DeathBerryHime: I don't want to give too much away, but it's seriously crazy how much you are reading my mind. Lol. As for the *touch*-and-go, though angst is good, I promise I won't do that to you or Astrid this time. Something has to give.
CB73: There are so many possibilities, but I think it is safe to say that Hiccup wants Astrid more than he wants anything else. Snot will need to watch his step. Hiccup is part night fury, after all ;)
Yubel578: Thank you for the review. I'm glad you think it's an alright story so far. I also enjoyed Snot's attempt at controlling Astrid. Well, before she throws him on the floor. There will be a confrontation of some sort between Hiccup and Snotlout, but it likely won't be what you all expect.
Guest Mark: I know how you feel, and he probably should have made better choices, but it's not really his fault. The thing I loved most about writing this story is the fact that nothing is as it first appears and everything happens for a reason.
Rainnnn: Yep, the chapter pretty much speaks for itself. Lol
_
Hiccup had spent the rest of the night pacing the cove in his sleepless torment. Feeling horribly guilty about what he had done. He couldn't even understand why he had done it. Every part of him knew that he needed to let Astrid go. Yet, for some reason, the moment she had asked, he had taken her. Given into his inappropriate and impossible desires without a moment's hesitation. As if he was completely powerless to stop it. What was it about her that controlled him so?
Eventually growing tired of watching his rider stress and rage, Toothless had simply gone to sleep. Understandable, since the complexities of human emotions were largely unnavigable for the dragon. As a creature of instinct, he couldn't understand why Hiccup was so adverse to being with his chosen mate. She had wanted to be with him too, after all. Still, despite Toothless' calm logic, all Hiccup could feel was disgust at himself.
He had fucked Astrid like they were a couple of savage animals. Had allowed his body to overrule his mind. Leading him to emotionally destroy the only woman he had ever cared about. She had offered, and he had taken. As if he had some sort of gods given right to her body.
By morning though, Hiccup had somewhat come to terms with it. It wasn't like there was anything he could do to take back his actions of the night before anyways. He had made love to Astrid again. Now he would just have to deal with the consequences. Hopefully she hadn't recovered too much of her rage yet. They needed to have a serious talk. Not yell at each other until their passionate anger inevitably led to more hate-sex.
At least he knew that they would have time to come to terms with the painful truth. That being the impossibility of their relationship. The looming battle preparations likely meant that Hiccup would be forced to spend weeks, if not months, living on Berk. If he and Ilweran were to beat the Red Death, they would need the help of the Hooligans and their allies. Shortly before dawn, Ilweran and Tintallë had turned up in the cove to strategize before the meeting. Both Riders grudgingly agreeing that the best option would be to train some of the Vikings to ride dragons as well.
Though they both despised the thought of doing another round of dragon training after they had just escaped it, it was their best hope. Now they just had to convince the villagers to agree to it. Though they would likely be less adverse to the idea now than they would have been before meeting the queen. They had already witnessed the benefit of trained riders first hand, after all. The only problem was convincing them to share the training. They would probably want to keep this new and powerful strategic advantage for themselves. Though the knowledge was not really theirs to withhold. If it was given to them freely, then it should be shared with their Allies equally as freely.
If he was really honest with himself, Hiccup would happily train every single Viking in the Archipelago to ride a dragon. If only because it meant that he would get to spend more time with Astrid. He knew that it was all kinds of wrong. He knew that it was unfair to her on so many levels, but he just couldn't help it. She was an irresistible siren that called to his soul. Luring him in with a dangerous power that he didn't understand. Making him feel as if he needed to be with her for his very survival, no matter how wrong it was.
He wanted to go find her and apologize again. To let her yell and hit him, before pulling him in to press her body against his. Giving into the allure of his own brand of wild magic as it sang to her desire just as irresistibly. He would hate himself for it, but he knew that he would not deny her. His body did not even want to try. She was pretty much the only thing he had been able to think about since dawn.
Unfortunately, even though most of Hiccup's mind was busy reminiscing over the events of last night, his body was trapped here in the Mead Hall with the village council. The meeting was just as dreadfully dull as he knew it would be too. Leaving him to spend hours sitting silently at the end of the long table while the others argued. Leaned back against the cool wood of the pillar behind him with his arms crossed. To anyone else it probably looked like he was angry about something. In truth, Hiccup could just feel Astrid's presence nearby in the village, and it was all he could do to stay in his seat.
