For one of the first times in recent memory, we rose just before the sun without something looming over us. No blizzard causing a whiteout over the village, no people lost at sea, no immediate plans to raid a Trapper fort and no assassin to fear. The potential for the future was looking higher as we made initial contact with the Hysterics, which still left several other tribes to contact and now what loomed over the horizon was me taking my mother's initiative and going out to meet them personally. Instead of her as an envoy, I would go myself and leave her as acting Chiefess. I wasn't going to ask, but I wasn't going to fight Astrid as I knew she would require that she accompany me. Going out like that was a move that made sense now but wouldn't in another couple of years. She is my general and not my Chiefess, not yet anyways, which made us going together appear more proper. Otherwise, were we wed; it'd be the smarter thing to leave her here just incase something happened to me… not that she'd ever go for that.

Still, we had some details we needed to hammer out, I needed to talk with my mother and Eret, brief the Riders and hopefully not be completely overruled by majority. I'm sure my mother won't agree with me going, let alone both Astrid and I, but with the trappers doing what they do and her injury, time was becoming important.

As of right now, we knew of three major trapper ports that were within the outskirts of the Archipelago; which made sense for the three different warlords who were rumored to barely tolerate each other. If we could get them each separately, we could take them. If they tried to combine their forces, we'd need the combined might of the free tribes of the Archipelago to battle them. Individually, they were splintered, and we could raid them with just the riders with relative efficiency, especially if we caught them off guard. In straight up firepower, even with our dragons, they just outnumbered us. That was another thing we'd need to address; when to strike, using the neighboring landscape or weather to our advantage. Until we had the full cooperation of the powers that be, it was just us with varied support from our existing allies who all had their own problems.

Dagur and Heather were hard at work rebuilding the Berserkers, it takes time to rebuild a tribe, especially after their leader was imprisoned for years and had an identity crisis. Now with Mala involved, they were growing into a new beast. A mix of Berserker commitment with Defender's honor; the strength with the ingenuity. They would likely grow to be one of the strongest tribes once again, and their name still carried significant weight. The battle for the King of Dragons had certainly not helped them in rebuilding, thus why even they were unable to intercept Drago and his Leviathan. With Heather creating their own flyer's squadron, their strength would only grow.

Alvin and the Outcasts had grown in size too, taking on remnants of despondent vikings who had no home or were part of lost tribes. The Outcasts welcomed those from all walks of life to join them and their society, while shockingly simplistic, was strong. Between them and the Berserkers, we nearly had enough ships to match the numbers of the Trappers. That said, wars are often won or lost off the battlefield and strategy can overpower any difference in numbers. We had our work cut out for us, but I knew, with Astrid by my side, with everyone, we would succeed.

As if on queue, as my thoughts returned to Astrid, I instinctively leaned in and kissed the back of her neck as we hadn't actually gotten out of bed yet, though we were awake. I heard her laugh lightly and sigh softly as she rolled over and kissed me on the lips before pressing her forehead to mine and smiling as she gazed at me.

"Good morning." She says softly and I smile, closing my eyes and just tugging her closer.

"Good morning." I answer softly and after another few long seconds of silence and warmth, I reopen my eyes and see hers had closed again. I brush the hair from her face as they slowly reopen and smile. "We've got some things to figure out today." I begin and she nods.

"Check on your mother and Eret as well." She adds and I nod as she glances to the side and blushes softly before turning back to me. "I've been thinking about something…" She says, pausing slowly and looking down as I nod, leaning in and kissing her forehead.

"Tell me." I say and she nods, her grip tightening as she smiles.

"I just, when you gave me the betrothal gift from your father, and now we've made our own… it…" she stutters softly, unable to really complete her sentence as I smile press my lips softly to hers.

"Nothing you say is wrong." I say softly and she nods.

"I thought it'd be nice to return the necklace Stoick made for her when he thought she was… gone. Something to remember him by, since I wear the one you made me I just thought maybe she'd… appreciate it." She mutters, and I can tell she is worried I'll be upset or something along those lines and nothing could be further from the truth. I smile, leaning in and kissing her again. I really couldn't get enough of the feeling of her lips touching mine. That simple act almost made anything else we did seem pale in comparison, not for a lack of pleasure but because of its simplistic expression.

"I think that'd be a great idea. She may turn it down, but she may not. Let's go see them, then we can rouse the riders. We need to revisit the summit discussion, the envoy, the trappers." I state and she nods.

"Hiccup. I am going with you." She states and I stifle a laugh as her eyes narrow. "What's funny?" She asks and I shake my head.

"I- nothing. I know you are, and I wasn't going to even try to argue it. I'm stronger with you by my side. I have more confidence, more courage with you by my side. I'd feel awkward or uneasy if it were anyone else going with me." I answer softly as she smiles and kisses me again. This kiss lingers this time, our warm bodies pressing together; I could lay like this for hours.

