A/N: Content warning for the end of this chapter. There is a very explicit scene between two characters so please skip over if that makes you uncomfortable. However it is at the very end so I highly recommend reading up to that point to avoid missing important plot points. I'll provide a quick synopsis of this chapter at the beginning of next week's for anyone who would rather skip it entirely.
CHAPTER 22
The late afternoon sun streamed into the open window of Tengan's hut, the warm beams resting on the young woman as she sat surrounded by a chaotic collection of open books and unrolled scrolls. Mostly caught up with her journals, the scribe was enjoying the freedom of being able to leave her works out on her desk as the ink dried without worrying a group of Hunters would come along to steal or destroy them. With the recent death of both Viggo and Ryker, the Riders had been enjoying their newest era of peace to its fullest.
"Peaceful" was probably the wrong word to use from an outsider's perspective. While the Riders no longer feared being attacked by dozens of armed men, their adventures certainly weren't tame by any stretch of the imagination. Tengan had had her arms full between nursing poor Shattermaster back to health while helping the others find the best way to seal the dozens of newly active lava flows that the Shellfire's blasts had created. One of the scrolls currently on her desk detailed long lists of varying combinations they had attempted, finally ending with the simple phrase GRONCKLE IRON + DEATHSONG AMBER circled nearly a dozen times.
Fanned out around the books were scraps of small notes, hastily scribbled on the wing, as she and Rumble traveled further than the Riders had been able to do since the war had begun. One sheet of paper featured a crude sketch of a Sandbuster and was currently pinned to the wooden worktop with a small chunk of glass Hiccup had brought back from its den. Other notable pieces to the collection included relatively recent letters from Makara, one from Frewin detailing his recent run in with a surprisingly friendly Raincutter in the deep south, and countless love notes from Dagur.
The Rider smiled as she lifted one of the more recent notes to examine it for what must have been the fifth time that afternoon. The messy handwriting told of how the reconstruction of the island was nearly complete, thanks to the recent additions of stranded Vikings and one teasingly unnamed Apprentice. In their correspondence, he gushed on and on about how he was dying to show her the village properly this time around. His notes always ended with questions on Shattermaster's progress and how much he appreciated her looking after him for the time being.
She smiled as she sat back, letting her eyes drift shut for a moment as she clutched the letter to her chest. Her thoughts drifted to the other romances blossoming on the island. It seemed Dagur's unabashed interest and dedication to her had not gone unnoticed by the other young men. Hiccup and Astrid had finally made their relationship and betrothal officially known to the other Riders. No one had the heart to tell them it had been common knowledge for years at this point and they opted to politely gush over the lovely betrothal necklace Hiccup had crafted out of his father's gift to his late mother. Fishlegs, ever the hopeless romantic, was now sending Heather nearly daily letters. The usually friendly flock of Terrible Terrors soon learned to feign sleep or flee when they saw him coming. Even Snotlout, deciding he was not to be left behind, had started pursuing a rather impassive Ruffnut in earnest. Although, he often still found the time to make casual passes at Tengan and Astrid when the situation arose. Only Tuffnut seemed unaffected by his fellow Riders' new infatuations. Although that could be his heart belonged to his beloved Chicken nowadays.
Opening her eyes again, her smile deepened as they landed on the latest scroll Dagur had sent her. Penned on heavier, studier paper, the back of the note displayed the Berserker crest while the front had a small, formal invitation written in exceptionally neat handwriting. Immediately upson sharing the news with the other Riders, Tengan had attached it to the wall above her desk with one of Stormfly's shed barbs. Despite having memorized it's contents the moment it arrived three days ago, she still found her gaze trailing along the short letter:
The Berserkers cordially invite you to be their honored guests at the
inaugural Berserker apprenticeship graduation ceremony.
Fishlegs, upon reading the invitation, had squealed at a pitch only Night Terrors should have been able to hear. For once his enthusiasm had trickled into the others. According to Hiccup, despite the longstanding treaty, it was rare for any Berkian to be invited to their shores. Tomorrow they would leave before the break of dawn. Thankfully, Shattermaster had healed well enough to join them, a little tidbit Tengan had kept to herself as she penned a quick acceptance to the invite on behalf of all the Riders. "Won't he be surprised." She whispered to the pair of dragons napping peacefully across her hut.
It had taken several weeks for the Gronckle's wing to fully set. Several of the smaller, delicate bones had been cracked by the boulder along with three of the supporting ribs. It had taken both Gobber and Rumble to hold the poor thing steady while Tengan forced the wing back into its proper position. Thankfully, Shattermaster had forgiven the three of their transgressions after a few bribes of sandstone and granite.
Life in the scribe's small hut with two fully grown dragons had been cramped, but thankfully, doable. Rumble had been surprisingly understanding of the situation and had shared his stone bed with no complaints. It was rather amusing to watch the pair attempt to sleep comfortably on the single bed while taking into account the smaller dragon's splinted wing. They had finally established a rather odd system that seemed to work for the pair. Rumble would climb into bed first, his body curled around the outer edge of the slab. Once he had settled, Shattermaster would crawl into the small circle of space left in the center of the slab, spread his injured wing over the Skrill's tail, and rest his head atop Rumble's. The second or third night the two snuggled up in such a fashion, Tengan had stayed awake an extra hour or so to create a sketch of the adorably awkward display. It was currently displayed prominently over her bed, held in place by a discarded Night Terror tooth. Even though Shattermaster had been fully healed and free of his splint for over a week, the pair still seemed to prefer their odd arrangement.
Laying down her quill before the almost empty inkwell, Tengan stretched her arms over her head as she cast the sleeping dragons a second glance. "I think you two have the right idea." She murmured as she tiptoed across the hut and towards her bed. "We have an early day ahead of us tomorrow." Tugging the fur over her head to block the waning sunlight, a small smile touched her lips. Before the next day came to an end, she'd be back in the arms of her wonderfully berserk suitor.
The following morning dawned with the group skirting above a heavy, low-hanging cloud bank. Tengan spent much of the flight sitting backwards in the saddle, her gaze fixated on Shattermaster as he fluttered behind her. "Comeon boy, you're doing great!" She encouraged the Gronckle. "Dagur is going to be so happy to see you!" She grinned as the dragon perked up considerably at the sound of his Rider's name.
"Looking good, Shattermaster!" Hiccup commented as He and Toothless soared past the wiggling Gronckle. "He seems really excited to be heading to Berserker Island."
"He's not the only one!" Fishlegs piped up. "Guys! Berserker Isle! I'm so excited to see where Heather comes from!" He squealed, his excited movements almost throwing him out of Meatlug's saddle.
"And Dagur!" Hiccup added with an understanding smile. "You know, they say you can learn a lot about people by seeing their place of origin."
"Really now?" Tengan chimed in as she spun around in the saddle to sit properly. "Well, you've all been to my homeland at least once. What did you learn about me?"
"That your obsession with writing everything down is hereditary." Snotlout teased. "Although it was nice being treated with the respect and deference I clearly deserve."
Astrid rolled her eyes before miming an exaggerated gag behind the Monstrous Nightmare rider's back. "Oh please. Then why did you skip out on the hand to hand combat training session they offered you?" She smirked as she guided Stormfly closer.
Snotlout's taunting smirk slipped into a childish pout. "I told you! My legs were still sore from flying for three days straight!"
"Well…" Tuffnut interjected as Barf and Belch raised their heads, offering the twins a slight height advantage over the group. "Legend has it the old nut family tree originated with the wild albino snow monkeys of the northern territories!"
The group laughed as Ruffnut let out several primal cries, her arms arching outward in an approximation of a hunched ape. She grinned as the chuckles died down. "I'm just excited for the party! Nothing like a good graduation celebration! I would know. Crashed more than my fair share back on Berk."
"Well, thankfully, we aren't crashing." Hiccup interjected as the twins began their monkey calls again. "This is the first time we've ever been asked to Berserker Island! So, no matter how weird or Berserky it gets, just try to stay calm!"
"That's not actually true, Hiccup." Fishlegs corrected gently. "Tengan was there for a short while when the Shellfire was attacking."
Tengan shrugged helplessly as the others turned to her. "Technically, yes, I was there. But the entire time was spent helping carry supplies down to the docks. And besides, what few buildings I did see were probably all destroyed and rebuilt. I'm just as new to this as you all are... Oh!" She added with a snap of her fingers. "There is one thing: dragons don't like the main valley where the village was. The last time I was there we had to house them on a high hilltop well away from the village center."
