First proper chapter in the sequel, and it picks up right where the previous book left off. I cannot believe the amount of followers and faves already. You are all amazing! With so much love flooding my way, it's tough to stick to my more spaced out schedule for posting. I just have to keep reminding myself that I'm doing it for the story, and it will be worth it in the end. I promise! lol

Surfy: I like the character looks from marvel too. It's not really my style for every single godsdamn character to have a huge beard. I don't care how manly it looks, lol. I'm glad that you are excited for this story, and that you appreciate the mythology. Hopefully it doesn't disappoint.

Guest: SH4MEN17: I know, right! I'm glad you liked it. Sorry I made ya'll wait so long. Gotta build the suspense somehow :P

Loralie Gold Dream: I like Yggdrasil's perspective too. She is such an important character that didn't want to only have her featured from a third person perspective. So very much foreshadowing in there too. Hidden stealthily, so that you will all look back later and curse me for it.

Now Account: Glad to be of service ;) You're right. There is sooo much foreshadowing in that damn prologue. Carefully hidden until it all becomes clear later. I'm so glad you caught the hint about Brigid! Now her rainbow coloured magic makes way more sense, eh...lol. I hope this story at least meets the standards of the first one, if not exceeds them. You'll have to let me know as it goes :P

CB73: OH MY GODS! You totally got it! Odin is very Dumbledoor-ish in the way that he wants to control Hiccup! Wanting to keep him as a weapon against evil, but not trusting him enough to tell him why! We can all imagine how well that concept works out with the Hiccup in my story. He's not as much of a sheltered little pity-pot as a certain scar-head that we all love. (HP forever! I still love you Dumbledoor! Even if you're kind of a dick...)

I personally like Cuithanna much better than Odin, but everyone always has their own agenda in this twisted world of mine. I did say it was going to get grittier, messier, and much greyer. As for my Hiccup...well, he is SOMETHING like the Hiccup in HttK. How much though... Guess you'll just have to wait and see... ;) He is already both more of a ruthless hard-ass and much more emotionally balanced and caring than HttK's darkcup, so it could really go just about anywhere from here. Astrid is a whole different creature still. Her development as a character has been both incredibly gratifying, and incredibly difficult and emotional to write. I'm so stoked to finally start sharing this book with everyone.

Seongho1124: Thanks :)

Draconic king: Haha, I know. Me too...lol

OlegS: Thanks! I'm glad you enjoyed the first book, and I hope you end up enjoying this one just as much. As for the title... Frankly, if it didn't make you a little nervous, then I wouldn't be doing my job. If you've figured me out as an author, then you know that I am simply not that nice...lol

The13thReaper: Wow! The fact that you enjoyed the first book enough to read it more than once is incredible praise, so thank you so much for that! I think I set the bar too high. lol. Hopefully this one is able to meet the same ridiculous standards I seem to have set for myself *fingers crossed*

Guest: derekctomlinson: I assume you are talking about the cover image I made for the story, and if so, you are absolutely right. Maybe also a slight nod to Genesis, and the forbidden fruit of knowledge... ;)

Sirajknight: Thanks! Me too! lol

_

It had taken longer than Astrid thought it would to get to the world gate. Of course this was because their pace was restricted by Stormfly's size. Hiccup and Ilweran had made the trip from Bifröst to the nest in a matter of hours on Tintallë and Toothless. Although they were admittedly in a bit of a hurry during that particular trip. Still, the other two were just so massive that Astrid couldn't help but feel a little jealous on Stormfly's behalf.

Hiccup had explained that Stormfly would grow larger too once she was free of the bounds of Midgard. As of right now though, she looked like a mere fledgling next to the other bonded dragons. Each night as they camped out, Hiccup and Ilweran would spend time explaining the customs of the elves to her. According to Hiccup, the elves could not lie. They instead partook in what he called creative truth telling. They were also quite separate and withdrawn from the other realms.

Apparently, they only tolerated the Æsir and Vanir because they had to if peace was to be maintained. As for the humans, they were seen as emotional and short-lived creatures, sadly devoid of magic. Apart from their limited number of bonded riders, of course. This meant that they were fascinated by them, but still also considered them to generally be a lesser race. Better than the Æsir, but not by much. Somehow, she was supposed to not be offended by this. Though Ilweran did assure her that since she was with he and Hiccup, the elves would likely treat her better than most other visitors to Alfheim.

