Sacrifices

by A.Friend410

Arrangements had been made and now it was up to him to choose. He could deny the request and still live his life unknowing where it would lead him, or he can accept it and cement his future. The only problem was he wasn't the only one who would be affected by his choice. For southernbeauty13 who asked for this story with the pairing of Hiccup and my OC Eira. Hiccup/OC pairing.

1. Part One

Sacrifices

Summary: Arrangements had been made and now it was up to him to choose. He could deny the request and still live his life unknowing where it would lead him, or he can accept it and cement his future. The only problem was he wasn't the only one who would be affected by his choice.

Part One:

It wasn't unheard of that Berk would receive visitors. It was unheard of that Hiccup didn't know about it. Especially, when the guest was the Chief of another high-ranking tribe. At least he was given some heads up thanks to his father the night before telling him to take a small flight about the island rather than their larger luxurious one with his dragon. So, after his flight, he met his dad at the docks already seeing the incoming ships on the horizon. Neither Haddock men knew why the other Chief was anchoring on their shores, but it did seem important from the letter Stoick had read. Hiccup could only assume that it might be a dragon problem. With Berk being at peace with the beasts for over a year thanks to him and Toothless. It wasn't the best-kept secret that his father had hoped it would be. Yet, lucky for them they had more allies than enemies, so helping control other raids in neighboring tribes was never a problem. Not for the dragon riders.

When the shipped finally docked a few Vikings help secure it as the two men stood ready to greet their guests.

Stoick took a glance at Hiccup and quickly whispered, "Try to hold your shoulders back, son. This Chief isn't one you want to appear small."

"Who is it, dad?" Hiccup never received an answer from him, instead, it was answered by the chief in question stepping up on the boards of the dock.

"Presenting the Chief of the Southern Sea Walker Tribe, the conquer of- "

"Odin's sake Buck," the man called. "Just say my name and be done with it. They know who I am. I sent a damn letter."

The announcer apologized and continued, "Illfuss Osterburg."

A very large Viking stepped into view. He was roughly the size of Stoick with dark hair that had pepper of grey in it along with his beard. His icy blue eyes were what frighten Hiccup the most. It was like he automatically glared at him. His voice seemed the opposite when addressing the other Chief. "Stoick! My old friend!"

"Illfuss," Stoick beamed shaking his hand.

"How's this old piece of rock been treating you?"

"Just as well as your land lock one."

Both laughed at the jokes made and after their greetings to one another, the guest scanned the people there. His eyes locked on Hiccup. "And this must be your son. Hiccup was it?" He offered his hand to shake.

"Yes, sir. That's me," Hiccup said shaking the man's hand but wincing at the strength he used. Toothless growled at him causing him to back up in surprise.

"What is that?"

It was Hiccup's turn to smirk, "This is Toothless."

"That's a- a- "

Hiccup nodded, "A Night Fury, yes."

Illfuss was astonished seeing the black dragon. "So, the rumors were true you really do conquer dragons."

"We prefer the word train," Hiccup corrected. "But yes. Berk is finally at peace with them thanks to my friends and me."

"Unbelievable," was all he said. Then he raised a hand slightly towards Toothless. "May I?" He shrunk back when Toothless growled at him again.

The lanky boy jumped a little in front trying to keep his dragon calm. "Maybe later. He's a little grouchy when he hasn't eaten."

The visitor nodded. "Of course." Then he chuckled, "Sounds like us aye Stoick?"

Stoick laughed with him agreeing but turned to the matter at hand. "What do we owe the visit Illfuss? The letter you sent was a little vague."

The man agreed that it was. "That's because I believe what I want to say is better left said in person. I also, believe that it is better to discuss in private."

"We can go to my hut then," Stoick said and ushered the male in the direction of the building. Illfuss gave his men orders to stay at the dock as he went.

On the way to the house Illfuss suggested that Hiccup should go and feed his dragon while the two Chieftains talked.

"I'm training my son to be the future Chief of Berk Illfuss. This would be a good opportunity to show him how two civil Vikings conduct business."

"Very well," he said. "Hope you have enough food at the house to feed him."

When arriving Toothless past all them up heading straight towards Hiccup's room to stuff his belly full of fish that awaited him. Stoick offered the other Chief a seat while they took their own. Then the Berkian Chief pulled out the rolled-up scroll to discuss the cryptic message. "What is all this about Illfuss? And please none of your vague words."

He sighed, "All right. It's about our treaty."

Immediately Hiccup jumped to conclusions, "If it's because of the dragons we have I can assure you that we don't- "

The visiting Chief cut him off raising a calm hand to the lad. "No boy, it's not about your dragons. But I would imagine Berk has also become a larger target because of it right Stoick?"

"Nothing we can't handle."

"Hm." Then there was silence for a few moments as the Chief thought, "Now I don't want to break our treaty, Stoick. It would be ill-advised to do so."

"Agreed," he spoke. "So why are you here?"

"What if I told you I wanted to make our treaty stronger? More permanent?"

"Where are you going with this?" Stoick asked.

"Yeah, where is he going with this?" Hiccup thought studying both his father's and other chief's facial expressions.

Another sigh left the other chief, "Your son is of marrying age, is he not?"

Hiccup became very confused wondering why he was being dragged into this all the sudden. It was about the treaty and he had nothing to do with coming up with those fine details between the two tribes. He even mouthed the word "what" as his green eyes when wide in shock.

Stoick's eyes were giving Illfuss a cold stare, "He is, but why are you asking?"

"Well, so is my daughter."

