CB73: Oh my Thor! I am still laughing about that 'dragon-riding' comment! Too good!
Yubel578: Thanks for the review :) I guess we will just have to wait and see ;)
DeahtBerryHime: I agree! Ereeeeeeet! So much mayhem. Women are the devil :P lol. PS: this ones for you my dear. Lol
Wodenfang: It is gonna be pretty epic when it happens.
Guest 1: Indeed, now it does.
Guest Mark Andrew: Yes, Hiccup still has some shit to work through with Astrid, but things have been set in motion now. Once something gets moving, it's very hard to stop it. Thank you physics :) Though I have to admit, in his position, I might just dish out the crazy in bite-sized portions as well. It would tend to make it a little more manageable...
_
At the sound of the voice, Hiccup spun around to see where it had come from. Behind him stood a familiar man with a blue tribal tattoo on his chin, light brown eyes, and black hair tied back from his face. Eret Eretson the Youger had somehow grown even taller and broader over the years. The man had only paused briefly at the sight of the gigantic black dragon, but now he stopped dead. His eyes widening as he caught sight of the horrible creature standing beside it. Was it Ankou, the God of Death, come to steal their souls?
Hiccup couldn't keep from snorting a laugh at Eret's unguarded thought, even as he pulled his hood off to reveal his face. "Eret Eretson! Just the man I was looking for," he shouted jovially. Taking a step away from Toothless and closer to Eret as he held a hand up in greeting. The celt stared at the man and dragon for a moment longer before dawning realization finally gleamed in his eyes.
"It can't be! Scáth? Is that really you," Eret cried out. "What on Midgard have you been feeding your dragon?" Hiccup smiled widely and jogged forward to embrace his friend. Realizing with shock he was actually taller than the celt now, and nearly as broad even without the bulk. Eret clearly noticed the same thing and slapped Hiccup hard on the back in a fashion that would have sent him face-first into the dirt the last time he had been here. Now Hiccup simply stood firm and grinned at him again.
Eret offered him a mischievous smirk and Hiccup couldn't help raising one arm to jokingly rest it on his friend's head. As Eret laughed at the mocking action and jabbed Hiccup in the ribs, he was suddenly reminded just how much he had missed the Eretsons and their easy friendship. Of course the other young man started bombarding Hiccup with questions right away. Wanting to know where he had been and what he had been doing. Evading the inquisition for the moment, Hiccup asked Eret where his father was instead.
"He's at the house still. I'm sure he will be very happy to see you," Eret said as he and Hiccup started walking through the village together. Toothless trailing behind them as people came out of their homes to stare at the group. Some with fear, but most just looked on with interest. Eret continuing as if he didn't notice the attention.
"Our life has greatly improved since you left," he offered cheerfully, before looking Hiccup over again. "So has yours it seems. The last time I saw you, you were just a scrawny runt of a kid. Now look at you! Tall, dark and handsome, and outfitted like a warrior! What has happened to you little brother? You and your dragon left as small boys and came back as gigantic monsters."
Hiccup chuckled at the lopsided praise, but kept his reply simple. "I grew up Eret. It had to happen eventually, you know." Both men laughed at this. The sound clearly carrying ahead of them, as the door to Eret's house suddenly burst open and Eret senior strode out. His rugged face splitting into a wide smile as he clasped Hiccup in a tight hug.
Taking a step back and holding the young man at arms length now, Eret Senior looked over Hiccup and his dragon appraisingly. "What did the Romans feed you my boy? You've shot up like a weed and you look like a soldier!" Hiccup's face darkened slightly at the mention of the Romans, but the older man pretended not to notice. "Come in my boy! Wet your lips and tell us of your travels." With that he turned and walked back into the house. The two young men following behind him.
After greeting Mrs. Eretson warmly as well, Hiccup went to join the two men sitting by the hearth. Accepting a flagon of mead from the older man before telling them both as much as he dared of his time in Rome followed by the events of the battle with the Red Death. Carefully making it sound as if there was no gap of lost time in the middle. "That is actually why I am here," Hiccup hedged now. Aware that he had promised Astrid he would be back by tomorrow night and wanting to get straight to it. "I was hoping that you would be willing to lend your expertise to aid us in defeating this monster. She is stronger than any dragon I have ever seen, and smart as well. It is going to take more than simply brute force to bring her down."
Both the Eret men contemplated his words for a moment. Finally Eret the younger took a long drink before answering. "If it's alright with you father, I think I would like to accompany Scáth on this fool's mission. It would certainly make me feel better about my dragon trapping days if I could at least use the knowledge I gained to save lives."
Hiccup was half expecting Eret Senior to be reluctant to let his son go, but the older man just nodded his approval as he stroked his beard thoughtfully. "Aye, I think you should go. Your mother and I will be alright here and we have young Drust to help us with the horses." This last comment didn't make much sense to Hiccup so he inquired about it.
"Drust is my other little brother" Eret the younger supplied with a grin. "He will be 7 years this coming winter. As for the horses, remember all that amber you gave us before you left? Well, since we couldn't go dragon trapping anymore we had to find another way to earn extra coin. Father bought some quality steeds and we now breed horses. Our stallions are highly sought after by the Romans as war horses. It has provided us with quite a comfortable living over the years."
"All thanks to you," Eret the elder added with a warm smile. Hiccup mumbled that it was nothing. Still a little surprised at how easy it had been to convince the men. It wasn't like they owed him a debt. The amber had been given as a gift. To reimburse them for the nearly a year of lodging and aiding a small boy with barely even a name to offer.
The rest of the day was spent in friendly conversation and easy laughter. These people didn't know him as the Dark Rider, after all. They only knew him as Hiccup. The timid little boy that had stumbled into their village with a destiny and a dragon. Looking back now, it was almost hard to believe just how young, innocent, and painfully naive he had been back then. That thought weighing on Hiccup's heart as he watched young Drust play by the fire while trying to join in the men's conversation as much as he was able, but not yet understanding the humour. How long would it be before the boy's bright little world was darkened by loss?
