Author's Note: Later than expected due to new work opportunity with higher pay and less free time. I should go back to two times a week after this one, possibly more as allowed.


I never knew how much of a logistical nightmare it would be to organize a Summit between Chiefs. The past two weeks have been nothing short of chaos and I feel like I would've drowned without those around me. Everyone around me helped, pulled their weight and more. Snotlout was given cursory charge of the A team and in charge of security for Berk and the Summit itself. The twins were put in charge of choosing the meals that we would have while Fishlegs and Eret set up the neutral location. Gobber was helming the daily needs of the people while my mother was staying hurriedly by Astrid and I's side, explaining what she thought to expect. While the last summit happened after her disappearance, she was quite familiar with how a chief needed to act around other chiefs in such a setting. The other problem going in was the obvious bad blood we would have to settle to start.

"Okay, let's go over it all again." My mother's voice breaks my concentration as she places a parchment before Astrid and me with the eight other tribes attending. My mother had spent the last few couple weeks gathering as much information as she could so that when we entered this Summit, it wouldn't be blind. To go into such negotiations without information beforehand would be foolhardy at best, deadly at worst.

"Outcast Tribe; remnants that have absorbed exiles from varying other tribes to become a respectable power and ally." Astrid states next to me. "Headed by Alvin. Since Savage, he hasn't really named a second, though I suppose we'll meet them at the summit. Alvin is also among those who will support Hiccup's bid for Chief of Chiefs." She finishes and glances to me as I nod with a slight wince. That had become something I was growing more accustomed too, even though the mere thought of that much power or influence bothered me. I didn't want to be the one who helmed the Archipelago; helping get them through a trying time is one thing but this, this was more. Glancing back to my mother, I nod again.

"Next is the Berserkers, headed by Dagur and Heather and probably our closest and strongest allies. Ships, Forges, even their own dragon riders plus experience in war." I add on Dagur's fleet being the largest in operation next to the Mongrel Tribe. Them in conjunction with us and the Outcasts had the largest force in the Archipelago barring Drago's Remnants. I glance to Astrid who smiles softly at me as I sigh. "The Berserkers are also going to support a bid from me if required." I finish.

"Dagur himself suggested it if I recall." Astrid adds and I nod, her hand entwining with mine. She smiles and turns her head back to my mother before continuing. "Next would be the Defenders of the Wing. Married into the Berserker Tribe and lead by Mala with her second being Throk. Honorable, capable fighters. Coexisting with dragons for generations and also likely to support a bid by Hiccup." Astrid says and I feel her tighten her grip around my hand at the comment. Every time I heard it, my heart sank a little further. Where were the days that I just rode dragons, where did those days go?

"By those three alone, Hiccup will likely have majority anyways as most Chieftains only ever vote for themselves in such a vote." My mother adds.

"There is also the Wingmaidens, headed by Atali with her second being Minden. Guardians of the Razorwhips, Atali has suggested she would support such a bid by me as well." I state. "There is also the time they came to our aid with the King of Dragons against Johann and when they got the Bewilderbeast Egg to you." I add as my mother shifts uncomfortably.

"Those were interesting times. I've known Atali for years, and all I heard of you while you were out there was that you were Riders from the Edge, not from Berk. I never connected Berk, nor did she share your name as we never spoke in person. I was so caught up in my personal war with Drago, with saving any dragon I could further south. I would've tried meeting you sooner had I known." My mother answers softly as I shrug.

"We're here now, so we make do." I contend with a weak smile. "Moving on." I say softly, glancing to Astrid who nods.

"The Hysterics are next. Unknown Warriors with varying beliefs. Rumor is they believe the world to be round and hold rules of justice at the flip of an axe as if fated by the gods. Their strange beliefs aside, they are proud warriors and notably savage in combat. Little to no ships to speak of, they really only venture to Villainy during the times of the Freeze for hunting. Unknown on if they'd support a bid. Lead by one called Silver Claw and someone we think is his second, White Fang." Astrid explains as I recall the encounter.

