*Majority vote wins, the chapter has smut. Not really surprising as I wrote this to originally have an even balance of violence and smut. Though I will say that I understand and fully agree with the views of the others that it does not always need to be smut. Sorry guys, but I can promise that the remainder of the story only has one more smut scene in 9 more chapters and 3 epilogues, so not that much more. The rest will be all eluding to or fading out from here on. Please don't hate me too much. Lol*
Yubel578: Wish granted :) Snot had better be careful, as Hiccup has more power than any of them can even imagine.
CB73: Hiccup is so completely different, I'm not sure if anyone else knew him well enough to recognize what little hints remain. It may take something drastic to make them see...and Snot is always doing something stupid! Lol
Rainnnn: Thanks for the tip. I agree, and normally I wouldn't put the decision in the hands of the readers. This time around, the chapter really could have gone either way and I liked both versions, so I figured if I was ever going to let the readers decide, this was the time. Lol. And of course Gothi knows and told Gobber. Though I expect Gobber is going to keep it quiet, unless he wants a serious bout of loose bowels...
Guest 1: Thanks! It was fun to write a casual scene for the men, and nice that Astrid is included in their jesting. Treated as one of them and able to joke back without fear.
Guest 2: Wish granted ;) lol
Guest: Nightfury84: Thank you so much. It's nice to hear that people are enjoying it. I really did try to make it my own. As for Minden, we'll just have to see, I guess.
MageOnAStick: Thank you for the tip, and I feel the same way. Normally I wouldn't ask for direct reader involvement, only suggestions that may or may not be worked into later stories. Honestly, I only did it this time because I liked both versions and they both advanced the characters in similar ways, just through different means. One being the 'fade-to-black' and the other being the 'descriptive narrative'. Reader involvement makes for a more interactive experience, and if I was ever going to let that happen, it was for this scenario. I do really appreciate your input though and it was very well done, I might add. I'm glad you're enjoying the story, and I hope this chapter doesn't ruin it for you.
gearhead2177: Blimey ol' chap! That's a right swell compliment old boy! I'm all of a flutter! Seriously though, thank you so much for this review. It really made my day to read it. The idea of someone enjoying my story enough to spend time binge reading it is extremely gratifying as an author.
Guest: Mark Andrew: I agree with you that it is sometimes better without, but just this once, I let the majority rule as unfortunately, your vote came in after the chapter was already uploaded and edited. Sorry, but like I said in the foreword, there is not very much more in the entire rest of the book. I guess we can let the smut lovers have their cake just this once...besides, I am not sure what you mean by the last chapters having a lot. Chapter 10 and 18 have been the only smut chapters thus far...As for Astrid and Hiccup, all good things come to those who wait and life never takes the easiest path, but in the end, love will always find a way.
_
Hiccup was only gone for a little over a day. Returning the second morning with a few wild dragons in tow for them to practice on. Just as he had said, they did not attempt to ride these dragons. Instead, they simply tried to gain their trust enough to approach them. At first Astrid had been quite sceptical that they would even be able to get close to such wild creatures. Eventually she realized that he had been right all along. The dragons were kind and gentle as long as you didn't do anything to threaten them.
After training that day, Astrid ran straight to the cove. During his absence, she had resolved that Hiccup was going to give her some answers. No matter what he and Ilweran said, she just had to know some things. Mostly, she needed to know who and what Hiccup was. His words, peculiar abilities, and absolute inhuman-ness were driving her to distraction. Add to that Ilweran's suspicious statement about being 'sort of' human, and she just had more questions than ever.
As she ran into his embrace, Hiccup picked her up and spun her around. Kissing her exuberantly before setting her back on her feet. She had been determined to be unyielding and demanding with him, but instead he just disarmed her again. "I expect that you are here to ask me some things. Am I correct to assume that you are planning to force the answers out of me if you have to," he asked her with a smirk. Seemingly reading her thoughts yet again.
"Yes, that's right," she smiled up at him and he kissed her again.
"Well, if it is the truth you want, then you should probably sit down first." Barely a moment later, they were suddenly sitting on one of the boulders by the pond. Astrid perched on his lap without even really knowing how she'd gotten there. He just wrapped his arms around her to hold her close as he gazed down into her stunned face with a smirk. "There, much better. Now, what is bothering you the most mi'lady?"
"What are you?" The words burst from her before she could stop them, and Astrid felt her cheeks heat in embarrassment. When Hiccup chuckled at her outburst though, she felt the peculiar need to elaborate. "I've been watching you since you got back. From your arrival at the nest, to the other day with Ilweran and Eret, and every possible moment in between. Needless to say, I have noticed a few things."
"Only a few," Hiccup asked with feigned innocence.
"Okay, I've noticed a lot of things. I'm not the only one either! Eret thinks that you and Ilweran don't seem human, and I have to agree with him. You guys are gigantic, unnatural beasts. Too fast, too strong, and too beautiful. It's not normal," she exclaimed.
"Not to mention that you can apparently jump from ridiculous heights while carrying a full grown woman, and somehow not kill either of you with the landing. Then Ilweran said that he was 'sort of human', whatever that means, but it really seemed to confirm what I already felt." She paused to take a breath then before continuing. Somewhat surprised that he hadn't immediately cut across her to start denying it all or tell her that she was crazy. "Oh, and let's not forget your scary fangs, and the terrifying fact that you can snarl and growl just like a dragon..."
"You think my teeth are scary? That is not really the way I remember it, exactly. I seem to recall you practically jumping me when I growled at you," he grinned wickedly at her. Exposing his gleaming fangs and causing that cursed wave of desire to churn in her gut again. She growled unimpressively and punched him in the shoulder.
"Stop trying to distract me. You know what I mean. Anyways, Ilweran said that 'your type' tend to get territorial. At first I thought that he meant dragon riders, but now I'm not so sure. What type was he talking about Hiccup? And don't you dare tell me that I'm crazy or imagining it!"