Hiccup cocked his head to the side, one hand coming up to rub his chin. "Really? I wonder what that's all about. Maybe-"
"Enough talk! It's time to be Berserk!" Tuffnut cheered as he and Ruffnut barreled through the group and below their cloud cover.
Playfully rolling her eyes, Tengan urged Rumble to dip into a shallow dive after them, checking over her shoulder to make sure Shattermaster copied the maneuver without difficulty. Her breath eased as the Gronckle leveled out with the others although she did not miss his slightly labored breathing. Turning her attention towards the approaching island, she gasped at the view.
Large catapults topped several of the island's surrounding sea stacks, their projectiles poised to launch at any potential threat. A bridge made of dozens of heavy logs stretched between the mainland and the largest, closest stack where a towering stone arch stood. Before the arch, a guard sat slumped at a scrubbed wooden table, his expression wholly unimpressed with the flock of dragons landing before him.
"Welcome to Berserker Island where dreams become realities." he droned on as his eyes remained glued to the unrolled parchment resting on the table. "Names?"
Hiccup approached first, his arm looped around Astrid's waist. "Uh, Haddock, Hiccup and Hofferson, Astrid." He gave the guard a friendly smile. "We're here for the ceremony."
"Did not ask you that." The guard yawned as he lazily gestured for the two to proceed. "Next."
"Jorgenson, Snotlout" The stout viking announced as he paraded past the table, his head held high.
"Hold it!" The guard boomed, throwing his arm out to impede Snotlout's progress. Lifting the list to his face, his eyes scrunched in concentration as he skimmed through the names. "Not on the list. The only Jorgenson I see is a Snot...hat?"
Snotlout snarled, drawing his arm back as his hand clenched into a fist. "That is not my name!" he growled, well aware the others were snickering into their hands.
Tengan stepped up quickly, placing a hand on Snotlout's forearm. "Easy there." She turned to the guard, smiling. "I think there's been a simple mistranscription. I-"
The guard's eyes lit up. "Hey, I know you. You're the lass with the Skrill! Tengan Makarasdaughter, right?" A genuine smile and sense of energy filled his face.
Tengan blinked twice as she cocked her head to the side. "Yes! Rumble is my dragon. Forgive me, I don't know who you-"
The guard waved her off. "You'd be hard pressed to remember. It was so dark." Setting the scroll down he shifted his tunic aside, revealing scarred skin surrounding what appeared to be a chunk of shrapnel embedded in his right pectoral. "I'm Kralins. You and your dragon saved my life a few weeks back. We never would have made it to the ship if he hadn't carried me there."
Tengan's eyes widened as she examined the clearly still healing wound. "Oh stars!" She gasped. "I'm so happy to hear you're doing better. Were they unable to remove the metal?" She fought the urge to reach out and touch where the jagged edges melded with skin.
Kralins shook his head as he readjusted his clothing. "Nope. Melted to the skin. Burned worse than when I fell backside first into a campfire as a lad." He chuckled warmly. "Ah well. The missus likes it. Says it gives me more 'character'. If you have time during your stay we'd love to have you over. Thank you proper."
Tengan's smile widened as she nodded. "I would love that. It will be nice to-"
Snotlout, finally running out of patience, yanked his arm away from Tengan to glare at the pair. "If you're all done being buddy-buddy could we maybe address how that's NOT MY NAME ON THE LIST?"
Thankfully, the impatient Jorgenson was saved from what was shaping up to be a solid right hook from Kralins as Sleuther and Windshear soared overhead.
"You all made it!" Heather cried out, her eyes lingering on Fishlegs as she landed.
"Stand down, guard! Dagur commanded cheerfully. "They're on my personal guest list." He slid to the ground the second Sleuther landed, his eyes locked onto Tengan. "Hello there…" He purred, his eyebrows wiggling.
She smiled back, her eyes mischievous. "Before you greet me, I think there's someone else who wants to see you." With a wink, she sidestepped to reveal a panting, wriggling Gronckle.
"SHATTERMASTER!" Dagur roared with joy, spreading his arms out in greeting. "Come 'ere boy! Come to Daddy!" He patted his thighs twice, laughing. He only had a moment to rethink the consequences of his action before he was flat on his back, his face endlessly assaulted as Shattermaster attempted to lick every free inch of skin he could find. "Hahaha! Good to see you boy! Did you behave yourself for our girl? Hmm?" Wrenching his hands free from under his dragon's bulk, he scratched rough circles under Shattermaster's chin.
Tengan suppressed a giggle. "He was a true gentledragon the entire time." After another moment she gave Shattermaster a gentle shove off of Dagur before helping the downed chief to his feet.
"And hello to you too." Dagur smirked as he snaked his arms around her waist.
"Oh no you don't!" Tengan cried out as she pressed her hands against his chest, arching her back to keep away from his face. "Not while you're sticky with dragon spit! Go dunk your head in the ocean, THEN I'll kiss you."
Dagur's shoulders drooped with exaggerated disappointment as he glanced behind Tengan to the others. "I hope there were no problems getting here." He smiled as he tugged the curly haired Rider flush against his chest, a chuckle vibrating through him as she squealed in disgust.
"No, none at all! It was a surprisingly easy trip" Astrid chimed in as she embraced Heather in greeting.
"Right up until the time my name wasn't on the list!" Snotlout sneered as he gestured back towards Kralins.
Dagur reluctantly released his captured companion with an embellished shrug. "It wasn't? Oh heavens!" Walking over to the guard, he glanced down at the list of pre-approved visitors. His grin returned as Kralins brought him up to speed with a few quick whispers. Bursting into laughter, he handed the scroll back. "Oh! I am so sorry about that. I'm usually dead on with names, Snotpocket." He drew out the mangled name, smirking as the Jorgenson bristled.
Tengan, sensing an altercation, hurried forward to place her hand on Dagur's shoulder. "Hey, so where are we heading for the graduation? I can't wait to see how everything looks after you've rebuilt."
Dagur turned on his heel, his eyes bright. "We're headed right to the center of town. To your dragons! For the most Berserk tour you've ever seen!" He made to walk past Tengan and back to his waiting dragons. Pausing at the last second, he quickly turned and tugged the young woman towards him for a brief kiss.
Tengan flailed in the embrace, only managing to break after her captor had stolen half a dozen quick kisses. Before she could do more than glare, the Berserker chief had already scrambled onto Shattermaster's back and had taken off. "I'll get you back for that!" She roared after him as she trotted over to Rumble. Catching sight of Astrid and Heather laughing, she stuck her tongue out at the pair, only to gag and immediately regret the action as it let the taste of fish and iron into her mouth. "Oh, shut up you two!" She playfully snapped at the girls as they doubled over in hysterics.
As the group finally made their way into the air, Tengan settled herself on Shattermaster's right side, directly across from Sleuther, who seemed to be enjoying flying with a large flock once again. The Triple Stryke dove and twisted among the other dragons, pausing once or twice to playfully pinch at Toothless' tail.
"As you will undoubtedly see for yourselves," Dagur began in a carrying voice as they flew over a large swatch of forest. "The Berserker landscape is only outdone in its majesty by the Berserker people." He waved to a group of men huddled around a small target training field surrounded by a clump of thick pines.
"Hey Dagur?" Hiccup began, his voice strained. "Is that Savage?" He pointed to the smallest of the men down below.
Tengan, who had been hurriedly sketching the outline of a rudimentary map, flinched at the mention of the Dragon Hunter. She glared down at the ground, partly towards the man who had given her the scar that still protruded from her hairline down to her eye, and partly at the new charcoal pencil that had tumbled to the earth as her grip faltered.
"Yup!" Dagur called back, twisting to face Hiccup. Sensing the uneasy shift in Shattermaster's balance, he quickly adjusted his weight to help the Gronckle. "Got the band back together. YO SAVAGE!" He roared down to the group below, grinning as the men waved back. "A lot of the Hunters came here after Viggo and Ryker bit the dust." He added after catching the confused and shocked expressions of the other Riders.
Tengan bit her bottom lip, her brow furrowing. "Dagur, how could you let them come here? After all they've done?" She spun in the saddle, loath to turn her back on the men that had nearly killed her and her friends on multiple occasions.
Heather coaxed Windshear towards the head of the formation. "I said the same thing at first. But, so far, they've been excellent help. We never would have finished rebuilding this quickly without them."
