"Winter is the time for comfort, for good food and warmth, for the touch of a friendly hand and for a talk beside the fire: it is the time for home." - Edith Sitwell – Taken Care Of
Hearthfire
The day started out like any other day. The night saw a couple inches of snow and a whipping wind, and the morning had only a few people get up and about early. In other words, it was a typical winter morning on Berk.
Except that all over Berk, the dragons started fidgeting and making a racket. No one knew what was wrong or what was going on as they shrieked, roared, and called to each other. Even Astrid was at a loss after Stormfly vanished into the sky.
Then the dragons started flying away. Similar to a flock of birds, they assembled into their respective kinds above Berk and flew off into the south.
The sight of their dragons flying off without even an apparent glance back or apparent hesitation was enough to nearly inspire a panic.
"Where did they go!" "Why did they leave!" "Are they gone!" "It's Ragnarok!"
Everyone started running every which way in a frenzy.
"Enough! Everyone get to the Hall!" Stoick bellowed.
The cacophony quickly subsided to be replaced by quiet muttering as everyone filled into line and shuffled inside.
"Now, I'm sure there is a good reason why the dragons have left us."
A good number of people in the crowd turned toward Astrid, plaintively looking for answers.
"I don't know. This has never happened before," she answered.
"Not all of them are gone, Chief," Gustav spoke up.
"What?"
"My Nightmare, Flame, is still here."
Stoick looked about the assembly.
"Did anyone else's dragon not leave?"
A few other hands went up.
If I remember well, they all have younger dragons.
"Hmm, so only the adults left," he rubbed his beard, deep in thought.
I know who to ask.
"Everyone, stay here and stay warm. I'll be back."
He marched straight home.
"Hiccup, Hiccup, wake up," he whispered while rapping on his shoulder.
Hiccup groaned in annoyance at being woken up.
Dad... le'mme sleep...
"Hiccup, you have to wake up. The dragons are gone. They up and left us."
Dragons... gone... wait, what?
Hiccup slowly got up and blinked in confusion, unsure whether he heard correctly.
"Most of the dragons flew away. We don't know where they went. Do you know anything about it?"
They flew away? Why would they do that?
Hiccup went over and woke up a rather grumpy Toothless.
"Toothless, the other kin flew away from this nest. Why?"
Toothless could see that Hiccup's sire was very disturbed by something. It took only a moment of thought before the obvious reason came to his mind.
"They need drop their eggs."
Hiccup translated.
To lay eggs
Stoick stared at the answer for a minute in deep thought before he continued.
"I wondered when that would come up. Why not here on Berk?"
He says they need a special place
An island with bubbling water
"An island with bubbling water? What? When will they be back?"
Toothless just rolled his shoulders in a shrug at that relayed question.
He does not know
They need to stay with their babies until they can fly
"But that could be a year!" he exclaimed in dismay.
Stoick started pacing, clearly agitated by learning that the dragons would be gone for a long time.
"That leaves us defenseless. How do we know they will even come back?"
Of course they will want to come back
We are good to them and this is their home
"I hope it is that easy. Do we know where they went? I've never heard of a place like that."
"Toothless, you know where is bubble-water-island?"
"Yes."
"But where?"
"Much past dead-monster nest."
He knows where it is
"Where?"
Past Dragon Island
"I really wish we knew where exactly that is, " Stoick grumbled.
Then let us go find it
"What?" Stoick exclaimed.
Toothless can show me where it is
And we will make sure they are fine
"But it is the winter! What if it gets too cold for you? What if you get lost? What if something happens to you?"
We will be fine
The other dragons are not bothered by the cold
Stoick grumbled again and looked about to object.
We need to know where they went
"Yes, but..."
.
"How long would you be gone?"
Maybe a week
"A week, I really don't like it."
Please dad...
Stoick eventually sighed in resignation.
"Ok, you two go straight there. Make sure our dragons are there and that they are safe. And then you come right back here. Don't try to visit anyone or do anything stupid."
Hiccup held up a paw to his chest and gave him a hurt expression.
"Oh, come on Hiccup, I just want you to stay safe."
