I have seriously been waiting impatiently to post these next four chapters since I started posting this story. I keep reading them over and over myself, just because I love them so much! I mean, there is just so much in them to love! Some questions answered, some new ones arising, and every emotion tweaked along the way. Not to mention, a whole new world for me to create and you all to explore :P Hope you like it! Stay healthy everyone and see you next weekend :D As always, thank you so much for all of the reviews! They really do make my day, and keep me inspired. You all are wonderful!
CB73: It really was a nasty mission, but of course our heroes found a way. No one beats the Riders, after all ;) It really was pretty Red Death style, wasn't it, and I don't think those that were present will forget it anytime soon. Lol. Nor will Meririk and his men forget Hiccup's prank on Ilweran or their generosity. Very 'Robin Hood-esque' of them. There really is more than one way to buy loyalty, and it doesn't always take intimidation or power. Sometimes simple kindness is the answer. You hit the nail right on the head with your description of their evolving relationship. Ilweran really is the most closed off and hesitant of all three of them. Hiccup is simply holding his line without being aggressively possessive. The idea of a solid being warmed enough to mold its shape to fit the word around it is absolutely perfect, and so beautiful. Makes me think of metalworking. New shapes formed, but nothing is broken, and nothing is damaged. It may take a little push to get it there, but once it cools and hardens, it is as natural and strong as if it was always meant to be that way. Oftentimes, it is even stronger than it was before.
Now Account: I'm glad it made you furious, since it made me furious too. Reminded me too much of when you see abused animals kept in cages at zoos and stuff. I would cut those bastards' hands off too if I could... Hopefully this chapter will answer your questions about the demon essence. It is a bit of a hat tip to Tolkien again in regards to the origin of Balrogs. As for the mission, thank goodness Astrid stayed home indeed. It was intense, it was messy, and it had a hefty amount of Dark Rider dark humour. I think Astrid may have blown a gasket from crazy overload. You need to ease into things like dragon/demon hybrid monsters, your lover shooting lightning out their body as their fangs snap out, and mass dwarficide... I must admit, I laughed my ass off almost as much with the dark humour with the hands, as I did the prank in the bathhouse. Poor Ilweran. Lol
Superlego99: Eww is really the only way you can describe that thing. I'm glad it was at least horrible enough to party with the Balrogs. It really was balrog-ish, and it certainly was exploding with fire for a moment, so you make a valid point there. Lol. I honestly think that I gave myself nightmares when I wrote the part about the mutant spawn erupting from its back. Too much like Surinam Toads, botflies, and mangoworms! Blech! So friggin gross! Thanks for pointing out the typo, by the way. I went back and fixed it right after reading your review :)
DespicableG: You caught me... I really do LOVE writing gore scenes! And not to toot my own horn or anything, but I think I'm just crazy enough to make them good ;P I'm glad I was able to make you see what I envisioned for the cavern and dragon scene. I honestly would have nightmares after seeing that monster in a movie too. It was just way too horrible. Thank goodness for the comic relief that is Hiccup and Ilweran, or else it would have been too much even for me... I know it came from my brain, but still! The two of them are so funny, but also so amazingly epic. I loved writing their battle scenes, since it was the first time we actually got to see them fighting together. Working together like the perfect team of battle brothers that they are, as they each kill the beast once before they finally blow it up, and they both save each other more than once.
Sorry to hear about your hand. That truly is one of the worst things that I can imagine, and it is sadly far too common with farming. As a level 3 first aid attendant on industrial sites, I have seen people lose fingers and suffer other gruesome injuries, but no lost hands yet (thank goodness). Volgar's shell-shocked reaction perfectly portrays exactly how most of them behaved though. As if they truly could not believe that it was real, and at any moment they were going to wake up. I feel a little bad for him too, but not nearly as bad as I feel for someone like you. Volgar tortured and caged living creatures while leaving his people to starve. He earned it. Glad I could make you laugh with the prank in the bathhouse, at least. A short lady Stoick or Gobber really is what I envision Henka as. Lol. Never mind that adorable snuggle session. Astrid has those boys caught. Hook, line, and sinker :P
Guest 1: Aww, thanks :) It melted my heart too. They are seriously so adorable together. I think we are all starting to dream about it, at least a little ;)
Guest 2: Thank you! I'm glad you like it :) The smutty moments will come soon, as will the tell-all reveal about Hiccup's less-than-ideal past. Just one part of the butterfly inducing ride that is the next 4 chapters (including this one)...
Angryhenry: Isn't it just! :P I wish I could do that to a friend...lol
Agentwalkoff: Astrid really is lucky. I know that I would be just fine snuggled up between those two :P
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Astrid had woken up the following morning snuggled between her two beautiful boys. Her hands still holding theirs tightly. She had been almost certain that they wouldn't stay past the time it took her to fall asleep, but they had. Both of them smiled warmly at her as she gazed at them, and her heart nearly exploded. Even she had to admit, it really was a view that a girl could get used to. Not that she ever even let herself really consider it, but this was still a perfect moment that she would cherish forever. After hearing Amenmeit talk about women having a tendency of falling for both of them, Astrid couldn't help wondering how many of said women would honestly kill to be right where she was.
That thought made her feel incredibly smug as Hiccup kissed her on the lips and Ilweran pressed a kiss to her cheek before both of them left the room to let her get dressed. After gathering her stuff back into her bag, she returned Ilweran's dagger to the weapons chest. Then she headed downstairs to find them. When she got to the Queen's sitting room, it was to find Lerina, Golwen, and Noldo all teasing the boys relentlessly already as Hiccup and Ilweran adamantly insisted that they had all been fully clothed. Apparently the other three were already aware that they had both spent the night in Ilweran's room with Astrid. Likely thanks to the gossip-loving dragons.
With a chuckle, Astrid made her way over to them and plopped herself down on Hiccup's lap. Rasping a laugh, he wrapped his arms around her and pressed a kiss to her neck as Golwen grinned at her. Shivering slightly at the touch of Hiccup's lips, she listened raptly as they began to relay the raid of the previous day to the others instead. When they were describing the caged dragons and the hybrid monster, Astrid felt bile rise in her throat. Suddenly very glad that she hadn't been there. She wouldn't have stood a chance against that thing. "If it wasn't all dragon, then what else was it," she asked interestedly.
To her surprise, it was Noldo that answered her. "There are dark spirits within all of the worlds, Astrid. Life demands balance after all, and these beings were created at the same time as the lighter spirits that became the elves. Most of these dark spirits simply chose not to take a fully corporeal form, although there are those such as Nidhogg that did. Choosing instead to hide within the darkest depths as they shied away from the light. It is said that they will rise from the shadows at the end of days, but I really hope not."
"Usually, they prefer to be left alone, and they do not mingle well with each other. Rather, they exist in a sort of hibernation state, but the dwarves encroached on their domain in Nidavellir and awoke them." Then he rubbed at his chin thoughtfully. "Though I have no idea how anyone would even begin to convince one of these spirits to give part of their essence to another being, it is clear enough from what you describe that Volgar Bluntaxe found a demon that was willing. At least it seems that he only created one..." They all met eyes and shuddered at the thought of more of those horrible things wreaking havoc on unsuspecting victims.
After that, Hiccup and Ilweran had hung out at the palace all day during her lessons. Even eating dinner with the others instead before flying back to the treehouse to spar afterwards. Hiccup showing her his strange new abilities of generating lightning and extending and retracting his fangs. Both of which raised the hairs on her neck with instinctual unease before she was able to settle her nerves again. Honestly, it seemed a bit excessive. Wasn't he terrifying enough already?! Ilweran giving her a knowing look and an eye roll, as if he sensed her thoughts and agreed whole-heartedly.
