1 I do not own the story of How to train your dragons or any of the original characters or the original storylines. Any names matching public or historical figures are strictly coincidental. This story is not historically accurate or intended to be. The story is rated M because of language and adult situations. Anyone below the age of 17 should probably not read this story.
Note; I apologize for the long delay in getting this chapter out. I had some health issues.
Chapter 21
Queen Elinor sat with Merida and Maudie awaiting the arrival of her husband and future son-in-law. She wasn't a violent woman but if the princess asked one more time 'if they were here yet' she was sure she would be forced to strangle her.
Maudie spoke in an attempt to distract the child; "Merida, are you excited to see your father and Hiccup today?"
Merida ignored her saying, "They are very, very close mummy. Hiccup is very near and very excited. I'm gonna kiss him till his lips hurt".
Maudie; "Och, ye shoudna speak at way. It's no ladylike. Yer a Princess and ye must act like ane"
Merida; "Ah'm no ah lady and Ah will act as Ah, please. Hiccup has been gone a long time and I need ta show im how much ah have missed im"
Maudie not to be put off says, "Yer two and a half years old Merida. Even a grown lady royal or no donna act in such a manner. Ah have taught ya better." Merida simply sticks her tongue out at her nanny.
Elinore; "Merida mind yer manners or Ah'll put some soap on tha tongue o yers and stand ya in a corner. Any yu Maudie. She is two years old and has not seen her bond-mate in nearly a year. Let the wee ones be excited!".
2 There was a beat on the carriage door and a knight stuck his head in the door and said, "My apologies for the intrusion yer majesty. The king's ship will be droppin anchor momentarily." The queen nodded to the night and he departed. Elinor; "Let us go await ye da an ye mate Merida"
Elinor had been very worried. Fergus had been angry when he left with all those soldiers. She loved her husband but once his blood was up he was single-minded and hard to communicate with. Now that he was home, she could relax a little.
Hiccup was jumping with excitement as he climbed up onto the bowsprit. One of the sailors had gone up with him to keep him safe. Hiccup could see Castle Dunbroch. He could make out people on the docks and knew in his heart that Elinor and Meridawere there.
Elisa and Ylva stood on the quarterdeck with King Fergus looking towards the land. Fergus; "Are ye lassies nervous? Ye look nervous." Elisa; "Yes my King we are very nervous. This is me and Ylva's first trip to Scotland. The old ones tell stories of how we used to invade and fight ye." Fergus; "donna worry Elisa. While ye are here ye will be treated like yer part of the royal family. I give ye my word there will be no more ship's boy incidents. You will have guards always with ya an ah intend that they will be older married men with children. Ya do know at Elinor will probably but you girls in dresses?" Ylva; "what's a dresses?" The King roared with laughter.
Captain Rawlings; "Mr. Jarvis, you may set the anchor and prepare the King's gig for deployment" Jarvis; Aye, aye Captain it shall be so," and the first officer shouted out orders. Soon a sailor shouted "Anchors Away" and everyone onboard could hear the anchor chain payout. The anchor took hold and the ship slowly turned into the wind.
Captain using his horn; "Mr. Rawlings, secure the topgallants and swing-out the Kings gig. Have the boatswain man the side." The First officer saluted and began giving more orders. Captain Williams watched as the Marines (ships infantry) fall in on each side of the gangway as the boatswain piped the salute.
3 Williams then walked over and climbed to the quarter-deck, "Yer majesty
the gig is at yer service, sir."
King Fergus: "Thank ye, Captain. Could ye peel Lord Haddock away from the forecastle to join us?"
The Captain laughed, "Already done sir. Petty Officer Jones is holding is hand at the gangway. Ah must say, sir, Lord Hiccup is a bright boy for is age. E loves to ask questions. Ran my third officer and my midshipmen into the ground answering im and showing im around. We had a tough time keeping im off the rigging. Now the King laughed.
At the gangway, the ship's company and soldiers were at attention. All of the officers were lined up as the King made his farewells. Ylva and Elisa stayed glued to either side of the King. Hiccup lagged behind waving at the sailors and soldiers he had come to know and then shook his little hand with the officers and men.
One young midshipman named John Peters leaned over to Hiccup while they were shaking hands, "Goodbye Hic. Next time ya come Ah'll try to sneak some grog and Ah'll finish teaching ya, ha ta play cards."
Hiccup; " Nah that's ok Johnny. Mr. Jones gave me a sip his. IT WAS AWFUL! Ah will play cards with ye though."
The Captain cleared his throat, "Ha, Hmmm." Midshipman Peters went back to attention and Hiccup shook hands a little faster until he was just behind the king.
King Fergus Shook hands with Army Colonel Jasper Dingwell, "Well Jasper, Ahm happy we dinna ha ta use yer boys. Ah ha no doubt at they would have made a good accountin of themselves."
"Ah thank ya fer the opportunity, sir. If ye ever need the regiment again please call on us. It's an honor to have served yer majesty," said Colonel Dingwall.
4 Next, the King Shook hands with the Captain, "Thanks fer a fast and safe
passage. Because of yer efforts, those Vikins thought twice about engagin us." The King looked down at Ylva and Elisa and said, "No offense girls". Both kids merely rolled their eyes at the king.
