Yggdrasil
the tree has many branches

To be honest, this one is something I can see myself writing after Tipping the Scales is done...
Also, sorry I've been MIA all this time, I have to finish with my thesis that I'm presenting in May, so my schedule has been hectic since October. By the end of the week I'm hoping I'd have ready an update for TTS. Thanks for your patience!

Warnings: repetitive AU theme, context, dark!hiccstrid galore, some contextual-sexual themes, a bit of gore and mythical animal violence...

Disclaimer: The How to Train Your Dragon franchise is property of Cressida Cowell and Dreamworks. Only thing I own is my imagination.

…&…

world 02

runaways/dark!hiccsrtid

...&...

"I'm leaving."

She didn't blame him. They were pariahs; so many people hurt him, and her name was stained by the family shame. His father pushing him to become something he wasn't; her family using her to clear their own name. The pressure of the constant unrealistic expectations took its toll on them both.

"Come with me. Please. I don't want to be alone."

Neither did she.

So she took his hand, climbed on the dragon and disappeared into the night.

…&…

They didn't get far.

The Nest was just around the corner and when the Queen almost took control of Toothless, something had to be done.

And so the Queen fell. Her flesh was still burning when the first dragon approached them, seeking comfort. Many dragons had been injured in the fight and even more had suffered the cruelty of both the Queen and Vikings. It didn't take long for them to decide to stay.

"Just enough to get them going again."

He promised and she agreed. They had to heal as well; scraps, bruises, and mangled flesh wouldn't get them far. They'd soon get back to their journey, but first they were needed here, on Dragon Island, dealing with the aftermath of a battle they caused and won.

So they quickly got to work.

…&…

The need to head back home came after their first big fight.

They've been on Dragon Island almost a month healing dragons, setting up nests, and cleaning up the debris. Some dragons had left and relocated somewhere else, but most had stayed. Adoring eyes and thankful nose-nudges followed everywhere they went. But it wasn't what she was promised.

So she complained and they bickered and soon it turned into something else. Insults were traded, words they'd wish to take back were said; it was vicious and they were both hurting and brokenhearted by the end of it. So that night, she hitched a ride from one of the Nadders back home. She crept in the shadows and hid from the guards posted on the watchtowers, and soon reached her house.

No one was in, so she went up in her room and laid down on her bed. She was too giddy to sleep and didn't want to deal with the hubbub of the Mead Hall, so she grabbed her axe and played with the strings and charms she had wrapped around the handle. It wasn't long before the front door opened and her parents came in.

She made to rush downstairs and greet them, but they weren't alone.

Spitelout; she'd recognize that slimy voice anywhere. He'd been circling her father some months before she left. Her father hadn't said anything so she'd chuck it to their usual business; now she understood how wrong she had been. They had sold her off to the Jorgenson Heir and the betrothal would have been announced right after Dragon Training. The wedding would have been on the first day of spring.

But now he was there to take his hefty bride price back. There'd be no wedding as the bride had disappeared; eloped, they said, with the Chief's runt. He didn't want any more of the Hofferson shame to soil the good Jorgenson line. His words didn't affect her much, but her father spitting and cursing her name for costing him a life wealthy and free of shame did. Her mother wasn't better, saying it was better the nuisance was gone.

"Good riddance."

She had never felt more betrayed. She was with one foot out the window when the raid begun.

Fire rained from the sky and blood littered the floor. She had never felt more horrified when the dead body of the Nadder that helped her get back fell in front of her. She started running when the all too familiar whistle echoed and a catapult exploded. She kept her head low and reached the Arena in record time, pulling levers and freeing the imprisoned dragons with soft words and cooing sounds.

The entrance was swiftly blown up and then she was running for her life.

The dragons were leaving and Vikings had glimpsed her and were hunting her down. She headed for the forest but the mob had spread out and circled her towards the cliffs. She was at a dead-end when the whistle echoed again; so she took a leap of faith. She was on the back of the dragon before she could fall to her death.

They only spoke when they were back on Dragon Island. Apologies were said and trust was reestablished, and then the question of the raid was raised.

"You were gone too long. And when the Nadder came back alone they followed where you went. They were worried something happened to you."

She fell asleep in his arms, surrounded by the warmth of the dragons in the safety of their Nest. Their home.

…&…

The legend of the Dragon Master and the Valkyrie spread like wildfire in the archipelago.

