It was early morning as we started making our way back to the village, well after the moon had crested the high point in the sky. We enjoyed and soaked in each other's presence for hours under Aurvandil's Fire before spending some time just laying in the warmer spring water. Letting the warm water wash away our actions but solidify our memories. We even got to enjoy a little bit of a light show while we walked back.
I had re-braided my hair to avoid any questioning gazes from anyone who may be out at this time in the morning, but fortunately for us, our entry into the village went unnoticed. We learned a lot about each other with the day we spent together. Even made our own vows to each other, and even if unofficial, they still filled my heart with warmth. As we approach Hiccup's hut with our bags, I can see the sight of a Deadly Nadder nestled into a ball on the side of the house, though no sign of Toothless. As bored as the dragon's must've been, it was a relief when we entered and saw the silhouette of the Night Fury resting comfortably on the slab of rock in his room.
Unloading our gear, I quietly make my way up to the bed and start to disrobe. As amazing as this last day was, snuggling up to Hiccup under a warm blanket in a warm bed would feel amazing. I hear the crack of spark rocks strike as he lights a low fire to warm the house before he makes his way up with me. I hear the Night Fury coo as Hiccup offers a slight pat before turning to me and the bed with a smile.
I'll admit, I felt sore in places I didn't know I could after this last day. And I am sure the same goes for him. It doesn't take either of us long to shred our cloths and climb into bed, but something was different about this time. We dropped all of our clothing, even the undergarments. We didn't speak beforehand about it, it was just something we both did. Something we both wanted, to feel our warm bodies pressing close together as we drift off into sleep for what little hours we could get before dawn.
Sliding into the bed, I feel Hiccup's arms snake around me my waist and pull me closer, my own arms wrapping around his neck as I gaze into his eyes. We don't speak, not for a long time. We don't move, or shift. It was just a gaze, a longing and content gaze. Neither of us were even tired, I for one felt wide awake as I feel his body against mine. Like I could forgo sleep entirely just to not break this gaze.
"Hiccup." I say softly, letting my forehead gently touch his without breaking eye contact. "What you said to me yesterday. About making me the kind of happy that when I lay in bed with you at night, the only thing I think is 'Wow, who knew this was even possible'." I restate for him and his gaze softens as his lips widen in a smile. I only nod, shrugging lightly. "You definitely do that to me." I finish softly.
He presses his lips to mine softly, tenderly as my eyes close lightly. Passionately but delicately, like his own lips were pressing just enough to purposeful feel every bit of my own lips. Long enough that went he pulled back, I felt my own head follow, longing to keep the connection for just another second longer. Slowly opening my eyes to look at him, and I can see the glisten of a tear.
"Every time I doubt my actions, every time I think about what I'd do differently, what lead me here. If there was some way that my father would still be alive, some action I could've taken differently or avoided entirely." He begins, his voice weak and filled with uncertainly. I release one of my hands from his neck and brush his cheek as he continues. "Every nagging doubt I've ever had. They are all put to rest when I hold you in my arms like this. Through the good, the bad, the rewarding and the challenging. As much as I may wish to see my father again, I would not change a thing if it would mean losing you." He says softly.
"When you said yesterday that I was your every reason, and every hope. That every day with me was the greatest in your life" He continues, and I smile and nod. "The same is true for me, Astrid. You're my everything. I couldn't do what I do now without you." He admits and I peck him lightly on the lips, laughing slightly.
"Careful who you admit that too, Gobber might start pushing for marriage before we're ready." I tease and he just laughs softly.
"Yeah, Gobber can ask for whatever he wants. I'm Chief, and it's no secret who the future Chieftess will be." He smiles warmly at the idea.
"We don't need to rush that. Remember when Dagur and Mala became betrothed and formed their relationship on intimacy from the very start?" I say, before stifling a laugh and adding "After they tried killing each other, that is." I finish and he just chuckles and nods.