"Speaking of amber..." Hiccup started vaguely, after the men all had several tankards of mead in them. Then he proceeded to tell Eret Senior about his plans to purchase provisions for the desperately depleted villagers. The older man offering in return to assemble the required supplies. Between the surrounding area and the trading ports just along the empire's coast, he figured he shouldn't have an issue sourcing the supplies.
"I'll reach out to some of my old contacts too," Eret the elder added. Stroking a hand thoughtfully over his beard. "I could probably get enough ships together to transfer the purchases to the island for you, if you'd like. Though it'll likely take at least a month for them to get there by sea. Unfortunately that's the best I can do."
As they didn't really require the extra provisions until the Allies arrived, Hiccup agreed that a month would be just fine. When he brought the huge sacs full of amber into the house though, Eret Senior nearly fell out of his chair. "I know that it will be expensive to provide for a village, but I don't think it's going to be that much," he exclaimed with a chuckle as young Drust ran over to inspect the shiny amber. "Besides, the prices for goods from the empire have lowered somewhat since Hadrian died almost three years ago."
"I am aware of that," Hiccup replied with a shrug. Hearing Toothless' dark chuckle at the mention of Hadrian, but somehow managing to keep his composure. Just a slight smirk twisting his lips instead as he watched the small boy marvel over the treasure. "Consider the remainder to be your payment for helping me with this endeavour. I am sure it will take up more than enough of your time to make this compensation justifiable. Besides, I have little use for it and I do not believe the Death Song needs it anymore, either." All three of the men laughed at that. Toothless even joining in from where he was curled up outside the door, before the group settled back onto lighter topics.
The next day Eret the younger began to prepare for the coming journey while Hiccup assisted Eret the elder and Drust with the horses. He had to admit that they were beautiful animals. Tall and strong with sleek manes and tails groomed to perfection. The little boy, on the other hand, reminded Hiccup of himself at that age. Easily distracted and always getting into trouble.
Afterwards, Hiccup wandered throughout the village with Toothless. Greeting old friends as the children raced around the dragon excitedly. Showing no fear of the massive creature as they climbed on him like little savages. Trying to get him to play with them, and finally succeeding in getting the silly beast to roll over on his back as they scratched his scaly belly. Hoping to make his leg kick. Hiccup couldn't help but laugh at his blood brother. The most feared dragon of them all, nothing but putty in the hands of small children.
As he meandered the familiar village, Hiccup couldn't help noticing the absence of one friend in particular. When he returned to the Eretson's home later that evening, he inquired after Bríghid. According to Eret Senior, she had left some years ago and no one knew where she had gone. This saddened Hiccup. He had been looking forward to seeing her and speaking with her, but she had promised him that they would meet again one day. He couldn't help but believe her too. She had been dead right about his destiny up to this point, after all.
The following morning, the two young men prepared to leave the village on Toothless. Hiccup had to help Eret to get up onto the dragon's back, which greatly amused Eret's father. After laughing themselves silly at Eret's expense, Hiccup leapt up to the saddle as well before Toothless took off into the sky. The whole village gathered and waving below them. Eret looked over the edge to wave back, before quickly closing his eyes and gripping the saddle tight. His face turning a delicate shade of green.
"Do not worry, brother," Hiccup told him brightly. "The flight will only get rougher once we are over open water." Eret let out a loud groan, as both Hiccup and Toothless laughed again.
*
Astrid could barely contain her excitement on the first day after Hiccup left. Waking up with the sunrise and almost too amped up to even eat breakfast. They were supposed to start dragon training today! True, they didn't have any dragons yet, but Ilweran had said this was of little importance. Apparently they had a lot to learn before they would actually be ready to start riding anyways. Although Astrid couldn't imagine what could be so difficult. Hiccup had taught himself how to ride a night fury that was sporting an artificial tail fin for Thor's sake!
As it turned out, there really were more than enough things to keep them busy until the dragons arrived. After setting up a makeshift academy in the dragon training arena, the group spent the first afternoon learning the proper way to approach each species of dragon in order to gain its trust. This was the complete opposite from using the blind spot for attack. The dragon had to be able to see you to trust you. Along with this, they were also expected to learn debate and diplomacy tactics. Two things which Ilweran claimed would help them to respect the extra authority they would hold as riders among the clans.
"The use of force is often the least desirable way to solve a dispute," Ilweran explained to them after one particularly mind numbing stint of strategy practice. Fishlegs nodded his agreement, but Snotlout snorted in disbelief at that. "When battles of the blade are fought, both sides lose," Ilweran clarified blandly as he shot a glance at Snotlout. "Think for a moment of all those that have already or will in future, lose a loved one during a time of war. How many of your people did you recently send off to Valhalla through a poorly conceived plan relying on little more than brute force and strength of nerve?"
Those words sobered everyone. Even Snotlout, who cast his eyes down towards the stone floor for a moment in uncharacteristic shame. Ilweran, taking note of this, nodded slightly before continuing. "As frivolous as it may seem right now, being skilled in the art of passive combat could save many a life in future. As riders, you will be looked to in times of crisis and the decision for how to proceed will rest heavily on your shoulders. When you are able to feel the weight of this as the burden that it truly is, only then will you finally be ready to ride dragons."
Hiccup returned after three days, just as he had promised. With him was a tall and muscular young man with black hair, warm brown eyes in a handsome face, and a strange blue tattoo on his chin. His finely made clothing and weapons all bearing those same intricate knotted patterns that were etched into Astrid's axe. Marking him out as a foreigner, despite the fact that he spoke fluent Norse. This newcomer was also given lodgings in Stoick's home, and he settled in surprisingly quickly with the villagers. Ilweran and him forming a fast friendship, right from day one.
Most of the women were just as taken with this new man as they had been with the exotic and sexy riders. Hiccup had introduced him as Eret Eretson and it became clear right away that the two knew each other well. Usually referring to each other as 'brother'. Bantering and laughing together often. This also had the unexpected result of making 'Scáth Rothaí' seem slightly less terrifying to the villagers. If this foreign man could joke and laugh with the dark rider, then maybe he wasn't really a draugr, as many had begun to believe.
