When Elsa rose that morning, she and Anna went to meet Hiccup for breakfast in the dining hall only to find he wasn't there only Kai who served their plates to them. "Kai?" Elsa asked softly.
"Yes princess Elsa?" Kai replied smiling.
"Is prince Hiccup working in father's office? Or on a fly with Toothless?" Elsa asked him curiously.
"I'm afraid not princess Elsa. Prince Hiccup left on Toothless early this morning to search for the king and queen. He plans to go to Carona and retrace their steps." Kai responded standing beside her with a bow.
"Wait...wait...Hiccup left to find our parents?" Anna asked now.
"Yes ma'am. He left before the sun rose, he said will bring them home no matter what." Kai smiled.
"Oh...thank you, Kai." Elsa said now as she ate slowly.
"You're welcome your majesty." Kai nodded as he went about his other duties.
"Are you worried about him?" Anna asked Elsa after 5 minutes of silence.
"Of course I am. He took off without a word...mom and dad have been gone two weeks over their expected return time and we have no idea where they are or if something happened to them." Elsa sighed softly.
"Hey, it's okay...Hiccup knows what he's doing, he and Toothless will find them and bring everyone home safe. Lets just enjoy our breakfast and go about our daily routines. They'll be back before we can say Olaf the Snowman." Anna giggled while eating. Elsa chuckled lightly and nodded while she began to eat as well. She hoped that was the case at least.
(5 Days Later)
Elsa nervously paced her room with the door shut, she was losing control without Hiccup there to keep her calm. She'd ordered everyone to leave her alone for the time being, not to be disturbed unless Hiccup or her parents returned. She couldn't risk hurting anyone right now, she wasn't stable. Hiccup was her rock, he kept her relaxed and she didn't fear with him around but with him gone she felt just as she had 8 years ago...alone and defenseless, scared. She stared out the window with worry, 'Hiccup...please come back soon...I need you.' Elsa prayed.
(With Hiccup & Toothless)
Thankfully, Hiccup reached Carona in 3 days like he expected too but map destination times but on Toothless he was a lot faster and got there at night so he was able to hide Toothless while inside the castle throne room meeting with Primrose, Thomas, Eugene, and Rapunzel. Hiccup was dressed in his formal attire to meet with them, he offered a bow to the 4 of them. "It's a pleasure to meet you, prince Hiccup. King Agnarr told us much about you and what you did for our niece, Elsa." The king stated smiling.
"I thank you for allowing me an audience with you so late, I understand by customs that audiences aren't granted unless its an emergency and I'm afraid this is one your highness's." Hiccup said softly. To them.
"Has something happened to the king and queen, or the princess's?" Rapunzel asked now in a soft tone.
"Princess Elsa and Princess Anna are both alright and safe in Arendelle. My worry lies with the king and queen who have not yet returned to the castle...They were only supposed to be gone two weeks, but it has been a month. The girls are worried for their parents and the castle and kingdom for their rulers." Hiccup said formally to them.
"Quite understandable young man. If I may...how did you arrive here? We didn't greet you at the docks as we normally do with any visitors to Carona..." The queen now asked him.
"Well if you can believe such...I flew here on...the back of a dragon." Hiccup said sheepishly, not knowing if she should say anything about it.
"Ah yes, my brother mentioned such. You're the one they took in from a Viking tribe when you ran away. Well as we said in our return letter to you. The king and queen left on schedule for their return, I'm not sure what happened after they left. Did you see them while flying over the ocean?" Queen Primrose offered softly.
"No, I did not. I shot straight through from Arendelle. My dragon and I only stopped a few times to rest and eat. Can you...tell me the weather perhaps, what direction the headed, the waves? Anything at all that might help me find them..." Hiccup asked curiously.
"Rapunzel, Eugene, you saw them off. Can you recall?" King Thomas asked looking to his daughter and son in law now.
"It was a little cloudy, and windy. The waves were calm and they headed North towards Arendelle. I'm sorry I can't recall more than that." Eugene stated to Hiccup.
"No...it's alright. Any chance you know the direction the winds were blowing?" Hiccup tried.
"I believe it was going West." Rapunzel chimed in now. Hiccup pulled his map from his satchel and laid it out on the floor marking Carona and Arendelle, and the wind direction.
"The winds were West from here, and a month ago they were...South East for a week, then straight South...its possible they were blow either direction depending where they were in those two weeks. I'll have to check both..." Hiccup mumbled to himself as he checked over the map. There were islands in either direction and if the ship was close to either that might be where they were right now. "If the winds were strong, and it was storming the ship may of been damaged, that factoring in waves they could be in either of these two places..." Hiccup said as he circled two areas.
