The one that almost got away (2nd version) Chapter 12, a How to Train Your Dragon + Brave, 2012 Crossover fanfic

I do not own the story of How to train your dragons or any of the original characters. Any names matching public or historical figures are strictly coincidental. The story is rated M because of language and adult situations. Anyone below the age of 17 should probably not read this story.

Chapter 12 New Connections

Queen Elinor had taken charge of things as she usually did, managing her husband's time, looking over the rough drafts of the alliance and trade agreements, and making sure her guests were taken care of.

That first evening while reading in bed, King Fergus decided to bring up his conversations with the Viking Chief, "Mah dear, ahm troubled by what ah ha seen and wha ah ha heard from Stoic this day."

Elinor put her book down and gave her husband a sad look. Elinor, "Ah am troubled as well Fergy. Ah had a very disturbing conversation with Valka today and was trying to figure oot just how ta broach the subject with ye. Valka paints a depressin and dangerous domestic picture. Et seems tha the Chief is no happy with is wife an child. Seems, if she is ta be believed, at her man abuses her and the wee baron. Maudie spoke with the lady Helga who confirmed the issue."

Fergus, "Ye know ah donna like gossip Elinor. Tis usually wrong an almost always hurtful, but in this case, ah believe we must take heed of it. Stoic ha no pride in the child et all, in fact, e's resentful of the boy's very existence. E blames is marital troubles on the wee lad. Can ya believe et? The laddie's still a babe no even oot of is changings. Ah, don understand et all."

Elenor; "It's affecting the little ane too. Merida cried ta me this very night because en they were playin all was fine until she showed Hiccup some affection. Merida said e became sad and actually asked lady Helga to take im back to is ship to sleep. Merida kept on a course, ye know how shy she is, askin to go with im and ye know wha the wee one said?" the king shook his head, "E said the chief woodna allow it.

No lettin et gah, Merida en asked if e would come back later an play, ye know wha is answer was en? E said tha is Da would make her stay away just

like all the rest. Now whet ye think a at then husband?" The King just shook his head.

Fergus; "My love, the sad thing is there's nuthin we can du. We need this treaty. Et could help stop the other Viking tribes from raidin us. Like im or no, Stoic as great prestige among the tribes. The only thing we can du is ta watch over em and perhaps give Valka and the boy some joy while here. At du ye think?".

Queen Elinor; "Wot ah kno is tha Valka is too terrified to do much to improve the laddie's life. Merida is already attached and is gettin herself hurt. Poor Hiccup is the saddest lookin child A've ever laid eyes on."

King Fergus could tell his wife was deep in thought over this. Elinor loved children deeply no matter what their standing in life was. He knew Merida was lonely too, and desperate for friends since her life was in the castle.

In midweek the servants who had children brought them to the castle for the day. The mothers took turns helping Maudie watch over them. It was a fun day for Merida because she had playmates but she was a princess so there was always that class division that kept things temporary.

Fergus; "Wife, wha are ye thinkin so hard on? Ye scare me en ye get like this."

Elinor had a gleam in her eye, "Well ah canno stand by an see a wee child be so neglected and abused. Wha ah intend, is ta take a direct interest in Hiccup meself. While e is here, ah shall personally nanny im. Ah will keep im and Merida with me as much as possible. Ah will let everyone see tha a queen gives Hiccup value, a queen at gives Hiccup love and affection and a queen who considers im important. It's no much but perhaps it might give is terrified mum and is dolt of a father something to consider."

Fergus with a grin, "Yer a devious woman, Elinor of Dunbroch. A'hm glad ah married ye. Ah definitely married up"

Elinor smiled, kissed her husband goodnight and said, "Aye, tha ye did".

Earlier when Maudie was putting the Princess to sleep she noticed the little girl was still very upset about what had transpired in the nursery. She

had finished giving her a bath, had brushed her tangled bush of fiery red hair and was about to read the little girl a story when the little princess with eyes red from crying asked the nanny, "Maudie, why donna Hic like me?".

Maudie; "Och child. The things ye think aboot. Prince Hiccup donna know ye. He donna know how lucky e is to be in the same room with ye."

Merida wasn't satisfied with Maudie's answer, "E liked me until ah hugged and kissed im. En e got all sad. Kisses and hugs always make me happy. Why did my hug and kiss make him sad Maudie?"