I will dad
No other adventures
"It's not that bad out there today. How about you both get going after you both get something to eat?"
Ok
"I'll go tell everyone. This will definitely ruin the festival... Try to be back in time for that too. Gods, what a day."
With that, Stoick left to deliver the news to the rest of his people.
Hiccup watched as his father left and was very tempted to bury himself under his bearskin blanket. But there was a question nipping at his tail.
"Toothless, why did kin need go to bubble-water island?"
"The warm water and ground helps keep eggs warm. And they were probably hatched there and feel like they must go there."
"Why?"
"I already say why. They think they must nest there because their sire and dam did."
"Can they learn to stay here?"
Toothless grumbled and covered himself with his tail.
"Maybe, I do not know."
Then Toothless settled down, clearly intending to go back to sleep. Hiccup tossed another small log on the fireplace his father had set up in his and Toothless's room.
I still don't understand why they had to leave. He almost made it sound like they didn't have a choice.
"Toothless, we need fly to bubble-water island."
Toothless quickly stood up and looked incredulously at him.
"Why?"
"My sire wants us to see the island and know that the kin are safe."
"Why would they not be safe?"
"I not know. Kin are part of this island-nest, and the two-legs... have fear for them."
"It is a long flight."
"I know, Toothless, I still want to go."
Toothless sighed and ruffled his wings.
"Can we eat first?"
"Yes, sire will bring us much food," Hiccup answered with a grin.
Though he wouldn't admit it to Hiccup, Toothless was also a bit interested by the idea of following the other kin. There was always the possibility, however little flight it may have, that other Night-Fury-kin may roost on the egg-nest-island.
I never saw any in past season-cycles. But maybe we are not the last...
Stoick returned shortly after delivering the news to the rest of the tribe. He brought with him several large fish from the storeroom. It was while he was preparing Hiccup's portion that someone else knocked on the door. It was Astrid all bundled up against the cold and with something leathery in her arms.
"Astrid? What is the matter?" he asked after letting her inside.
"Nothing is the matter. I wanted to bring something for your dragons."
Oh, what is that? Hiccup wondered to himself.
"Well, it sounds like they will be gone for a while. Right?" she turned to Hiccup.
Yes.
"I brought them a pack. It can easily fit around his neck. There is some salted pork and dried fish in there in case they get hungry out there."
He carefully checked inside and, sure enough, there were dried meats inside.
"Thank you Astrid, I'm sure they will appreciate it."
She nodded to him and then glanced at Hiccup.
"You two stay safe out there. Go and find our friends for us."
She flashed him a wistful smile and then left.
"That was thoughtful of her. Yours is done now."
Hiccup eagerly ate his large portion while Toothless did likewise and then slung the pack over his head and neck so that it rested against his breast.
"Alright, remember what I said. No side adventures. Just see where the dragons went, make sure they are ok, and then come back. Got it?"
Yes dad, I know...
"Alright, I'll see you when you get back."
Stoick then grabbed his cloak and headed out the door. Toothless perked up from beside the fire as soon as he was gone.
"Hiccup, you ready?"
"Yes."
He followed Toothless outside, hopping through the banks of snow to the nearest cliff. Toothless fanned his wings and turned to him.
"I hope your wings not get ice-cold."
"What!" Hiccup exclaimed in alarm.
Toothless just laughed, struck him in the face with his tail, and jumped aloft. Hiccup growled in mock-annoyance and leapt after him. Both of their hearts were lightened by being aloft again even if the winter winds did have sharp teeth.
After a long day of flying, they arrived at Dragon Island just before sunset.
"We should sleep here," Toothless shouted over the wind's whistle. They found a sheltered part of the southern coast and landed together.
"Why stay here?" Hiccup shivered at the memory of what they had seen last time they were here.
"Not good to fly in dark-cold-wind. We fly to egg-island next sun."
Toothless curled up against a large boulder. But not before trying something. He aimed at small patch of driftwood immediately before him, and tried to summon his flame for warmth.
But he only succeeded at coughing and hacking with no fire or even sparks to speak of. He grumbled at himself and noticed Hiccup's look of bemusement.
"No, no laughing."