Finally, Ilweran and Hiccup came to a stop partway through their fourth day of travel. Looking around, Astrid couldn't see anything other than open ocean in every direction. "Why are we stopping here? I thought we were looking for Bifröst?" She was starting to wonder if they were playing some sort of trick on her. Hiccup just gave her a conspiratorial wink.

"Just wait and watch," was all he said as Ilweran grinned. The two men both muttered a strange word as their hands began to glow. The magic flowing from them to mix in the apparently empty air before her. The gold and emerald weaving and twisting together in beautiful waves until suddenly there was a flash of bright white light. When the spots cleared from her vision, Astrid saw that the empty space in front of them had split open to reveal a strange dancing rainbow of colour. It was nothing like she had envisioned.

The Eddas had always called it a rainbow bridge. This was not a bridge. It was more like an enormous arching doorway made of light. It almost reminded her of the doors to the mead hall, only much, much bigger. Looking to Hiccup in confusion, she saw him chuckle at her expression.

"I know. I was surprised too. I suppose the 'Great Big Door' just did not sound as romantic. Humans tend to bend the truth quite a bit when they compose their Eddas, after all." Here he winked at her again and she couldn't help the laugh that bubbled up. Her favourite lines from 'The Naked Duel of Berk' coming to mind at his comment. He was right, of course. Vikings did prefer poetic embellishment to fact most of the time.

"Well, at least it's still made of rainbows. So what do we do now," she asked curiously.

"Usually we would allow Bifröst to transport us straight to Asgard first, where we would announce ourselves to Heimdall. He would then provide us safe passage to the other realms once we received clearance. I have never been much for formality though, so we are going to make our own way to Alfheim. Normally this would not be possible, as the elves have strong wards protecting their boundaries. Fortunately Ilweran and I both live on Alfheim and are able to come and go as we please."

Astrid was surprised by this. "I thought you said that the Order is based in Asgard. I assumed that you just, I don't know... escaped to Alfheim under the pretence of study. How can you both get away with living on a completely different world than the rest of the Order? Is it because you are both mercenaries?"

Hiccup and Ilweran shared a brief glance before Ilweran answered her. "I was born on Alfheim and it has always been my home. Hiccup, for his own reasons, moved to Alfheim shortly after his arrival. Besides, the Order does not actually require all of the Riders to live in Asgard forever. They are simply required to remain there for the first two years of their training. After that, they are free to take up residence in any of the three worlds of the top tier. That is Asgard, Vanaheim, or Alfheim."

"Of course, the elven Riders are free to live in either Svartalfheim or Alfheim. Or really anywhere they wish, I am sure. Elves do not love restrictions, and they happen to make up the entire Council. They also do not usually allow other races to take up a permanent residence on either of their worlds. Hiccup being the rare exception," Ilweran added with another glance at Hiccup.

"Oh, well that makes sense, I guess. Why is Hiccup the rare exception though," Astrid asked interestedly. Wondering what the look they had shared was about. Guessing that they wouldn't tell her, even if she asked.

Ilweran suddenly gave a shocked splutter. "Umm, because of me! Did you not know that Hiccup and I are lovers, and have been intimately involved for years? Hiccup, my darling, I cannot believe that you did not tell her about us!" His already musical voice taking on a distinctly flamboyant tone that Astrid had never even imagined him using before, as he gesticulated exuberantly with his hands.

Hiccup gave Ilweran a simpering and apologetic smile as he clutched a hand to his heart. Speaking in a similarly flamboyant manner. "I am so sorry my precious moon pie. I did not want to frighten her with the explicit details. You know that humans are not nearly as comfortable as the elves when it comes to multiple partners of mixed gender..." Astrid felt her jaw drop open as she looked back and forth between the two beautiful men in utter astonishment.