Maudie was in a pickle. She knew exactly why little Prince Hiccup was sad but knew a sixteen-month-old child would not understand. Maudie; "He's a little boy, maybe ye scared him. Ye shouldn't be huggin and Kissin wee boys anyway".

Merida didn't like that answer either. She had held Hiccups' hand and she knew he liked that cause he smiled a lot at her. Merida, "Ah donna go around huggin and kissing boys. Hiccup is the only person A've hugged and kissed other than yu and mummy and daddy. A've seen the scullery girl kiss the baker's son Tomin and e always likes it and she kisses im on the lips."

Maudie turned red and got a little more serious with her charge, "Merida, yer too young ta be having this conversation with me. Yer a mere babe. At du ye think yer mum and da will say when they find out yer kissing and huggin boys. Why they'll put me out fer no doin me job."

Merida, "They won't care, they hug and kiss all the time. A've seen them!"

Maudie clearly flustered calmed herself down and said, "Merida, hugs, and kisses are only fer those we love and care about deeply like yer mum and da du. No like a scullery maid having a little dally with a bakers boy, and believe yu me, I'll be speaken ta tha little tart on the morrow. Yer a princess and princess' do no kiss an act like at. At were ya, thinkin lass?"

Merida sat up and gave her nanny the dirtiest look a female of sixteen months can give to her nanny and said, "Ah like Hiccup a lot, a whole lot. Ah never liked a boy afore but Ah like im. Ah never hugged and kissed a boy afore but ah wanted to kiss im and e donna even like me. Ah wish e did like

me cause ah would kiss im again and ye will no stop me!" She stuck her tongue out, rolled over not facing the nanny.

Maudie, completely flustered, got up blew the candle lamp out and said, "Ye and ah will be havin a talk with her majesty tomorra princess and we will see. Goodnight Princess!"

The nanny closed the door. A little girl with bright red curls cried herself to sleep.

Gobber and Helga prepared for bed. Hiccup had refused to leave their room even for dinner. They had seen him like this before. Back in Berk whenever they were at the market and Hiccup saw the other village children, especially Ylva, Hiccup would draw a little more inside himself.

Ylva of course as oblivious to what he was going through. She was going through the ups and downs of life herself having the joy of a new baby sister and then facing the tragedy of losing her older brother.

Life as a Viking was hard and for the son of a Chief, it was even harder. Gobber did his best, always taking time to play with the lad and teaching him about dragons, telling him stories, teaching him things about the forge he was still too little to enter. Helga gave him love, held him, listened to him, talked to him all the things a mother needed to do.

Valka tried her best but Stoic demanded much of her time doing Chieftess things, making the rounds with him to keep up the appearance of a happy couple, cooking and cleaning, then at night keeping up with Stoics sexual appetites.

In a normal home, a child would be there and play, learn and as with most Viking children, fend for themselves. Valka was always terrified that if she took her eyes off the boy he might run off and hurt himself. When he was with her at home, she was terrified that Stoic would be offended if she spent too much time with him.

Worse still, she worried that if the man tried to interact with the child, Hiccup would either say something to irritate the man or try to run away screaming in terror which irritated him more.

Hiccup either ended up in his room alone much of the time at the Chief's house or spending time at Helga and Gobbers place. Gobber had once even approached Valka and the Chief about adopting the boy. That had ended up with Gobber and the Chief nearly coming to blows and Valka swearing to Helga that if the subject ever came up again neither she nor Gobber would ever be allowed around the boy again. Not having Gobber and Helga in his life would mean Hiccup would then be totally isolated.

That night as in most nights, Hiccup was with Helga and Gobber laying right between them in the middle of the bed. He had his own bed in the nursery in a room next to Merida's but truth be told, the only place Hiccup felt safe was with them.

Helga knew that it would be a long month if Hiccup decided not to leave them. It would be even more difficult if the baby boy decided not to be around the princess or any other children. He had actually asked his mother when she came looking for him at dinner if Helga and Gobber could take him back to the ship.

Helga had tried to explain to Hiccup that to refuse the Kings and Queens hospitality would be an insult and Stoic would be very, very angry with him. A terrified Hiccup then demanded to be allowed to stay with Gobber and Helga. She had agreed.