Not long thereafter though, we rouse and gathered some food before harnessing our dragons and taking off for the day. Astrid had made sure to grab the original necklace I had given her and when she showed it too me, I remembered giving it too her. I remembered her avoiding me that entire day because she was worried, she didn't have a gift for me. This beautiful, strong and courageous viking woman was worried she wasn't good enough for some reason. I talked with Fishlegs about it much later; she called me the Viking who had everything. I wasn't, not at first, but I was the moment she said yes. I felt a pang of guilt when she took it off after Dagur and Mala became betrothed, when I failed to notice it on her. I silently vowed then and there to never let that happen again. I loved dragons, I always have and will, and I'll fight for them. I love Astrid, and I'll fight for her, for us; I would never let us drift apart, I would never take her for granted again. Next to Toothless, she was the most important thing that ever happened to me and was who I am spending the rest of my life with.

Her returning the first betrothal necklace would be bittersweet for me, but not for any bad reason. It just means the awkward stages of our initial relationship were over. I meant she fully accepted my new gift as I accepted hers; that these weren't things our parents had given us, they were things we gave each other, for each other and no one else. It was a sign of our progression, of our growth together. We never stopped learning or growing, we never stopped being better. And together, we only got better and stronger; we only grew.

To return this necklace to my mother also offered us a chance to give her closure since losing my father. I had an outlet, I had Astrid, she didn't. Much like my father, I don't expect her to ever try to break her vow to Valhalla, as my father didn't either. As I child, I remember asking him and he said he didn't want another wife. He was true to her til his death, as was she to hers. They would be reunited in Valhalla when the time came, and though I wished that day to be far in the future, I felt the same with Astrid.


We landed at Gothi's hut just after dawn; Gothi was and always has been one of the lighter sleepers and early risers which was shocking for her age. Still, she expected us it seemed as I dismounted Stormfly and Hiccup strode next to me as we entered the hut. Valka lay there on one of the closest beds with a splint and herbs layering her exposed leg. It was discolored and seemed inflamed and painful. Valka noticed us immediately and motioned us over, Eret was on a different cot a few bays down.

"Hiccup, Astrid. So glad to see you, are you okay, what're you doing up so early?" Valka asks in her sweet motherly voice. "Have ye eaten breakfast yet?" She asks, her motherly instincts kicking in as she ignores her obvious injury to ask about us. Hiccup can't help but laugh lightly as I smile at their interaction.

"Yes, mother, we're doing great and we did eat. We just wanted to check up on you two, you've had a hard couple of days." Hiccup answers lightly as Valka nods, smiling.

"Oh, ya know, can't complain. According to Gothi I should be walkin' in a few days. Eret's wound was infected but he's also doing good."

"That I am, Chief. Ready to get back out there. Though with Valka out, you may need to replace her, or Astrid. At least until she's off the mend." Eret adds as I glance to Hiccup who nods, smiling to me.

"That's part of why I came here. I'll be taking over as an Envoy for the people of Berk, and not myself. After the encounter with the Hysterics, I think it's wiser this way." Hiccup states as Valka nods slowly.

"I see." Valka says slowly before turning her soft gaze to me then back to Hiccup. "And who would be accompanying you?" She asks us both, already knowing that it would be me. Something tells me she was against the notion of both of us going.

"I will." I answer for her as she turns back to me with a sigh.

"Is that wise?" Valka asks softly and I almost feel like she is judging me, like I wouldn't be enough to handle it. That couldn't be it though; she knew I was the best fighter this side of the Archipelago, that I'd fight for Berk and Hiccup. Hiccup was equally confused as he questioned her.

"What do you mean? Do you not think we are up for it?" Hiccup asks and she just smiles and shakes her head.

"Not at all, Hiccup. I know how strong you two are together. That strength may be better suited equally divided. If something were to happen to both of you, Berk would be in shambles, especially with the threat of the Trappers." Valka explains her reason and I breath a mental sigh of relief and nod. She made a point, albeit not one I wanted to hear.

"I concur with her, Chief. It may be more prudent for you to go and your General, Astrid, to remain in command here. I'd be honored to fly your wing." Eret adds as Hiccup glances back to me and I give him a soft gaze. He was the Chief, it was his call, no one else's. No matter how much I tried to influence him, often times my own desires lead us to trouble, like when I forced him to allow us to bring Garff. Our gaze lingers and I nod ever so slightly.

"Eret, can I talk to you a moment?" Hiccup then says, turning from me with a weak smile as Eret stands and leaves with Hiccup. Leaving me alone with Valka as Gothi had since returned to her herbal chair where she tended to daily needs. I remained silent, I hadn't expected to be left alone with Valka right then, after she dismissed the notion of us going together; she sensed my unease.

"What troubles you, dear?" Valka asks softly as I shrug.