WHAT THE THOR?! How in Hel's realm could she have missed THAT?! How could they have hidden it this whole time?! Sure, they were close. That was easy enough to see. They had been always been comfortable hugging, and sure they put their arms around each other sometimes, but... Astrid gasped as she put her hands over her mouth in shock. Dear gods! She must have been completely blind!

Both of them gazed back at her for another long moment, before their serious expressions suddenly crumpled and they burst out laughing. "Sweet daughters of Freyja, you should have seen your face!" Hiccup chortled as he and Ilweran reached out to bump their fists together. Both of them almost completely doubled over with their hysterical laughter. Their dragons actually dropping a few feet as they wheezed out their own chuckles at her expense.

Ilweran clutched at his ribs as he muttered, "moon pie! I love it bro! I may just have to remember that one for when we come back to visit Eret and Minden. Eret is a 'moon pie' for sure. I bet we could convince Ruffnut to use it..."

"Oh gods! She absolutely would," Hiccup grinned at him through his own laughter. Then he turned to Astrid again. "In all seriousness, his friendship may have gotten me invited to Alfheim in the first place, but he is not the reason that I am allowed to live there. That was approved by Queen Lerina herself, for her own reasons."

Ilweran chimed in then, still fighting off his hysterics. "As for our relationship, or lack thereof, we are definitely not intimate partners in any sense of the word. Despite the fact that some others have believed, or more likely, hoped it to be the case. Elves are free-spirited creatures of the most adventurous sort, after all. The majority of them do not have a gender preference when it comes to love making. Or I guess 'fucking' would actually be a more accurate term for what they do, as I am not sure there is much 'love' involved." Hiccup snorted a laugh of agreement at that statement.

Shooting Ilweran a teasing smirk as he added, "us two, on the other hand, are considered weirdos. No matter how gorgeous he is, or how drunk I get, I just cannot make myself want him that way. Even if all of the other elves do. For one thing, he lacks a few crucial body parts that I absolutely require my bedmates to possess..." he trailed off with a wink as he allowed his eyes to drift lazily over Astrid where she sat astride her saddle. Feeling like the sensual brush of a hand as they lingered on her chest and the apex of her spread thighs.

The heat of his gaze caused a deep scarlet blush to rise in her cheeks, and Ilweran simply laughed harder. "Right back at you brother," he chuckled. "I know the rest of the elves seem to want to jump your bones, but I just do not see the appeal. You are much too flat and manly for my tastes, Hiccup. No matter how lonely or intoxicated I am," he added jovially.

Shooting Astrid a wink of his own, Ilweran gestured between Hiccup and himself. "Alas, my dear, you are in the unfortunate company of a couple of woman-loving weirdos with a terrible sense of humour. Just trying to prepare you for the chaotic new world of free love that you are about to willingly submit yourself to. The elves are going to be all over you, my dear. My sincerest apologies if the thought us two studs together turned you on." If she'd had something to throw, she would've chucked it at him.

Cursing at them both instead, she eventually found herself laughing too. "Oh, I already knew that you guys were weirdos. You two are absolutely ridiculous! Gods in Valhalla, I actually believed you assholes for a minute there! I'm not going to lie, the mental image really was sort of hot. Maybe you guys should give it a try sometime..."

She grinned at the grimace Ilweran threw her way, as Hiccup sniggered and wiggled his eyebrows suggestively at the blonde man. Earning him a slap in the shoulder from Tintallë's wing tip. Feeling she had gotten at least a small amount of vengeance, Astrid asked, "can we please get to Alfheim now? I want to start pretending that I don't know either of you."

Both men just laughed harder as Hiccup smirked widely at her. "You can pretend all you want mi'lady, but you know you love me. Besides, the elves are honestly a very free-spirited race. We were not kidding about that part, at least. You had better start getting used to terrible jokes, blatant flirting, and obnoxious shenanigans, my dear. It is only going to get worse from here I am afraid," he added with a wicked grin.

Then he met her eyes again and his were suddenly serious. "We should actually get going though. I should warn you before we enter Bifröst that it is a very strange place, the land between levels. You must promise that you will stay close to us. Time and distance pass differently in there and it is easy to get lost or distracted."