He was also feeling slightly apprehensive. As per the (admittedly reasonable) terms of the tribe, all destructive devices were to be left outside of the Hall during council discussions. The allegedly friendly meetings did have a tendency to get pretty heated as people disagreed with each other on tactics. Of course Hiccup and Ilweran still had enough blades stashed in their armour to take down the entire council twice over, but their legendary weapons were not so easily hidden. As such, Ilweran's sword along with Hiccup's twin blades were currently sitting outside the doors, unguarded, with the rest of the attendee's weapons. Even though Hiccup knew that no one would be able to use any of them, it still made him nervous.
Calmacil would likely just burn the skin of anyone that tried to touch her. Guruthos, on the other hand, was known to resort to less innocent means of self defence. On more than one occasion, he had nearly destroyed the mind of the one trying to draw him without Hiccup's permission. No amount of mental barriers could stand against him. It was making Hiccup impatient and antsy. Sitting here and listening to grown men bicker like children, while outside someone may get it into their heads to try to inspect or reallocate the mysterious Riders' weapons.
As such, Hiccup had been extending what remained of his mental awareness to broadly encompass the whole village. Trying to listen for the warning thought that would proceed someone actually approaching the blades, while still attempting to pay at least some attention to this accursed meeting. Thank goodness Ilweran was taking the lead right now, since Hiccup was too busy pining for Astrid to be much bothered with the pointless quarrels going on in here. They had been going around in circles for hours. No one could agree on a strategy and Ilweran was trying to be diplomatic instead of pressing his advantage. They had saved Berk. A debt was owed.
Finally Hiccup couldn't take anymore. Leaning forward in his seat now, he placed his elbows on the table as he cleared his throat to get everyone's attention. "The way I see it, we do not actually have any options," Hiccup started blandly. "We already know that two dragons are not enough to defeat the Red Death without someone getting hurt. A small army on the ground may help distract her for a while, but it will not be enough on its own either. We need more people on dragons and we need the assistance of the Allied Tribes. The Allied Tribes are unlikely to fight with us if they do not get trained dragons out of the deal as well. It is really quite simple what must be done."
Everyone at the table fell silent as they looked to Stoick. Clearly waiting for his reaction as the chief leaned forward to place his own elbows on the table as well. "So, what exactly would you propose we do, boy," Stoick asked quietly. "If it is really so simple." There was a dangerous edge to his voice that was meant to warn the dark rider to tread carefully. Ilweran just cast Hiccup a look that very clearly said 'about time you join the party', and Hiccup flashed his middle finger at his friend in response. Hearing Ilweran snort a quiet laugh as he discreetly returned the rude gesture.
"It is not what I propose we do," Hiccup countered simply. "It is what will be done, as this is the price of our services. You will send envoys to your allies, explaining the situation and requesting their aid. Recruits will be chosen from every tribe that offers assistance and those recruits will be trained to fly and fight with dragons." Stoick's tone, as well as his use of the word 'boy', had certainly raised Hiccup's hackles. Still, as Stoick was both the chief and his father, Hiccup managed to keep his voice even enough. Despite this, Hiccup was pretty sure the men could sense that he had lost his patience.
"Ilweran will send a messenger to track down some willing dragons. While we wait, he will begin training those recruits that are chosen from this village. I will be making a quick visit to some other friends who may agree to offer us their expertise and aid, but I should return before the Allies begin arriving. After I am back, we will form a structured offensive to bring that beast down utilizing our greatly increased resources. Lastly, regardless of who the tribal leaders select, Ilweran and myself must hold absolute authority over which recruits we actually train."
Turning his hidden face towards each man in turn, Hiccup was almost daring one of them to speak up as he added, "now, is there anything that I have left unclear?" There were sharp intakes of breath from the others as they glanced nervously at their chief. Almost all of them clearly expecting Stoick to attack the Rider for his insolence. Gobber, on the other hand, was simply looking between the two cloaked men with a confused expression and a million questions in his head.