Hiccup sobered slightly as he settled his green eyes on her face. "I would never tell you that you are crazy," he replied gently. "I expect that Ilweran was referring to half-breeds. We do tend to be quite territorial once we have allowed ourselves to become attached to a woman. I suspect it is a side effect of our residual human-ness. Though there are only two of us currently in existence, so maybe it would not be the same for all of them. I know that I am definitely much more territorial than Ilweran, but that is a completely different issue."
"All of who? What exactly do you mean by half-breeds Hiccup? Why would you be worse?" She couldn't keep the nervous tremor out of her voice. He was finally giving her some answers, but now she wasn't sure that she really wanted them anymore.
He smiled gently as he met her concerned gaze. "You are absolutely right, Astrid. I am not really human anymore. Some small attributes have lingered since my change, but they are mostly aesthetic ones. My emotions are also still generally human based too, which is likely part of why I am so possessive of you, though it is not the only reason."
When she just gaped at him in confusion, he clarified. "My body and mind are both mostly elven in nature, and apparently my new mind has a rather hard time processing and prioritizing human feelings. Ilweran is the same. Part human, part elf. It is why we are so fast and strong. It is also a good part of why we are so tall and alluring. Elves are, at their core, the physical vessels of nature spirits, created through manipulating wild energies. It all sounds very confusing, because it is."
Then Hiccup shrugged as a barely noticeable shadow passed behind his eyes. "As for the reason that I am more territorial and possessive than Ilweran, that is one thing that I will not tell you," he stated cryptically. "No matter how angry you get at me for it. There are only two others besides myself and Toothless who know the answer to that question, and I doubt very much that they would tell you either. Even if you could somehow manage to find and contact them." Seeing her scowl he added, "I am sorry Astrid, but some secrets must remain my own for completely selfish reasons."
Still scowling at that last statement, Astrid tried to process the rest of his words, but they all just seemed so ridiculous. Maybe she could believe that Ilweran was a half-elf or whatever. After all, his features were a strange combination of human and something else that was unfamiliar to her. The amber colour of his eyes had always seemed especially peculiar and alien. Hiccup just looked like Hiccup though. A taller and broader Hiccup maybe, but still essentially the same.
"It is an illusion Astrid," he sighed, and she looked up at him in surprise. She couldn't remember asking him anything out loud. Somehow, he was continuing to answer her thoughts as if he could read her mind. "You are wondering how you are supposed to believe that I am a half-breed when I look so human, and that is the whole point. The illusion makes everyone see the human fantasy instead of the elven reality. It is a necessary precaution when I am here, unfortunately. If you think the villagers are afraid of me now..."
He trailed off vaguely as he moved his arms around to hold his hands up in front of her. The black serpent ring with the emerald eyes glinting in the evening light. Then he reached up and slowly slid the ring off his finger before turning back to her. Meeting her eyes and almost seeming to hold his breath in nervous expectation of her reaction. Clearly he was waiting for her to say something, but all Astrid seemed able to do was stare as her mind went completely blank for a moment. The reality of his words hitting her all at once as she gazed up at him in wonder.
He hadn't been exaggerating, or making fun of her. Most of all though, he hadn't been lying. Hiccup certainly wasn't human. That much was incredibly plain to see. What he was, was beautiful. Absolutely, painfully, beautiful. Even more exotic and enticing than Ilweran.
His lovely golden skin only accentuated the bright emerald green of his large almond-shaped eyes. Making the already unusually bright colour now resemble fresh spring leaves. His shapely brows and finely boned nose and cheekbones contrasting intriguingly with his strong jaw and feral white teeth. There was also a strange and undeniable sort of wild magic radiating off of him that even her dull human senses could feel. Leaving his skin and his eyes glowing subtly, but noticeably. As if his face was backlit by its own sun.
She reached a tentative hand up to pull back his mop of auburn hair now. Feeling another jolt go through her at the sight of his distinctly pointed ear as she brushed her hand across it. Bringing her other hand up to trace it over the slender curve of his brow instead. Following the sharp plains and angles over the high ridge of his cheek, then on down to the hard edge of his jaw. The rugged path of it was the only truly familiar piece of this shocking new face.
As she skimmed her fingertips over the delicate curve of his flawless lower lip, she saw the unmistakable spark of desire light in his luminous eyes. "You have no idea how good that feels," Hiccup murmured softly. "It is hard to explain, but your touch has always been a strange mix of burning heat and pleasurable pain. As an elf, all of my senses are incredibly heightened and I can truthfully say that I have never experienced anything as wonderful as you. Now could you please say something before I lose my mind with worry."
His voice had a strange musical lilt to it now, similar to Ilweran's. It seemed to fit better with his new face. "You're beautiful, Hiccup." The words slipped from her mouth before she could stop them, but she may not have bothered changing them anyways. There was really only one way to describe him.
He chuckled softly at her praise as he placed a kiss on her fingertips where they were still resting over his lips. "Unfortunately mi'lady, I am simply an ugly moth in a butterfly disguise. Still, I am impressed that you are not screaming and running for the hills yet." His cryptic words confused her slightly. Why would he call himself an ugly moth? No one could be less ugly.
Choosing to ignore this riddle for now, she scoffed at him and shrugged. It felt perfectly blasé and she was quite proud of herself, all things considered. "I've suspected for a while that you weren't exactly human Hiccup, though I never could've guessed that you were an elf. I am not sure how you became one, and honestly I don't even want to know right now. My human brain can only handle so much crazy in one night. Where did you get that ring though, and how does it work?"
"Unfortunately, that is another one of those secrets that I do need to keep for your safety," Hiccup countered blandly. "You do not really want to know anyways. Trust me on that." She frowned at him, but there was just something about the look in his eyes that said he would not budge on this.
"Fine," Astrid grumbled. Giving in for tonight, as she simply added it to the list of frustrating secrets. "I do have one more question though," she started again. "Ilweran told me that you're dangerous. What did he mean by that exactly?"
Hiccup looked slightly uncomfortable, though it was very hard to tell with his elven features. "He meant exactly what he said Astrid," he answered simply. His tone almost shockingly blunt. "I am dangerous. Even more so than you can imagine, though I would never physically hurt you. On the contrary, you are mine and I would frankly do anything necessary to keep you safe."