"If I can come around, they deserve a chance too." Dagur explained as he lovingly scratched Shattermaster's sides. "A lot of them followed Viggo simply because he threatened to have them killed if they disobeyed. It wasn't an idle threat either."
Tengan glanced between the two siblings, her unease still rolling through her. Finally, and with a heavy sigh, she nodded. "I suppose you're right." As the flock banked around the island's central mountain, she was almost thrown as Rumble bucked. "Ah! I almost forgot about this!" She shrieked as she tried to hold onto the saddle with one hand while stuffing the unfinished map in her saddle bag with the other.
"Woah! Easy, Bud, easy!" Hiccup unsuccessfully coaxed a writhing Toothless.
"Our dragons are still having trouble adjusting!" Heather called out as they circled around the outskirts of town. "Tengan, you remember where the stables used to be right?"
"Yeah" The dark skinned woman mused as she massaged her dragon's neck. "Atop that grassy hill near the village."
Dagur sighed heavily. "That location is currently under several Shellfire shells. The only place we could rebuild was up there!" He pointed up on a remote cliff overlooking the village. "Having them sleep up there keeps the dragons much calmer. Not sure why."
"Maybe, they're just reacting to being around all of this crazy Berserkedness!" Tuffnut hollered as he and Ruff zoomed past the others and towards the cliffside stable.
As the group landed, Tengan sidled over to where Shattermaster and Sleuther were enjoying scratches from their rider. "How was he on the flight up?" She asked gently. "I noticed he had a hard time balancing when you turned around."
Dagur frowned slightly as he nudged the two dragons into the open barn. "He's not back to being one hundred percent yet, is he?"
Tengan shook her head, her frown mirroring his. "No. The bones in his wing took a long time to heal. Gobber thinks he might not ever make a full recovery. He was even a bit winded just flying from the Edge, and that was without any passengers." Her expression softened as she glanced into the stable where the pair were gently playing. "Glad to see Sleuther isn't the jealous type." Her gaze traveled around the inside of the building. "Did you remove the stall doors?"
"And added a second floor." Heather piped up as she led Windshear inside. "After you and Rumble had a hard time getting out quickly last time we made a few changes."
Dagur approached Tengan, holding his hand out. "Want to see Rumble's new stall?" He asked in a sing-songy voice.
Tengan took his hand with a small smile before whistling to her dragon. The pair let the excited Skrill thunder in through the open door before following. Her head craned back to absorb every little detail of the newer structures; from the wooden frames designed to hold saddles not currently in use to the rows of slightly smaller stalls on the second floor. "You've outdone yourselves."
Dagur squeezed her hand as he pointed to a pair of stalls towards the back. "Rumble's is right back here across from- what the?" His head cocked to the side in utter confusion as he caught sight of Rumble and Shattermaster crammed together in the same stall.
Tengan doubled over laughing, her hand slipping from Dagur's as she steadied herself. "This is what I was telling you about in my letters! They've been sleeping like that for weeks now." She grinned as she reached out to scratch Sleuther under his chin. Apparently the Triple Stryke had evolved into quite the attention hog since pairing with Dagur. "Yes hello handsome." She cooed at the large dragon. "It's good to see you too."
"So uh, Dagster..." Snotlout began as he finished settling Hookfang in an unclaimed stall. With a relaxed laugh, he propped himself up against a nearby wall.
"Dagur." The Berserker chief corrected with a deadpan tone. "It's Dah-Gur. No S, no T."
"Yeah, no no no, I know." Snotlout deflected casually. "I was just messing around-" His reply was cut short as Sleuther raised his braided tail, the joints snapping the stingers took aim at the shorter Rider. His eyes widening, he took a step back, placing a bit more space between himself at the irritated Triple Stryke. "So Dagur, the Berserker Apprenticeship program. What's all that about? Why would you want to be one? Answer all my questions."
Tengan soothed the wound up Sleuther with gentle strokes under his left wing joint until Dagur sent the dragon to his stall with a subtle hand gesture. "I've actually been meaning to ask you about that too." She chimed in, withdrawing a small journal and extra charcoal pencil from a specialized pocket in her shirt. "You've been purposely avoiding explaining it in your letters." She teased lightly.
"It's not just an apprenticeship, Snothole." He glared at the Rider before turning his attention to Tengan, his gaze immediately softening. "It's THE apprentice. A Berserker apprentice. We spent months combing the region for the baddest, smartest, craziest viking in and outside the archipelago!" His voice dropped slightly as his hands found their way to Tengan's hips once again. "Seeing as you're already a future Berserker baby, we had to disqualify you from the candidates. Otherwise there would have been no competition."
Tengan rolled her eyes playfully, stowing her mini journal away once more. "And who says I'm a future Berserker? I still haven't actually said yes, you know." She leaned in, placing a gentle peck on his still slightly sticky nose.
"Ok so before you get lost in each other's eyes!" Snotlout interrupted. "Who was it? Do we know them?"
Dagur's playful grin faltered for just a moment as he reluctantly released Tengan to face Snotlout once more. "Do you know him?" With a wave, he led the small group back outside the stable. "Come on out boy!" He hollered to the treeline behind the large building. "Reveal yourself and your many skills and talents!" He turned to face the captivated group of Riders. "The first Berserker apprentice to ever grace this crazy land. I present to you…"
A familiar roar filled the air as an exceptionally lanky teen flew over the trees and into view on a young Monstrous Nightmare. Atop his head sat a helmet adorned with horns nearly as tall as he was. "That's right! A-Gustav!" He announced to the stunned audience before him.
"Gustav?!" Hiccup, Astrid, Ruff and Tuff exclaimed in unison.
"Gustav!" Dagur confirmed with a small flourishing wave of his hand. "The super Berserker apprentice."
Tengan quite literally bit her tongue until the young teen had dismounted and was well out of earshot stabling Fanghook. "Dagur?" She asked delicately. "Gustav?" She questioned, honestly at a loss for anything more eloquent.
The Berserker chief glanced quickly at the Riders, double checking none were close enough to overhear before bending low to whisper in her ear. "Stoick needed a break so I created the program to give Gustav something to do for a few weeks." He gave her waist a small squeeze. "Don't tell the little guy, alright? As much as he drives me up the wall... he's grown on me. Couldn't bear the shatter his confidence. It does things to a man."
Tengan gave him a warm smile. "Your secret's safe with me." She promised, lost in the sudden rush of increased affection she felt. "One more thing." It was her turn to whisper. "Why do you insist on mangling Snotlout's name? We both know you remember it."
Dagur's eyes glinted mischievously. "I have no idea what you're talking about. Snotdrip and I are great friends."
Before Tengan could do more than gently elbow Dagur in the ribs, she was distracted by Gustav strutting back out into the open, flashing a cocky smirk. "As Dagur was saying," He began with a bow towards the chief. "It seems some people actually appreciate the Guster and relish in the qualities he brings to an apprenticeship program! It's almost like I was born to be Berserk."
"I don't understand." Snotlout stred, mouth slightly agape at the young rider.
"I didn't either at the beginning, Snotnose." Dagur responded. Releasing Tengan he strode up to his young apprentice and slung a heavy arm across the smiler boy's shoulders. "I thought, who could possibly live up to the high standards that I, in particular, would demand of an apprentice?" Twisting his neck to glance over his shoulder at Tengan, he winked. "Besides, of course, the most obvious choice." Clearing his throat, he turned back to address the others. "This guy!" He thumped Gustav on the chest with his free hand. "He's been studying Berserker history, learning all the Berserker songs-"
"And I've been practicing all the Berserker fighting techniques!" Gustav finished, pulling away from Dagur to grab an abandoned spear leaning against the side of the stable. Clumsily, he spun the weapon in his hands, nearly dropping it on several occasions.
Tengan's eyes narrowed as she glanced between Dagur and Snotlout, noticing how the former seemed elated the more the latter stammered in utter confusion. "Is that your game then?" She mumbled quietly to herself, a smirk playing on her lips. "Hey, Gustav!" She trotted past Dagur, waving at the younger Viking. "Since you've been here for so long, and clearly mastered so much, would you mind giving me the tour?" She withdrew the journal from her shirt pocket once more, eyes sparkling with interest.
"O-Oh!" Gustav stammered, a light blush on his crawling up his neck. "Sure!" He coughed several times, trying desperately to deepen the tone of his voice.
"Oh I'm going to be sick." Snotlut growled in an all-too carrying whisper as he fell in line behind the rest of the group.