Hiccup looked up at the Captain and said, "I sure liked being on yer boat Captain," the Captain gave him a look and Hiccup corrected himself, "Sorry sir, I meant, ship. I made a lot of new friends. I sure would have liked to have climbed up the mainmast though."
Captain Williams answered, "It was a pleasure to ha ye aboard mah Lord. Ye know Hiccup when ye have yer twelfth birthday if ya still want ta climb that mast, ye just write ta me and ahl see tha you become one of mah midshipman"
Hiccup; "Really? Would I get a uniform like Johnny and everything?" asked the excited little Lord.
Williams; "Ah give ya mah word on it."
King Fergus turned and waved at the men, "Thank ye men for yer kindness and service. Ah, wilno forget it."
The men gave three cheers as the King went down the ladder into the gig followed by the three children. The men were still cheering as the Kings gig pulled away. It was only a few hundred yards to the docks. King Fergus stood and waved to the crowds. As soon as the people saw their beloved King uncontrolled cheering broke out. Ylva and Elisa were frightened. Never in their short lives had they seen so many people.
King Fergus; "Donna be afraid lassies. Oor people are friendly. They are just glad to see oor return. Ye will be part of the royal family while ye stay here. Just stick with us."
Elisa; "Yes my king"
Ylva; "King Fergus, what shall we do here besides taking care of Hiccup?"
5 King Fergus; "Yer job in Dunbroch is to have a good time an ta learn. As
for taking care of Hiccup, well ye will have a hard time getting him away from me Elinor and an even harder time getting him away from Merida."
Elisa; "Can Ylva and I sleep with Hiccup? He's used to being with us.
Ylva; "I am sure little Lord Hiccup will be sleeping with his betrothed," the girl said dripping with sarcasm.
King Fergus; "Hiccup and Merida do sleep together but Ah will speak to Elinor about getting ye accommodations close to the boy. Ah know ye love him Ylva."
When the gig touched the docks the sound of twenty bagpipes could be heard.
Ylva; "What the Helheim is that noise? It sounds like a hundred pigs being slaughtered," said the now frightened girl.
Fergus laughed, "Those are me, bagpipe players, it's a kind of musical instrument native ta Scotland."
Elisa; "You like that King Fergus?"
Fergus laughing; "Aye little one, very much so, but Ah admit is a bit of an acquired taste. I will pass along your compliments ta oor bagpipers."
King Fergus was first off the gig holding Ylva and Eisa's hands. The girls were wearing their Viking Shieldmaiden clothes along with very large knives attached to their waists. Both girls, though frightened, followed the king's example and held their heads up proudly.
Hiccup was behind them. Hiccup had refused to hold anyons hands and insisted on walking by himself. The little prince was wearing his Viking clothing with his shiny breastplate over them.
6 The tiny Lord wore his little Trojan helmet, now sporting a purple plume.
He also wore his sword belt, his little sword and a new bright purple sash that was present from the mother of one of the little Bog Burglar girls that liked to get the little boy naked.
Elinor smiled as her husband came over to her as he swept the queen into a tight embrace. He kissed the queen passionately.
Elinor; "Ah ha missed ye so much, Fergus. The bed seems so cold without ye in it."
Fergus; Ah ha missed ye too dear wife. Ah am not whole when yer not with me," said the King.
As Hiccup came into view, "HIIIIIICKEYYYY!" screamed Princess Merida.
The little princess ran passed her father an the girls and tackled her bondmate in a loving hug. While on the ground Merida gave him a long slow kiss. A kiss that was as passionate as a two and a two and a half-year-old girl could give. Hiccup kissed her back as best he could. Fortunately, his helmet and her crown had fallen off in the tackle to the ground.
Merida now crying little tears, "Hiccup Ah ha missed you. My heart hurt while ye were away. If mummy would lt me, Ah'd marry ye right now."
Hiccup was crying now also, "I missed you to Mer. I didn't think I was ever going to see you again and that made me sad every day."
"Ah-hem," coughed the King, "Merida, ye need ta let the boy up so we can get in the carriage and go to the castle."
Elinor scooped up Hiccup from Merida. She hugged him to her bosom and kissed him as if he were her own son. "Hiccup my son Ah am so glad ye are here. Ye and Merida are rays of sunshine in me life. Ta say ye were missed is no enough. Ah am no lettin ye oot of me sight while ye are here. Ats a promise. The queen kissed the boy again and set him beside Merida who had been tugging at the hem of her dress trying to get her betrothed back.
7 Both children brushed themselves off as King Fergus introduced the two
girls, "Elinor, let me introduce ye and Merida to these fine ladies. This fine young lady, (he indicated Elisa), is Elisa Davidson. She is a Shieldmaiden in training from Bog Island and she helped take care of our Lord Hiccup while he was on Bog Island.
"Next to Elisa is Ylva Hofferson," this mad Merida immediately looks up, "she is Hiccups' oldest and dearest friend and she has sworn to protect Hiccup with her life. The Bog Burglar Chieftess Bertha Bog insisted that these female companions come along with Hiccup to ensure his safety."
Elinor; "It is a pleasure ta meet ye. Ah have heard much aboot you Ylva. Elisa, it is also a pleasure ta meet ye. I'm sure we will all become good friends over the next ninety days. Ladies Ah have the honor to introduce ta ye my daughter Princess Merida of Dunbroch, heir ta the throne of Scotland."