Well, that really seemed to confirm her suspicions. Ilweran had been referring to her comments about Snotlout. Seeing the understanding in her eyes, or maybe her mind, Hiccup just shrugged. "I am doing my best to contain my less-than-friendly feelings for your betrothed, but it has not been easy. I may have developed a healthy measure of self-control over the years, but I am not actually as gentle and even tempered as I appear to be. Though I really hope that you never need to see the very worst in me."
Astrid studied Hiccup steadily for a moment longer. Taking in the wild energy, luminous eyes, and vicious teeth. As much as she may want to deny it, there really was something distinctly dangerous about him. She could practically feel it pulsing through the air between them, and she always had. The only problem was that it didn't feel dangerous to her. Instead of spawning fear, it simply fed the flames of desire he had kindled.
This fact was the very reason that she had forgotten about his aura of darkness before, and it was the same reason that she knew she would forget again. No matter how many warnings she got. "Thank you for being honest with me, Hiccup," she finally said with a smile.
"You are most welcome mi'lady," Hiccup smiled back. Making to slide his ring back on.
Reaching out, Astrid put her hand over his. Blocking the path of the ring as she looked up into his confused face. "Please leave it off for a little longer. You really are incredibly beautiful, and I would kind of like to enjoy the real you exactly as he is. Just this once," she practically begged as she gazed up at him through her lashes.
Hiccup barked out a laugh before grinning wickedly at her as he pocketed the ring. Bending down to press his perfect lips to hers as his hands started to run languidly up from her thighs. Reaching her waist, he almost completely encircled it with his hands. Lifting her easily and spinning her around so that she was straddling his lap now, and she tangled her hands into his hair as she clutched him closer. The sensation of his pointed ears brushing against her fingers sending startling surges of lust coursing through her.
Running her own hands down over the hard plains of his body until she could grip the hem of his tunic, Astrid peeled the thin leather up and over his head. Feeling his growing erection pressing against her as she tossed the shirt aside before letting her eyes drink him in. His already glorious body somehow seemed even more perfect than before. She wasn't sure if it was just his new face making her think that it was, or if she was simply seeing the truth of him now. Honestly, she didn't really care why. She just wanted to explore every inch of him.
Moving as slowly as she could manage, she began to trail soft kisses down over his neck and chest. His simple pendant glistened brightly against his tanned skin, and she paused briefly to run her fingertips over it. The strange energy flowing off of him sending little shocks of fire through her every time she touched his skin. Each one adding to the flaring heat in her belly, and the intensity of it surprised her a little. She had always wanted him, but never this badly. It was almost as if he was unleashing some sort of strange sexual magic on her above and beyond the lustful desire he usually spawned.
His sharp intake of breath as she nibbled gently at one of his nipples set her body completely aflame. Something about him was singing to her. Urging her to take him right now, but she fought against it. Usually it was him taking his time with her. Teasing and caressing until her lust had built to a fever pitch. Now it was her turn.
She wanted to enjoy this. Drag out this strange and overwhelming longing for him that was taking over her very soul. No wonder the women of the village couldn't resist chasing the riders. Whatever this wild magic was, it was potent and irresistible. Astrid could only imagine what the ladies would do to Hiccup if he ever dared to wander around without the ring to mask some of it.
His hands slid back down her sides then. Sending disorienting tingles though her whole body, and she let him take her tunic off. When his dexterous fingers moved around to undo her breast bindings though, she shook her head at him. He gave her a searching look for a moment, before chuckling softly and sliding his hands back down to grip her waist. Surrendering control to her.
That simple act of submission was almost her undoing. Causing the passion simmering inside her to spike sharply. She suddenly wanted him to manhandle her instead. Wanted him to pin her down and take what was his without mercy. The vivid fantasy making her moan with want, even as she forcefully crushed the startling urges back down.
Working her way down to the solid ridges of muscle on his stomach, she traced her tongue slowly over every single valley. Mapping his delicious abs with her mouth before sliding the rest of the way off his lap. As she kissed her way over his hip, she began to undo his belt. Pulling his trousers down so that she could follow the night fury's tail on its sensual path south into the impossibly perfect V of his obliques. The soft moans escaping from him driving her wild, as just the taste of him made her thighs ache with need.
Glancing up as she worked his trousers down his long legs, Astrid felt her breath catch in her throat. Hiccup's luminous green eyes were burning with an unexpectedly dark desire as he watched her. His feral teeth glinting between his perfect lips. He looked like a predator on the hunt, but for once she did not feel like prey. She felt powerful and beautiful, basking in that gaze. Hiccup never looked at anyone else the way he looked at her, which was probably a good thing in all honesty, as it was both completely irresistible and absolutely terrifying.
Her muscles clenched in expectation as she stepped back to appreciate his gloriously naked body, and he let her look him over for a long moment. Then his smile transformed into a wicked grin, exposing more of his fangs. Raising his hand to beckon her closer. The cheeky gesture giving her the strange feeling that she was being pulled by a rope tied around her middle. His finger apparently attached to the other end, as her hips seemed to drag the rest of her body towards him without her participation.
Astrid gaped at him in confusion, but Hiccup just crushed his mouth to hers as he rested his hands on her bare waist. Sending shocks of hot lightning spiking through her at the touch of skin on skin, causing her knees to nearly give out. The dull ache of want she had been ignoring instantly flashing over until it was completely consuming her thoughts. She couldn't move away if she tried, as her body arched towards him like she was a puppet on strings. Desperate, painful desire beginning to course through her veins. At her needy gasp, he chuckled softly before growling, "if you do not start taking your clothes off soon, I refuse to be responsible for my actions."
She laughed at him and leant back to gaze at his beautiful face. Finding that she was suddenly free of the strange force that had held her to him. The desperate rush of desire fading back to a manageable ache. Whatever had just happened, it had been him causing it, though she had no idea how. "Hey, I thought that you were handing me control for tonight," she joked.