Somehow, all of these beautifully perfect men also appeared to be available for the taking. The mothers and unmarried women of the tribe could often be heard speculating about it. Wondering how much it would take to arrange a marriage contract with one of these gorgeous, and clearly wealthy, specimens. Debating with each other how best to lure one of them in and tie them down. Though Astrid knew that the dark rider was already off the market, she enjoyed adding in her own joking remarks on wash day. Encouraging the ruthless ladies to pursue the men, and then quietly laughing as the men were overwhelmed with unwanted attention.
Ruffnut was also eagerly joining in on the inappropriate conversations. Claiming that since she was married, she needed something exciting to visualize during sex. This had caused Astrid to snort loudly as she watched her friend drool over the strangers. Ruff and the other women were absolutely relentless with their ogling too. Following the men around in the village, or at training in Ruff's case. Trying to touch them at every opportunity. Astrid was honestly a little surprised that Fishlegs hadn't had an emotional meltdown yet at his wife's behaviour. Though Ruff did continually ensure him that she only wanted to appreciate the delicious yak-chops, not actually eat them.
Hiccup, Ilweran, and Eret all handled the attention as well as any man could be expected to. They were all polite, but evasive. Hiccup and Ilweran often using their inhuman speed to escape the unwanted entourage while leaving poor Eret behind like a sacrificial lamb. The two of them laughing unapologetically as Eret shouted curses over the crowd. Watching it all, Astrid couldn't help the smug sense of satisfaction she felt. These women could chase and scheme all they wanted, but they were never going to get their grubby mitts on the dark rider.
If the recruits had thought that dragon training would get more exciting under Scáth's tutelage however, they were horribly mistaken. When they arrived at the academy on his first day back, it was to find him already there. Waiting patiently for them with seven packs lying on the ground at his feet. Acknowledging their curious glances by cheerily announcing that they would be going for a little hike today instead. Removing two of the bags from the rest of the bunch, he then gestured for everyone to grab a pack.
Fishlegs had blanched at the news of the hike, but everyone else perked up. Surely this would be less painful than the brain training. Feeling confident in her abilities when it came to physical activities, Astrid had rushed forward to grab one. When she went to lift it however, she was shocked. The thing was ridiculously heavy.
More than a little confused, she opened it up and saw that it contained a pile of rocks. What was he playing at? Looking up, Astrid noticed that she wasn't the only one glaring at the dark rider in disgust. Hiccup simply ignored their furious gazes as he opened up one of the remaining two packs. Pulling out a bundle of full water bladders and tossing one to each of them, as well as to Ilweran. The other man coming over to grab one of the two remaining packs by Hiccup's feet.
Hiccup and Ilweran shared a brief look and a chuckle then that instantly made Astrid suspicious. Unable to fathom what could possibly be funny about this as she looked angrily back down at her pack. Why the blazes were they carrying rocks up a godsdamn mountain? Surely there were already rocks at the top! She was going to kill Hiccup later. If she survived this ridiculous hike that is. This was going to be like the stupid Sheep Carry event at the Thawfest games. Except even worse, because they were somehow supposed to carry the sheep up a mountain.
Then Ilweran smiled pleasantly at all of them as he slung his own pack over his back. It looked to Astrid as if Ilweran's bag was much lighter than the ones they had given the recruits. The dirty, rotten cheaters! Snotlout noticed the same thing, and immediately started grumbling loudly at the sight. Causing Hiccup to bark out a burst of raspy laughter before getting serious again.
"These packs have been weighted to the equivalent of the average human," Hiccup informed them all. "It is meant to represent the burden of lives that you will carry as riders. This burden will be a constant companion in your future, and though it may feel too heavy to bear at first, it will get easier with time. I assure you that, as Riders of the Order, Ilweran and myself carry much heavier packs." Seeing the disbelieving looks on the faces around him, Hiccup held out his own pack in a raised hand. "If you do not believe me, you are free to come check for yourself."
Watching the dark rider hold it out in front of him, one-handed, Snotlout scoffed and walked forward to take it from him. As soon as he had grabbed the bag, Hiccup let it go. The thing dropped straight to the ground with a dull thud. They all gaped in shock as Snot tried with all his might to lift it, but he only succeeded in dragging it a short ways. His face turning bright red from the strain as the veins in his neck protruded startlingly.
Hiccup chuckled softly at his cousin's struggles before stepping forward and picking up the pack again. The strange black ring glinting with green on his finger and catching Astrid's eye. Before she could think to take a closer look at it though, the sight of Hiccup slinging the bag easily over his shoulders promptly distracted her from his new jewelry. Ilweran calmly moving to walk beside Hiccup as they both made towards the exit. The recruits all looked at each other for another moment before quickly wrestling into their own packs. Helping each other to get them on properly as they hurried to catch up to the two men.
Hiccup and Ilweran took them up the mountainside backing the village. Allowing them to stop as often as they wanted, but not to take their packs off. It was exhausting and Astrid's shoulders ached where the straps of the pack cut into them. Her legs shaking from the strain as her muscles felt like they were actually on fire. By the time they got to the ridge, finding Tintallë and Toothless already waiting for them by the lake, Astrid was ready to collapse. Though she was pleased to see that she had done better than the rest of her friends.
Somehow, even though the recruits were all wishing for death, Hiccup and Ilweran didn't even look tired. They just removed their stupidly heavy packs before instructing everyone else to do the same. Then Hiccup led the group through a series of stretches and exercises that Astrid's quaking muscles could barely manage. Worst of all was the one he called 'The Plank', which forced you to use almost every muscle to hold yourself off the ground for as long as he told you to. Every time someone gave up early, Hiccup made them all start over again.
After all of this, the recruits had to put their packs back on and make the return trip to the academy. It was full dark by the time they got there. Astrid gratefully dropping her heavy pack on the ground before stumbling her way home. Thankfully her parents had waited up for her and saved her food. When her mother saw her hobbling into the house, she also hurried to prepare some warm compresses for Astrid's aching legs. The soothing herbs did help to ease enough of the pain that Astrid was at least able to climb the stairs to her room. Flopping onto the bed in an exhausted heap and falling asleep almost immediately.