Hiccup only chuckled to himself but didn't tease Toothless over that failure. Then he walked over to Toothless and snuggled up against his side for warmth. Toothless extended a wing over them both and lay his head down on his paws. But Hiccup remained awake and stared up at the stars and the faint green aurora shimmering over the northern sky. The surf continued to roll down the coast and the faint dusting of snow continued to fall all around them.
He thought about the passage of time and the cycle of life that he was soon going to witness. And for a brief moment, he felt like he was a part of all existence itself. The stars in the celestial ceiling untouchable far above, the soft wind bringing the dusting of snowflakes, and the warmth felt from the company of loved ones.
Then he remembered who he was and where he was on Dragon Island, leaving him with only a wistful feeling that the moment had passed.
It became clear that something was happening on the island even while they were still far out over the sea. There were what looked like hundreds of dragons flying about above the strange place.
It looked like a mountain peak had once jutted out of the water, only the center of the island had collapsed in on itself and was now a dark pit of deep blue. The rest of the island around the remains of the central mountain was a mix of rock and sand and had steaming pools of water all throughout. There was no snow anywhere on the island. And of course, the place glimmered orange, white, dark red, green, and yellow because of all the dragons already roosting on it.
Woah, I've never seen so many of them!
He and Toothless glided over the island, surveying all the sights below. They alighted on a ledge overlooking the island's northern plain.
"There are many kin here," Hiccup observed.
Toothless hummed as he looked out over the many pairs.
"I think all kin this area of the great egg come here to drop their eggs."
Hiccup noticed that the pairs of dragons were generally gathered around the steaming pools.
"Why are kin at bubble-waters?"
"The warm-bubble-water is good for eggs."
"How?"
"Warm ground helps eggs stay warm."
Really! I never knew that. Now it makes sense why there are eggshells around the pools.
"There are no other Night-Fury-kin here," Toothless grumbled with an obviously disappointed expression.
"Is this where you hatched?" Hiccup asked.
"No, I hatched in a rock-cave far toward where sky-fire breaks its shell."
Then Toothless hummed with an idea that gave lift to his life-fire.
"Maybe Night-Fury-kin not need fly here to drop eggs."
"That is a good thought, Toothless. How much time for hatchlings to break their eggs?"
"I not know. Different with each kin."
Hiccup was about to ask another question when he noticed a pair of Nadders that looked very familiar. The blue on the male's back was unmistakable.
Stormfly, Blueback!
He leapt from the ledge and glided over to the nesting pair. They both perked up and watched him as he landed and approached over the warm sand. Stormfly did not get up from where she lay on the sand, but Blueback did hop over to him and sniff him. Then he gave a happy trill, apparently recognizing him. Considering that as permission to approach, he slowly advanced on Stormfly. She remained admirably calm and didn't once raise her spines at him. Though it certainly helped that she was far larger than him and shouldn't feel threatened. He sat down on his haunches and looked up at her.
"Hi girl, so how is the laying going?"
Warble.
"Any chance I could get a peek?"
She only sniffed at him and nuzzled his head.
Well, you take as long as you need.
He stepped away from them and flew back to the ledge, now noticing several other of the dragons from Berk. Toothless was still on the ledge and had a very unimpressed look.
"Hiccup, you rock-head."
"What?"
Toothless put his face right in up in his and growled to emphasize his point.
"Nesting kin are dangerous. Do not go to them."
"But they are from our nest. They know me."
"Them yes. But I will not lose my head. You forget that kin have teeth. Like when we go in cave up the mountain and the bad two-head-gas-breather almost eat you."
Hiccup grumbled at being reminded of that.
"Toothless, you worry much."
"One of us must. The kin are safe here. We fly back to home-nest?"
"Yes," Hiccup relented, "we should be back before cold-season food-eating-ceremony."
That made Toothless perk up like little else could.
"Is that when the two-legs and us get in the most-big-tree-den and eat many meats?"
"Yes."
Toothless licked his lips in clear excitement, already having forgotten his frustration.
"Hiccup, we fly fast and not let two-legs eat all the meat."
Toothless did not even wait for a response and leapt into the sky. Hiccup took another look around the island and somewhat reluctantly followed him.
