"You okay, Gyda?" Hiccup asked.
She did not answer at first. She only closed her eyes and took several deep breaths.
"Uncle Ombra," she whispered. "He would do that while I was growing up. Usually when I was upset over something. It was like seeing him again."
[Shadewing did tell us that he and your father were now flying with the ancestors,] Toothless' mother said, her tone low. [We offer our condolences for your loss.]
Gyda's eyes opened and she smiled. "Thank you."
Hiccup watched as Shadowfire stared at his mother for several heartbeats then lean over and nuzzle into her hair, as she now kept her hood lowered when they were indoors. As much as a cave system could be considered indoors.
Hiccup frowned. The gesture could be seen as a son comforting and seeking comfort from his mother over their shared loss. Many would probably view it as just that. Hiccup, however, had seen Shadowfire's horns flared and his widen eyes shift towards Toothless. It had been a brief glance, but Hiccup had caught it when he looked over at Gyda.
Hiccup got the distinct impression there was more going on. He kept his suspicions within though as they continued on walking. If his brother was able to split his spikes like his father could, and given those two's reactions it was likely, then Hiccup wanted to experience it when it happened. He may have been excited with the notion of knowing the future when Gyda first returned to them, but as time flew onwards, he realized he would rather live his life than be told his life.
[I was wondering when you all would finally stop by,] a female voice called out as they entered another large cavern with several of the sleeping dens carved into the walls. [And you, little nephew, finally figured out which ways was home?]
Hiccup shared a glance with Astrid as Toothless and his parents gave a warble laugh. Spitfire, bounding into the cavern just after them, also laughed.
[Oh, come now, Aunt,] Toothless stated. [You know out of my siblings I always had the better sense of directions. It was not I that got so turned around in the lower portion of the nest that it took all of the nest to find me.]
A loud, divisive snort echoed from one of the sleeping dens. A slow walking Night Fury moved into the light cast by a series of small openings in the cavern's roof. Hiccup choked on his gasp. The Night Fury had silver eyes.
[You all just going to linger in the opening?] the Night Fury asked. [I'm old and half-blind. I'm not coming to you lot. Nephew, what are you teaching them?]
Toothless' father grunted but Hiccup could see the male was not annoyed. In fact, he was smiling like Toothless did.
They moved across the stone floor, worn smooth by the passage of many paws. The dragoness waited until they were close before speaking again.
[You,] she said, her head swiveling towards Toothless, [come here so I can greet you properly.]
Toothless moved in front of the dragoness. Hiccup smiled as both dragons nuzzled each other cheeks and crooned to each other in the Old Tongue. Hiccup knew what this visit was doing for his brother and he was proud and glad to be able to witness it.
The dragoness set back. At Toothless' warble, Moondust and the boys, who had followed gamely along but stayed quiet, joined Toothless in front of his aunt. The dragoness nuzzled each of the boys, cooing at them, before nuzzling Moondust's cheek. She then set back again and her silver eyes found Toothless.
[Your flock is beautiful, little nephew.]
Toothless ducked his head. [Thank you, Aunt, but you have not met all of them. My brother, and my alpha, Hiccup, stands beside Mother. I will call him over.]
The dragoness hissed softly. [No, little nephew, please, first, tell me how you came to be the father of these three and to be courting such a marvelous dragoness.]
[But-]
[Little nephew, please do as I asked.]
Hiccup frowned. Toothless' father and mother had said Toothless' aunt wanted to meet him and the others, but it seemed as if she did not. Her eyes had traveled over him and the other humans. Hiccup had seen that, but he also saw slight disgust and a minute lifting of her upper lip when her gaze fell upon him. It seemed she did want him there as he had not seen the same reaction to the other humans.
An old urge to run, to hide in his workshop at the back the forge rose. Unfortunately, that room was too far for him to get to right now. He turned to Toothless' mother, finding her staring at the dragoness with her head tilted. Hiccup did not pause to wonder why. He had to go. If his presence bothered the dragoness then Hiccup would leave. He would not disrupt his brother's time with his family. He had already disrupted it enough. This should have been a time for Toothless to be the center of attention, not Hiccup.
Hiccup leaned down enough he could whisper to Toothless' mother. "Um, Mom, is there a place I may go relieve myself?"
Toothless' mother blinked and her head shifted so she could stare at Hiccup. Hiccup kept his face neutral. He did want anyone to stop him and this seemed the best idea for that, but he could not let his hurt over the dragoness' actions show. They would not let him go then. Astrid would not let him go then.
Toothless' mother used her tail to point out of the cavern. [Just down the corridor from where Spitfire came from,] she said. [Just before the corridor turns right. I can get someone to escort you if you will wait.]
"No, ma'am. I . . I gotta go."
Toothless' mother stared at him for several more heartbeats but nodded her head. [Okay.]
Hiccup saw Astrid stare at him. He smiled and gave her the hand signal for 'don't worry' before gesturing for Sharpshot to hop down and stay with the group. He then turned and left the cavern. He heard Toothless' question and heard Toothless' mother explain. Hiccup took a deep breath. At least that worked. Now to find a place to wait until Toothless and his aunt had the time to catch up without his presence upsetting her.
Kirika: Hehe, so do I. Astrid is fiercely loyal and protective.
Literally Nobody: You need sleep too, my friend. And yep, that line made it in. Some of the third movie may make it in, but it'll only be what's shown in the trailers as there are some of my readers who have not seen the movie yet. Well, the dragons are learning just as the humans are, but not all the dragons are as welcoming. I almost cried writing that scene with Toothless' mother. Go get some sleep and I don't mind grammar or spelling mistakes.