Nervous now, Astrid turned to look at Ilweran. He looked just as grave. "He speaks the truth. We will lead you through safely, but you must not wander off. Also, no matter how inviting they may seem, do not touch the pools." On this cryptic note he turned to Hiccup, who waved a glowing hand and the doors swung open.

She could see what looked like a wall of green on the other side. Hiccup nodded to Ilweran once and then spurred Toothless forward through the gate. Ilweran motioned for her to follow. With a push of wings, Stormfly made for the opening in the sky. As they passed through the doorway, there was a brief moment of vertigo as everything seemed to disappear. She lost all sense of up and down as only the strangely flickering rainbow light remained. Then they came out the other side and she gasped in astonishment.

It was beautiful. They had arrived in some sort of large and open forest. It seemed to be stuck somewhere between spring and summer. There was no visible sky, only a strange press of green. Still there was sunlight streaming down to light the branches of the trees around them.

The air was pleasantly warm yet smelled of spring. The trees all sporting tender green buds of new growth while summer berries shone ripe and red on the shrubs. Delicate white winter flowers blooming alongside larger masses of bright pinks, yellows and oranges. Small pools of the clearest blue dotted the forest floor. The water looking innocent and refreshing in the dappled light, begging her to wade in.

She was snapped out of her trance by Ilweran coming through the gate behind her. He waved his hand and the door swung shut. Melting into the surroundings until it disappeared entirely. Hiccup's voice in her ear startled her. She hadn't even noticed him come up beside her as she had been so distracted by the majesty and wonder of this place.

"Stay focused and stay close to us please. The quicker we get out of here, the better." He sounded slightly uncomfortable, but she couldn't fathom why. It was absolutely perfect here. Looking around, she could easily see herself staying here forever. The wonderful possibilities of this land beginning to fan out before her.

Resting under the trees beside the blue pools, lost in the intoxicating smell of the masses of wildflowers. Perhaps sampling the glistening red berries. Why should she leave? It wasn't as if she had anywhere to go. Who was there to care, even if she did stay? There was only her and this wonderful, magical forest. Come to think of it, who had told her she needed to leave? She couldn't even remember. She was here all alone. Wasn't she?..

"Heed him little one! There is deep magic here and I can feel it trying to draw me in as it is you." Stormfly's voice in her head sounded nervous and it seemed to drag her roughly back to reality. She had almost lost herself to this strange magic already. For a while, she had even forgotten who she was.

Giving herself a mental shake, she forced her scattered mind to focus on Hiccup. Instinctively reaching out towards him as if to reassure herself that he was still there. He leaned over to lace his fingers through hers. Bringing her hand to his lips before saying softly, "I will be right here." Smiling her gratitude, she released his hand before urging Stormfly forward alongside Toothless and Tintallë.

She couldn't say how long they were gliding through the forest. Time seemed to have no direction here. The light never shifted, never faded into night. It could have been an hour, it could have been several days. There was simply no way to tell. Astrid could not even gauge the time by the drain on her body, as she never grew tired, or hungry, or sore. Something about this place just made you feel so incredibly alive, while also seemingly completely frozen in time. She had no idea what direction they were even travelling in, never mind how the boys were managing to navigate this realm.

There were more of the strange blue ponds as they got farther in. When she asked Hiccup about them, he smiled grimly. "They are vernal pools formed from the overflow of Mímisbrunnr, the Well of Wisdom. Touching the water causes madness to bloom in even the strongest of minds. Once it has taken root, there is no cure. Too much knowledge too quickly is not good for anyone." Glancing down at the innocent looking little pools again, Astrid allowed a small shudder. There was so much she didn't understand about this world.

After a time they began to see what appeared to be a huge wall made of a silvery grey material. No clear beginning or end to it. As they got closer, she noticed that it had strange diamond patterns running through it, forming a startlingly familiar texture. It looked like bark, but it couldn't be. That would be impossible. "Uh, Hiccup. What is that?" She decided to ask, certain that he would understand what she was referring to without her needing to elaborate. He did.

"That, is Yggdrasil." Astrid looked over at him in shock, only to be brought up short by the strangely wistful expression on his face. It was the look one would have while speaking of a lover. Ilweran smiling fondly at the thing in a very similar fashion. Looking back towards the massive wall of grey diamonds it suddenly struck her why.

