for them as they privately recalled all the people who helped them reach the day. More important to both, Berk came together in happiness and joy instead of fear and war. For nearly a week the island prepared and built in excitement as their wedding day approached. They held hands as they tried to make their way to a table to get some food. People continued to wish them good fortune during their short sojourn.
"Okay, first things first: the wedding night," Tuffnut's voice assailed them just as they reached the table with the roasted boar, mutton, and yak on it. "It'll be all different now that you're married. Trust me, watch out for knives and swords."
"What in blazes are you talking about?" Hiccup rounded on their friend with a laugh.
"Oh, my. Not good. Not good at all," Tuffnut said in a worried voice.
Hiccup and Jack gazed in confusion at the man who walked bent to one side.
"Did you warn them, son of my father?" Ruffnut's voice grated through the air behind them.
"Sister of my… well, of mine, they're completely ignorant of the facts of life," Tuffnut rejoined.
"This is going to be good," Jack mumbled loud enough for Hiccup to hear.
"Probably the best gift we'll get," Hiccup agreed.
Tuffnut, dressed in a new black, red, and yellow leather ensemble that made him appear more comical than threatening, tutted at them while shaking his head. The man staggered toward them, although he did not carry a mead mug on his person. When he got close, he threw his arms around their shoulders. Ruffnut then appeared before them in a verdant vest and matching skirt so green it made the eyes water. Her hair stood in a mountainous coil on the top of her head, and her helmet sat perched atop that.
"The first night is the deadliest," Tuffnut half-yelled over the sounds of merriment. "Loki descends to test whether or not you're meant for each other."
"Loki is great and wise and suffers not the foolish whims of mortals," Ruffnut told them.
"You do remember who Jack is, right?" Hiccup indiscreetly inquired.
"Matters, not, oh former chieftain of the clan. For Loki will instill in both of you the madness of marriage. It happens on the first night, and every anniversary thereafter," she continued in dramatic fashion.
"Love is a brutal mistress. She demands complete commitment, and Loki comes as her harbinger bearing spears and axes to test the mettle and sinew of your vows," Tuffnut warned.
"Mettle and sinew," Jack snorted in amusement. "Wait! I thought you said he comes with knives and swords?"
"Sharp things at any rate, and in the deep of the night after you lay exhausted from hours of passionate, sweaty, intense, feverish…"
"Determined, ambitious, reckless, fierce, demanding…" Ruffnut interjected.
"All out love making… or whatever it is you two do," Tuffnut stridently continued, "you will wake to find your favorite weapons in hand, your hackles raised as you seek to learn if your true love is… well, true and will seek to carve out his heart to see if it lies there!"
"A wedding night duel to the death?" Hiccup enjoined.
"With knives, axes, and spears," Jack added. "What about the dragons? Do we get to use them?"
"Hmm, good question. They sleep in the same room as you, don't they?" Tuffnut asked.
"They might also be taken by the marriage madness," Ruffnut suggested.
"Why? They didn't get married? They're not even the same species," her brother countered.
Hiccup and Jack waited in giddy anticipation to find out how the Thorston twins would conclude their particular brand of nuptial advice. Their logic already formed a Gordian knot.
"Sweet sister," Tuffnut said full of authority, but then he paused and rubbed his chin. "This complicates matters. Do you two actually… do… that… in front of your dragons?"
The newlyweds each nodded.
"Barf and Belch make themselves scarce whenever Smellied and me get to trotting," Ruffnut told them.
"Same with me and Chinny," her brother mumbled.
"By any chance did either… maybe both of you drink too much on your wedding night and maybe your husband or wife did as well?" Hiccup knowingly inquired. "I seem to recall there was a lot of ale and mead at your weddings and very little left over in the morning."
"Yeah, I was seeing triple by the time I got back to the manor," Tuffnut intoned.
"Smellied said I dragged him up the hill, but I don't remember that," Ruffnut grumbled.
"Okay, you're both going to be around most of the night?" The semi-crippled man inquired, his banded shanks of hair hanging to one side.
"Until the last dance," Jack stated.
"Okay. Good. We're, ah, going to go, um…"
"Consult," Ruffnut supplied the word as her hair looked ready to tip over, but miraculously remained upright.
"Yes, consult. We'll be back," Tuffnut said.
The twins then headed into the crowded village square as they muttered back and forth.
"I swear they write this down and rehearse," Jack said as he snickered at the disappearing duo.
"It would be less coherent if they did," Hiccup chuckled the words.
The newly wedded couple then turned and pounced on the food table. The filled half their plates with meat, and then moved on to the other fare. By the time they finished, each feared the trencher might crack from the weight. Together they went in search of seats before they got waylaid again. As they looked around, strong hands carefully gripped their elbows.
