Chapter 54: Going For It

"Good morning, Runa!" Dagur boom when the girl entered the main part of his house from the room she had been sharing with Heather since they learned she was pregnant. "Is Heather up yet?"

"Yes, and she's already gone," Runa replied. "She must have left early."

Dagur nodded. "I'll catch up with her later. So, how are things going with Viggo?"

Runa gave him a sad smile. "Not good, unfortunately. He's still ignoring all my letters."

"Don't worry too about it. Eira thinks he's try to protect you."

"I suppose that could be the case."

"And Eira promised to help reach him!"

Runa smiled. "You think pretty highly of her, don't you?"

"Of course. Eira is the best! She's the first person who believed in me and cared about me - aside from my dad, I suppose." Despite any problems they may have, he knew he would always be grateful to her. He could not imagine what his life would be like if he had never met her.

"Heather told me you're in love with her."

Dagur's smile fell. "Why would Heather go around talking about something like that? Is nothing private anymore?"

Runa shrugged. "She was just worried. Besides, I kind of figured it out on my own. I thought there was something going on between you two when I first saw you together."

"Well, there's nothing going on! Not anymore. I'm going to be married, you know, to someone who is not Eira!"

"That's why Heather is worried."

Dagur scoffed. "What does she know? She hasn't been around Mala long enough to judge her. Once they spend enough time together, I'm sure she'll come around."

Runa shook her head. "I don't think Mala is the problem, Dagur. What is a problem is how fast you're moving. Are you sure you're not just using Mala to get over Eira?"

"Not 'just!' I do have real feelings for Mala, and so what if part of my motivation is to get over Eira? I'm not like you, Runa. I can't wait years for someone to come around. I've been going crazy these last few months! I had to do something." If he had not met Mala, he was not sure what he would have done, but it probably would have been something reckless and stupid.

Despite his fierce tone, Runa remained calm as she gazed at him. "Who said it would be years? Heather also told me she broke up with her boyfriend. She's available now."

"And I'm supposed to just dump Mala for Eira?"

"If she's the one you really want, then yes. Otherwise you're hurting yourself and Mala in the long run. You both deserve better."

Dagur's resolve weakened as Runa's words struck his heart. He looked away so she could not see the sadness on his face. "It doesn't matter if Eira is available right now. She was available when I first pursued her, but she didn't choose me. And it wasn't that Snotlout was a much better choice. She had problems with me. That hasn't changed."

"You don't know that," Runa said softly. "If her opinion changed about Snotlout, it could have changed about you as well. You may have even played a part in the breakup."

Dagur took a deep breath. "If anything has changed that much, she can tell me herself. But I'm not going to seek her out. I've already risked a lot because of her, and I can't go through that again."

"What about true love conquering all?"

Dagur smiled at her to ease the worry in her eyes. "Of course your love will win. You and Viggo proved you can hang on long-term even if you're not together. It's different with Eira and me. There's too much uncertainty. If I could have something good with Mala, I need to go after it."

Runa still seemed unsure, but she nodded. "Alright. Just don't actually marry her until you think everything through. This isn't a decision you take lightly."

Dagur flashed her a grin. "I know that! Don't worry about me. Just focus on getting through to Viggo."

Runa smiled slightly. "Yes, Viggo. I hope everything turns out well for the both of us."

"And if Heather spreads more rumors about me, let me know!"

Eira held out her arm, allowing Squirt to land on it. She examined his body but found no letter. Sighing, she allowed him to fly off. She turned to Ingrid and Snotlout, who had accompanied her on her stroll through the forest at Dragon's Edge, and shook her head. "Viggo is refusing to write back to me," she said.

"I saw we find Viggo and make him talk!" Snotlout said, bringing his fist to his palm.

"And endanger ourselves and everyone here?" Ingrid said. "I don't think so. If we happen to see him, we can corner him."

"And when will that be?" said Eira. "He hasn't been with the dragon hunters during their attacks since he took back the Dragon Eye." She frowned when something occurred to her. "You don't think he's in trouble, do you?"

"If he is, it's his own fault," said Snotlout.

Ingrid shot him a sharp look. "That's not helpful. Anyway, that might be something to discuss with Runa. We could go to Berserker Island and-"

"I think we can wait on that," Eira said quickly. "Let's try something else on our own first."

Ingrid frowned at her. "Are you sure you just don't want to run into Dagur? I can ask Heather to alert us when he's not there."