If looks could kill, the two Viking girls would have been dead from the look Merida was giving them. Queen Elinore saw the look and said, "Merida, a proper princess shake hands with guests and welcomes them. Please do so now," said the queen with that tone mother's get when their children are misbehaving.
Merida stuck her little hand out and said with an icy tone while still having her free arm around her bond mate, "Welcome ta Dunbroch Lady Elisa and Lady Ylva. Ah hope ye ha a great time while ye are with us."
Both girls bowed to the princess as they had done with the queen.
Elisa; "It is a pleasure ta meet ya, Princess. Hiccup has told us so much about ye. I can't believe we are finally meeting.
"Neither can Ah," grumbled the Princess and her mother gave her a sharp look.
Ylva; "Hiccup, you didn't tell us she was so beautiful. Princess, I am jealous of your red hair. It's so long and curly.
8 Merida; "Hickey didna tell me ye are so beautiful and shapely either. E is
lucky to have ye as a friend. Hiccup swallowed as his bondmate gave him a cross look.
King Fergus; "Let's all get in the carriage and go have lunch. Ah don't know aboot ye all but Ah'm starving."
The people were still cheering as the King's carriage headed towards. It was now less for the king and more for the men coming ashore who had left with the King. On one side of the carriage sat King Fergus, Queen Elinor, and Elisa. On the other side sat Ylva, Merida, and Hiccup.
The little princess had made sure Hiccup got in first, then she got in second, so neither of the two pretty Viking girls could sit next to him. She might only be two and a half, but the little redhead was not stupid.
Queen Elinor; "Ah love the clothes ye a wearing. Did ye make them yerself?"
Elisa; "No my queen. My mother made our clothes for us. My mum is the best seamstress on Bog Island."
Elinor; "Ah was wondering if you girls wanted to experience some Scottish culture? Our traditions at the castle are somewhat different than that of Viking society."
Both girls looked at each other then shook their heads yes. This pleased the Queen very much. King Fergus knew what Elinor was doing. His wife was manipulating the two young women into allowing her to have dresses made for them.
Elinor; "At wonderful girls. Would ye mind if Ah had some Scottish ladies' clothing made for ye? It would be mah pleasure and ye wouldna ha to pay fer anything. "Ah ha done so fer Hiccup."
Ylva; "Is there something wrong with our clothes Queen Elinor?" asked a now suspicious Viking pre-teen.
9 "No dear, a course no. Ah just thought it would help ye get the feel of oor
culture better if ye were dressed like the locals. But if ye donna want ta, ats alright."
Elisa being a little older than Ylva and not wanting to insult the royal family said, "I can't speak for Ylva, but I would love to try some Scottish clothes on. Do ye think you could put me in one of them dresses the King told us about?"
Hiccup spoke up, "Ylva, I think ye would look beautiful in a dress just like Elinor and Merida." That earned the little prince a jab in the ribs from his bondmate.
Ylva; "Merida, I'm glad you love Hiccup and are going to marry him because that means I don't have to."
Merida snarled; "Ye was gonna marry me Hiccup. E's mine! Ah ha heard ye love im but Ah love im more AND HE'S MINE!" said the Princess a little too loudly.
"Merida, mind yer manners! Ylva knows ye are betrothed to Hiccup, said the Queen, "Another outburst like at and ye'll find yerself doing some corner time."
Ylva; "Princess, Elisa and I are going to be Shieldmaidens. In Viking, culture Shieldmaidens are women warriors. Shieldmaidens don't marry. I don't even like boys. Chief Stoic has made it so no one can be around Hic.
The Chief has told so many lies and has verbally abused him so much, the people of Berk are mean to him and won't let their children play with him. I was worried that Hiccup was going to die alone so when he became a man and no one would be his wife, I would step down from being a Shieldmaiden and marry Hiccup so he wouldn't be alone and would have a wife who loves him. Do ye understand?" aked Ylva.
Merida; "Ah think so Ylva. Ye just didna want Hickey ta be lonely. Ah love Hiccup with all of my heart. We are even joined. Mummy and Yara, oor, healer told me it's like we are already married. We can't be married in this
10 world right now because Hiccup and Ah are too young to commiserate our married."
Hiccup; "That means when a man puts a baby in the lady's belly. I don't know how I would put a baby in Merida's belly anyway. Bertha told me that when ladies have babies it hurts a lot. I don't think we are going to have babies because I would never hurt Mer on purpose."
Elinor; "The word ye were lookin er is con-su-mate but ye were right in what at means. Ylva ye are a very good friend and companion fer our little man. I hope ye are always Hiccup and Merida's friend. You will always be welcome in the castle."
Merida looked at Hiccup and then her belly. She took her mates face in her hands and kissed his lips. "Hiccup, ah donna know how ye will put a baby in me belly but when we marry Ah want to give ye a baby, even if it hurts.
King Fergus; "Ah think ats enough talk aboot babies fer one day. Let's think aboot what we are gonna eat fer lunch, hall we?"
Ylva leaned over, put her arm around the little princess and whispered in her ear, "Merida you always love Hiccup and I will always be your friend. Don't worry about how the baby gets in yer belly.