"To your right, over by the fish cart storage, there's some chairs there and not many people," Snotlout said to them. "And I got Jack's boots, too."
"I'm too hungry to care," Hiccup said and aimed for the area.
Jack moved along beside him, and Snotlout kept pace. The slightly pungent aroma of fish would forever exist in that small locale, and but the couple and their friend ignored it. Jack set his plate down on a chair so he could retrieve the utensils from his pocket. Before he managed that, Snotlout engulfed him in a powerful hug.
"Gods, I'm so happy for you two," the man half-whispered, half-shouted in his ear.
Jack squeezed him back and replied: "Thanks, and you were part of making it happen. Your whole family, really."
"Dad started crying when he heard Nichrank called out your name. When'd you do that?" Snotlout asked without releasing him.
"Earlier this week when he asked for my full name. I felt I owed it to you and your family for everything you've done."
Snotlout hugged him so hard Jack thought his spine might break. He started to wheeze. His friend, colleague, and business partner released him. Jack saw wet streaks on the man's face. Snotlout then whirled and scooped up Hiccup who did not react fast enough. The senior dragon rider's breath got forced out of him in a great whoosh.
"You, too, Hiccup," Snotlout said in a thick voice. "Thank you for helping me get back."
"No, you did… it all on… your own," Hiccup struggled to say and weakly patted his friend's back since his arms remained trapped.
Snotlout apparently sensed the constriction his employed and let Hiccup go. The newly married Viking stepped back while dragging air into his lungs. However, he gave his friend a warm smile. Snotlout wiped at his cheeks.
"You guys deserve all the happiness in the world after everything you've gone through. It almost killed me when you nearly split apart," he said and sniffled.
"Is…" Jack began to say and glanced around. He smiled at the guests sitting fairly close by. "His sacrifice taught us both a lesson. Plus, you know, ah… certain things changed."
"Is that going to be forever?"
"At least until I draw my last breath…"
"And that'll be a hundred years from now," Hiccup warily added.
"At least," Jack confirmed and let his gaze settled on the Viking.
"Gods, listen to me," Snotlout said in fluster. "Sit and eat. I'm sorry."
"Stick around while we do," Jack invited him.
Thus for a short while Hiccup and Jack enjoyed a small moment of feasting with their friend. Snotlout wondered aloud what would change for them, and the both said probably not much. They already lived together for nearly a dozen years, and the last two years mostly as a wedded couple. Certain topics they talked about in coded phrases. The current host exhorted Jack to put on his boots before the dancing really began. Although Snotlout asked many, many times since the change occurred, he still asked again.
"So you really don't miss it, huh?" He pondered out loud.
"I did at first… well, the first time it didn't happened, but then figuring out how to make things right between Hiccup and me became the priority. Not going… through that helped. I don't really think about it much anymore," Jack assured his friend.
"He stopped dreaming about it over a year ago, so I'd say he adjusted," Hiccup chimed in. "I worried about him missing… it, too, but IceSpike helped a lot with that… and your family. You, your dad, mom, and uncle sort of filled in for Jack's, ah… other family."
Jack nodded in agreement as he stuffed thinly sliced warm mutton into his mouth.
"You do realize you're related to me now, Hiccup?" Snotlout asked through a wicked grin.
The notion stunned Hiccup for a moment, but he caught himself, smirked, and replied: "Couldn't be prouder, Snotlout."
Snotlout beamed. Hiccup stuffed some mashed tubers into his face and chewed.
"So am I legally a Jorgenson?" Jack inquired.
"Anyone who says any different will have to fight the family, so, yeah, I'd say you're legally one of us," the man with gray-streaked dark hair rejoined.
"It's the Viking legal system and politics, Jack. You know that," Hiccup said around a mouthful of food.
Jack chuckled and smirked. The moment of quiet got shattered when a small group of dragon riders came searching for Hiccup and Jack. They refused to get up until they got more food into their stomachs. Snotlout tried to back away, but neither of the newlyweds would let him. Once temporarily sated, the couple of the hour got pulled into the center of the square, and they pulled their friend with them. Gradually all the riders filled the dance circle, and it comprised at least a third of the village, as Rancid called for the band to play Dance of the Dragons. The musicians on the stage played the opening bar. Everyone got into position while the instrumentalists prepared.
"Hie, hie, hie!" The current bandleader called in a loud voice.
"HIE!" The dancers shouted as one on the fourth beat.