"And then I'll be imagining where he is."

"So, you are jealous of Mala," Snotlout said. He appeared completely unaffected by the news.

"Not jealous exactly..."

"But you do want to be with Dagur."

"Sure, but I recognize he made a choice. I want to be happy for him, it's just..." She hesitated, unsure of how to explain. "Well, what do you think of Dagur and Mala as a couple?"

Snotlout blinked. "I think they're way too affectionate in public."

Ingrid rolled her eyes. "She means besides that, Snotlout."

"Fine, let's see..." Snotlout put a finger on his chin as his face turned thoughtful. "It's a very good political match. They're both leaders, and uniting their islands brings benefits to both. And they are both warriors, so they have a similar view of the world. They approach things different, but it seems like it doesn't take much to get them on the same page." He paused. "It all makes sense, so why does something feel off about it?"

"I feel it too," Eira admitted. "I thought I might just be biased, so thank you for sharing. I guess what works on paper doesn't always work in reality. Take you and me for example."

Snotlout nodded. "Right. This might not be the best context for their relationships."

"Wow, you two are learning well," Ingrid said with a smile. "Let me help you make it the rest of the way."

Snotlout looked at her suspiciously. "Why does it seem like we're part of some experiment?"

Ingrid waved him off. "You're just imagining things. Back to Dagur and Mala. Heather told me they want to get married as soon as possible. Putting issues of something intervening aside, they are both take charge kind of people. They act first and think second."

Eira frowned. "That's why Dagur got into trouble with his old lifestyle in the first place. His obsessiveness could be put to good use, but I don't know if it's a good idea for him to have someone who will encourage the behavior and never question it."

Ingrid nodded. "It is good to be with someone who questions your normal way of doing things. Dagur admitted himself that you've helped him grow and learned how to slow down, Eira."

"I... yeah, that's true." Eira allowed a small smile to form on her face. She did enjoy helping Dagur, and she was pleased he appreciated the effort.

"But what has he done for you?" Snotlout questioned.

Eira automatically touched the bandana around her head hiding her scar. "He's given me the courage and strength to fight for what I believe in. He helps me take action when needed." Her eyes widened as something dawned on her. "He helps me be who I am supposed to be. If I want to help Vikings and dragons understand each other, I need to take more chances. And I should have taken a chance on him back then." Resolve overcame her features. She knew what she had to do. "So, I will take a chance on him now."

"That's beautiful," Snotlout said with watery eyes. "I'm in."

"W-What?" She was not expecting that response from him.

Snotlout smiled. "You're my best friend, and I want you to be happy. I'll do whatever it takes to make that happen."

Eira smiled back at him, warmth spreading through her. "Thank you, Snotlout." She looked from him to Ingrid. "What do you think I should do?"

"Talk to Dagur," Ingrid said. "Tell him how you feel."

Snotlout shook his head. "No, that won't be enough this time. She needs to prove she's willing to put in the work for him."

Ingrid looked like she wanted to argue, but then she shrugged. "Actually, he may have a point."

"Okay, how do I prove it?" Eira said. Her heart beat in nervous anticipation. Was she actually going to do this? Thinking of Dagur, she knew the answer.

Snotlout grinned. "I'm sure we can think of something if we put our heads together."

Ingrid, Eira, and Snotlout took a week to come up with a plan and prepare. Finally, the big day arrived. Eira and Snotlout took off to obtain something necessary while Ingrid gathered everyone together on Dragon's Edge. The riders were relaxing outside when Dagur, Mala, and Heather arrived.

"We're here!" Dagur announced. He slid off Sleuther and then helped Mala.

"Oh, good!" Ingrid said brightly. "Now we'll be able to start soon."

"Hiccup Haddock, what is going on?" Mala asked.

"I have no idea," Hiccup admitted. "Ingrid wanted to show us something."

"Aren't we missing someone?" Dagur said, looking around the group.

"Two someones, actually," Ingrid said. "Eira and Snotlout. They'll be here shortly."

Dagur frowned. "I thought they broke up."

Ingrid rolled her eyes. "Did I say they were making out? They're still friends, you know. Anyway, I need to talk to you, Dagur. Come with me." She walked off without waiting for a response.

"You're so bossy," Dagur grumbled. They waked until they reached the trees where they would not be overheard. "So, what's on your mind?"