The days started slipping seamlessly back into their usual routine after that. The next couple weeks flying by in a blur, as Astrid spared barely a thought for Amenmeit. There were just too many other things to worry about. She didn't really want to dwell on the priestess until she absolutely needed to anyways. Besides, it was now nearly time for Samhain. That was a much more pressing issue.
They were travelling through the Void, so they would be leaving early to get there in time for the festival. Some of the elves had already left. Some would be accompanying the Royal family. Yet others with large bonded dragons would be filtering their way to Svartalfheim over the next few days. The bonded dragons being able to travel much faster through the Void, of course.
Astrid was both excited and anxious. She hadn't handled the last meeting with Cuithanna exceptionally well. She seriously doubted that this time was going to be much better. She also hadn't done very well resisting the wild allure of Ilweran once Cuithanna's power was thrown into the mix. Thank goodness he apparently had will of iron. Admittedly, rather than trying to sort out any of her feelings, she had simply pushed them aside. Constantly telling herself that she would deal with them later. She just wasn't good with emotional crap! Obviously...
Later had arrived and her shit was still not even close to sorted. She hadn't talked to Ilweran about their dilemma since apologizing to him, as she didn't want to make it awkward between them. She hadn't talked to Hiccup about any of it, because she didn't really know how to start. Dreading that she would see pain or disappointment in his eyes. Astrid knew that he loved her and had claimed that he understood, but his calm acceptance somehow just made her feel even worse.
So here she was a month later. Wiser at magic and still just as much of a fool with life. Figures. Still, she would finally get to visit Svartalfheim. Golwen's home realm. That was something to look forward to, at least. The enchantress had described it as a lush land of eternal night. Filled with exotic plants and species of animals that were not found anywhere else. Hot, humid, and hauntingly beautiful.
"Just like me," Golwen had teased. Making Astrid laugh as she was strongly reminded of Minden. Although she had only known Minden for a short time, Astrid still missed her. It was nice to have a friend here that was just as easy to get along with. It was also nice to have a girlfriend to talk to. The guys were awesome, but Astrid was sure that only hanging out with men was probably not great for her mental state. Although, she hadn't mustered the courage to talk to Golwen about her problems yet either.
She was sure that the wise woman could give her a different perspective on things. Maybe even help her figure out a way to deal with it. Unfortunately, admitting her problems felt like a weakness. Elves didn't feel shame, guilt, and remorse after all. What could Golwen possibly say that would help Astrid through problems that she, herself, had no experience in?
Oh well. Golwen had her own house on Svartalfheim. Maybe after a few goblets of wine, she could curl up at Golwen's place and finally talk to her about all of it. Ilweran, and Cuithanna, and Hiccup. Then she would deal with it, and move on. All of them laughing about it years down the road. Marvelling at how stupid they had all been. They were set to leave tomorrow, so it was too late to start that conversation now anyways. She just had to get through Samhain. Sighing to herself in frustration, Astrid continued on with packing a saddlebag of clothes.
Astrid curled up in Hiccup's arms that night with a belly full of butterflies. Sleeping in spurts and waking up with the sun. Which seemed to have risen earlier than usual today. Feeling as if she hadn't even slept at all, she struggled her way into her clothes. Idly chewing on a wintergreen stick as she re-checked her supplies. Hiccup shot her a few worried looks as she got ready, but she just offered him a grin in return. He didn't look convinced, but he didn't push her to talk either, of which she was grateful.
Mounting their dragons, they took off to the palace to meet up with Golwen and the royal family. When they arrived, they found a group of other light elves there as well. A colourful assortment of wild dragons spread throughout the courtyard. The elves milling around and tying off bundles of supplies to the beasts. Clearly Stormfly would not be the only smaller dragon holding the bonded ones back. Although Astrid could see that the nadder was starting to grow bigger, it was certainly not an overnight process.
Eventually, everyone was ready to go. Queen Lerina and Princess Ilmara sitting primly on the back of a bright red wild timberjack as they led the group towards the gate. Toothless, Tintallë, Thornshade, and Stormfly following close behind. Astrid felt that same strange pull of the magic in the Void, but she was ready for it this time. Her shields were already up and she simply took a moment to appreciate the beauty of the open forest with its vernal pools of clearest blue. Then she spurred Stormfly forward with the others.
Wiser this time, Astrid made sure to take as many naps as she could during the flight. She didn't really want to spend all of Samhain unconscious. Although, now that she thought about it, that didn't actually seem like such a bad idea. At least she wouldn't have to watch Hiccup and Cuithanna together again if she was sleeping. Wouldn't be forced to acknowledge how absolutely perfect they looked. The Goddess' marvellous rainbow eyes dancing in time with Hiccup's shining mark as her pregnant belly constantly reminded Astrid of the fact that the two of them had fucked at Beltane.
Shaking these thoughts from her head, Astrid let the days pass over and around her instead. She honestly couldn't remember which way they even went to reach the next gate. Not that she had any sense of direction within the Void, really. All she knew was that she was suddenly waking up to Stormfly's gentle voice calling her name. Rubbing her eyes and stretching as she sat up in the saddle, she saw that they were approaching a large archway. Very similar to the one guarding Alfheim.
This one, though, was made out of strange trees with a dark brown and oddly liquid looking bark unlike anything that she had ever seen before. Their slender limbs twining together like strange, many-legged creatures. A coating of squishy moss blanketed much of their trunks as brightly coloured toadstools poked out here and there through the lush green. A curtain of softly swaying vines hanging over the centre. Large and shiny looking leaves protruding into the space from either side.
The opening in the gate was an almost inky black colour, so different from the dappled green light of the Void. Against this curious darkness, the leaves and toadstools seemed to be giving off a faint glow. Although Astrid suspected that it was probably just because of the contrast between their joyful colours and the black background. Plants simply did not glow.
Queen Lerina and Golwen both waved their delicate hands at the gate. The lovely silver and purple magic twisting together and flowing towards the twined trees. Parting the vines for the rest of the group. The Queen and Ilmara went through first, followed by Ilweran and Golwen. Hiccup turned to Astrid with a wide smile and gestured towards the gate.
"After you, mi'lady." His grin was infectious, and she couldn't help smiling too. With an exaggerated salute, her and Stormfly glided through the gate. There was that same curious press of magic as she passed under the twisted branches, and then she was out the other side. Blinking around in stunned wonder with her mouth actually hanging open. Honestly tempted to pinch herself, just to make sure that she wasn't still asleep and dreaming.
Hiccup had explained to her that Svartalfheim was not like any other realm. Apparently, it was 'tidally locked' around its blue dwarf of a parent star, meaning that one side was trapped in eternal daylight. The other side was a fantastic world of night. The winds of the world carrying heat from the scorched daylight side around to the back. Dispersing them more gently over the dark side of the world and creating what he called 'a veritable paradise'.
Astrid had assumed that this world would be dark and drab. Sure, the elves had decent night vision, but she would need to carry a torch around just to get anywhere. She was able to cast a decent enough sight spell on herself now, but that was much too disorienting for long term use. Leaving her resigned to the fact that she would be stuck inside the palace most of the time. Turns out, just like nearly everything else about the lands beyond Midgard, she had been terribly mistaken.
Although it may be night, it was not dark. Not by any means. Sure, the sky was dotted with stars, but there was also an enormous moon reflecting the sun's strange blue light back down onto the world. A world that was honestly glowing. More of the twisting trees filled the area on the other side of the gate. Among them were huge ferns that were taller than a man and strange shiny-leafed plants with enormous flowers on them. The ground littered with what appeared to be positively massive crystals. Clusters of them growing right up out of the earth and shining with their own bright inner light.