"They are in tune with their animalistic side, and not dragon riders, though they did respect us being so though called them war beasts." I add on while my mother nods along, keeping time with her own notes. "Next is the Hymir Tribe, similar to the Defenders, though less involved with dragons. Lead by Kira Solveig, and Jary Halvar as her second. They seem to respect us for varying reasons. Not sure if they'll support a bid by me, but they might." I finish, closing my eyes slightly and shaking my head. I had told Astrid about the questionable encounter, but it still didn't sit well with me. Astrid senses my apprehension and squeezes her hand around mine again, opening my eyes I see her smiling warmly at me. It always did make me feel more confident having her by my side. Astrid's smile widens slightly as she nods her head and glances back to my mother.

"Next we have the Shivering Shores Tribe, led by a man named Audun who had relations with Stoick and apparently spoke quite fondly of him and Hiccup. From what Eret and Hiccup said, they were most receptive and may well support a bid by Hiccup." Astrid explains.

"You know, does it need to be me?" I blurt out randomly. "Wouldn't Mala or Atali or, for Thor's Sake, even Dagur be better picks? I just, I'm not sure I'm the right Viking for this, Chief of Chiefs idea." I explain as they both look at me. There is a long pause when they both turn to look at each other then back to me as my mother speaks.

"I'm sure any of those three would do well, Hiccup, but.." She begins but pauses as Astrid shifts and takes my other hand, making me look her in the eye.

"But you have always seen the better side; always tried to be reasonable and kind. You've never succumbed to emotions, always have defended those who needed no matter the costs. You're kind to dragons and your fellows, always trying to give everyone as much of a chance as you can to improve. You don't do these things to make people love you, to gain power or respect; you do them because it is who you are. You wouldn't kill a dragon, bound though dangerous even if freeing it ultimately cost you your lift. You see yourself in others, in dragons, in people. Yes, Hiccup, it needs to be you." Astrid states confidently, reminding me of what I had said after my father first found out about Toothless; when I told her that I wouldn't kill a dragon. I shake my head and sigh.

"Hiccup, what Astrid said is right. You're the best chance to lead the Archipelago as a whole into a better future." My mother adds with my head still shaking slightly.

"And those who disagree?" I suggest.

"There will always be dissidents; it is a matter of how you address them and move forward." My mother adds on as I nod and take a deep breath.

"Well, on that note; last but not least, the Mongrel Tribe." I say softly. "Arguably the most questionable of the lot but one of the strongest powers that be. Alone their fleet is almost as large as every other fleet combined, and if unified with us, would mean our fleet alone would match or pass the Trappers. Led by Nikora Stormheart and her sister, Eir, who seem to have worked past their differences. They are not in the current business of trapping Dragons anymore, though they have had a questionable past. They seem focused on rebuilding since reclaiming their home island. And we were not welcomed to stay the night, so I think they would likely be opposed to a bid." I state.

"They will be the hardest to convince, but I believe honor and good will prevail." My mother says with a smile. "Do not be deterred, don't sacrifice your own beliefs. You are who you are, and you are a great man. Your father would be so proud of you." She adds as I nod and smile weakly.

"Thanks, mom." I say softly, my hand tightening around Astrid's. The Summit was tomorrow, and Astrid and I would head there tonight. Snotlout was already there with several of the A Team while the rest of the riders did their duties without complaint. Even the twins were working with me without much of a counter which helped me.

After having gone through it all, Astrid and I loaded up and flew out to the island in question. We were using the island of our old storehouse that Spitelout had chosen, with all of our stores returned to Berk. The large building made for a perfect meeting room, and as we flew, on the horizon, I could already see the masts of various ships making their way there through the night. This next day would be more stressful than going into combat; at least Astrid was by my side.


I don't know what we were hoping to expect on the dawn of the summit, but it was anything other than that. We had set up the old storehouse as a Summit room with nine Chieftain Chairs and nine Second chairs in a circle around the room; each set up with a small table of mead and fruit. In the center of the room was a map, more professionally organized than Hiccup's little pocket notebook map that he added onto every chance he got. This map was the entirety of the Archipelago as we knew it; all of our neighbors, the islands we've visited and more. It was a bit of a masterpiece of art if I dared to say, and something that Hiccup wouldn't claim to having made though I know he did.

"It'll work, Hiccup." I say softly as I stand by his side. We were alone in the meeting room with the large doors opened, gazing over the map.

