Next arc: exploring Stoick and Toothless :)


Addendum 4

Things have finally made a turn to the better. After one more day of fighting off infection, Hiccup's fever broke last night, and Gothi said he should be in the clear now. All that's left is to wait for him to wake up… I hope he does soon. I've already apologized to him several times, but I want him to HEAR me. I want to see his eyes and know that he understands.

As soon as Hiccup got past his illness, Toothless changed too. It's still clear he's worried about Hiccup, but he's started eating at least. Even so, I don't know how to feel about him.

I know Hiccup cares about the dragon. That became more than clear when he nearly drowned trying to free the creature. And… I can't explain how, but the dragon cares about Hiccup too. The way he protected Hiccup from that explosion, the way he cried when we took Hiccup's leg, the way he wouldn't eat when Hiccup was sick, and the way he won't leave Hiccup's side unless he absolutely has to. How long have they been spending time together? I can't imagine more than a couple weeks… there's no way Hiccup could have kept a secret like this for longer than that. How have they formed such a strong bond with each other? And the even bigger question… how does a dragon bond with a human in the first place?

Every dragon I've encountered has been nothing but aggressive. Then again… so was I. A thought has crossed my mind, of how Hiccup acted during his final exam. Is that how he earned the Night Fury's trust? By showing it kindness?

Hiccup really is unlike any Viking before him. Well… apart from one.

I saw it before and I'm seeing it now more than ever. He's a lot like his mother. She didn't ever want to hurt the dragons either. But I didn't listen to her then, and I didn't listen to Hiccup now. And what did that get me? A wife in Valhalla and a son losing a limb.

No more. I'm not going to let these old traditions hurt my family any longer. I'm finally going to listen to Hiccup… even if he's not exactly HERE to see it.

-StV