The Chief even seemed glad of it. Helga felt so bad for him. She felt bad for Princess Merida too. It was plain to see she was trying very hard to get Hiccup to play with her. The Princess seemed to genuinely be fond of him. Merida managed to be sitting right next to Hiccup whenever they were together. The Princess was a happy child that laughed and giggled a lot. She tickled him and chased him around. She shared her toys and listened to him tell stories about Berk all the while holding his hand.

Hiccup had responded too. He was actually smiling and laughing, tickling Merida back. Then just before the midday meal, Merida grabbed a hold of Hiccup in a full-body hug and kissed him on the cheek. Hiccup stopped talking, dropped his arms to his side and when Merida quit hugging him he walked over to Helga, put his arms up, (which always meant he wished to be

picked up), and when he was in her arms he asked to be taken back to the ship.

No one, including Helga, understood what happened. Poor Merida even if asked if she could come and take a nap too. The little Princess was hurt and couldn't believe it when Hiccup told her no then no again when the little princess asked if he was coming back to play. She was sobbing when they left and Helga was just waiting to see what the ripples of this would be.

Between the couple, Hiccup was playing with a stuffed yak she had made for him.

"Hiccup," said Helga, "Why did you get upset in the nursery today? I thought you and Princess Merida were getting along nicely. Do you not like her? She seems to like you and a lot."

Hiccup; "Yes, I like her very much. She's pretty and a lot of fun." said the boy.

"Then why did you suddenly want to leave?" asked Helga.

Hiccup; "Because she kissed me and hugged me".

Gobber; "Ah thought ye liked gettin kissed and hugged. Et didna seem ta bother ye in Berk none"

Hiccup; "Only Ylvi ever kissed me and hugged me. Ylvi told me I was the only boy that she would ever kiss. Father drove her away and I miss her."

Helga; "I know you miss her Hiccup but she still loves you, you know that. Why did Merida giving you a hug and a kiss make you want to go back to the ship?" the nanny asked.

Hiccup was quiet for a few moments before answering. "When Ylvi gave me hugs and kisses it made me feel good inside. Ylvi let me kiss her back and I always felt good around her, really good. But now she's gone and my heart hurts every day. It hurts worse when I see her in the market now that she doesn't come around. I don't wanna feel good anymore, it only goes

away. I just want to go back to the boat with you and Gobber and be by myself."

Helga; "Princess Merida really likes you Hiccup. When you left, you hurt her feelings. That's not fair to her." Gobber, "Ya know lad, Princess Merida is lonely too. She's a Princess. She can't always play and be with the village children. She is a very special person. Someday she's going to be Queen of this land. She is an heir like you. She honored you when she was with ye. Do ye think every laddie who comes along gets to be around a princess?"

Hiccup thought for a second. He liked Merida, a lot. It was fun to be around her but when she kissed him and when she hugged him it felt too good and reminded him of Ylvi.

Hiccup looked at Gobber and said, "I will never be Chief. My father will get another heir. People in the village say I won't ever grow up to be a big boy. I love Ylvi but Ylvi is gone. I don't want to love anybody else, it hurts too much. I am sorry I hurt the Princesses feelings. I just want to go back to the ship. I don't care if my father gets angry. He hates me anyway. It's better Mer not to get to know me. We will only leave and like Ylvi she will never see me again."

Helga hugged the boy close and patted his back.

Gobber; "We canno gah back to the ship. It would cause a lot of trouble for me and Helga. Ye wouldn't want that now would ye?" Hiccup shook his head no.

Gobber; "Well A'll see about yer mum and father lettin ye stay in here and I suppose me and Helga can take turns watching yeh but sooner or later yer father is going ta want ye to be oot there with him and yer mum. Until otherwise told, yer still the heir to the throne of Berk and ye can't get oot of tha kind of stuff. Berk needs the treaty ta get more food for the winter. Ye don want people starvin ta be on yer conscience now du ye?"

Hiccup didn't hear as he had fallen asleep. Gobber looked at his wife, shook his head and said, "Nah ain't this a fine kettle of fish we've gotten ourselves inta?"

Helga; "I'll speak with Valka and Maudie tomorrow and let them know Hiccup is ill or something. Maybe they'll buy it and we can take the poor child back to the ship. At least he'll be out of his father's way."

The next day Helga met first with Valka then with the nanny Maudie. Valka tried to talk Hiccup into changing his mind. She failed. Maudie accepted that Hiccup was ill.

