Hi friends! Sorry it's been so long since we've updated. I'm sure you all can understand why things have taken longer, what with all this dumb quarantine/virus taking over the entire planet. I'm one of the few that's still been able to work based on the kind of work that I do, so that's great and I'm thankful, but things have gotten increasingly more stressful and I've found less time and energy to write as a result :( Sorry! I'm doing my best to get back into the swing of things. We've already got the next chapter figured out for the most part so we should hopefully get it to you soon.

Don't forget to drop a review! Only a handful of chapters left as Hiccups is wrapping up, so let's wrack up those numbers! I wonder if we can get it past 900 reviews before the story is complete… Even if we don't though, we love and appreciate each one of you for sticking around for this monster of a story! It's truly been an awesome experience, though a bit of a bumpy road. I've grown up a lot just in this story alone and literally, life is indeed full of Hiccups, but that's what makes us stronger and helps us grow up into the adults that we're meant to be.

Anywho, this isn't quite the last chapter so no need for emotional send-offs quite yet. Calm yourself, Em.

Thanks for sticking with us guys! See you on Discord or in the review box (hearts!)

~Em

Chapter 47: Full Circle

The screech of Terrible Terrors filled the air as villagers boarded the ships, shouting their goodbyes to friends and family alike. With new and rekindled friendships renewed, emotions were high for those wishing their beloved goodbye as they wouldn't be seeing each other for some time. Perhaps until the next Convocation.

Finn's emotions were also running high, like a caged beast stalking behind the bars of his ribcage. He didn't want Genevieve to leave. Or any of the Sullivans for that matter.

After Brandyn had left, the remainder of the Convocation had gone without a hitch. After Allie and Grey the Guileful revealed their schemes to advance the slave trade, tensions had run high. But much to the relief of many gathered at the table, Allie had announced her early departure. She signed the treaty with little fanfare and left, taking her black-robed posse of minions with her without so much as a backward glance.

It was like the sky had cleared after a hurricane. All the merriment prior to Allie's arrival had returned. Finn once again wondered why they even bothered to keep them in the Treaty. If the Outcasts wanted to jump into the hole they'd dug themselves into, then so be it. Good riddance.

But the Chieftains had a point. At least united, they could keep a set of checks and balances on their war-happy fellow tribe.

Still, it had been such a relief when they finally left. With Allie and Brandyn gone, the tension had left his parents' shoulders. They could breathe again and Finn had been pleased to see them laughing with Kara, Frederik and Sven over dinner last night.

Just as they were now shaking hands and promising to keep in touch should anything suspicious happen. Finn had no doubts that his dad was mostly worried for Sven. Now that Brandyn's cover was blown, he'd lost the element of surprise, but he could still formulate a coup against Sven and his council.

A shiver ran down his spine at the thought.

"Are you going to spend our last minutes together brooding?"

Finn turned to Genevieve, a small smirk stretching across her pretty face. "I'm not brooding. I'm thinking."

"Is there a difference with you?"

"When the subject of my thinking is anything but myself, I'd like to think so."

Genevieve's eyes darted to the Chieftains he'd been watching mere moments before. "They're going to be fine, you know." She faced him again with a more serious expression. "They'll double their security like they talked about yesterday in the last meetings. Brandyn won't do anything stupid."

"He's patient," Finn said. "He'll wait as long as he has to. According to Erick, he said as much."

Finn still didn't know what to think about the document Brandyn had offered up to the Larsons, officially giving up his rights as Darin's father. He'd seen the reservation but relief in his parents' eyes too, but he wouldn't be so easily fooled. Brandyn would never give up so easily. Brandyn knew Erick would seek him out before he could sneak away, that's why he had the letter on his person. That's why he didn't deliver it to the Larsons himself.

"Make no mistake," Finn said. "Brandyn sees life as a game of cards. He might have lost this hand but he doesn't plan to lose the game."

Genevieve wrapped him in a hug and pressed her lips to his cheek. "You worry too much."

Sighing, Finn set his chin on the top of her head and cleared the swirl of thoughts from his head. She was right, he was becoming a worry-wart. Still, even as he focused on the soft threads of her sweater under his palms and the stray curls tickling his face, he vowed not to let down his guard.

They would see Brandyn again someday. Whether in a month, a year, or five years. He had no doubts in his mind that their old enemy would return. In what manner, he had no idea. But when he showed his face, Finn would be ready.

Genevieve inhaled deeply and turned her face up toward his, drawing his attention. "So when are you coming to visit me?"

"As soon as I can. It won't take long for things to go back to normal around here."

"Your village is going to feel quite empty once everyone is gone."

Indeed. Some of the outlying villages had left last night, like Milly the Frilly and Jade the Just. With nearly a day-long journey by ship, they'd planned to get a head start on their travels. Most of the neighboring tribes didn't have quite so far to travel. If the Hjartans left now, they'd hopefully get home by dark.

They were currently packing their ships of cargo, including the newly purchased wares from various villages. They'd even stocked up on a series of Berkian dragon-riding gear and saddles. Finn noted a familiar looking blue, beaded saddle fit for a young boy. Cliff had especially been proud of his work on it. Finn smiled, wondering if Cliff would be taking Taryn on a nice date soon with the proceeds.

And just like that, Finn's thoughts turned back to the newly acquired slaves that were working Outcast Island just an hour's flight away. How they weren't being paid a copper for their work. How they were likely being abused to work harder, faster and non-stop until their bodies gave out.