In the years that they took up the mantle of leading the Nest, protecting and freeing dragons all over, word had already done its magic. Some feared and others respected them; most though hated them. They were deemed traitors of Viking kind for siding with Hel's demons, and the bounties on their heads were always hefty.

They both laughed at the inaccuracies of their portraits. Some had teeth, others had horns; she pointed out that it was partly his fault for making such ridiculous helmets. He always defended that the people creating them didn't have his affinity for the dramatic flair. He loved his craft too much to admit fault.

They had grown close, closer than most friends. The years they had spent together were more than kind to them both and that had made them curious; flitting touches, long looks, smiles with sparkling eyes that hinted of something more. Their first kiss sparked something that burst into wild flames in the blink of an eye.

It was new; the rush, the need for more, the carnal sensations…

Sometimes it scared her how easily they fit so well together, how starved for affection they were. They had let their curiosity take the lead and feelings had been far from their minds. But she'd always see that spark in his eyes; whether she'd be dancing with hatchlings in the rain, or throwing him over the edge with a few rolls of her hips. Whether he'd be throwing his head back and laugh while singing off-tune to an old song, or gasping her name and digging his fingers on her thighs and hips; it'd always be that same look she had when she watched him.

It wasn't long before he broke and told I love you first.

He had been horrified with himself and tried to run as soon as he realized what he'd said. She had tackled him before he'd reach the saddle.

"I wouldn't be doing anything with you if I didn't feel something for you."

He hadn't believed her. He thought she was sparing him the heartbreak. So she made him listen. With kisses and touches and promises of forevers and I love yous, he believed her.

Their teamwork changed as they adapted. Their trust didn't suffer on the battlefield; they knew each other, their abilities and their strengths. They covered each other weaknesses with ease. There had been close calls though.

A particular rescue mission had gone awry when the Vikings had managed to down Toothless. The fight then had been brutal; she was off Stormfly and cutting Vikings down in no time. The need to keep the other safe no matter what took priority and all need of propriety was shot out of the window. It made them stronger. The rest of the world grew fearful; they tried to retaliate but quickly learned their lesson.

The Dragon Master and his Valkyrie ruled the skies; the Dragon Master paves the way and the Valkyrie protects without fail.

…&…

She woke up to the sharp tremors of their room and the soft whimpers of their son.

Fast on her feet, she picked up the fussing babe and rocked him to silence. Around them a sharp crack made the mountain tremble. She looked up when he rushed in, his body heaving and dark shadows framed his eyes. He didn't need to tell her what she already knew.

Once upon a time they tried to have peace between the two sides. It'd been taken for granted and had them almost been killed. Now, Vikings were at their doorstep trying to break in.

She straightened her back and continued watching him. His jaw twitched and his eyes flickered to their son. She understood his hesitance; had they been on their own, they'd both be out there defending their home and punishing those that dared to venture this far out. But now…

Another crack had the infant wail and she was fast to calm him down. It didn't help that the dragons started growling and stirring in their nests inside the volcano; it made her nervous and the baby could feel it. His whimpers were proof of that. Movement caught her eye and turned to her left.

He had stripped down and donning his leathers, snapping buckles and pulling belts into place. His daggers were next and when his Inferno was strapped on his hip, he marched up to her. The change had been staggering; his back was straight, his fists clenched in anger, and his eyes shone with determination. He only softened when he looked down at their son and bent to kiss his forehead. Then he was reaching for her and she smiled at their kiss.

"Show them why they should fear you."

He grinned as he walked backwards, taking his helmet and calling for Toothless. Soon he was in the air, the rest of the Nest following his lead. Stormfly stayed guard curled right outside. It wasn't long after then roars, screams, and whistles reached her ears. She smiled down at their son, who was looking up with mismatched eyes and russet hair, cooing when the passing whistles drew a giggle out.

She had just put him to sleep when he staggered back in.

His suit was bloody and his hair was matted with sweat. He was grinning like an idiot as he fell on his knees in front of her. He took off his gloves and chest plate, and reached for their sleeping son, cooing softly when the babe nuzzled closer to his chest.

"They won't touch you. I'll keep you safe."

He looked up when she brought a fur around them. He reached forward and they were cocooning their son as he slept peacefully. She reached down and fluffed his soft hair with a smile.

"We both will."

…&…

In my defense, they are called AUs for a reason…