My mum told me and she said making babies is fun. They just hurt coming out." Ylva then kissed Merida on the cheek. Merida smiled back at Ylva then put both her arms around her now sleeping, fiancee.
Lunch was an interesting event for the royal family. The food in Dunbroch was tastier and there was much more variety. Ylva and Astrid had asked for some mead which the king balked at.
Elisa; "My king, Viking children start drinking mead as soon as they are weaned from their mother's breast. At first, the mead is watered down. You wouldn't want Hiccup or the Princess being tipsy.
11 By the time you reach ten, a Viking boy or girl can drink mead full
strength. Viking parents must give permission of course and usually me and Ylva are only allowed one tankard full.
Queen Elinor; "The mead does not get ye drunk? Asked the concerned mother.
Ylva; "No your grace. I just get a warm feeling. My mum let me try some Irish drink called w-h-i-s-k-e-y mixed with yaks milk and honey. Now that had a kick. Any chance I could have some of that Scottish w-h-i-s-k-e-y the King was drinking on the ship?"
The King laughed, "Ah donna see why not," the king laughed as he signaled for the serving girl to come over, "Sally bring Lady Elisa a tankard of ale and Lady Ylva a tankard of Scotch mixed with milk and honey."
Elinor; "Fergus, ye daft man. Ah donna think the girl's mums would appreciate ye filling their daughters up with drink.
Fergus; "It's only one and with food. Ah think from now on young ladies at ye will ha yer one drink at dinner. Ah yes, here comes yer drinks," the King said smiling.
Elisa took a big swallow and grimaced.
Elinor; "If at ale is too strong for ya lass ye donna ha ta finish it."
Elisa, "My King, did you have this rink watered down? It sure tastes like it's watered down."
King Fergus reached over and took a sip, "No lassie, the drink is no watered down," the king took his tankard of Scotch and poured a small amount in, "try at now Elisa and see if at quenches yer thirst."
Meanwhile, Ylva had a big smile on her face as she drank from her tankard. "Now that hits the spot, my king. Thank you. Yer whiskey tastes even better than the Irish stuff me mum has."
12 Elinor; "Are ye alright Elisa? Yer cheeks are turnin pink." Ylva; "No my queen. I'm just enjoying my mead now that King Fergus has
fixed it.
Hiccup and Merida were oblivious to the others in the room. Hiccup held her hand. Merida would kiss her mate when her parents weren't looking. Maudie gave her a look once but the little Princess merely rolled her eyes.
After lunch, the King went to his office to do the paperwork that had piled up in his absence Elinor took both girls's hands and led them toward the sleeping quarters. She had to because Elisa and Ylva were not feeling any pain. Maudie held Hiccup and Merida's hands.
Ylva; "Yer grace, can Elisa and I have a room together. We love each other and we are used to sleeping together."
Elinor gave them a surprised look. "I donna see why not," no understanding the situation the queen said quietly so her escorts couldn't hear, "girls we Scots donna ha a Shieldmaiden society. The people wudna understand and might cause ye some trouble. Please keep yer intimate affections in yer room, alright?"
Ylva; "My queen can Hiccup sleep with us too? Elisa and I have taken care of Hic for this year and he likes to cuddle with us."
The volatile and jealous red-haired princess spun around, grabbed Hiccups' hand and looked both girls in the eyes.
"Hiccup is mine and e sleeps with me. We take baths together, naps together, play together and sit together. E is mine and Ah wilno share im. Ah donna mind if ye hug im and kiss im because Ah know ye love im but in a different way then me. Ah ha not seen my Hickey in a year. Ah need him with me."
Hiccup; "I will be with you every minute I am here Mer. I missed you too. I love Ylva and Elisa and when I can't be with you I am glad they are with me. You are my bond-mate. You alone have my heart. You alone will I ever want to be with. I love you the bestest." Hiccup took his little red-heads
13 cheeks in his hands and kissed her. Merida gave him the big smile that made him feel so good.
Elisa; "We understand princess. Hic is yer boy. We want ta spend time with both of ye. We like ya. Ylva and I are sworn to protect Hic and because ye are his betrothed we are sworn to protect you. But we also want to be friends with you like we are with Hiccup.
Elinor; "Girls, when we are in public or around others, please try ta remember ta use Hiccups title. Ah know it seems silly but Scotland is a kingdom and it's very important."
Ylva half giggling, "So what do we call him, Prince or Lord Hiccup?"
Elinor; "Either will do and while ye are here in Dunbroch, and ye will be called Lady Elisa and Lady Ylva."
The queen stopped in front of her chambers. She turned and opened the door to a spacious room with a huge bed. Both girls' mouths hung open. Two chambermaids named Donna and Grace curtsied and smiled.
Elinore; "Ladies this is Grace and Donna. They will be your chambermaids while ye are here. They take care of yer room, yer clothes, bath ye and do errands for ye. They are both sixteen and are very sweet.
Elisa looked around and not seeing another room asked, "Where do they sleep. They can sleep with us if they want We won't mind." Both chambermaids turned red and giggled. Ye may wait ootside fer now girls. Elisa, Donna, and Grace have rooms in the servant's quarters. Yer room will also have a sentry near yer door. Now both of ye look like ye could use a nap. Ah'll ha the girls come back in three hours ta bath ye."