He couldn't stand it. He was pleased that he wasn't the only one disgusted by it, if the ferocious response of the Chieftains was any indication. But in time, they'd forget. They might be able to keep the slave traders from crossing their own borders, threaten Allie and Grey with war if they schemed against the other tribes…

But it didn't change the root of the problem: that people were being held against their will.

He didn't know what he was going to do. But he sure as Hel wouldn't sit here in his comfortable home a few leagues away knowing some of those poor people didn't even have proper clothing, let alone food or shelter or money to purchase such commodities.

No, not commodities.

Things they had the right to have as humans.

Finn swallowed the frustration rising in his chest and pressed his cheek to Genevieve's hair. If she saw the expression on his face she'd know exactly what he was thinking and he didn't want to admit these thoughts to her right now. And he didn't want to admit that in their last hour together, as she'd jokingly pointed out but was in fact painfully true, he was standing here brooding instead of enjoying his time with her.

"I'm going to miss you," he said quietly.

Genevieve pulled away just enough to look into his eyes. "Me too. But we'll see each other soon. No more three-month vacations, mister."

"Hey, that was purely against my will. I begged on hands and knees to come see you-"

"That's not what I heard."

"Oh? What did you hear exactly?"

Genevieve scoffed. "Please, it's no mystery you're a workaholic. I'm sure after a mere week someone mentioned me and you said, 'who's Genevieve?'."

Finn choked. "Impossible."

"Impossible to admit that it's true? Stubborn to the bitter end-"

"Why are you being so mean to me?" Finn crossed his arms. "Our last moments together and you choose to question my loyalties."

"Work or Genevieve," she said, raising her palms up and down in a weighing motion. "I don't know, it's a hard choice."

"Well obviously you weigh more to me than work," Finn said, then bit his tongue.

Genevieve's eyes widened. "Are you calling me fat?"

"No- I'm not- I'm just saying you mean more to me than work!" Finn said in a rush, ignoring the flush that rose to his face.

Genevieve's peal of laughter was bright, drawing the attention of many on the dock. "Your face!"

"You're so mean," Finn muttered, scrubbing his hands over his face. He'd never hear the end of it.

"I hate to break up the party," Thuggory said, emerging down the docks with a wrinkled nose. "But we're almost ready to leave."

"Nooo," Genevieve's mirth fell away. She glanced at him sadly. "Well… I guess I'd better call Max-" She froze and realization dawned on Finn at the same time.

Distracted as they'd been with the Convocation, Darin's birth, and everything else, they hadn't seen Max or Zap in days.

Genevieve's eyes got wide. "Do you think-"

"Let's find out!" Finn grabbed her hand and pulled her down the docks.

"Wait! Where are you going?" Thuggory called.

"If anyone asks," Finn shouted, running around a man herding a group of sheep. "We're looking for Max!"

"Well hurry up! They wanted to leave soon!"

Finn's neck was throbbing and itching beneath the bandages as they ran up the wooden ramps leading into the village. By the time they made it halfway through the village, they were both sweating. Thank the gods most of the villages had left by now or they'd have to cut through all the crowds too.

"Isn't-" Genevieve gasped for breath. "Isn't there a faster way there?"

"Nope."

What felt like eons later they finally sprinted across the massive bridge that led to the Haddocks house. They still had a ways to go though-

"Almost… there…" Genevieve wheezed.

Finn came to a halt at the edge of the bridge, staring down the path at his house. An idea struck him.

"Wait… here…"

His lungs felt like they were about to burst but he pushed himself toward the barn and threw open the doors, praying she was there.

A large purple head rose from the hay, blinking sleepy yellow eyes at him. Lily yawned and blew a few smoke rings out her nose at him in greeting.

"Lily! Come on girl, we need a ride."

Lily huffed and lay down her head again in the hay.

"Hey, just because Anna's been pregnant for a hundred years doesn't give you the right to be lazy!"

She turned away, curling her tail around her body.

"Lily, it's important!"

"Who are you yelling at?" Genevieve emerged, face flushed. She blinked at the snoozing purple dragon. "Adrianna's?"

"Yes, the lazy butt." Finn approached and poked the dragon's neck with a boot. "Hey, don't ignore me-"

"Finn, let's just go. By the time you get her to agree, we could have been there."

"Yeah but then we have to run all the way back."

Genevieve winced at the unpleasant thought.

"Come on Lil," Finn crouched down and scratched her scales. "You can't honestly be that tired."

Lily huffed, her great heaving lungs sending bits of hay swirling throughout the room.

Finn chewed his lip, looking around the barn for something, anything that might interest the Monstrous Nightmare. "I'll give you some fresh cod later."

Her eyes cracked open. Close, but not enough.

Then, he spied it. The jar of whale oil.

Finn withheld a sigh. He hated whale oil, but Adrianna always used to rub down her dragon in the stuff. A quick glance at her normally shiny purple scales proved that it had been a long time indeed since she'd gotten a nice rub down. He hated the job; he did it for Zap once in a while but she was smaller and usually fell asleep during the event, and she had the benefit of not bursting into flames when she got excited. And Lily was covered in that mucus secretion much different to Zap's…

But what other choice did he have? They were on a time crunch.

He closed his eyes and forced himself to say the words. "How about some whale oil?"

As predicted, Lily's sleepy eyes shot open. She raised her head and faced him, sniffing eagerly. Finn retrieved the jar from the nearby shelf and held it up.

"Whoa," Genevieve laughed as Lily rose to her feet and followed him outside. "She must love that."

"Oh yes, Lily loves a good rub down. Haven't had one in a while, have ya, girl?" Finn asked. Lily purred, lids drooping in pleasure at the thought. He snorted. "Okay, well I'll tell you what. You give us a quick ride and when we come back, I'll give you a nice big rub down. Sound fair?"

