CHAPTER 28
It felt like only seconds had passed since she climbed into bed when Tengan felt herself being gently shaken. "Five more minutes, my love." She cooed towards what she assumed to be Dagur, as she stubbornly kept her eyes glued shut.
"You've said that three times now." Dagur chuckled into her ear as he gently coaxed her into a sitting position. "Both your parents are awake and I've brought food and your tea up. No more delays."
Cracking one eye open, she grimaced at the sight of the steaming mug on the bedside table. "I was hoping you'd forget about the tea." She groaned good naturedly before placing a long, slow kiss against his lips, one hand coming up to caress the uneven hairs of his beard. "I missed waking up to this." She whispered as she finally opened both eyes to willingly lose herself in his emerald gaze.
His smile shifting to something almost feral, he chose to respond with a hungry kiss rather than anything verbal. One hand came up to cup her cheek while the other slid along the now familiar curve of her growing belly. "You aren't the only one." He groaned in her ear as he pulled away, a satisfied smirk spreading across his lips as he beheld her disheveled state. "Awake yet?" He teased as he passed her the mug of tea.
Rolling her eyes, Tengan nodded before draining the mug with a few long gulps, a technique she had discovered worked best to minimize the foul taste. "Yes I'm awake… are you ready for today?" She asked quietly, almost childlike joy lacing her voice.
Dagur giggled and bounced gently on the bed. "Am I ready to show everyone on the archipelago that I'm the luckiest man alive!? What do you think?" He teased, reaching out to gently tickle her sides.
"Ah no!" She squealed, fighting to keep her voice down so her parents wouldn't overhear. "You keep this up and I won't give you your journal!" She gasped through the giggles.
"You wound me baby." Dagur sighed as he leaned back, hand over his heart dramatically. "But if the lady insists I must oblige." Sliding off the bed he retrieved two bound journals from a back near the door. "Don't be mad, but I got yours from the library so we could exchange them the moment you woke up. I haven't peeked! I promise!" He passed her the smaller of the two which contained a hand drawn Skrill on the cover under her name. "So tradition states we go to separate places and read these before the ceremony right?" He asked tentatively, the idea clearly not settling well.
Tengan's smile shifted from the book to her betrothed and back a few times before she decided to answer. "That is how things are usually done. However, our bed is much more comfortable with both of us here, and I'm still not ready to part with you so soon after getting you back." She laughed as Dagur's face lit up with excitement and relief as he plopped back onto the bed next to her, one arm looping behind her back to rest on her hip while the other dutifully opened his journal to the first page.
With matching smiles the couple dove into their books, the world slipping by unnoticed as they all but lost themselves in the numerous recollections they shared about one another. Dagur broke out into laughter as he read about how Tengan thought of him as equal parts attractive and annoying the first time they met. She in turn, gently teased him about how he thought she was beautiful the first time they met and he, in his desire to impress, had embellished a few stories of the Berserkers he had told her as they toured Berk. As they recounted the years they spent in opposition, it was clear they had at least a begrudging respect for one another. Dagur, in his writing, had again expressed his regret in how he had initially courted her through kidnapping and force and his utter relief he felt when she had forgiven him. As she read the passage where he described the beauty of the sunlight streaming through her hair the afternoon she and Rumble had flown with him and Shattermaster on The Edge, she reached over and squeezed her hand, her chest suddenly tight with emotion.
As the sun neared it's apex, the pair finally closed their journals, both sets of eyes slightly misty. "I better see if I can find the girls." Tengan said softly as she set her journal down gently atop her pillow. "Astrid should be almost done greeting the guests arriving from Berk and if we're all not at Oga's on time I fear the Riders will be short a couple members."
Dagur chuckled as he set his journal down. Standing, he gathered Tengan's hands in his own and gently helped her to her feet. Dipping his head, he planted a long kiss against her brow. "I'll see you soon." He murmured, the low volume of his voice failing to contain the excitement in his tone.