"We have a different relationship. Built on years of friendship, solidified by years of trust and teamwork in the face of danger. We can take our time, because in the end, we know where we'll be and how we get there is our decision and no one else's." I finish with a smile, leaning in and kissing him again.
"We'll face the future, together." He adds and I nod, smiling wider.
I nestle into his chest and tighten my grip around him as I feel him do the same, his head resting lightly on mine as I close my eyes. Sleep came quickly now, being in his arms like this. I remember dreaming vaguely of us standing at the base of a statue, draped in white with the ceremonial cloth wrapped around our hands. A dream of soaring above the clouds with my arms wrapped around him, and his around me.
I feel something shift in the darkness and its like the warmth was sucked away from me for a moment before I felt the gentle touch of his lips press to mine.
"I'll see you soon" I hear without fully opening my eyes. He always woke up before the entire village, as though, since being Chief, he was hardwired to wake up so early. I may be an early riser like him, but he can beat me most days. A soft moan of acknowledgement escapes my lips as I try to open my eyes, but it's still too dark. I welcome this additional time to rest.
Today would be another lull of a day, not much to do for most. After rising with the sun, Toothless was gone with Hiccup and I spent a little time roaming his house. It genuinely looked like someone who only used it for sleeping, as most days he's gone before dawn and doesn't return until after dusk. I couldn't help but stifle a light laugh, taking a moment to organize his small kitchen area, fire pit and workstation.
After taking another moment to wipe down and redress into another set of cloths, I walked outside, and the brisk cool air met my face and made me close my eyes and smile. Walking around his house, I saw Stormfly still nestled, though the dragon reacted to me quickly, perking her head up.
"Hey, there's my girl. Morning ride?" I say, patting her on the underside of her chin and she chirps as I toss her a piece of chicken.
Before too long, we're in the air and beginning a circle around the island. The rush of wind makes my blood pump as I hug the Nadder's back as we dive. Then I see something unexpected at the docks and surrounding the island, Outcast ships, a lot of them. Hiccup never mentioned Alvin coming today, I wonder what that could mean. Turning on Stormfly's reins, I fly down to the Docks and see Hiccup already there with Alvin. Maybe the day wouldn't be such a lull after all.
Getting up in the dark before dawn had become easier and easier with the weight of responsibility driving me to rise. Leaving her embrace was the challenging part, but I can take solace in that everything I do as Chief I do for the betterment of the Tribe and for us. Toothless accompanied me outside, we had spent so little time together in the past day with Astrid and I's little get away.
I started the morning with a flight around the village and then a walk through the roads. All was serene, peaceful, and heartwarming. A few households already had lights flickering from them from the fireplaces but no movement around the village yet. Dawn was moments away and all was right with the world.
Heading down to the Dragon Stables, the underbelly of the island was much warmer than the cool, brisk air that dominated the streets on the surface. The dragons liked the warmth, and many were still nestled and quiet. They'd grown accustomed to us walking their pens and generally paid no one any mind unless it was their rider or food. Spending nearly an hour down there with Toothless, it continued to amaze me how the dragons reacted to his presence. He had become the new Alpha, and he was treated like it even if he lacked the Alpha's ability to command. He didn't need that ability; he had their loyalty and we saw what that was worth against Drago.
Leaving the stables, dawn had passed and as I gaze out to sea, I can see incoming ships bearing the Outcast Flag. I remember a time when this would've been a cause for alarm, but Alvin had proven himself to be anything but treacherous. Perhaps Alvin the Tenacious would be more apt after recent years. Letting a soft sigh out, I begin a walk to the docks with Toothless as I start hearing doors opening and various rambling from others around the village. People were waking.
I'm soon joined by my mother as I approach the docks. "Outcasts?" She says softly with a slight amount of caution and I nod. I had forgotten that Alvin had been outcast for betrayal and she never met the redeemed Alvin.
"It's fine. He's an ally, I'm surprised he's here though." I say and she nods, following me with Cloudjumper and Toothless both in tow.