The two Viking girls flopped onto the bed. Within minutes the two Viking girls were fast asleep. The queen walked out of the room to where the two chambermaids were waiting. The two curtsied to the queen.
14 Queen Elinor; "Walk with me girls," the maids obediently followed, "Girls,
Lady Elisa and Lady Ylva are Vikings. They have never been to a castle or court before. Later on, Ah will have a larger bathtub sent to the room and installed.
Ylva and Elisa have no seen our type of indoor plumbing. They haven't seen much of anything really. Ah need ye two ta watch out fer them while they are here. Can ye do at? Both girls nodded yes.
Back in the bathing area of her majesty's chambers, Maudie was preparing a bath for the Prince and Princess. Merida could have waited but Hiccup definitely needed a bath and a change of clothes. Hiccup's hair now went to the middle of his back so a haircut was in order as well.
Lady Yara had made her way to the castle and was heading to the queen's chambers. She was ecstatic that the Prince was finally back in Dunbroch. She needed to be with the children to guide them and to learn from them.
King Fergus had decided that Little Lord Hiccup should visit his legal home and meet the family that worked for Him. The King would send a messenger pigeon to his old friend Ian McGuffin. Lord Ian McGuffin was his top advisor outside of Elinor and his closest friend.
Fergus would take himself, Queen Elinor and Princess Merida along with Maudie and the tutor Mistress Fiona.
The King laughed to himself remembering that Hiccup's former tutor Jacob had decided to stay on Bog Island because of his two Bog mistresses, one of who was with child.
Jacob Maclehaney and his sense of honor, it would probably end up being the death of the man but the King admired his loyalty and tenacity.
Elinor was now back in her chambers. Poor Hiccup had fallen asleep on one of the rugs in her bedroom. His head was held in Merida's lap and she was stroking his long unruly auburn hair. Merida noticed her mother coming in and put her little finger in front of her lips as a signal to be quiet.
15 The queen smiled to herself. Merida had become very devoted to the little
Prince. She was very possessive but at nearly three, she didn't have the self-confidence of an older female. She smiled to herself, Merida was actually acting like an old married woman. The little Princess had a tendency to get jealous of any female that got anywhere near the little Viking. Elinore was trying to help her daughter get control of that. It was probably a losing battle since Merida was just under three years old.
Hiccup didn't help, of course, being oblivious to the way girls, young and old, reacted to him. He was a very, very cute little boy. Hiccup was nice to everyone and very polite. Older girls and even grown women liked to pick him up and dote over the boy. No wonder her little girl had a jealous streak.
Maudie came into the bedroom and told the queen the children's bath was ready. Merida had heard what her nanny had whispered to her mother and she gently laid her bondmates head to the soft rug so her mother could pick her up.
Elinor took Merida into the bathing area. The queen took off her daughter's slippers, then her crushed velvet dress, her slip, and her underclothes and placed her carefully into a tub filled with warm water. Merida played and Maudie, her nanny washed her, the queen went back into her bedroom and picked up Hiccup.
"Hiccup. Hiccup. It's time to wake up my wee little prince," said the queen as she tickled the bottom of one of his feet. The boy stirred and blinked as he opened his deep green eyes.
Hiccup; "Let me sleep mummy, I'm sooo tired."
Elinor smiled because the boy had called her mummy. She knew he was just waking up and was thinking of Valka but it made her feel good anyway. The queen picked the little boy up and placed him on the bed. Hiccup was fully awake now and was smiling.
Elinor; "Ah'm glad ta see yer awake my wee one. Ye was out of it an calling me yer mum and makin me heart jump. Ah'm sorry yer mum left but maybe someday the gods will look down upon ye kindly and bring ye and
16 Valka back together. Now let me get those clothes and boots off ye so Ah can stick ye in the bath. Ye really need ane."
Hiccup; "I was awake and I knew it was you, Elinor. I just really wish you were my mummy. My mummy is not coming back and I wouldn't want to see her if she did. She left me, and I don't think you would."
The queen stood the boy up and brought him in for a deep tight hug as she fought back tears. "Ah will never leave ya. Ah donna know why yer mum left, Ah suppose she was afraid. I promise ye this my sweet little man, ye will never be alone when yer in Scotland.
When ye leave us, someone from Dunbroch will be with ye on Berk. Wherever ye are, if yer stopped from coming ta see us, we will always come get ye. Someday ye will legally be me son-in-la, but until at day, ye can think of m as yer mummy. Ye are like a son ta me already. Now give us a kiss."
Hiccup gave his future mother-in-law a kiss and hugged her tighter with his arms around her neck. Fergus, Elinor, Gobber and Helga were the parents the little Prince should have had, deserved to have, but the gods had different plans for him.
Hiccup thought for a second, "It was on Bog Island I guess. I used to get bathed every day there, sometimes twice a day."
Elinor as she removed the boys; "Why twice a day Hiccup. What were ye doin ta get at dirty?" asked the queen?
Hiccup; "I wasn't dirty on those days, the girls in the village liked to take my clothes off."
"Why on earth would the village girls want ta take yer clothes off? How old were these girls and why didno anyone stop them?" asked the queen.