Now he came to his feet folding the map and bowed before the 4 royals before him. "How were you able to figure some complex things out?" Eugene asked him.
"Vikings are natural born mappers, we do a lot a sailing...I just use wind direction and weather. I thank you for your time your majesties. I'll be on my way now." Hiccup bowed to them again.
"You're...leaving so soon. It's almost 8:30...please rest the night." Queen Primrose offered to him.
"I thank you for the offer my queen but I made a promise to bring home the king and queen of Arendelle as quickly as possible. I must be on my way. Thank you for your help, I'll send word when I find them." Hiccup smiled to them as he headed out of the room holding the map, once the doors were open he gave a whistle for Toothless who jumped out and in front of him. Hiccup got on his back and locked his legs on the stirrups and opened the tail. Rapunzel and Eugene were at the door looking intently at the dragon.
"Seeing it in person, its still unbelievable...Safe travels, Prince Hiccup!" Rapunzel smiled.
Hiccup nodded as he looked at Toothless, "Lets go Toothless! Head West." Hiccup ordered. His dragon obeyed and launched in to the sky at top speed. 'I'll find them...I have too...' Hiccup thought to himself.
(Arendelle)
Elsa still remained in her room, she didn't talk to anyone. It was worse than before, she'd already frozen her room 3 times while scared. Anna was trying to get her to come out but Elsa wasn't having it, just like before. She didn't want anyone around, in fear of hurting them. While sitting on her bed she heard yelling in the hallway about one of the ship's crew members returning. A glimmer of hope sparked in her blue eyes but she didn't leave the room yet, she wanted to hear the news first. She put her ear to the door to listen closely.
"The ship...is destroyed. Sitting on the bottom of the ocean..." Elsa heard the crew member pant and she gasped in horror.
"What of...the king and queen? What happened!" Kai said with worry.
"Leaving Carona...we got stuck in a terrible storm, the ship...capsized in the middle of the trip 3 weeks ago...I know not if there were other survivors...I was picked up by a ship in between Carona and Arendelle, that is who brought me here...they searched for others but saw none. In fear of another storm, we left..." The crew member sighed sadly. Elsa gasped in horror, that meant...her parents were dead, everyone on the ship except this one member of the crew was dead. Elsa held her arms shaking violently as she heard the knock.
"Y–you're majesty...we have...word on your parents...they...didn't survive the trip. A storm...capsized the ship. What...are our orders?" Kai's voice carried through the door. Elsa didn't know what to do, what could she do? Where was Hiccup when she needed him, out looking for her parents. Elsa felt tears pricking her eyes.
"Ho–hold the...ceremony for them...tomorrow...and...inform Anna." Elsa stated.
"Yes ma'am..." Kai said calmly as he could manage. Elsa's back slid down against the door as she held her knees close and cried as her powers released and she froze her room again. Her parents were dead, and Hiccup was gone too.
(The Next Day)
As much as she tried, she couldn't bring herself to attend the ceremony. She knew Anna went but Elsa couldn't do it, she was afraid and upset. Not a good mix with her uncontrolled powers. Elsa remained in her room the whole time, crying and alone. Wishing for it not to be true. Wishing Hiccup was there to help her. Elsa heard a knock on her door, she knew it was Anna trying to get her to come out again but she wouldn't. It was just like before, she didn't want to be near anyone. It wouldn't be safe for them.
"Elsa..." Anna said softly. "Please, I know you're in there. People are asking where you've been...They say have courage, and I'm trying too, I'm right out here for you...Just let me in. We only have each other...It's just you and me...tell me what are we gonna do?..." Anna sang lightly as Elsa heard Anna's back slide down against the door of her room and lay her head on the wood. "...Do you wanna build a snowman?..." Elsa bit back as she closed her eyes and cried more. It was just like before, she was locked away with Anna asked the one question that started it all and here she was, locked away again by her own choice because she wasn't brave enough to do this without him with her.
Elsa knew what this meant now with her parents gone. It means she was automatically the queen being the eldest and already of age to take the crown. All the lessons led to this, how did she do it while keeping herself locked away from others. And coronation meant she would have to open the gates for the public and make an appearance. She didn't want this, she couldn't do it. She knew she couldn't.