At breakfast in the royals private dining area Stoic, Valka, King Fergus, Queen Elinor were having a polite conversation when Maudie brought Princess Merida in. Maudie handed Merida to her mother. After a few minutes as breakfast was being served, Merida asked where Hiccup was.

Valka; "I'm sorry your highness but my son is not feeling well and won't be joining us". Merida began to cry.

Stoic; "It's alright Princess. Hiccup is always down with somethin. E's always been a sickly little runt. A'm sure old Gothi will check on im and fix whatever is bugging im this time. No need for ye to worry. Happens all the time, it does".

At the term, 'runt', Queen Elinor's eyebrows shot up. "Lady Valka. May Ah have one of our doctors take a look at Hiccup as well?" asked the queen.

Valka looking panicked replied, "That's not necessary your majesty. As my husband told you, Hiccup is often ill. He was born two months early and has always had a weak constitution. I will check on him a little later myself."

Queen Elinor was incensed at what was being said. Gobber was summoned by the Chief.

Stoic; "Gobber, go get Gothi and have er look at Hiccup. E's having another one of is 'spells'."

"Gothi has left the castle and wilno be back until this evenin," said Gobber. Stoic looked at Gobber with a look of anger now understanding something was afoot.

Stoic; "Valka, get Hiccup and take im back to the ship until Gothi can look at im. Ah don't want im infecting anyone else. Yer majesties Ah apologize for

this inconvenience. Ah am sure all will be well. Ah make sure of it personally."

Queen Elinor had had enough. "With your permission, Chief Ah believe Ah will check on Hiccup meself!" and before either Stoic or Valka could protest the young Queen headed out the door.

Walking to the rooms where Stoic and Valka were staying she knocked and receiving no answer asked the corporal of the guard, "Corporal, can yu tell me at rooms the young Viking Prince is in et the moment?"

"Yes my queen, follow me yer majesty," said the Corporal.

The corporal led the queen to Gobber and Helga's room. By this time Maudie had caught up with the queen.

Elinor; "Maudie, please take Merida to the nursery".

Merida; "But mummy Ah want to see Hiccup too," the little redhead pleaded.

Elinor; "Ah know ye du sweetheart. Let me check and see how e's doing then perhaps later you can say hello."

Merida nodded and Maudie took her down to the nursery just up the hall. The queen knocked on the door and Helga answered. Immediately Helga curtsied and practically shouted, "Your grace!"

There was a quick movement and the queen, out of the corner of her eye, caught a glimpse of a toddler running. The queen nonchalantly said, "Lady Helga, Ah understand at Prince Hiccup has taken ill and Ah was wondering if Ah could have a look at im?"

Flabbergasted Helga could only say, "Yes your Grace. Hiccup please come here". No answer and no Hiccup.

The queen looked at Helga, "Ah think Ah can handle this alone lady Helga. Please join Maudie in the nursery and Ah shall join you directly".

Helga could only do as the queen commanded so she gave another curtsey and departed for the nursery. The queen motioned for the corporal of the guard.

"Edger, how many children du ye have now?"

The corporal had been a royal guard for over fifteen years. The king and queen made a point of knowing each of the men who protected them personally and had trained the men to be casual with them. That was one of the many reasons Elinor was so loved.

"Ah ha three sons your majesty with another babe on the way."

Queen Elinor; "At's wonderful Edger congratulations. Listen, Edger, Ah need yer help" she said.

"Anything yer grace," said the corporal.

The Queen continued, "Inside this room is a scared lonely little boy who has been abused by the very people who are supposed to love im. Ah want to help im".

"You mean young Prince Hiccup yer Grace?" asked the corporal.

"The very same," said the Queen.

Edger; "He's a good lad ma'am. E came out and spoke with the men like e's known us all is life. E's bright too. He asks all sorts of questions and speaks like an adult, he does. Ah can tell though he's very lonely. How can we help ma'am?" asked the corporal.

Queen Elinor; "Please see that no one disturbs me for at least thirty minutes. Ah need time alone with the young Prince to try and gain his confidence. Use whatever means necessary short of killing someone but defend yourselves if attacked".

"Yes, yer majesty. I shall take care of it personally" said the guard.

Stoic was embarrassed and angry, very angry. He was doing his best to be a good Chief for his people. Berk had been attacked, he had vanquished the enemy and brought riches to his people.