When she awoke the next day though, Astrid's body somehow ached even more than it had the night before. After rolling out of bed like a drunkard, she then proceeded to drag herself across the floor. Struggling into her clothes before pulling herself up to her feet using her desk. After a few deep breaths, she made her way slowly down the stairs. Each step almost more painful than the last. The breakfast her mother offered her was as hard to get down as the stairs had been. Gods, even her teeth felt sore.
When she had eaten as much as she could, Astrid began to make her slow way to the academy. Her beautiful axe remaining propped beside the door at home today, as she didn't really want to carry the extra weight up the mountain again. As she got to the arena and saw Hiccup standing by the packs, Astrid realized that this had been a very good idea. At least she could see sympathy colouring the portion of Hiccup's face that was visible. His eyebrows drawing together above worried green eyes as he watched her limp into the arena.
"I am sorry, Astrid," he whispered. Moving close enough that she would be able to hear his hushed voice as his hand brushed against hers. "I know that this is awful, but I promise I will make it up to you later." Then he winked at her from under his hood and moved away again. It wasn't much, and it didn't make her muscles hurt any less, but it made her heart feel lighter at least.
Just then, Fishlegs, Ruff, and Tuff walked in the gate. Snotlout trudging in a few moments later. All of them looking even worse than Astrid felt. Hiccup gave them all a moment to grumble, before he picked up his own pack and slung it over his shoulders. Ilweran doing the same as both men moved toward the exit again without another word. Sighing in resignation, Astrid struggled into her own heavy pack and followed them. Taking the same path up the hill.
The group stopped for even more breaks today. Their already aching muscles quaking under the strain of doing this two days in a row. When they finally reached the top, everyone except the two riders collapsed on the ground, packs still on. Astrid wrestled her arms out of her bag as she lay face down on the grass. Letting the pack roll off to rest beside her as she tried to breathe through the pain. Her legs feeling like they were being torn apart by wild nadders.
Hiccup let the group recover for a few minutes before ordering them back to their feet. "Come on everyone. I assure you that you could lay here all day and the pain would still be there by this evening. You will simply have to power through it. One day, it will not hurt so much anymore. For right now though, we will be helping to distract you from your physical pain by inflicting some emotional pain on you instead." Loud moans of protest sounded from all around at that as Ilweran chuckled softly.
Astrid turned her head to look at Ilweran just in time to see he and Hiccup bump their fists together. Their shoulders shaking with silent laughter. "Assholes," she grumbled to herself as she pushed up to her hands and knees. Hiccup actually chuckling out loud at that as he suddenly reached down to pull her the rest of the way to her feet. Making Astrid shoot him a confused look, even as she reached up to accept his proffered aid. Weren't they supposed to be feigning disinterest in each other?
As she made to release his hand before anyone could see, Hiccup gripped hers tighter for a moment instead. Discreetly brushing his thumb over her knuckles once before finally letting go. Trailing his fingertips gently over her palm as he did so. She could feel the telling blush rising in her cheeks now as a tingle ran through her at his touch. Looking around, she noticed Ruffnut eyeing her curiously. Astrid simply shrugged at her friend before making a big display of brushing the dirt off her front. Trying to ignore how close Hiccup was still standing to her and only partially succeeding.
Turns out, Hiccup hadn't been lying though. They did inflict emotional pain on the recruits. Instead of the horrible exercise routine of yesterday, they suffered through an equally horrible series of debates against the riders today. It was also a new style of debate. Different from anything the Hooligans had ever encountered before. The complicated method pushing their already exhausted minds to the breaking point.
Each round started the same, with either Hiccup or Ilweran asking you a relatively simple question. When you gave your answer, they would then make you explain that answer by posing a closely related question. This process would repeat over and over until the interrogator had backed you into an impossible corner. Faced with a question that had no right answer. It was ridiculously frustrating, and Astrid just couldn't see the point of it. Why bother debating at all when there was no possible way to best your opponent?
Seeing that she was about to start screaming at him, Hiccup quickly informed her that they were not meant to win. It was not really a competition. It was purely to force them to think about their words and actions in a newer and deeper way. Shaking the foundations of what they had always assumed to be true. It was shaking her foundations all right, Astrid thought as she actually considered hitting him for a few brief moments. At least she was managing to hold it together somewhat better than many of the others.
Tuffnut was currently lying on the ground in the fetal position. Sucking on a thumb and rocking himself as he cried. Ruffnut was clutching at her braids and shaking her head as if warding off a swarm of bugs. Snotlout was actually throwing a full-on tantrum, complete with foot stomping and arm swinging, as Ilweran laughed at him. In fact, Fishlegs seemed to be the only one really enjoying this torture. Every time one of the riders backed him into a corner, he would grin widely and say something like, "you got me again! How extraordinary!" It made Astrid want to hit him too.
Part way through the day Toothless and Tintallë showed up to watch them practice again. Toothless giving Astrid his gummy smile as he came over to lay near her and Hiccup, which she returned with a chuckle. He even nuzzled his scaly nose against her at one point when she was about ready to throw a Snotlout-esque fit. Rolling his luminous green eyes and giving her a look that clearly said, "hang in there. You can do this."
Thankful for the boost of confidence, Astrid reached down to scratch the dragon under his chin as he leaned into her touch. A contended rumble starting deep in his throat. "Thank you Toothless," she said sincerely. In return, the huge night fury actually started purring at her. With a laugh, Astrid shot a cheeky glance at Hiccup. "You know what Toothless, I think you should be teaching these lessons instead," she quipped to the dragon. "You are WAY nicer than Scáth."
Hiccup simply met her gaze and shrugged. "You are probably right, though he is likely just a sucker for beautiful ladies with big blue eyes. Do not let him fool you. He is the offspring of lightning and death itself, remember. The most terrifying and evil monster in the skies." At that, Toothless promptly swung his tail around and knocked Hiccup right off the log that he had been sitting on.