Toadstools and exotic flowers in every colour imaginable were growing in mass along the trees and ground. A stream on her left had layers of glowing moss lining the rocks on either side of it as hairlike trails of algae within danced in the current. Reflecting their surreal light into the clear water with an array of beautiful blues and greens. Even the animals and curiously large dragonfly-like insects that she could see flitting through the trees seemed to have some of the same curious glow decorating their bodies. Lighting up the whole world in such a way that even her weak human eyes had no difficulty seeing.
It was also hot! The air humid and heavy. Making her clothes stick to her skin as it felt like she was trying to breath underwater. The moist air filled with the heady scent of the large night blooms, mixed with the underlying hint of natural decay. There was a steady breeze blowing around her though. Cooling the beads of sweat forming on her arms and neck enough to make it bearable. She was still trying to take it all in when the huge night fury suddenly came soaring through the gate behind her. Hiccup and Toothless looping around to hover just out of the way of the rest of the elves now entering the realm.
When Astrid caught sight of Toothless, she almost squealed in delight. He was glowing too! Patterns and speckles all over his night black hide and wings shimmered with blue and purple light. Closely resembling the sky during the dark moon, when it was filled with millions upon millions of stars. It was one of the most beautiful things she had ever seen. She put her hands over her mouth in awe as she met Hiccup's gaze. Finding him grinning widely at the look of wonder on her face.
"Have you taken a look at your dragon yet, mi'lady" he asked with a laugh. Confused, Astrid tore her eyes from the incredible sight that was Toothless to look down at Stormfly. Letting out an audible squeal when she realized that the nadder was also glowing with that same strange light. Patterns that had not been visible before were now shining with a soft glow. Shades of blues and yellows decorating her wings and crest. Bright reds wringing her whiplike tail.
"Stormfly! You can glow," Astrid exclaimed excitedly. "Did you know that you could do that?"
"No, I didn't little one, but I like it," came the chuckled reply. Stormfly shaking her regal head and making the colours dance through the night. Astrid laughed at her dragon as they followed Hiccup and Toothless though the trees. Astrid too busy looking at her surroundings to bother trying to figure out which direction they were flying in.
Eventually they reached a palace that looked like the night version of Turion Telepta. The wide courtyard scattered with more crystals, glowing plants, and a gently splashing fountain. Casting a soft and magical light over everything. The dark trees that made up the body of the palace covered in more of the glowing moss and ferns as well. Giving the whole structure the appearance that it was wearing a blanket of Aurvandil's Fire.
Astrid couldn't wait to explore this world! Meeting up with Ilweran and his family in the courtyard, they all grabbed their bags and headed up the steps. As far as she could tell, this palace was a perfect copy of the one on Alfheim, so at least she would know her way around. She had gotten pretty familiar with the palace, thanks to her lessons and those days she had spent sleeping in Ilweran's room a few weeks ago.
Her and Hiccup walked up with Ilweran to drop their bags and weapons in their rooms on the third floor. Hers and Hiccup's being the farthest one down the hallway from Ilweran's. This 'mistress' suite converted to guest room may not be quite as impressive as the royal bedchamber, but it was still fancy. The opulent space had lamps on the bedside tables, but they were mostly unnecessary as the room was gently illuminated by the glow from outside. Hiccup gave her a moment to look around. Then he took her hand and led her back down the staircase nearest them. Ilweran loping down to join them as they were making their way through the library. Both boys laughing the whole time at how excited Astrid was.
They strolled casually through the alien forest around the palace. Apparently heading towards the large glade where much of the festivities would take place. Astrid stopping at almost every new plant and crystal along the way. "It is called bioluminescence," Hiccup said with a chuckle. Watching her inspect a wide fern leaf to see if she could find where the glow was coming from. "There are creatures in Midgard that glow too, just not quite this many."
She looked at him in surprise, and he just shrugged. Draping his arm around her shoulders as they moved on. Astrid wrapped her arm around his waist in return. Leaning into his side as she began to look around at the signs of the festival instead. Decorations of painted gourds and wreaths of fall fruits and branches were spread out everywhere along the way.
Carved pedestals depicting scenes of ghouls, Niflheim, and Helheim lined the path. Some of them carrying platters of fresh fruits and breads. Others held illuminated gourds and cuttings of strange flowers or sprigs of heather. Scattered amongst these were displays of tall black candles. The two boys pointing out and explaining each different thing to Astrid as they came across them.
Apparently, the illuminated gourds lit the way for passing spirits. The platters of food were offerings for those visiting spirits, since the veil between life and death was now at its thinnest. When she asked about the black candles, Hiccup stopped by one of the pedestals. Showing her the small basket of parchment strips and charcoal pencils that was lying beside the candles. "What are those for," she asked interestedly.
"They are banishing flames," Ilweran answered before Hiccup could. Astrid shot him a confused look, and he clarified. "You write down a bad habit or memory on a strip of parchment. Then you burn it in the candle flame. This will banish it from your life."
"Oh," she exclaimed in surprise. Thinking how convenient that would be for her current situation. Could she really just wish away her inappropriate desire for Ilweran? Was it really that easy? "That sounds handy. Have you ever done it?"
"No," Ilweran answered simply. When she glanced up at Hiccup with the same question, she saw him looking at the candles with a far-away expression. "Life is rarely so simple as that, and I have never been one to cast off my problems," Ilweran said quietly. Pulling her attention back to him. His golden eyes, usually so open, were almost impossible to read as they gazed back at her now.
"I would rather face them, do what I must to deal with them, and then move on. Learning from them along the way, so that I do not make the same mistakes twice. It is easy to repeatedly fall off the same cliff if you keep making yourself forget where the edge is." It felt as if he was speaking directly to her own conflicting worries, and she stared back into his eyes for another long moment. Wondering if perhaps he was. Then she let her eyes wander to Hiccup again, only to find him smiling gently at her now.
"No, mi'lady. I do not cast off my problems either," he stated softly. "Certainly there have been times that I would have liked to. Images and regrets that I would rather not carry, but my scars are what give me strength. My burdens remind me of who I am, how I got here, and what I am capable of. I would not willingly choose to forget the beautiful moments, or the bad decisions, that have shaped me into the man that I am now."
"Why? Is there something in particular that you would like to banish from your mind beautiful lady," Ilweran asked her. The slightest lilt of a laugh lifting his musical voice as well as the mood. "Would you like to tell us about it instead? Sometimes that works just as well, you know." Looking back into his eyes, she saw that they were shining with a devious humour now. Turns out, he did know exactly what she was thinking about.
"Oh shut up," she grumbled at him. Why did her boys have to be able to read her like a book? It just wasn't fair. Both of them now laughing out loud at her grumpy expression as Hiccup pulled her close again. Placing a kiss against her hair as they meandered on down the path. Coming across many more dark elves during their wanderings. Astrid was surprised to see that their exotic hair and skin carried hints of the same ethereal glow as their world. It was absolutely stunning.
When they arrived at the clearing, they found Golwen there with Saelind. Both of the striking elven women turning to greet them with warm smiles. Golwen's violet hair shimmering with streaks of brightest purple as small starbursts dotted her cheeks, as well as the bared skin of her chest, shoulders, and arms. "Oh my gods, Golwen! You're so beautiful," Astrid gushed before she could stop herself. Then she quickly tried to recover from her outburst.
"I mean, you're always beautiful of course, but you're actually glowing, and it's lovely, and..." she babbled. Feeling her face grow redder by the moment. "You know what, I'm just going to shut up now. Forget I said anything." With a laugh, Golwen pulled her into a tight hug.
"Thank you, my dear," she said with a tinkling laugh. "I am just vain enough that you have successfully made my day. Now, I think I will take her from here boys." She grinned at the look of confusion on Astrid's face. "Did they not tell you that you are getting ready with me, and then arriving to the festival with me?" At Astrid's head shake, Golwen scowled at Hiccup and Ilweran.