Tengan greeted her parents with tight hugs and promises to spend time together at the celebration before tracking down the other young women who would be part of the ceremony. Astrid and Heather had been relatively close by, directing guests towards the open air arena, and Ruffnut was already pestering Oga about the color clash between her white gown and the small bunches of daisies and rosebay the others were to hold. Despite the seamstress's minor frustration in having to adjust the circlet to fit against Tengan's new braids, the quartet managed to be fully dressed and presentable with a few minutes to go before the ceremony. Ruffnut, Astrid, and Heather all wore their usual attire but had accented themselves with sashes of the same white cloth of her gown and a flower crown alternating between the white and pale pink flowers that made up their small bouquets.
"There." Oga grunted as she stepped back and wiped her brow after adjusting Tengan's circlet for the fourth time. "You are all done. Now get out of my hut and I don't want to see any of you back here again unless it's for swaddling clothes!" She scolded the group good naturedly and ushered them quickly out of her hut. As she exited out behind the small procession and closed her door she glanced up at the sun. "You all better get a move on. The day is running late."
With rushed but genuine thanks from all except Ruffnut, who's mouth had to be clamped shut as she attempted to sneak in one final critique, the young women bustled towards the arena as quickly as Tengan could while holding up the hem of her gown. As they neared the stone wall semi-circle of the island's main arena, the buzz of excited conversation mixed with the unmistakable aroma of what must have been hundreds of fresh flowers wafted towards them. "Heather." Tengan whispered, her heart fluttering madly with anticipation. "Would you mind taking a quick glance inside and seeing if they're ready for us?"
Heather quickly darted her head around the corner before retreating to give the others a smile and a thumbs up. "Everyone's in place. Let's go."
Tengan swallowed heavily as Heather, Astrid, and Ruffnut took their places in a single file line behind her. WIth a heavy, steadying breath, she braced herself and marched forward into the arena. As they rounded the corner, she was momentarily stunned as it appeared they had been transported to another island.
Large bunches of white flowers decorated the walls of the arena, connected with beige fabric runners. All of the tables had been pushed to the sides and were already laden with steaming plates of honeyed cakes, steamed vegetables, and whole roasted boars. Barrels upon barrels of mead and ale were stacked up alongside the tables, waiting to be cracked open. All the benches were currently placed in rows, with a single aisle left open in the center for the advancing women. Crowding the benches seemed to be every viking Tengan had ever met. Nearly half of the village of Berk, certainly all those capable of riding on dragonback sat in a large cluster. Near them were several Wingmaidens, including Atali and Minden. Queen Mala, Throck and several guards from Caldera Cay were also in attendance, surrounded by every last Berserker residing within the shores of the island. Sitting in the front row, beaming from ear to ear, were Frewin and Makara.
Letting her eyes track up to the stage, she fought to hide a gasp. Baskets of the same white flowers lined the edge of the stage. White and beige pennants and banners stretched across the back of the stage, hiding the monochrome grey of the stone wall. Standing atop it, all the male riders were lined up from the right edge of the stage towards the center, their armor cleaned till it shone. In the center, Stoick stood holding a long and narrow white cloth. Standing before him, Dagur all but commanded her attention. He wore what looked to be a variation of his usual armor, only all the leather had been dyed white and the metal accents, crafted from Gronckle Iron, shone brightly in the afternoon sun. Atop his brow sat a twin of the braided circlet she wore.
Grinning, Tengan approached the stage and climbed up using a newly crafted staircase, a well appreciated addition Heather probably all but demanded due to her rapidly expanding womb. She was completely oblivious to the gasps and whispers that followed as she passed, her eyes, and thoughts fixated on the all but glowing man before her. The one person in this world she grew to love before all others and was about to make clear to all in attendance that she had chosen him to remain by her side for the rest of their lives.
As all the women settled into their places, Stoick held the cloth aloft and waited for the excited murmurs of the crowd to pitter out. "It is my duty and pleasure," The chief began in his warm, gruff voice. "To join these two in union today. Tegan, Dagur, please join hands."
Extending her left hand, she smiled as it was nearly eclipsed by his right. She could feel the warmth flooding to her from him with each heartbeat and the mild tremors in his limb. Squeezing ever so slightly, she hoped he understood she also felt that same mix of excitement and nervousness that seemed to radiate off his face.