"It better, I don't know what I'll do if it doesn't." Hiccup answers. "How hard is it to push for peace, why is coexisting with dragons such a hard concept?" Hiccup asks somewhat rhetorically as he turns to me and I smile softly at him.

"There is no good answer for that, but with a healthy bit of determination and courage, we can find a way. I have faith in you." I answer, forcing him to smile.

"I'm glad you are here, Astrid." He says softly, leaning in and kissing me softly on the lips. I realized then we had been so overworked, so stressed, we had barely taken comfort in each other's presence over the past couple weeks and this kiss… it released tension in my back I didn't know I had. As we pull away, we both smile.

"There is no where else I'd be." I say for him with a widening smile. Supporting him, being with him, flying with him, that's what made me happy, no matter the challenges we faced together, it would be together. Shortly after dawn, we heard the sounds of the first arrivals and made our way to greet them, together. Dagur, Mala, Heather and Throk all rode in on a pair of dragons, Sleuther and Windshear; and they were the first to officially arrive.

"Brother!" Dagur calls out, hopping off Sleuther and embracing Hiccup then me in a gronkle hug.

"Glad you could all make it." I say, standing next to Hiccup.

"It is truly our pleasure, Astrid." Mala answers as Heather comes up and embraces both Hiccup and I. Throk met our forearms in a greeting and smiled. We showed them inside to their respective seats which were next to each other as we heard the familiar sounds of baby Razorwhips. The Wingmaidens came next, with Atali and Minden landing outside the door and joining us inside. We showed them to their seats as Hiccup and I went out to meet those who came by sea.

The Outcasts came next, who had offered to pick up the Hysterics. It seemed Alvin and Silver Claw got along swimmingly which I wasn't sure if it should worry me or ease me; though it seemed to put Hiccup's mind at ease as we greeted the pair of Chiefs.

"Oi! Chief Haddock, Hiccup! And Astrid. How ye be doin'? Comm'ere, meet me second; Radburn!" Alvin exclaims as he disembarks with Silver Claw, White Fang of the Hysterics and a second Outcast I didn't recognize.

"We've met before, nice to meet you again." Radburn says as I actually do recognize him as one of the Outcasts who helped us get Alvin back after he was ransomed. Silver Claw approached us both with a large battle axe slung to his back and White Fang with a beautiful bow slung.

"Hooligan Chief and Chieftess." Silver Claw says as both Hiccup and I glance at each other.

"Oi! Ye two get married without telling ol' Alvin? Might need to pillage ya if that be the case." Alvin exclaims as we both shake our head.

"No, no, Alvin. Soon, not yet." Hiccup says and my heart skips a beat. It was soon, wasn't it. Shaking his head, Hiccup glances to me with a weak smile. "Come on, let me show you to the meeting hall." Hiccup says and takes the Outcasts and Hysterics up the ramp as I wait for more arrivals. Soon after that, a boat bearing the Hymir Crest was pulling in to dock. As it does, out steps a rather beautiful small, framed girl who I assumed to be Kira; Hiccup hadn't mentioned her beauty; she wasn't unlike Heather. A larger, imposing man followed her.

"Chieftess Solveig, I presume? My name is Astrid Hofferson, Hooligan Tribe's General. Hiccu- er, The Chief is at the meeting building, I'll show you the way." I ask with a smile as she greets me with a nod.

"Kira, please. And this is my uncle, Jary Halvar." She states with a smile as I motion her to follow me up the ramp. "So, you're the one, huh, General Hofferson?" Kira says as she eyes me, prompting me to narrow my eyes at her.

"Astrid. And I am the one what?" I ask, unsure of her comment.

"Your Chief, Hiccup Haddock; he spoke quite highly of the one whom he was betrothed too. I was impressed both by him and by you." Kira says as I turn to look at her.

"What makes you think he spoke of me?" I ask, not really sure of what Hiccup said but gauging her reaction as she smiled.

"The way you introduced yourself, the way he spoke. I just sort of guessed but, I'm quite right I think. I don't mind saying, Astrid, I'm jealous." Kira says with a light smile as we reach the Summit building and Hiccup comes out to greet us.