There is so much still to learn here. Things we don't know. But I don't want to miss the Blott.
Stoick stood at the Great Hall's front door and scanned the horizon one more time in the hope that they might return in time. But alas, he had already tarried after sunset long enough and had to get the festival underway. He shut the door and made his way to the head of the Hall.
It was a far more subdued experience compared to last year. There was less laughing and mirth and more muttering.
He took a deep breath and stood up in front of the main fire, quickly garnering everyone's attention.
"Brothers and sisters! What a year it has been. We've strengthened our alliance with the Vaina and we showed those Outcasts that we protect our own!"
That drew a faint cheer.
"Now, I sense a gloom hanging over you tonight. We all know what the reason is for that. For why we are a bit grumpy and anxious. Do not worry. We have plenty of drink and enough food for everyone."
Scattered laughter followed.
"Mostly because it looks like we will get more of the food to ourselves this time. I know you're all wondering about them somewhere out there. They can handle themselves. And I'm sure that they will come back to us when they are ready."
"How do we know that?" "Yeah, they just left us."
"They will come back because they know how good it is for them here. They do not go hungry and no one is trying to kill them here. They left us for a time and for a good reason. That doesn't make this time without them easier. We all know what it is like to miss someone you are fond of this time of year. So what do we do? We celebrate them! Celebrate everything we have done this year and the great future we will have. May the gods be with us!"
Everyone gathered in the Hall gave him a roar at the conclusion of his speech, especially when they saw the plates of steaming meats and the barrels of drink being rolled out.
Unsurprisingly, the first person to approach him was Gobber.
"As inspirational as always, Stoick."
"I try."
"You do more than just try, my friend. Do you think your dragons will get back tonight?"
"I hope so."
"Well, I'll make sure to save a lot of the meats for them if they don't get back. Say Stoick, what happened to our odd guests, the old woman, daughter, and company? Are they here?"
"No, they left to go home for the winter. They might be back in the spring. Probably didn't want to tough it out up here with us!"
Gobber smiled at that and raised his mug to Stoick's. The rest of the evening progressed at it usually did at the Wintersblott festival. People got happier and rowdier as the night went on. A few innocent scuffles broke out. Jokes were told. No one was taking themselves seriously until the time of the ceremony.
This was one going to be more important than the prior years' because of who was going to be taking part. This group had been instrumental in the changes that Berk had undergone over the last few years.
The festivities continued for hours of story-telling, drinking, feasting, and flirting. It was after midnight when there came a commotion from the main entrance to the Hall. Stoick couldn't make out anything distinct over the din of voices but the people noticeably started to part from the rear. And then he saw a very welcome sight.
Two Night Furies had let themselves into the Hall and were making their way up the main isle. Even though it hadn't even been a week, he was sorely tempted to run up to Hiccup and throw his arms around his neck. But he didn't do so out of concern for appearances.
"They came back!" "Where are the others?" "Did you find them?" several people shouted out.
Hiccup visibly nodded at this last question and went straight for Stoick's table.
"You're back! Did you find the other dragons?"
Yes, they are safe and warm
"And they have gone to lay their eggs, right?"
Yes
"Alright good, how about you two go warm up by the fire."
Hiccup nodded and joined Toothless over by the bonfire. Stoick then addressed the entire Hall.
"Everyone, they saw the other dragons. It is as I said. The dragons are off to lay their eggs. They are doing what they have to do. My Furies came back to us. The others will be back eventually and until then, life goes on for us. It is time!"
Everyone got to their feet and crowded around the central bonfire where he and Elder Vuulthir had gathered beside the two Furies.
"Come forward, children of Berk!"
The riders stepped forward and stood before the rest of their tribe. Their parents all assembled nearest to them, ready to welcome their children as adults.
"You have all proven your worth to the tribe. You have fought bravely and learned from your mistakes. You have helped Berk to grow as have you. You are no longer children to us. Cast off your old name and come forth."
As he said this, he used a Holly branch to sprinkle them with consecrated water.
The riders each nervously looked at each other until Snotlout took a deep breath and stepped forward.
"Who are you?" Stoick's voice echoed in the silent Hall.