Gently, Stoick raped the cloth over their hands and began to wind it around them. "This bond represents your tie to one another. Now and forever, in this world and, Thor willing, in the halls of Valhalla. Nothing can ever break this bond as long as you two remain true to each other." As he finished binding their hands, he turned to Hiccup, who hastily retrieved a gold goblet full of a pleasantly sweet smelling, yellow liquid. "Take this goblet and drink heartily from it. May your cup always run over and all your days be as sweet as the mead inside."
Carefully, the couple grasped the goblet with their free hands, coming closer together. With unspoken agreement, they tipped the goblet to Tengan's lips first, allowing her to take two long daughts. The goblet still more than half full, they maneuvered it towards Dagur, who quickly and easily drained the rest. Together, they raised the goblet towards the waiting crowd before passing it back to Stoick.
The roar that rose from the stands had barely begun when the celebrating vikings were prematurely halted as Stoick raised his hand. "My friends, while this union has been recognized by Odin and his mighty hall in Valhalla, the rites have not been completed just yet." Smiling he gestured, open palmed to the dark woman sitting in the front row. "Makara, would you be willing to oversee the union of these two as a representative of the Shimmering Shores?"
"It would be my honor." Makara answered loud and clear for all to hear. As she stood, she produced a large, worn, and clearly well maintained book from under a fold in her shawl. Climbing up onto the stage, she bowed her head to Stoick before taking his place between the bound couple.
Tengan's eyes widened at the sight of her people's Book of Records. It was rarely allowed off the island and only then for moments deemed important for their history. Typically those who were bonded off the Shores made a point to have their ceremony added later. Twisting her head ever so slightly, she managed to catch Dagur's eyes as her own betrayed the shock she was feeling. His warm grin answered her unasked question; he had known about the book's presence and Makara's intent.
"Thank you Stoick." The chieftess inclined her head once more before turning her attention to the gathered group. "For those of you who do not know, on the Shimmering Shores, it is custom when two people promise themselves to each other that their union is recorded before the acting chief on the island so that any who wish to can see the evidence of their devotion to one another." Using both hands, she held the book aloft. "I hold in my hands the records of nearly one thousand unions going back to the birth of my people as more than a wandering tribe. As knowledge seekers and keepers. This book is one of our most prized possessions and has only been allowed off our shores a handful of times." She paused, allowing the weight of her explanation to sink in.
"During those instances, it was deemed by the council imperative that as many people as possible witness these unions as they were known to be at important moments in our history. The bond between Dagur and Tengan has been recognized as such. Their love has blossomed during a momentous age. Dragons and Vikings, once locked in a bitter war, now see each other as partners and friends. Through that partnership, new friendships and alliances were born, all with one thing in common: the desire to protect the magnificent creatures we have come to see as family. The love these two have shown for one another is but one facet of the bond I see between those sitting before us and the mighty creatures watching over us from atop the cliff." She paused again as she opened the leather tome to the most recent page. "For this reason, it has been decided that this union, and this momentous point in all our histories will be preserved for all who wish to bear witness to it, now and in the future." She brandished the open page to the audience before holding it up for Dagur to read. "My son, would you please read aloud your passage and sign?"
Dagur, still grinning, nodded and cleared his throat. "I, Dagur the Deranged, son of Oswald the Agreeable, high chief of the Berserker tribe, Dragon Rider and proven warrior, have pledged my love and devotion to my betrothed, Tengan. From this day forward, I swear to defend, support, and protect her and any children we bear. Any new discoveries I find will be shared with her and passed on to said children. I formally acknowledge and accept the role of Scribe from the people of the Shimmering Shores. I will honor the title and all it entails." Taking the offered, ink laden quill, he signed on the blank bit of space under his name.
Smiling, Makara shifted the book so Tengan could have a better view of her own passage. "And now you, daughter."
Head and heart still spinning at the notion of her union being worthy of removing the Book of Record from its resting place, she had to take several quick breaths before she could speak her passage clearly enough. "I Tengan, daughter of Makara, Scribe of the Shimmering Shores, Dragon Rider and proven warrior, have pledged my love and devotion to my betrothed, Dagur. From this day forward, I swear to defend, support, and protect him and any children we bear. Any new discoveries I find will be shared with him and passed on to said children. I formally acknowledge and accept the role of chieftess of the Berserker tribe. I will honor the title and all it entails." Her hand slightly trembling, she took the quill from Dagur and signed in her allotted space.