Lily whuffed a smoke cloud into his face. He coughed and waved it away. "Alright, let's get your saddle then."

He made quick work of locating the sadde big enough for two and saddling Lily. Finally they were in the air, saving time as the fields blurred beneath them until they gave way to a sandy decline and marshland. Genevieve's arms tightened around his waist when Lily dove and back-flapped to slow her landing.

"Why are we stopping here?"

"Shockjaws can be volatile at this time. Best Lily keeps her distance." He patted the dragon on the nose and they crept forward into the marshes, watching their step once again from all the little pools of water between stalks of grass and cattails.

Finally, Finn whistled. "Zappy girl?"

The only sound was the wind blowing through the grass and the distant crash of waves on the shore. They waited but neither Zap nor Max appeared.

"Stay close to me," Finn whispered and took Genevieve's hand before creeping closer to where they'd last seen Zap and the eggs.

They approached the little divot in the ground and paused. The depression of yellow flattened grass was empty save for pieces of cracked, splintered stone.

No, not stone. What was left of the eggs.

Finn straightened and looked around. They must have gone somewhere. Though he couldn't be sure. Really they knew so little about Shockjaw habits.

"So they've hatched," Genevieve said, looking around as well. "Perhaps they flew off."

"If the babies are like most dragons, they won't be able to fly just yet." Finn said, marching toward the water. "They're probably swim-"

It happened so fast, Finn had no time to recover. A dark blue mass blasted out of the water with a savage roar. Water sprayed everywhere, dousing them as they collapsed, two strong, clawed legs trapping them on either side.

Finn found himself once again eye to eye with Maximus, his monstrous teeth mere inches from his throat.

"Max!" Genevieve yelped, quivering beside him.

Finn kept his mouth shut. It was his fault for not thinking it through. Max was highly aggressive anyway, a predator in every right. He had a sweet temperament when he felt safe or had no reason to be aggressive.

Protecting his newborn young did not fit in that category.

Finn prayed Lily would not approach or they might very well die here. He vaguely wondered if Zap would react the same. If she even cared about him anymore-

"Max," Genevieve said in a softer voice. "It's me. Please, we're not here to hurt anyone."

The ferocity slowly seemed to leave Max's deep blue eyes. A trickle of fear rose in Finn's chest when Genevieve slowly stretched out a hand and stopped a few inches away from Max's muzzle. He sniffed it and blinked, his eyes clearing more and more by the moment. The sneer left his face and he exhaled heavily through his nose before slowly stepping back.

Finn could have sworn the look said, I almost killed you idiots.

Slowly he and Genevieve sat up. They were soaked from the salty water sprayed on them, combined with the marshes they'd been unceremoniously tossed into. Max sat down and surveyed them, blue eyes darting from head to toe to make sure he hadn't hurt them.

"So," Genevieve said. "I see there's no one home. Where is everyone? Can we meet them?"

Max pinned a look on Finn as if critiquing him and his motives. Finn fought against the irritation. Zap had been his dragon for years, long before Max had come along. He'd never hurt her or their babies.

But he didn't need to voice these things, nor did Genevieve. Max seemed to read the thoughts going through his mind and stood, bobbing his head toward the water. Turning, he trudged into the shallows before he disappeared, wings, tail and all.

"Well," Genevieve clicked her tongue. "I hope he doesn't expect us to follow."

Finn snorted. "I'm just glad he didn't kill us. Good thing I trained you so well or we might be dead."

She rolled her eyes. "Proud to the bitter end."

"You know it."

A ripple formed in the water until two blue heads appeared. Zap yipped in excitement and swam faster, pumping her wings until her feet hit the shallows. Finn didn't realize he was grinning until she knocked him flat on his back, showering him with kisses and snuggles.

"Aw Zappy girl, I missed you too! Sorry we haven't come back, it's been a busy-"

"Oh my gods."

Finn looked at Genevieve but found her dark eyes wide as she stared at the shallows. That's when he registered the sound of tiny growls.

He leaned around Zap's broad shoulder and gasped. Climbing all over Max, hanging off his horns, chewing on his tail, were five blue baby Shockjaws.

"Ohhhh my goodness!" Genevieve pushed her hands into her cheeks until her lips puckered. "They're so adorable, I could die."

"Don't do that," Finn laughed in amusement before he slowly stood. The baby Shockjaw chewing on Max's tail paused, eyeing him from afar. Finn crouched and smiled. "Hi there."

Curious, the baby stood on wobbly legs and stretched its wings. Finn wondered if they'd just hatched that morning if they were still so wobbly on solid ground. His analytical thoughts evaporated when the baby crept forward and sniffed his hand. Carefully, he touched the baby's nose. It jumped back with a surprised yip, but seemed to realize the touch didn't hurt and crept closer.

A laugh interrupted the silence and Finn looked over his shoulder to see two of the babies, one dark and the other light blue, crawling all over Genevieve's lap and chewing on the ends of her hair.

Grinning, Finn slid into a criss-crossed position on the wet grass. The baby Shockjaw in front of him crawled into his lap and curled up, yawning widely. Resting his chin on his knee, he was soon fast asleep. His tiny baby scales were so soft, yet to harden with age. He was about to point this out when the sensation of wet leather slapped him in the face, dragging him to the ground and startling the little one in his lap awake.

A light blue one stood with paws on his shoulders, staring down at him with wide baby blue eyes. Unafraid and fearless, she sniffed the entirety his face and neck, especially the wraps around his neck-

"Ahhh stop that tickles! And hurts," Finn said, fighting to sit up but she'd been joined by her brother, who was not so sleepy anymore. "Ow, let's not- jump- stomach- ow! What am I, a punching bag?"