Right away Stoick knew what the man meant. "Are you suggesting- "

"I am, so what do you think?"

"What's going on?" Hiccup interrupted, "and what does this treaty have to do with me and your daughter? And why are you asking about my age?" As soon as he asked, it seemed the dots had finally connected for the young Haddock and he was a little terrified. "Are you asking me to marry your daughter?!"

Illfuss gave him a solid nod. "Indeed, I am lad, so what do you say, Stoick?"

The young dragon rider was in shock, "but why!"

Stoick was curious too, "Yes, Illfuss why are you suggesting something like this, even after all these years?"

Hiccup looked at his dad in disbelief. Apparently, this was not the first time something like this was brought up.

The father sighed sadly, "I want to make sure she's taken care of. I already named who will be the next Chief in my village and unfortunately, he is already married."

"Wouldn't she be the next chief though?" Hiccup asked.

"Hiccup," Stoick explained, "Some tribes have old laws that won't allow women to be chief. Illfuss' tribe is one of them." He turned his attention back to the other man, "And that's why you came here?"

He nodded, "Admittedly Berk was not my first choice Stoick and not for the reasons you think."

That statement solidifies that they did talk about this before. It made Hiccup a little self-conscious knowing that."

"But here I am and I'm asking you this time Stoick," Illfuss asked, "Would you build an alliance within our tribes through a marriage?"

Hiccup stared at his father waiting for his response. There wouldn't be any way that he would agree to this. He was still a young teen for Thor's sake.

It was a while before Stoick spoke again, "Illfuss like I told you earlier I have started training my son as Chief. It is a slow process since he has other duties elsewhere in the village. However, it is a working one. This meeting was a great learning opportunity." Illfuss was looking more defeated the more Stoick talked while Hiccup was more relieved. "That being said I think my son should be making this decision."

"What!" Both of them yelled their eyes looking at each other.

Illfuss was the first to snap at the idea. "You can't be serious Stoick. He's just a boy."

"A boy who you are asking to alter his future. To make a commitment to a complete stranger."

"She's not a stranger," he snapped, but then stopped when slowly coming to terms to what Stoick was saying.

"She is Illfuss, just like my son is a stranger to her. Now I know you didn't force your daughter into this. How long did you give her to decide?"

"A week," he sighed. "It took her a week to agree after I asked her."

Stoick then turned to his son, "then you have a week to decide as well, Hiccup."

"Are you two serious?" He was completely baffled at the two men especially when he saw both nodded. He gulped, and he was feeling slightly light-headed. He heard his name and turned to Illfuss.

"The treaty that our two tribes have won't be affected by your decision."

"Th-thank you?"

"Yes, Illfuss thank you." Stoick said and then thought, "At least he won't feel any pressure from that."

After the small meeting, Illfuss and his men were invited to stay on Berk for the week. It gave the two current Chiefs a chance to catch up and rebuild any loose ends in the treaty that currently stood. Hiccup, on the other hand, went straight on the back of his dragon to the academy. He was hoping some of the antics of his friends would distract him. When he landed, they all noticed a difference in him.

Astrid was the first to ask, "Hiccup are you okay?"

"Okay?" he blinked at her rapidly. "Yeah, okay. I'm okay." He jumped around some to shake off the nerves.

"Are you sure?" Fishlegs asked.

"Yeah, because you look whiter then the sheet, we used to trap Snotlout in that hole during Snoggletog after a snowstorm," Tuffnut said and Ruffnut high fived him for bringing up an awesome memory.

"I still hate you guys for that!" Snotlout crossed his arms.

Hiccup shook his head again to get his senses back. "Yeah, I'm fine. I just had an interesting talk with my dad and one of our allied Chiefs."

"Oh, so that's who anchored on our shores," Fishlegs said making Hiccup nod.

"My dad says the crest on the sails belongs to the Sea-Walkers Tribe," Snotlout explained. "He also said Chief Illfuss is a tough as Stoick in battle." He then turned to Astrid and flirted, "but not as tough as a Jorgenson." He flexed his bicep at her causing her to roll her eyes and shiver in disgust.

"That would be the one," Hiccup said fidgeting with some of the equipment in the ring.

"Well, what did he want?" the blonde asked.

A nervous chuckle mixed with his words, "Oh you know. The usual. Discussing the treaty, the two tribes have, a little about dragons, and oh I have to decide if I want to get married in seven days."

"WHAT!" all their jaws dropped, including the dragons.

Ruffnut was the first one to regain herself from the shock, "What do you mean the M-word?"

"You know the whole walk down the aisle, place a ring on a finger and pledge yourself to another person type M-word."

"Why the hell would you do that?"

Astrid answered, "He's not." Then paused and asked, "Right?"

All their eyes were locked on him and he felt like he was backed into a corner, especially with them questioning him and badgering him about it. They kept it up until he couldn't take it anymore.

"I don't know!" he screamed. He calmed down and said it again at them, "I don't know okay. I- I have to go." He hopped on the back of Toothless and he headed out of the arena. Hiccup going there seemed to be a huge mistake.

The next area Hiccup went to was the Black Smith shop. He was hoping Gobber would have something to work on to distract him. Luckily, for him the Viking did and soon the young rider was pounding away and shaping a piece of steel into a nice weapon. He wiped away the sweat on his brow when placing the thing into a barrel of water.

Gobber watched him work and was worried but he never pressed on the matter. He knew the boy would talk when he was ready. Though Gobber never had the patience for waiting, so when he heard the lad sigh for the fourth time did he ask, "Is there something troubling you lad?"

Hiccup took it as a sign to sit down on a stool and place his head in his hands.

