Later - Kingdom of Dunbroch

Merida lay on her bed remembering the scales of Toothless. The smoothness of the cool scales. So much has happened in a few days. A Viking in exile beat her father in a duel, dragons were real, and Hiccup was riding dragons like a human ride a horse. She wanted to tell her folks about the Viking and dragons, but Hiccup convinced her not to. He didn't want to risk the dragons. It was hard to convince some people that dragons are monsters and Merida had to agree. She thought it was a giant creature but seeing Hiccup with it made her see Toothless as a lovable creature. After her visit with the Dragon Rider, Merida raced home to make it in time for supper. But the memory of what happened lingered in her head along with so many questions.

Next Morning - Kingdom of Dunbroch

Hiccup woke up to the sound of Toothless jumping on the roof. The Dragon Rider yawned as he got up. Hiccup walked past his Night Fury armor knowing he'll need it today. He was going North to the Barbaric Archepeligo where Monstrous Nightmares are more common. He wanted to make sure the increased flow of dragons this far South was natural and not Viking related. Hiccup grabbed a spare apple before getting his gear for a morning flight. When he exited the house, Merida was sitting on the ground next to a fire cooking fish. Her horse was next to the woods far from Toothless. The Night Fury jumped down and nudged his head into Hiccup's arms. The Rider pet his friend's head.

"Took you long enough." Merida remarked and Hiccup chuckled.

"I didn't expect you to return here so soon or be here so early in the morning." Hiccup replied as he sat next to Merida. She passed him a fish and he nodded. "Thanks."

"So what is it like?" Merida asked as Hiccup took a bite of the fish.

"What like?" Hiccup asked.

"Flying. In the clouds." Merida replied and Hiccup nodded.

"Well, it's not like anything in the world. Up there I feel free. The wind blowing against my face, the speed, and the amazing perspective from the clouds. There's truly nothing like it." Hiccup answered and Merida looked at the sky in awe, imagining flying. "I can show you if you like?"

"What?" Merida asked surprised.

"Yeah. I'm experienced at flying and Toothless would be happy to let you ride with us." Hiccup answered and Toothless jumped in excitement. "See he likes the idea."

"Where do you two fly at? No one in Dunbroch has ever reported seeing dragons flying." Merida asked and Hiccup jumped onto Toothless's saddle.

"Over the sea with the rest of the dragons." Hiccup answered extending his hand to help Merida up. The Princess accepted it and got on behind the Viking. "Hang on tight. Don't want you to fall off."

"Trust me, I will." Merida replied wrapping her arms around Hiccup. Toothless ran off the cliffside letting the wind catch his wings. The three began to gain altitude as roars echoed from behind. Hiccup heard Merida gasp and turned his head.

"Don't worry. Toothless is like their pack leader and I trained them not to hurt people." Hiccup said trying to reassure the Princess.

"How many are there?" Merida asked as Hiccup looked forward.

"About a hundred or so. Most of them were rescued by me and Toothless." Hiccup answered as they reached the clouds. He felt Merida's arms loosen and he turned to see her smiling as she touched the clouds. Hiccup smirked before focusing back on the flight. The pack dove down for breakfast, but Hiccup kept the in the clouds. Toothless moaned in annoyance and Hiccup chuckled. "Might want to hold on." he warned the Princess and she wrapped her arms around him again. They went for a dive and before they hit the water, Toothless swooped up flying a few feet above the water. The Night Fury lunged its head into the water catching fish with ease. The three tilted and Hiccup stuck his left hand into the water and Merida followed. He heard her giggle before they flew back up. The pack of dragons flew back to the Edge. Hiccup was used to this, but Merida was in awe. When the cliffside of Dunbroch came into view, the dragons glided straight into the cave system. Hiccup jumped off the saddle and helped Merida off. She was in awe at the creatures walking deeper into the stable.

"Where are they going?" Merida asked and Hiccup smirked.

"Follow me." he ordered and the two walked forward. A dark red Terrible Terror climbed up on Hiccup and the Rider scratched its chin.

"What kind of dragon is that?" Merida asked as the Terror climbed on his extended arm.

"This is a Terrible Terror. They're small but have the fury of Monstrous Nightmare. Double when they're with a pack." Hiccup answered.

"I don't know what a Monstrous Nightmare is." Merida remarked and Hiccup chuckled as the Terror flew off.