"Shame on you two! Well, anyways, she is mine now," she said airily. Shooing them away with her hands. "It is almost time for the festival to start! You boys need to go and meet Cuithanna, and then you still need to get ready for the opening ceremony." Both Hiccup and Ilweran grinned at her. Hiccup giving Astrid a greedy kiss, and Ilweran placing a feather kiss on her cheek. Then they saluted Golwen before heading back towards the palace.
Astrid followed them with her eyes until the darkness swallowed them up. "Both of them meet Cuithanna when she arrives here," she asked Golwen in confusion. "I thought it was usually only her consort."
"Her chosen consort escorts her from Yule to Mabon. Then at Samhain, a member of the royal family welcomes her at the sacred ash instead, as she used to select the new years consort at this time. Not that she has selected one other than Hiccup in five years, and before him it was usually Ilweran. Still, traditions are hard to break," Golwen supplied with a shrug.
"Now that we have two delicious princes instead of just one, they both go to the sacred ash together. Those two might as well be brothers, honestly. Lucky Cuithanna. If I was her, I would mark both of them. A Beltane threesome with the god-princes sounds simply marvellous," she added with a wicked grin. Astrid couldn't help laughing in agreement to that statement. Even if it did make her feel a little guilty at the same time. Cuithanna and Golwen weren't the only ones that wanted both...
"Besides, the boys put on a splendid show to open the festival now-a-days. The Duel of the Gods," Golwen sighed with a soft smile. Pulling Astrid out of her somewhat depressing thoughts. "You do NOT want to miss it, so we should get going my dear." With that she gave Astrid a cheeky wink before grabbing her by the hand. Pulling her through the forest in a different direction towards her tree house as they waved goodbye to Saelind.
Astrid was only slightly surprised to find that is was just like Hiccup's home. Minus the huge workshop and library of course. It was also decorated in much the same fashion as Golwen's rooms at Turion Telepta. The rich silver and purple making it look incredibly warm and inviting. Golwen immediately went up the stairs to a large bedroom. Astrid following behind and gazing around in wonder.
The bed was covered in lovely lilac sheets of the same soft material as Hiccup's. A large table with a bench and mirror similar to the queen's resting along one wall. On the opposite side was a large closet filled with more silky fabrics that Golwen had disappeared into. Clearly, Golwen's status within the Order permitted her a measure of luxury similar to Elder Noldo and the royal family. Before Astrid could wonder too much about what she was doing, Golwen emerged carrying two dresses.
One was a deep burgundy colour with strips of fabric over the back. The other was black, with a curious pattern of what looked like stars on it. The bright specs shimmering and moving intriguingly with the fabric. Reminding Astrid strongly of Toothless' hide in this realm. This black dress had a draping design with an open back. Much like the one that Golwen had worn at Mabon.
"This one is yours," Golwen stated. Handing the black one to Astrid along with a set of the elven style of tight fitting undergarments. Holding up the dress, Astrid felt her heart stutter with nerves. She could NOT wear something like this! Maybe once she was an elf, but certainly not now. She'd look ridiculous! She had just opened her mouth to protest, when Golwen cut across her.
"I do not want any attitude out of you, young lady. You are damn near elven royalty, you are a beautiful woman, and that dress is going to look absolutely stunning on you. Now, you will go put it on, or I will be forced to resort to drastic measures. If you push me, you will be going to the festival in something much more uncomfortable than a dress that shows a little skin!" She crossed her arms and raised her eyebrows at Astrid. Finally wringing a laugh out of the blonde woman.
"Yes ma'am," Astrid saluted with a giggle. "I shudder to think what drastic measures means. You wouldn't happen to be the one that gave Thor his splendid antlers, would you?"
"As a matter of fact, I would," Golwen replied with a laugh. "They were marvellous, and they suited him beautifully. He was like a majestic stag prancing through the forest. Without the majestic part, that is. Now stop stalling." She pointed towards the bathing room before shooing her hands at Astrid. Still giggling at the mental image of Thor, Astrid went to slip into the dress.
She felt nearly naked in it, but it did fit her well. The unfamiliar undergarments making her feel slightly less exposed. As least she wouldn't accidentally flash her womanhood at someone. Astrid cringed at the mortifying thought. Making her way back out into the main room, she found Golwen already sporting the burgundy dress. The colour looking absolutely lovely with her glowing hair and pale skin.
At the sight of Astrid, Golwen grinned and tugged her in front of a large piece of reflective glass. Giving her a pair of shining sandals with heels to slip on her feet as Golwen made quick work of braiding Astrid's hair up off of her sweaty neck. With her cheeks slightly flushed in embarrassment, Astrid looked herself over in the mirror. The heels on the sandals forcing her to stand straighter. Making her rear end and chest stick out as they increased her height to closer to six feet. It made her look much more curvy and alluring too. Golwen was watching her closely as she twisted her own hair up into an elaborate knot. Carefully evaluating Astrid's reaction.
Then Golwen's perfect lips twisted into a slight frown. "I almost forgot the most important part," she exclaimed, before waving a softly glowing hand. Suddenly, a beautiful black design began to spread across Astrid's face. Starting at her nose and growing outwards. Twisting into a delicate half mask of midnight black that covered her eyes and the bridge of her nose, but left the rest of her face exposed. Providing a false sense of anonymity. It was in the shape of an elaborate butterfly, and was covered in softly glowing stars to match the dress.
Matching glimmering lights were also now shining in Astrid's hair. The black mask around her eyes causing the blue of them to seem much brighter. All of it together made her look more like one of the dark elves, rather than just a simple human. Especially thanks to her naturally pale skin. Astrid almost couldn't believe that it was really her and not just an illusion. That, along with the mask, giving her enough of a confidence boost that she was no longer worried about going outside in this dress. She turned to see Golwen wearing a similar mask in a deep burgundy to match her own dress.
Giving Golwen a tight hug as she tried to blink the tears out of her eyes, Astrid found herself choking out a sincere thank you to the enchantress. Golwen hugged her back with a chuckle before slipping on her own sandals. Heading back down the stairs to the main room, Astrid was startled to find a large black cat waiting for them at the bottom. She shot a nervous glance at Golwen, who seemed completely unconcerned, before looking back at the sleek cat.
That was when she really looked at the animal. There were starburst shimmers shining through the cat's impossibly marvellous coat, but that was not what surprised Astrid the most. The wise green orbs that the beast turned on her were so shockingly familiar, that it halted Astrid in her tracks. "Kaitlyn," she stammered. Disbelief evident in each syllable.
"Obviously," came the regal voice in her mind. With a sigh of relief, Astrid trotted the rest of the way down the stairs. Reaching out to scratch behind the panther's ears in the same place she knew the little cat had enjoyed. Hearing a rumbling purr of pleasure in response, Astrid looked up at Golwen with a smile. She had only ever seen drawings, or heard fanciful tales of panthers back in Midgard. They had sounded beautiful to her, but she had never imagined how much so they would truly be.
"I did tell you that she has powerful magic of her own," Golwen said with a shrug. "Much like myself, she is a shapeshifter. Sometimes she is a small wild cat. More often for ease than anything else, I assume. When we are here however, she usually prefers to take on the form of a jaguar. They are more native to this realm than the smaller cats are. Being incredibly sassy and demanding are only small snippets of her vast array of gifts."
Kaitlyn huffed and turned her tail to them at those words. Both women starting to laugh then. Linking their arms through each other's, they followed the large black cat back out the door. Making their way back to the clearing. Astrid's mood feeling substantially lighter now after spending time alongside Golwen's comforting presence and easy humour.
Arriving back at the clearing, they found a good portion of the elves already there. All wearing similar masks as her and Golwen. Many of the bonded dragons were also scattered throughout the surrounding forest. Kaitlyn going right up to Thornshade and rubbing against her. Stormfly was beside herself with glee when she saw Astrid all dressed up again, and Toothless warbled happily at her. Flashing his gummy smile as Tintallë blew a heart shaped ring of smoke at the two women.