Stoick ran a hand down his bushy red beard as he contemplated the young man before him. It was a sound plan and he knew the Dark Rider spoke nothing other than the truth. They would need the other clans to fight the beast and the other clans would not fight without participating in dragon training. That was the basis of the issue, really. Half the council agreed that the other clans should be allowed to have their own dragons. The other half of the council thought that they should keep the dragons to themselves.
Sighing as he peered towards the face shrouded in darkness, Stoick wondered yet again just who these mysterious and authoritative strangers were. Hiccup could have laughed out loud at his father's wild guesses and crazy suspicions. "No one can deny the truth of your words, but how do you suggest we settle the dragon dispute," Stoick finally said. "Is it not understandable that many would want to keep something like that a secret? If the other clans decided to use their dragons against us, it would be our own fault for training them to ride in the first place."
It always comes back to conquering and the upper hand in battle, Hiccup thought tiredly. No matter where you went or what was at stake. "In all do respect sir, there is no debate," Hiccup stated mildly. "Ilweran and myself will train recruits from all of the clans. Or we will train no one. Dragons are not war machines that you hoard to use only against your enemies. Dragons are living, breathing, feeling creatures that will fight with you to protect those they care about. They do not fight for you."
"If you cannot convince your council to accept this then there is little we can do to help you. If you want to defeat the Red Death and end the war, you will do as I say. If you think I am out of line, you are free to go back to the nest and see how well you do without us." Refusing to play this game anymore, Hiccup resumed his relaxed posture from before. Letting his hood fall back enough to reveal just a sliver of cool green eyes reflecting the flickering torchlight. Ilweran allowing his intimidating amber gaze to rest on the chief as well as he pointedly crossed his arms too.
Stoick grumbled under his breath as he looked over the two self-assured young men in cloaks again. Then he moved his gaze to each of the council members around the table in turn. Most appeared to have resigned themselves to Hiccup's words. After all, it really was the only course of action that didn't lead to certain death. "What say everyone? Do we request aid from our allies in exchange for dragon training?" There was a loud chorus of 'Ayes' around the table with only a couple mumbled 'Nays'.
Finally! Hiccup thought as Stoick turned to face him and Ilweran again. "Very well," Stoick sighed. "We will dispatch envoys to the Allies and have them bring their preferred recruits here for training. In the meantime, I suggest we get to the matter of who on Berk should be chosen as riders."
Hiccup grinned behind his mask as he and Ilweran locked eyes briefly. Then Hiccup brought his gaze back to his father as he stated, "I believe I have some ideas."
*
Astrid felt like she was going crazy with all this waiting. Though admittedly it was only mid-afternoon, it still felt like the council had been in the Hall forever! Frankly this whole day was just going far too slowly. Likely due to the fact that her nerves were currently residing at a constant near-breaking point. Her mother's scrutinizing gaze making her more jumpy and uncomfortable with every passing moment.
Astrid's mother had arrived home from the feast last night to find the house empty. Yet she had watched her daughter leave the Hall much earlier than the rest. When Astrid finally made it back from the cove, it was to find her mother waiting up for her. After making up a vague excuse about how she had gone for a walk to clear her head, Astrid had escaped to her room as fast as possible. Throwing herself into her chores this morning with noticeable gusto, while at the same time trying desperately to act like nothing had changed.
Getting out of the house as fast as she was reasonably able, Astrid went to the forge instead. At least here she could reminisce about last night without worrying about someone seeing her dreamy expression and flushed face for what they were. She had slept incredibly well last night though, despite everything else that was going on. As she had left the cove and wandered back through the dark forest, she had been unable to recover any of her prior rage. By the time she awoke in the morning, Astrid knew for sure that she likely wouldn't find it again.
Hiccup had somehow completely disarmed her after just one night. It was pathetic. Seems all the years of painful absence had not been enough to make her hate him. All she could think about was being near him again. It didn't matter that he had claimed that he couldn't stay. He was here now, he wanted her, and Astrid just couldn't seem to want to stay away from him. She was going to have to kill some trees later just to feel like a warrior again.
Sitting on one of the stools by the workbench, Astrid could just see the steps of the Mead Hall through the stall window. Her senses acutely aware of the fact that Hiccup was in there with the other Rider at this very moment. Facing down his father and the entire council while posing as a stranger. She couldn't help worry for him just a little. Though, even Astrid had to admit it was unlikely that anyone would recognize him.