"I just, I don't feel comfortable with Hiccup going to these places alone. Without—" I add as she continues my sentence

"Without you there. You two have been together for a few years now, no? Many struggles, challenges. Always side by side, even before you became official." Valka continues as I grasp my arm and nod.

"I—yes." I mutter. Valka had a way of seeing into the very soul, it was both reassuring and unnerving.

"Imagine the strength you will have from a time apart. Of knowing he is thinking of naught but you and returning to you, of ensuring he succeeds so that he can return all the sooner. Of you ensuring he has a safe place to return too. Imagine how the people of Berk would feel knowing they are protected by their general, their future chiefess who has proven herself time and time again while their Chief is away." Valka says softly, her voice akin to that of a mother, a teacher, a nurturer. She wasn't saying Hiccup and I were weak together, or weak apart. She was saying we were strong together, and strong apart. That even in distance and time, we would do everything we could to do right by the other, even in their absence. I wonder if this was how she felt about Stoick still, which reminds me of the medallion I carried.

"I guess that makes sense." I begin, pausing as my hand reaches into my belt loop. "That reminds me." I add, finding the medallion and lifting it up. "This belongs to you." I finish, holding out the medallion with a soft smile as her face breaks. For the first time, her composure broke, and she pursed her lips, closing her eyes as she reached out for it and stopped. I heard her take a breath as she opened her eyes, I could see the faintest of tears held in her eyes as she retracted her hand. I moved closer and smiled. "Take it." I say softly and she sighs and nods, taking it and letting loose a shuddering breath.

"I… I never expected to see this again. How- when did you?" Valka asks and I smile.

"Stoick gave it to Hiccup to give to me before we knew you were still alive. It was his first Betrothal gift to me, but since then…" I pause as I take my finger and feel the medallion that I wear over my riding suit, the one he made me of a Nadder with the Hofferson-Haddock crests. "We made each other new gifts since then, and I wanted to return this to you, so you had something to remember Stoick by." I answer as she glances to me, I can see her eyes lower to the Nadder medallion as she smiles.

"Thank you, Astrid. It means more than I can say." She says softly and then reaches out and takes my hand. "I've said it before, but I'll say it again. You are the daughter I've, we've always wanted. And I know Stoick would've been so proud of you both. I understand your reservations about Hiccup leaving without you." She admits and I nod alone, smiling.

"Yeah, you were right though. He was too. I can't be around all the time, neither can he. There will be days when we are apart. Across the Archipelago in equal danger. I need to trust that not only will I succeed, but he will, and that he'll come back to me." I mutter softly and her grip tightens.

"That's exactly it. Trust. The strongest foundation for any amount of love is trust. Passion, communication, strength, support; all of these have a place in love but without trust they all are moot. I know you two trust each other completely, demonstrate that trust to each other and to your people. Show them what the future Chief and Chiefess can do when separated." Valka says confidently as I nod. "And I'll be here to help along the way. Eret's no slouch either." Valka adds as I laugh and suddenly hear the movement behind us.

"Did I 'ear my name?" Eret asks as he and Hiccup walk back inside. Hiccup walks to me and takes my hand and tugging it slightly as I follow, neither Eret nor Valka stopping us as we walk outside on the perch and Hiccup embraces me. I melt into his arms as he leans his head back slightly and presses his lips to mine. I longed for every chance I got to feel that, to just have him hold me like this. It wasn't a matter of feeling safe from all harm in his arms, it was a matter of feeling happy, content. He pulls away and holds my hands, gazing into my eyes with a light smile as I nod.

"How'd it go?" He asks and I shrug and widen my smile.

"The medallion is back in its rightful place; she is happy about it." I say, pausing briefly and looking away as I quietly add "And she talked a little more…" I say softly.

"Yeah, so did Eret. What do you think… about going or staying?" He asks sheepishly and I shrug.

"I think that I trust you. That I know even if we're apart, we'll do our best to do right by each other and that…" I pause, sighing "it probably makes more sense for me to stay behind." I admit.

"I don't want you too… but I agree. I'll do my best to make it as quick and successful as I can." Hiccup says as I laugh lightly and smile, pulling him into a hug.

"That's exactly what Valka said you'd do. I trust you, Hiccup, and I love you. We'll grow stronger during this, and we'll be together during the summit and our raids." I affirm as I feel him nod.

"I love you." He says simply, lightly, his warm breath against my neck as he pulls back and kisses me once more. Tonight may be the last night I have with him for several weeks, and I wasn't sure I was truly ready for that yet, but I would be strong, for him.

"I expect terror mails." I tease, pulling away from the kiss as he laughs and nods.

"Without a doubt." He responds, kissing me again. I can't say for sure what the Gods plans were, if there was a destiny, a rhythm or reason for whatever happened in this often sadistic and cruel world. But if there was one thing I could say for certain, one thing I knew without reservation or doubt; it was that Hiccup and I were meant to be and that no matters the trails or hardships, we'd only grow closer.