No one took credit for inventing the dance, and it did seem as though it evolved naturally over the years. It started on a high summer day feast, the first after the civil war, as slightly tipsy dragon riders tried to imitate their flying patterns on the ground. In time, whoever called for the dance acted as the leader and called out the headings and maneuvers. It acted as sort of a game as much as dance. Anyone who did not maintain the proper position and keep in step would be required to leave the dance square. The dance commenced until only three people remained: the main squadron leaders. Sometimes the dance could go on for quite a while if it happened too early in the evening. That night, however, with spirits soaring high throughout the village, most everyone simply wanted enjoyment. Both Hiccup and Jack took missteps a third of the way through the dance, and happily accepted the ribbing they received.
"You did that on purpose," Valka said to Jack as he walked away from the square. Hiccup stood next to her.
Jack feigned insult.
"Stow it, Guardian. You know those maneuvers better than most since you, this one, Rancid, and Moat came up with most of them."
"Lady Valka! And on my wedding day!" Jack continued the act.
Valka snaked out one of her long arms, wrapped it around his neck, and pulled him into a side hug. He orange-hued dress-like robes rustled as she did. Everyone could tell the color came from Cloudjumper's ridge crown. Her gray-streaked reddish-auburn hair got pulled into a bun in the back with a small spray of flowers perched in the center. She looked elegant in the eyes of the two younger men.
"And did you forgot I am now officially your mother-in-law?" She said in a playfully threatening manner.
"No, ma'am, I did not!"
She leaned over and kissed him on the cheek.
"Thanks… Mom," he quietly said.
"Jack, you don't have to call…"
"But I want to," Jack gently cut her off. "Part of a real life is having a mother. I think my first mother would approve… Mom. You've filled in that role for me often enough, so this makes it official."
"Told you he'd say that," Hiccup rumbled through a grin.
"Quiet you," she said to her natural-born child. "I'm having a moment with my son."
Jack slipped an arm around her and held her tight. His throat tightened with emotion and left him unable to speak for a few seconds. He glanced over at his new husband. Hiccup's smile came from deep down. Around them the revelers cheered the remaining dancers. A few called out more congratulations to Hiccup and Jack. They waved and gave thanks.
"Well, Jack," Valka quietly said, "does this feel mortal yet?"
"I suppose it does, but mainly…" and then he paused as he looked around the villagers making a grand time of it.
"But mainly what?" Hiccup asked when the pause lasted too long.
"Mainly… I'm happy. I don't think it takes being mortal to understand that," Jack replied and looked down at his one free hand. "I can feel it in my flesh… my bones. Before I came to Berk, I think I forgot what that felt like."
Hiccup and Valka exchanged a glance. Above all others except Fishlegs perhaps, they understood the importance of the statement. Time and again the newly wed Viking recalled Jack's Father Moon saying he would return to Earth more than Jack could expect. In that one phrase, Hiccup believed he and Berk, all of Halla, fulfilled the wish of the extremely powerful entity called Elada by the immortals of Halla. The seemingly immortal elemental man remembered anew the blood and skin he lost so long ago.
"I'm happy, too," Hiccup said, and he meant it.
"Well, I'll be," Valka remarked.
"It's not that unusual, Mom."
"No, not that, Hiccup. Gustav, Astrid, and Pole won the dance."
Hiccup winced. The young woman called Pole got named Polecat by her parents. When she bonded with a thunderclaw, all the dragon rides immediately referred to her as Pole without Hiccup's prompting. It pleased him such a young rider could out-step most of the senior riders in the Dance of the Dragons. He, along with Jack and Valka, clapped and cheered the winners. As the final dancers left the dancing square, the band played a more sedate yet festive tune. Valka pushed her son and son-in-law toward the square.
"You owe yourselves a dance together," she told them. "And that's an order."
"Yes, ma'am," Jack said and drew his body up to attention.
"Oh, be off with you," the woman snickered.
Hand in hand the two men walked out to the dancing square. Jack recognized the tempo as a waltz, although the Berkians called it a three-step. When they reached a spot where they could proceed, they each held out their arms to take lead. Hiccup and Jack stared at each other for a moment, and then started to laugh.
"Call odd or even," Hiccup said as he placed a hand behind his back. "Winner leads this dance, and then we switch back and forth."
"Good plan," Jack responded and also placed a hand behind his back.
"One… two… three," the Viking performed the countdown. "Go!"
Their hands flew outward while Jack called even. He won. Of course, he studied the Berkians for over ten years and saw they tended toward even numbers. Jack guessed Hiccup would hold out a single finger to try and mix it up. He also revealed a single finger.
"How do you manage to win this so much?"
"Did I ever tell you about leprechauns?" Jack asked and held out his arms in the lead position.
"Something tells me I don't want to know, but… no, you didn't," Hiccup said as he stepped into the hold.