Max and Zap sat shoulder to shoulder, watching the mayhem. Genevieve was still occupied by the two trying to eat her hair while the third and last baby found Finn's boots mildly interesting.

"Please don't eat those, I need them for walking- no but really they're my best pair and they're not cheap-" Finn hissed, fighting against the tiny dragon teeth trying to eat his ear. He pushed a hand between his skin and the baby's mouth and firmly pushed it away. "Hey, stop that."

The navy blue baby growled and slapped its tail on the ground, lifting Finn's brows. A tiny Max, that one. He'd just turned back to the other two still trying to eat his boots, unaware that the incensed baby had stretched out his wings and slashed his tail right at Finn's right hand-

A near paralyzing shock made his hand go dumb and Finn leaped in his seat with a shout, shaking out his hand. He didn't need to look that a couple blisters were probably forming-

An earth shattering roar shook the puddles of water beside them. The babies yelped, trying to scurry away from their incensed mother. The navy blue boy who'd zapped Finn didn't make it very far before Max grabbed him by the scruff of the neck. He hung from Max's teeth, tail curled inward as he was produced to Zap. She growled and slapped her tail against the ground, a mighty splash of water shooting up around them.

Finn felt touched that she was disciplining the little turd on his behalf.

"Let me see your hand," Genevieve slid closer and hissed, turning his palm over to reveal half a dozen small blisters. "Wow."

"Yeah, they do that. I'll put some salve on it later."

"Good. Hopefully they will learn early not to do that."

"I'm sure they got the picture," Finn smiled. The sight of the little navy blue baby now tucked between Max's paws in a timeout was a beautiful sight to behold.

"Well," Genevieve said, turning toward Max. "They're so cute and beautiful. Now I suppose I just need to figure out what the plan is now. I suppose Max will have to stay."

"Maybe, or at least until the babies can fly," Finn mused. "I doubt they can fly that far even as babies. Then again, I could be wrong. They're born to fly."

"They could also hitch a ride on Zap," a voice said.

They whirled around to see Hiccup and Kiev standing above them on the ravine with amused smiles.

One of the babies, the fearless light blue one, yipped and scrambled up the hill at the sound of Hiccup's voice. He crouched and held open his arms. "Well hello there!" He held her up and she wriggled against his firm grip as she tried to bite his wrists. "You're a feisty one, aren't you?"

"Not as bad as her brother," Genevieve nodded toward Finn's hand but he waved her off. "Anyway, how'd you find us?"

"It wasn't hard," Kiev said, smiling down at the little Shockjaws walking between his legs. "But I have to agree; we're ready to leave and now with this development… well, I hate to say it Genni, but you may have to leave Max behind."

Finn read the sadness in her eyes. She knew it was the right thing to do but it would certainly be difficult. Then an idea struck him.

"Wait, what if she stayed on Berk for a little while longer? Perhaps the rest of the weekend or through the next week. It would give the dragons time to grow a little bit and we can go from there, and when Max is ready they can fly back together."

Kiev winced. "You said yourself that is a long flight to do by oneself."

"Leave Thuggory," Finn said. "They can fly back together. It would be good practice for both of them."

Hiccup, though distracted by murmuring sweet nothings to the baby dragon, seemed to consider this. "It's not a bad idea, Kiev. It would be good for them and we don't mind if they stay for a few more days. It's up to you."

Kiev chewed his inner cheek with indecision. He saw the hopefulness in both Finn and Genevieve's expressions. Finn just hoped he wouldn't shut them down. What was the harm?

"Oh alright, who am I to break up the dream team?" Kiev said. "But I want you home within a week, Genni. I'll go relay the information to your brother."

Genevieve grinned ear to ear. "Won't mom be upset?"

"Leave her to me," Kiev said with a wink. "We simply must be going right away though. Our people are eager to return home."

"Great," Hiccup said, dropping the baby into the grass once more. "Genevieve can learn more about Berk and our family while she's here. It will be a great opportunity."

Finn grinned, excited at the prospect of Genevieve staying with him for another week. The possibilities were endless. The places they could go without distraction, the adventures they'd have, the time they could spend together before she returned to Hjart… He was so excited he could hardly think straight.

A clean slate, a new adventure. There would be lots of ups and downs along the road but he knew with Genevieve at his side, with his friends and family supporting him, together they could face anything.

Finn brought Genevieve's hand to his lips and kissed it. "I wouldn't have it any other way."

It was upon the brightest of afternoons that Cliff decided that he was thankful for life's quiet moments. After this long and stressful week, he felt that a vacation was in order. A time of rest and relaxation. Never before had he really appreciated a quiet village than after the last of the allied tribes left, leaving Berk feeling empty and silent. Compared to this last week's proceedings, it now felt like a ghost town.

So when he found himself lying on a grassy knoll a small distance from the village with Taryn at his side, her small hand clutched in his as they stared at the clouds, he found that silence was the best form of recuperation.

Odd, considering his knack for talking.

Still, it was just as enjoyable, being able to sit in silence with his beloved and ruminate in nature's music. Birds sang in the trees, occasionally punctuated by an off-key Terrible Terror as the wind rustled the leaves on the newly budded trees. Ahh, springtime and all its happy sounds.

"You're awfully quiet."

Cliff faced Taryn, a smile pulling to his face at her amused expression. "I'm just happy to finally have a quiet afternoon with my girl. No extra anecdotes or diatribes needed."