17 Hiccup; "Well my aunt Bertha told me that the girls were curious because
they had never seen a boy up close before. Every day the girls would come and ask Helga if I could play. Helga always let me.
Me and the girls would play for a while then we would go to the hot springs to clean up. Most of the time the girls were just a little bigger than me and sometimes big girls like Ylva an Elisa. The girls would help me take my clothes off and then put me in the pool of warm water. They would come in too."
Elinor; "Ah assume the girls took their clothes off to? Did they bathe ye with soap? Did they dress ya when they were finished?"
Hiccup; "The girls liked to wash me and took turns washing me all over. I liked that a lot because it feels nice. The girls taught me how to wash them too. Helga got mad once but Bertha talked to her and she didn't mind.
The girls and me would play and wash until I got all pruny. They didn't dress me right away cause they wanted to look at me and touch me. I didn't like it when they tried to touch my penis though cause I remember what you told me and Mer about touch privates wasn't polite."
Maudie came in and told the queen that Merida was nearly done with her bath and that she was upset that Hiccup wasn't in the tub with her. The queen explained to the nanny just how dirty Hiccup was and to go ahead and finish Meirda's bath.
Hiccup stood naked next to the tub. Maudie had pulled the drain stopper and the little boy watched fascinated. There was no such thing as indoor plumbing anywhere in the Viking archipelago. Merida was being dried by her mother while Maudie refilled the tub.
Merida; "Can Ah stay in here while Hickey gets is bath? Ah want to talk with him." the little princess inquired."
"A young lady donna watch a male bath. It's no ladylike," said the nanny.
18 "But mummy, Ah take baths with Hic all of the time. Why is it bad now?
Did we do something bad? Ah didn't ever touch his penis, Ah promise," said the little princess.
Hiccup; "It's true Elinore. Meria never touched my penis and I never touched her vagina either."
Elinor; "ENOUGH!" said the queen, "ye e what ye started Maudie? Ah'll have ye keep yer opinions to yerself. These two are mere babies. AH AM THE MOTHER HERE, NOT YE! Ye ha slipped before, donna do so again or Ah give me word A'll post ye to a different position. Consider this yer last warning!"
The nanny curtsied and excused herself. She stopped the water and tested its temperature with her hand. She then gently lifted then set the little boy into the tub. Elinor pulled a chair next to the tub and put the little princess in it.
Elinor; "Children. Ah donna want ye ta think aboot what Maudie said. Ye are definitely are not bad and ye did nothin wrong. Sometimes even adults are wrong and Maudie is wrong. A day will come when ye will ha ta bath separately but at will no be fer a long while. When at day comes me and yer Da will explain why and ye will understand so donna worry yer wee heads about it."
Elinor first washed Hiccups hair that when wet almost reached down to his bottom. It was very tangled and very dirty. The Queen would send fer the royal barber once Hiccup was finished with his bath.
She was as gentle as she could be but she scrubbed the boy vigorously because he needed it. The queen had even added some scented powder to make the boy smell better. She would have a word with Fergus about the boy and those young ladies not bathing on the way back from Bog Island.
It was about two pm when Grace woke Elisa and Ylva. At first, there was a little difficulty the chambermaids did not speak Norse and the two Viking girls did not speak Gaelic like Hiccup. It did not take long for the four young ladies to work through things using a form of sign language and demonstration.
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There was a knock at their door and the men came in with the large tub. The workman quickly took out the small tub and replaced it with the larger one. One of the workmen approached the Viking girls to thank them and to instruct them on how to get into the tub but he approached too quickly.
Elisa and Ylva felt threatened and within the blink of an eye, the man had been thrown to the floor by Elisa with a very sharp dagger to his throat. The guard heard the commotion and ran into the room. Ylva stepped in front of her in a defensive stance in front of her girlfriend with a very long dagger in her hand daring the guard or the other workmen to advance.
Ylva; "Come closer you Scottish bastard and I'll cut yer throat!"
The pre-teen Viking girl meant what she said too. Donna had scooted over to the queen's chambers and asked the guards to get someone who spoke Norse in order to defuse the situation. Just at that time, Lady Yara had turned the corner.
The queen rushed into the room. She had left the two children with Maudie and now she was facing a delicate situation. No less than three guards with swords drawn were facing two armed and very determined Viking girls, one of which held a knife to a terrified Workman's throat.
Elinor; "Sentry, what goes on here?"
The sentry, not taking his eyes off the two girls says, "Majesty, we heard a commotion inside the room and we found the workman with a knife to his throat. Mah only desire was to contain the situation. Ah, tried talkin with the lassies but Ah canno understand their language."
Elinore; "You may return to yer posts gentlemen. These girls will no harm me."
The three guards saluted her majesty, put away their swords and left. Yara looked at the girls and smiled speaking in Norse, "What did the man do ladies?"
20 Ylva; "Who's askin?"
Yara; "My name is Yara. Ah am a healer here. Ah come to the castle often ta help Her Highness Merida and Lord Hiccup understand the bond. I am also a sister to Gothi of Berk.
Ylva; "Ya know Gothi?"
"Aye at Ah do," said Yara.
Elinore; "Elisa, what did the man do to frighten ye?"