(With Hiccup & Toothless)
It'd been two weeks, Hiccup and Toothless already checked as far West and North-West as they could and the islands near them. There was nothing, he sighed as they were now headed in the other way he'd marked on his map. They were close to the island, it took a few days and at top speed but they made it. He hoped everything in Arendelle was okay, and that he found Agnarr and Iduna soon. He wanted to be back with Elsa as soon as possible, he knew she was probably furious and worried that he'd taken off without a word to her but he had to do this.
They flew all day tiredly and decided to call it a night, Hiccup checked the map. "Alright bud, there should be an island just up ahead of us. We'll land for the night and start in the morning..." Hiccup yawned out. Toothless crooned, a yawn of his own. "There it is..." Hiccup smiled as the island came in to view from the thick clouds. Hiccup stretched his arms while putting the map away, they landed on the island and began to prepare things for the night. It'd be more searching starting bright and early.
(Arendelle)
The coronation date had already been set for two weeks away, Elsa was crown queen. She handled every decision from the comfort of her room. She wasn't coming out unless she had too which she did at night when Anna was sleeping and the staff was on the lower level of the castle doing their nightly duties. She noticed Kai had taken care of guests, trade partners, and more for her. Bless that man, he'd always been one of her favorites. In 14 days she'd be named queen of Arendelle, with everyone in the castle, the gates opened. Nothing to be nervous about.
(With Hiccup & Toothless)
4 days in to searching and Hiccup was about to call it quits, he'd been away to long. He knew Elsa was probably freaking out and scared, not good for her powers. However luck seemed to be in his side, he came across and island at night where there was a fire burning on the beach area. He swooped down to get a closer look and low and behold it was the king and queen sitting with 3 others from the ship. Hiccup landed quickly and jumped off running to them.
"Lady Iduna! Lord Agnarr!" Hiccup said with joy, the two stood quickly to see Hiccup and smiled as well. "Thank Thor you're alright...I've been searching for two weeks and 4 days...What happened...you were due back weeks ago..." Hiccup asked quickly to them.
"We were caught in a storm and the ship capsized. But we managed to use broken wood and floated here after 3 days of being shipwrecked...we lost a lot of others...we're the only survivors. Please tell me there is a boat trailing you on this search?" Agnarr asked him.
"No. I came alone on Toothless, it was faster." Hiccup told him gently.
"How did you...find us?" Asked a crew member.
"After you didn't return for a month, I went to Carona. They told me the weather the day you left, I put that against the weather in Arendelle...I checked west of Carona first, then came here...Is everyone okay?" Hiccup asked them.
"Hungry, and tired but we're alive...how are...Anna and Elsa?" Iduna asked softly. Hiccup pulled a bag of fish from Toothless's saddle bag and handed it to them.
"They are fine. Eat up...I'll think of a way to get us home..." Hiccup told them as he began to think hard. There were 6 people right now, including himself. How did he get 5 shipwrecks home on one dragon? It wasn't possible. He needed another idea, he didn't have time to find a kingdom and get a ship to them. He checked over his map they were possibly 4 days travel to Arendelle, it was more like 6 by a boat. Arendelle was North-West of them, if Hiccup could lash together a raft and tie it to Toothless then they stood a good chance. There were island lining the North-West as long as they stopped before Toothless tired out they wouldn't be stranded at sea.
"Any ideas?" Asked a crew member while eating the fish.
"One and its risky...If we can find enough logs, and lash them together to make a raft...Toothless can fly us home. It'll take longer but...right now its our only shot." Hiccup offered.
"We had that idea too but worried of it breaking and being stuck in sea...and no rope...or ways to cut down logs." Said the captain of the ship.
"You didn't have a dragon with you...we'll start in the morning." Hiccup grinned.
"Aye sir." The captain and two crew members saluted him.
"Thank you, Hiccup...we feared dying out here..." Iduna said softly with a hand on his shoulder.
"My pleasure. I knew something was wrong and I was faster on Toothless...I just hope Anna and Elsa are holding up alright. I left...21 days ago. Right after the month marker of you being gone. Flew 3 days to Carona, then two weeks searching the west, then 4 days before reaching here. Its going to take at least a week and a half to construct this raft, and if we fly in full days back to Arendelle, we should make it back in two weeks tops. That doesn't pertain to winds, or weather...so I'll judge that as we go." Hiccup stated laying against Toothless now.
"You are...very smart, Hiccup. Your survival skills are unheard of." Agnarr smiled.
"The Viking in me never dies...all we do is live to survive. Now eat up, and get a good nights rest. Tomorrow is gonna be a long day..." Hiccup closed his eyes tiredly.
"We owe you our lives, Hiccup...Thank you." Iduna leaned against her husband now, Hiccup went through Toothless's bag and pulled out his bedroll and extra blankets.