"Well that's just odd," Taryn said, turning and propping her head on a hand. "Who are you and what have you done with Cliff?"

He breathed a laugh and returned his eyes to the sky. "Is it so bad to be thankful and happy that we survived one of the worst weeks in existence?" He meant it as a joke but the seriousness of the words pinged inside his chest all the same. Quite against his will, an air of seriousness fell like a blanket over his senses. "So many bad things could have happened."

"But they didn't." Taryn said, tugging gently on a dark curl by his ear. "Darin and Adrianna are both healthy and safe, Erick didn't have to duel, Finn is healing-"

"He almost got his head chopped off. I swear if that guy pulls one more stunt I'm going to keel over-"

"Considering all the things that happened, I'd say it all turned out for the best." Taryn said in a firm voice. "Everyone is alive and well. Like you said, it's good to be thankful and enjoy the peace and quiet." She paused, a mischievous look in her eye. "And make up for lost time."

Cliff's brows shot up in surprise when she leaned over and kissed him. Okay, he hadn't expected this. And it was quite different than any kiss they'd shared before, seeing as she was leaning over him, snatches of her auburn hair tickling his face even as one of her hands slid up his chest. Quite the topic change, if one could consider it a topic change.

Not that he was complaining.

Taryn pulled back slowly but stayed in close proximity. "Do you remember a few months ago when… when you asked me about the future?"

The hand he'd just slid around her back stilled, his eyes locking on hers as if she'd slapped him. Now if that wasn't a topic change for the ages. Or perhaps she'd planned this. A segue for the ages then.

Despite himself, he grinned. "How could I forget? Honestly… I wasn't sure if you'd forgotten or… or if you didn't want to talk about it."

He'd thought about it a lot actually. With every date, every bit of time they'd spent together he found himself drawn to her more and more. He'd never cared for anyone quite like he cared for Taryn. He wanted to discuss their relationship more, where they might be going, what the future might hold… but after she'd decided to consider her opinion on the matter more, he'd opted to allow her time to think.

But as time had gone on and the weeks had merged into months, he'd started to wonder if she was avoiding it.

"I'm sorry, I…" Taryn sat up and Cliff followed suit, his heart thundering. "I know I took a long time to consider my response. I should have said something sooner but… I guess I used the Convocation as an excuse to wait."

Cliff swallowed. "To wait for what?"

Taryn took a deep breath and met his eyes. "I've never done this sort of thing before so I've been really nervous. I've sort of been waiting for the right time to say this."

He thought his heart might burst with fear and trepidation. If she didn't spill the beans soon, there might even be some gnashing of teeth involved. With all this hesitation and her words… for some reason it sounded like the beginnings of a goodbye. If that happened he didn't know what he'd do.

"I know now that I shouldn't have waited." Taryn continued. "With the Haddocks as a prime example, anything could happen at any time. And… and with everything we've heard about the meetings, with Allie and Grey and the spread of the slave trade… with the thought of war, should the worst happen," Taryn said, wringing her hands. "I don't want to waste another moment."

Well now he was really confused as to where she was going with this. His mind flooded with a million questions. "So… what are you saying?"

Taryn took a deep breath and took his hands. "I believe that dating should have a purpose. I don't want to wander aimlessly without an end goal in mind. After all this time, I've never quite had a supportive friend like you. You've encouraged me to get out of my comfort zone, to figure out who I am since the very first day. I've never had so much fun with another person as I have with you."

He couldn't quite fight the smile, though his stomach still squirmed with discomfort, unsure where she was headed. "It's been quite the journey, watching you bloom into the pretty rosebud you are."

Taryn grinned, breathing an awkward laugh. She'd never stop being so beautiful, especially when she smiled like that. "It's all thanks to you."

"No," Cliff said, reaching up and pushing a stray hair out of her eyes. "You were already beautiful and kind and sweet. You just needed a little encouragement, that's all." He smirked. "Pretty flowers aren't meant to be kept indoors after all. They're supposed to go out and enjoy the sun, and they require a little tending with some water-"

"Okay, okay," Taryn laughed, waving off his analogy. "Anyway, I know what I want for the future." He read the seriousness in her voice and his own grin slipped away. "I've thought about it a lot and I've come to a decision." Her eyes leveled with his. "I want you, Cliff. I want to get married."

Taryn wasn't sure what exactly Cliff was thinking. Judging by his raised brows, puckered lips and wide eyes, she'd guess that he was surprised, maybe a little confused, but she couldn't gauge his response by such a dorky expression. She shoved down the urge to laugh, lest he think she was making fun of him. She truly meant this very seriously.

But gods, he was so adorable.

Cliff opened and closed his mouth a few times, similar to that of a fish. "I… Um. What?"

Taryn breathed a laugh and squeezed his hands. "Not right away. But I love you, Cliff. I want to make this official. We don't have to rush, we can take our time, but I know that I don't want to waste time by not telling you what I feel and how much you mean to me. When you asked me about the future, I admit it caught me a little off guard because we hadn't been dating very long. But when I considered what was important to me and where I want to go in life, it made me realize that I don't want to spend a day without you. I want to laugh and cry and walk through life with you. And…" Taryn swallowed. "And though this is a small reason and doesn't carry as much weight because of hypotheticals, but with the Archipelago's future at risk… I want to live every minute to its fullest. And I want to do it with you if… if you'll have me."

She knew she was rambling and hoped it made sense and wasn't ridiculously cheesy, but Cliff's face slowly softened, then crinkled with amusement. "Taryn Brand, are you proposing to me?"

Taryn blew a long breath between her lips and rolled her eyes, even as he cackled with laughter. "This is serious."