"I am Thorvald Firehammer Jorgenson."
Stoick embraced him and then stepped back to let the Elder do his work. Everyone held their breath as Elder Vuulthir painted ash figures on Thorvald's forehead.
The twins and Fishlegs stepped forward and were asked the same question in turn.
Ruffnut answered "Sifa Thorstondottir" and Tuffnut answerered with "Theron Thorstonson." Fishlegs proudly announced himself as "Skald Ingermanson."
Stoick embraced each of them, and the Elder gave them the same ash symbols. Then only Astrid was left.
"Who are you?"
"Astrid Hofferdottir."
Stoick nodded in satisfaction and gave her a hug. She waited as Elder Vuulthir painted the symbols on her forehead. And then it was over, and her parents were embracing her as the feasting and revelry resumed. A number of other villagers she knew also congratulated her. Then she joined the other riders and returned to the feasting.
Strange, I thought I would feel different. I guess this doesn't really change anything. I'm not really any different.
She looked around the Hall and appreciated how different it was this year compared to last year. There were no dragons in the Hall this time other than the drowsy Furies. The other few dragons that were still on the island were in deep sleeps from which no one had bothered to wake them.
The issue of the dragons had been on her mind all week since hearing what Stoick had told everyone. The dragons had left to lay their eggs on some strange island. That was certainly the one part of dragon lives that they knew the least about. Her thoughts turned to her dragon somewhere out there in the world.
I'll have to ask Hiccup for more details. I hope she is ok. I wonder how many babies she will have and when I'll see her again.
The ceremony to recognize the latest adults into the tribe being finished, the rest of the night was reserved for more food, drink, and dancing.
Watching Astrid and his former classmates get formally recognized and admitted into the tribe as full adults was both heartwarming and left him wistful. It was one of the biggest days of their lives, one that he had dreamed of many times in a past life.
For now though, he was entirely content to rest by the fire and warm up after flying straight through into the night. At least he was content until he saw several plates of meats brought up to the Chief's table.
"Toothless, meat for us now."
Toothless needed no further encouragement and dashed up to the table to feast. Hiccup was pleased to notice that Toothless controlled himself and didn't drool all over the place. There was nothing quite like several plates full of warm and juicy goat, pork, and chicken after a long and frigid winter flight. They feasted while watching the other people dance to the music. Toothless then turned to him after finishing his food, his eyes drooping with drowsiness.
"I am sleepy."
"I will stay here Toothless."
Toothless nodded and saw himself out of the Hall, though he did stop to let a few people toss some more food into his open maw. Hiccup couldn't help but purr in happiness that everyone was happy to see them both again. Then he settled down next to his father's table and watched the festivities. The swirling mass of dancing Berkians was such a contrast to their normal way of life. The men were actually being gentle with their ladies and were heartily laughing. The ladies had put on dresses to tantalize the men and share gossip in the Hall's corners.
Astrid finished another group dance and stepped aside to catch her breath. The dancing seemed to be winding down as everyone was getting slower and sleepier as the night got old. There was only one more slow dance remaining, and there was a problem, a rather obnoxious problem.
Snotlout, now Thorvald, had spotted her and was weaving his way through the crowd towards her as he had tried to do all night.
Gods, not him... anyone but him...
Hiccup found himself watching Astrid. It wasn't just her pretty green dress or the way she had let out her hair to fall over her shoulders that grabbed his attention. What really caught his eye was that she was looking around the gathering in dismay. She was clearly looking for a partner for the last dance.
It did not even occur to him that it would be strange. All he knew was that his dear Astrid needed someone to dance with, and he had certainly wanted to do this for a very long time. He hopped to his feet and walked out to her.
"Hiccup, what are you doing out here?"
He plaintively glanced from her to the dance floor. It took only a moment for her to understand what he had in mind.
"Oh, I didn't know you could... Ok."
"Come on Astrid, don't bother with him," Thorvald pleaded.
"He asked me before you."
"It is a dragon, Astrid! It can't dance!"
"I think he can."
A hush went through the crowd as they watched Astrid and the Night Fury walk out onto the dance floor together. He stopped in front of her and stood up using his tail for balance. Then he placed his paws on her shoulders as she did likewise.