He held his hands up in mock surrender, "I just want you naked while you torture me. Is that really too much to ask?" His voice was a sensual purr that spoke straight to her groin. The musical tones in it singing to her body in a way that she never imagined possible. She truly could not deny him his request, as her mind immediately became overwhelmed with his strange magic again. Clouding her thoughts and stealing her resolve. Still, she found that this unnatural call was not upsetting to her. Quite the opposite, as a matter of fact.
"You don't fight fair, Haddock" Astrid grumbled half-heartedly, even as she started to slide her skirt and leggings down.
"I have never claimed otherwise, mi'lady," he offered with a shrug. His lopsided smirk still looking inhumanly perfect and wringing another laugh out of her. She felt yet another curious urge to rip her clothes off swirl through her mind then, and she somehow knew that it was his doing. Still, she pushed back by going just slow enough to give him a show. Deliberately allowing her hands to trail over her own skin. Watching the fire of need blaze in his eyes as she reached back to undo her breast bindings. Unwinding them and letting the fabric flutter to the ground, before climbing back on top of him again.
Wrapping her hand around his member and stroking a few times, she paused to enjoy the sound of his breath hissing through his teeth. Sliding herself slowly up his lap as her other hand wandered over his chest. Stopping when she was just close enough to rub herself against him, but not actually take him. "Now, you had better keep your hands to yourself if you want me to continue, handsome," she said with a smirk of her own. "I will tell you when you are allowed to touch me. For now, I just want you to watch."
Astrid couldn't stop the chuckle that escaped her at the show he made of placing his hands back on the boulder while he grinned at her. "Yes ma'am," Hiccup offered with a wink, and to her surprise, he did. Watching her with an unmistakably savage pleasure lighting his exotic face, while keeping his hands firmly pressed to the stone. Obediently following each order to kiss here, or nibble there. Every time she proclaimed that he had tasted her enough, he would obey. Pulling back before looking up into her face expectantly, as if waiting for her next request. The subtle glow backlighting his features seeming to burn even brighter as his need grew.
It felt so powerful, this absolute control that he was giving her. Though there was still a dangerous spark of hunger buried in his eyes as she gazed into them. Something dark and mesmerizing that only served to take her higher. Intoxicating her senses as it pulled her deeper into his web, while at the same time reminding her that he could easily flip the tables on her. Could steal all of her will in an instant and make her bend to his. If he wanted to.
Hiccup somehow had an even more powerful weapon in his arsenal than just his inhuman beauty and inescapable allure. He could truly manipulate her. Literally drag her down the path he chose, instead of resorting to guiding and hoping like a human. In Astrid's opinion, this was a completely unnecessary advantage. She couldn't really imagine any woman denying him in the first place.
Still, the fact that he was holding himself back and letting her do as she pleased with him instead, simply reinforced how absolutely perfect he was. She didn't know how he had controlled her like that, but she still felt no real fear of it. He had promised that he would never hurt her, and she believed him. She brought her hand up from his chest to trail her fingers over his unnaturally beautiful face again. Leaning in to claim his perfect mouth as she finally allowed herself to sink onto him. Groaning loudly as a shudder of relief coursed through her body.
As this beautiful and wonderful goddess of his used him like her own personal plaything, it was all Hiccup could do to keep his hands off of her. When Astrid had quietly asserted control, it had truly caught him off guard at first. He had never taken the submissive role and honestly wasn't even sure if he could. Still, if it was what she wanted, he was willing to try. As she teased him relentlessly though, he felt his resolve slipping.
The feeling of her slick moisture gliding over him, but never enveloping him, had been driving him crazy. Making the beast inside rear its ugly head as he briefly considered using his magic on her again. He could make her surrender to him with the simplest brush of his mind, but he wouldn't. The pleasure she was taking from dominating him was definitely making it worth the struggle. The wonderful relief of her warmth finally surrounding him offering a momentary reprieve from the torture.
This glorious goddess was effectively dulling his common sense with her intoxicating presence. Instead of behaving himself, he had shown her small glimpses of the powers he was supposed to keep secret. Asserting control over her mind that she couldn't possibly ignore. She had already been calling to the worst in him, and now she was pushing him to the brink all over again. He could feel the familiar cold of the shadows swirling inside. His nails actually digging grooves into the rock as he came dangerously close to losing his tenuous grip on self control. If he didn't get to touch her soon, she might just get to meet the monster beneath for real…
Then again, she might not actually mind that much. He knew that she could read the spark of darkness in his eyes. Had seen her recognize it and then watched in surprise as it simply stoked her desire. Astrid knew that he was so much more than human now. She also now knew that he could bend her to his will, and she would be powerless to stop it. Had felt him take control of her body and mind, even is she didn't understand how. Yet despite all of this, she was still not afraid of him.
Gods she was marvellous. Head thrown back, with her eyes closed and her lips parted slightly as she moaned, she was the most beautiful thing he had ever seen. He would never get enough of this woman. Watching her perfect body as she ground herself on him, he desperately wanted to run his hands over her. Needed to taste her perfect breasts as they bounced by his face. The pendant he had made her nestled between them like a promise, as it glinted silver in the fading light. Barely maintaining his hold on his demons, Hiccup opted to plead with his eyes this time instead.
Meeting his desperate gaze, a wicked smile grew on Astrid's delicate lips. "Is there something that you want, Hiccup," she asked coyly. "Could it be that you're tired of simply watching and now you want to touch me too?" At his mute nod, she actually paused for a moment as she seemed to consider this. "You did follow my orders reasonably well," she offered teasingly. "I suppose that makes you think you deserve some sort of reward for being such a good boy. Maybe I don't agree…"
The tone of authority in her voice was sexy as fuck, and Hiccup growled savagely at her in return. Feeling her muscles clench around him as the animalistic sound sang to her wild side. "My goodness! Antsy aren't we? Well, if it means that much to you then yes, you may touch me," she finally laughed. Grinning at him as she brought her mouth to his.