Chuckling at the dragons, Astrid and Golwen grabbed goblets of cider before winding their way through the throng. Queen Lerina and Elder Noldo spotting them and waving them over. As they drew nearer, Elder Noldo's eyes got slightly wider. "My goodness, Miss Hofferson. You look just like an elf. A very lovely elf indeed," he started in a tone of surprise. "No wonder Aldanil has finally decided to act like a human and settle down." His warm brown eyes gave her a once over that made her blush, before he winked cheekily at her from behind his own silver mask.
He and the queen were dressed in matching silver and black. The queen's silver dress flowing down her lithe frame like a sparkling waterfall and her black mask making a startling contrast with her silver eyes. Noldo's tight silver tunic and black trousers making it very obvious that he was just as fit and gloriously perfect as the younger elves. It was the first time that Astrid had seen the two of them look like a couple, even though she knew that they really weren't. Noldo may be Ilmara's father, but elves did not tie themselves into romantic relationships.
"You do look absolutely stunning, my dear," Queen Lerina added kindly, as Astrid and Golwen both bowed to her. "Well done, Golwen. I cannot wait until the boys see her now." The two women shared a smile and a laugh as Astrid's cheeks grew even redder. That comment bringing all of her nervousness back to the front of her mind. She downed her goblet of cider and went to grab another one. Firmly ignoring the little voice in her head telling her that it was a bad idea.
After milling around for a while, and downing two more goblets of cider in quick succession, Astrid was feeling a pretty good buzz. Her nerves slowly being washed away by the potent elven liquor. She knew it probably wasn't wise, but she wasn't really in the mood to be wise right now anyways. A group of elves turned up then and began to tune their instruments off to one side of the clearing. At the sight of them, Lerina announced that they should take their places for the show.
Confused, Astrid went to sit on the grass with the other elves. Before she could make it more than a few steps, Golwen had grabbed her by the arm. "No way, my dear. You and I are sitting with Queen Lerina, Princess Ilmara, and Noldo. All of the Council members are as well. Queen's orders." Golwen started laughing at Astrid's shocked expression, as she pulled her towards a slightly raised dais with two thrones and a whole host of other seats set on it.
Climbing up the dais and taking one of the chairs to the side of the thrones, she looked down at where the other elves were assembling. Laughing with each other as they found good spots on the grass. It made Astrid feel like a real princess again for a moment, and she couldn't help feeling a little uncomfortable at the same time. She should be on the grass too. She was nobody special. As they waited, some other members of the Council made their way up to take seats behind the Queen and her chosen few.
Just then, Ilmara came running up the steps. She quickly hugged Noldo and her mother, before running over to climb into Astrid's lap. The little munchkin was dressed in a fluttering gown of silver and black to match her parents, and it looked exactly like a night lily. The mask on her tiny face resembling a bird with its wings spread wide. She looked absolutely adorable, and Astrid laughed as she wrapped her arms around the little girl. Ilmara grinning up at her and Golwen with bright silver eyes, so like her mother's.
"You are going to love this, Rider Astrid," she tinkled in her little bell voice. Clapping her hands together in excited emphasis. Both of the women laughed again as a few haunting notes wavered through the air. A hush suddenly settling over the clearing. The band then started playing a beautiful and slow song as orbs of light sprang to life in a previously pitch black section of the clearing. Astrid gasping in surprise as the soft golden glow revealed what had been hiding in the darkness.
It was Ilweran and Cuithanna. They were holding each other in a tender embrace as they gazed into each other's eyes. Clearly poised for something. Cuithanna looking just as lovely as last time. Resplendent in a beautiful dress of gold and red fall leaves with a half mask to match. Obviously more pregnant, but no less gorgeous because of it.
Ilweran was dressed in a tight gold tunic tucked into white trousers. A wide gold belt synching them low around his hips. A white mask in the shape of what looked like dragon wings covering his eyes. They looked just like a god and goddess of light. Beautiful and elegant, even in stillness.
Then they began to dance. Their movements so graceful and comfortable. So perfectly in tune, that they honestly felt like lovers. Although that didn't seem as surprising to Astrid when she remembered that Ilweran used to be Cuithanna's consort. As they danced, a choir of elves began to sing along with the melody.
It was a beautiful song that spoke of the goddess and the god. Bringers of light and love. Suppliers of the harvest. Two perfect beings that were made for each other. Astrid kept picking out parts of it that clearly described Cuithanna. Lines such as, "I wear the moon upon my brow," and "The Lady of light magic." Also speaking of the 'Mother of All Life. From her womb the year is born anew."
Along with these were lines meant for the male god. Describing the way that his golden glow brought light to the children of the realms. His eyes, the colour of harvest grain, signifying bounty. Born with the first golden rays of the solstice, he brought love and peace to the worlds through his gentle sacrifice. Giving of himself so that the goddess' children may thrive. Astrid couldn't help thinking that sounded an awful lot like Ilweran.
The two were twirling around together like leaves drifting down in the fall. Calm and close as he lifted her easily in his arms. The dance speaking of gentle love, trust, and quietly intimate moments. Telling the story with their bodies as the singers wove it with their voices. It was hard not to believe that they truly were deeply in love with each other. The two ending this incredible and emotional journey in a lovely pose of the god kneeling reverently before the goddess. Her hand pressed to his lips as he offered her his gentle affection and worship.
Then a dark figure strolled out of the shadows. Astrid would recognize that tousled mop of auburn anywhere. Hiccup was wearing a tight blood red tunic and belt paired with black trousers. A half mask of stylized dragon wings covering his eyes as well. The deep black of it making the already bright green orbs seem even brighter. There was an aura of sultry menace about him; like a delicious god of war. Just like that, the song began to change.
The painfully sweet sound of reed flutes became swallowed up by heavy drum beats that thudded through Astrid's chest. Instantly calling up feelings of power and aggression as half the orbs suddenly changed to a deep red colour. Casting an eerie light over the trio. Hiccup made straight for the couple and wrapped one arm around Cuithanna. Pulling her hair aside with his other hand, he ran his nose up the side of her neck in such a blatantly sexual manner that it made Astrid shiver, despite herself.
Cuithanna pulled her hand from Ilweran's then. Raising it to Hiccup's neck instead as she turned to look up into his face. Astrid couldn't help feeling like she was watching herself falling for Hiccup again, only played out in dance form. Hiccup and Cuithanna were positioned with her back to his front. He was running one hand down her arm and side as they swayed to the music. This dance clearly speaking of raw, hungry passion as Hiccup began to hunt this woman. Cuithanna still staring up into his blazing eyes even as she stepped away. Seeming to lose herself to them.
Ilweran backed away slightly to give them room to perform now. As he did, the elves began to sing again. A much darker edge concealed within this song. The words now speaking of the Dark God. With lines such as, "I am the reminder of mortality in the midst of joyous life," and "I am the shadow cast by the sun on the brightest of days. The knowledge that all life feeds on life. Both pleasure and pain are my domain. Watch for my raid when the storms are roiling and the lightening crashes."
Every time Cuithanna started to move away, Hiccup would pull her closer. It didn't feel like he was forcing her though. More like she was playing hard to get. Just to see if he wanted her badly enough to chase her. All too soon though, she was no longer moving away anymore. Clearly ready to give in as she pressed her body tight against him. In answer, he slid his hand down her side as her leg seemed to instinctually lift at his touch. Grasping it, he raised her leg until her ankle was resting against his shoulder as she leaned herself back over his other arm.
Her limp form being carried across the grass felt like the ultimate surrender to desire. Then he dropped her leg before spinning her away from him. Only to drag her back a moment later. Holding her close as he lifted her. Their lips almost appearing to join as he set her back down. Then he spun her away from himself again. It was as if he was teasing her now to make her want it more. Holding her in ways that were distinctly, albeit discreetly, sexual and Astrid actually felt goosebumps rising on her skin.