"Don't worry, we'll go slowly."
He nodded in agreement and purred in happiness.
The music haltingly started a few moments later, and only a few couples were actually paying attention to their own dances. The novelty of a dragon, even one admittedly as smart as a Night Fury, dancing with someone was too incredible to ignore.
It left him very nervous. He had never danced with her, or anyone for that matter, before and had no idea what to do. It didn't help that there were dozens of people staring at them.
"Hiccup, look at me."
He did so and focused on her mirthful blue eyes.
"Step," he barely heard her whisper at the same time as she pulled on his shoulders.
He stepped forward while she stepped back. Then she pushed softly and he knew to step back. They fell into this simple pattern for several steps until he started feeling more relaxed. He didn't mind that she was essentially leading him. A quick glance to the audience showed many gaping mouths and astonished looks. But he did not care about them.
He saw Fishlegs, now Skald, spin his partner in a simple loop.
I can do that…
He reached out and gently clasped her left hand in a paw. Then he spun her out in a loop and gathered her back in as she laughed aloud in delight. And they began spinning around the dance floor, completely oblivious to everyone around them. Their antics finally started turning the audience.
They did not attempt anything more elaborate than a simple spin, but they enjoyed it all the same and shared laughs at each other's many missteps.
The music began to slow down several minutes later, signaling the end of the dance. The crowd began cheering each other and the odd pair as the dance ended. A few of the couples even shared a passionate kiss.
"That was nice. Thank you."
Maybe it was the warm atmosphere or maybe it was just something he had long wanted to do. Regardless, it happened before he was even aware of doing it or thinking about it. He leaned forward and licked her on the cheek.
She gasped and raised a hand to her cheek while staring at him in surprise. Then he seemed to realize what he had done.
Oh no! What did I just do?
He shamefully let her go and dropped back to the ground. The laughing crowd started gathering around Astrid and bombarding her with questions and a few teasing wolf-whistles. He even got a couple pats of his own on his head. But he did not want to go back to his father's table. He couldn't even remain in the Hall anymore. He ran out the front door of the Hall without looking back. The snow crunched underfoot as he walked through the snow with his tail dragging behind him. The numbing wind helped with the heat and shame pouring through his veins.
He stood outside his door and let the cold wash over him for a few more moments before opening the door and walking inside. He went straight to the bedroom and curled up across from the ember-filled fireplace still popping and cracking from the last log. Toothless was asleep on the other side of the room. Thankfully, Toothless had left the party early and could not tease him.
Something felt broken in him, and he sadly knew exactly what it was.
Astrid could not be his.
She was kind, responsible, tough, and very beautiful. She was no longer a girl; she was a woman now. He had liked her for as long as he could recall, even back in his more pathetic moments when she had berated him for being weak. She was beautiful in his eyes even then. And she had eventually changed after meeting Toothless. She had held him tightly in the skies on Toothless's back and had even given him a peck on the cheek after that fortuitous flight. She had now done things that no woman of her age had ever done before.
Then his life had been completely changed.
That dance had shown him how great the chasm was between them. Her muscular shoulders felt strange under his paws. He stood much taller than her now after only a couple years. It wouldn't even be possible to dance safely with her in the future.
They could never be as close as he had hoped they might be. It was not the gods' will.
What must she think of me?
Her eyes never left Hiccup as he dashed out the Hall. She knew him well enough to see his distress.
She somehow endured the inane questions and managed to escape the crowd. But she could not escape the swirling and confusing emotions in her heart. She had danced with Hiccup. That had been very fun and strangely pleasant.
And he had kissed her! Sort of.
The others had laughed about how smart the Fury was and about how it tried to imitate others around it, but she knew that was not just a casual gesture brought on by festival cheer or innocent imitation.
She sat down at the table where she had left her coat and steadied herself. Her heart was left racing in a way she hadn't felt in a long time.
I guess he would still… even after this time and everything…
"Enjoying yourself I see," Thorvald said while crossing his arms.
"Not now," she sighed.
"Why not now? You avoided me on every dance."
