Thus far, Hiccup had been gone about three days and staying on Dragon Island, but none of the Hooligans knew where he was. On a Night Fury, Hiccup could go anywhere, and at that, he had a three-day start. Emma was doing alright, she missed her father but knew he needed time to calm down and think so she was just going to be a good girl for her family and Astrid until he got back. The Haddock family and Astrid were equally as worried but understood that Hiccup hadn't wanted to kill Drago and only did what he did so the man's reign of terror over dragons and humans would stop. Now both species were safe from a madman, there was still Viggo, Ryker, and the Dragon Hunter Tribe to worry about but that would be another time.

The Chieftains and Heir's had all left Berk with their Terrible Terrors and bonded dragons, promising to stay in touch with one another. Astrid was Hiccup's second in command when it came to dragon related things so she did inform the newly made dragon riders that they would have to train their Terrors to get to the other islands too.

With that settled on, they all left to return to their homes and asked for notification when Hiccup returned because they wanted to know if he was okay, also that if help were needed, then they would be there to assist.

For Hiccup, he was just staying with Toothless and doing a lot of thinking about things that regarded his life and where it would go now that Selby had was avenged and Drago finally gone from everyone's lives. Hiccup always told himself over the last year that he would move on when he got revenge for Drago killing Selby, and now he had done exactly that. He was left with figuring out where to take his life next. Hiccup had fulfilled his father's wishes, and even Selby's; he defeated Red Death and set the dragons free from her control, he taught others his way of life, and the peace can be obtained, Hiccup also beat Drago and that in itself made the Archipelago safer. On Selby's side of things, Hiccup moved on with Astrid and was happy again, so was Emma. So now what did he do with his life?

"Well, Hiccup, we've been gone three days now. Feel any better?" Toothless asked him curiously in the silence between them.

Hiccup let off a heavy sigh while poking at the fire before them, "Yes and no. I'm glad Drago is gone, but knowing I'm the one who killed him doesn't feel too great," he finally said.

"I can imagine it didn't feel right. Here we are trying to spread peace between people and dragon, then this happens. I know you didn't want to kill him, Hiccup, but it was for the good of everyone around. You saw what he did before attacking us, and he used that Bewilderbeast to take control of all the dragons. Thor only knows what he could have done with them if you hadn't put a stop to it," Toothless insisted to his friend.

"And I know that Toothless, but it still doesn't feel good to know I took another life and humans at that." Hiccup replied while staring at the dancing flames in front of him.

"He is gone now, and everyone is safe. Including you, Emma, Astrid, your family, and friends. His death has saved many other lives, try not to keep beating yourself up so much. What else is on your mind? I know it's more than just this," Toothless inquired in hopes of taking Hiccup's mind of the fact he emotionlessly killed Drago three days ago.

"Just trying to figure out where to take my life next. I mean I've defeated Red Death and Drago, dragons and humans are safer than ever before because of that. Also, I've spread peace to ten islands and converted dragon killers to dragon lovers, trainers, and riders. Even for Selby, I moved on with someone else who both my daughter and I love more than words will ever say. Emma sees Astrid as a mother and even started calling her Mommy a while back until I talked to her. So, what's next for me, ya know?" Hiccup sighed a little closing his eyes.

"You fell in love again and are dating Astrid, but you haven't moved on entirely Hiccup. You've hesitated on asking her to marry you when you know you want to," Toothless told him.

"You think I didn't have a good reason? As soon as Drago learned of Astrid and me, he threatened to kill her..." Hiccup clenched his fist.

"Hiccup, I think you're missing my point here. I understood why you hesitated while Drago was alive, but what is stopping you now that he is dead? Even Emma wants you to marry her; I heard that conversation you two had. The only thing holding you back is you, my friend," Toothless pointed out before nuzzling his face to Hiccup's face.

"I'm just scared to lose her, Toothless. Every time I feel like things are going to be okay, something comes along to change it," Hiccup looked down.

"Then keep fighting, Hiccup. Fight with everything you have to keep your family safe. You're not alone anymore; it's not just you, Emma, and our dragons in the nest. It's Viking and dragons living together and spread out over ten islands, that's all because of you! Because you fought to spread peace, struggled to show people the truth and now look at how much happier everyone is because of it." Toothless encouraged him as Hiccup looked over at his draconic friend. "You love Astrid and want her to be your wife, and Emma wants her to become her mother. I say you stop denying yourself that joy and just do it. Even I am going to ask Nightskye to be my mate in three weeks because I love her and want a life with her."

"You're right, Toothless. I can't keep living in fear, I do love her, and I won't let anything take away my happiness again," Hiccup said as he smiled some and rubbed Toothless's head a few times and looked up at the sky.

Right now, it was only midday. Hiccup could leave now and get back to Berk in two hours or wait a little longer to plan this out and get back for dinner. He would hold on, first thing he needed to do was talk to his parents and then Astrid's to learn the traditions Berk had for engagement and marriage. When Hiccup had asked Selby, he just made her a ring and asked. Something told Hiccup that it wasn't the same process when you lived among a Tribe of Vikings, this would certainly prove interesting for him.