The song was incredibly sinister. The dancing dark and lustful. Still, it somehow carried strangely bright tones of comfort woven into the complex tapestry. The lyrics referring to the Dark God as the strength that protects. The source of solace and release. The final embrace as you enter the tomb, only to be reborn from the womb.
"Follow my lead and find thy immortality through ecstasy. Together we shall laugh at the threshold of death," the elves sang of the Dark God. "For only through death is life found anew." Cuithanna had begun to pursue him now. Tracing her hands sensually over his back and chest as she paced around him. Returning the passion instead of shying away from it, although it was much less obvious than with his movements. A strong sense of innocent wonder still buried within the primal nature of the choreography.
Obviously, the goddess was not restricted to merely light or dark. She was free to choose whichever God she desired. Hiccup was watching her with a familiar predatory gleam in his emerald eyes. A look that Astrid knew all too well. Ilweran, as the Light God, standing off to the side as his hands slowly balled into fists of anger. He could see that he was losing his lady to the wicked call of carnal pleasure just as easily as the audience could.
Then Ilweran was grasping Cuithanna and spinning her back into his embrace. The music adjusting slightly as they repeated parts of their dance of peaceful love. Cuithanna gazing into his golden eyes as if she was being swayed back by his tender embrace. Only for Hiccup to steal her away again. The boys even pacing aggressively around each other at some moments. As if they were about to start fighting for real. A look of fierce fire in both of their unique eyes as the music wavered sporadically between the two melodies. Building the tension.
It was Dark God versus Light God for the goddess' favour. Lust versus love. The powerful mixture of dance, music, and wild magic causing Astrid to feel like she was trying to ride an untrained dragon through a hurricane. A feeling of unchained masculinity radiating from the two men that sang to her blood. Her emotions were twisting and turning in time with the story as the haunting voices of the singing elves told it. Making her stomach churn and her heart beat painfully fast.
It was too exciting, too intense, and too closely resembled her own inner turmoil. She couldn't even say which god represented love and which was lust now. They seemed to be melding together. Astrid knew how the goddess in the dance felt. For a moment, she honestly wasn't even sure which god she wanted to win anymore either. They were each so perfect in their own way. Was it so inexcusable for the goddess to be swayed by both...
Everything finally culminated into Hiccup and Ilweran facing off with each other as the goddess looked on distraughtly. The men's legs spaced wide, bodies turned aggressively, and their hands in tight fists. Their right forearms held against each other's as if fending off a blow. The sound of thunder crashed over the glade then, making Astrid jump. The glowing orbs flashing just like colourful lightning.
Their faces were close together as they scowled into each other's masked eyes. The goddess moved to place a hand on each of their chests then. As if trying to break them apart. Then the orbs of light went out at the exact moment the last beat of music struck. Throwing the dancers into complete darkness and leaving Astrid on the actual edge of her seat. Emotionally and physically. Who won, her head was screaming. Who did the Goddess choose?! Was the dance really supposed to just end without a decision being made?
Clutching Ilmara tightly to her chest, Astrid gasped for breath. Her mind lost in memories of the dreams that still sometimes haunted her. Dreams of Hiccup and Ilweran fighting over her. Those had never had a clear winner either. As far as she had seen, everyone had lost... There was a moment of pause, and then the clearing erupted in cheers. Shaking Astrid roughly out of her thoughts.
Ilmara jumped off her lap as she squealed happily in her tinkling soprano. All of the elves, including those on the platform, rising to their feet as they screamed and applauded. Astrid somehow convincing her legs to rise with them. The orbs of light came back on. Ilweran, Cuithanna, and Hiccup were all standing in a line now and holding hands. Cuithanna in the middle. Wide grins on all three of their faces.
They took a deep bow together as the elves kept cheering. Then both Hiccup and Ilweran moved to take a knee before Cuithanna. Still holding her hands in theirs. Both of them placed a kiss to the hand they held before bowing their heads low in reverence to the goddess. All of the elves in the clearing bowing low to Cuithanna as well, as she smiled around at all of them.
Then the trio began to make their way towards the royal platform as a new group of dancers took to the stage. All of the elves settling themselves back onto the grass. Ilmara turned to look at Astrid then. "I told you that you would like it," she stated smugly. Finally making Astrid chuckle even as her stomach churned uncomfortably. It really had been a very good show, after all.
Everyone embraced Cuithanna as she stepped up onto the platform. Noldo, Lerina, Golwen, and the other council members all complimenting her and the two boys on the dance. Astrid hanging back. Still not overly sure how she felt about this whole thing, and not wanting to make a fool of herself by breaking down again. Golwen must have sensed her unease, for she leaned over and whispered into Astrid's ear. "Would you like to go grab another drink with me? Give yourself a few extra minutes before you have to deal with this?"
Looking at her in surprise, Astrid nodded in agreement. Golwen taking her hand as she muttered a quick, "we will be right back." Then she led Astrid off the dais and over to one of the refreshment tables instead. Astrid downed another goblet of cider right at the table, before filling it again as the two women strolled over to find a place on the grass. Quietly watching as the new group of elves performed a beautiful dance about spirits meeting in the afterlife.
"Thank you," Astrid finally said. Breaking the easy silence that the two women had been sharing, as she applauded the performers with the rest of the elves. Watching as the group moved away from the stage. Those sitting on the ground around them beginning to rise and wander off to get drinks of their own. Golwen looked over at her with a kind smile.
"You are very welcome, my dear. I could feel that you were not ready to face it quite yet, and I figured that some more liquid courage and time may be just the solution." Astrid looked at her in surprise again and Golwen simply offered an easy shrug. "Compared to the rest of my kin, I am what one would call an empath. Thanks in large part to my nymph mother. It means that I can feel the emotions of those around me, to an extent."
At Astrid's sudden alarm, she added, "it is not anything to look so worried about, my dear. I only sense the emotions that someone is feeling at the moment they are feeling them, and only if they are close enough to me. I do not know why they are feeling them. To do that, I would need to break down your mental barriers, just like anyone else. Unfortunately though, unlike your thoughts, it is impossible to shield your emotions from an empath."
"Oh," Astrid exclaimed. Sudden understanding washing over her. "So all those knowing smiles you gave me during meditation practice, and the way you knew that Hiccup and I were together even with the illusion magic," Astrid speculated. "That was because you could actually feel the emotions that we were experiencing at the time?"
"Indeed," Golwen stated with a chuckle. "I despise Asgard because of it, although most do not know why. I like to keep my particular mixed heritage a secret as a strategic advantage, you see. Anyways, there are just too many petty concerns and childish arguments racing through the air there. It gets horribly distracting." Then she settled her lovely violet eyes on Astrid, and there was an unexpected look of sympathy in them. "Anger and jealousy are incredibly common and relatively easy emotions to understand. What is not so simple, are matters of the heart."
"What do you mean," Astrid asked nervously. Her voice wavering slightly.
"Aldanil's complicated relationship with both you and Cuithanna, though extraordinary, is not entirely unique," Golwen said quietly. A soft sigh leaving her perfect lips as she gazed back towards the platform. "Ilweran used to be the goddess' consort without issue for many years. Sharing a bed with her, as well as many, many others. Living the life of a gorgeous and wild elven prince. Using his rugged looks and uniquely human charms to lure in whatever lucky women he desired at the moment. Myself included."
At Astrid's surprised cough, Golwen just smiled at her. "Yes, my dear. I have shared a bed with Ilweran as well, many years ago now. No woman was able to resist his charms when he set his sights on her, and nor did we want to. He was the very epitome of glorious perfection, after all, and as wild and free as a lone wolf hunting for a mate." She gave a small shake of her head at that. "Then one day, everything changed. He suddenly began to resent the role that he had worn like a badge of honour for most of his life. He was still the sunshine prince, but his light had dimmed."