That's when Gobber heard a hard sob come from him. Immediately the one arm Viking went to him and placed his good hand on his back. It took a while but Gobber was able to get the whole story from the boy. He was shocked at what he heard, and he didn't even know how to handle it.

Hiccup was crying as he spoke, "I don't know what to do Gobber. I don't think I can make this decision."

The adult had pity in his eyes and felt back for the boy. He patted his back and tried to help. "I don't think you have a choice." He heard him groan and try to hold back another sob. "Look Hiccup you were given two saving graces here. One they allowed you to choose what happens. Most families don't even allow that. I doubt the girl had a say in it the way that tribe is set in their ways, so be thankful for that." Hiccup sniffed and wiped his nose on his sleeve as he continued, "Second they gave you a week to make this choice. So, my advice, take a day or two to calm down then start to ask them questions about this because clearly, something stopped you from flat out saying no to the offer. Figure out what that was, it will help you to make a clear concision decision." Gobber stood up and picked Hiccup on his feet, "Now go home, rest, and start fresh tomorrow morning."

The young rider nodded, but before heading home he decided he was going to take a long long flight.

Gobber watched him take off and sighed. He was very worried about the boy, more so because he thought of him as a son. Decisions like this were ones that could change a person's life forever and most time it was not for the better.

It was a long and restless night for Hiccup and it showed as he pushed around his breakfast on his plate. Toothless even felt the uneasiness within his rider and even Stoick felt it too but neither pushed the lad. So, all three ate in silence. That was until Stoick went to set off for the day.

"Dad," Hiccup finally spoke. The father acknowledged him, and he continued, "This wasn't the first time this was brought up was it?"

Stoick sighed and bowed his head. He took his seat before answering. "No, it wasn't. I admit that I had asked a couple of Chiefs if they were willing to make this arrangement when you were a bae. It was shortly after your mother passed. Another was when I had a close call in a raid when you were a young boy."

"But why?"

"I didn't want to leave you alone." Stoick paused and commented, "Just odd how Illfuss offered this time. He's very protective of his daughter. Turned me away very sternly when I asked those times."

Hiccup tapped his fork on his plate thinking. It wasn't long until he asked another question, "What happen to her if I say no?"

"I'm not sure."

He knew that was a lie and called him out on it, "You spent all day with him talking. He told you. I know he did, so tell me."

Stoick let out a deep breath grinning a smidge under his beard, "You're too smart you know that?"

"What did he say, dad," the son pried again.

"I don't want this to influence your decision, "he explained but knew anything being said was going to do that. "He will be asking other Chiefs the same he asked of you."

That confused the young Haddock, "but he said we were the last- "

Stoick cut him off, "the last one with someone around her own age." He saw the flash of horror in his son's green eyes. "Illfuss will be asking other Chiefs if they will take his daughter as a wife or even a second one."

"A second wife? What does that mean?"

"She will be offered to live with a Chief and his wife." The larger haddock tried to tell explain delicately, but Hiccup wasn't having it and forced Stoick to tell the whole truth. "If lucky she would only be there to help keep their house in order. Knowing other Chiefs though she will be used as a consort or even to produce them an heir." He tried to backpedal after seeing how white his son's face became. "It's not the worse life she could have Hiccup. It's just hard when she comes from a high-ranking tribe."

"How could you say that?" He asked. "She's guaranteed to be…" he trailed off feeling sick. All he could imagine was some Viking his father's age being with a young girl like Astrid. He held down the bile that threatened to raise up.

Stoick then tried to help his son but wasn't sure if it did. "She made her choice Hiccup. She knows what she was getting into. Now you need to make the best one for you." Again, he took a break collecting his thoughts, "I know you like the Hofferson girl. Astrid. You need to take those feelings into account."

With everything going on in his head Hiccup forgot that part of him had a crush on the blonde. It felt strange to realize that could happen. Yet what his father said next was somewhat an impossible task to do on his end.

"You need to think about what's best for you. What would make you happy and no one else?" Stoick stood up and went to pat his son on the back. "If it makes you feel better, I know you will make the right one." He then left his boy alone in the house with his head more distraught than when first hearing of the proposal.

Sensing his riders distress Toothless came up to Hiccup and nudged him. He whined but the dragon was ignored. He then tried to do some tricks that he picked up that always make the boy chuckle. In this case. It didn't and Toothless whimpered and placed his head on the table giving him a sad puppy look. He received a loose pat on the head and a drawn-out sigh. Finally, the Night Fury was able to get something out of him.

"I don't know Bud. What would you do if you were me?"

Toothless didn't understand the question nor the situation his friend was really in. so, he ended up tilting his head.

Hiccup sighed again but gave a small smile. Another flight sounded like the only right decision he could make and that's what the two did. Another long trip around Berk.

During the flight, Stoick's words kept echoing through his head. That he had to do what was best for him. Yet he couldn't even despite that blessing because it wasn't just him in this situation. And no matter what either father had told him the politics were still an issue in all this. It aggravated Hiccup to no end. Why couldn't his dad just say no? The other chief did it to him plenty of times already. Why did he put it all on him? There were no Chiefly matters involved. And why would Illfuss all the sudden put this on his daughter? His father told him that the man was overprotected of her and now he was willing to give her away. It made no sense. That's when Hiccup realized he needed to have another talk with the other Chief. Good thing he was sticking around.

It didn't take long to find the visitor. He mainly stayed new his ship, a good guess was that the fierce roaming dragons made him nervous. Though it would never cross the man's lips.