Seeing him lying on the ground, cursing at the black dragon, Astrid found herself laughing out loud as Toothless rasped a chuckle. Then, at the sudden press of silence, she glanced around to find everyone staring at the three of them. Most of them looking confused, while Ilweran met her gaze with a grin. The white rider laughing out loud at Hiccup too. Snotlout, on the other hand, was glaring daggers at the dark rider. Clenching his fists and grumbling under his breath menacingly.
Hiccup ignored the entire display as he got to his feet in one of those startlingly fast and graceful movements he was prone to. Announcing that they would leave it there for the day. With relieved groans, everyone gladly shouldered their bags again and headed back down the mountain. It was still light out when they got to the academy and Astrid dropped her bag before running home. She had not spent any time with Hiccup aside from the lessons since the day he had left to get Eret and she was starting to go a little crazy. Determined to use this time to visit him, she sat down with her family and wolfed down her dinner as quick as she could. Hurriedly excusing herself from the table as soon as she was done, before retrieving her axe and taking off into the woods.
Ignoring her achy legs, Astrid doubled back through the village to make sure that she wasn't being followed. Breaking into a light jog as soon as she hit the trees, she snuck off to the cove. The action feeling like déjà vu as she remembered doing this exact same thing five years ago. When she came out through the opening in the cliff however, she stopped and looked around in surprise. Toothless was there, but she couldn't see Hiccup anywhere. She had been sure from his earlier comment that he would have been expecting her.
Suddenly a warning chill ran up her back as her axe was effortlessly removed from its holster and tossed aside. A pair of strong arms wrapping themselves around her from behind as a hard body pressed against her. Before she could even utter a cry of surprise, Astrid felt warm lips against the side of her neck. They sent lovely tingles shooting through her scalp and down her spine. That, along with the intoxicating scent of him, instantly calming her nerves. Humming softly now as she tilted her head for another, she leaned back against Hiccup.
"Hello mi'lady. I was wondering how long it would take you to come visit me and I was really hoping that it would be this evening. I must admit that it makes me a little crazy spending the night without you when I know that you are so close." It was almost as if he had pulled his words straight out of her mind. The whole going crazy without her, while knowing that she was so close. It was the exact way she felt. Hearing him say it made her heart flutter, as that same strange warmth blossomed in her chest again.
His breath ghosting over her skin was making her shiver. The gentle kisses he trailed up her neck clouding her thoughts like strong mead, but she still managed to keep her voice mostly even. "You were sure that I would come back, were you," she asked mildly. "You must think very highly of yourself. Perhaps I came here to tell you that I'm over you."
"Mmhmm," Hiccup murmured against her skin. "Is that so?" His hair was brushing against her chin, so he must not have been wearing his hood or mask. Apparently he really had been waiting for her.
"It could be. Maybe I've decided that I am deeply in love with Snotlout and I want to be with him instead." She was struggling to sound nonchalant now. Her voice faltering slightly as he began to kiss and teeth at her earlobe. She felt his nose brush over the sensitive skin, as if he was gently inhaling her scent. Breathing her in as he slowly began to retrace his route back down to her shoulder. Her knees going weak at the blissful feeling, and her body betraying her words as she pressed herself closer to him.
His one arm remained tight around her to hold her up as his other hand snuck under her tunic now. Gentle fingers leisurely gliding over bare skin. When a quiet groan burst from her lips, Hiccup chuckled softly before nipping at her collarbone. The surprisingly pleasant near-pain making her gasp. "That would be disappointing, but understandable," he agreed. "Snotlout is quite a catch..."
Astrid couldn't help the snort that escaped her at that, even as Hiccup continued with his relentless teasing. His skilled fingers straying under the waistband of her skirt and sending spikes of hot need through her. "He is just so big and strong. Such a glorious hunk of Viking love," he drawled with a sigh. "I cannot, for the life of me, figure out why you would be visiting a string bean in fancy clothes like me. Especially when you could have a real man like him instead."
Astrid finally couldn't stand it anymore. She burst out laughing as she turned in his arms to look up into his face. Noting in surprise that Hiccup wasn't wearing the cloak or swords at all. Leaving his glorious body clad in only the tight armour as she suddenly yearned to explore it. "I guess I'm just a sucker for a hot man in leather," she joked as she ran her hands over his chest. "How did you know that he called you that, anyways? The mead hall was way too crowded for you to have heard him that night."
Hiccup just grinned down at her. "My hearing is exceptional, mi'lady. I know that Snotlout called me a string-bean, and I know that Ruffnut thinks I look sexy and dangerous. The question is, which do you agree with?" His hands ventured back under her tunic as she pretended to ponder his words. Running his fingers over her sides and hips as he leaned towards her with a mischievous smirk on his lips.
The combination of predatory look and soft touch caused yet another wave of longing to flow through her. "Oh, I don't know… You're no Snotlout, but I guess you're alright," Astrid offered with a sigh. "Not very dangerous though. More like a kitten than a wildcat." She grinned cheekily at him, expecting him to scoff or pretend to be offended. Instead, Hiccup just gazed back wordlessly at her with impassive eyes as a low growl slowly started to fill the space between them. Growing from somewhere deep inside of him before bursting out through his slightly parted lips.
It was a deep and feral sound that was as inhuman as his movements. Astrid realizing in surprise that it sounded remarkably similar to the growl from the other day. The one she had taken to be from either Toothless or Tintallë. She only knew that it was coming from Hiccup this time because the rumble of it was vibrating through her hands where they rested on his chest. She had no idea how he was doing it, but it sounded incredibly animalistic and sexy to her for some reason. Her body instantly responding without her even consciously deciding to do so. Her back arching to press her breasts against him as she sucked in a quick breath of desire.
Obviously Hiccup noticed her reaction, as his smirk grew into a wicked grin. Exposing gleaming white teeth with exaggerated canines that she hadn't even noticed before. There was something strange and feline about them. Something dangerous that should frighten her, but it didn't. The wild energy radiating off him just kept calling to her instead. Sending waves of wanton heat straight to her centre, and she pressed herself tighter against him as she wrapped her hands around his solid biceps.
