Chapter 48: A Royal Visit

Eira stared at the paper, willing herself to write. She was at her table in her hut, penning a letter to her older brother. She had already gotten over the easy part, extending Stoick's invitation for him to visit and finalize the alliance between them. She had mentioned the possibility in her previous latter, and Haldor seemed willing to leave as soon as possible.

"Writer's block?" Ingrid said, peeking over her shoulder.

"I'm... unsure about what to write," Eira admitted. "I need to tell Haldor about recent events... and that Viggo is alive."

Ingrid nodded. "Makes sense. Just lay it all out. No need to be poetic."

Eira frowned. "That's not the problem. It's Runa... Viggo's former love. Our family is protecting her at his request, and I don't know if I should ask Haldor to tell her the news."

Ingrid appeared thoughtful. "I see. If you're telling Haldor anyway, do you need to explicitly tell him to tell Runa? Or are you thinking about telling him to keep it from her?"

"I don't know if it's right to ask him to keep it from her, but..." Eira paused as she considered her dilemma. "If Haldor doesn't think to tell her or decides it's unwise, it may be better for Runa. She already thinks Viggo is dead. This is her chance to finally move on."

"Maybe. So, why are you hesitating? Is it your commitment to the truth?"

"Well, there's that, but I do understand keeping information can be beneficial sometimes. And it's not outright lying. I just-" Eira closed her eyes and thought about Dagur. Should she tell her sister he was the reason for her hesitation? She glanced at Ingrid, taking in her concerned expression. "There was a time I thought Dagur was dead. It took me months to find out, and I was mad he didn't tell me he was alive. Back then, it might have been better for me not to know, but I'm glad I found out the truth. If I didn't, I would make decisions based on false information." Not to mention the relief she felt when she saw Dagur again made everything worth it.

Ingrid gave her a small smile. "For what it's worth, I agree. Runa has the right to make her own decisions. Just tell her the facts with no opinion. She may wish she hadn't known, but I think it's more likely she'll be grateful."

Eira nodded. "I'll do it." She held her pen over the paper.

"You know, it's probably Viggo who would be mad if you tell her. They wrote letters to each other before he 'died,' right? If he hasn't told her the truth himself, he probably doesn't want her to know."

"Then that's all the more reason to tell Runa." Eira furiously wrote the message before she could change her mind.

Ingrid smirked. "I thought so."

Eira finished the letter and folded it neatly. Now she had to send it, and then there would be no going back.

Eira did not receive word from Haldor until he was three days away from Berk. He had written to her along the way and used a wild Terrible Terror to deliver the message. Eira reported to Stoick, who immediately prepared for the prince's arrival. The dragon riders remained at Berk so they could be there to welcome him.

The riders took turns scouting for Haldor. Ruffnut and Tuffnut ended up being the ones to spot him. The excitedly told Stoick and Hiccup, who called everyone to order. Many Vikings were gathered in the middle of the village when Haldor and Brightclaw landed.

"Eira!" Haldor said cheerfully. "It's so good to see you. And you too, Ingrid." He pulled them both into a hug, but Eira was busy staring at the dragon that landed beside Brightclaw. It was a Silver Phantom whose rider was extremely familiar.

"Runa?" Eira gasped when the woman slid to the ground.

"Runa?" Ingrid repeated in curiosity.

"Hello, Princess Eira," Runa said with a small smile.

"Is this a friend of yours?" Stoick said amiably.

"Uh, well..." Eira faltered.

"We're happy to have her! Thank you for coming all this way, Prince Haldor."

Haldor gave him a slight bow. "It is an honor to be invited." He gave his sister a look that told her they would talk later.

Later could not come soon enough. Eira had to wait until the official part of the visit was over. Finally, she met with Haldor, Runa, and Ingrid in private in the forest on the pretense of taking care of 'Torvaldian business.'

"How could you bring her here?" Eira said accusingly to her brother. "It's not safe."

Haldor frowned and scratched the back of his neck. "The last time I checked, it's not safe for you or Ingrid either."

"That's different! You were supposed to be protecting her."

"And she was about to fly off on her own and probably get lost. I thought I was protecting her by flying with her."

"Don't blame him, Eira," Runa said. "I'm the one who made him bring me here."

"What for?" said Ingrid innocently.

"I need to see Viggo."

Eira gaped at her. She should have seen this coming. Really. "That's not happening."

Runa frowned. "Why not? You're the one who inspired me to believe in my love."