"Illfuss," Hiccup called out. When landing he hopped off his dragon and walked right up to the man.

He turned around and stared the teen down.

The Chief didn't speak a word, but Hiccup had a feeling he already knew why he was there in the first place. Yet to make sure he still asked, "I think we need to have another talk."

He waved the young male to follow him and slowly all three of them were taking a stroll on the small beach. Hiccup kept biting his tongue wanting to ask the man a bunch of nagging questions. He was about to when they stopped but Illfuss beat him to it. "Have you reach a decision?"

The lad shook his head, "No sir."

The sigh that left the man left a sharp sting inside Hiccup's chest. "I suppose you wouldn't," he sighed again. "It is a tall order to ask anyone. It's one that I should have never asked my daughter."

"Why did you?"

His eyes and voice were cold when answering, "You don't have the right to know."

That enraged the younger Haddock, "I think I do if you want me to marry your daughter."

"Do you?"

That sprung Hiccup back. How was he supposed to answer that when he had no clue, and nothing was steering him one way or another.

"Because I'm sure you must have had your eye on one of the girls here."

"M-maybe," he stuttered, "but I'm not sure…"

"If she likes you," Illfuss finished for him and the boy nodded almost ashamed of the fact. Neither of them spoke after that. When someone did it was the Viking Chief. "You need to ask her."

Hiccup gave him a confused look.

"The girl you like, boy. You need to ask her how she feels about you."

He gulped and shuffled his feet. "What if she doesn't like me?"

"What if she does?"

Hiccup thought about it but something stopped him from racing off to go find Astrid. He still had one question for the Viking. "What would happen to your daughter if I dent your offer?"

Illfuss sighed the same wave of sadness washed over his face again. "I'm not sure. I don't even know what will happen if you say yes."

That confused the dragon rider until he continued.

"All I know is she would be living on Berk. Anything else, well that's up to you. She would be yours after all. Yours to do with whatever you please."

"You make her sound like she's an object."

"Isn't she?"

The man walked away leaving the lad slacked jaw on the sand. Once the initial shock wore off all Hiccup could be was angry. Angry that a father could treat their child that way. Their only child. Especially, when it came to dealing with women. Yet as Hiccup continued to march up the beach something that was said earlier in the week slowed him down. Illfuss' tribe was the type that did not think of women as equals in all aspects of their daily lives. In situations like this, everything going on was normal to them. It was a way of life that Hiccup could not fully come to terms too but knew nothing he could say would change it. However, the way the father looked Hiccup would bet that Illfuss wished he could just to hold onto his daughter.

It was the next day closer to sunset as Hiccup sat in the cove aimlessly tossing rocks into a pool, while Toothless sat a few feet away by the water's edge waiting patiently to nab his next bite. However, the ripples of the rocks being toss were scaring away the fish. The dragon growled a warning at the boy when his patience was up as he scared away another fish.

Hiccup just sighed not noticing his friend's annoyance. He had no clue what to do and he wasn't any closer to figuring this out. He did know that anyone else would have told the man no and that he was crazy, yet Hiccup couldn't. It wracked in his brain why he couldn't, but he just couldn't. He groaned and fell back into the soft ground.

"Well, someone looks worse than a dragon trapped with an eel," Astrid said as she was hopping off her dragon.

Hiccup sat up and the blonde joined him on the ground. He said his usual greetings towards her. It was nice to see a friend at the moment and he told her just that.

She agreed but brought up the topic that was plaguing his mind. "So I take it with Illfuss still being here you haven't made your decision."

He moaned shaking his head and brushing his hair back hoping it would calm him. "No, I don't know what to do Astrid. Everyone I talk to doesn't seem to help me either."

"That should be an indicator then," she said.

"What?"

"Hiccup you not having an answer is the answer. Clearly, you're too young to make this call which means that this insane proposal shouldn't even be an offer anymore. Just tell that Chief no and let's get on with our lives."

For some reason that felt like an insult. Though he was thinking about her words and so he had to ask, "What if it was you?"

"Huh?"

"I mean," a tinge of pink was in his cheeks, "what if you had a chance to marry someone? M-marry me?" His cheeks were bright red and he couldn't look at her. He also couldn't see the blush on her face either.

She took a deep breath to calm herself but it only took a few moments to give him an answer. "Look, Hiccup, I like you. We have… something… but you're a really good friend. And we're just too young for anything like that. It's why you need to say no, so you don't have to be in something that's as horrible as a marriage, especially an arrange one."

Hiccup looked Astrid did in the eyes and calmly reminded her, "but she does."

Astrid was taken back by that and tried to retort, "An-and she made that choice. It has nothing to do with you."

"Are… Are you kidding me!?" he snapped and stood up creating some distance between them. "This has everything to do with me! With her! With our tribes! Our families! Even our lives! You have no idea what kind of stress I'm under. What guilt I'm going to have if I make the wrong call! I'm not only choosing my fate but hers as well! For God's sake Astrid I'm the one marrying her!" As soon as the words fell out of his mouth both teens' eyes grew in shock. The next words were barely a mumble, "I'm- I'm going to marry her."

The blonde teen stood up and brushed the dirt off, not once looking at her friend.

"A-Astrid."

"I think you made up your mind Hiccup," her voice was low and seemed stale as she climbed on Stormfly.

Before she could fly away he stopped her. His hand on her foot as he looked at her. "It's better than her being someone else's whore, right? For her to marry me? To be my wife?"

Her blue eyes looked down on him as she spoke, "I wouldn't know. My life's not the one being ruined." She then took off leaving a confused and distraught boy there on the ground.