Smiling warmly at both of them, Makara hoisted the open journal high above her head once more and presented it to the crowd. "May you all remember this day and what this union symbolizes for us all!"
The crowd began to stomp, cheer, and roar with uncontrollable force as they jumped to their feet. Every face in the crowd seemed to be determined to outdo those around them as the cheers reached an ungodly crescendo. Despite the clamor, the noise never seemed to reach the happy couple in the center of it all. Tengan and Dagur stood quietly, smiling at one another. Their unbound hands reflexively reached out and intertwined as the world carried on around them. They didn't even notice the cheers had somehow managed to double in volume and intensity as their lips met in a tender kiss.
In a whirlwind of activity neither of the couple could clearly remember the following day, several long tables laden with heavy dishes were shifted away from the walls and all the benches that onced faced the stage were dragged over to the tables. The smallest of the tables, decorated with a runner of silver cloth and fresh flowers, was placed atop the stage. Several benches were quickly placed so that Dagur, Tengan, Stoick, Makara, Frewin, and the Dragon Riders could all sit and look out over the festivities. A large patch of earth just below the stage was left empty as a cluster of musicians bustled to their places at its edge.
Dagur gently pulled their bound hands up to his face and pressed his lips against Tengan's knuckles as his free hand deftly snatched a goblet of wine off the table and held it aloft. "Berserkers! Tonight, let us show our guests the meaning of celebration!" Grinning at the resounding roar of approval, he tipped half the contents of the goblet back into his mouth before gently angling it so Tengan could manage a sip without staining her gown.
"You think I would have learned by now not to underestimate the Berserker style of celebration." Tengan laughed from her seat at the center of the table as she watched a foot soldier bodily throw his dance partner several feet into the air before catching her. The woman seemed quite pleased to have been thrown nearly twice as high as any of the other dancers. "Has anyone ever been dropped?"
"Once or always walked it off." Dagur answered with a grin as he tore off a strip of smoked boar meat from the carcass placed on the large platter sitting in front of them. "You haven't had enough to eat yet." He cooed as he held the strip of meat up to her lips.
Tengan gently took the offered strip, her lips closing on his fingertips for half a second as she tongued the fat. "As delicious as the boar is." She murmured past her full mouth. "If this keeps up I'll be too full to dance later."
Dagur grinned as he leaned in and pressed a kiss to her cheek. "Can't help it baby. Just want to make sure my two best girls are taken care of."
"Oh? So you're convinced it's a girl today? I recall you whispering to the child last night that he was going to be a mighty chief one day." She playfully cocked an eyebrow.
"In my defense, I thought you were asleep." He countered. "But today, I just have this feeling she's going to be a magnificent warrior!"
"Well I guess we'll have to wait and see." She replied patiently. "Either way, he or she is going to have an amazing father."
"If you two lovebirds can stand to look away from each other for one moment." Astrid taunted as she gestured to the now emptying dance flow below. "I think you'll want to see this."
Standing alone in the clearing and looking as if he wasn't entirely sure how anyone convinced him to be there, Fishlegs stood, glancing between the waiting crowd and his comrades still seated comfortably on their high table. "Well, uh, Makara brought up an excellent point in her speech earlier." The nervous young man began, his posture only relaxing as his eyes locked onto Heather's smiling face. "Dagur and Tengan's union is partly due to our love of dragons. So we, that is the Riders, though it would be best if they were able to congratulate the couple as well." As he finished, he pointed straight up towards the now pink and purple evening sky.