"Everyone choose a buddy!" Gustav called over his shoulders as he started down the nearest path towards the village. "Don't want anyone getting lost!"
Tengan glanced over her shoulder and gave Heather a playful wink. Catching Dagur's surprised gaze, she smirked before trotting off after Gustav. As the boy spoke she mimed her usual meticulous note taking, although she was careful never to let the pencil mar the pages. Some of the "fun facts" as Gustav coined them, were way too outlandish to ever be true. Apparently, the boy had decided rather than let the villagers trade or sell their produce at their own stalls, that everyone was going to group their offerings in one large, windowless shed dubbed a "Wal-Market". One glance at the disgruntled traders milling about nearby told her all she needed to know about how the Berserkers felt about that idea.
As she continued to shadow the young apprentice, she remained hyper aware of Dagur hovering nearby. Every time he attempted to glance over her shoulder to peek at her notes she would abruptly shift her stance or run off to "closely inspect" a building or item. It was only when Gustav continued onwards from his crude Skrill topiary om display near the "Wal-Market", that Tengan hung back under the guise of wanting to recreate it in sketch form. "Your little apprentice seems to have learned quite a few… shall we say 'interesting' skills during his stay." She spoke evenly, not bothering to turn to face Dagur as he approached.
"Well," he began, a definite note of irritation in his voice. "I hope you haven't completely filled your journal with all that nonsense. Only one of every three or four sentences were actually correct." he huffed. "I swear it's in one ear and out the other with that boy."
Tengan turned to face the pouting Berserker, a gentle smile on her face. "He's a much better student when Fanghook is around to help him focus." She held up her still empty journal, her smile widening as she caught his shocked expression. "And you're much too easy to fluster. Never would have taken you for the jealous type." She teased lightly as she stowed her untouched journal. Glancing around to make sure the others were still distracted by Gustav's tour, she returned her attention to the man before her. "Care to explain why you're still messing with Snotlout? If not I'm sure Gustav wouldn't mind teaching me more about your island…."
Dagur growled as he closed the distance between them. "You are a horrible tease, you know that?" He smirked. "Like I said, I have no idea what you're talking about." He murmured airily as one arm came up to rest on her hip, effectively blocking her from leaving.
Tengan huffed as she playfully glared back. "This has nothing to do with how Snotlout has always been a merciless flirt? Like I said, never pegged you as the jealous type. It doesn't suit you."
Dagur chuckled. "Maybe only a little." he admitted quietly. "I can't help it. I barely get to see you as it is. Need to make sure that Snotbucket knows his place." He leaned in for a kiss, his eyes closing.
Tengan rolled her eyes as she pressed her hands against his chest, desperately trying to ignore the fluttering in her chest. "Still not kissing you until you wash your face." She smiled at his indignant pout. "Also, you forget I've put Snotlout on his back in sparring practice more times than either of us can count. You've got nothing to worry about." Twisting out of his grip, she laced her fingers with his. "Let's go catch up before Gustav realizes we've fallen behind. I don't think any of the others could take it if he had to repeat himself."
The short tour ended with the group filing into a large stone arena. Rows of benches faced an elevated wooden stage; several enormous tapestries depicting ferocious battles lined the rear of the platform while nearly three dozen uniquely painted shields framed its front edge. A wide throne, forged from old swords and axes, sat facing the crowd from the exact center of the structure. Tengan fought the urge to snicker at the sight of the seat; it was so perfectly Dagur, she couldn't imagine him holding council from any other chair. Perched on the foremost center bench in the arena, squarely between Heather and Gustav, she idly sat, loosely sketching Dagur reclining in the ornate throne as droves of villagers filed in. While she smiled and waved at Kralins and who she assumed was his wife, her smile fell as several ex Dragon Hunters stalked into the arena. Most of them seemed content to stand along the back edge of the arena despite the numerous open spaces on the benches, a sign that sent chills running up Tengan's spine. She was so preoccupied with the Hunter's she failed to notice when Dagur stood and cleared his throat in an attempt to capture the audience's attention.
"SHUT UP!" The Berserker chief roared over the chatting crowd, his expression softening immediately as he caught Tengan's doe-eyed stare of surprise. Giving her an apologetic smile, he began to pace the length of the stage. "It is in times like these that I am reminded of something my great uncle Haggard used to say: There we were three against a thousand…. Toughest three we ever fought."
Tengan smiled to herself as Dagur and Gustav seemed to be the only two in stitches over the joke. She made a mental note to ask him the full story behind it later.
Dagur, finally recovering, cleared his throat. "Anywho, today is about one man. One man who I'm going to miss as his apprenticeship comes to a sad, but beautiful end. There will be a huge hole here" he gestured towards the island's distant shores "and a bigger hole, here." He placed one hand over the center of his chest. Smiling at the gentle applause from the crowd, he continued. "And that man is none other than-" His words died in his throat as two villagers, ex Hunters to be more precise, grabbed hold of his wrists and shoulders, forcing him down to his knees.
Tengan stiffened, the hairs on her neck standing on end. "Heather?" She hissed out of the corner of her mouth. "What's going on?" A quick glance around the arena showed several of the men who chose to remain standing were slowly closing in on the sitting villagers. Her expression twisted with fury as Savage strode out across the stage to press a sword to Dagur's throat.
"Savage?" Dagur asked almost casually as he twisted in the men's hold. "What in Thor's name do you think you're doing?"
"Something I should have done a long time ago." The Hunter snarled, his expression dark. "I'm taking control." His eyes flicked up to the Riders occupying the front row. "SEIZE THEM!"
Tengan, a vicious snarl on her face, made a frenzied lunge for the stage, only to be stopped as Heather caught the back of her shirt. "Let me go!" She roared, straining towards the captured Berserker.
"Are you insane?!" Heather yelled back as she shoved the still straining Tengan towards the exit. "There's way too many of them at the moment! We need to get out of here and regroup!" Releasing her friend, she upturned a bench, knocking it into the shins of several approaching Hunters.
"Finally!" Tuffnut cried out, his grin manic. "Something Berserk!" He made an attempt to join the fray but was stopped as Ruffnut dragged him towards the exit of the arena by his hair.
Tengan gave the stage one last look, her eyes momentarily locking with Savage's. With a groan of frustration she turned away, rolling just in time to avoid a lunging Hunter grabbing at her arm. Breaking into a dead sprint, she followed her friends through the town and back along the long, winding path towards the stables.
"Arghhh!" Hiccup cried out in frustration, glancing over his shoulder towards the distant but still pursuing Hunters. "Toothless!" he hollered up towards the cliff face.
"Meatlug!" Fishlegs cried out between heavy breaths. "Meatlug!" he cried again, cupping a hand over his mouth to project his call. "I don't understand, Hiccup. Why won't they come?"
"Someone must have locked them in the stables." Heather answered as she briefly checked over her shoulder.
"What about Dagur?" Tengan called out to the group as she paced herself alongside Gustav. "We can't just leave him back there!" The image of Savage holding a sword to his throat flashed through her mind, sending a wave of fear grasping at her chest.
"We need our dragons." Astrid asserted as she slowed to a halt, resting her hands on her thighs.
"Astrid's right." Hiccup added as he slowed to a stop, his eyes trained on the path behind them as he kept an eye out for the Hunters. "We're way outnumbered."
Heather nodded. "Then follow me, I know somewhere we can hide. They won't be able to follow us." Without another word she crashed into the dense underbush, leaving the others to scramble after her. After several sharp, zig-zagging turns she skidded to a halt in front of a large rock face. "In there! Quickly!" She pointed to a crack in the rocks just big enough for the teens to squeeze through.
Hiccup waited until all the others had slipped in before carefully peeking back out. He held his breath as, in the near distance, angry shouts filled the air before slowly fading away. "It's clear, for now." He whispered to the group.
Heather slammed her fist into the nearest cave wall. "A coup? Really? How did this happen? We were finally back on track!"
Gustav threw his hands up defensively, covering his face. "Don't look at me!" He squeaked. "I had nothing to do with it!"
Heather forced her shoulders to ease. "I wasn't looking at you, Gustav. I know you would never be involved in something like this."
"We all know it was Savage and his Hunter buddies." Tengan spat, her arms crossed over her chest. "The question is: how are we going to take the island back and rescue their captives. A lot of villagers were in the arena when they sprung their trap."
"I agree." Hiccup placed a comforting hand on the curly haired Rider's shoulder. "We need to act. And fast. Tengan, you, me, Astrid, Heather, and Fishlegs are going to go get the dragons." He let his arm slide off her shoulder as he addressed the group. "Snotlout and Gustav? Go see if you can get a bead on Dagur and Savage. Keep an eye out for the other Berserkers as well."