He fell to his knees staring at the disappearing Nadder. When it became a speck in the sky his head fell in his hands as he began to choke out his sobs.

Toothless hearing this went to his friend to see what was wrong. All the dragon could do was curl around his rider, a wing covering him, sheltering him, as he felt his thin arms wrap around his neck and the wetness of his tears roll onto his scales like rain.

It was now the middle of the night when the front door open and the two boys walked inside the Haddock house. Stoick, at the fire pit keeping it, lit for them. Without looking at them he called out, "You two are out pretty late." He poked the embers a little more before lifting his head to catch a glimpse of his boy. Seeing him the father became concerned. His eyes were puffy red and his skin was pale almost like he was about to vomit. He quickly got up to check on him. "Son, what's wrong?"

Hiccup sniffled wiping his nose across his sleeve. He really didn't want to look at the towering man. Right now, all he could think of is that this was all his fault. Yet, hearing his ad say his name again he held down his anger as much as he could to answer. "I'm fine, dad."

The father didn't buy it, "Are you sure because-"

"I said I'm fine!" he snapped, but then collected himself after seeing both dragon and man step away from him. He took another deep breath and continued more calmly, "I'm fine, dad. I just... I made a decision."

"Oh?" that caught the Chief off guard. He assumed it would take the lad longer to come up with one. That he would at least try to convince the other Viking to give him more time. Though after the months of really understanding his son he knew he wouldn't be surprised by the answer. He was caring and took things to heart, but just like his mother was, he was too adventurous. So it wasn't a shock to see Hiccup's state after realizing what caused it. "So what did you decide?"

Hiccup took a deep breath before answering. He looked at his father in the eyes as he took in his shock expression.

"Are you sure about this? This isn't like making a promise of training the dragons or helping build a fence. It's a commitment. One not can be broken so easily if taken the leap."

Hiccup just nodded. Not in the mod to discuss it any more than he had too. He even cut his father off telling him he was retiring for the night. Stoick only agreed thinking sleeping on it would change the young man's mind. It only made the teen frustrated hearing this. If Stoick was not wanting this then he should have man up and told the other Chief no instead of making his sixteen-year-old son make this decision.

It was early the next morning when they called Illfuss out. The other Chief looked like he hadn't slept. There were bags under his eyes and though his bear did well to hide it, it looked like his cheeks were slightly sunk in. none of it went unnoticed by Hiccup. Though standing in front of him once more he was still intimidating.

"Well," Illfuss started staring at Hiccup. "I can only assume you have decided if you're waking me up this early."

"I have sir," Hiccup tried to sound more authoritative.

Illfuss sighed. He knew what was coming. The same answer always came this early. He closed his eyes but snapped them open when Hiccup told him. "I'm sorry. Can you repeat that?"

"I said I am willing to marry your daughter. You and my father can discuss the more legal parts of the treaty but my answer is still the same."

"Are you serious?" he asked then turned to Stoick, "Is he serious?"

Stoick only gestured a yes with a small nod.

All the men were quiet. It got to the point that Hiccup went to the side of his dragon and to pull something out of one of the saddlebags. He came back with something wrapped in a cloth but once he revealed it. Illfuss's attention was piqued. "It's not all of it but this dagger is part of the dowry that I will be giving you in exchange for your daughter's hand." He handed the small weapon to Chief and added, "It's one of the best I ever made."

The chief inspected it impressed with the lightness yet sturdiness of the blade. "You made this?"

Another nod from Hiccup.

There was another pause before Illfuss spoke again, "Well then give me until the afternoon to get my daughter ready to meet you. It will give us some time to start on a new treaty too Stoick."

"Indeed it will."

"Wait, you mean to tell me she's been here? The whole time?" Hiccup asked astonished.

It made Illfuss chuckle, "Of course boy. I wasn't going to go around asking men to marry her without her here. Sometimes they wanted to know what their bride would look and be like before agreeing. It surprised me that you never did."

Hiccup was a little slacked jaw when hearing this and how he never considered what she would like until now.

It was the highlighted discussion at the academy when Hiccup broke the news to his friends that he would be marrying a complete stranger. They also loved the detail of his not knowing what she looked like. Describing her looking like a female size Fishlegs with wired like hair and warts. Even compared her to the bride of Grendel. Well, mainly Snotlout and Tuffnut were teasing, the rest were more concern with Hiccup actually getting married.

"Hiccup, are you-"

"Don't," he cut Fishlegs off.

"But this is a big responsibility," the larger teen said.

Astrid agreed. "It's also a huge change in your lifestyle."

"I know this you guys. I'm not a moron." He went over to Toothless to scratch under his chin trying to find some comfort. It all stopped when Ruffnut piped up.

"I bet you won't be riding Toothless as much as you like. Bet you won't even be leading the academy."

"W-what?" he clambered, "What makes you say that?"

Ruffnut shrugged, "Well, the village didn't seem all dragon friendly as ours. She might even hate dragons. May even tell you that Toothless has to go. You may have to give up all dragons."

"Oh! Can I have T-day is that happens?" Tuffnut asked making Toothless and Belch growl at him.

"And can I run the Academy if you can't?" Snotlout chimed in.

"No," Hiccup said sternly towards the male twin and answer Snotlout, "and if anything Astrid would be in charge, but that won't happen."

"Really?"

He hesitated in his now, but he did nod towards them all.

Astrid sighed in annoyance. "Face it Hiccup, you didn't think all this through and now you maybe sacrificing things you never thought of and for what?"

