The day together was long, lustrous and filled with passion that we hardly noticed the transition from morning to day to afternoon. The people of Berk had decided among themselves to host a celebratory feast in honor of the Riders and our recent victory against Krogan. Astrid and I had spent the majority of the day consumed with each other and nothing else. Soaking in each other's presence, drinking in each other's passion, I could honestly spend every day like this and never tire of it. That being said, there comes a time when duty must take precedence, and this was one such situation. We had since helped to clean each other up and redressed before parting ways. We first took a lap around the island with Toothless and Stormfly to stretch their wings, our dragons had seen less attention as of late, but they shockingly seemed to be relatively okay with the reasoning. After our lap, we parted ways as Astrid headed to the Great Hall to help coordinate the feast and I headed to the cells to check in on Krogan.

Magnus and Bjorn were the two on watch, both armed and alert, they knew who we were dealing with. This wasn't like when Bucket was watching Heather all those years ago, Krogan was a trained killer and any slip up would result in numerous deaths. The two larger Vikings nodded to me as I approached and opened the door for me, shutting it behind me as I entered with Toothless. I hear Krogan's sinister, low laugh echo down the hallway as I approach the large, sealed cell door.

"Ha ha ha, well, hello, Chief. I wasn't aware I was allowed visitors. Please, to what do I owe this pleasure." He says coolly, sitting in the darkest corner of the cell. His eyes barely visible against the torchlight.

"Oh, ya know. Just making sure your nice and cozy, had your spoon of water and potato for the day. Don't want you to starve now." I retort with a shrug as he laughs again, standing and pacing.

"Do you really view this is some major victory? With or without me, the Warlords will continue their work and eventually, the great Dragon-topia that is Berk will crumble." Krogan states as I shake my head.

"Tell me something. Why do you hate dragons? Why do you think we can't live in harmony with them? They are not beasts, they are intelligent, caring creatures on Thor's Earth that only want to live in harmony with us. Where does your hatred stem?" I ask as he nods slowly during his pacing.

"I've no hatred for anything but you, my boy. I've underestimated you and lost to you multiple times. Your ingenuity surprises me, even to this day. Few have succeeded in besting me so readily as you do, and it has grown irksome. I took this job for the chance to kill you. Alas, I seem to have failed, but the longer you keep me alive, the more chance I have to escape and complete it. So, your large heart will ultimately be your death." Krogan answers as I shake my head. How am I supposed to reason with someone who is inherently without reason?

"Alright, I tried. Currently, you are going to remain behind these bars for the foreseeable future, eating nothing but a potato and a single spoon of water a day until the Chief's of the Archipelago decide your fate. You will be joined by your warlords over time, and you will have nothing to hold you except your own hatred. I hope you can live with that, good day. You won't see me again for some time, Krogan." I say and walk away, though I can hear his words being spoken I choose not to listen. At this point, anything he says is either a ruse or something meant to goad me into being irrational. We had a plan, a good one, and I wouldn't see it mucked up. Walking back out, I glance to Bjorn. "No one goes in there without my permission unless it's to give him his rations, no less than two at this door." I state and he and Magnus nod.

"You got it, Chief. We'll pass the word." Bjorn answers and I nod, clasping him on the shoulder and smiling.

"Make sure you two have your relief cover you in time to join us at the Great Hall. It'll be a true party and it wouldn't be the same if everyone can't make an appearance." I add and they both nod.

"We'll see ya there, Chief!" Magnus replies and I nod, leaving them on Toothless and taking a low flight of the town and island, slowly watching everything below me with Toothless as the sun begins to set on the horizon.

I can see the last crates on the docks being rolled up to the Great Hall by Bucket and Mulch as the full force of Berks fleet finds itself harbored. We weren't as strong as the days before the Red Death, as she had taken dozens of ships from us in a breath, and then Drago's Leviathan wiping out even more. We still had a little over two dozen ships though, when fully manned, were a force to be reckoned with.

I can see a pair of flyers circling above in the sky, it looked like Spitelout and Gustov. Those two had always offered to take the odd shifts or the longer ones to give the rest of the A team time to do their other tasks or relax. I had truly grown proud of how Gustov had grown over the years, a truly capable rider. They were doing shifts in the air to allow our boats to dock so everyone could enjoy the celebration tonight.

Circling back down towards the market area, I can see Gobber leaving the Forge on Grump and making his way to the Great Hall, either oblivious of me or too focused to care. Besides him, I can see packs of Vikings slowly making their way to the Great Hall in droves, several peeling off and laying a flower at the feet of my Father's statue. It was heartwarming to see.

Flying back up and around towards the Academy, I can spot the rafters for the dragon races that hadn't been held in over two months. What with Krogan, the Warlords, the ongoing war against the Trappers; we just hadn't had the time. The last one we held was a week after Drago's defeat as homage to my father, but then things just started going downhill. I suppose I sort of fell into a state of depression at being thrust into the role of Chief while losing my father in the process. Two things I never wanted to have, that were forced upon me at the same junction. It was a trying time those days, but Astrid had truly helped me through the darkest part of it and I am glad to say that she is with me.