Sweet fuck! Finally, he thought as he put his hands on her at last. Digging his fingers in roughly as he pulled her closer. Tilting her hips to allow her clit to rub against him as he bucked his hips up to meet her. Her answering gasp was delicious and he released her mouth to trail kisses down over her neck and chest. Taking one perfect pink nipple into his mouth and nibbling gently as she arched towards him.
Her fingers tangled into his hair as she rode him. Lewd groans falling from her lips in rhythm with his thrusts as he helped her lift her hips. Cupping her fine ass in both hands as he watched her come undone. How had he ever fooled himself into thinking that he could walk away from this woman? She was absolutely perfect, and now all he wanted was to see her fall apart above him. To feel her shake and whimper as her orgasm rocked her. Knowing that he was the only one allowed to take her there.
He knew that she was close. Moving one hand around, he circled his thumb over her pleasure centre as he closed his mouth around her taut peak again. Biting down until he felt her body respond to the mix of pleasure and pain. The result was instantaneous. She cried his name into the night as she clutched wildly at his back and shoulders. Her body pulsing around him as she came. Gritting his teeth, he let her fall apart for a moment longer before lifting her off of him. Continuing to play the 'safe' move, even if he would much rather just finish inside of her instead.
She collapsed against him as she trembled through her release. Her forehead resting on his shoulder as she gasped for breath. Wrapping her in his embrace, he pulled her closer. Trying to keep the chill night air from reaching her skin as her tremors slowly calmed. She felt so perfect in his arms and he simply breathed in the wonderful scent of her, while she tried to steady her racing heart. "Thank you Hiccup," she eventually sighed against his neck.
"For what," he asked with a chuckle. "For having sex with you? In that case, you are very welcome." He grinned at her as she raised her head to look at him.
"You're an idiot," she muttered back as she punched his shoulder. "I don't think I really need to thank you for having sex with me. The sex itself is thanks enough, you dork," she stated blandly. Rolling her beautiful blue eyes at him. "I was actually thanking you for telling me the truth, and for trusting me enough to let me see the real you. Mostly though, thank you for handing me the reins for once, when you very clearly did not have to."
Astrid gave him a pointed look then, and Hiccup sighed as he offered her a small grimace. "I never intended for you to see that," he admitted guiltily. "You are absolutely right though. I could have made you surrender at any moment, while also making you believe that it was your idea. It is a skill that has many uses outside of the bedroom as well, but not one that I use very often in either place as I do not usually run around stealing the will of others. In case that makes you feel any better about it, or the fact that I cannot explain it to you."
She met his eyes again with a sigh of her own. "Honestly, I already figured that you wouldn't tell me how you did it," she grumbled. "Just like with that ring, I'm sure you'll say that I don't really want to know anyways. The truth is that I do want to know Hiccup. I want to know everything about you. I can't help it. It's just the way I am."
"I know Astrid, and I will explain what I can to you, but not all at once please," Hiccup pleaded gently. "You have not run screaming for the hills yet, but you might. I need time to figure out how to tell you what I need to. For right this moment though, I would just like to hold you in my arms and pretend that no matter what I am, you will still want me anyways."
Astrid gazed at his face for a long time before finally huffing out a disgruntled breath. "For tonight, I think I can manage that," she replied as she settled herself against him again. Laying her head back down on his shoulder as she wrapped her arms around him. As he held her, Hiccup could hear her breathing begin to slow as the exhaustion of passion finally overruled the curiosity. Just before she drifted off to sleep, she mumbled, "it doesn't matter what you tell me, Hiccup. I'm always going to want you..."
He kissed her cheek as her voice trailed off. Replaced now by the soft breaths of sleep. "Maybe not..." he sighed against her hair.
*
Hiccup had woken her up before it got too late. His tender kiss lingering on her lips as she made her way back through the dark forest. Honestly, Astrid wasn't sure if she would call this night a win or not. Sure she had gotten some very important questions answered, but she also now had a bunch of new ones. It was enough to drive anyone mad as Mildew! Unfortunately, Astrid had the feeling that Hiccup wasn't kidding when he said that he couldn't explain certain things to her, no matter how irritated she got with him. Though, if he knew her as well as she thought he did, he wouldn't be surprised at all when she continued to pester him anyways. Still, she climbed into her bed with a smile as she pictured again the perfect creature of hers that was hidden beneath that strange black ring.
Over the next couple weeks, Hiccup left a few more times. Always returning promptly with more varieties of wild dragons for the lessons. Fishlegs, in particular, seemed to find his calling in training the beasts. He had even begun making cards containing the most important information for each different species. They were like a personal version of the dragon manual that could be carried around in a belt pouch. Unlike Bork's papers though, these cards were designed to help the Vikings approach and befriend dragons, rather than get close enough to kill them.
One day Fish finally confessed that he was putting so much effort into it because it was distracting him from Ruff's fawning over the handsome newcomers. Looking at him in surprise, Astrid asked, "why don't you just talk to Ruff about it if you don't like it Fish? She's your wife and she loves you. I'm sure she would stop if you told her that it's upsetting you."
"Oh, it's not that it's upsetting me, really," Fishlegs explained with a shrug. "I don't love watching her hit on other men, sure, but I know that she would never actually cheat on me with them. Besides, after she spends the day ogling Eret and the others, I gotta say, the sex has never been better." Then he laughed boisterously at the look of horrified shock on Astrid's face as he walked away. Leaving her stuttering after him like an innocent maiden.
Despite the rigorous routine of the days, Astrid still found time to sneak away to the cove at night to spend time with Hiccup. Needing to be near him. When she asked now, he would remove his serpent ring so that she could marvel at his face again, even if Eret and Ilweran were there too. Hiccup's elven features coming as a wee bit of a shock to the poor Celt the first time. The absolutely inhuman beauty of him leaving the large man gaping and spluttering in awe, which Hiccup and Ilweran both thought was utterly hilarious.
While the boys laughed and joked, Astrid would simply bask in Hiccup's perfection. Melting against him as he massaged her aching muscles. His marvellous hands sending distracting tingles through her body, while the rest of the group conversed about the preparations going on in the rest of the village. Turns out, when he wasn't helping with their sparring practices, Eret had been working with Stoick and Gobber on the strategy for the soldiers on the ground instead. Eret's dragon trapping knowledge proving very beneficial in this, as he and Gobber formed a quick friendship.