"I…" he paused looking at all them as they waited for his answer. But Astrid was right. He really didn't know and now it was too late to change anything. If he did then there was no telling what Illfuss would do as a retaliation. Then he caught the shadow of the sundial and realized the time. "I have to go." He hopped on Toothless and headed towards the docks to go meet his future, hopefully decent, wife.

Standing next to his father with his best friend slightly behind him did not calm Hiccup's nerves one bit on those docks. Everything his friends just told him was racing through his head. What is she didn't like dragons? What is she made him get rid of Toothless? He wouldn't let that happen, but she could defiantly make him stay outside the house. And what if she did look like the bride of Grendel? He didn't know if he could stand a conversation with someone like that. His breakfast would always be on the verge of coming back up. He swallowed the large lump in his throat when Illfuss and his men came into view.

"Stoick," the other Chief said.

"Illfuss."

"Hiccup."

The boy could only nod on acknowledgment feeling a little queasy.

"I would like you to meet my daughter, Eira the jewel of the Southern Sea Walkers," Illfuss announced. "Your future bride."

Hiccup and Stoick stood there a little confused and it showed in their faces. For all who were standing there was one of Illfuss' guards.

The visiting Chief was confused too until he glanced behind him and saw the problem. "Oi! Would you move you, big bloke!" He shoved the man lightly but enough to throw the man off-balance to fall to the docks and into some barrels that then fell into the water.

And that's when Hiccup first saw her.

A girl clearly around his age looking at the man with a twist of concern on her face. She moved a step to help him but he was already up by the time she took another. Her dark blue eyes scanned the men around her and quickly went back to a standing position next to her father. Her head lowered enough so her dark brown bangs covered her down casted eyes. Her hands folded in front of her.

"Eira," Illfuss spoke, "this spoke is Stoick the Vast, Chief of the Isle of Berk."

She bowed and was about to greet him when her father cut her off.

"And this is Hiccup Horrendous Haddock the Third, the hope and heir of the Berkian tribe. He is going to be your husband."

She bowed again, something Hiccup wasn't used too. When she stood up to look and speak to him his own voice caught in his throat. "It's a pleasure to meet you Hiccup."

Eira was defiantly not the bride of Grendel. She had a slim figure and wore a dark blue dress with black fur that outline the scoop of her collar, sleeves, and hem of the bottom of it. All with a simple thin belt around her waist. It all brought out the right features that she had, at least it did for the young lad who was still staring at her gaping like a fish.

It was only when Stoick cleared his throat and gave his son a nudge did Hiccup snap out of it.

"What," he asked confused then regained his surrounding and felt embarrassed as he finally greeted the girl in front of him.

She really hoped she was hiding the smile that was threatening to come forward as she tried not to laugh at the boy in front of her. His awkwardness was making him endearing though he wasn't the first male that had acted that way. He was, however, the first one who didn't seem to try to hide it and he seemed to feel uneasy in front of her. Just like she felt in front of him.

What no one was expecting was a fairly large Night fury to come pushing past his rider and right up to maiden. He heard the small gasp as he approached and his green cat eyes narrowed looking at her. He heard his rider try to call him back and he saw the Larger Vikings reach for their weapons, yet he kept staring and creeping closer to the girl.

Eira's eyes widen as the dragon crept closer and from the reactions of everyone she didn't know if she was truly safe. She closed her eyes tightly when she felt his warm breath upon her skin. She prayed she wouldn't do anything to anger him.

"Boy, call your beast off her!" Illfuss threaten.

"Toothless," Hiccup said and was about to call again when they heard a chuckle and then another.

The girl was laughing as Toothless kept nudging and sniffing her sides until she gently touched his head and moved herself away. "Please, that's enough."

Hiccup was a little amazed by her interaction with his dragon as he tried to pull the reptile away. He managed to do so but in the process, the two teens brushed their hands together causing them to blush.

Quietly Eira thanked him.

Hiccup only nodded and they silently stared at one another neither not knowing what to say. Luckily, Illfuss broke the silence and their stares.

"Are you okay?" he asked checking her for any sign of injury.

"I'm fine, daddy."

"I'm sorry," Hiccup began, "I don't know what came over him."

The older chief did not like that answer, "I thought you said you trained that beast."

Stoick stepped up for his son, "And he has Illfuss. She must be wearing something he likes."

The father didn't want that as an answer and was about to yell at all of them but to his shock his daughter spoke up and agreed with it.

"We have been sailing a while now. I wouldn't be surprised if any of us smelled like fish or something." She paused and turned to the dragon rider, "He does like fish right?"

He nodded, "Yeah, he does a lot. But you don't even smell that bad."

"Um…" she said.

Stoick groaned and Hiccup realized his mistake. "What I meant was that you don't smell like fish. At least to me, you don't. To Toothless may be," he gestured to his dragon. "You smell good," he trailed off.

Both fathers groaned as Eira tried to smile at the compliment not sure what to say to the boy.

"Hiccup," his father started, "Why don't you show Eira around the village. Get her used to it, while Illfuss and I settle the final arrangements."

"Not a bad idea Stoick," the visiting Chief said. He then turned to his daughter, "You'll be alright?"

She looked towards the other teen and watch as he remained focused on his dragon. His fingers fiddling with the straps and buckles of the saddle the beast wore. His cheeks were still a bit red from earlier. It all made Eira nod at her father. She then asked Hiccup the question herself, "You don't mind?"

He was taken back and he shook his head, "No, not at all. We can start at the plaza if you want."

"Whatever you think is best."

Hiccup agreed and then began to lead the way. Toothless only a few paces behind the two.