The Viking Chief had made peace with his wife which placated the council. He had ignored his enemies rather than rooting them out and killing them. He had come to this far off land to make a treaty that would expand trade that would guarantee more food in the winter and even more wealth for his people but the gods were still against him.

In Berk, no one cared if the Chief sat alone at the head of his table during meals but apparently to the Scotts it was a grave social fopa. The absence of a sickly, weak, runt of a child was cause for concern. In Berk or any of the islands in the archipelago, (except perhaps Bog island), no wife of a Chief would question the will of a visiting chief or dare interfere in another Chief's personal affairs but apparently this was not the case in Scotland.

No. In Scotland, his little shite of a son can cause a Queen to interrupt a private breakfast to check on his welfare, despite the assurances of the runt's parents.

Fergus; "Ah hope the young prince is not too ill to rejoin us later. E is a handsome lad and the Queen has said our Princess is quite taken with im. At's a good thing because Merida does no get to play with other children often enough. My daughter gets quite lonely. We try our best, Elinor and Ah to see she's educated and loved but there's no we can du aboot the lack of playmates."

Stoic gives a fake smile, "My son is a Viking. Viking boys donna ha time for play. Life on Berk is hard. Boys and girls must work hard to stay alive in the harsh winter not to mention dragon raids. The son of the Chief is no different. We donna ha time to cry or be lonely."

Perturbed, Stoic looked over at his wife, "Valka, make yerself useful and go see if you can locate a healer. If no then take your son back to the ship and keep im there. We wouldn't want Hiccup to get sicker or infect someone else, especially Princess Merida."

The color drained from Valkas face. This what she had been afraid of. Now Hiccup was in his father's mind. He was a distraction, a problem. She curtsied to King Fergus and begged leave then hurried out of the dining area being led away by a servant to Helga's quarters.

Fergus; "Stoic, lets go to me library. Ah have some fine whiskey there A'd like ye ta try. Ah guarantee it will knock yer socks off."

"That would be great Fergus but can Ah ha a moment with my man Gobber?" asked Stoic.

"Of course my friend" answered the King.

Gobber was waiting in the hall. Stoic pulled him aside, "Yu want ta tell me what the bloody hell is going on with that useless little runt of mine?"

Gobber roughly pulled his arm away, "First, donna ever be puttin yer hands on me again. Ye do it again ye better have yer ax in yer hand cause you'll need it. Second, you've terrorized and isolated yer own son to the point e's afraid of being around anyone. Third, e's a baby, not a bargaining chip."

Stoic; "Ah should never have brought the little bastard with me".

Gobber, "Aye, ya shouldn't ha but ya did. And ya know why ya did?" asked the blacksmith.

Stoic glared at Gobber, "Ye know everythin, enlighten me".

Gobber, "A'll tell ya then. Ye brought Hiccup because ye wanted to keep up appearances with Fergus and the clans. The other reason was, that yer not totally sure that Valka won't leave with im. Then you'd really lose face at the Thing wouldn't ya?"

"Yer gonna push me too far one of these days blacksmith," said Stoic, "Go to the ship, tell the Captain to prepare to get underway at a moment's notice. I am going to try to push Fergus into signing that treaty as quickly as possible. Then we will leave".

Queen Elinor sat down in a large cushioned rocking chair that was located near the large window in the room Gobber and Helga were staying in. As she looked around the room she saw two small fur boots sticking out from underneath the dark green drapes.

The queen smiled, "Hiccup, its me Elinor. You remember me. The lady at the docks, Merida's mum?" there was still no answer. "Hiccup, could you bring me a blanket? A'hm very cold and very lonely."

Hiccup was an obedient little boy and before he realized what he was doing he jumped out of his hiding place, grabbed his small red wool baby blanket and walked over and handed it to the queen. The queen smiled at the boy like only a mother can and held out her arms. Hiccup really did like her so he actually smiled and crawled up into the Queen's lap. Elinor held the boy close to her and began to rock.

"You know Hiccup, we missed ye at breakfast. Ah was very worried about ye and so was yer mum. Merida and the king missed ye too. Are ye sick?" the queen asked.

Hiccup shook his head no. "Well, A'hm very sad then because Ah thought you liked me. Merida is very sad too because she likes yu very much and wants to be yer friend. Do yu really no like us?" she asked as she kissed his forehead and continued to rock the little boy.