Tengan shook her head as she began to walk across the cave. "You have enough Riders going after the dragons. I'm going with Snotlout and Gustav."
Hiccup crossed in front of her, his arms held up to stop her. "No. You're too worked up. If I let you go with them you might end up being captured and that won't do anyone any good. You're better off with us."
Heather, sensing the rising frustration in her friend, quickly stepped in. "Hey," she spoke softly as she touched Tengan's arm. "Trust me, I want to go down there and tear those Hunters apart just as much as you do. But Hiccup's right." She smiled gently. "Besides, this is Dagur we're talking about. You really think Savage is a match for him?"
Tengan glared at the opening in the cave wall for several seconds before nodding stiffly. "You have a point." She turned to stare evely at Snotlout and Gustav. "Try not to get yourselves injured alright? I didn't bring any medicinal herbs with me this time."
Heather's smile widened as she addressed the small rescue team. "Savage probably has him in a cell. Fastest way to the prison is through the maze of caves under the island. You can reach them if you continue through this tunnel." She pointed into the dark abyss lurking behind the sheltering group.
Tuffnut glanced back and forth at the two groups as Snotlout and Gustav disappeared into the cave. "Wait, what about us?" He piped up, apparently oblivious to both group's hesitant facial expressions.
"Clearly we are meant to offer a distraction where needed." Ruffnut answered. "You know, what we're best at."
"Uh, sure!" Hiccup asserted in a slightly pitchy voice. "Now, come on. The sooner we act, the better for everyone."
Tengan followed the others out of the cave and back into open. Silently, the group crept through the trees and up a steep, rocky hill that overlooked the stables. Laying flat on her belly in between Hiccup and Ruffnut, she frowned as she counted no less than six guards milling about in front of the closed stable door. "Ok, so how are we going to handle this?"
"I say we take them on!" Fishlegs growled as he slammed a fist on the hard packed earth. Catching the shocked faces of his friends, he smiled sheepishly. "What? My Meatlug is in there…"
Astrid shook her head in mild disbelief as she observed the situation. "I've got nothing at the moment, what were you thinking?" She turned to Hiccup and Heather.
"We were thinking." Tuffnut interjected. "That this is the perfect moment for a distraction. Shall we sister?" He stood and bowed to his twin.
"We shall." Ruffnut agreed as she stood and mirrored the move. Before any of the others could do more than blink, she and Tuff had made their way down the steep hillside to approach the guards head on. "My good gentlemen!" She called out. "Perhaps you could settle a little disagreement of ours." She cleared her throat before rapidly spinning her brother until he resembled a fair-haired whirlwind. "Would any of you be willing to call this a legal battle tactic?"
"Guess that's our cue!" Hiccup whispered as the final few guards turned to watch the unorthodox display. Gesturing to the others to follow, he led a crouched and silent charge to the stable. As Ruffnut knocked her still spinning twin into the first pair of Hunters, he released the locking mechanism on the large metal door. "Oh hey." He waved as the other guards turned towards the sound. "How's it going?"
Tengan crouched next to Heather and Astrid on the other end of the door, smirking as several sets of snarling, gnashing teeth emerged from the dark interior framed by a faint cloud of strange purple gas. "They must have sedated the dragons!" She cried out to the other girls as Toothless and Shattermaster charged the Hunters. "That's why they couldn't hear us."
"Well it looks like they're awake now." Astrid remarked casually as she watched Sleuther and Stormfly back a pair Hunters off the edge of the cliff. "If they survive that fall it's definitely going to leave a mark."
"They probably will. There's a thorn thicket about fifteen feet down." Heather smirked as Windshear and Rumble's collective roar sent the final Hunters running back down the path.
Tengan smiled in mild relief as she ran over to her Skrill. "Thank the stars you're alright." She whispered as she rubbed behind the spines framing his head. A worried frown slid back into place as Shattermaster and Sleuther approached, cooing questioningly. "Dagur's not with us." She placed her hands on their snouts. "Savage and a few of his men have him captive back in the village." She glanced between the trio of dragons before her. "We really need your help. I know you don't like flying over the village but we don't have any other choice."
Hiccup, already several steps ahead, was already settled in Toothless' saddle. "I'm going to see how close we can get!" He called out to the group before taking off. They made it nearly halfway between the cliff and the arena before Toothless began to buck wildly in the air, crying out in clear discomfort. Groaning in frustration, Hiccup turned back and let the Night Fury land on the cliff once more. "It's no use. I've never seen him this out of control."
"Who would have thought," Tuffnut began, clearly amused by the situation. "That on Berserker Isle, the people would be normal and the dragons crazy?!" He laughed, throwing his head back with the effort.
Ignoring the twins, Fishlegs began glancing around as if the answer to their problem lay nestled in the grass. "Perhaps the dragons are allergic to something on the island? Maybe some obscure piece of flora. There may be a kind of wild Dragon Root around here." He began to pace. "I could take some samples-"
"Look" Heather cut across him impatiently. "We don't have time to figure this out. Dagur is in danger! Our whole island is in danger!" She clung to Windshear, her shoulders heaving.
Tengan gave the trio of dragons a quick pat before approaching her stressed friend. "Hey." She stared softly, struggling to keep her own anxiety from coloring her voice. "It's like you said. This is Dagur we're talking about." She attempted what she hoped was a reassuring smile despite the nervous tension making the depression almost painful.
"Well I hope Snotlout and Gustav haven't gotten themselves into anything too insane." Astrid sighed as she stared down towards the village. "Who knows what kind of trouble they could be in after being left unchecked."
Hiccup dismounted and pulled out his spyglass. Focusing on the area near the island's prison, a deep sigh escaped as he shook his head. "Savage's men are everywhere." He placed the spyglass back into his bag. "We can't risk taking the dragons into battle if they're going to lose control once we get close."
Tengan and Heather locked eyes for a moment. An unspoken spark passed between the pair before the scribe trotted away to retrieve her sword from her saddlebag. Unsheathing the weapon, she smirked at her dark-haired companion. "You ready?"
Heather nodded back, a dark smile on her lip as she retrieved her Razorwhip scale axe. "I was born ready." Raising her voice, she addressed the group. "I'm a Berserker, Hiccup. Dragon or no dragon, I'm bringing back my brother." Her smile deepened as the other Riders readied their weapons.
"Lead the way." Tengan bowed slightly, gesturing towards the now deserted path back towards the village square. Crouching low to avoid making any unnecessary noise, she followed the group back. They traveled as quickly as they dared, only having to dart behind cover twice as Hunters sprinted past. "Something's wrong. All of the Hunters have been running into the village. Assuming the guards tipped them off, shouldn't they be running towards the stables?"
"She's right." Astrid agreed in an equally low whisper. "What if-" the rest of her sentence was cut off as a loud chorus of angry cries rang out from the village. "There's your answer! Let's go!" Tearing from cover, she sprinted down the last stretch of hill, axe raised overhead.
"I've been waiting for this all day!" Tuffnut cheered as he broke through the underbrush, waving a stolen spear. With a chaotic cry he bolted past Astrid, barely managing to stay on his feet as he hit the bottom of the hill.
"Shall we?" Heather grinned at Tengan as she gestured towards their charging companions.
"What would he ever do without us?" The dark-skinned rider responded as she readied her own weapon. With matching cries, she and Heather broke from the treeline to join the fray. Apparently, Snotlout and Gustav had created quite the useful distraction. The Hunters guarding the unarmed villagers in the arena were quickly being pushed back by the angry hoard of Berserkers. Those currently unoccupied with the island's residents were struggling to hold their own against the RIders. Tengan made a mental note never to get on Fishlegs' bad side after she watched him deck a Hunter that had backed Heather into a corner.
Tengan soon found herself face to face with three Hunters well away from the rest of her group. Aware of her disadvantage, she backed away slowly, her sword raised to chest level. "I'd back down if I were you." She warned, eyes flicking between each of the men.
"And why is that?" The center Hunter sneered as he began to close the gap. "You're outnumbered."
Tengan eyes flicked to just beyond the trio, spotting Heather, Astrid, and Hiccup as they sprinted over. Returning her gaze to the Hunters, she smiled. "Are you sure about that?" With a roar, she lunged forward as her friends sprang from behind. Several seconds and bashed heads later, she stood glaring down her nose at the unconscious traitors. "Where to next?" She asked as she walked over one Hunter, making sure to step on his fingers as she passed.