"Well, guess I'll have to teach you." Hiccup replied before both of them blush. "You know if you want to."

"Sure." Merida said and Hiccup nodded.

"Good then." Hiccup remarked as they made the last turn. "Well here we are. The Hideout." Hiccup added as the two humans entered the large chamber filled with dragons, bioluminescent algae, a waterfall with water flowing into a small tunnel, and many burnt marks. The Hideout was the home of most of the dragons, but it was part of the Edge. Hiccup turned to see Merida speechless and in awe of the amazing cave chamber. "Impressive?"

"How did you build this?" Merida asked and Hiccup laughed.

"I just found it when I first arrive in Dunbroch. I need a home and somewhere safe for the dragons. This was the logical place." Hiccup answered as the two sat on a ledge.

"This is beautiful." Merida remarked.

"Yeah well, that's the thing about dragons. With them, you can see so much beauty and do amazing things. I learned that a long time ago and I still find so much." Hiccup replied he felt his cheeks go red.

"Will you show us the dragons?" Merida asked and Hiccup wondered the same question. The people of Dunbroch were similar to those of Berk, but there seemed to be more respect for the people here. Hiccup just shrugged.

"One day. I just need to make sure the dragons will be safe." Hiccup answered and Merida leaned again him. Hiccup didn't move from the shock. He was starting to feel things for Merida. For some reason, he was letting her into his secret and she has proven herself trustworthy. Since no one has barged here trying to cut him up. The last time he had this kind of feelings, was with Astrid Hofferson back on Berk. He was never bold or tough enough to ask her out, then came Toothless. The Night Fury sealed their fate. They couldn't be anything more than fellow Berkians. Now Hiccup was afraid he was repeating the same mistake again.

Later - North of the Kingdom of Dunbroch

Hiccup and Toothless flew over the ocean to find nothing but open water. As they flew, Hiccup's mind raced to Merida. His feelings were growing. He heard stories of the Princess's wildness, bravery, and achievements. He couldn't deny the fact that she was amazing or that she is beautiful. But he also couldn't forget Astrid. His first love. He knew her well, but there was no love back. She didn't care for him. Merida did have care or at least that's what Hiccup thinks. Toothless let out a snarl forcing Hiccup back into reality. He looked down to see eight Norman ships hunting down Thunderdrums. He now knew why dragons were fleeing South. They were being hunted. Hiccup needed to stop this before they can kill any more dragons or force hundreds into Dunbroch.

"Ready bud?" Hiccup asked and the dragon growled. "Okay then." he added as he shut his dragon scale helmet. They went into a dive and Toothless blasted a ship apart sinking it. The two circled around the ships blasting several more allowing three to pick up their fellow warriors and flee. The two landed on one ship and Hiccup ignited Inferno. The Vikings on the ship looked in fear. "Leave the dragons alone or next time I won't be merciful. Understood?"

"Yes Dragon Rider." one Viking replied stuttering. The two friends launched into the air flying into the clouds to see if the ships retreat back home.

Kingdom of Dunbroch

Merida walked Angus into the stable distracted by Hiccup's dragons and home. Even more so by the flight. She never experienced anything like it. It felt like magic. She walked into the castle thinking of the amazing things Hiccup has done for peace. He was just amazing. She understood why the Wisps led her to him. But she had feelings of happiness. More than unusual. When she entered her room, Merida lay down on her bed. Her mind wandered back to Hiccup for some reason. She couldn't get his face out of her head.

"How was your ride this morning?" Elinor asked as she entered Merida's room. The Princess bolted up.

"Good." Merida answered hiding the truth about dragons.

"Ah. I was wondering if you were up for a ride with me. Fergus and the boys are out hunting and there is nothing important going on today." Elinor suggested and Merida smiled.

"Sure." Merida replied and the two hugged before they walked to the stables.

Later

Merida and Elinor watched as birds flew out towards the lake. Merida closed her eyes remembering the flight she had. It was thrilling. Angus made her feel like she was flying, but it was nothing compared to the real thing. Elinor held Merida's hand forcing her back to reality. "Is something wrong? You seemed distracted."

"No, nothing wrong." Merida answered as she leaned on her mother. "Just found Hiccup the other day. We talked a little."

"Ah. I see. He is an interesting young man." Elinor replied and the mother held her daughter in her arms smiling. Merida's mind went back to Hiccup.