Hiccup had managed to become an entirely different person during his years away. Extremely tall, wonderfully toned, and ridiculously handsome, he was now the very epitome of a dream man. She really wished that she could parade him around the village and show him off. Ruff would be so jealous! Honestly, Hiccup's new physique was probably partly responsible for her inability to resist him. Though it couldn't be the only reason, since Astrid had never been irresistibly drawn to any other handsome man. Only him.
Just as she was thinking that she might actually go join everyone at Ruff and Fish' place instead, she finally heard the uneven footfalls of Gobber returning to the forge. That must mean the meeting was done, and she glanced out the window again right as the smith hobbled through the door. Gobber barely even pausing when he saw Astrid sitting by the counter. "Shoulda known ye'd be here," he said with a chuckle. "Guess you'll be wantin' ta know how the meetin' went then?"
She did, but mostly because she had wondered what would happen when Hiccup and his dad had to deal with each other for the first time in ten years. Not that Stoick knew it was Hiccup under the mask... Gobber's expression was almost reverent as he stated, "never seen a meetin' like it in my life. It was honestly the shortest one I've ever been ta. That Scáth is somethin' else. Doesn' mince his words. A clever head and a quick mouth ta match, tha' one."
Astrid arched a surprised brow at Gobber's tone, and the old smith just coughed a hoarse laugh. "He doesna' say much, but when he does, look out," he clarified. "He put the council in their place, right quick. It's strange though. I took the one in the white ta be the leader, but now I'm no' so sure. 'Nyways, he came up with a right brillian' plan 'n he got the whole council to agree ta it in less than a day."
Now Gobber's slightly awed demeanour finally made sense. It usually took ages to find a solution that enough people could agree on, and this was only the first half of the first day. Hiccup must have left quite the impression on the council, and Astrid was suddenly overcome with immense pride for him. Even more intrigued now, she started badgering Gobber about what this plan was, but he wouldn't say. "I expect you'll fin' out soon enough," was all she could get out of him. A mischievous light glinting in his eyes.
Just then Astrid heard much quieter footsteps approaching, and the next thing she knew Hiccup was strolling into the forge. Ducking down to get his tall frame through the door. "Ah, the man o' the moment," Gobber shouted jovially from the other side of the room. "I expect you'd be lookin' fer this young lass 'ere then? Don' let me interrupt." With that Gobber picked up a blade and started inspecting it, but she could still feel him watching the two of them closely.
Looking up at Hiccup in confusion, Astrid could just glimpse his eyes beneath his hood. The beautiful green orbs carrying a definite shine of laughter as they met her gaze. What exactly had she missed in the Hall? Was Gobber in on the secret now too? Although his earlier words about the meeting made her sure that Gobber still had no idea who was behind the mask. But then why would he know that Hiccup was looking for her?
"Good afternoon Miss Hofferson," Hiccup began with a nod, and there was an unmistakable smile in his voice. "I stopped by your house and your mother told me that I might find you here. We have decided to train a special battalion of dragon riders, consisting of recruits from each of the Allied clans. I have come to inquire as to whether or not you would be interested in learning to ride a dragon."
It took a moment for his words to sink in. Then another to rein in her reaction enough to keep from throwing her arms around him in delight. After taking a deep breath, Astrid replied as calmly as she could manage while fighting back a smile. "I'd be honoured, but why me?"
"You displayed incredible courage at the nest Miss Hofferson and I respect that. If you are willing, I would like to leave it to you to select the others from Berk that would be most suitable to receive training. They will be in your charge, after all. Consider that they should be young enough to be open-minded, but old enough to behave themselves." He paused for a moment. "Well, behave themselves most of the time" he added with a wink that Gobber couldn't see. She simply nodded numbly at him and he bowed slightly to her before he turned and left again.
Astrid stared after Hiccup's retreating form as her brain still struggled to process all that had just transpired. Then she heard Gobber chuckle behind her and shot him a questioning look instead. "I tol' Stoick that you'd be all for it," Gobber explained with a shrug. "He wasn' sure when Scáth suggested you as the leader of the Berk riders. Vikings on the backs o' dragons, who'da thought..." He looked down at the sword in his hand and gave a sigh. "I wonder what Hiccup woulda thought o' this idea."