"Because I do not want to dance with you. You know I am not interested…"
"What does that matter? When has that ever mattered ? My father has told me that I need to marry soon, and there is no one better than you on Berk."
"And tell him that I will make my own choice of who I marry."
He scowled and stepped forward, pushing her up against the wall.
"That is not how we do things. I've waited years now. What are you going to do? Marry the dragon?"
"What did you say?" she seethed.
He sneered openly and glanced immodestly at her.
"You seemed very interested in the dragon. Humph. Should we expect you to… I don't know… lay eggs soon?"
She rammed his face with her head and heard his nose crack. He howled his pain and staggered back from her, clutching at his bloodied face. She picked up her coat, quickly wrapped herself in it, and stormed out of the Hall. The cold wind helped to cool her anger.
She marched home and went straight to bed without changing. But she could not sleep even after tossing and turning for over an hour. There was too much on her mind, too much left unsaid that did not feel like it could wait.
This is stupid. No, this is crazy.
So she got back up, put on her boots and coat, and slipped outside after checking to make sure that no one would see her. Naturally, everyone had long since gone to sleep. She went straight to the Chief's house and slipped in through the side entrance. The door creaked noticeably, but the wind helped to hide the sound. She did not worry that Stoick would be awake considering how much she had seen him drinking at the festival. The snoring she could hear from his bedroom left no doubt that he was out cold.
She tiptoed to Hiccup's room and found both him and Toothless apparently asleep. She set aside her coat, walked over to Hiccup, and reached out to tap him on the shoulder when he stirred and opened his eyes. His eyes went wide in shock for a moment and then he looked away in obvious discomfort.
"Shush, I need to talk. Just listen," she whispered.
He nodded slowly and settled back down. He couldn't quite meet her eyes though and stared at the fireplace.
"I know you... like me. Even now. I was never nice to you before you showed me Toothless, before you changed the world. You helped me become a better person. I am not as angry or as stubborn as I was back then. I feel wonder again."
She sat down next to him.
"Snotlout wants me to marry him. That will not happen. We couldn't respect each other. My parents want me to marry someone, but they said I can make my own choice who. How could I marry anyone here and be happy? Anyone other than… Do I wish things could be different? Do I wish that you were human right now?"
"Yeah, I do," she whispered with an obvious blush.
Neither of them could look at each other for a brief moment.
"But only the gods know why this had to happen to you. There is no sense pining over what is not."
She sighed softly and then noticeably shivered.
"I am cold. Talk tomorrow?"
He slowly nodded once, and then she vanished. He lay his head back down on his pillow and listened to the crackling of the fire's embers.
And he sobbed himself to sleep.
Hiccup woke up later in the morning than he was accustomed to. It was still unsettling how much less energy he had during the winters and how much more he wanted to sleep. He spared the dozing Toothless a glance. Then he got to his feet to stretch.
It was only then that he smelled the very strange smell and remembered that Astrid had been there last night.
That really happened?
Only her faintly lingering smell reassured him that it was not a dream; that she had actually been here at his side last night after the dance. After he essentially kissed her in front of everyone at the dance.
He gave a sigh of resignation.
Oh great, I know dad will want to talk about that. Let's get this over with.
He left the bedroom and was immediately assaulted by the sound of snoring from down the hall. He rolled his eyes and grumbled.
I should have known. Never expect anything from a man the day after the winter celebration. He might not remember anything after all.
He went into the kitchen and looked outside. It did not look fierce at all. He went outside and, reassured that it was not too cold, took a short flight out to sea to relieve himself.
Someone dressed in a heavy coat was waiting for him when he returned. He would have blushed if he had been able to.
Uh, Astrid… hi Astrid… hi Astrid.
"Good morning Hiccup, shall we go to the Academy?"
He nodded once and followed her down and inside the Academy. She tossed a log on the fire in her alcove and they both settled down on the ground.
"So… I guess we should talk about yesterday. Of all the dragons I have danced with, you are the best."
They both stared at each other, completely deadpan and serious until they gave in and chuckled heartily.
I should not have
"Should not have what? Kissed me?"
He managed to look thoroughly embarrassed.