Elisa; "WE were on the bed sleeping, my queen. We knew Donna and Grace were in the room but not all those men. This one came towards us on the bed babbling about something. We are simply defending ourselves.
Elinore; "Girls, this man, and the others were installing a larger tub so yu and Ylva could bathe together. This man here was only tryin ta ask if ye and Ylva were pleased with their work. Please let the man go."
Elisa thought for a second then took the knife away from the man's neck. The freed plumber quickly scampered out of the room only pausing tow bow to and thank the queen. The girls put their knives away and sat back down on the bed.
Elinore told Donna and Grace that they were completely safe. She also asked if she could bring the royal seamstress in to take their measurements in order to have clothing made fo them.
Grace the chambermaid curtsied and motioned to the now filled tub. Elinore, not wanting any more misunderstandings said, "Ladies, it's time fer ye bath. Donna and Grace want ta help ya get undressed and into the tub. Then they will bath ye."
Ylva; "I can take my own clothes off. I don't need some wench I don't know, helping me strip or
21 Elinore; "I know ye both are quite capable but ta get into that tub." these
two girls really want to serve ye will yer here. It will make them very happy and because ye are considered ladies it really is a tradition.
The two girls looked at each other and shrugged. "Well, we don't want to hurt their feelings so they can go ahead," said Elisa.
Elinore; "Neither Grace nor Donna speak Norse so how about I bring Hiccup in ta translate for ye? I'll bring Merida too so she can get to know ye.
Queen Elinore left and went back to her chambers with Yara. Elinor dressed Hiccup in clothes that ha been made and left behind for him. She then took Merida and the little Prince by the hand and took them over to Ylva and Elisa's room.
Grace was filling the tub and Donna was helping Elisa undress. Hiccup had gone to the hot springs with the two teen girls as well as many other females while on Bog Island so seeing the girls naked was no big deal to him.
Elinore; "Hiccup, Ah want ye ta to tell all the girls what the other is sayin. Grace and Donna donna know how ta speak Norse and Ylva and Elisa donna know how ta speak Gaelic. Can ye do at fer me?" Hiccup nodded.
"Merida, Ah want ye ta help Hiccup as well as get ye ta get ta know Ylva and Elisa better. Its no good fer ya ta be so jealous. Can ye do at now my sweet one?" Meria nodded.
Hiccup did as he was told and soon both Viking girls were stripped and enjoying their bath. The girls enjoyed having Grace and Donna wash their hair. There was a knock on the door. Donna closed the door to the bathroom and the bath continued.
Princess Merida went to the door and opened it. It was the seamstress who brought in some dresses, slips, and undergarments for Ylv and Elisa to try on. Soon the girls were out of the tub and into the dressing room where they allowed themselves to be measured. Neither girl had ever worn a
22 brassier before and it was a wonder to them. Hiccup thought it was hilarious to see both of his older friends all cinched up and he fell on the floor he was laughing so hard.
Ylva and Elisa had just put on their slips when another knock on the door was heard. It was Maudie coming to get Hiccup for his haircut he didn't know he was getting.
At first, there was confusion as to how things were going to go since Hiccup had been translating. In almost perfect Norse Merida said she would be glad to translate. Another gift of the bond was that Hiccup had over their months apart had taught Merida how to speak fluent Norse. She, in turn, had polished up her mates Gaelic.
Hiccup was now dressed in his new underthings. He wore a bright green crushed velvet tunic that perfectly matched the dress Merida was wearing. The little prince also had on a pair of black pants tucked into nearly knee-high shiny black boots. Over his pants, Hiccup wore a kilt in the colors of castle Delaney, (which Hiccup had helped to pick out).
Hiccup was also dressed in a red jacket that had the family crest of Clan Dunbroch embroidered on it so there was no doubt in anyone's mind which clan lay claim to him.
Elinor had made up her mind to help, in any way possible, for the two children to get to know each other well. Their activities were planned so that they were always close to each other, including their lessons which would begin the next day.
In the queen's mind, dressing the children alike and keeping them together would not only reinforce to the two that they were bonded for life but it would also reinforce to outsiders that the two children were betrothed.
It was dinner time and King Fergus was waiting impatiently for the queen and her young charges to enter the Royal Families' private dining room. Queen Elinor entered first holding Hiccup and Merida's hands. She was followed by two very self-conscious Viking maidens
23 Merida ran and jumped into her father's waiting arms, "Da how are ye?
Ah have had so much fun with Hiccup, Elisa and Ylva. Ah really like them now. Donna Hiccup look nice? Donna the girls look beautiful?"
Fergus; "Oi, Hiccup, ye look like a proper Scottish Lord. Ah I like yer hair too. Did ye give the Royal Barber any guff when he sheared ye? Hiccup shook his head no.
Fergus was sitting at the head of the table. On his left sat Elinor, Ylva and Elisa and on his right sat Merida and Hiccup.
The Queen was wearing a long dark green velvet gown with white lace trimming the collar and cuffs, very much like the dress Merida was wearing.
Ylva was wearing a red velvet dress much like the queens but with little pearls stitched onto the bodice. The gown accentuated the girl's bosom and figure. Ylva's hair had a small tiara of little pearls on her head and her hair cascaded over her shoulders and back like an avalanche of gold.