"No, I know, I'm sorry." Cliff cleared his throat. His face was slightly pink but he took her hands again without hesitation. "You… you mean it? You really want to… get married?"

Taryn nodded. "You remind me so much of Curt. What sort of lovely, kind, adventurous man he was, what kind of amazing older brother he was." Tears pricked her eyes. "He and Aud wanted to have such adventures. They would have been wonderful parents." She met his eyes again and found his glassy too. "I want to live life to the fullest, just like they did."

She didn't think Cliff had ever looked so touched and happy. He pulled her hands to his lips and kissed them firmly. "Then let's have an adventure, Miss Brand."

Taryn laughed. She didn't know when the tears had started but felt them fall down her cheeks in wet streaks, which he quickly brushed away. He closed the distance between them and kissed her softly yet firmly, and it was perhaps the best kiss he'd ever given her.

They would take their time. There was no rush. She had no doubts that he'd want to plan a big event around his proposal, whenever that should happen. It may be many, many months from now, and he would need to speak with her father in the meantime. But still, it felt settled, full and sure like the very ground beneath them. They would do this together from start to finish. They were a team. And an adventure was quite possibly the only recipe she needed with Cliff at her side.

When Hiccup got home in the late afternoon with the strong desire to replace his leather flying suit with comfortable clothes and not hear from anyone outside his family for at least two days, he strictly charged his family not to open the door for anyone and even threatened to put a sign on the door stating "do not enter, visitors not welcome".

Astrid did not take kindly to such rudeness. So while he did change into a comfortable pair of trousers and long-sleeved wool shirt, he could only hope and pray that nobody would come calling for his attention about some catastrophe, village or Archipelago alike.

So when they received a knock on the door at half past five, he sent a withering glare toward Astrid before marching to the door, mustering up as much energy to sound kind and patient. He was utterly shocked when he found a familiar woman on the porch with dark hair and kind yet slightly nervous blue eyes.

"Lofn." He stared, all annoyance forgotten. "I… I thought you left with the Outcasts."

"No." Lofn said, wringing her hands. "I…" She took a deep breath. "I plan to return to Outcast once Johann leaves for his next excursion, which is only in a day or two. We have… unfinished business."

Which explained her nervous expression, no doubt. Glancing at Adrianna watching curiously from the living room, Hiccup stepped outside and closed the door. He offered Lofn one of the porch chairs, which she accepted. They sat in silence, observing the troupe of Shockjaws playing in the dirt nearby while Lily blew smoke rings in ecstasy while Finn and Genevieve gave her a proper rubdown of what appeared to be whale oil.

"It's a beautiful day," Lofn said. "A perfect day for rest after such a trying week."

"What do you want, Lofn?" Hiccup asked, in no mood to bandy words. "And I'd choose your next words carefully because if you're here on Brandyn's behalf-"

"No," she said, blue eyes widening. "I came on my own."

"Why?"

Lofn took a long, deep breath. "I came to the Convocation because I had suspicions that Brandyn was plotting something. I haven't seen him in so long that I knew if I came to Berk, I might get a chance to see him and find out what he's doing."

Hiccup settled deeper in his chair, fighting annoyance. "And how well did that work out for you?"

"I cornered him the day after he arrived. He was very… offput, that I was there. Told me to stay out of his business and go home."

"Yeah, he's a sweet kid. What does this have to do with me?"

"Hiccup, please, I'm trying to-"

"Trying to what?" Hiccup burst out. Finn and Genevieve looked up from across the yard and he exhaled heavily, trying to control his temper. He lowered his voice. "Do you have any idea what he's almost cost my family this week alone? He cheated in the duel twice and almost killed Finn-"

"I know."

"He tried to scheme his way into getting his position as Chief back-"

"I know."

"And he could have easily stolen my daughter's baby away from her and killed her husband to boot. What more do you want from me?"

Lofn sat rigid in her chair but her expression was calm. "Nothing except your forgiveness, though I don't expect it. My son has done terrible things. If I'd tried harder perhaps I could have helped him, done something to make him into something better." Her voice broke and her eyes took on a glassy look. "I am sorry. I'm so sorry for everything he put you and your family through."

Hiccup exhaled and shoved his hands into his hair, staring at the floorboards between his leg and prosthetic. It wasn't her fault that her son had made choices to follow in Dagur's footsteps. Only Brandyn was responsible for the things he'd done.

But that did not mean she would not feel responsible, just as he and Astrid had felt responsible for the horrible things Finn had done as a struggling teenager. It didn't excuse the person's actions and it wasn't always a direct result of bad parenting. But a good parent would still feel terrible for the things their child had done to hurt others.

He exhaled again and dropped his hands. "I'm sorry. I know how hard it is to deal with the things your son has done and be powerless to change them."

Lofn stared across the yard toward Finn, eyes welling up with tears. "Except your son turned into a great young man. He learned from his mistakes and endured the pain of the past. He has not let those things rule over him. What I wouldn't give..." Her face crumpled and tears slipped down her face. She turned those bright blue eyes on him. "Never forget that."

Yes, he had much to be thankful for. Finn easily could have turned into something worse after everything that happened. If the accident with Erick's leg hadn't happened, if he hadn't been filled with such remorse...

No, it was more than that. If he hadn't decided to let Ratri go… if he'd chosen to kill the old man who'd caused him such pain and suffering, who'd caused Benen such pain and suffering, then perhaps that would have been the day they'd lost Finn forever.

And he'd made that decision all on his own because he was the better man in the end. Whatever decisions Brandyn had made, whatever point in time in his life that he'd decided to hold on to his rage and anger and let it fuel him and turn him into the vengeful, fierce, and cunning person that he was today… that was on him. Not Lofn.