Astrid's heart went out to him and she longed to tell him everything. Instead she said the closest thing she could think of to the truth. "Hiccup would have been the first one on a dragon, Gobber. You know that."
"Aye. That he would," Gobber agreed with a sad smile.
*
After leaving the Mead Hall with Hiccup, Ilweran had wandered off into the forest to call for his 'messenger'. Feeling the curious gazes of villagers following him, and simply choosing to ignore it. Wishing vaguely that the humans found his Order attire as terrifying as the other realms did. Somehow, even without his violent reputation preceding him, Hiccup had still dealt with those men in there like a pro. If he had been unpopular during his youth it was only because they were threatened by his intellect. Rather smart of them, really…
Although, apparently a certain blonde Shieldmaiden here did not feel threatened by Hiccup in the slightest. The very opposite, as a matter of fact. It seemed Ilweran had been right to assume that his friend had a lady of his own waiting somewhere. An unreasonably stunning one, at that. No wonder Hiccup had mourned the separation from her. What sane man wouldn't?
Still, the rest of the humans were keeping their distance, and for good reason. That boy was clever as they come and Ilweran always enjoyed working with him. He could also understand why so many of the other Riders were uncomfortable around him though. Hiccup was private, intelligent, and extremely skilled in both physical combat and the arcane. His razor sharp wit and wickedly sarcastic mouth both nearly as dangerous as his blades. Mostly though, there was just a constant aura of darkness about the man. His unmatched skill and brutality on the battlefield allowing one to see occasional glimpses of the savage beast trapped beneath the deceptively calm and handsome exterior.
None of this made Ilweran trust him any less. Everyone had their secrets, and Ilweran was no different really. From the small amount Hiccup had told Ilweran about his life, he had good reasons for his shadows. Despite them, Ilweran had witnessed Hiccup sacrifice of himself and display a deep kindness to those he deemed worthy. Himself and his daughter included. As long as you did not cross him, Hiccup was as loyal as a dragon and a good friend.
Once Ilweran was far enough from the prying eyes of the villagers, he lowered his hood. Just taking a moment to enjoy the sunshine on his face and hair before summoning his familiar. Smiling up at the great golden eagle when she appeared on his shoulder, and she shook out her feathers in response as her large talons carefully gripped onto the leather of his cloak. Anarama, Sun Wing in his native elvish, had been with him for nearly 350 years. Even longer than Tintallë. As such, the noble bird was one of his most dear and trusted friends.
After attaching a small scroll to her leg, Ilweran ran an affectionate hand over her huge, silky wings. "Get this to Minden as quickly as possible," he informed her. "Once she is ready, please escort her back here." Ana gave his arm a gentle squeeze as she gazed back at him with her intelligent hazel eyes. Then she pressed her beak to his chin in her version of a kiss before taking off into the sky. "Fly safe old friend," Ilweran muttered quietly as he watched her disappear over the treetops.
Now he supposed they would just have to wait. The dragons of Midgard were not quick to trust humans, but hopefully Minden would be able to find enough willing ones to provide for all of the recruits. Though he had made sure to include that they were planning to destroy the evil queen, so he could think of at least a few dragons that would definitely come to help. After replacing the blasted hood again, Ilweran huffed a resigned sigh as he headed back towards the houses to start getting ready for yet another round of dragon training. Only this time it was going to be with a group of people that had no clue who he really was, or just how easily he could dispose of them. Actually, come to think of it, that might not be so bad…
*
The gang was all gathered at the new Ingerman lodge. Fishlegs and Ruffnut had decided it was better to just invite everyone over here, rather than chance having Tuff or Snot trying to sneak into the meeting. It still irked Snotlout that his father and Stoick didn't see fit to invite him to council meetings yet. In Snot's mind, he was pretty much chief already, so he should be there. Especially since he would, in his own words, give those useless foreigners a piece of his mind before chasing them off the island. As if Snotlout could force those men and their enormous dragons to do anything. It was a completely ridiculous boast that never failed to make Ruffnut break down into rude cackles.
Fishlegs just found himself wishing absently that Astrid had joined them too. She usually had impressively good insight when it came to the workings of the council, and had even sat in on a few meetings. That and she scared the life out of Snot and Tuff, so she could often just look at them and it would shut them up. For some reason though, she had refused. Stating that she was busy before practically running away from him. It was not like her.