While Golwen told Ilweran's tale from an outside perspective, Astrid found her eyes wandering back to the royals as well. Her gaze seeking out Ilweran and Hiccup where they were sitting in chairs beside Cuithanna on her throne. "He carried on with Cuithanna because he had to," came Golwen's soft voice. "However, he began to seek out fewer and fewer lovers. Refusing to invite women to the palaces anymore, he began to take to the temples of Freyja instead. Only bedding enough priestesses to avert the suspicion of the other ladies, as it is incredibly unlikely that such a lusty playboy would suddenly lose all interest in women."
"He continued to studiously maintain that ruse for years, while inside he bled. The others did not see it, but I did. Though they do all notice that he is not as happy and carefree as he once was, they do not suspect why. I, on the other hand, happen to be one of the very few that know about Minden. And about her mother," Golwen added quietly. "Did you know that Princess Ilmara is named for her?" Astrid's eyes flew back to her in shock. She didn't know that... Golwen just shrugged again.
"Ilweran used to refer to Celeste as his Flower. After Lerina learned of Celeste's death, she decided to name her second child in honour of her. That way the memory of Celeste would be able to live on for eternity, although the woman herself could not. Ilmara is actually ancient elvish for Little Flower." At Astrid's continued gaping, Golwen shrugged again. "The only real difference is that Celeste was never forced to watch this all happen. I am honestly not sure how she would have handled it. Although, judging by what I have learned from you humans, I seriously doubt she would have loved the idea either."
"Now, I am not pretending to understand what you are going through," she stated easily. "Although I can certainly feel a much broader range of emotions than my full elven kin, it is still not quite the complex web that you humans experience. I am simply pointing out that Aldanil already has someone that he can talk to about his troubles. You, on the other hand, do not. I would just like you to know that you can talk to me. If you want to. Not now of course, but rather, when you are ready."
"Thank you," Astrid replied. "That means more to me than you could ever imagine. I may just take you up on that offer. If I can make it through the nightmare of Samhain without losing my head, that is." She bit back a sob of gratitude as Golwen simply put an arm around her shoulders. Giving Astrid a tight squeeze of reassurance. Then Golwen smiled at her.
"You will get through it just fine, my dear. Drink some more cider and try to have some fun. At least it will distract you. We can wallow together with wine and honeyed bread later." Astrid gave a choked laugh at that and Golwen winked at her.
"So, do you think you are ready to face the twisting labyrinth of adulthood now? I promise that I will be right by your side," she offered with a grin. "Besides, it is about time that those boys got a good look at you. A little competition never hurt anyone. It just makes a man properly appreciate what he has."
The devilish humour in her eyes was positively infectious, and Astrid couldn't help but laugh again. Rising to her feet as she pointed out, "Hiccup has Cuithanna. She is the most beautiful woman in all the realms. I am just me. If anything, I am the one with the competition problem."
"Nonsense," Golwen stated firmly. "You are absolutely stunning Astrid, and you are much more powerful than you give yourself credit for. Anyone would be lucky to have you. I am sure that Aldanil already knows this. However, if he has forgotten, then perhaps you need to remind him." They made their way back over to the drink table to grab another refill as Golwen added, "never let a man steal your power my dear. No matter how roguishly handsome and charming he is."
She gave Astrid a devious smirk then. "If in doubt, simply think of the dance they just put on. The gods were battling for the goddess' favour. Not the other way around." Both the women started laughing again as they made their way back up onto the platform. Golwen climbing up with the easy grace of the elves. Thanks to the copious amounts of cider she had been nervous drinking, Astrid was not quite so graceful.
She stumbled slightly as she bumped her toe against the step. Trying to right herself as she wobbled on her fancy sandals. The heel of the unfamiliar shoe caught between two planks of the main platform and that threw her the rest of the way off balance. As she felt herself falling backwards, the hand not holding her goblet of cider flailed pointlessly for something to grab onto. All Astrid could think was, great... So this is how I humiliate myself this festival. Falling ass over feet off the royal dais...
Suddenly a pair of strong arms reached out to catch her. Pulling her back onto the platform, and she fell against a rock hard body instead. The arms instinctively wrapping around her in response. Her one hand was still gripping her half full goblet of cider while the other came up to brace herself against the wonderfully solid chest now in front of her face. Seemingly of its own accord, that hand started drifting slowly over the rippling pectorals. Then on down over the first ridges of a set of perfect abs. The feel of hard muscle and silk under her fingers drawing her in like a helpless moth to a deadly flame.
Then she heard a familiar chuckle by her ear. The sound snapping her out of the weird trance she had fallen into. She quickly slid her hand back up to the man's chest as a blush raced into her cheeks. At the same time she suddenly became aware of the smell of sunshine, leather, and honey that was invading her senses. "Easy there beautiful," a musical voice laughed lightly. "I may be used to women falling for me, but it is usually not quite so literally."
"Since when have I ever done things halfway," Astrid giggled. "Thanks for catching me before I fell right onto my ass, Ilweran." Looking up into his disorienting golden gaze with a grin she found herself getting sucked in to his beauty again. The white mask around his eyes granting a certain air of dangerous intrigue to him that she normally never saw. Accenting his exotic blend of hard lines and delicate angles that she had rarely ever allowed herself to study this closely.
She hadn't really noticed before, but his flawless skin was slightly lighter in colour than Hiccup's. More of a gold than a golden brown, and it didn't have quite the same surreal backlighting to it. More of a natural glow. The ears framed by the silky hair carrying more the suggestion of an elongated elven shape, rather than the sharp points of the others. His eyes seeming naturally bright because the unique amber colour was always glinting with humour, instead of being strangely luminous like the rest of the elves. It didn't make him any less perfect though, just a little more human.
Ilweran smirked at her, but he didn't instantly let her go. He was staring back into her eyes as if he couldn't look away either. Then he shook his head ever so slightly, as if trying to clear it, before relaxing his grip. Stepping back from her as he slid his hands around to hold her by the arms instead. "Are you all good now, Swan Princess," he asked lightly. Arching a slender brow at her. "If I let you go, are you going to try and dive off the platform again?"
Astrid rolled her eyes at him. "No! Of course not," she huffed as primly as she could. He dropped his hands from her then and she fussily straightened her dress before looking at him again. "Swan Princess? As in because I 'swan dive' off of things? Very funny..."
Ilweran chuckled at her. "Actually, I was referring to the fact that you normally see yourself as the ugly duckling, but you are truly as beautiful as a swan tonight. Your way works better though. After all, that fall would have been nearly as graceful as a majestic swan landing on a pond."
"Thank you for that you charming bastard. You're still not funny," she drawled with an exasperated eye roll. "I just tripped is all. I'm not used to such tall shoes, but I'm fine now. Look! I didn't even spill my cider," she added proudly. Holding the goblet out for him to see.
He glanced at her for a second before he reached out, snatched the goblet, and downed the remaining cider in one gulp. Holding the glass upside down then as he said, "seems like you spilled all of it. You should probably get a refill on this thing. Though perhaps I should get it for you instead," he teased. "I would hate to have to save you yet again simply because you cannot manage two little stairs. I mean, even Little Flower can do it without falling down."
Maybe if you ask really nicely, she will teach you how to walk some day," he added cheekily. Astrid laughed and punched him. With a laugh of his own, he made a big show of walking backwards off the platform. Pausing at the bottom to say, "you really do look lovely by the way. Just like a beautiful dark elf." She started to blush and thank him, when a wide grin suddenly split his handsome face. "Albeit, a shrimpy one." Then he took off into the crowd before she could yell at him instead.