Maybe that is something that needs to be rekindled. The Dragon Races, but expanding them, more than just a race between the riders. Incorporate the A team, the Tertiary team, all those who fly in passing for fun. Different levels, different challenges. Something to help keep the morale up amid a war, it wasn't something we always needed to do, but it was something that we could do when we had the time to help the people and the riders, the dragons know that our lives were not centric on a war for peace but that we could also enjoy peace.

I think I like that idea, something to toss to Astrid and the others during the feast and announce it tonight, something to help liven the night and increase moral even more. Dark times were ahead of us as we prepared to contest an armada of nearly two hundred ships bent up upheaving us from our peaceful ways. Dark times need not overshadow bright moments that shine through the darkness and help guide us through the patches. If something as trivial as a Dragon Race can help us, it's worth it, for the people's and the dragon's sake.

I had a new hope, a new resolve. I wouldn't let Krogan's ill-will or the ill-will of the trappers darken our way of life. No. Pulling back on Toothless, I head towards the Great Hall. I can see the large doors still wide open and the light bursting out as most of the town had made their way there already. Landing outside, for the first time, I didn't feel awkward being their Chief as we had a successful mission, and this feast was their own choice. I had an idea that they would all enjoy, and we could move on without making it any more awkward than it needs to be, and just enjoy the party. Boy, did that thought not make it past the pair of large doors.


"Are you sure about this?" I hear Fishlegs ask next to me as the last few people file into the Great Hall. Glancing around, I note everyone already having found their seats and drinking mead while the largest table near the Chief's Table was lined with food enough to feed a couple islands. "Astrid!" Fishlegs calls back, jarring me back to look at him as I nod and smile.

"I mean, sure? No, not really. You know how much Hiccup loves being the center of attention. This was their idea, Fishlegs. I can't just tell them to not celebrate his victory." I answer and he shrugs.

"You know what he's going to say, right?" Fishlegs asks and I nod.

"That it wasn't his victory, it was ours. That he is no more important than any one Viking here. Yes. I know." I retort and he nods.

"Pretty much. Okay, well, he should be here soon. I just hope he doesn't turn around and walk out!" Fishlegs exclaims as the twins laugh.

"Oh, we won't let him. Look, up there. Barf and Belch are waiting over the door. They'll shut it after our Fearless Leader enters. Then, good old brother Snot will pick him up and throw him into the sea of sitting Vikings, where he will travel on a wave of their hands to the front as we chant. It. Will. Be. Glorious." Tuffnut outlines his vision, to the partial horror of both Fishlegs and I.

"Uh, yeah, that was good up til Snotlout picking him up and throwing him. Let's just drop that and everything after it. Leave Barf and Belch shutting the door." I suggest and both twins roll their eyes.

"And in comes Astrid, the party pooper." Tuffnut retorts as Ruffnut nods.

"It's like a gift she has, just able to suck away any and all joy from our ideas. She's like, an Anti-Thorston." Ruffnut adds as I smack my palm to my forehead, remembering the twins serve a purpose speech Hiccup always touted.

"Really, guys?" I exclaim softly as I hear them both snicker. I can hardly ever tell when they are being serious or not in their shenanigans, Hiccup is one of the only ones who can ever actually control them to any degree of success.

"I still can't believe you want me to lead it, me, of all people. You want a Jorgenson to applaud a Haddock." Snotlout exclaims as I shake my head.

"No. I want Snotlout to applaud his Chief. Look, you give him a harder time than anyone else on the team. That said, everyone knows you support him. Show your support again now and I'll even promise not to punch you for a whole week." I add and Fishlegs and the twins gasp.

"Astrid, can you keep that promise? You punching Snotlout is like second nature whenever he says something muttonheaded." Fishlegs asks and I just shrug with a smile.

"FINE! No punching, a whole week. I'll hold you to that. My ribs already feel better." Snotlout adds as the rest of us laugh.

"I hear him!" I hear someone murmur down the line as most Vikings in the hall quiet down and my cheeks flush red. It was an odd feeling to surprise him, but he deserved this. He is often doubting himself, his ability to lead us properly that a good show of confidence from his people would do wonders.

I see Hiccup and Toothless walk in, and I can't fight the smile that creases my lips as his eyes trace the room and find mine. He certainly looks a wee bit suspicious as now everyone in the Great Hall is looking towards him and Toothless as he enters past the threshold of the door and I see Barf and Belch move just enough above him to close the doors behind him. As the doors slide shut, the hall erupts.

"TO OUR CHIEF! HICCUP HADDOCK THE THIRD! We have captured the Ruthless Krogan and our victories will only continue!" Snotlout exclaims, approaching Hiccup who is literally trying to back out of the room in an uncomfortable posture it's almost adorable to watch as Fishlegs raises his cup.

"To Chief Hiccup!" Fishlegs shouts out and everyone in the hall follows suit as Gobber props himself on the center of the room with a large set of pipes.