Ingrid took a deep breath. She had told Eira she would prepare Dagur for what was to come. They both agreed he should not make a snap decision. He had to be at least thinking about the right ideas during the big reveal. "You shouldn't be with Mala."

Dagur scoffed. "You're bossy and judgmental."

Ingrid placed her hands on her hips. "I'm not judgmental. I just know you should be with Eira instead."

Dagur's eyes flashed with surprise. "Hey, aren't you the one who encouraged her to choose Snotlout?"

Ingrid held in a sigh. This again? "No, I merely pointed out the advantages and disadvantages of each choice. I thought she should choose you all along, but telling her that wouldn't have helped her. She needed to get over her fear of being with you. I believe I've successfully brought her to that point."

Dagur frowned. "Then why isn't she telling me this herself?"

"Oh, she will. I just wanted to give you a heads up."

"Thanks, but I can deal with this myself. And it's too late. I'm marrying Mala."

"Do you still love Eira?"

Dagur hesitated. "Yes. But you know very well that doesn't mean I have to choose her. I could have my own reasons not to."

"You're right. I just hope you'll make the right decision for both of you." With that, Ingrid started back to the others. She had done her part. Now it was up to her sister.

"These little guys are just what you need," Snotlout said, proudly sweeping his arm to indicate the nest of Smothering Smokebreaths in the nearby cave. "They'll do the job alright."

Eira smiled at him. "Thank you, Snotlout." They started for the cave together. "And thank you for helping me with Dagur. I know it might be awkward for you."

Snotlout shook his head. "Not at all! It would be awkward if I lost to him, which I didn't. And I kind of feel bad about it, actually. If I hadn't intervened, you would have chosen Dagur in the first place."

"But we would have still had problems. It was my fault. And hopefully it was a good learning experience for all." They stopped in front of the nest. The little dragons regarded them suspiciously.

"How do you want to do this? I could scare them, and-"

"I've got this." Eira slowly approached them with her palms out. "Hello, guys. I'm not here to hurt you or steal your metal. I just need to use your smoke making abilities." She reached out and scratched one of the Smothering Smokebreaths under the chin. He immediately let out a thick, black puff of smoke. Eira smiled. "Just like that. And if you help me out, I've got something for you." She proceeded to pull a huge chunk of metal from her bag. The dragons' eyes lit up, and they followed her as she returned to Snotlout and their dragons.

"Of course they listen to you," Snotlout muttered.

Eira tied the metal to Swiftwings' saddleback. Then she climbed onto her back and took to the air with Snotlout and Hookfang beside her. Fortunately, the Smothering Smokebreaths understood and followed them. So far, so good. "Everyone should be gathered at the Edge by now."

"Great! But was it really a good idea to invite Mala?"

"I had to. I want to be open and honest with everyone. And I don't think she likes me very much anyway." That was not to say she loved the idea of fighting for Dagur right in front of her. Still, she saw no way around it.

"That's true. She didn't like it that you got me to stop taking the trials. But it's not your fault you have the same taste in men."

Eira frowned. "That wasn't my objection to you taking the trials, Snotlout."

"I know, I know. So, when Mala is free, you wouldn't mind if I go for her again?"

Eira gave him a look. "Snotlout!"

Snotlout grinned. "Kidding." When she looked away, he mumbled, "Your sister is kind of cute, though."

Eira quickly glanced at him. "What was that?"

Snotlout smiled innocently. "Nothing!"

The two of them soon reached Dragon's Edge. Eira's heart pounded as she took in all the people. Did she really want to do this? Then she caught Dagur's eye and felt a rush of warmth. She could do it for him.

"They're here!" Ingrid said happily.

"Are those Smothering Smokebreaths?" Fishlegs said in confusion.

"Alright!" Snotlout shouted. "Everyone watch this!"

"I need your assistance now, guys," Eira said to the little dragons tailing here. She quickly instructed them on the proper procedure. Snotlout flew close and pulled out his own hunk of metal. Then the riders split up with half the Smokebreaths following each one.

Once they were high in the sky with everyone's eyes on them, the dragons behind Eira and Snotlout let out their smoke as they flew, creating the illusion that they were drawing in the air. Eira wrote out her own name while Snotlout wrote Dagur's beside it. Then the two of them worked together to form a heart around the names.