Hearing an angry grumble from beside him, Fish snapped himself out of his curious thoughts and tried to pay attention to the others again. "Just you wait. I bet those riders are going to come up with a super awesome plan and everyone is gonna love it," Tuffnut was busy saying, and Fish couldn't keep from rolling his eyes. Tuffnut had been adamant that anyone who rode dragons had to be way cooler than the stuffy village elders on the council. As such, he was sure that any plan the strangers chose was likely to be destructive and insane, which equaled fun in Tuff's books.
"No way is Stoick just going to let some foreigners fly in on dragons and tell him what to do. That's not how we do things on Berk," Snotlout countered grumpily as he crossed his arms. Snot, it seemed, was just adamantly against the riders in general. Having been especially sensitive about it after Ruffnut's goading last night at the feast. "I should be in there," he continued mutinously. "I could help him put those two back in their place and send them packing. Then we could come up with a good old Viking plan that doesn't involve crazy guys on dragons."
"Might I remind you that the entire island owes them both a blood debt," Fishlegs couldn't help interjecting with a sigh of exasperation. Wondering vaguely how Snotlout hoped to become chief of the tribe one day if he couldn't even understand something as cut and dry as this. "We can't 'send them packing' Snot."
"Yeah, and it's not like you could anyways," Tuffnut scoffed at Snot. "Have you looked at that Scáth guy lately? He's even taller and scarier than Stoick! With knives and swords everywhere, and riding a godsdamn night fury! I don't think even Stoick would have a hope in Helheim of sending him anywhere he didn't want to go."
Ruffnut barked out a laugh from her spot by the fire. Reaching out to high-five her brother as Snotlout scowled at them both. His obvious jealousy of the dark rider was quickly becoming a source of endless amusement for the twins. "I don't know why everyone thinks he's so amazing," Snot muttered. "So what if he's got a whole bunch of weapons? Doesn't mean that he knows how to use them. He's probably just wearing all that stuff to make himself look cool. I bet he's really a huge sissy."
"What? You mean like you," Tuff shot back. Causing Snot's face to turn crimson.
"Aww, Snot. You just don't like him because all the women think he is soooo much hotter than you," Ruff couldn't stop herself from stating.
"Which he is," Tuff pointed out. Then he was laughing loudly, even as Snot balled up his fists threateningly. Fishlegs opting to sit back and watch the group bicker instead. Eventually allowing himself to get lost in thought again. He just couldn't manage to be much bothered with the meeting. They wouldn't come to a decision today anyways.
No, what was bothering Fish were the riders themselves. Or at least aspects of them. Though it was not out of jealousy, like Snotlout. More out of simple curiosity. The aura of wild energy surrounding the mysterious men confused him. The very presence of the riders confused him even more, and Fishlegs hated being confused.
How had those two riders known they were even on Dragon Island to come and save them? Who were they and where had they come from? The one in the black was always wearing his hood and mask, so there was no way to tell what he looked like. Maybe he was disfigured? Or perhaps he was actually a real draugr from Helheim? He certainly looked and moved like one.
Thankfully most of the Vikings on the beach had not seen the dark rider move so fast he blurred out of sight. They had been too distracted by the dragons to pay much attention to the creatures with them. Not seeing the speed and strength of the rider's attack on the beast. If they had, it was very likely that they would all be in a panic right now. Trying to kill the evil monster before it could kill them and all their livestock.
Ever aware of just how violently superstitious his people could get, Fishlegs had kept his silence about what he had really seen at the nest. Only sharing the main parts of the battle with the Vikings that had missed it. He had noticed that Astrid was doing the same, which was good. The man (or whatever he was) seemed to be helping them right now, and it was probably best not to upset him and cause him to turn on the Tribe instead. If that happened, the people likely wouldn't stand a chance. Just as Tuff had said.
The one in the white didn't seem quite as frightening as the one in black, despite being somewhat taller and bulkier, but he still felt dangerous. Keeping his hooded cloak on as well, though he wore no mask. From what you could see of his face, his features were not like anything that Fishlegs had ever come across. High cheekbones and a strong jaw, paired with a finely boned nose and perfectly full lips. Shapely brows of an unnatural silvery blonde arching over wide almond-shaped eyes the colour of golden sunlight that always seemed to be laughing. He was somehow both incredibly masculine and incredibly beautiful in equal measure.