When the two were far enough away both fathers began their conversation on the meeting.

Illfuss the first to speak, "He almost ruined all of this Stoick."

"It wasn't that bad."

"Really? Do I need to remind you that he told my little girl and I quote that she doesn't smell that bad?"

Stoick hesitated but still remained firm, "It didn't go bad Illfuss. They at least don't seem to hate each other."

Illfuss sighed and looked slightly sorrowful. That's when he felt a hand on his shoulder.

"It will be fine my friend. My son is a good man and Berk will take care of her. We'll make this place feel like home to her."

"I know," he said, "but she's still my little girl."

Stoick understood all too well, but he still tried to calm and ease the other Chief's fears. After a few moments, they both decided to go back to Stoick's hut to sign the final arrangement and allowing the two teens to be together.

In another part of the village, a group of teens was watching the plaza from one of their hang out points. As they were watching a small pair walked in the middle of the view and that's when the topic became interesting.

"Who is that with Hiccup?" Tuffnut asked.

"Not the bride of Grendel that's for sure," Ruffnut answered making everyone more curious.

"Are you kidding me?!" Snotlout shouted. "That's who he's marrying! Come on!" He cursed his arms and huffed as he leaned against his dragon.

"Well, at least she's pretty. That's a good thing right?" commented Fishlegs.

"Looks aren't everything," Astrid said. "Look at him down there you can't tell me he's not himself. That all of this is wrong. You can feel it from here."

"That or it's the jealousy," Tuffnut whispered to his sister causing her to snicker.

Astrid heard it and glared, "I'm not jealous. If anything I'm mad because none of us should be asked to a forced marriage."

"Well," Fishlegs trailed, "Technically, you are right. We don't have to be forced into a marriage, but since Hiccup is the child of a Chief. He can be. All heirs of their tribes can be placed into an arranged marriage at any point in their lives as long as they are not married prior and both families agreed upon it."

Everyone looked at the large teen in disbelief and raised an eyebrow.

"How do you know that?" Snotlout asked.

He twiddled his thumbs, "I read up on it as soon as Hiccup told us. I thought maybe I could find a way to help him."

"And did you?"

Fishlegs shook his head, "Sadly, no. Giving Hiccup a choice was the only way and since he accepted there's nothing anyone of us can do."

Astrid huffed until the twins spoke up again.

"Doesn't look like he's too upset about it the way he's smiling down there."

"What?" the blonde asked standing next to them to see for herself. Everyone else did as well and they all saw the trio down at the plaza not too worried about their situation.

Hiccup was pointing out all the different stalls around the area. He figured if Eira was going to be living here she would benefit knowing where she could find food and supplies. "And over where you can purchase loaves of bread if you don't feel like making it yourself. And that stall holds the meat. It's where you can-"

"Let me guess," she cut him off, "get meat."

"What? No. It's where you fix your boots," Hiccup said seriously.

"What?!" she had a very confused look on her face.

That's when he cracked and laughed, "I'm kidding. Yes, that's where you can get any type of butchered meat caught that day."

"Oh," she smiled and then began to laugh at his joke.

For a very odd reason, Hiccup's chest felt like it was in a knot and his stomach was a little queasy. He only shook the feeling away when he realized he was staring at her. He hoped she didn't notice.

But Eira did. She caught her laughter and stuttered it to a stop. His staring caused a faint blush to appear and she felt as if her hands were the most interesting thing on the planet as she fidgeted and looked at them. At that moment she wondered how she was able to catch his gaze so intently on her. She wondered if she had done or said something wrong. She hoped not because according to her father if she messed this one up, the other choices were not as promising. She now felt sick to her stomach when thinking about it.

Hiccup was looking anywhere but at her. For a moment, he was too embarrassed that he been starring at her that his own cheeks seemed to be on fire. Though noticing the thick silent air between them made him feel anxious and he took a quick glance at her. What he saw he wasn't sure how to take. Her face seemed a little pale and she kept mumbling words he couldn't make out. She kept her head down and her eyes were shut. It almost looked like she was praying.

He reached out a hand to touch her, but then second-guessed himself and pulled it back. Instead, he said her name and when she looked at him he saw the trail of barely shed tears along her cheeks. He then realized exactly what she was feeling but he still asked her, "Eira, are you okay?"

She put on a smile and tried not to sound unsure, "Of course, why wouldn't I be?"

He could answer that question twelve thousand different ways, but he didn't. He decided to drop it and go back on his mission of showing her around, for which she was grateful for.

They ended up at the forge and that's where Eira saw Hiccup light up the most when speaking to her during the tour. Though she was confused about a few things. "So, you're an apprentice here then? I thought you were the leader of training dragons?"

"I am," he said. "But before that, I use to work with Gobber in the Smithery. Still do from time to time. It's where the villagers can get saddles for their dragons and dragons can get their teeth fixed." He paused, "Actually thinking about it. If it weren't for my dad making me work with Gobber when I was a kid I probably wouldn't have met Toothless, let alone be able to help him fly again."

"Speaking of… How did you," she gestured to the large Night Fury, who was snooping around the forge looking for something.

Hiccup beamed and shrugged, "Eh, that's a long boring story that I can tell you another time."

She hummed in acknowledgment but clearly, she was still thinking. "So, when my father told me you were training to run the village that was a lie?"

"Um, no. I help my father out around the village a lot. Sometimes he guides me on certain things when we both can meet up."

"So, which one?" she asked.

"What do you mean?"

She paused thinking of her words carefully, "Which title are you wanting to choose? Are you going to be the next Blacksmith or the Chief? Or are you being the leader of training dragons for your village?"