"Thanks, guys," Eira said to the Smokebreaths while handing one of them her chunk of metal. "You can follow him now." Snotlout took the dragons away while she flew down to meet a stunned public. She avoided eye contact with everyone as she slid off Swiftwings' back. When she finally glanced up, she saw Dagur broke away from the group to stand before her, a mix of conflicting emotions on his face.

"Eira-" he started.

Eira held up her hand. "No, don't speak yet. I need to tell you something."

Dagur merely nodded. For once, he was completely silent.

Eira took a deep breath and let it out slowly. The stares she received unnerved her, so she tried to focus only on Dagur. "I am sorry." The flash in his eyes told her he had not expected that. "I am sorry for everything I've put you through. I'm sorry I didn't act on my feelings sooner, and I'm sorry I'm doing so now when you have other obligations. It might not change anything, but you need to know the truth.

"And the truth is, I am completely in love with you, Dagur. You're the one I want. It's always been you, and it will always be you. I refused to acknowledge this before because I was afraid. That fear had more to do with me than you, so don't think you did anything wrong. Actually, you've helped me overcome my fears in so many ways. This last one was just a tougher hurdle to jump over. I'm there now. I am still afraid, but that doesn't matter because you're more important than my fear.

"I'm ready to fight for you. I don't care what anyone else thinks about us together; you make my life better, and that's all that matters. I'm standing here telling you this in front of everyone so you know I mean it. I love you. If you give me another chance, I promise I'll treat you right. But I know I might be too late. If that's the case, I understand. I will support you no matter what you choose. I just had to fight for us... because I believe true love conquers everything." Eira grew silent, waiting for a response.

Dagur stared at her for a long, hard minute. Then a small smile formed on his face. "Eira, I've wanted to hear you say that for years. Your timing could be better, but no one is perfect." He briefly glanced over his shoulder. "I don't know what the proper procedure is for something like this, so I'll be honest with you like you were with me." He moved closer to her, and her heart pounded when he stood mere inches away.

"I love you, Eira," he said with a warm smile. "I've always loved you. I don't know how to stop. I tried to move on. I thought I was successful, but maybe Heather and Ingrid had a point that I was rushing things. I didn't want to stop and think about what I was doing like you always tell me to. But you weren't there, and everything is better when you're there!" He paused. "The point is, I want to be with you too, and I'm willing to do anything to make that happen."

Eira's heart fluttered with hope. "Really?"

Dagur brushed a hand across her cheek. "Really."

"I hate to interrupt," Mala said abruptly, reminding them they were not alone, "but there are important matters we must discuss."

Dagur turned around and stood partially in front of Eira in a protective manner. He eyes Mala, who regarded them with hard yet otherwise unreadable expression. "I'm sorry, Mala. I just-"

"You're in love with her. I know. Heather warned me this might happen, which is why I acted quickly. I suppose it can't be helped. I can't have a king who is pining after another woman, can I?"

Dagur relaxed slightly. "That wouldn't look good for PR," Ingrid said.

"So, you'll cancel the wedding with no repercussions?" Hiccup said cautiously.

"Do not worry," said Mala. "This will not affect our alliance. However, there is one small problem." She frowned at Dagur. "You have already passed the trials to become king. Our law states you must accept."

"Can I be king without marrying you?" Dagur suggested.

"I am afraid not. However, since the marriage has not gone through and you are not officially king yet, you may lose the right to both through an act of betrayal, such as kissing another-"

Dagur's lips were on Eira's before the queen could finish speaking. Eira responded immediately by kissing him back. Her arms slipped around his neck while his fell to her waist and pulled her close. She moved her hands up to stroke his hair. She took in everything about the way he felt, tasted and smelled, loving it all.

"Alright, everyone, let's leave them alone," Hiccup said when they finally broke apart and stood there grinning at each other. "And, Snotlout, bring those Smothering Smokebreaths home."

"Why do I have to do all of the work around here?" Snotlout complained. Gradually, the noise died down.

Eira gently rubbed her thumbs across the stubble on Dagur's face. "Dagur..." She murmured. he was unsure how to say everything she was feeling right now.

"I know," Dagur whispered. "Me too."

Eira smiled and pulled his face to hers. She kissed him gently at first and then more passionately. Dagur responded fervently. Eira did not know how long they stayed like that, but she did not care. She finally had her heart's desire. Dagur was hers... and she was his.

A/N: There's a nice, long chapter for you! I hope it was worth the wait. Let me know what you think. :)