Hiccup squeezed into her closer nuzzling his head into her chest like he used to do Ylva. "I love you Elinor and I like Merida and King Fergus very much. Too much," said the little Prince

"What do ya mean my sweet little man?" asked the queen. Elinor could hear that Hiccup was crying.

"Once father finds out I like someone he doesn't allow them to come around anymore. When we go away he won't ever allow me to see you again and I will be sad. My Yvi used to love me and call me her little man too. She would give me kisses and hugs and it made me feel very good. Father saw and drove her away," said Hiccup.

Now Queen Elinor had tears in her eyes. Elinor's heart was breaking for this lonely child and knew she had to do something to comfort him.

"Hiccup, while ye are here, ye are part of my family. Ah care about ye very much and Ah want ye to be happy. Merida likes ye and wants ye ta be happy too. Right now she is very sad because she thinks she did something to make ye not like her. She cried when she did not see ye this morning. Her heart hurts right now too and she will be sad when you leave too." said the queen as she patted his back and rocked the sad little boy.

Hiccup stopped crying and looked up at the queen, "I'm sorry I made Merida cry. I didn't mean to. It's just that when she hugged and kissed me yesterday, it made me think of Ylvi and I got sad because it made me feel so good inside. I got scared I guess."

Said Hiccup. Elinor smiled at the wee lad. She couldn't explain her connection but she felt an almost overpowering sense of need coming from him.

Elinor; "Hiccup Ah know you and yer mum must return to Berk but Ah promise Ah will find a way for all of us ta keep in touch. Perhaps we could work out a way ta visit. What would ye think aboot at?" the queen asked.

"Do you really mean it?" said Hiccup. "You would do that for me?" he asked excitedly.

Elinor; "Ah canno promise but Ah will try. Ah will also tell Merida not to hug and kiss ye since it makes ya feel bad" said the queen.

Hiccup; "I really like Merida Queen Elinor. She is pretty and nice like you. It's ok if she wants to do that. It makes me feel funny and good inside. Would it be ok if we went and saw her? I'd like to tell her I'm sorry for making her cry," said the little Viking.

Queen Elinor stood with Hiccup in her arms and headed towards the nursery. As they were walking Valka had caught up with them.

"Hiccup, how are you my love?" asked the chieftess. Elinor handed Hiccup over to his mother.

Hiccup; "I'm fine mummy. Queen Elinor was taking me to play with Merida.

When the entered the nursery Merida practically screamed "HIIIIIIIICCUPPPP!" as she ran over to him and grabbed him into a great bear hug as Valka set him down.

Instead of shying away as he did before young Hiccup told her, "I really like you Merida. I'm sorry I made you cry, said the little Prince of Berk.

"Ah really like ye too Hiccup," said the Princess.

Hiccup gave Merida a big smile as he hugged her tightly back.

Princess Merida gave Maudie a look, remembering the earlier conversation they'd had, then stuck her tongue out at the nanny as she kissed Hiccup right on the lips.

Maudie came up to the queen and said, "Ah told her yer highness at a princess ought no kiss a boy like at. She learned it from a scullery maid she did!" said the nanny in a shocked tone.

The queen just chuckled and giving Valka a wink said, "Ah know al aboot Sadie and Tomin, Maudie. Merida told me all aboot it. Hiccup is no baker's boy and e needs to be kissed. If Merida decides ta be the ane ta be doin the kissin, so much the betta."

Valka just beamed seeing her son smiling and happy again.

In the Kings Offices Fergus was introducing Stoic to a cask of aged Scotch Whiskey.

Fergus; "Na wot du ye think a that Stoic? Ah told ye it would warm yer belly!"

Stoic, after his third tankard, was feeling very cheerful replied, "Aye Fergus, a bit of Valhalla this is. Tastes like fire going down and warms yer belly like a tavern wench on a cold night! Not tha yu'd know!" and the chief roared with laughter.

King Fergus took another drink and said, "Now donna be startin yer lies here ye daft Viking. Ah done a bit o wenchin in my time too. Did ye no notice all the young ones in the village with red hair?" said the king giving a wink.

Stoic laughed even louder and said, "Aye that Ah I did and Ah bet there's a bunch of angry fathers and husbands to go with em!" laughing and taking another drink himself.

Fergus; "Now donna be shoutin a thing like at out loud man. Ye get to sail safely home ta Berk. Ah gotta stay here with Elinor" laughed the king.