Stoick liked Eret as well, it seemed. The Celt's steadfast personality and solid build likely reminded Stoick of himself at that age. If she was honest, this easy acceptance actually made Astrid a bit angry with the chief. She couldn't be sure of course, but something in her just knew that Stoick was wishing his son had been more like Eret. He had no idea that Hiccup had grown up into even more than that, and he never would. Although Hiccup and his father were polite with each other during their relatively sparse interactions, there was also an unexplainable tension between them. She wasn't sure if they were even aware of it themselves.
It was almost as if Stoick felt oddly threatened by the mysterious masked stranger. Astrid might have initially believed that it was just because he was worried the riders were trying to take over Berk, but not anymore. The chief was perfectly friendly with Ilweran. No, Astrid truly suspected that it was just a residual part of Hiccup and Stoick's previously uncomfortable relationship leaking through. Admittedly, Hiccup did have reason to be somewhat testy with his father. Astrid couldn't imagine what it would be like to not have your own parent recognize you.
Though it may be true that Hiccup was wearing somewhat of a disguise and he certainly looked a lot different, his personality was still the same. Despite his newly imposing stature, the sarcastic, inventive, and kind boy from the forge still shone through. His voice, his humour, his beautiful eyes all screamed for people to pay attention and notice him, yet they never did. Hiccup never let on that it upset him, but she was sure that it must be. Gobber had even tried dropping hints to Stoick, hoping to help him 'see', but it was no good.
Perhaps, just like with Astrid's axe, Stoick just didn't want to see it. His son had been gone for ten years. Even though he was back now, he was still hiding from the tribe. There could be no clearer sign that Hiccup did not intend to stay. It was a bitter reality for Astrid to stomach too. Knowing that he would never be able to stay, but not yet knowing the full truth behind why he had to leave.
True to her nature, she had pestered him nearly every day about where he had been, or what he had been doing. She just couldn't leave it well enough alone. True to form, Hiccup would always expertly evade or distract her instead. Giving mysterious explanations that never really told her anything. Describing small and insignificant events that didn't give away anything important and left a whole lot of time unaccounted for. When she pressed him for proper answers, he would get quiet and withdrawn. Explaining that he was enjoying this time with her and wanted to avoid scaring her away too soon. Eventually, she would finally give in and change the subject.
She knew that he had claimed that he was keeping secrets to protect her safety, but he never said who she was in danger from. Ilweran, as well, had told her that these secrets were necessary. It didn't matter what they said to try and convince her. She still wanted to know. What could possibly be so dangerous that Hiccup needed to hide it from her? She was a warrior that could look after herself.
No matter what else was going on though, their talks would always eventually come back to the same thing. Astrid's arranged marriage, and possible ways to nullify it. Without bringing shame to her and her family, that is. Hiccup seemed to have taken it as his personal responsibility to find a solution to that particular problem. Unfortunately, the stupid contract was apparently the only thing about Snotlout that was perfect.
Mindful of Ilweran's warning, Astrid had not suggested Snotlout's death again, but they were short on other options. After that display the other night, she had briefly suggested that he use his strange powers to just make Snot change his mind, but Hiccup adamantly refused. Reminding her blandly that unless he wanted to tamper with the will of the entire council, political unions could not really be revoked by a simple change of mind. She had even once jokingly stated that she could always marry Snot, and then divorce him the next day, but that had just made Hiccup angry. Seems the idea of Snot's hands on her, if even just for the mere exchanging of vows, made Hiccup shockingly furious. A fact which Astrid found oddly endearing.
During their nights together, she couldn't help noticing that every time they made love, Hiccup would get moody and despondent for a while afterwards. Though he would immediately snap himself out of it when he realized that it was upsetting her. Astrid knew that it still bothered him to take her love while she remained promised to another man. Regardless of his feelings on this matter however, he never spurned her desire for his touch. Almost going out of his way to maintain some amount of contact with her instead, no matter how small. Whether it was letting his hands linger over hers during lessons, or discreetly brushing his fingers over her back and shoulders when everyone else was distracted.
Whenever they were together after training, he would always pull her onto his lap. Wrapping his strong arms around her to hold her close. Never content to leave too much space between their bodies. He seemed just as incapable of staying away from her as she was of staying away from him. It simply felt like they were supposed to be together. As if their love was a force of nature that could not be denied. They fit too well for it to be wrong.
Hiccup may have explained to her that he would have to leave eventually, but Astrid always found some way to look past that reality. Telling herself that she would deal with it some other day. After all, he had promised that he would not leave her forever this time. Claiming that he was hers for as long as she wanted him. Well, she would always want him, so he would always need to return. Of course, it still meant that she would have many more lonely nights in her future. Years spent waiting for him as she endured all of the same pain all over again. It was a daunting prospect, but what could she do. She would never get over him, that much she knew to be true.
For now she was just happy for the moments spent with him. Always wanting more, as she seemed completely incapable of ever getting her fill of him. Everything about him, from his scent to his glorious body, drawing her in like a moth to a flame. She just couldn't stay away from him, even if she knew that it was going to be her demise. His touches were like air to the drowning. Somehow always gentle and sweet despite the fire they ignited. Allowing her to conveniently forget about Ilweran's warning that Hiccup was dangerous.
All the nights in his arms were still beginning to take their toll on her though, despite all her denials. The more time she spent with Hiccup during the evenings, the harder it became to maintain the charade during the days. She would find herself watching him too closely. Standing too near him as she laughed with he and Ilweran much too easily. At these moments, she would often catch Ruff or Fishlegs watching her and the riders with suspiciously appraising eyes. She would then try to play it off like it was nothing, but she strongly suspected that her friends didn't really buy it.