The riders were admittedly a rather strange and contrasting pair. One dark, menacing, and possibly disfigured, and the other bright and lovely as summer sunlight. Still, there was a certain similarity in the way they carried themselves that made Fishlegs almost suspect them to be brothers. Something about both of them calling to the animal within in a notably similar way, despite the fact that Fishlegs had never thought of himself as wild and had never had any interest in men. It was weird and considerably unsettling. As if they were not beings of this world.
Then there was the mystery of Astrid's glowing axe. At the time she had started carrying it, Fishlegs had been sure that Hiccup had made it. Now it looked as if Hiccup had received help from some master of the arcane during its creation, as no mere human could have made a weapon like that. Where had Hiccup met this person? What sort of magic had been used on the axe, for Fish was sure that's what it was. Only gods and monsters could use magic, as far as he knew. That only raised new questions though. How had Hiccup managed to convince one of these beings to help him make an axe?
Suddenly the door to the house flew open and startled Fish out of his reverie. Looking up he saw Astrid standing in the open doorway, and she seemed about to explode with excitement. Ruff looked up from her sewing at the same moment, before waving vaguely towards an empty chair near her. "You're just in time," Ruff drawled. "We were just in the middle of a battle of the brains and everybody is losing from having to listen to these two." She gestured at Snotlout and Tuffnut.
Laughing at that, Astrid shut the door behind her before coming over to join the group. "You guys will never guess what just happened," she started. Looking happier and more exuberant than Fish could remember seeing her in years.
"Gobber's revealed to everyone that he's actually a lady and a great dancer! I knew it," Tuffnut shouted. Everyone turned to stare at him. "What? I thought we were supposed to try and guess."
Shaking her head and rolling her eyes, Astrid quickly filled the group in on what had transpired at the meeting. Then what had happened in the smithy afterwards. "Oh. My. Thor. Scáth made you the leader of the Berk dragon riders? You actually get to pick who gets to learn to ride dragons? That's awesome! Please let it be me," Tuffnut gushed after she'd finished. Squeezing his eyes shut and crossing his fingers.
"Actually…" Astrid began slowly. Her fingers idly twisting around each other in an uncommon display of nerves. "I was kind of hoping that all of you would be willing to join the Berk Guard, as I'm calling it."
*
Taking advantage of a moment of freedom in the cove, Hiccup had removed his hood and mask for the time being. Enjoying the feel of the cool breeze on his face as he bundled up the small tent and thin sleeping roll he had only really put out for show. Although, if Astrid was going to keep sneaking here to visit him, then maybe he should invest some time into making something a little more comfortable… He was just packing up the last of his meagre supplies into the saddlebags when said lovely lady arrived in the cove. Exclaiming happily, "they all said yes," as she ran over to him.
"Excellent! I knew I chose right when I made you the leader." Hiccup laughed as Astrid punched him on the shoulder. Her bright smile alone damn near stealing his breath away. The fact that she was so excited about just learning to ride a dragon was extremely gratifying. This woman really was utterly perfect.
Toothless huffed at Hiccup in apparent agreement before leaning around to nuzzle against Astrid in greeting. "Like there was ever any other choice," Astrid joked as she scratched the dragon under his scaly chin. Causing him to rumble low in his throat and close his eyes. "Seriously though, I heard about the meeting. Apparently everyone is in awe of how you settled everything so fast. According to Gobber, you even managed to silence Mildew and Spitelout. Not an easy thing, that. I'm proud of you!"
Hiccup rubbed the back of his neck uncomfortably at her praise. "Yes, I guess I did. I was trying to hold my tongue and be patient with them, but I remember well how those meetings go. I just, could not take it any more, you know..." He looked at her imploringly as he trailed off.
"Oh, I get it," Astrid chuckled as she rolled her eyes. "Gobber was certainly very impressed with you. With your plan too. He asked me what you would think of Vikings on dragons. I told him honestly that you would have been the first one to ride a dragon. He agreed." Hiccup just stared at her for a moment longer before barking out a laugh.
"You seriously said that? You are both unbelievable and amazing mi'lady," he chortled before kissing her. Seeming completely incapable of resisting the call of her lips for more than a few minutes.
