CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO: WESTERN WIND

Hiccup

Hiccup stood in front of the open window, his daughter cradled in his arms. He took in every detail, memorized every feature, fearful that if he blinked, she would be gone and the battle would still be raging. But the solid weight in his arms reminded him that the battle was over, Drago was dead, and his baby was safe in his arms.

She was small. Not frail and weak as he had been, but petite and perfect. She had ten tiny fingers and toes, each with a miniscule fingernail or toenail. In one tiny hand, she clutched her father's finger tightly. He let his thumb trail lightly over the child's fingers, marvelling at her soft skin. Her perfectly pink lips were opened slightly as she slept, having nursed successfully from her mother. Hiccup turned back to the bed, smiling as he watched Astrid's sleeping form. She was the love of his life. She gave him strength, she gave him support, and now she gave him a child. He walked over to his wife and brushed his lips against her forehead.

"I love you so much," he whispered, "Thank you for everything."

Astrid groaned quietly and turned further into the pillow.

Hiccup walked back to the window and looked out at New Berk. It's citizens were working tirelessly to clear the debris and remains from the battle. Dragons and vikings working together to gather the dead and snuff the remaining fires. He knew she should be out there helping to direct the clean-up, but he wanted just a few more minutes with his new daughter. Besides, he could see Kenna and Eret doing just fine without him. He watched as his friends, bloody and exhausted as they were, working where they were needed. With the help of the dragons, they were all making quick work of the damage and clean-up. The Western breeze assisting them by gently carrying away the smoke and ash. At that moment, a name came to Hiccup's mind. He knew Astrid would love it, he just needed to speak with her once she awoke from her nap.

Below him, Hiccup heard a concerned, yet slightly annoyed whine. No doubt coming from the large Night Fury he had left in the main living space. Deciding he had left Toothless for long enough, Hiccup walked out of the bedroom and to the stairs. At the bottom, Toothless was resting his head on the steps, green eyes curiously gazing up to the second level. Once he saw Hiccup, the dragon lifted his head and smiled at his rider. Hiccup walked carefully down the stairs, his daughter clutched carefully in his arms.

"Hey bud," he said quietly. "I have someone I'd like you to meet."


By the time the sun began its descent in the West, the village had been cleared of the rubble and carnage. The dead had been buried at sea, the ships set alight for vikings and dragons alike. Several buildings had been destroyed, but the overall damage was minimal, thanks to the precautions the village had set in place. The biggest casualty was the boat launch, reduced to nothing but splinters and ash, but it could be replaced.

Hiccup had called a gathering, and all of New Berk had aggregated in the center of the village. The dragons had also joined them, perching on buildings and trees. At the foot of the statue of Stoick, Hiccup stood, Astrid sitting on Toothless, their new daughter in her arms. Despite the great loss and horrific attack, the air was buzzing with excitement and joy.

"I know we've been through a lot tonight," Hiccup said, his voice quieting the excited murmurs. "I could stand here and talk about the attack and the losses we've experienced, but nothing I can say would ease the grief for those who have lost loved ones, friends, and homes. Berk is strong. All of you standing here are a testament to that. We have rebuilt before, and it's made us stronger. We will rebuild again, always keeping those that we've lost in our minds and hearts."

He paused and looked up at the statue of his father.

"My father would say that it's 'an occupational hazard.' We're vikings. We're stubborn and hard-headed and hard to get rid of. That's why we're still here. Even an attack of this scale wasn't enough to destroy us!" Applause and shouts erupted around him. The devastation could have been so much worse. Only a few of the warriors had made the ultimate sacrifice and now dined in Valhalla. "But as I said, I'm not up here to talk about the attacks. I have gathered you all here to announce the birth of the heir of Berk!"

Again, the crowd burst into applause and cheers. Hiccup looked at his friends, his face split in a wide grin. Gobber was crying, a handkerchief in his hook. Snotlout was standing on top of Hookfang, chanting "Hiccup, Hiccup, oy oy oy!" at the top of his lungs. Hiccup turned to Astrid, her own smile lighting up her face. He walked over to her, kissing her gently, before she passed the small bundle into his arms. Hiccup turned back to his tribe, holding up his daughter so that they could all see her sweet face.

"Ladies and gentleman of Berk, it gives me great joy as chief to announce my daughter, Zephyr Haddock the first, heir of Berk."

Around him, vikings cheered and dragons roared in joy. The noise was deafening, and he expected Zephyr to cry, but instead her wide eyes looked up to the sky as an explosion of colorful fire ignited the air; a tribute and gift from the dragons that all of Berk treasured so dearly. He looked at Astrid and they laughed in joy, looking up at the colorful display.