This was the mother tree; the giver of all life that held up the worlds. No wonder the trunk was so big. As they passed close to it, Toothless tilted slightly. Allowing Hiccup to reach out one hand and brush it gently over the bark. It was an oddly intimate caress that made Astrid feel suddenly jealous, although she couldn't imagine why. Yggdrasil was very obviously a tree. As if in response to his touch, the sudden sound of huge fluttering leaves could be heard from far, far overheard. Almost like the tree was shivering.

Astrid raised an eyebrow at Hiccup, but he just shrugged at her with that same soft smile still gracing his face. Following alongside the trunk, they finally arrived at a huge pair of yew trees standing alone in a clearing. Their twisting branches bowed and woven together into a distinct gate shape. A curtain of vines and flowers hanging down between them. It didn't look very strong, but Astrid had seen enough by now. Obviously intruders were kept out by magic, rather than physical barriers.

With a wave of his hand, Hiccup parted the curtain for them. He and Toothless passed through the gate without hesitation. Astrid swooping through behind him and Ilweran bringing up the rear. She felt a strange pressure on her chest as she entered the gate, but it lifted as soon as she made it to the other side. Sitting up straight in the saddle, she got her first view of Alfheim.

"No wonder Hiccup lives here," she said to Stormfly. The nadder simply croaking in agreement. Everywhere she looked there were jagged, rocky peaks reaching towards the sky. Fluffy white clouds curling and drifting around them. Pine and cedar forests covered the ground. Sparkling lakes and rivers peaking through the greenery.

Misty waterfalls poured from the rugged ledges of the mountains. Some splashing down into the cool blue pools waiting underneath. Others simply disappearing halfway down, seeming to drift away in the pleasantly warm breeze. There were wild dragons drifting lazily through the beautiful azure sky. More of them resting in the shade of the forest. Their rainbow bright hides easily visible through the branches, as deer foraged around them without a hint of fear.

The sight was indescribably peaceful. Speechless, she turned to see Hiccup smiling widely at her. "Welcome Home," was all he said. Then he looked over at Ilweran. "I am going to take Astrid back to my place so we can unload all the saddlebags. It might be good for you to go warn your mother in advance that we have brought a guest with us. Although I am sure that she already knows."

Ilweran laughed and rolled his eyes. "I am sure she does. Just as I am sure she has also been waiting impatiently for almost three months to yell at me for leaving without telling her. I will send Ana to come get you once mother is done describing all the ways that I am the bane of her existence." With that, he waved to them and flew off.

Hiccup chuckled and shook his head fondly after the blonde man and white dragon. Then he signalled Astrid to follow him before guiding Toothless down towards the trees. As they neared the canopy, Astrid searched around for any sign of a village or town. It all just looked like forest to her. She doubted that Hiccup had spent the last five years camping in the forest, but she admittedly didn't know him that well anymore.

Toothless was making straight towards a huge cedar tree standing in a small clearing. When they came in low enough, Astrid suddenly realized that the trunk of the tree was shaped like a large house. It looked like an elaborate tree fort. Complete with wide balconies running around the entirety of its two stories. The lower of the two sticking out farther than the upper to allow gigantic dragons to land safely on either one.

Spreading his huge wings wide to slow his decent, the night fury gently touched down on the upper balcony. Stormfly coming to rest beside him. Astrid jumped down right away. Looking around and marvelling at the treehouse. It was massive! More like a hall or palace than a house. "Who else lives here with you?" She was compelled to ask, as she made her way through the huge doorway into what appeared to be a large library.

Scrolls and books were lined up on elaborately carved shelves, the topmost ones stretching up much too high for her to reach. It was a strange, circular room that stuck out from the main body of the house. The centre of the floor open to the room below; the drop-off guarded by a beautifully carved railing. The latter featuring designs of dragons and Celtic knots, mixed together in intricate patterns that flowed down along the curving staircase inside it. Leading to yet more shelves on the lower floor.

There were groupings of comfortable looking chairs covered with either a deep red or rich black leather around a central hearth, as well as beside the doorways to outside. Everything made of the same exotic red cedar wood as the tree itself. Hiccup simply gave her a confused look. "No one. It is just Toothless and myself. Why?"

