Chapter 60. Dancing and Dreaming

INT. DRAGON MOUNTAIN - VALKA'S LIVING QUARTERS - LATE AFTERNOON

[As Toothless and Cloudjumper hover for scraps, Stoick and Valka prepare skewers of fish. She's overwhelmed, lost in her thoughts, and covering it up poorly.]

H, was worried. Valka squeezed his shoulders gently, smiling softly.

As for Hicc and Hiccup they both look hopeful at their Mother's return while Chief and Older Hiccups look traumatic at the memories of this day.

HICCUP: Mom, you'd never recognize it! Where we used to make weapons, we now build saddles, wing slings - we even fix dragon teeth! You wouldn't believe how much everything's changed!

Indeed, Neither could the rest of Old Berk. From the looks and sounds of it, Berk was a lot more peaceful without dragon raids every other night. Of course, Younger Hiccup was still creating his usual havoc. Not much had changed there.

[Valka offers a skittish half-smile and hands him a plate.]

STOICK: Our son's changed Berk for the better. I think we did well with this one, Val.

Stoick and Valka looked proudly at each other, Valka temporarily getting lost in her husband's eyes, forgetting what transpired soon after.

As for H, He ducked his head, basking in the happiness of finally hearing that his father was proud of him. After being called 'Useless', 'fishbone' and a disappointment for so many years, he couldn't get enough of his family's love for him. Huh… family, he liked the sound of that too.

HICCUP: Thanks, Dad.

[Stoick places his hands on Valka's shoulders. She flinches, dropping the plate. Cloudjumper steals the fish before Toothless can get to it. Toothless whimpers, and as a sign of acceptance, Cloudjumper regurgitates the fish so Toothless can have some.]

Toothless rubbed his head against Cloudjumper's side in a gesture of thanks. Wasabi gagged.

Though, Some of the children squirmed at the sight. The rest of the village were used to gore like that, although seeing fish regurgitated by a dragon wasn't quite as common.

VALKA: I'm... a little out of practice.

STOICK: (SWEETLY) Well, y'know... I didn't marry you for your cooking.

"I 'ope not. Stoick, remember when she nearly killed me with 'er fish pie?" Gobber exclaimed. Stoick recalled that memory fondly and had a small chuckle to himself. It had been just a few short months before Valka had fallen pregnant with their son, and they were sitting at the table waiting to be served. His wife had presented her 'culinary masterpiece' with such flourish and pride that he couldn't bare to tell her it was barely edible. Gobber on the other hand, had told her exactly that just not in as many words.

Meanwhile Valka mock glared at the two grown men, her eyes alight with laughter as she watched them tease each other.

GOBBER: (to Hiccup and Grump) I hope not. Her meatballs could kill more beasts than a battle axe.

"Told ya'!"

The Hiccups but H all rolled their eyes. "So can Astrid's Yaknog." when they noticed their Astrids But Younger Astrid's angry expression, they gulped.

"Did I say that out loud?" They all asked.

"Did you?" Hicc asked and Hiccup shook his head.

"No I don't think I did." Gulp Hiccup Nervously.

"I don't think it'll work." Shivers Chief Hiccup at the dark Smirk his Fiance is giving him.

"You really think so?!" Hissed older Hiccup before they looked at each other.

'We're so dead!' They all thought.

As for the Younger Hiccstrid they looked confused and so I whispered.

"It's Best for you Guys not to know." I said and my Friends nodded.

"Definitely it's not right for you guys to know." Sigma told them and Pre Teen Hiccstrid Shrugged. ( @CommanderAlfa. )

GOBBER: I've still got a few knocking around in here. Ha ha!

[Gobber takes a bite, gags, and dump the entire plate of fish skewers into Grump's mouth like a trash can.]

The theater was filled with laughter.

"Gobber!" Valka laughed.

"Ya' can' blame me Val!"

HICCUP: And once you move back in, with all of your dragons, Drago won't even stand a chance. Everything will be okay!

"I don't think it'll be that easy." Whispered Dagur and the others from his timeline nodded.

"Yeah, Everything will go south now." Exclaimed Heather Silently.

"Mom, Is this the moment that….." Nuffink ask and Their parents sigh and nod.

"Sadly, it is." Sighs Older Hiccup.

"Oh dad!" Sob Zephyr Quietly.

[Stoick can see that Valka is overwhelmed. He lays a hand upon Hiccup's shoulder, calming him.]

STOICK: Slow down, son. It's a lot to take in.

HICCUP: Oh. Gotcha.

[Valka crosses the room to fill a flask with water, back turned to the group, as Stoick eyes her sympathetically. He decides on a different approach... and whistles a familiar tune. ON VALKA, as her eyes widened, stirred, recognizing the melody. She turns away from Stoick, as the water overflows from the flask.]

"What is that tune?" Asked Hiro.

"I don't know, But I kinda Like it." Hummed Jack along with the Tune.

"It sounded Harmonic." Awe Queen Elinor.

"Yeah, It felt like the 'irst time We met." King Fergus told his Wife who nodded.

GOBBER: Oh, I love this one! Stoick approaches her delicately.

STOICK: (WHISPERED) Remember our song, Val?

[Hiccup watches him, curious, as Stoick FUMBLES THROUGH THE FIRST VERSE of an old Viking courting song]

STOICK: (CONT'D) (SINGING SOFTLY) ʆI'll swim and sail on savage seas, with ne'er a fear of drowning. And gladly ride the waves of life, if you will marry me.ʆ

"Woah." Said Cass. "I never suspected you could have such a good singing voice." Stoick smiled a little.