We arrive at the docks and a few moments later, Alvin's ship pulls in to port and the large ramp is extended as the Viking walks out. Wearing his customary skull and spiked garb, crazy messy hair and battle axe, he walks straight to me. I can feel my mother tense up, but her trepidation evaporates and turns into confusion as she hears his hearty, raspy laugh.
"Oh ha ha! Chief Hiccup now is it!" He says, extending a large hand to me. I reach past and grip his forearm and he grips mine as we nod.
"What brings you here, Alvin?"
"I just come to pay me respects to Stoick. I would've been here sooner but had a little problem back on me island that needed sorting!" He says with a grin and I laugh.
"Ah ha, yeah, probably good you ended up arriving today." I pause, turning to my mom. "Mom, you know Alvin. Alvin, my mother, Valka."
"Oh, I know Alvin the Treacherous" She says cooly and is visibly surprised when he just laughs.
"Ai, I remember ye, Stoick's wife! Glad ye didn't end dragon food like e'erbody thought!" He says, chuckling. "I ha'en't been called The Treacherous in a few years!"
"I was just thinking about that, maybe Alvin the Tenacious would be better suited. We do love our titles after all" I jest and he brings his hand to his chin and nods.
"Aye, Alvin the Tenacious. I could live with that. Hey! GORM! Spread the word! Alvin the TENACIOUS! I hear someone say The Treacherous again I'll throw 'em overboard!" he yells behind him and I see someone on the deck scramble and shout in acknowledgement before Alvin laughs.
"Bit on the other side, eh?" I hear my mom whisper and I chuckle.
"Oh, mom. Wait til you meet Dagur. Leader of the Berserkers." I say with a half-smile. What a ride we've had in recent years. Enemies to Friends around the clock. Even Viggo was redeemed.
"Hey, Chief" Alvin's voice breaks my train of thought. "That yer Chieftess, eh, Chief?" He says, pointing up and my eyes trail to a Deadly Nadder diving in with Astrid on it's back, and I smile widely.
Stormfly lands and Astrid hops off, coming up and standing besides me, her arm brushing mine as she greets Alvin.
"Alvin!"
"Oi, It's the Hofferson Rider! 'Ello Astrid!" He says between a laugh. "Alvin the Tenacious is me new name, courtesy of Chief Horrendous!" He laughs loudly before letting it die and waving his hands. "Don't ye worry, Chief. I won't do that all the time."
"Ah, ha ha, great." I sarcastically laugh.
"So!" He says, barreling to Astrid and I and gripping us in a huge hug. "When's the wedding!?" He says, which earns an eye roll from both Astrid and I but a laugh from my mother as he sets us down.
"No time soon, but I promise you'll get an invite." I answer and he nods, placing his hands on his hips. I feel Astrid shift closer to me.
"Aye, I better. Otherwise, I might have to go to war" He says, leaning down and I swear sometimes I can not tell if he is kidding, but his immediate laugh solves that. "Just Kidding! I would have to crash it though, so I better get one of those, eh, what you call 'em? Terrible Mails?"
"Terror Mail." I answer
"Aye! That's the one! Good on ya, now take me to that big ol' statue. I've got some respects to pay! I've brought some food too! Up fer a feast tonight, Chief Hiccup?" Alvin says, walking past us and prompting us to follow him
"The people of Berk are always up for a feast, Alvin. You know that. We've got the mead to spare." I answer, glancing at Astrid and she nods, smiling.
"Excellent! Hope you don't mind me boys 'nd girls running rampant through yer streets for the day! They need to stretch their legs!" He says before adding "I promise they won't destroy nothing!"
"Ah, ha! Good one, yeah that's fine." I say, turning around and doing a large circle wave to the small fleet of boats that are sitting just outside of port. I see them drop their sails and start to pull in. "Now, let's go see that statue, Alvin."
I glance at Astrid who has stayed close to me since she landed and snake my fingers around hers, holding her hand and squeezing tightly. She smiles and walks with me as we escort Alvin to the large statue of Stoick the Vast.