Heather gestured to the arena. "Savage and a few men ran in when the rest of my people broke out." She had to shout to be heard over the din. "I say we end this."
"I second that." Hiccup called out as he picked up the pace once more, calling to the other Riders as they ran past. Their ranks reformed, the group sprinted into the opening, immediately fanning out to surround the front end of the stage.
Tengan glared darkly up at Savage as he hastily vacated Dagur's throne. With deft movements, she, along with Ruffnut and Tuffnut, knocked a pair of Hunters aside as they slowly closed in on the leader of the coup. As the final Hunter fell to a well placed blow by Fishlegs', Tengan gasped as she caught sight of Heather being held hostage by Savage.
"Stand down! All of you!" he cried, pressing his naked sword to Heather's throat. A murderous cackle escaped him as the Riders reluctantly obeyed. "Here's what's going to happen. You lot are going to march yourself into the prison or this one-" He never had a chance to finish the threat. A pair of frenzied cries from high above the arena drew all eyes upward. Spotting the pair of vikings swinging towards him, he only had a couple seconds to register the boot rushing towards his face before he was knocked out.
Tengan cheered as she watched Snotlout and Dagur swing down into the arena from the overlooking cliff. He smile morphed into an exasperated sigh as she watched the Berserker chief land neatly in his throne, his legs casually dangling over one arm. "And just where have you two been? You missed all the fun!" She teased as relief washed over her.
Snotlout grinned as he stood with one boot planted on the unconscious Savage's back. "We were just saving all your butts!" He crowed, fists planted firmly on his hips.
Dagur gave a chuckle and a small shrug as he laced his fingers behind his head, still haphazardly slouching in his throne. "Why? Did you miss us?" He winked at the flustered Tengan before finally standing, shielding his face from the setting sun as he glanced towards the horizon. "If we hurry we can have this lot caged and still have time for the Graduation Feast. What do you guys say?" He jumped off the stage and onto the arena floor, his arms spread wide.
"I could go for a feast after today!" Ruffnut responded enthusiastically as she yanked a still dazed Hunter to his feet.
Tengan huffed as she approached Dagur, sheathing her sword in the process. "There's never a dull day when I'm with the chief of the Berserkers." With a smirk, she grabbed hold of his breastplate and tugged, pulling him in for a kiss, not even minding the faint taste of Gronckle still present on his lips.
Cleanup took less time than any of the Riders had anticipated. Most of the Berserkers had taken Savage's betrayal quite personally and were more than happy to help throw all of his men into the newly finished prison. As the sun dipped beneath the horizon, all damaged items had been cast aside to be dealt with later and the arena had been transformed. Torches either hung from the stone walls or were placed on poles staked at regular intervals into the ground. The rows of benches were now centered around a dozen or so long tables. The tables themselves were laden with mountains of amazing meats, roasted roots, pies, and sweets. Along the front edge of the stage, barrels of mead and ale were balanced with an endless stream of vikings milling about the drinks as they continuously refilled their horns and steins. After everyone had had their second drink of choice, Dagur ascended the stage once more to address the crowd.
"Ahem." He cleared his throat, sighing as, once again, the motion was lost on the chatty crowd. "SHUT UP!" He roared again, his polite smile returning as all other noise died down. Reaching down, he lifted a heavy golden bust carved into his own likeness. Holding it at chest level, he continued. "This trophy belongs to the most deserving viking in the land A viking that exemplified what it truly means to be a Berserker." His eyes locked on Gustav's as the boy began winding through the crowd towards the stage. "Unfortunately it's not you Gusthat." Motioning towards the back of the arena, his smile widened as he spotted one particular Rider. "Snotlout! Get up here and take what's rightfully yours!"
Snotlout, already three steins of ale in, all but ran to the stage and vaulted up onto the deck. Taking the trophy from Dagur, he held it aloft, a sloppy smile stretched across his face. "Oh my Thor!" He cried out, the beginning of tears prickling at the corners of his eyes as the crowd boomed their approval. "You like me! You really like me!"
Tengan laughed along with her friends as Snotlout misjudged the end of the stage and stumbled off it on his way back to them. Currently on her third horn of mead herself, she was rather enjoying the warm buzz of heat in her stomach and cheeks. Reaching for another sweet dough ball covered in honey, she failed to notice Dagur approaching until he plopped down onto the bench beside her.
"Come with me for a minute." He whispered into her ear as he slid one arm around her waist. "There's something I want to show you." He squeezed her hip. "No one will even notice we're gone." He urged, his voice needy.
Tengan took a moment to polish off her treat before glancing around at her friends as she sucked the remnants of honey from her fingers. Astrid and Hiccup were busy dancing, Tuffnut was currently entertaining a group of Berserkers with a joke, Snotlout was shoving his trophy in the face of a very unamused Ruffnut, and Fishlegs was off in a secluded corner with Heater, their hands locked together as they shared a hushed conversation. "Alright." She conceded with a smile as she stood. "Where to?"
Dagur grinned as he stood to join her. "Right this way, my lady." He purred, offering his arm.
Tengan giggled, slightly lightheaded from the mead, and took the offered arm as the two slipped away from the crowd. As they walked along the buildings, the cool night air and distant sounds of celebration began to clear her head. "Thank you." She murmured quietly as if a loud noise would shatter the peace of the moment. "For giving Snotlout the trophy I mean."
Dagur smiled down at the young woman on his arm. "Hey, he earned it. Although, don't tell him, but I may have written Snotknucles on the engraving." He snickered into his free hand. "I want to see how long it takes him to notice."
Tengan gasped lightly before succumbing to a giggle fit herself. "You're terrible, you know that?" She gently swatted at his chest before glancing around. "So what did you want to show me all the way out here?"
Dagur's smile split into a grin as he came to a stop. "It's right here." He gestured to a pair of two story huts set away from the main row. Both were a bit larger than any of the others and displayed the Berserker crest on the front door. "The right one is Heather's. I offered to just build one big one but she seemed to think it might get a little….. cramped sooner rather than later." With gentle nudges, he led Tengan into the hut on the left, pausing to light a torch in the entryway.
"You've outdone yourself." Tengan complimented as she slowly unwound her arm from his. Moving around the living space, she fought to ignore the fluttering in her chest. 'Even Heather has planned on me moving in.' she thought idly as she examined the large fireplace along one wall.
Dagur let her wander for several moments, seemingly content to watch her explore. As she made her second pass along the first floor, he reached out to take her hand. "This isn't actually what I wanted to show you." With gentle tugs, he led her upstairs and past two rooms to a closed door. "Open it." He encouraged, releasing her once more.
Tengan glanced over her shoulder, catching Dagur practically bouncing with hardly contained glee. A smile of her own in place, she pulled open the wooden door and stood aside as her companion quickly lit a few candles around the room. As the small flames revealed more of the space, she began to make out a large desk up against the opposite wall. All around it, numerous shelves had been built into nearly every inch of wall space. Most lay empty, as if eagerly waiting for her to provide them with tomes. The two shelves on either side of the desks currently housed dozens of fresh journals, empty scrolls, rolls of untouched parchment, and a crate overflowing with quills and charcoal pencils. She inhaled deeply, taking in the scent of leather rolling off the books.
"Do you like it?" Dagur asked as he dutifully studied her face for any kind of reaction. His own was slightly creased with worry.
Tengan beamed at the Berserker, the fading but still present buzz from the mead heightening her emotional state. "It's wonderful." She gasped, slowly turning in place to drink in more of the library, HER library.
Dagur grinned, relief flooding his features. "There's something else I want you to have!" He slipped past her to lift three journals from the topmost shelf over her desk. "When Savage brought the Hunters here, he had these on the ship." He extended the battered books to her, turning them so the handwritten titles could be seen in the dim light of the candles. "I think these were the final ones in Viggo's possession."
Tengan gingerly took her old journals from Dagur, her hand shaking. Gripping them tightly, she fought to keep the titles in focus through her teary eyes. "These were my more personal accounts." She whispered into the semi-darkness, not trusting her voice to stay even at a higher volume. "All the little things I had learned about our friends; my hopes for Berk and the dragons." She shuffled the stack of journals, pausing to flip open the third one. "In fact… yes I'm sure of it." She glanced up quickly at the man standing before her. "I wrote down my initial thoughts of you in here." Closing the book she hugged them tightly to her chest. "Thank you, Dagur. You've done so much to make this island a home for me." With a steadying breath, she crossed the small room and stood on her tiptoes to place the journals back on the shelf. Turning to face him once more, she smiled warmly, well aware of the roar of blood rushing behind her ears and the frantic beating of her heart. "Would you mind keeping these safe for me? I'd feel more comfortable knowing my betrothed was protecting them."