[Valka avoids his gaze, wallowing in a mess of emotions.]

STOICK: (CONT'D) (SINGING) ʆNo scorching sun, nor freezing cold WILL -ʆ

GOBBER: (SINGING) - ʆwill stop me on my journey!ʆ(catching himself, EMBARRASSED) Sorry.

Stoick scowled. The Hiccups all rolled their eyes, and Valka smiled at him.

[Stoick scowls at him, then returns his attention to Valka.]

STOICK: (SINGING) ʆIf you will promise me your heart...ʆ

[Stoick pauses, setting Valka up for her part of the duet.]

STOICK: ʆAnd love...ʆ

Stoick's eager face fell, looking at the screen despondently.

Oh Gods, Stoick thought. He'd been so worried about his son screwing it up that he didn't take into account how strongly he must be coming on as well. The village took in a collective breath, wondering why Valka was hesitating

[Stoick hangs eagerly, awaiting her words, but Valka closes her eyes, rejecting his invitation. He lets out a heavy- hearted sigh. But nostalgia gets the better of Valka. She softly SINGS HER PART]

VALKA: (SINGING) ʆAnd love me for eternity.ʆ

The chief laughed happily, hugging his wife.

[Stoick beams. She brushes past him, setting into the center of the chamber and holding her forearm aloft in invitation. Stoick crosses his forearm against hers, initiating a beautiful dance to accompany the song.]

VALKA: (CONT'D) (SINGING) ʆMy dearest one, my darling dear, you mighty words astound me. But I've no need of mighty deeds, when I feel your arms around me.ʆ

[The dance is full of charming missteps as Stoick and Valka recreate a moment from their past, before Hiccup's wonder- struck eyes.]

STOICK: (SINGING) ʆBut I would bring you rings of gold. I'd even sing you poetry.ʆ

"Oh would you?" Teases Valka. Stoick nodded.

VALKA: (laughingly) Oh, would ya?

STOICK: ʆAnd I would keep you from all harm, if you'd stay here beside me.ʆ

VALKA: (SINGING) ʆI have no use for rings of gold. I care not for your poetry.ʆ

Everyone laughed.

STOICK: (laughing) Oh ho!

VALKA: (singing) ʆI only want your hand to hold. I only want you near me.ʆ

[Gobber can't help himself. He drags Hiccup onto his feet so that he can join in the dancing, too.]

GOBBER: C'mon, Hiccup!

Everyone rolled their eyes fondly at the blacksmith. but mostly smile at the scene.

VALKA, STOICK, GOBBER (SINGING): ʆʆTo love and kiss, to sweetly hold. For the dancing and the dreaming. Through all life's sorrows and delights, I'll keep your love inside me.ʆʆ

[Hiccup is amazed by the sight of his giddy parents, spinning and laughing in each others' arms, reunited.]

VALKA, STOICK, GOBBER (CONT'D) (SINGING): ʆʆI'll swim and sail through savage seas, with ne'er a fear of drowning. And gladly ride the waves of life, if you will marry me!ʆʆ

[Gobber carries the last note... ]

GOBBER (SINGING): ʆI'm still going...ʆ

Laughter once again filled the theater.

[Hiccup elbows him.]

GOBBER: I'm done.

Some are laughing so hard, they have tears in their eyes.

[Valka and Stoick slow to a stop, WINDED and LAUGHING.]

STOICK: Ah... I thought I'd have to die before we'd have that dance again.

"Oh, no! Don't you die on me!" Yelled H, mockingly though they didn't notice that both chief and Older Hiccups flinched at that along with those who were all from the future.

VALKA: No need for drastic measures.

STOICK: For you, my dear... anything.

[She smiles sweetly. Stoick's eyes well with tears. He goes down on one knee, proposing to her anew.]

STOICK: Will you come home, Val? Will you be my wife once again?

Everyone eagerly awaited the answer.

[Toothless nudges Valka closer to Stoick. They laugh as Hiccup joins them. Stoick throws his arm around him.]

STOICK: We can be a family! What do you say?

[Valka, between tears and laughter, turns to Hiccup.]

VALKA: Yes!

There were cheers all around.

[Gobber pops his head in.]

GOBBER: Great! I'll do the cooking.

The Astrids but Pre Teen Astrid all had forgotten about the Yaknog comment, and laughed along with everyone else.

[They laugh.]

STOICK: Thank Odin you didn't listen to me, son. We never would have found each other.

"SEE!" H, Hicc and Hiccup all Exclaimed happily.

"Yup, That is precisely why I don't listen to you!" Hicc grinned.

"Now don't get any ideas son!" Laugh Stoick.

The people from the future again all flinch at that knowing what happened next is tragic.

[Suddenly, Toothless and Cloudjumper perk up, sensing something unheard. Hiccup notices.]

"Oh no!" Stoick totally forgot about Drago. His family may be in danger.

Everyone's mood dampened. That meant bad things were going to happen.

The people from the future shivers and also felt anxiety over them at what's gonna come next and Dagur and Heather gave Chief and Older Hiccups a look of sympathy.

HICCUP: Toothless?

[Dragons SWARM past Valka's chamber, racing toward some unknown disturbance.]

HICCUP: What's happening?

[They're answered by subsequent HEAVY BOOMS that reverberate through the fortress.]

Valka growled in anger, fuming at Drago. He just smiles evilly.

A/N: And next Chapter Is Tonight.