He has to be joking, she thought. Why would anyone need this much room, unless they were running an Inn? Back on Berk, her entire family of seven had crammed themselves into four small rooms. She was only allowed to have her own tiny space because she was the only girl child in the household. This house could have fit at least five of her own in it, maybe more. It was madness.

Seeming to sense her disbelief, Hiccup decided to explain. "I had to enlarge every room and doorway in the place as Toothless got bigger. I have also added on rooms as the need has arisen. It was not always this big." Shooting a glance towards Toothless, she realized that made sense. The treehouse would still be a tight fit for the massive black dragon, but he would at least be able to move between the rooms freely. Well, other than the elaborate curving staircase in the library, that is. He'd have to use the balconies outside.

Hiccup cut across her thoughts at that moment. "Shall I give you the tour? You can pick a room and then we will unload your stuff after that. I would also like to change out of this armour before we go to meet Ilweran. I am getting a little tired of wearing the same thing every day." Astrid laughed and followed him to the next room.

As it turned out, the entire upper floor consisted of mainly bedrooms and bathing rooms. The library being the only exception. The decor all featuring the same rich red, black, and silver colour scheme. The effect was both understated and elegant. She was shocked to see that every one of the large and well furnished bedrooms had its own bathing room attached to it.

This was a far cry from the shared bath that she had grown up with. That had just been a large wash tub drug into the main living room once a week. Family members getting first use of the tub and the water based on their status within the household. A thin wall of sheets hung up to act as a temporary screen as everyone gathered around the hearth. Privacy had been a luxury that most families could not afford. Would she ever be able to get used to this much space?

There was a large tub, easily big enough for two, against one wall. A large basin on a small platform beside it, with a strange chord hanging from it, that Hiccup told her was the chamber pot. Pull the chord, and anything in the basin would vanish. Including Sharpshot, apparently. According to Hiccup, Toothless had stuffed the small terror in one of the pots once, when he was annoyed, and pulled the chord. Thankfully, Hiccup was able to bring Sharpshot back.

"Toothless felt absolutely terrible for it," Hiccup said with a laugh. "He refused to eat or fly until the little monster was back safely. Not letting me eat or sleep either, for that matter. They used to fight like true brothers back then, but that was well over four years ago now. These days, they are the best of friends, but Sharpshot still will not set paw in the bathrooms." Astrid couldn't stop from laughing too at the thought.

She had once stuffed her own brother's head in the family outhouse as a young girl, but he had just come out smelly, angry, and covered in filth. Leading to a harsh telling off and a smarting bottom for Astrid. Still chuckling, she gazed around the rest of the bathroom. A counter with a separate wash basin rested on another wall. Above it, a piece of marvellously clear reflective glass was mounted to the wall. Sparkling in the light from the wide window. Sitting beside the wash basin was a basket of what looked like whittled sticks. A small knife laying beside them.

Following her gaze, Hiccup gave a chuckle as he informed her that they were 'wintergreen' branches. Apparently, they could be used to scrape teeth clean, and if you chewed on them it would freshen your breath. Chewing on sticks seemed an odd thing to do, but what did she know. Everything in this home was so elaborate and unfamiliar. It had never even occurred to her that a wash tub might need its own room. Never mind that this 'bathing room' could be considered elegant.

These tubs and basins were all made of some sort of polished stone and tile. The small squares of smooth ceramic laid out in beautiful mosaics. Some of them in varying shaded of red, orange and yellow, resembling dancing flames. Others in an array of blues that looked like flowing water and white capped waves. They were beautiful, and absolutely nothing like the large wooden things that she had known her whole life. There were also strange spouts sticking out of the walls above all of them.

When she inquired about them Hiccup told her that they were 'taps'. "I have installed an auger system to bring water up to a holding tank above the house. There it is magically heated and pipes are connected to it that run to every bathing room as well as the kitchen. This means that when you spin any red tap to open, hot water will flow out. It is a continual system controlled with magic, so you do not really need to worry about running out. As for the blue taps, they are the same idea, but for cold water."