As if on cue, Toothless let out a loud roar as he and Hiccup flew high overhead. Following, in a beautiful, riderless diamond formation, were Shattermaster, Sleuther, Rumble, Windshear, Meatlug, Stormfly, Hookfang, and Barf and Belch. For several minutes, the dragons splintered off and came back together as they dove, twisted, breathed fire, and, for all intents and purposes, danced in the fading sunlight. IT was hard to tell who was enjoying the show more; the dragon or the vikings watching them. Many of the Berserkers on attendance had never seen the stunning creatures utilized for anything other than war; their slack jawed wonder at the complex acrobatics all but promised a spark of newfound inspiration and respect for the dragons. As the show concluded with a perfectly timed blast from all nine dragons that collided midair before cascading down towards the crown in a flurry of glowing sparks, the resulting cheers drowned out the satisfied roars of the performers.
"Well done brother!" Dagur congratulated a bit later as Hiccup rejoined them. "I didn't even see you leave the table!"
"I'm not too surprised." The one-legged viking responded as he slipped a hand over Astrid's. "I've been told I lose track of time when I'm focused on something… or someone important to me."
"Enough will all this lovey-dovey talk." Tuffnut cut in as he threw an arm over Hiccup's shoulder and stared at the couple of the hour. "As cool as being up on a stage is, you know how much I love being the center of attention. When are we going to, you know, party! I want, no, NEED to dance!"
"Nut's right." Snotlout shrugged as she shouldered his way into the conversation. "And I happen to know for a fact that Minden is waiting for me." Wiggling his eyebrows, he cast a smirk and quickly waved down at a nearby table where the aforementioned wing maiden sat.
Tengan, who's eyes had followed the motion, was surprised to see that all the maidens in attendance had their baby Razorwhips still happily clinging to their backs. Her fingers momentarily itched to grab at a notebook or a scroll to jot down her findings. Why were the infantile dragons immune to whatever drove the adults insane? Her thoughts were quickly interrupted as Dagur placed his free hand over her shoulder.
"What do you say, baby? Ready to show the others how a real Berserker couple dance?" He grinned down at her, eyes sparking with mischief.
How could she have ever said no to that face? With a silent nod, the entire group stationed at the high table stood, everyone giving the couple of honor plenty of space to maneuver. The group quickly made their way to the floor, accompanied by the encouraging cheers of everyone in attendance. As Tengan settled herself in the center of the floor opposite Dagur, she quickly glanced around to make sure everyone else was ready.
Snotlout hadn't boasted, he and Minden were already ready to dance, their eyes focused intently on one another. Frewin and Makara were close to Astrid and Hiccup, both couples looking extremely content as they waited on the band. Fishlegs seemed to be almost trembling as he gently took hold of Heather's hands. Ruffnut managed to snag Throck as he stook to allow Queen Mala to join Stoick and Tuffnut, of course, held Chicken aloft in front of him, his eyes already misty with emotion.
As the band struck up the first few notes of a low, sweeping song, all else melted away as Tengan gazed into Dagur's eyes and they began to dance. Their feet moved fluidly, their bodies so close together that several times the front of his dazzling armor brushed against her rounded belly. After a while the music seemed to fade away and the entire world once again became his face, the upturn of his lips in that heart-melting gentle smile, the ever so slight creases around his eyes as a grin broke out over his features. As their movements continued, she found herself half twirling as they pulled apart, their arms stretching outward as if they were each a wing on the same bird. A gentle tug on their bound hands signaled the apex of their movement and the couple came back together once more, their chests rising and falling in unison. "I love you, Dagur." She whispered up to him, her heart fuller than she could ever remember. "With all I have in me."
Soon the slow, gentle tune faded as another, high energy song took its place. Other couples at the fringe of the floor took the cue to join in and soon the dance floor was packed with celebrating vikings. Tengan lasted another couple songs before her sore back and aching muscles begged her to retire to their table. She only needed to give Dagur a small, pleading glance before they made their way back to their seats atop the stage.
"Do you need anything?" He asked, a slightly urgent edge to his voice as he looked her over for any injuries.
"Just to rest and be near you for a while." She smiled back as she settled her back against his side and watched the celebration unfold around them. "I still can't believe you and Heather managed to pull all this together in three weeks. It's amazing, my love."
Dagur smiled and placed a kiss atop her brow. "I've told you before. Berserkers always go all out. All the time."
Tengan's smile widened. "If our child inherits half of your passion and drive, nothing in the world will ever be able to stop them."
"And if they also have half of your brains, they'll be an unstoppable force over the entire archipelago." He countered playfully.