"Sorry, I meant to say that you are a very terrifying creature," Astrid corrected herself with an unexpected giggle. "Deliciously sexy and oh so dangerous. Especially because I can't seem to stay away from you. Although really, who could?" She smirked back at him as she ran her hands suggestively over his leather covered muscles.
"Much better," Hiccup growled before leaning down to kiss her.
*
Hiccup couldn't understand what it was about this woman that he just couldn't walk away from. She somehow brought out both the best and the worst in him, all at once. The feel of her body was achingly familiar in his hands. Delicate and feminine despite her strength. Every curve like an old friend that he was finally visiting again after too many years apart. The time away having only served to make her even more unreasonably beautiful than she had been before.
His new eyes could see rosy tones in her complexion that he had never noticed before. Her lust clouded eyes boasting an array of blues that could make the sea jealous. Her skin feeling incredibly smooth and supple under his sensitive fingertips. The silky hair falling into her face smelled of fresh lavender, and his head was filled with the heady combination of the fragrant flower and Astrid. Her own scent a curious mixture of sunshine, citrus, and cinnamon that was almost intoxicating.
She was even more perfect than he remembered her. His old eyes had not been good enough to see the depth of her loveliness. His old senses too weak to appreciate her properly. Snotlout didn't deserve this goddess. Didn't deserve to have his grabby little hands on her.
The memory of Snotlout's arm around her in the hall caused a startling surge of rage to rise up in Hiccup's gut, as he forcefully bit back on another growl. Could they not all see that Astrid belonged to him?! Family or not, if it became necessary to defend his claim, he would do it. Happily, and by whatever means necessary.
This sudden wave of fierce possessiveness actually surprised Hiccup a bit with its intensity. The reality of just what it meant hitting him like a hammer to the face. "Well, I guess night furies do mate for life after all, hey bud," he shot at Toothless. Hearing the dragon rasp a quiet laugh in return as he sensed Hiccup's emotions through the bond. They had wondered, as they had nothing to judge it by. Toothless was the last night fury in existence as far as they knew. Still, Hiccup had begun to suspect as much when he had lost any real sexual interest in other women since the blood-bonding.
He obviously still appreciated looking at beautiful women. He wasn't completely numb from the neck down. He just had no desire to touch them. Cuithanna being the only exception, but that was more out of obligation than desire. His body still reacted like a man's should, allowing him to perform the ritual, but his mind remained distant and unaffected. Until he was near Astrid again, of course. Hiccup had always just assumed that it was because he was still holding onto heartbreak. Turns out it was actually because he had already found his life mate and did not need or want another.
Now that he had returned to her though, Hiccup knew that he would not be able to leave Astrid again. At least, not for very long. They were a mated pair, whether it was impossible or not. He was immortal, she was not. She had to remain in Midgard, he could not. Staying away from her for all those years had turned out to be the stupidest thing he could have ever done. From this point on, he would return to her as often as he could, until she died or did not want him anymore. After which point, he may just die of heartbreak himself.
Still, the impending misery did not matter anymore. Even though it was wrong and unfair to her, Hiccup refused to deny her anything. As long as Astrid still wanted him, he would come back. The night fury in him had staked its claim long ago and there was no going back now. Unfortunately, that same inner beast would do literally anything to keep Astrid for itself. This meant that Snotlout had to go, one way or another. Despite her joking, Hiccup doubted that she actually wanted the idiot dead, so he should probably look at other options first.
He would find a way to get her out of her marriage contract, if it was the last thing he did. He needed to. For the two of them, and for Snotlout. The man may be an ass, but Snot didn't really deserve to die simply because he was stupid enough to pursue the wrong woman. It wasn't like Hiccup could really blame Snot for wanting Astrid either. She was absolutely perfect, and holding her now was rekindling emotions Hiccup had been sure were lost forever. A warmth blossoming out from his chest to flow through his body on a tidal wave of peace.
The moment he accepted the truth, Hiccup let go of his inhibitions. Finally allowing himself to feel comfort rather than guilt as he held Astrid closer. His missing heart restored to the hollow in his chest as if it had never been gone at all. Astrid's arms coming up to wrap around his shoulders now, completely unaware that everything had just changed for them. Her slender fingers twining into his hair as she stretched onto her toes to deepen their kiss. The beast in him singing to the wild in her, and her reaction was an unexpectedly pleasant surprise.
They fit together so perfectly. It felt as if they were made for each other, and maybe they had been. Who was he to say otherwise? Astrid began to peel off his tunic then and Hiccup leaned forward to help her. Both of them laughing as she tugged it down his arms and tossed it aside before standing back to look at him. Taking in his broader, well muscled physique, and a smirk twisted his lips at the predictable direction of her thoughts.
Holding his arms out to the side Hiccup asked innocently, "what do you think? Not bad for a talking fishbone." Giving a joking twirl now as she laughed at him again.
"Haddock, you are ridiculous! What ever am I going to do with you," Astrid sighed. Shaking her head at him with a fond smile. Then she was reaching out to run her hands over his chest and abs, and the feeling of her fingers on his bare skin was shockingly similar to the bonding fire. Blazing straight through him with a wonderful pain.
"Oh, I could think of a few things that I would like you to do with me," he smirked at her. Watching a wicked grin blossom on her beautiful face as desire kindled in her gut again. The sensation of her lust washing over him. Numbing his brain like a concentrated dose of willow bark. Winking deviously, Astrid hooked her fingers through his belt and tugged him towards her.
Hiccup wrapped his arms tight around her as he pressed his lips to hers again. Simply enjoying the taste and feel of her without a clear end game in mind. Although her hands were greedily wandering over him, Hiccup held himself back instead. Only exploring what he could easily reach underneath the hem of her tunic. There was no need to rush. Tonight was simply about showing Astrid that he wanted her for more than just her body.
Breaking away for barely a moment, Hiccup bent down and swept one arm up behind her knees as he cradled her shoulders with the other. Refusing to reduce his natural speed as he picked her up. She was his mate, and he would not pretend to be anything other than himself with her. She deserved that much from him at least. He was supporting her effortlessly in his arms and starting to carry her towards Toothless before she even knew what was happening.