For several moments, it seemed Dagur had frozen. He stood, stone still, eyes wide, and mouth slightly agape as he stared at Tengan. When her words finally seemed to click, it was as if an avalanche of energy and emotion burst forth. With a joyous roar, he bounded forward, scooping the smaller woman up into his arms. Laughing, he peppered her face with enthusiastic kisses as he rocked back and forth. Every time he began to calm down, he'd catch sight of her breathless, smiling face and he'd devolve into another wave of laughter and kisses.
Tengan squealed, giggled, and wiggled in his embrace as his beard tickled her with every kiss. Quickly giving up on any hope of her feet touching the ground soon, she simply held on and pressed small kisses on his nose, cheeks, and lips whenever she could.
Eventually gaining some semblance of control over himself, Dagur gently lowered Tengan back to the floor, his grip on her slackening ever so slightly. "Oh, Tengan! You've made me the happiest viking on the archipelago!" He dipped, capturing her lips in another heated kiss.
Panting as they broke away once more, Tengan found herself grinning so widely her cheeks had begun to hurt. "Dagur. You're an amazing man. I'd be honored to be by your side and look forward to learning more about you- I mean, our people. But,-"
Dagur shook his head quickly, his grip tightening. "Nope! No buts. Nothing good ever comes after that word." His brow furrowed as an anxious expression began to creep in.
Tengan slid one hand up to rest her palm on his scruffy cheek. "All I was going to say is that I'd like to wait a little while to have the ceremony. I want to speak with my mother about you. About us. And you still have to find your father. Don't you think it would be nice to have them there?" She smiled gently.
Dagur groaned, his head dropping to her shoulder. "I hate that you're making some excellent points." He nipped gently at the soft skin of her neck before lifting his head. "Alright." he conceded with a playful smirk. "We'll have the ceremony after you've seen your mother and I've found Oswald. Any chance you'll agree to stay here until then?" He asked with an unconvincing air of innocence.
Tengan scoffed playfully. "You and I both know nothing would get done if I were here. You're easily distracted." She teased as she gently tweaked his nose. "Besides," she added, her tone more serious. "Even with the Hunter's gone, there's still more to see and learn about on the Edge."
"Fair point." He conceded with an exaggerated sigh. Shifting his grip so he could reach into a hidden pocket sewn into the inside of his tunic. "While I still have you tonight, there's one more thing I wanted to give you." Withdrawing his hand, he held a small choker up in the candlelight. The pendant, about the size of a large coin, was made of Gronckle Iron and had the Berserker crest stamped in the center. A strong, braided leather cord was secured to either side of the pendant. "We used to make these from the bones of dragons." He explained as he gently tied the choker in place. "But, since we moved away from that, I wanted to do something special for you. Fishlegs told me how to make that special iron with Shattermaster, and the rest is history."
Tengan lightly brushed her fingers against the stamped metal lying across the center of her throat, smiling as she could just make out the ridges that made up the wings of the Skrill. "It's beautiful." She murmured as she leaned in for another kiss. "Thank you." She whispered after breaking away. Blinking curiously, she gently cocked her head to the side. "How long have you been holding onto it?"
Dagur grinned and chuckled. "Started working on it right after Shatteraster and I led the Hunter ships away. I've had it with me since. If things had gone the way I had originally planned, I was going to give it to you the day we found Viggo's gold."
Tengan's eyes widened in mild surprise. "That long!?" She squeaked before laughing breathlessly. "You weren't kidding. When a Berserker decides he wants something-"
"He goes all out until he gets it." Dagur finished with a deep growl. He stood gazing down at his betrothed for several moments, his eyes drawn to the choker displayed prominently on her neck. "Would you like to see our bedroom?" He asked gently, a smoldering fire in his eyes.
Tengan pondered the invitation for a long moment, her eyes locked on the man towering over her. She was very aware of the friction between their two bodies, the feeling of his hands gripping at her hips. Focusing on his face, she realized his offer was just that. Hope twinkled in his eyes as he stood stock still, waiting for her answer. She had no doubts if she pulled away or said no he would drop it and they'd return to the party. 'But do I want to go back right now?' She thought as she traced the Skrill embossed on his breastplate. After tonight they would go their separate ways once again and she had no idea when their paths would cross once more. "Show me." She whispered with a small nod.
With a devilish smirk, he quickly stooped and gathered the smaller Rider in his arms bridal style. Unwilling to release his prize, Dagur forced the library door open with a solid kick before storming back down the hall. A second well placed kick saw the door to the largest bedroom swing open.
Tengan blinked rapidly in the dark room, desperate for her eyes to adjust. She had barely made out the vague outline of a large wooden bed before she felt herself being dropped onto the hay-stuffed mattress. Her breath uneven, she shifted onto one hip to gaze up at Dagur as the familiar burning anticipation began to pool in her lower abdomen. "Are you going to join me?" She purred into the darkness.
Dagur growled in response as he hastily forced his breastplate and tunic over his head. As the armor clattered to the wooden floor, he roughly stripped his bracers from his forearms and threw them clear across the room before bending to unlace his boots. Kicking them aside he all but tore his leggings off before climbing back onto the bed, clad only in a scant loincloth. "Sorry to keep you waiting." He apologized as he gently coaxed Tengan onto her back, shifting so he straddled her hips.
Tengan's breath hitched as her eyes finally adjusted to the near total darkness of the room. Gently, her fingertips danced up his arms, pausing to trace every small scar they came across. Enthralled, she moved onto caressing his chest, lacing her fingers in the cluster of wiry hair blossoming between his pectorals. Experimentally, she grabbed a fistful and gave a gentle tug, a smirk parting her lips as the Berserker moaned.
Panting heavily, Dagur gathered her wrists on one of his hands, slamming them down above her head. "Sit back and enjoy yourself, baby. It's Dagur's turn to have some fun." Slowly releasing her wrists, he dipped his head towards her neck, biting and sucking at the soft skin while his hands trailed down to the hem of her shirt. Leaning back just far enough to allow her back to leave the mattress, he paused his assault on her neck long enough to yank the offending fabric over her head. The garment settled in a heap on the floor, followed in short order by her shoes, skirt and leg wraps. With a final nip at her neck, Dagur sat up to drink in the sight beneath him.
Tengan, only clothed in her undergarments and Dagur's choker, shivered. Whether the action was a result of the slight chill in the room or her partner's predatory gaze, she was unsure. Her eyes trailing down his firm stomach, she swallowed as they landed on the considerable bulge tenting the strained fabric of his loincloth.
"Like what you see?" Dagur teased, a cocky smirk playing on his lips.
"Oh stars, yes." Tengan replied breathlessly as she reached for his chest once more. The heat in her lower stomach had begun to burn in earnest as she felt her walls flutter and twitch in anticipation. A needy whine escaped the back of her throat she felt her arms pinned above her head for the second time.
"Ah, Ah." He teased, running gentle fingertips along the goose bump covered skin on her side with his free hand. "What did I tell you? It's still my turn." With a dark chuckle he released her arms to work at the knots holding the cloth strip over her chest. With a triumphant cry he tore the fabric from her body, flinging it over his shoulder. His eyes raked over her bare breasts, a hungry grin on his face. A brief flash of eye contact was all the warning he gave her before he dove in. His mouth latched onto a hardening nipple as his rough fingers toyed with the other, gently rolling and tugging at the nub as she writhed beneath him.
"Oh!" Tengan moaned, her eyes snapping shut as her hand involuntarily clenched the furs beneath her and her back arched into the contact. Every time his tongue flicked across the nipple, her body would flinch and her thighs would rub together, desperate for the smallest amount of friction down there. "Please!" She begged, her mind painfully sluggish as the waves of pleasure seemed to make complete sentences all too difficult. "Please, more!"