When she did allow herself to be honest, Astrid could feel the coming time of Hiccup's departure looming over her like a smothering black mass of despair. Sometimes the pain in her chest was so all consuming that she felt she might actually suffocate from it. No matter how hard she tried to pretend that it didn't bother her, she knew that he could see right through the act. It was for this reason alone that she began to welcome the coming arrival of the recruits from the other clans. If only for the convenient distraction they would bring.
*
It took nearly a month for all of the Allies to get their chosen soldiers to Berk. Not all of the Tribes had responded to the summons, but those that had clearly were not truly prepared for what awaited them. Two massive and dangerous strangers accompanied by two extremely large and vicious looking dragons. Hiccup and Ilweran greeted each of the incoming chiefs respectfully, and each one had regarded the huge men with varying degrees of unease in return. The new hopefuls to dragon training actually trembling at the sight of Hiccup as he stood silently beside Ilweran.
Once all of the Allies had arrived, they could finally get started on the next round of training. Standing by the wall of the academy with the other Hooligan trainees, Astrid couldn't keep from smirking. Finding the sight of these 'mighty warriors' cowering in Hiccup's presence oddly humorous for some reason. Then she quickly schooled her features back to neutral when she caught Ruffnut staring at her intently. Her friend arching a questioning brow at her, and Astrid just shrugged back. Forcing herself to focus on the selection process now, instead of the man that was doing the selecting.
After very briefly introducing himself and Scáth, Ilweran instructed the group to line themselves up to be assessed. Astrid watching with great amusement as the new female recruits hurried to obey while also eyeing up the gorgeous riders speculatively. Here we go again, she couldn't help but think. The women of Berk had not really given up on nabbing one of the strangers, but they had slowed their pursuits somewhat. Now there would be a whole new passel of females on the island, just longing to torment the riders and Eret. The rowdy women from the Bog Burglar Tribe looking particularly ready to cause mayhem for the men.
Right now though, all the new recruits were on their best behaviour as they anxiously awaited the selection process. Ilweran had said that only once they were confirmed worthy would they be accepted into the training. Astrid had no idea what he meant by confirming the worthiness of the hopefuls. Perhaps he and Hiccup were going to interrogate each of them? After promptly resigning herself to an afternoon of boredom, Astrid was consequently surprised when Hiccup stepped forward alone and slipped one of his two swords from his back, scabbard and all. Was he going to challenge them to a duel then? He hadn't done that with the recruits from Berk.
Holding his sword on the left side of his body, Hiccup walked to the far right end of the line. Astrid could have sworn she heard him mutter something that sounded like gibberish under his breath as he gripped the hilt with one hand. His other hand closing over the small gap between guard and sheath. Then he began to walk slowly down the line without saying a word. Reaching one recruit near the middle, he stopped before them suddenly. Unsure why, Astrid looked to Hiccup in confusion and her breath caught in her throat.
There was a glow emanating between his fingers from the barely visible blade he held. Just like her axe! Except this light shifted between that lovely emerald green and a strange blue-purple. Glancing around, she noticed Fishlegs also staring at the glowing blade. His mouth gaping open wide. Catching his attention, Astrid shook her head once as she tried to convey a message with her eyes. Clueing in, Fish quickly closed his mouth before facing forward again.
Hiccup studied the young man intently for another moment before locking eyes with Ilweran. The other rider had been silently standing by, but now he met Hiccup's look with a soft sigh as he nodded once. Hiccup then continued on down the line. As soon as he stepped away from the recruit, the glow immediately faded and it did not happen again. Looking to Ilweran, Hiccup nodded his head and slung the sword over his back to rejoin its twin. Clearly the strange glow meant something important to the two men, but Astrid couldn't imagine what.
Before she could dwell too long though, Ilweran was suddenly addressing the group again as Hiccup stepped back from the line. "You. What is your name," Ilweran asked abruptly. There was a shocking and completely unexpected tone of menace to his musical voice now. The words ringing with practiced authority as he paused by the recruit that the sword had singled out.
He was a large man with short cropped black hair and a face that looked somewhat flattened, as if it had been crushed by stampeding yaks. Nearly the same height as Hiccup and Ilweran, but much bulkier. Honestly, he kind of looked as if he might be part troll. He was wearing a mismatched ensemble of stained furs and leathers and in his hand was the largest and most absurd war hammer she had ever seen. It was as if someone had simply strapped a handle to a small boulder for him. It didn't even look real.
Everything about the man was repulsive. From his brutish looks to his rude expression. Astrid felt an involuntary shudder run through her as his mud brown eyes wandered lazily over her body. Seeming to linger on all of her most intimate areas with a greedy weight and feeling like an unwanted touch from a cold, dead hand. Repeatedly returning to her despite the threatening scowl she had shot at him. Simply leering at her obvious discomfort instead, as his lips pulled back to reveal multiple missing teeth.
Even his voice was repulsive, as he answered Ilweran's question in a guttural drone that made him seem even more troll-like. "I am Stormheart and my father is a General of the Meathead Tribe. Sir," the man stated arrogantly. Making the 'sir' sound like an insult.
"Very well, Stormheart," Ilweran replied blandly. Clearly not impressed in the slightest by either Stormheart's attitude or his family connections. "You have been measured and unfortunately been found wanting. You will not be permitted to join your fellow recruits in dragon training. There is no place for tainted souls amongst the riders. You may return to your tribe."
Whereas Ilweran looked almost bored, Stormheart's expression quickly went from shocked to furious. Stepping out of the line now as he began shouting at the white rider. "What do you mean I've been found wanting? By who? That deformed loser in black? What does he know? He didn't even do anything!"
"You can't stop me from riding a dragon," Stormheart continued to rant as the others stared in surprise at his childish outburst. "My father is on the council. I can't wait until he hears about this! I'll give you a tainted soul. Tainted with your blood, soon." Then Stormheart used a very rude slur, implying an unnatural sexual relationship between the riders and their dragons, before raising his oversized war hammer and taking a menacing step towards Hiccup. The dark rider, on the other hand, didn't even flinch. Hands remaining casually clasped behind his back as if he couldn't be bothered with this.
