The Riders, Onyxwing, Sunburn, and Silent stepped into the royal chambers after everyone returned to the nest and Toothless' parents welcomed them all as heroes. Everyone settled down, the humans pulling their furs together to provide a soft spot for them all to sit. Hiccup leaned back against Toothless' chest as the dragon laid down in a line behind him. This allowed Moondust to snuggle into Toothless' left side and provide a backrest for Astrid, who snuggled into Hiccup's left side.
Since the danger was past, the non-fighters returned to the nest. Toothless' boys personally escorted their aunt, cousin, and Skulder to the royal chambers and joined in the circle of humans and dragons. Sandblast, as was his custom, claimed Hiccup's right side, laying with his muzzle pressed against Hiccup. Sharpshot and Sneaky curled up along his belly. Silverfire laid in front of Hiccup and Astrid while Spikestorm claimed Astrid's left side and tucked himself in between her and Stormfly.
Fishlegs and Meatlug sat just past Sandblast. Fishlegs leaned against Meatlug's belly while Skulder leaned against Meatlug's back. The twins sat next Skulder with their chosen head from Barf and Belch laying in the laps. Snotlout and Gyda both sat back against their dragon's heads as both Hookfang and Shadowfire laid like Toothless and Moondust. The rest of Toothless' hatch flock, including his aunt, Onyxwing, Sunburn, and Silent completed the circle.
The twins started it, but right then it was Fishlegs turn to tell the events of the short fight from his perspective. Hiccup looked down at his and Astrid's lap, smiling. His young nephew had nuzzled his father upon seeing him but then made a straight run, as straight as an uncoordinated hatchling could make, right to Hiccup and Astrid.
The hatchling proceeded to flop to his belly with his part of his body in Hiccup's lap and part in Astrid's. He was listening to the Riders speak but he would nuzzle against Hiccup then Astrid at regular intervals, causing Shadewing to grumble a complaint about losing his son. A complaint that earned him a tail slap from Spitfire and Haizea and an order to hush and stop interrupting the others from his mother.
Once all who fought gave their side silence fell for a few heartbeats. Hiccup just relished in the calm, knowing that all he loved were safe once more. He still did not like the fact that he had to kill Alvin and he still hated not knowing the exact reason why Alvin did anything he had done, but Hiccup was relieved it was over.
[I seem to recall Shadowfire saying his mother sang with him at times,] Toothless' mother said, breaking the silence. [I would enjoy hearing her voice. Will you sing for us, Elder Gyda?]
Hiccup saw Shadowfire nudge his mother and saw the mage snort. Those who had stood on the mountain just as the heavy snowstorm arrived on Berk had already heard Gyda sing, All, even the dragons, expressed their agreement. Gyda smiled but tipped her head. She then closed her eyes and began singing.
Hiccup tilted his head, sharing a glance with Astrid as the first words to pass her lips spoke of life being under snow and frozen streams. When Gyda sang a line about hearts singing more if sorrow was deeper, Hiccup turned his gaze to Onyxwing and Toothless' aunt. Both dragons kept their gazes locked upon the stone, but Hiccup could see tears drip from their eyes. Hiccup wanted to go comfort them, certain both were thinking of Link, but he also was reluctant to disturb his nephew. In the end Sunburn and Toothless' father offered the comfort Hiccup wanted to give. Onyx returned Sunburn's nuzzle. Toothless' aunt leaned into Toothless' father as he placed his wing over her.
Gyda finished her song and opened her eyes. Hiccup blinked as his nephew stood to his tiny paws. Hiccup looked down, finding the small dragon looking up at him. His nephew glanced at Gyda then back to Hiccup and chittered something in the Old Tongue. Hiccup laughed, not really need a translation for that. It was not the exact same sound Icewing and other gave when asking permission to touch him, but it did have the same overtone. Hiccup smiled.
[You understood him, Uncle Alpha?] Sandblast asked, lifting his head and staring at Hiccup.
"No," Hiccup said, "but I think I got the intent. It was a request for more songs."
Sandblast blinked. [Yes. How did you do that?]
Hiccup shrugged. "It sounded similar to when the hatchlings back home ask to sit on my shoulders or nuzzle me. Given he looked to Gyda and then to me, I guessed what he was saying."
Toothless chortled, his action causing Hiccup's back to jostle slightly. [Somehow, I am not surprised that your ability to catch the intent and correctly guess the Old Tongue is getting better.]
Hiccup frowned. "You think Link is helping with that?"
[Who is Link?] Toothless asked.
Hiccup coughed, realizing he had not told the others he had named the Night Fury's soul fused to his. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw the Onyxwing and the other Night Furies near him lift their sensing lobes. Onyxwing blinked and stared at Hiccup.
[You named my son Link?]
"Eh, well, uh, yeah."
Onyxwing tilted his head. [Why Link?]
Hiccup shrugged again. "It felt right, given that he kinda links me to the dragons."
Onyxwing was silent for a few heartbeats then tipped his head down. [I see. He was given a different name before his death, but…that name fits who he is now. Thank you, Hiccup, for accepting him as you have.]
Hiccup smiled. "It might be weird to say this, but I'll take care of him."
Onyxwing smiled. "That sets my mind at ease."
Silence fell again until Shadowfire decided to break it.
[Link? Huh. Mom, if we end up with a Zelda at some point, I'm going to lose it and just laugh until I can't stand anymore.]
"Only you would bring up that, my son," she muttered.
Shadowfire chortled. [You were thinking it. Don't lie.]
Hiccup frowned as Gyda groaned and pinched the bridge of her nose, which caused Shadowfire to cackle.
SnowBriar: Hey, welcome back. Did you have fun? Hehe, I'm not gonna spoil what happens and you find out. No. Sunset and Sunrise are their own dragons. Butt and Head are not in this.
Literally Nobody: Wow, thank you. Hehe, as for Johann, I'll ask this: Who said he was a traitor?
Kirika: Thank you. I look forward to your reviews, my friend.