"I know," Astrid replied flippantly as they broke apart, causing Hiccup to laugh again. "So where are you going? Will you be gone long?" She began toying idly with his belt as she spoke. Looking up at him shyly through those long lashes of hers and arching her back to accentuate her luscious curves. His desire promptly sparking to life in response as he fought to keep his hands off her.
The demure expression Astrid wore was a very obvious ploy. She was not pure and timid anymore. He had, unfortunately, been unable to resist making certain of that. Now this vixen was going to be his undoing as well. She knew the power she held over him. Calling to his body in the same way that his called to her.
Her fingers tracing gently against his abdomen through the thin leather armour caused his stomach to clench with need. No doubt feeling the muscles flex under her touch, Astrid suddenly asked, "and do you really need to leave right away?" Her tone was perfectly innocent, and Hiccup didn't buy it for a second.
Hiccup groaned as he grabbed her hand and laced his fingers through hers. Astrid just smirked in return as she continued to move conspicuously closer. "Sweet Norns of Chaos, I seem to have created a monster," he couldn't help muttering under his breath, even as he allowed his other hand to rest on the delicious swell of her hip. Thumb brushing over the sliver of creamy skin peeking out from beneath her tunic. "I would like to leave as soon as possible since I am flying to the mainland, you wicked, evil temptress! I hope to meet up with an old friend that should be able to help us, but I will not be gone long. Perhaps a week or two at most. It really depends on how quickly I can convince him."
Astrid pouted her lip out at that, which Hiccup took as an open invitation to kiss her again. Her free hand straying south from his chest to caress him through his trousers before he could make himself stop her. Cursing, Hiccup grabbed her other hand in his now too and held them both gently behind her back. "Fine! I will be gone for three days at the very most. Even if I have to kidnap the poor man! Do you think that you can keep your wandering hands to yourself for that long woman," he asked in mock indignation as Toothless rasped his dragon laugh at the two of them.
"Oh I will certainly keep my hands all to myself. Every single night until you get back." Astrid grinned wickedly for a moment before Hiccup was crushing his mouth to hers again. Releasing her hands so her fingers could twine into his hair as he pulled her body tight to his. His hands sliding down to the hem of her tunic again and beginning to drag it slowly upwards as she moaned against his lips in hungry expectation.
*
It had taken longer than Hiccup had planned on to leave Berk, but it couldn't be helped. That woman was a she-demon sent to ruin him. Stealing every last shred of his reason and sanity when he was with her. He just couldn't figure out why was he so powerless in her presence. Though he already knew that the gods really did hate him, so maybe that was it. Luckily they still made great time thanks to Toothless' new behemoth wings and greatly increased endurance. The journey that had taken over a month ten years ago, now took only the better half of a day. Though it was also likely due to the fact that they flew mostly straight through instead of hop-scotching between islands.
They had briefly detoured to Melody Island along the way though. At first, they had been planning to do something about the Death Song. After talking about it however, the brothers had realized that there wasn't really a point to destroying the beast. What had seemed monstrous to Hiccup in his youth now felt like the natural course of life. That was just the way of the world. The strong sat by and drew the weak to them. Then they trapped them and slowly devoured their souls. So instead they simply stopped at the beach to gather up some more amber before continuing on to the mainland.
Night had already fallen by the time they reached the mainland. Deciding that it didn't make sense to look for Eret until morning, Hiccup and Toothless opted to bide their time in the same old clearing from ten years ago. Waiting impatiently for the sun to rise. As soon as Hiccup felt it was late enough, the brothers made their appearance. Landing at the edge of the village and heading towards the local forge. Hopefully the Eretson's still owned it.
A few people screamed when they saw the giant dragon, but Hiccup paid them little mind. He and Toothless were far too used to that sort of behaviour. Hiccup was just preparing to knock on the door of the smithy when he heard a familiar voice from behind him. "Well, soil my britches! That is one huge bloody night fury!"
_
So Astrid gets to learn how to ride a dragon. This means that even though I skipped over the 2 and a half years of dragon training on Asgard, you'll still get to see what the recruits have to go through. Except it will be with people you know and love. What a nice guy Hiccup is, by the way. Even though he wants to kill Snotlout, he's still letting him join in the dragon training.