A heartbeat later, and Astrid understood why. Quicker than the eye could follow, Ilweran suddenly drew his own sword and held it against the young man's throat instead. It was a beautiful white and gold blade, similar in shape to Hiccup's swords. Though undeniably beautiful, it also looked incredibly deadly. Stormheart stopping in his tracks and gulping convulsively as he felt the razor edge actually graze his neck. Leaving a thin red line of blood that trickled down over his stubbly gullet.
"I would think very wisely about your next action young man," Ilweran drawled calmly. "It may just become your last. The selection process is complete and you are not welcome. Every chief has agreed to our authority in this matter. Now put down that ridiculous weapon and leave this academy while you still have your pride and your life. One more step however and I will not hesitate to take both from you."
No one moved. The moment seeming to stretch on forever as the young man glared down Ilweran over the sword and Ilweran returned his gaze dispassionately. Finally, Stormheart threw his hammer down to the ground and stormed out of the arena. Leaving everyone stunned and speechless in his wake. Especially the recruits from Berk, including Astrid.
None of them had seen either of the riders respond violently to anyone. Not ever. If they'd had to pick which one seemed least threatening though, it would have been the calm and diplomatic one in white. "Well, that went well," came Hiccup's voice from under the mask.
"Indeed," Ilweran replied as he sheathed his blade. "There is always one, is there not? Sometimes I really wish we could just kill them when we find them." Both men chuckled softly at that before Ilweran turned back to the line of stunned Vikings. "Congratulations recruits, you have passed your first test! Welcome to dragon training," he added with a grin.
*
Fishlegs had wanted to question Scáth about his strange sword right away, but the death glare he had received from Astrid was enough to stop him from mentioning it in front of the entire academy. Instead, he spent the rest of the day dying for the chance. The opportunity finally arising after training was done and everyone else began filtering away in groups of twos and threes. Fishlegs waving to Ruffnut to head home without him, before racing to catch up to Scáth instead as the man made his way back to the village with Astrid. "How does your sword work," Fish spouted without any preemptive pleasantries once he had reached the pair.
Scáth looked taken aback for a moment. "It works just like any other sword I suppose," he replied in a politely confused tone that Fishlegs didn't buy for a second.
"You know what I mean," Fish muttered back with an uncharacteristic eye roll. "It started glowing by that Stormheart guy. Then you and Ilweran shared some kind of look, and the next thing we know, that guy is being thrown out of dragon training. Why was it glowing? What does it mean? How does it do it? Does the other one do it too? Does it do something different? Where did you get them? Did you make them?"
Fishlegs finally had to stop to catch his breath as the huge night fury landed beside their little group. Scáth glancing at Fish briefly before moving closer to Astrid for a moment. Touching her gently on the arm and speaking in a softer voice than any Fish had ever heard him use before. "I know that you do not want to be burdened by the extra weight for the hikes, but it would be best if you would start carrying that axe of yours again. It is fine to leave it in the ring during training, but please do not leave home or go wandering around without it. Especially after dark."
Rather than shake off his hand with a scowl like she would with anyone else, Astrid merely nodded at him. Looking only slightly confused at the unexpected request. Then Scáth turned to his dragon, and in an uncomfortably graceful gesture, mounted the saddle in a single bound. How does he do that, Fishlegs thought in frustration.
Before Fishlegs could ask even more questions though, Scáth just turned his hidden face towards the large blonde man. His unexpectedly lovely emerald coloured eyes plainly visible from this angle. "I am sure that I have no idea what you are talking about," he stated calmly. Gesturing towards Astrid as he added, "make sure she gets home safely," before spurring his dragon into the sky.
This was all so confusing! Fishlegs hated being confused! Acting on instinct, he escorted Astrid to her house as Ruff had already made her way home with Tuffnut. As they wound their way through the village, Fish was completely lost in his thoughts. Waving distractedly to Astrid at the door before starting to make his slow way home. Determined to have a good, long think over the subject.
By the time he went to bed that night, his head was aching. The sword had to be magic. That was the only explanation. Ilweran had said that Stormheart's soul was tainted, so that must mean the sword could somehow tell if a person was evil or not. How would a sword be able to know that though? It was just a sword!
Obviously this meant that Scáth could use magic. Adding to this was Astrid's reaction. Clearly she also knew that Scáth was no ordinary man, but was helping to keep it a secret. What was Scáth though, if not a man? He may have magical weapons and be ridiculously strong, yet he seemed to be as friendly with them as any human would be. Well, mostly friendly with Astrid. Come to think of it, the wavering flashes of emerald on that sword had even looked remarkably similar to the colour of the glowing runes on Astrid's axe…
This last thought was the most unsettling. Had Scáth been the one that had helped Hiccup make Astrid's axe? Had the glow of it somehow acted as a beacon for the strange riders? Letting them know that the Hooligans were on Dragon Island. Did Astrid know this and that's why she was covering for him and getting close to him? If he could use magic, he probably wasn't even really a man at all. It was more likely than ever that he was a real draugr, risen from Helheim.
Thankfully he seemed to be helping them instead of attacking them, so that was one comfort. Perhaps the creature was only helping them because of Astrid. Was it because he owed a debt to Hiccup, or because of something a little more personal in nature? Fish couldn't pretend that he hadn't already noticed the way that the dark rider often allowed his gaze or his hands to linger on the blonde warrior. Standing almost protectively close to her much of the time. This was not overly surprising as it was impossible to deny that his friend was an extremely beautiful woman. What was strange was the fact that she did not shy away from his touch or his nearness.
On the contrary, Astrid actually seemed to be a willing participant. Moving unconsciously closer to Scáth as a blush coloured her cheeks. Following his every movement with her own eyes, as if she was incapable of looking away. Though most of the tribe found the riders irresistible, so this wasn't entirely surprising either. Fish supposed the real question was whether Astrid truly carried desire for the dark rider, or if he simply had information she wanted and she was playing into his hands to get it. She was just as clever as she was beautiful, after all. Resolving to ask his friend about it when he got the chance, Fishlegs finally fell into a restless sleep filled with dreams about glowing weapons and shadowy monsters.