Once her mind had caught up to her body Astrid looked up at him in shock, but Hiccup just kissed her again. Effectively distracting her as he climbed onto the saddle. As Toothless stood up and stretched his wings out though, Astrid glanced down from her position across Hiccup's lap and tensed. "Oh gods! That's a long way down," she muttered as she clutched at his shoulders. Toothless turning his head to grin back at her with unmistakable smugness.
Hiccup was so used to Toothless' new size that he barely even noticed it anymore, but he supposed that to Astrid this might be a little unsettling. Chuckling, he smiled softly down at her. Hoping to reassure her. "Do not worry mi'lady. I promise that I will not let you fall. Do you really think that I would let you go now after I just got you back in my arms?"
She offered a tentative smile in return as she rested one hand on his still bare chest. "I really hope not," Astrid sighed before leaning up to kiss him. Toothless taking off with a gentle push of wings at the same moment, and making towards the coast. Gliding silently over the tree tops to avoid being spotted. The villagers might not recognize Hiccup, but they would certainly recognize Astrid.
As they reached the cliffs, Toothless swooped as low as he could over the rocky ledge. His greatly increased wingspan leaving him unable to actually land there now, as he hovered above it instead. His large body rising and falling slightly with every wing beat. Glancing down at Astrid again, Hiccup felt a grin spread across his face. "You may want to hold on."
That simple phrase had her gazing back at him in confusion for a moment. "What? Why," she asked nervously.
"Because we have to jump," Hiccup offered simply. "Toothless is too big to fit on the cliff and I doubt you want to chance going for a swim in the ocean." He was fighting with everything he had not to laugh out loud at the look on her face as she leaned forward to look over the side. Her face paling as she realized that the distance between them and the ground was nearly 50 feet.
"Very funny, Hiccup. Now what's your real plan."
He grinned at her again as he placed a tender kiss on her forehead. "Just hold onto me, please. You will see." She still looked uncertain, but she wrapped trembling arms around his neck anyways. Holding somewhat tighter than strictly necessary in her fear. Hiccup swung his leg over the saddle as he met her nervous gaze. Then he slid off the side.
In her defence, Astrid only screamed a little bit. The sound trailing off into the wind as Hiccup landed gently on the grassy edge of the cliff. Taking most of the shock through his leg muscles while bending his knees to compensate for the rest. Muttering a quick spell to shield her body from any remaining impact. Humans were so fragile. Then he straightened up and waited anxiously for her reaction. Her mind almost seeming frozen in shock as well, as not even her thoughts gave her feelings away for once.
Her arms were still locked tightly about his neck as she gazed around with wide blue eyes. Looking first at the ground, then up at the huge form of Toothless, before coming back to settle on Hiccup. A mixture of confusion and wonder on her beautiful face, but incredibly there was not even a hint of fear anymore. "How?.." Astrid started to say, but he kissed her quiet again.
"That is one of many new skills that I have acquired since you last saw me," Hiccup confessed as he broke away. "Honestly, there are so many things that I need to tell you, and some that I will need to keep secret. Not because I do not trust you, but rather to protect you. You cannot even begin to imagine how closely I am being watched Astrid," he added with a sigh. "Ilweran and I work for particularly ruthless employers that are far more dangerous than any beings you could likely encounter in this land. If you appear to be just as ignorant as the average human though, they will hopefully leave you out of their scheming."
She looked at him in surprised confusion as the questions raced through her mind. Who were these mysterious employers, and why they were so dangerous? Even more pressing though was a nervous curiosity for exactly who and what he was now too. A million different suspicions running through her head as she caught his accidental use of the word 'human'. Sighing again, Hiccup answered her thoughts without realizing it. "I will not tell you who I work for tonight, since it would only bring up more awkward questions. You would likely think that I was lying anyways, and I was hoping to spend a nice, romantic evening with you, so you can argue with me tomorrow about that."
He grinned at the small scowl that twisted her lips before leaning down to kiss it away. "As for what I am, that is a very complicated question with many different answers. Clearly, you have already figured out that I am not the same boy that left Berk all those years ago. I know that you have plenty of theories, each more unlikely than the previous one, though you could never even begin to guess just how different I am. That is a conversation best left for another day as well. Or more likely, many days. I think it is best for right now to simply say that my feelings for you are likely the only thing about me that has not changed these past ten years."
At Astrid's startled look, Hiccup smiled gently at her. He could see her confusion as she tried to remember if she had voiced any of those thoughts out loud. Hoping to ease some of the tension, he looked out towards the horizon before meeting her eyes again. "Now, I did not bring you here to frighten you. It just happens to be the best place to watch the sunset and I figured that you did not really want to run the whole way." He laughed out loud as the mention of running made her grimace.
Lowering himself to the ground while still holding her, he finally asked her gently, "do you think you might be able to release my throat mi'lady? At least a little? I may be a monster, but I do still need to breathe."
"Oh gods, sorry," Astrid exclaimed as she dropped her arms from around his shoulders. Yelping when she saw the white and red marks that her strangle grip had left around his neck. Marks that would disappear long before she could feel too bad for them. She likely wouldn't even remember they had been there by the end of the night anyways. "Holy Thor! I'm so sorry! I didn't even realize that I was holding you that tightly."
Hiccup just laughed as he gently turned her in his lap. Positioning her so that she was facing away from him. "It was to be expected, and you did handle it exceptionally well. I think I screamed the whole way down the first time I tried that." He brought his hands up and started massaging the knots out of her back and neck as he spoke. Toothless warbling softly at them before taking off into a sky that was just beginning to glow with the colours of sunset.
"Where's he going," Astrid asked as she leaned back into his hands. Melting against him as he discreetly channeled his healing magic into her aching muscles while carefully concealing the telling green light. Thankfully she had decided to drop the subject of his weirdness for now. Though he doubted very much that she was done with it.