"May the stars help us." Tengan laughed as she settled in to watch the celebration rage on.
At one point Gobber, face bright red from countless goblets of ale, had started dancing atop one of the tables, leaving several vikings under him to snatch their food and drink out from under him, lest they end up with a foot on their mitton or a peg-leg in their mead. Later on the Wingmaidens took to the air and half danced-half flew in formation above the others, to the cheers of the crowd below. Gustav went sailing over the crowd several times as the much larger vikings he annoyed had a tendency to bodily throw the offending boy away from them. Stoick, his booming voice echoing over the rock walls, hefted a bench balancing Maraka and Mala over his head as Frewing nearly doubled over in laughter at the sight.
As the sun slipped below the horizon, the celebration continued just as strongly. Several small fires and torches were lit along the hall, the wild, long, and flickering shadows of the dancers adding an otherworldly layer to the festivities. Through the gloom, Frewin and Maraka climbed back onto the stage and approached the couple. "We have a gift for you Little Scribe, well for both of you." Makara said, a wide, motherly smile on her face.
With a flourish, Frewin produced an old, leather book and placed it gently on the table between them. "Do not open it here." He said quickie as Tengan and Dagur both reached for it with their free hands. "This journal contains all the small moments we've had with you Tengan since the day of your birth. We've updated it less frequently as you've aged but there are entries as recent as a month ago. Last night, we finished with a final entry listing our hopes and dreams for the two of you in the upcoming years. May it answer some of the many questions you may have when your little one joins you and bring you comfort should you miss us."
Tengan could hardly see her parents through her sudden tears. She was immensely grateful Dagur managed to lead her around the table so the four could embrace. They stood, clinging to each other for a long while. She was aware Dagur seemed to be clinging to Frein with almost desperate strength, and felt a bitter smile tugging at her lips. It had been a while and would be a while still before he could experience a hug from a fatherly figure.
Makara and Frewin had barely descended back into the fray when a beaming, breathless Heather clambered back up to join them."Whew! You two had it right to sit down for a bit." She said through heavy breaths as she plopped down onto an empty spot of bench next to Dagur. "Did you see Tuffnut? He somehow convinced several of our soldiers to form a human pyramid. He made it halfway up the stack before Snotlout kicked one of the lower guys in the shins."
"So THAT'S why he was screaming before!" Tengan replied with a grin."
"That was Snotpocket?" Dagur added with a snort. "I thought one of the Wingmaidens spilled a horn of mead on themselves."
"Snotlout has always had an impressive vocal range." Hiccup added as he plopped down next to Tengan. "When we were little, Astrid got after him after he broke one of her toy axes. His scream cracked several of Gothi's jars up in her hut." As the laughter settled back down, he smiled over at the happy couple. "As crazy as this was to put together, it was nice."
"Just nice, Brother?" Dagur quickly cut in, one eyebrow cocked. "I mean, just nice would have been three boars and a handfasting. It's not like I flew for days on end well beyond any of our maps to track down Tengan's parents or anything."
"Alright, alright. This was the best Union Ceremony I've ever seen." HIccup conceded good naturedly. "And probably will ever see."
"That's better." Heather responded, her hands crossed over her chest. "My brother wasn't the only one who put his blood, sweat, and tears into this event."
Tengan flinched and gave the siblings a sheepish smile. "You both know how much I appreciate you, right?"
Dagur smiled down at her. "Never doubted it for a second." Dipping his head, he captured her lips in a quick kiss, causing Heather and Hiccup to hastily glance away.
"Well," Hiccup began again after the couple broke apart. "I don't think the others will be too happy to leave tomorrow. We're behind on patrol flights as it is and I don't like not knowing what Viggo is up to….." He sighed heavily, his expression darkening for a moment before his tentative smile returned. "At least we know we can count on three of the toughest Berserkers either side of the Archipelago should the Fliers or Viggo give us any trouble finding the King of Dragons."
Tengan shared a knowing smirk with Heather and Dagur, knowing they were all thinking along the same lines. As if anything in this world or next could ever stop the three of them from rising to that challenge. They were Berserkers after all.