Astrid was astonished. "How do even come up with these things, Hiccup?" It seemed impossible. Hot water that came out of the wall and indoor toilets?! Hiccup just shrugged at her.

"Honestly, I got the ideas from Rome. There they use aqueducts, which are like long water troughs, and ceramic pipes to bring water to every town. As well as to channel heated water from natural hot springs into large communal bathing rooms. They also have public use rooms with rows of pots and a pipe system to flush waste away from the city. I just elaborated on it with the help of magic. Plus, I have had a fair amount of free time on my hands over the last five years. Lots of opportunity for inventing. You know my mind has always been a busy and confusing place."

"Oh, your mind is confusing alright," she offered and they both started laughing. The next room they walked into caught Astrid by surprise. It was painted a bright royal blue with patterns of yellow lightening bolts scattered over the walls. Even the furniture and sheets were bright blue or yellow. The decor didn't match the rest of the house at all, and was very obviously not Hiccup's style. Astrid looked at him as she raised an eyebrow.

Chuckling at her expression, Hiccup shrugged. "This is Thor's room when he comes to visit. He thinks that my decor is too boring and asked if he could decorate. I told him to go ahead and do what he wanted with his room. As long as he left the rest of the house alone, that is. This is what I found when he was done." He gestured around the room with an easy grin.

Astrid's head was about to explode. "Thor has sleepovers at your house? As in Thor Odinson? Seriously?"

"Yes," Hiccup stated dryly. "One and the same. He is a good friend, and quite a hoot at parties. Although he does tend to get a bit carried away with the elven liquors, which is why he has a room here. You will probably meet him when we go to Asgard."

Then, at the shocked expression on her face, he added gently, "Astrid, they are NOT gods. They may be immortal, but so are we now. They are still just men. Not nearly as strange and powerful as the elves. Besides, Thor is a bonded dragon Rider, and he is one of us. There is no need to be so intimidated by the idea of the Æsir."

She just shook her head at him. "It's just all so insane, Hiccup! For most of my life I believed that the gods were just silly superstitions created to make people feel like someone powerful cared about them and could fix all of their problems. Then I find out that the gods are real, but they aren't really gods at all, and they certainly don't care about the humans and their problems. Now I find out that Thor Odinson is getting drunk with you and having pajama parties at your house..." she trailed off lamely.

"To be fair, we have never had a pajama party. Although, Thor has also spent plenty of nights at Ilweran's house, so maybe they have had one. You can ask him when we see him later," he added with a smirk. "Now then, that is enough stressing about my strange friends for one day. How about we finish the tour so that you can get settled while I change?"

She agreed with a sigh of defeat, and with a laugh, he led her down a different set of stairs into the main room of the house. There was a large hearth made of smooth black stones along one wall, although it looked to be rarely used. Just as they made their way into the kitchen, a small green and red shape zoomed over.

"Lady Astrid!" came an excited voice in her head as the terrible terror landed on her shoulder and nuzzled against her. She scratched him affectionately under the chin. Giggling at the exuberant little dragon. Reaching out with her mind, she felt the bright spark of his consciousness.

"Hey Sharpshot! I've missed you! Glad to see you're still looking out for this meathead." The dragon gave a throaty chuckle and wrapped himself around her neck as Hiccup completed the tour by showing her his gigantic workshop. Then they went back upstairs, Sharpshot still nestled on her shoulders.

She had been tempted to ask to share Hiccup's room, but she wasn't sure how he would feel about that. Was he ready for that sort of commitment? He had told her he loved her, but shared sleeping quarters was a big step. She followed him nervously into what must be his room. He went straight over to a large wooden chest and began to pull out clothes. Astrid simply found herself gazing around in astonishment; trying to take it all in.

Nearest the door, there was a gigantic bed with deep red fabric covering it instead of furs. The entire thing surrounded by an immaculately carved frame and headboard painted in velvety blacks. It would have slept four people comfortably with room to spare, but apparently it was only for Hiccup. She noticed that there was a small black box lying on top of the bed sheets. On either side of it, near the head end, small tables held what had to be some sort of lamps. At the other end of the room, nearest the balcony, was another of the comfortable looking red chairs she had seen in the library sitting next to another small table.