Stoic; "Now Fergus, what aboot gettin th treaty signed".

King Fergus, "Elinor has already sent riders and pigeons to the clans and they have answered. They will arrive in two days. We will introduce the clan leaders to ye. Then you and Ah will explain the nature of the alliance and the trade agreements ta them. We will let them argue with us, then let em stew overnight, then the next day yu and Ah will make any small adjustments that need ta be made, yer people will sign, my people will sign and that evenin we have a grand party to celebrate," said the king.

At that moment Valka and Queen Elinor were escorted into the office by a guard.

After the guard left King Fergus said, "LADIES so good of ye to bless us with yer lovely presence, HAVE A DRINK!"

Queen Elinor motioned Valka into a high backed chair and whispered in her ear, "Ah see both boys are already in their cups", as she got two tankards from the King's desk.

She looked both men over and as she handed Valka a tankard smiled at Stoic and said, "Young Hiccup is better. E and Merida are having a wonderful time together. It seems e has been missing his friend ...what was her name, oh yes, Ylva, very badly and yesterday when our sweet lass gave the prince a wee smooch it made im a little nostalgic and sad. E and Ah had a little chat and e's fine. E even gave Merida a kiss himself."

Stoic grumbled then said, "Ylva Hofferson. She is the daughter of that bastard Gunnar Hofferson a royal pain in me arse. Is wife and daughter were over all the time. Always underfoot. Never understood what Ylva and her girlfriends saw in tha little whelp. Always kissing, hugging and tickling the boy. Hiccup ate it up too.

Weird enough ta see eleven and twelve year old girls kissing on the runt but weirder still to see him kissing them right back. Most Viking boys dont even start noticing girls until their twelve or thirteen. It's just not Viking" declared an obviously inebriated Viking Chief.

Valka took a big swig of her whiskey and nearly choked.

Elinor laughed, "Well girls at that age like to experiment. Hiccup is a handsome little thing and they consider im 'safe'. Seems Hic got a bit of an early education from some older women!" all of them laughed.

Elinor; "Valka, we should watch Hiccup around the kitchen. We donna want Sadie, our sculley girl giving him even more of an education!" still more laughter.

Fergus, not wantin to be left out said, "Is our wee maiden, Princess Merida, safe with the young scallywag? said the king in fake seriousness.

Valka; "Well, when I last saw the children in the nursery I believe the Princess was practicing her skills on my son," she laughed.

Stoic no longer thinking the subject was funny stated, "If that boy of mine can't mind is manners A'lll have Gobber and Helga take and keep im on the ship until we leave. Just say the word."

Elinor stood and poured Stoic another drink, "Actually Chief Stoic Ah was going to ask you and Valka if Hiccup could stay with Merida for the duration of yer visit.

The children are both very fond of each other, and it would give you and Valka some time to enjoy Dunbroch even more. Ah would love to have Hiccup close to me and to teach him some things about the way we Scots hold court.

Valka has agreed. Please say yes Stoic. It would mean a lot to me."

Stoic pondered for a moment. "Queen Elinor, Ah donna understand yer interest in the little shite but if you feel you can keep him from underfoot and out of trouble I'm fine with it."

"Thank you, Chief Stoic," said the queen, "Ah have prepared one of the rooms next to the King and Ah's chambers for them so you can rest assured Ah personally will watch over him."

Stoic didn't know what the Scottish Queen was up to but as long as he didn't have to think about the little bastard so much the better.

Later that evening the queen herself with Maudie's help was giving Hiccup and Merida a bath. Both children were sitting in a large wooden tub of water in front of a large fireplace in the queens study. As Maudie was washing Merida, Elinor had Hiccup stand up so she could wash him. It was then that Elinor noticed the mark on Hiccups neck. The mark was in the same place and was the same color and shape as the mark on Merida.

"Maudie, said the queen, Hiccup has the same mark as Merida. How can that be?

Suddenly Merida pointed at Hiccup's lower half and asked, "What's at Maudie?".

Maudie was shocked into silence but Hiccup looking down to where his friend was pointing and said, "That's my penis. All boys have them," answered the little Prince.

Merida; "Well ats it for?" the princess asked.

Now Elinor was turning red and laughing. Maudie started to say something but Elinor stopped her giggled and said, "No Maudie donna stop them. Ah think Prince Hiccup is doing a good job of explainin. Let im finish. Go ahead Hiccup, finish at ye were sayin."