Dagur released her breasts, a thin strand of saliva connecting his bottom lip to the fully erect nipple. "All you had to do was ask." He teased, smirking down at the panting mess of a woman beneath him. His hands trailing down to her loincloth, he slowly, teasingly, slid the fabric down, his smirk widening as the tops of her inner thighs glistened in the dim lighting. "So eager." He chuckled as he slid lower on the bed, propping his upper body up on his elbows. Alternating between gentle kisses and teasing bites, he worked his way up from her knees, gently coaxing her legs to spread. Pausing at her core, he gave the flustered Rider a final smirk before diving in. As his tongue dragged along her lips, one hand came over to press down on her stomach and the other firmly grasped at her inner thigh, effectively pinning her into place.
Tengan's hands flew to Dagur's head where her fingers grasped at handfuls of his wild hair. A low, keening moan tore through her as all coherent thoughts were driven out of her mind. All that mattered was the feeling of his fingers digging into the soft flesh of her inner thigh, how his tongue flicked gently across her bud, the building pressure fighting to find release from within her. Several times she tried to buck her hips as his tongue swirled around her, only to be stopped as his hand easily held her down. "Dagur!" She begged as the pleasure climbed, every other word in her vast vocabulary lost to the building pressure. Another long, breathy moan tore from her as he quickened the pace. As his teeth barely grazed across her, she cried out his name as she was cast over the edge. Her eyes slammed shut and she felt her walls shudder and convulse as the world faded from existence for several moments. As the rolling waves of pleasure began to subside, her eyes fluttered back open as she tried desperately to steady her breathing and calm the quake in her legs.
Dagur grinned as he climbed back up along her body, his beard coated in the evidence of his successful mission. "I love it when you scream my name like that." He growled in her ear as he hastily shed his final remnants of clothing. "It's like you want everyone to hear. To know you're mine."
Tengan, still slightly panting, glanced down as she felt something warm and hard brush against her stomach. A light gap escaped her as she stared at his member. Along with every other part of him, it appeared strong and wild as it jutted out of a nest of crazy red hair. Almost as if it knew she were watching, it twitched, jumping upward to jab just below his belly button. Tearing her gaze away, she stared into his deep, emerald eyes. "I am yours." She whispered, bringing one hand up to gently caress the pendant on her choker before winding her arms around his neck. "Please." She begged softly, letting her legs part once more. "I want you."
A truly feral growl ripped through Dagur's chest as he wrapped one arm behind her upper back. Using his free hand, he guided himself to her slick entrance as he gave the young woman a quick nip on the neck before slowly sinking into her folds. A groan passed his lips as he fully sheathed himself, his eyes closing for a moment as he savored the feeling. "Are you alright, love?" He asked with a strained voice, the hand not supporting her back coming down to grip the bed furs.
Tengan bit down on the juncture of his neck and shoulder to keep from groaning as she felt him twitch inside her. The strange sensation of being stretched burned slightly, but was quickly being overshadowed by the overpowering need for more friction, more movement. "I'm alright." She whispered, a moan escaping as they shifted. Her eyes catching his, she smiled. "Don't stop now." She pleaded, her lips brushing against his ear. "Daddy."
In that moment, something broke in poor Dagur's mind. Shifting his hands so both firmly gripped her hips, his own snapped forward. A ragged moan left his lips as he felt her walls twitch and tighten around him. Through heavy lidded eyes, he could just make out Tengan's sloppy smile as she bit down on her bottom lip and bounced off his thrusts. "Don't hold back on me now." He teased her as he shifted her hips slightly higher. "I want to hear those pretty little noises." He snapped his hips forward again, groaning as he bottomed out.
Tengan's eyes rolled back in her skull as she moaned. A continuous stream of mewls, cries, and screams left her lips as she felt Dagur press against the deepest parts of her body. As she rocked her hips back to meet each thrust, she dully wondered why she had ever taken so long to accept his proposal. Nothing seems like it would ever compare to the raw pleasure she felt watching him slide effortlessly in and out. As his hips began to stutter she felt her walls twitch and clamp down, almost as if they knew how close he was.
With several final, desperate thrusts, he groaned loudly before burying himself as deeply within her as their bodies would allow. Releasing her now bruised hips, he collapsed forward, drawing her close to his chest as he felt himself spill inside her. He drew several, ragged breaths as he rolled to the side, allowing his softening member to slide out before he pulled a spare fur over them. Gazing into Tengan's exhausted face, he smiled as he gently brushed a few stray curls away from her eyes.
Tengan smiled back, enjoying the peaceful silence that stretched between them. Shifting closer under the cover, her face scrunched in mild discomfort as she felt the combination of their fluids leak out onto her upper thighs. "I never really thought about the mess before." She commented drly, now aware of the pleasant ache that seemed to have settled within her.
Dagur let out a tired chuckle as he drew her closer. Tucking her head under his chin, he traced gentle circles along her back. "You're sure you don't want to stay now?" He asked as one hand trailed down to gently cup the curve of her bottom.
Tengan snorted as she traced the edges of an exceptionally large scar on his shoulder. "I'm sure. I'm pretty sure no one would see us for at least a month if I moved in tonight." She hummed as the heat flared within her once more. "Although, I am rather looking forward to it." She admitted as her heavy eyes began to drift closed. "Shouldn't we head back to the party?" She yawned. "Won't the others be looking for us?"
Dagur pressed a long, slow kiss to the top of her head, momentarily losing himself in her hair. As he felt her breathing slow and her muscles relax, he let his eyes close. "Trust me, the party will still be going strong for some time." he soothed. "Besides, I'm not ready to share you just yet."
A bit over an hour later, Tengan meandered back towards the arena, arm in arm with her beloved Berserker. She walked slowly, her sore legs complaining that she had forced them to do anything other than lay in the warm bed back in Dagur's hut. "Oof." She groaned. "Riding back to the Edge tomorrow is not going to be fun." She flinched slightly as her core twitched, exacerbating the dull ache that refused to ease.
Dagur chuckled, a devious smirk on his lips. "You could always stay. I wouldn't mind carrying you to bed every night." He teased lightly as he helped her back into the throng of celebrating vikings. As several turned and cheered at their chief's reappearance, he raised his free hand and roared a greeting back. Laughing at the drunken display of his cheerful villagers, he graciously accepted two horns of mead before passing one to Tengan.
Shifting to stand unassisted, she gratefully accepted the drink and raised it along with the nearby Berserkers. With a drunken cheer and toast to Dagur's defeat of the Hunters, she watched with wide eyes as most of the men, Dagur included, downed their drink in one swift motion before shuffling to the stage to refill. "I'll be surprised if this lot remembers anything tomorrow!" She teased good naturedly as she sipped her mead.
"THERE YOU ARE!" Heather hollered as she elbowed through a group of Berserkers that easily stood head and shoulders above her. "We've been looking all over for you!" A large, red flush dusted her cheeks and neck as she clumsily swung a half full tankard of ale. "What was my brother-" She stopped mid-sentence as her slightly unfocused eyes locked onto Tengan's choker. "YOU ACCEPTED!" She squealed, launching the tankard in a high arc over several heads before drawing the Rider in for a bone-crushing hug.
Tengan giggled as she tried to return the embrace with the little mobility Heather had left her. As the dark-haired Berserker finally released her, she laughed breathlessly. "Yes, I accepted."
Heather's smile widened. "It'll be nice to finally have a sister." She stated with a curt,almost serious nod.
Dagur wound his arms around Tengan's waist once more, being mindful of her bruised hips. "Oh, am I not enough anymore? That hurts, sis. Really cuts deep."
Heather scoffed before grabbing Tengan by the forearm, dragging her out of Dagur's protective embrace. "Just for that, I'm keeping her for the rest of the party. You've had her all to yourself all night!" Looping her arm over Tengan's shoulder, she began to march the woman away. "Comeon! You have to show Astrid and Ruffnut your betrothal necklace! I've been dying to talk about since he let me take a peek a few weeks back!"
Tengan glanced back over her shoulder at Dagur, giving him a small smile and helpless shrug as she let herself be herded to a back corner where the other girls and Fishlegs were happily leaning against the stone wall, drinks in hand.
Heather abruptly stopped as the others came in view, placing both hands squarely on Tengan's shoulders as she stared the other Rider dead in the eyes. "Now spill it. Where were you two? I walked the entire party three times and couldn't find anyone who had seen you in the last couple hours." A taunting smirk started to spread across her flushed face.
Tengan chuckled nervously as she glanced past her soon to be sister. A small smile lit up her face as she watched her betrothed, currently surrounded by a cheering crowd, laugh and joke with his people. Even in the flickering light of the torches, she could still clearly make out the purple bite mark she had left where his neck and shoulder met. "What are you talking about, Heather? You've had too much ale. We never left the party."