From that point on Hiccup and Jack rarely left the dance square. People ferried drink to them when they asked. Each man danced with numerous partners, male and female alike, who wanted a nuptial dance since Vikings considered it good luck. Periodically they pushed people away so they could enjoy a dance together. The afternoon spun into evening as the ale got drank, the food consumed, and the music played.
The full moon shown on the village of Berk when, well after the midnight hour, all the musicians called it quits. Small groups of people banded together to help clean and tidy the square. The scraps of leftover food got thrown to the dragons, and the terrible terrors instigated a full scale dragon scrum as they tried to claim it all. Hiccup and Jack made a final round to thank the last of the guests. It surprised them when they found Fishlegs and Groanhilde waiting for them with young Haloke asleep in a sling across Groanhilde's chest. The newlyweds strolled toward them.
"There's a precious girl," Jack said and leaned down to kiss the sleeping one-year old on the forehead.
The three Vikings grinned. Despite all the changes over the years, Jack could not stop himself from looking after the children first. Whether Astrid's, Ruffnut's, Tuffnut's, or any of the countless others on the island, the Guardian hidden in Hallan skin always made time for and never lost his patience with even the most unruly of Viking offspring. Half the time he acted more childish than them. Only a select few understood what compelled the skinny man.
"She's going to be angry she didn't get play with you, Jack," Groanhilde chided him through a smirk.
"She knows where to find me," he replied as a small, private smile stayed on his face while he looked down as the sleeping child. Then he looked up and smiled at the parents. "Thank you for everything you did to make today perfect. We couldn't have done this without either of you. You're a marvel."
"Hear! Hear!" Hiccup readily agreed.
"We wanted to let you know before we headed home that IceSpike and Toothless are curled up with Meatlug at our place. We thought you might actually want a night alone," Fishlegs told them.
The newlyweds glanced at each other and shrugged.
"Or maybe not," the stoutest of the Vikings intoned.
"Fishlegs, you do realize with the exception of half a year, Jack and I have lived together for twelve years?" Hiccup inquired, and Jack could hear him struggling to not be sarcastic.
"But it's your wedding night!"
"Oh, Fishlegs, you old romantic," Groanhilde teased him. "You did notice neither one of them wore purple?"
Hiccup and Jack snorted. In an ancient Viking tradition, a virgin bride would wear purple to indicate her chaste state. Since Vikings tended to be rather lax regarding sex before marriage or any other time, the Vikings only knew about the old custom, but no one in living memory actually followed it. The perilous lives they lived meant some pleasures needed to be taken while still alive.
"Yeah, no purple here," Jack said in a low voice. "But what did you think of my outfit?"
"Well, you know my reaction," Fishlegs rejoined as his cheeks grew red.
"He cried," the Earthling stated through a smile.
"He blubbered, Jack, and you know it," Groanhilde remarked. "Said you looked almost like you did the first time he met you."
"You look so handsome in that. When I saw you… it was stunning," Hiccup softly said and twined his fingers more tightly tightly with his mate's.
"You're not going to believe this, but it was your mother's idea. She said she wanted to see her son marry a Guardian, and she helped put the outfit together," Jack informed the trio of adults.
Hiccup smiled and shook his head.
"Speaking of stepping back in time, Hiccup, you used to wear something like that when we were young," Groanhilde quipped.
"Snotlout came up with this when I couldn't figure out what to wear. I thought it seemed… I guess weirdly appropriate."
"I remember you in clothes like than when I first got here," Jack murmured. "Didn't you have a fuzzy vest to go with it?"
"Sheepskin, and I was not going that far. That's why I wore this ridiculous sash Astrid made me wear," Hiccup grumbled about the irritating piece of clothing.
"No, she had it right. Ties all your clothing together. Where'd you get that brooch?" Fishlegs commented and inquired.
"I made it. This… used to be a medallion on my Dad's sword scabbard. The backing and pin I made from metal I shaved off of one of Gobber's old hammers. I wanted something of them with me… with us."
A moment of silence swept over the small group. Jack held tightly to Hiccup's hand as the emotions raced through him. He alone never met Stoick the Vast, but he heard enough stories over the years to the point where he felt he knew the man. Jack saw his husband glance around with a slightly far away look on his face.
"Know what, Hiccup?" He rhetorically asked. "Why don't we take the night for ourselves? IceSpike and Toothless are probably already asleep. They can always get into the house if they really want to."
Hiccup slowly nodded his head. He smiled at Fishlegs and Groanhilde. After which he aimed it at Jack.
"Just go and be with each other alone for once," Fishlegs exhorted them while his wife beamed at them.
And they did exactly that.