Hiccup; It's how I pee Mer. Mummy also said it's used for making babies but I didn't understand that part. Mummy said I'd understand when I got older." said the boy.

Queen Elinor sat Hiccup back in the water and finished washing Hiccups' shoulder-length auburn hair.

Merida looked at Elinor; "Mummy you told me babies came from girls tummies and came out of their lady parts."

Hiccup; "A girls lady part down there is called a vagina," said Hiccup a matter of factly.

Maudie good-naturedly looked at the queen and said, "See at you've started now my queen". Queen Elinor laughed.

Merida; "Is that true mummy, is my lady part here (she pointed again) called a gina?" asked the princess.

"Vagina" Hiccup corrected. Now Maudie was laughing now.

A red-faced queen answered, "Thank ye Hiccup for yer correction and yes Merida yer, Ah mean our, lady parts there are called vaginas and yes babies do come oot of them when a mommy gives birth." said the queen.

"Well, what does at peeenis do?" asked a very curious young lady with a now very curious young prince listening closely too.

Maudie had lifted Merida out of the tub and was drying her off, "Let's see how ye get oot of this one yer majesty" winked the nanny.

The Queen stuck her tongue out at her nanny and friend before saying, "Well at's how a daddy puts the baby in the mummies belly but that is something you won't understand or need to know further aboot until you are much older."

Merida now had her under clothes on and Maudie was slipping her nightgown over her head. Hiccup was still standing naked.

As the queen was getting his under clothes when Merida asked her friend, "Hic can Ah touch it?"

"MERIDA!" Maudie exclaimed in shock.

Elinor could see Hiccup shrug and was about to tell Merida she could when she got him to step into his underclothes so she said, "Merida Ah know ye and Hiccup are very curious and ye are going to be with each other a lot so let me just say that it is very bad manners and not nice for a young man or young lady to touch the opposites private areas until they are adults and married." said the queen.

"Why?" both children asked.

"It just is, and it prevents people from having babies before they are ready," said the queen, It's ok to hug and kiss sometimes, but other touching should wait until yer are married. Understand?"

Both children nodded yes. The queen took both children by the hand and led them into the small dressing room beside the queen's bedroom that had been set up with a bed for the children. Maudie had turned down the queen size bed and the queen laid Merida in first and then Hiccup beside her daughter.

Maudie kissed both children on the cheeks and said good night.

The queen then kissed Merida on both cheeks then her lips and whispered, "Goodnight my darlin daughter Ah love you."

Merida then hugged her mother and whispered "Ah love you too mummy".

Elinor then she turned to Hiccup and kissed both his cheeks and then his lips whispering, "Good night, my sweet little man I love you.

Hiccup hugged her very hard the whispered, "I love you Ylvi. Then realizing his mistake, "I'm sorry Queen Elinor."

"It's alright Hiccup if you care for me just a tiny bit like ye love yer Ylva, Ah am very happy and from now on you just call me Elinor."

Hiccup hugged her again and said, "I love you Elinor just like Ylvi"

The queen had tears in her eyes as she blew out the lamp, She looked at the children one last time and heard Merida say "Ah love you Hic.

Hiccup then kissed Merida on her cheek and replied, "I love you too Mer". Hiccup rolled over on his side as did Merida snuggling next to her friend.

Outside the room, Maudie looked at Elinor, "Ah hope you know what yer doing yer majesty. Some might say that it isn't proper to allow this and lettin the boy call ye by yer first name without the title is giving to much familiarity," said the nanny.

"Let em be damned then, Maudie. At little one in there has been abused by the very people who should protect him and hold im, dear. Ye have seen this yerself. A sweeter little boy has no drawn breath.

Do ya kno the wee lad donna think he's gonna live to be grown? Is own father has said this in front of im. Ah am truly growin to love that wee little one in just this day A'hve known im and A tell ya this, Ah am going to keep that boy here safe with us as long as Ah can. E will know, his father will know, and Ah intend for the whole kingdom to know, Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III has importance and is loved by the Queen and Princess of Dunbroch!

Goodnight Maudie. Have maid Sadie report to me in the morning. Ah don't want her educatin Hiccup or bein educated herself more in the arts of love then she already is."

Maudie left and laughed as she made her way to her chambers. It was going to be an interesting month indeed.