"And now, Vikings and Vikings, eat, drink, dance and sing. This be a party!" Gobber calls out and starts playing his music which has almost gotten better over the years, hard to really tell but he is certainly one of the better musicians in the town.

"Hooligan Tribe, won't you come out tonight! Come out Tonight! Come out Tonight! Hooligan Tribe, won't you come out Tonight, or Die by the light of the moon! Oh, by the light of the moon!" Several dozen Vikings call out in unison with Gobbers music as Hiccup finds his way to me, his cheeks rosary red as he is shaking his head.

"Was this your idea?" He whispers softly and I shrug softly with a smile.

"Not… entirely? Look." I say, grabbing his shoulder and turning him to see our people. "These are your people, celebrating your victory against Krogan. This was all of their ideas. You make a hundred plus decisions a day, and many of them lead us to great things. I know you think you aren't perfect, or that you need to be right one hundred percent of the time. But, you are all of those things; you never give up." I finish, turning him back to me and kissing him. "This party is for all of us."

"On that note, I have an idea. Restarting the Dragon Races. Trapper war or no, we can't let their ways stop our ways from thriving. I was thinking about it on the flight tonight. Tiers. Casual, intermediate and expert level races. Lets everyone beyond just the Riders compete and have fun. Thoughts?" He asks and I smile, placing a hand on his chest and nodding.

"I love it, you should tell everyone." I add and he nods, both of us turning and waving down Gobber to get his attention. It takes a minute and both of us walking up to the center stage to get him to quiet down.

"People O' Berk! Yer Chief has something he wants to say!" Gobber adds, helping Hiccup up as I stay down and watch. Hiccup's eyes find mine and we share a smile as I nod, and he takes a breath.

"Uh, yeah. I've said it before, and I'll say it again. We won't break in our resolve to build a peaceful utopia for both dragons and humans to live in harmony. This victory in the capture of Krogan is a large one, and the first of many. This war with the trappers will likely be long, but that doesn't mean our way of life has to be controlled by it." Hiccup begins. "With that in mind, It is my thought to restart the Dragon Races!" He says and there is a literal, thundering cheer that echoes in the hall. "But more, I want to make there be multiple levels, that way, anyone from the casual flyer and their dragon, to the most experienced Riders we have can compete on fair ground in varying brackets! It'll serve as a means to help us blow off steam, to help us train and grow with our dragons and to solidify our way of life!" He finishes and the same thundering cheer echoes across the walls as he smiles. "On that note, let's shake the walls with our party tonight!" He beckons and everyone cheers once again as he climbs back down, Gobber giving him a proud nod and, if I didn't know better, I'd say the older Viking had a tear in his eye. He resumed his music, and several varying Vikings resumed their singing as many others ate and drank.

Snotlout and the others approached us with a laugh. "Oh, Chief, what an idea. I love it. It's about time we started the race up again. Hooky and I haven't won a medal in a little while and could use another one." Snotlout states proudly as I roll my eyes and Hiccup chuckles, his arm finding its way around my waist pulling me closer.

"Uh, Snotlout. You've literally never won a Dragon Race." Fishlegs adds and he groans.

"Oh, and you have, Fishface?!" He retorts as Fishlegs nods.

"Actually, yes, the very first legit race. You remember, the one where you and the twins cheated." Fishlegs adds as the Twins walk up waving their hands.

"Hey, woah, woah. Cheat is such a strong word." Tuffnut begins

"One might say it is a deceptive word for what actually transpired in said instance in which Fishlegs is referring." Ruffnut adds

"Right you are, sister. Anyways, Astrid is like, the only one who won those." Tuffnut adds as I smile knowingly as Snotlout groans again.

"Uh, yeah. Cause Hiccup would grab all the sheep and toss them in her bucket! Why do you even play?" Snotlout adds, looking to both Hiccup and I as we shrug, glancing at each other and smiling knowingly.

"Seeing you lose is it's own reward." I retort as he groans and we all slowly make our way to the table to eat and drink.

Hiccup and I enjoy a night watching the crowd eat and drink together and as the dancing starts, I feel his hand tighten around mine and pull me up. Glancing up to him, his smiling gaze looking down at me as he nods to the center area of the room where Gobber has just begun a new toon. Several Vikings are singing a new tune and several more are dancing. Yanking me up, I feel him pull me to the center area and one of his arms wraps around my waist as his other takes my hand. Kissing me solidly in front of everyone present, he nods.

"Can I have this dance?" He asks, and though our bodies were already dancing, my flushed red face and smile had only just accepted his offer.

"Absolutely." I reply softly and rest a hand on his shoulder, gripping his other hand tight as he leads me in tune with the music. We spend much of the night like that, in between dancing and taking a drink of mead, we were up and, on our feet, moving for what felt like hours. Dancing with or for the entire village without a care in the world, random applause, continued heartfelt laughter and singing coupling the music was none stop and only fueled it. This was a taste of peace, something we could live every day once the trapper war was over. I'd fight for that day to come to pass and to just be able to enjoy my time with Hiccup without another care in the world.