"But it's dangerous."

"Viggo would never hurt me."

"Maybe he wouldn't, but Krogan and his dozens of flyers would." Eira turned to Haldor desperately. "Tell her!"

Haldor shrugged. "I don't see how it's any more dangerous than what you've been doing. But it's your call. I trust you."

"Please, Eira," Runa said. "I love him. When I thought he was dead, I was devastated. I could not stop thinking about all the things I should have done and said. Now that I know he's alive, how can I not act on it? I don't want to live with regrets anymore. If there is something I can do to save him, I have to try."

And with that, Eira felt her resolve crumble. She could see in Runa's eyes that this was about more than simply wanting to be with Viggo. She wanted to help him find redemption, and how could she argue with that? "Fine," she said, immediately earning a grin from Runa, "but we're going to need help if we're going to get you alone with Viggo."

"Can't we ask the dragon riders?" Ingrid said.

Eira hesitated. She remembered the look on Astrid's face when she had stopped Swiftwings from shooting at Viggo. "Hiccup is more understanding than most, but he has to think about what's best for all of us. I doubt I can convince him this venture is worth the risk."

"But there has to be someone we can go to!" Runa pleaded. "Isn't there anyone else who would understand?"

Vikings were not know for their understanding personalities, Torvaldians being the notable exception. But empathy could also come from living through a similar situation, and that gave Eira an idea. "Dagur," she said softly. "Dagur would understand." As soon as she said it, she knew it was true.

"The Berserker chief?" Haldor said curiously. "Come to think of it, shouldn't we ally with them as well?"

"Oh, most definitely," Ingrid said with a nod.

"We could all visit Berserker Island tomorrow and talk to Dagur," Eira suggested. Her stomach twisted as she wondered what she had just gotten herself into.

Runa beamed at her. "Thank you, Eira!"

"I'll, uh, ask Hiccup to let him know to expect us."

"Shouldn't you talk to him?" Haldor said. "I thought you said you were friends."

Eira looked away. "It's complicated."

"Oh, well, do whatever you think is best."

Ingrid approached Eira and placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "Are you going to be alright?"

Eira gave her a weak smile. "I'll be fine." She did not know if it was true. She had not seen Dagur since she rejected him, and his absence had made it easy to ignore what she felt about the situation. Now it looked like she would have to face her emotions head on. She could only hope she came out unscathed.

Eira, Haldor, Ingrid, and Runa arrived at Berserker Island on their dragons. Dagur was there to meet them at the entrance to the village. His eyes immediately found Eira's, and her heart jumped into her throat. Ingrid nudged her. Eira coughed and stepped forward. "Dagur," she said, "I would like you to meet my brother, Prince Haldor."

"It is a pleasure to meet you, Dagur," Haldor said with a smile.

Dagur managed a smile in return. "No, the pleasure is all mine. Thank you for meeting with me. We are always excited to make new allies."

"As are we." Haldor's gaze fell on Runa. "And this is a friend of ours who joined us on our trip, Runa."

"Nice to meet you," Runa said politely.

Dagur nodded. "You too." He returned his gaze to Haldor. "Shall we begin?"

"Please, proceed," said Haldor.

First, Dagur led the group to the stables up on the hill where their dragons could rest. Then he brought everyone to the meeting hall. Heather soon joined them, and official negotiations began. Of course, everything went well. By the end, everyone was talking amiably.

"I hope you don't mind if I take a stroll through your village," Haldor said. "I want to see things for myself."

"Not at all," said Dagur. "I will-"

"Dagur," Eira interrupted, "Runa and I have something to talk to you about alone."

Dagur looked like he was about to refuse, but he noticed Haldor watching him. "Fine," he said briskly. "Follow me." He stalked out of the meeting hall and walked all the way to the back. Then he faced the girls and regarded them with a cool expression. "Say what you have to say."

Eira swallowed hard. She knew his suddenly cold demeanor was because of her. But this was not about her, so she had to keep going. "Do you remember the letters we found in Viggo's hut after Ryker's defeat?"

"Yes, they were from Viggo's woman." Dagur's eyes fell on Runa and widened in comprehension. "You?"

Runa gave him a timid smile. "Yes, those letters were from me. I love Viggo."

"What are you doing here?"

"Eira told me in a letter that Viggo's alive, and I - I had to come find him. She said you could help me."