"Off to hunt, most likely," Hiccup replied with a shrug. "He will come straight back to get us when I call him." She shot him another confused look over her shoulder and he answered her thoughts again before he could stop himself. "Yes, Toothless and I can talk to each other. It is through a mental link instead of out loud, so it works over great distances."
"Oh," was all she said. Still looking slightly confused. He could see the mixture of massage and healing magic working on her though. Soothing her worries and removing all the pain of the last two days of training. It might be cheating, but he didn't really care. Hiccup refused to let her spend another day in physical agony when he was able to do something about it.
As her tight muscles softened under his ministrations, Astrid let out a loud groan of ecstasy that made him chuckle. Her body relaxing back against him in a contended heap as the pinks and oranges grew to cover the horizon. The whole sky looking like a painting as the dark purples of night began to creep in at the edges. "Thank you Hiccup. You delicious dark prince," she murmured cheekily as she leant her head back against his shoulder. Turning to place a soft kiss on his chest as his arms wrapped around her again. "I don't know what crazy world you came from, but I think I just might keep you anyways. At least as long as you keep me satisfied, that is. Otherwise I'm leaving you for Snotlout."
Astrid tilted her head to grin up at him now as he barked out a laugh at her words. Gods, she sounded just like Minden. "That is fair. He is a hopelessly romantic ladies man..." Hiccup trailed off as she snorted in disbelief.
"Yeah, he's the man alright," Astrid offered blandly as she rolled her eyes. "Speaking of being a ladies man though, this really is absolutely, perfectly romantic," she sighed. Her tone turning breathy with exhaustion as she snuggled tighter into his warm embrace.
"You are absolutely perfect," Hiccup mumbled against her hair. Listening to her heartbeat as the sky grew darker and stars blossomed above them. Her breathing beginning to deepen as the sun sunk below the horizon. Astrid actually drifting off in his arms just as night won its fight with the sun for another day, while he simply sat there and held her for a while longer. Gently turning her so that he could gaze down at her face instead of up at the sky.
She looked so peaceful and beautiful that his chest felt like it might explode. With all of the blood and horror in his life, what could he have possibly done to deserve this goddess' love? She was everything that he could ever want. It was no wonder that despite the fact that he had not been with her after the change, his transformed body and mind had still recognized her as his true mate. There was no woman more suited to him then this one, and there never would be.
The sky was a wonderfully chaotic burst of stars by the time Hiccup figured he should probably get Astrid home before her family started to worry. Wondering if he should call Toothless, but not really wanting to wake her up. Eventually he decided to just run with her back to the village instead. Cradling her carefully against him, he got to his feet while trying not to jostle her. After making sure that she was still asleep with her head on his chest, Hiccup held her body slightly away from his so that she wouldn't feel too many of his movements. Then he started running.
They were flying through the forest like a blur as Hiccup thanked the gods that Astrid was sleeping so deeply. Still he made certain to avoid or block every branch or leaf that might wake her. Upon reaching the edge of the village, he finally slowed back to a near-human pace as he looked around to make sure that no one was outside. Only stopping once he had reached the concealing shadows just outside her front door. The he leant down to gently kiss her awake.
*
Astrid felt the soft brush of lips against hers, and the tingle they sent through her was probably the only thing that could reach her in this place. She hadn't slept this deep in years and it made her feel slightly disoriented as she slowly came to. Her head was resting against something that was definitely not her wool stuffed bed roll. Whatever it was, it was solid, warm, and smelled amazing, and she raised a curious hand up to touch it. Realizing a moment later that it was a muscular chest that she was feeling, at the same time she finally noticed the warm arms holding her. Where was she?
Opening her eyes slowly, she saw Hiccup smiling gently down at her. "Time to wake up mi'lady," he whispered. "I may be able to carry you to your house unseen, but I doubt they would fail to notice me bringing you inside."
"Huh," she muttered as she looked around. Her mind still fuzzy from sleep. Noticing with surprise that they were right outside her door. "Oh, okay." Hiccup lowered her gently to her feet then before leaning down to kiss her one last time.
"Goodnight Astrid. Thank you for a wonderful evening." As he stepped away from her, Hiccup grasped her hand and brought it to his lips to place a soft kiss on the back of it that tingled like magic. He had never put his tunic back on, and she couldn't stop her eyes from roving hungrily over his bare torso once more, but she somehow resisted the urge to actually throw herself at him. It wasn't that late and her parents would likely still be awake. "Go get some sleep and I will see you tomorrow," he added cheekily. Clearly reading the obvious desire in her eyes.
Huffing a sigh, Astrid turned and opened the door before looking back towards him to say goodnight. Only to find that he was already gone. She peered around at the dark village, but there was no sign of him anywhere. How the heck had he gotten away that fast? Grumbling quietly to herself, she trudged through the door. Waving once to her parents tiredly before heading up to her room.
Sitting on the edge of her bed for a few minutes, Astrid ran back through every moment she had spent with Hiccup since his return. That strange pressure blossoming in her chest again, and she realized with sudden, painful clarity that it was love. She was completely and irrevocably in love with him. In all honesty, she had been since he had given her those godsdamn gifts five years ago. She was falling in far too deep, but she couldn't seem to stop it. The spot on her hand where his lips had touched her even still tingled with that same strange warmth. As if he was still here with her.
Hiccup was everything she needed and wanted. It didn't matter that it was going to be the death of her. Sighing in resignation now, Astrid crawled under her bed and retrieved the stash of sketches that she had kept safely hidden all these years and began looking through them again. Smiling as she remembered receiving each and every one. How had she ever fooled herself into thinking that she would be able to get over this stupid boy?
Using the same wooden pegs that she had removed when she took the sketches down, she began to put them all back up. Covering the little wall behind her bed with the memories he had sent her. Finally laying down to sleep with a smile still on her lips. Not anxious of the coming morning or the training anymore, because he would be there waiting for her. She had no idea how long he would be able to stay, but for now he was here. He was with her and he wanted her too. For now, that had to be enough.
_
Fluff! Beautiful, beautiful fluff!
Also, he finally gets it! (Looking at you Ms. DBH) Thank Thor :P Suck it Snotlout! Night Furies don't share!