Astrid turned back towards the rest of the group with a grumble. The sight of Golwen, Noldo, and Lerina all standing now and looking at her with big grins on their faces brought her up short. Lerina's silver eyes sparkling brightly as she held a dainty hand over her mouth. The knowledge that they had been watching her and Ilweran just now made Astrid's cheeks flush an even brighter red for some reason. "What are you guys looking at," she grouched at them.
"Nothing," they all replied in unison. Golwen shooting her a sly wink before turning to address Cuithanna with the others. The Goddess standing as well, and conspicuously alone too, as she spoke to the Queen and Council. Ilmara was likely off playing with the other children already. Astrid had barely a moment to wonder where Hiccup had gotten to, when she felt another pair of strong arms wrapping around her. An equally solid body pressing against her from behind this time. The smell of cedar wood, charcoal, and night rain washing over her as a pair of warm lips brushed against her neck.
"Hi," she murmured. Melting back against Hiccup as she turned her head to look up at him. He kissed her gently, before leaning back to smile at her.
"You look just like an elf, mi'lady," he said quietly. Turning her in his arms so that she was facing him now. "I almost did not recognize you at first. Almost. Then you laid your beautiful blue eyes on me and your curiously strong allure hit me full force. Not to mention the incredibly lovely deadly nadder mark on your very exposed back," he added softly. Trailing his fingers over her spine as he spoke and making her shudder.
Astrid found herself wondering yet again what they all meant by 'curiously strong allure'. She was nowhere near as alluring as the elves. Resting her palms against his solid chest, she gazed up into his perfect face. His green eyes and rugged jawline looking painfully glorious with the addition of the elaborate half-mask. She knew what he meant about almost not recognizing her. If she didn't know him so well, she could almost pretend that he was someone else too. Almost. "You know, you're not the first one that's told me I look like an elf right now," Astrid replied with a laugh.
"Oh," Hiccup said interestedly. "Who else has been hitting on my woman? Do tell," he teased, and she laughed again.
"Nobody important really," she stated flippantly. "Just the Queen and Prince Ilweran. Oh, and Elder Noldo, of all people." She shot him a grin as he barked out a laugh.
"That is quite the high ranking harem you are amassing for yourself, mi'lady," Hiccup stated with a chuckle.
"I don't even know what a harem is," Astrid replied truthfully.
"Never you mind what a harem is," Hiccup smirked at her. "I would like to keep you innocent to the wicked ways of the worlds for as long as I can. That way you hopefully will not get any crazy ideas." She chuckled, but before she could ask him to elaborate, he crushed his lips to hers. Kissing her until she felt even dizzier than the liquor was making her.
Just as he broke away, Ilweran came strolling back up the steps carrying four goblets of cider. Meeting Astrid's eyes, he pretended to stumble before righting himself and looking anxiously at the goblets. As if making sure that he hadn't spilt any. Then he gave a dramatic sigh of relief as he shot Astrid a devilish wink. Astrid couldn't help chuckling in return as Hiccup gave her and Ilweran a very confused look.
"He saved my ass, and my pride," Astrid informed Hiccup as Ilweran sauntered past with a smug grin on his face. Hiccup raised a brow at her and she clarified. "I tripped and almost fell off the platform, but I think he must have been on his way to grab a drink at the same time, because he saw me falling and caught me before I could hit the ground. Then he stole my cider and my goblet, insulted me, and took off into the crowd before I could yell at him."
"She is not wrong," Ilweran said then. Coming up beside them as Hiccup started laughing again. "She was flailing like a lunatic, but she made sure to point out that she did not spill her drink. So I stole it from her and called her a shrimpy elf." Astrid noticed he now only had two goblets in his hands. Looking around, she saw Golwen and Lerina each holding one. Elder Noldo and Cuithanna were gone.
"Is one of those for me," Hiccup asked Ilweran. Still chuckling slightly. Astrid turned in time to see him glance at the goblets. Ilweran simply smirked at him in return.
"Not a chance bro. My services are only available to beautiful ladies and my mother. If you would like me to service you, you will need to put on a dress first." He looked Hiccup up and down once before winking at him.
Hiccup glanced down at himself too for a moment before he looked back at Ilweran with a devilish glint in his eyes. "Really wish you had told me that a few hours ago, Moon Pie. I will make a mental note of it for Yule, though." Then his grin widened as he added, "do you prefer knee length or shorter, handsome?"
"That depends. How short are you willing to go Sweet Cheeks," Ilweran asked casually. "I mean, I do not want to be able to see your balls hanging out the bottom or anything, but a little upper thigh never hurt anyone." There was a brief pause before all three of them burst out laughing at that. Queen Lerina and Golwen joining in now as well, since they could obviously hear the banter between the two boys. "Looks like I won that round," Ilweran joked. Raising one of the goblets in a mock toast as he smirked at Hiccup.
"Dear gods! You are both absolutely terrible! And you honestly wonder why people think that you two are gay," Astrid exclaimed. Still trying to get her gasping chuckles under control as she wiped tears of humour from under her mask.
"I happen to have no interest in men at all, which is exactly why I like Hiccup," Ilweran grinned at her as Hiccup shook his head at his friend.
"I always knew you had the hots for me," Hiccup countered. Giving Ilweran a firm punch in the shoulder that sounded like it hurt as Ilweran started laughing again and wiggled his eyebrows suggestively at Hiccup. Then Ilweran handed Astrid one of the two goblets he was still holding. Hiccup gave her another quick kiss and made a rude gesture at Ilweran before jumping down from the platform to go grab a drink of his own.
Making her way over to join the two women with Ilweran beside her, Astrid saw that the elves had begun dancing now. Spread out around the clearing and spinning in a colourful mass. She caught sight of Elder Noldo dancing with Cuithanna at the centre of the crowd, and her stomach rolled over. Cuithanna would be selecting the next consort sometime soon. According to everyone, she had not chosen another since laying eyes on Hiccup five years ago. That meant that Astrid was very likely going to have to watch the Goddess pick Hiccup yet again.
Golwen reached out and put a hand on Astrid's arm. Smiling at her gently before turning back to the Queen. Astrid was still watching Cuithanna and Noldo when she felt Hiccup come up behind her again. Wrapping one arm around her waist and taking a gulp of cider as he looked towards Cuithanna as well. Seeming to somehow sense the direction of her thoughts. "Who knows," he started quietly as he lowered his goblet. "Maybe Cuithanna will pick someone else this year..."
All Astrid could do was offer him a half-hearted smile as she raised her face to look at him. "Doubt it," she mumbled sadly. His mouth twisted into an apologetic grimace. Then, with a sigh, he leaned down to kiss her again. She caught Ilweran gazing at them with a look of intense sympathy, and Astrid realized for the first time ever just how well Ilweran understood their pain. Turning back to watch the dancers, Astrid refused to let herself get her hopes up. She was starting to realize that life was rarely ever kind enough to just give you the easy way out.
_
So. Much. World building! Ahhh! I love it! That's Alfheim, Asgard, Nidavellir, and Svartalfheim now. Did you like it? I want to go to Svartalfheim... Which realm do you think will be next?
I have to say that I absolutely love the next three chapters so, so much. I love this one too! That dance! I can see why Astrid would feel like it was her own dilemma playing out before her eyes... These four chapters really will be one heck of a roller coaster ride with all the feels, but it is also so, so important To the characters and the story. Just warning you all now so that you can start emotionally preparing yourself for almost anything to happen. After all, Cuithanna is going to be selecting the next consort soon. As much as we may like to think otherwise, whether she picks Hiccup or Ilweran, Astrid is not gonna love it...
By the way, Ilweran and Hiccup are fucking priceless. I seriously laughed so hard as I wrote that end bit there. I suspect my husband thought that I was slowly losing my mind and was ready to have me committed. Lol