(Dinner Time; Berk)

Hiccup had it all planned out, but only after he spoke to his and Astrid's parents first to make sure he abided by all the traditions his Tribe had in place for situations like these. Hiccup planned to propose, if all went well, during Snoggletog in front of everyone. Hiccup had just landed back on Berk and saw it pretty quiet, his assumption was that they were all in the Great Hall for dinner like they were every night. Dismounting from Toothless, Hiccup sent him back to the nest so he could see Nightskye and Nightstar as he put his hands on the hall doors and pushed one of them open before walking in and noticing that it had gone quiet and everyone was looking at him standing there.

"Hiccup," Valka whispered as she instantly got to her feet and walked towards him, Stoick and Hilda following as well. Hiccup waved to them with a soft smile, although, he didn't see Astrid or Emma because they would have run up and tackled him on sight.

"Hey Mom, Dad, Sis..." Hiccup greeted them.

"We're so glad you've returned safely son. It has been a few days," Stoick said once they approached him and Valka hugged him, then Hilda, and finally Stoick.

"I needed to clear my head. Where's Astrid and Emma?" Hiccup asked.

"Emma hasn't been feeling well since the morning after you left and wanted to be around Stingwhip so Astrid brought her to the nest so she could rest there. Gothi says it's just a stomach virus and she should be okay in a few days," Hilda enlightened. "Are you okay? You didn't look the greatest when you left,"

"I'm better than I was. I'm going to check on Emma and Astrid, and probably see you tomorrow morning for breakfast," Hiccup smiled at them as they nodded understanding, "Oh, Mom, Dad...I wanted to talk to you about something also. Perhaps after Emma is feeling better?"

Valka and Stoick blinked a little but nodded to him, "Of course, son. Just let us know when." Valka told him.

"I will. See you tomorrow and thanks for giving me my space." Hiccup then turned and left the Great Hall as he headed up the hill and towards the ice nest, it was going to be weird to be there and not have Icefire anymore. Hiccup knew what it meant too, that Toothless was the new alpha of the dragon based on what happened. Drago's Bewilderbeast defeated Icefire and became the alpha and then Toothless defeated him, and that made him the alpha instead.

(Ice Nest)

Hiccup walked in the nest and hated the feeling of not seeing Icefire sitting in the water. Hiccup sighed as he looked to see Toothless with Nightskye and Nightstar. Finally, he moved to his home in the central area and saw Astrid laying on the ground against Stingwhip with Emma laying in her arms whimpering and holding her stomach. Hiccup frowned because he didn't like when his little girl was sick, and if he had the power to do it, he would take it upon himself so she would be okay. Astrid looked terrible too; it was evident she hadn't slept for a while trying to take care of Emma in his absence. Didn't that just make him feel great about himself? Hiccup stepped out from behind the wall to make himself known, Astrid was first to see him.

"Hiccup, Thank Thor you're alright," Astrid whispered, and at the sound of his name, Emma lifted her head and looked at him. Hiccup smiled while kneeling down with his arms out to her. Emma's eyes filled with tears as she got off of Astrid and hurried into his arms, Hiccup picked her up and hugged her carefully.

"Papa," she cried.

"Ssh now baby girl. Daddy is here; it's okay. Calm down, or you'll make your belly upset again. I'm back now, and I promise I won't leave for more than a day again. I just needed a little time to think about things," Hiccup told her.

"Can you make me some of your belly better medicine?" Emma asked tiredly.

"Of course I can, and then you need to get some sleep, or it won't work right." Hiccup smiled as Emma nodded to him and got out of his arms to go to the washroom, Hiccup offered his hand and helped Astrid to her feet. "You need some sleep too,"

"I'm okay for now; I'll go to bed early. I'm glad you're back. Are you alright?" Astrid hugged him, and he returned it happily.

"I'm doing better, like I said, needed a little time to think is all. I wasn't far, just on Dragon Island with Toothless. Thank you for taking care of Emma for me," Hiccup smiled as he placed a kiss on her lips before breaking it to start getting the stuff to make the medicine for Emma.

"She was no trouble at all, the first night we spent in your parent's and sister's house. By dinner time of the second night, she wanted to stay in here with the dragons, so this is where we've been since." Astrid informed him calmly.

"I still appreciate it, Astrid. I'm glad she's so comfortable with you," Hiccup replied as he started mixing the ingredients together while boiling a small pan of water on the hook that sat over the fire. When he was done mixing things, he poured it into the boiling water and stirred it together while the color changed from bright to a dark green and then he added a few more things separate. Emma returned from the washroom and sat down as Hiccup ladled a few scoops into a wooden cup and blew on it to cool it off before handing it to his daughter, sipped it slowly. It was tea with the herbal ingredients measured out to Emma's age, half of that an adult would get.