"Don't worry about it, everyone thought it was cute. Everyone except that idiot Snotlout. Gods, he is lucky I didn't have my dagger."
What did he do?
"He said something very… crude about you and me because I danced with you instead of him. And because I avoided him all evening. He just wouldn't stop! He is so stubborn. So I hit him."
Anyone else interested?
Astrid sighed deeply.
"Yes, of course there will be others who will want me. Most of the ones from other tribes just think that they will be a dragon master or want power through me. I will not have any of them."
What do you want?
"I just want to keep leading the riders and the Academy. I want to keep learning about dragons and keeping the peace. I want to see dragons bring their hatchlings back here because they know it is a safe place. How could I do any of that if I were to settle down? Become a housewife? Live a normal life? I can only think of one person whose life would have fit with what I want and…"
"You know the problem with that. Who knows though? If you ever do get changed back, then maybe things can be different for us."
Thank you for summing that up
She at least grinned at that.
"For now though, we have to do what we can with the time the gods give to us. We are both doing some good for the world, after all. We are keeping the peace, and you are showing everyone that dragons are not just dumb beasts to be abused. Gods, even the Outcasts are being better than they used to be."
She paused and looked very pensive.
"Hiccup, I want you to tell me the truth. Do you want to be changed back?"
Yes
"Really think about it Hiccup, would you give up flying and being able to talk with Toothless?"
He stared down at his claws while he tried to consider her question. The more he thought about it, the more of a gnawing doubt he felt. There was truly nothing else he had ever experienced like feeling a warm breeze press on his wings as he effortlessly glided higher. The total freedom of being able to come and go as he wished was something humans definitely did not enjoy. But, as he knew all too well, there were other parts of life that he couldn't partake of as a dragon. Things that seemed too painful to abandon all hope of enjoying.
It would be hard but yes
If I could be with you
Toothless said he would let me fly with him like before
"Has he ever gotten around to learning how to write?"
Not yet but I am teaching him
He knows a few runes
"Really? He seems as stubborn as a Nord at times. Actually, he is most all the time."
They both chuckled at that.
"So did you see Stormfly out there?"
Yes, she seemed fine and happy to see me
"Good. What is the place like?"
He spent over an hour carefully writing out everything he had learned about the nesting-island and the behaviors of the dragons on the island.
"And they really put their eggs by the water to hatch them?"
Yes.
"Wow. I wish I could have seen it myself. Any idea how long they will be there?"
Until their babies can fly I guess
So probably into the summer
"That's so long. We depend on them a lot now. Any idea what we can do to bring them back sooner?"
He gave it a few moments of thought.
Maybe sent a boat and bring their hatchlings back
"Will they trust us like that?"
I think so
Do you think Stormfly would?
"I want to think so, but I cannot know for sure. That might just work though. I'll see what your dad thinks about it. Maybe we can try that in the spring."
"About your dad, has he said anything to you about yesterday?"
He was still asleep
"I hope he isn't angry with you. As I said, everyone thought it was cute."
He had to huff at that to preserve what was left of his pride.
"Well, I'm going to go home Hiccup. I skipped breakfast for this. Thank you for talking to me."
They both got up and set off for their respective destinations. The first thing he saw when he got home was his father sitting at the table and holding his head in his hands while groaning.
Uh, dad?
"Mmmhhhhrrrr, Hiccup... my head..."
He gave his dad an amused and concerned look.
"Don't drink that much. It's not good for you," Stoick offered as sage advice.
Obviously.
"There was something I wanted to say. I saw you dancing last night. That was new. It looked like you were having fun. I couldn't help but think what if..."
If what dad?
Stoick raised his hand back to his temple and groaned.
"If only this pounding would stop."
Dad, you brought that on yourself.
Hiccup left his father to his self-inflicted misery and returned to his room. Toothless was still sound asleep. He took his place in his own bed and turned his thoughts to everything that had happened.
It almost felt like he and Astrid had come to more of an understanding of where they stood in relation to each other and of what they hoped for out of life. He closed his eyes and imagined what might happen in the future if his condition were to ever be changed. She had clearly let her thoughts be known, and it greatly warmed his heart.