Suddenly Hiccup felt something for Brandyn that he'd never felt before, that he never thought he would: empathy. Another lost boy in a dark, cruel world who had to play his hand with the cards he'd been dealt. But if he'd chosen better, things wouldn't be what they were today. He wouldn't be in the hard life he was now.

Regardless, it didn't excuse his sins. He had no right to hurt Adrianna, to manipulate her or hurt the numerous ways he had.

Hiccup shook his head, clearing his thoughts. There was nothing to be done on the matter. Brandyn was guilty for the horrible things he'd done. Nothing about his past could justify that. Hiccup had done what he'd had to to save his family and it had cost Dagur his life. If Brandyn chose to follow his father's footsteps down the very same path, then that was his choice. And to protect his family, Hiccup would do it again. It might very well break him to fight one so young and hateful, but he'd do it. For his family, he'd do anything.

Lost in thought as he was, he didn't notice Finn and Genevieve arrive until they were standing at the railing, his son's face clouded with irritation.

"Everything okay?" Finn asked, sizing up Lofn in a quick once over.

"Yes," Hiccup straightened in his chair. Whatever they'd been talking about could not have been pleasant judging by the emotion on her face and the way his dad forced himself to sound more upbeat. "Just talking things over. Finn and Genevieve, this is Lofn-"

"Brandyn's mom." Finn said in a flat tone. "I remember."

Lofn gave him a wan smile and nodded to them both in greeting. "I was just stopping by-"

"Sure, sure," Finn said, wiping his oily hands on a rag. "A little chit chat never hurt anybody."

"Finn, don't be rude." Genevieve said, giving the woman an apologetic smile.

"Answer me this then," Finn said, locking his blue eyes on Lofn's. "Are you here for yourself or Brandyn? Because if you think you deserve to be here because you're my nephew's biological grandmother, you're sorely mistaken."

Lofn's expression flashed with hurt but she didn't quail under his gaze. "No, I never expected to be. I came here out of good conscience, not to make any demands. That wouldn't be right and I'd never be so cruel to sweet Adrianna."

Fine. If that was the case then he'd relax his approach. Still, with everything that had happened this week, he wasn't about to take any chances. Certainly not where his sister's baby was concerned. He had no qualms about calling Lofn out.

The way she spoke though, unflinching and firm, triggered something in his memory. It shouldn't have snagged his attention but it did. An odd sense of deja vu swept through him as he stared into Lofn's aged but still beautiful face, those blue eyes level with his own. He didn't quite know what to think suddenly. Perhaps he was just forgetting some event… but no, he'd never met Lofn before… right?

"Do I… know you, from somewhere?" Finn asked. Judging by the others' expressions, they sensed the shift in his voice and body language.

Lofn blinked in surprise.

The question was so odd that it even threw his dad off guard. "You probably met sometime while Addie and-"

Finn shook his head. "No, we never met while they were dating."

Lofn shrugged slightly, a little perturbed. "I don't recall ever meeting, no. Why do you ask?"

"It's so weird…" Finn murmured, squinting. "Like…" Now that he stared, her blue eyes looked so familiar. Maybe that was it… but how was that possible? If they'd never met, how could he possibly recognize her by her eyes alone? But it was also in the way she'd stood up for herself, some long lost memory echoing in his mind.

He hardly felt Genevieve elbowing him in the ribs. "It's rude to stare."

Lofn offered him a small smile, which Hiccup returned with a shrug. "I frankly don't know what-"

With a crack of thunder shooting through his body, he remembered. The blue eyes, the soft smile, the unwavering and firm tone when she spoke. How she might have been afraid to come here after everything that had happened but she didn't allow that fear to hold her back from doing the right thing, from being brave. It was subtle but clear as day.

He barely felt himself step away from the porch, Genevieve's and his dad's voices echoing around him. "It's… it's not possible."

A torrent of memories accosted him. The brightness of his eyes despite going through so much pain. Doing the right thing no matter how much he'd been wronged in this cruel world. Refusing to make excuses for a boy who did terrible things but still deserved to be loved despite those mistakes.

"Dear, are you alright?"

"Finn?" Genevieve stepped in front of him and tried to force him to look at her. His eyes had welled with tears but he didn't care, no matter how shocked and concerned they all looked. He had to know.

"Lofn," Finn's voice wobbled slightly. "Was your mom's name Camille?"

Lofn's blue eyes widened in shock. "Yes… but how did you know that?"

Hiccup looked between them, confused. "I might have shared your story with… with…" Slowly, it dawned on him and his green eyes widened in shock. "Holy gods."

Genevieve and Lofn stared at each other in concern. "Whatever you two are on about," Lofn said in a bewildered, trembling voice. "I would love an explanation."

Finn didn't have the words. He couldn't think past the suddenly overwhelming emotions coursing through him, even as his dad fumbled for the door knob and demanded for the others to come outside.

Astrid, Adrianna and Erick joined them moments later, each looking bewildered. Hiccup took Astrid's hands and stared at Lofn. "Astrid… Lofn's mother was Camille."

She didn't seem too thrilled about the information at first but knew it must mean something by the tone with which he said it. "Okay?"

"It was Benen," Finn said in a choked voice, the tears slipping down his face. "Your dad was Benen."

Stunned silence. Adrianna and Astrid stared and then launched into questions. Erick and Genevieve stared at him in complete shock. "How do you know?"