"Ah, Astrid, thank you. Uh, Chieftess Solveig and Jary, please come inside." Hiccup says, he seems flustered and already inside is bustling with conversation. He leads us over to Heather and Dagur. "Dagur, Heather. This is Kira Solveig and Jary Halvar of the Hymir Tribe. Can you show them around while Astrid and I meet the Mongrel Tribe and the Shivering Shores?"

"Of course, Bother! Come here! Chieftess Solveig, or do you prefer Kira? I am Dagur, The Deranged!" Dagur exclaims as we both walk away and he laughs. We can hear Mala laugh and correct him.

"Dagur the Distinguished is more accurate." Mala suggests as they fade out of earshot as we make our way down. The sea was calm as I spotted a ship on the horizon. I glanced to Hiccup and took his hand.

"Are you ready?" I ask softly and he sighs.

"Not really, no. This was always my father's thing, not mine. To be honest, I have no idea what I'm doing here, Astrid." Hiccup admits and I smile, pulling him in for another light kiss while we were alone.

"That didn't stop you from leading us on the Edge, or against Drago. Don't lose faith in yourself." I say softly as we pull back, the ship growing on us as it does. A part of me was hoping it was the Shivering Shores but another part of me expected it to be the Mongrels. As I turn to look, it looked like fortune was gone as I saw the second ship on the horizon, with the closer being the crest of the Shivering Shores.

"I want you to take Audun up, I'll wait for Nikora and Eir." Hiccup says in a slow sigh as I nod.

"You sure?" I ask as he shakes his head.

"No, I mean, yes. Probably best anyways. They're here of their own free will, so I don't expect any problems. Besides, Toothless is listening overhead." Hiccup says and glances behind us at a cliff face where the dragons had been corralled. I smile and nod as the Shivering Shores ship lands and out pops a large behemoth of a man I could only assume was Audun.

"Chief Hiccup Horrendous Haddock the Third! Look at Stoick's boy, and who's this lass?" The man bellows.

"Hey, Audun, this is Astrid Hofferson, my, uh, General." Hiccup says and I heard his pause, he almost said Chieftess.

"Right! Well, this is Birger, you've met him. How many more ye got?" Audun asks as Hiccup points to the last ship on the horizon.

"One more." I explain. "Come, Chief Audun, is it? Follow me." I say, leading him on as he follows me, him asking various questions on the route.

"So tell me, General, why did yer chief hesitate when he said that?" Audun asks.

"It's complicated." I say simply as Birger chimes in.

"Oh, no it ain't! You two due to be wed!" Birger exclaims as my eyes widen and I nod. "It's written on your face, lass. Pay it no mind, Stoick's boy is of a good cut." Birger adds as I nod, smiling. He had no idea how good a cut Hiccup was in basically ever aspect. We continued on the way and found our way to the Summit building where I showed them their seats and turned to everyone.

"Attention, everyone! Chief Haddock is greeting the last arrivals, then we can begin. Please start finding your seats. I'm sure all of us want this whole Summit to not last longer than it has too." I explain as everyone starts shifting.

"Well said, lass!" Alvin quips as he moves to the side near his seat and I move back to where Hiccup and I's seat is. Glancing around it at the notebook we had left there, undisturbed, I nod as I hear the heavy sounds of armored footsteps behind me. Turning I see Hiccup with Nikora and Eir who seem to be dressed for war.

"Right this way." Hiccup says and shows them to their seats as they sit without a word. There is a hint of contempt-ness on their face as Hiccup moves over to me and smiles weakly before turning to address everyone.

"Alright, first, thank you all for agreeing to participate in this Summit. I have called us here for one main reason; there is a threat on our waters unlike any we have seen before. The Remnants of Drago Bludvists armies, known as the Trappers, are pillaging our lands and waters and making war with us wherever we go. Their fleet is stronger than any one of ours, but together, we are stronger than they are. To that end, this Summit is to unify us as an alliance, a coalition; one that will respond to this threat and leave today as allies." Hiccup says confidently, walking around the circular map in the room, looking at everyone in specific as I sit and watch with a smile on my face. "Here, today, we must discuss how to deal with this threat, and how to move forward to coexist with each other and the dragons that inhabit the islands with us; together." Hiccup finishes stopped at his chair and pausing as he looks around. Neither of us were really prepared for what came next.