"How do you feel now sweetie?" Astrid asked her with a smile.

"A little," Emma replied while drinking in sections until it was gone.

"Now go on and lay down in bed, let the medicine do it's just job. You should feel a lot better tomorrow morning," Hiccup told her as Emma nodded to him, she hugged him and then Astrid before moving to her room to lie down on her bed, Stingwhip and Windstrike entering right behind her and then the door shut closed.

"I guess your medicine is more efficient," Astrid shrugged.

"Mine uses an ingredient you wouldn't expect," Hiccup chuckled a little as Astrid arched her brow at him. "Dragon saliva, specifically, Toothless's. It's got properties that make them immune to most illnesses which is why only a few things will make them sick like the Blue Oleander and eels. When it's mixed with a few other things and boiled together into a tea, it will counter act her illness, make her tired, and remove pain. Hence why resting is key to the medicine, it does the work while the body is idle making it easier to heal."

"Oh, that makes a lot of sense. No wonder you don't stay sick for long," Astrid smiled as she and Hiccup kissed lightly.

"And now you need to go get yourself something to eat from the hall and then sleep, babe. I'll come by and see you after the meeting with my parents, few things to talk about regarding the village and more dragon training or something," Hiccup told her as she nodded.

"You promise?" Astrid inquired.

"I give my word, Milady," Hiccup nodded, they shared another kiss as she whistled for Stormfly and jumped on her back before the Nadder took to the air and headed out of the nest. Hiccup took in a deep breath; tomorrow was going to be step one in his plans to propose to Astrid. He was more sure of this choice than anything else, he loved her and was going to make sure she knew it when the first three phases were over.

(Next Morning; After Breakfast)

As planned, right after breakfast Hilda took Emma who was feeling much better thanks to Hiccup's medicine while Hiccup stayed in the hall with his parents to speak to them about the possibility of marrying Astrid. He did get to see her too, and she looked amazing after a good nights sleep, and he did promise again to see her after the meeting with his parents, that was phase one. Hiccup sat down across from them and took a breath to calm down, how did you tell your parents you wanted to get married and needed to know how to go about it?

"What's on your mind son?" Stoick asked him first.

"I'm not sure how to do this, so I'm just going to say it outright," Hiccup looked at them both seriously, "I love Astrid with my everything, and she adores my daughter as if she were her child. I want to ask Astrid to marry me," he began and saw their eyes widen with surprise, "and I want to know how its done traditionally for Vikings in a Tribe," he finished.

"Well, all you need to do is talk to her parents and ask their blessing in proposing to her. Things would be different if you were under eighteen, but over that age and you being an Heir to Berk, you get first to pick in a bride." Valka informed him smiling wide.

"Wait, really? That's it; I just have to as her parents for their blessing and permission?" Hiccup asked surprised at the answer. That was all he had to do?!

"In most traditions for Tribes, the Heir to the Chief would get the first pick in a bride for his reign of Chiefdom. Meaning before anyone another male in their Tribe, or other Tribes got to try for the maiden's hand in marriage; the upcoming Chief would comb through the available females of their age for a bride. If one found, a marriage contract would begin between the two families and those two would decide on everything related to the ceremony itself. If the upcoming Chief didn't find someone in his or her Tribe, then he was free to search in other Tribes for a suitable wife for the marriage contract process going the same way with the families arranging everything. If the maiden were from another Tribe, she would move to her new husband's island." Stoick explained.

"So since I'm the son of the Chief, no one else can ask for her hand, and a marriage contract isn't needed because we're not minors?" Hiccup arched a brow.

"In most cases, the Heir will choose his bride, and the contract is only set up to ensure the couple marries. In an easier wording, the female might not be willing as it is considered arranged that she was chosen instead of marrying for love. However, here on Berk, we try to see if the Heir of the Chief will fall in love and then they marry because they both want too. Such as you and Astrid are in love and would undoubtedly both want the same things. And because you are one of the Heir's and both parents sets are willing, all you need to do is ask their permission and their blessing. Then us parents will handle the rest with a contract which we only use for the parents to agree to work together to plan the wedding according to the wants of the couple, traditions of the families and islands." Valka told him calmly.

"What if they don't agree even if Astrid and I want to get married, what happens then?" Hiccup inquired curiously.

"If that were to become the situation then us parents would work it out as we would if you two were minors. Where we'd work a contract for you to have Astrid's hand in marriage based on the laws that you're Heir and can have whoever you want. I don't think there will be a problem because you love Astrid and she loves you and us as parents love that you two are happy together and that's all we want for you both." Stoick smiled.

"Then I will go see them next. I told myself that I'd move on and be happy when Drago was gone and now that he is, I know what I want in my life." Hiccup said as he stood up and hurried out of the hall while both Stoick and Valka just smiled happily. Very soon there would be a wedding between two noble houses with a love that nothing can tear apart, the two of them couldn't wait to see Hiccup marry the love of his life and be happy once more.