Sniffing, Finn stepped toward the porch. "Benen was a slave, kept on a farmhouse in Maero, a long way from here. He had a secret relationship with the homeowner's daughter, Camille. And for the shame of it, she was forced to give the baby away. Benen never got to meet his baby girl, but he never forgot Camille. And before he died, he told my parents that story."

Lofn's hands shook, her expression stricken with disbelief. "How… how is this possible?"

Finn shook his head. "Benen always said everything happens for a reason."

"You know what this means right?" Adrianna said, coming to Lofn's side and taking her hand. "This means that Benen was Brandyn's grandfather…" She smiled in amazement. "Benen was Darin's great-grandfather. We're family."

Lofn's eyes welled with tears. "All my life I've wondered who my father was. If he ever wanted me. If he ever loved me."

"He did." Hiccup said. "I think never getting to meet you was one of his few regrets. When he told the story and spoke of having to stay away while Camille had you… when they sent him one direction and you in another… I think that was one of the worst days in his life."

Lofn left out a small cry and buried her hands. Adrianna cooed and wrapped her arms around the old woman. Slowly, her arms came around Adrianna. When was the last time Lofn had gotten a hug? Had she ever had a hug from someone who truly loved her?

Here, Finn realized, was another example of the cruelty of slavery, and it was the final nail in the coffin, hardening his resolve once and for all.

Lofn and Adrianna pulled apart, his sister said, "We're family now. Not because of Brandyn but because of Benen. He was very much the grandfather we didn't have growing up. He taught us so much and offered so much light and happiness to our little family. He was the strongest person we've ever known." She turned misty eyes on Finn, and he nodded.

Lofn stepped down the stairs and paused in front of him. "You were the closest to him?"

Finn nodded again.

"I was in the Great Hall, you know," Lofn said softly. "When you defended the slaves. I think he would have been very proud." She lifted her arms and pulled him into a warm hug. He didn't know how it was possible, this little miracle before them. Another of what some would call a strange coincidence.

No, never a coincidence. Everything happens for a reason, that's what Benen always said. Life was a gift with its many surprises. And as he brought his arms around Lofn to hug her back, he could have sworn he felt the ghost of a hand on his shoulder to replace the proud smile glimmering in her blue eyes.

When they pulled apart, Lofn gave him a grateful smile. "If you would be willing, I'd love to hear his story. Everything you can remember."

Finn nodded. "He was the best person I ever knew. I'd be glad to."

"And," Adrianna approached and took her hand. "I want you to meet your grandson."

Lofn's eyes flickered with worry. "But…" She looked up at Hiccup, who's face softened.

"I meant what I said," Adrianna said firmly. "We're not just connected because of Brandyn, but Benen. To deny you that right would be to deny Benen, and he was always welcome here. I want you to meet him."

Adrianna met Finn's eyes and he nodded again. Even after all these years and all the ups and downs his family had endured, Benen was still here.

Lofn squeezed Adrianna's hand, clearly fighting emotion of her own. "I would be honored."

Without another word, Astrid opened the door and waved them in. They all entered as a family, Genevieve's hand clutched in his own. She reached up to wipe his face and he breathed a short embarrassed laugh.

"All these women making me cry-"

"Oh hush, I think it's cute."

Finn snorted as they took seats on the couch. "Of course you do."

Lofn gracefully took a seat in one of the armchairs, blue eyes gazing around the room in wonder. He wondered if she'd ever been inside a place that looked like a home before. His heart ached at the thought.

Adrianna came down the stairs with Darin in her arms. "Perfect timing, he's awake!"

Lofn went still as she approached. Adrianna gently deposited him into her arms and stepped back, Erick wrapping an arm around her waist as they watched. Lofn's eyes filled with tears as she pulled the blanket away from his face and stroked his tiny cheek. He blinked up at her with sleepy blue eyes. "Hello, little one."

Darin reached out of his blankets with a tiny fist and held onto her finger, earning a few small laughs around the room. "A good, strong grip. That's good," Lofn said, beaming at him. "One day, perhaps you'll be the strongest of us all."

To Finn's surprise, Darin's lips twitched in a smile. Adrianna gasped and jumped closer. "Ohh sure you won't smile for mama."

Lofn laughed and turned happy, grateful eyes on Adrianna. She reached out and took her hand, squeezing it tight. "Thank you."

And there it was. That genuine, bright and happy smile, the blue eyes… She was almost an exact copy of Benen. That strange sense of deja vu swept through Finn once again, almost like he'd had too much to drink or he was falling through the air. It was such a strange feeling, not to mention how crazy it was they were here in this situation, but here they were. Benen's long lost daughter, his nephew's grandmother… the mother of their arch-nemesis.

Things had just gotten more complicated and yet, for Lofn's sake, more simple. Ten minutes ago he'd been ready to do whatever it took to spare his parents and sister more pain by throwing Lofn out himself. And now he was ready to fight tooth and nail for her. Benen's long lost daughter, returned home again.

He'd tell her everything. From that very first hug Benen had ever given him to their last days together when Benen had done everything in his power to keep Finn from dying of that sickness. Even to the final day when he'd given his life for Finn. Benen had been nothing but selfless and kind. And though she'd never gotten a chance to meet her father, Finn would make sure that by the end she would know him somehow. She would know every detail, every proverb and special thing he'd done.

Like Adrianna said, she was family now. Brandyn aside, she too deserved to be loved and happy, like Benen.

Yay, all's well that (almost) ends well!

I'm around on Discord mostly, so if you want to talk, that's where to go. Can't believe this is almost over! We're really excited about it! Life's definitely changed a LOT in these four and a half years, that's for sure.

Don't forget to review!

~Katie