"Its not much your majesties but, it will be more comfortable than the rocks and sand..." Hiccup offered to them. The accepted it and laid down. Hiccup didn't take long to fall asleep, all he could think about was Elsa and getting back to Arendelle to see her. 'I'm coming home babe, just wait for me.' Hiccup thought before sleep took over him.
(Berk)
It was late night when an unannounced ship cut through the dark waters of Berk, given the moons position it was around 9:00. Stoick was making he way to the docks to greet the ship wearily because as far as he knew they weren't expecting any to come through, nor did he have meetings with other tribes planned. The ship pulled up to the docks and tossed the ropes to Stoick who tied them where needed so they didn't float off, the board was placed out by two of Stoick's dock workers as two men stepped off dressed in a deep blue green color like outfit.
"Greetings strangers. Welcome to Berk." Stoick said offering his hand to the men.
"Thank you, we apologize for the late intrusion without warning. We understand its custom to send word before arrival." Said the man on the left.
"I am Berit and this is Endre. We are emissaries from the kingdom of Arendelle, a 8 day sail, shorter if weather doesn't hinder travel." Berit began calmly offering a bow with Endre to Stoick.
"I am Stoick, chief of Berk, worry not for I understand gentlemen. Please, if you'll come this way we can speak in the mead hall? Unless this is a simple matter?" Stoick offered a bow back.
"We've come on behalf of the new queen, her coronation is to be held in two weeks in Arendelle and according to the record books in the Arendelle library, one of your Viking ancestors was a member of the royal family, thus being we were asked to bring an invitation to you to attend the coronation of Queen Elsa." Endre said now handing over a rolled piece of parchment to Stoick.
"And Arendelle is...where exactly. I've never heard of such a place til now." Stoick said calmly.
Berit reached in to his pocket and pulled out a folded map, and handed it to Stoick. "I'm afraid an answer is needed right away, chief Stoick. The former king and queen were lost at sea journeying to another kingdom, such makes this a pressing matter to have the new queen crowned as quickly as possible. That map will lead you where you must go should you come."
"I see. 8 days travel due East of here you say, depending on weather..." Stoick said unfolding the map to look over it. "Arendelle is located outside of the Archipelago boundaries. I'll need to speak to the council, can you spare a night for my answer? Its late and the tribe is sleeping. I can summon them in the morning to discuss this matter." Stoick asked them.
"We can wait until morning. The crew is tired from the travel and we had not an easy time managing the storms. We'll remain on our ship for the night. Thank you for your time." Endre said to him, Stoick nodded holding the parchment and map in hand as he offered a bow and walked off the docks.
(The Next Morning)
The council had been summoned to the mead hall after breakfast. It consisted of 6 people and Stoick, they sat around the table as Stoick explained the situation and now awaited their input on the situation. "Well lads, I said I would give the emissaries an answer this morning. I don't want to keep them waiting." Stoick added.
"Well if our ancestors were part of the royal family ages ago then perhaps it wouldn't be such a bad thing to see a place they were a part of." Gobber stated now.
"Aye, I agree with Gobber on this one. Attend the coronation, Stoick. Take the Hofferson, Jorgenson, Ingerman, and Thorsten kids with you. They could use a little experience in this. Jorgenson boy mostly since you claimed him your heir with...well your boy being gone..." It was still a touchy subject for the chief to hear about Hiccup.
"This is a long trip you understand. 6 days travel there and back and if the weather cooperates. Spitelout, I will leave you in charge as always brother. I'll take your son and his friends with me. I'll go inform the emissaries." Stoick said standing up now and dismissing the men. He sighed and then walked to the docks towards the Arendelle ship where Endre greeted him on the dock with a bow, Stoick returned it. "We've decided to accept. Given the length of the trip, we will leave in 6 days time. That should give us enough time to reach Arendelle for the coronation." Stoick informed them.
"We will sail now and inform them of your acceptance. Thank you, chief Stoick." Berit said to him. They both bowed and prepared their ship to depart. Stoick left the docks to inform Astrid, Fishlegs, the twins, and Snotlout about the trip. He'd summoned them outside and was now waiting.
"What's up chief?" Tuffnut asked.
"I just received word that there is to be a coronation of a new queen in the kingdom of Arendelle. Evidently, one of our Viking ancestors was part of the royal family as such we've been invited so, pack your things. We sail in 6 days." Stoick ordered.
"Aye chief." They replied as Stoick walked away. This was going to be a long trip but everyone was ready for it, time away from Berk would be good.