Elisa was wearing a dark blue velvet dress that had gold trim on the collar and cuffs. The gown had a slit on either side that showed off Elisa's long legs. Her waist-length raven black hair was tied into two tight braids down her back.
Merida was dressed in her long dark green velvet dress. It was trimmed with lace and pearls around the collar and cuffs. Like her mother and father, she wore a very small gold crown on her head. Her fiery red locks had been braided by the two older girls and the braided hair hung down her back almost all the way to her bottom.
Fergus; "Ladies ye all look very beautiful. Ah never laid eyes on a prettier sight than what Ah have before me know. What do ye think Hiccup?
Hiccup; "I think all the ladies are very beautiful but my Merida is the prettiest girl in the world."
"Listen to yu, ye silver-tongued devil. Keep at up and Ah'll have ye married before ye leave," laughed the King.
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The dinner was an interesting affair. Ylva and Elisa were not used to dresses and fidgeted quite a bit. Elinor was a mother to all these children in her mind so all of these children would receive an education while in her charge. Elisa and Ylva would be taught how a lady properly wore clothes in Scotland and she would introduce them to perfumes and make-up too. She smiled to herself in a way thinking this would be good training for when Merida reached her teenage years.
Merida and Hiccup both giggled at the faces the two older girls were told what Haggis was, though Elisa on a dare from little Lord Haddock at hers and decided she liked it. Ylva got her wish and was given a shot of straight Irish whiskey. Fergus gave the drink to the girl full strength as a joke but was surprised by her reaction.
Ylva; "Now that's a drink I could get used to. It makes my cheeks red and my tummy warm. Could I have another one my king?" asked the shieldmaiden in training.
Fergus could see by the glint in Ylva's eyes that she was already feeling a bit tipsy just from the tankard of ale she had drunk before stating how Scottish drinks were tasty but mild. A few minutes later when the whiskey hit her she maintained a huge smile on her face. Elinor gave her husband an evil look but laughed when Ylva insisted on giving everyone at the table huge hugs and very wet kisses. Merida decided that was a good time to crawl up into Hiccups lap and give him a three-year-old version of an amorous kiss that was not appreciated by her mother since they were at the dinner table,
"Merida go back to yer seat an finish yer dinner, ye can slobber all over yer betrothed after dinner," said Elinor.
"Ah was not slobbering on Hiccup, Ah was kissing him and he's gonna be my husband so Ah'm allowed," said a very indignant little princess.
Elinor; "Well Ahm gonna spank yer little behind and wash yer mouth oot with soap cause Ah'm yer mother and Ah'm allowed so you'd best watch yer tongue lassie".
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Fergus; "Elinor, I received an answer for Ian today."
Elinor; "So it's arranged?" The King nodded yes. "Well tell the children, Ah'm sure they will be excited."
"Tell us what Da?" aked Merida.
Fergus; "Children, in two days we are going to have an adventure. It has been a long time since the royal family has had a vacation. I think it's high time Lord Hiccup sees Castle Delaney and meets the people who work for him and take care of the property."
Hiccup; "Really my king? You will really take me there? It's not just a story to keep me alive? It's a real place?" asked the young Lord.
"Yes, Hiccup. Castle Delaney and your farm are real places and you are a real Lord and landowner. From what lord Macintosh tells me the farm did quite well last year and after the crops were harvested you became an even wealthier little boy."
Hiccup ran over and jumped into the King's lap, "Thank you, Thank you, my King. I do not deserve any of this. I know I would be nothing without you and Elinor and my Merida."
Fergus hugged Hiccup tightly and gave him a kiss on his forehead as he told him; "Hiccup, never again say you are nothing in my presence. You are a prince, ye are a Lord of Scotland, and you are betrothed and bonded to my precious Merida.
Ah love ye like a son and Ah am proud ye will someday be my daughter's Prince Consort. Ye are a wonderful little boy who loves unconditionally. Ye are intelligent beyond yer years and ye are kind to anyone and anything around ye. Ye have great courage and ye have more dedicated friends than ye realize. Ye can never be nothing.
It is said that the gods have picked ye for special purposes. Ah truly believe that ye are destined to do many great things that will help not only your future subjects on Berk but also hand in hand with your future queen
26 and wife, your future subjects in Scotland. Ye have a remarkable mind at already at the age of nearly three can perceive wonders and ideas others older and supposedly wiser cannot. Castle Delaney is just a small token of Scotland's appreciation for the potential for the future at is ye."
Elinor; "Children, we have many things ta do we leave so we must bath and take our rest so we may be up to the tasks. Many will come with us. When the Royal family travels, we still must take care of our people and Scotland.
You will meet many people we call tutors who will begin to teach all of ye to be Lords and Ladies and there is much to learn. It will take a few days ta reach Delaney and we will be at Hiccups Castle for a month. Let us go to our chambers and get ready for bed."
The royal family departed the dining room and went to their chambers. Merida and Hiccup were bathed by Elinor and Maudy, Ylva and Elisa were bathed by Donna and Grace and the King drank and bathed himself. Merida and Hiccup went to bed and as was her custom, Merida kissed Hiccup and cuddled holding him tightly. Much had happened in the last few days but everything had been positive. For the first time in a long time Hiccup fell asleep happy and contented.
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