The room was huge! She was still trying to figure out how to voice her desire when Hiccup turned around and gave her a mischievous smirk. "You know you can try simply asking to share my room with me, right? I mean, there really is more than enough space for two. I was trying to be a gentleman and let you get to it on your own, but your thoughts were quite loud." She felt the hot rush of blood blooming in her cheeks. Promptly putting the mental shields she had dropped, back up.

Hiccup chuckled as he moved closer to her for a moment. Taking her hands in his, he trapped her with his lovely emerald gaze. "I would love nothing more than to spend every single night beside you, mi'lady." He placed a tender kiss on her forehead before stepping back and removing his sword sheaths. Tossing them onto the bed beside the little black box before quickly swapping his armoured tunic and trousers for lighter garments in a style she had never seen before.

The trousers appeared to be some sort of extremely soft woven fabric in a medium, earthy brown with calf length boots of the same colour over top. His armoured tunic was replaced with a loose shirt in a bright emerald green. Subtle designs of leaves embroidered around the sleeves and base. A wide belt, of the same soft brown leather material as his boots, snugging it just below his waist. He removed the concealment ring and placed it carefully in the box before turning to face her again.

Sharpshot left her shoulder then. Grabbing the little box from Hiccup's outstretched hand and promptly leaving the room with it. Confused, she watched the little dragon disappear before turning her attention back to Hiccup. His exotic beauty shook her for a moment, despite having seen his real face many times. Now though, the bright green of his tunic seemed to enhance the already otherworldly green of his eyes. The magic in the very air around them causing him to look even more enchanting and wild.

As she stood there gaping at him like an idiot, he strolled closer to her again before speaking into the suddenly heavy silence. "Sorry, but I only wear the ring when I am on Midgard. Otherwise, it is locked up safely where only Sharpshot and myself can retrieve it. I know that my clothes and this place make me seem even more unnatural, but I am sure you will grow accustomed to my terrifying face soon enough."

He met her eyes and offered her his lopsided smile as she laughed at his absurd comment. "Hiccup, there is nothing terrifying about your face. If anything, it is almost painfully beautiful. Which is actually what keeps giving me this ridiculous coherency problem. I seriously doubt that I will ever get used to it, but in a good way."

He smiled and reached out to pull her the rest of the way to him. Leaning down to press his lips to hers as she stretched onto her toes to meet him. Her hands taking the now familiar path up to his hair. He simply kissed her for a moment, wrapping his strong arms around her and lifting her off the ground. Then he set her back on her feet and leaned away. Looking her over with a groan of longing that made her chuckle. "We should get the stuff unpacked before Ana gets here" he said reluctantly.

He bent down to kiss her once more before stepping back and whistling for Toothless. The two dragons came to land on the balcony and they quickly set to work removing her things from the saddle bags. Hiccup also removing what little he had brought of his own to Midgard, while Astrid found places for her meagre belongings alongside his. Then she changed out of her sturdy travelling clothes into something lighter and more comfortable. Most of her clothing was still much too heavy for the climate here, but Hiccup said that he would get her new clothes once everything was settled.

Just as she was strapping her axe back on, a large golden eagle came to rest on the railing outside. Hiccup picked up his swords and slung them over his back again as he looked at her. "That is Ilweran's familiar, Ana. Or, more correctly, Anarama, which means Sun Wing," he said, seeing her studying the beautiful bird curiously. "I guess that means he is ready for us. Well, shall we go introduce you to the Queen of the Elves?"

Astrid simply gaped at him in shock for a moment. Then a startled shout finally burst from her lips. "WHAT?!"

_

Boy was it ever fun to finally build my own worlds for a change. How obvious is it that I live in the Rocky Mountains, and that I love them to bits...lol

I loved the playful banter of the boys, loved calling up some Roman history, but most of all, I love Hiccup's library! My dream house right there.

Guess the boys forgot to tell Astrid about who Ilweran really is... Oops :P Hopefully all of you caught the truth from the times that I casually dropped it into the first story. Hmm, a sexy half-dragon Hiccup AND a gorgeous half-elf prince at her command... lucky Astrid :P