Dagur looked at Eira curiously, and she smiled weakly. "I didn't know who else to go to," she admitted. "And I'm not completely sure meeting Viggo is a good idea."

"She thinks it's not safe."

"It's not!" Dagur declared. "But why does that mean she shouldn't do it?"

Eira gaped at him. "If she's caught, Krogan's men could kill her. Even if no one finds out, there is no guarantee she can do anything to save Viggo or be with him. Meeting with him would give her false hope."

Dagur shook his head and sighed. "When did you become such a downer, Eira? You used to be so courageous and follow your heart."

"I - I've become sensible. And practical."

"And boring."

"Th-That's not true!"

Runa looked from Eira to Dagur in confusion. "Am I missing something here?"

"Not at all!" said Dagur. He turned on Runa and gave her a serious look. "You love Viggo, right?"

Runa nodded vigorously. "Yes, more than anything!"

"You've loved him for years and it hasn't faded?"

"Not at all."

"Why look for him now after all that time?"

Runa smiled sheepishly. "Maybe I should have gone after him sooner, but I didn't have the courage... until I met Eira. She was the first person to listen to my story and not judge me. She made me feel like it was okay for me to love Viggo. She made me see things could have been different. She also told me Viggo was dead, but now that I know he's alive, I have to do something."

Dagur gazed at her in kindness. "I understand completely, Runa. And that sounds just like Eira." He smiled at the girls. "She may seem to be double backing now, but she has trouble taking action sometimes. But that is why I am here! I am all about action. I will help you meet with Viggo, Runa! And I will do what it takes to make sure he stays with you."

The young girl's face brightened. "Really? That would be wonderful!"

"Wh-What?" said Eira. This was all happening so fast, it was making her head spin.

"True love shall prevail!" Dagur vowed. "Anyone with your passion should get what they want, Runa. You deserve happiness and love. And, Eira, I will show you why it's alright to fight for love with conviction. I will remind you of who you are."

Eira's eyes grew wide. What did he think he was saying? "I, uh, well..."

"Now I think I know what's going on," Runa said with a smirk. "But thank you, Dagur. I accept your offer. If we work together, I know we can reach Viggo!"

Eira wanted to agree with her, but something held her back. Maybe it was the triumphant look on Dagur's face. Or perhaps it was the uneasiness she felt at his words. Regardless, she could not back out now.

Ingrid and Heather were left alone in the meeting hall and spent the first few minutes staring awkwardly at each other. Ingrid sensed apprehension from the other female, and she knew the reason. She had not planned on revealing her cards to her so soon, but it might be necessary.

"So," Ingrid said in a much too cheery voice, "how is Dagur?"

"He's fine," Heather said curtly.

"Is he over Eira yet?"

Heather frowned. "Right to the point, are you?"

Ingrid shrugged. "You didn't seem in the mood for small talk."

Heather crossed her arms and eyed her suspiciously. "No, Dagur is not over Eira. He tries to deny it, but it's pretty obvious."

"Well, Eira isn't over him either."

Heather stared at her. "But she chose Snotlout."

"And it was a very tough choice." Ingrid paused as she considered the situation. "Maybe in most cases the act of choosing creates stronger feelings because of cognitive dissonance and everything, but that really applies most when both choices are equal."

Heather sighed in frustration. "I don't have the patience for your mind games. What are you suggesting?"

"Eira is in love with Dagur. She should have chose him."

"But you told her to choose Snotlout!"

Ingrid placed her hands on her hips. "No, I told her exactly what she feared: Snotlout is the safe choice. I never told her to choose the safe choice. She decided that all on her own."

Heather frowned. "If you're saying she chose wrong, why didn't you just tell her to choose Dagur?"

Ingrid shook her head. "It wouldn't have ended well. She has deep seated fear she needs to deal with first. If she didn't, she would unintentionally sabotage her relationship with Dagur. Being with him would be more difficult, and that's why she needs to be fully committed. She has to have confidence in her decision and believe in it."

Heather nodded slowly. "I think I understand. Are you hoping she'll realize the truth by making the wrong choice?"

Ingrid smiled. "Exactly. If she wants safe, I'm helping her see exactly what that means. Snotlout too. I'm doing what I can to help both of them figure out the truth. You can help me too by giving Dagur some support. Encourage him not to give up. Little sisters know best after all."

"This is a dangerous game you're playing, Ingrid."

"So, are you in?"

Heather smirked. "Oh, I'm definitely in."

Ingrid smiled broadly. Perfect.