That caught Hiccup by surprise. He never really thought about it. He just assumed that he would do what his father wanted. Then again if that was the case then why was he allowing himself so many difficult chores around the village if all he was going to be was Chief of Berk one day? He blinked a few times, and, in a hush, tone spoke, "I'm not sure. I just assumed…" he looked at her a little scared. "You won't mention anything to them, will you? I don't want it to affect-"he really trailed off before speaking, "our arrangement." The blush returned tenfold for both. Hiccup caught sight of the shaking of her head and her say.

"I'm going to be yours and that's where my loyalty will lie."

He relaxed, then it clicked on how she said her answer. He did not like it, "You know Eira-"

A person calling his name distracted him and when he looked he saw his group of friends on the backs of their dragons in front of him. It caused him to forget what he wanted to say to his future wife.

He smiled at them, "Hey gang. I would like you to meet someone." He gestured to the girl beside him. Though from the looks of everyone they all didn't seem to know how to feel when Hiccup introduced Eira.

Eira however, curtsy towards all of them and said some pleasantries. None of which were used to any of that sort of treatment. When she realized that she felt a little awkward.

"Um… nice to meet you too," Fishlegs said trying to ease the tension.

"Yeah, yeah. Whatever." Snotlout intervened, "Eira, was it?"

She nodded.

"Okay, so tell me this. Why are you marrying mister twig here when you could be marrying a real Viking?" he flexed his biceps trying to impress her.

It only made her and everyone else feel disgusted. Unknowing to all of them it seemed that the newcomer had a quick tongue. "And where pray tell would this real Viking be then? For clearly there isn't one in front of me."

It caused all of them to chuckle and even get Astrid to smile.

Snotlout was just annoyed, "Shut up all of you! Especially you!" he pointed at the girl.

What no one expected was a deep voice to come out of nowhere, "And who are you telling to shut up, boy?"

All the teens seemed to be like frighten deer as the stared at Illfuss and Stoick.

"N-no one sir," the monstrous Nightmare rider stuttered out.

"Good," was all the other Chief said then the grown-ups turned to their offspring.

"Hiccup," Stoick started. "We made the final decisions between you two."

"You did?" he gulped and felt incredibly nervous. He took a glance at Eira and she looked just like he did. It seemed like all the teen looked like how Hiccup felt.

Hiccup's father nodded, "Yes, you two will be married in four days."

"So soon?" Eira whispered reading Hiccup's exact thoughts. Both teens looked another both nauseated by the suddenness of everything.

It didn't go unnoticed by any of them, especially the two fathers but they decided it was best to ignore it. The others didn't dare speak either. The two Chiefs then started to ask the betrothed couple where they would like to build their hut since Hiccup could no longer live with Stoick. He was going to be a married man after all and Eira would need a place to stay. It only made the young teens realize that what they chose to go through was happening. Both now becoming more fearful of it.

Hiccup had a good excuse to avoid the question, "I just begun to show Eira around. I'm not sure if she would know of a good spot to even start building."

"Well, you lived on this island long enough. Wouldn't you know where you would like to live?" Illfuss said shorty.

"I would like to live where I do now," Hiccup thought angrily.

Stoick saw the frustration in his son's eyes and knew they were pushing the kids a little too hard. "Illfuss I think we should-"

"Four days Stoick."

The Berkian sighed but came up with a solution, "We'll give you a couple more to finish the tour and look for a spot that way. Meet us at the house when you're done." He gave a short nod towards them and turned to the other man to lead him back to his house. "Come on Illfuss. Let's give the kids some space."

Once the grown-ups were gone the five tens turned to the couple wondering what they were going to do and a few other things.

"You're marrying into that?" Tuffnut asked Hiccup but it only made Eira feel upset.

She bowed her head trying not to look at any of them. She knew how rough her father could be, but she also knew where it was coming from. She couldn't tell them though. She didn't even know them. When she thought about it she realized she didn't even know her future husband and that itself was difficult. More so when knowing she only had four days to figure him out.

Hiccup defended her, however, "I'm not marrying him, Tuff. I'm marrying her." He took a glance at Eira, his last words a little shaky when seeing how she was reacting to all this.

"Yes," Astrid said, "but it's not just her you are marrying. You're joining two families together. Two tribes together."

He looked at the girl he stood beside and saw at how upset she was getting. It upset Hiccup too. "We know Astrid. You don't need to keep reminding us," he snapped. It took all of them surprised. "I- we don't need this. Come on Eira we- we need to find a place apparently." He turned on his heels about to walk away when it was Fishlegs who stopped them.

"You could always fly on Toothless," he mustered up to say. "It would be a better advantage point to find a spot."

He sighed and nodded, "Thanks Fishlegs." Looking at Eira however, the idea didn't seem so keen to her. She was looking at Toothless like if she stepped on him it would kill her. Though that never surprised him, everyone looked like that when mentioning a flight on a Night Fury. "Would you be able to do that Eira?"

"I've never ridden on anything except for a horse before."

"Figures," Astrid snide.

Hiccup glanced at Astrid but tried to encourage Eira to consider the notion. "It's the same concept just with more flight involved." He tried to lighten the mood.

She smiled but it fell fast when the twins commented on how fast the dragon was when in said flight.

"We'll just stick with the walking," he said patting the neck of the dragon trying to calm him down from the mention of a flight. The two boys started to walk away leaving the gang behind and Eira trying to catch up.

"She's never going to fit in here," was Astrid's last words before taking off on Stormfly and the rest followed.

Eira did her very best to catch up to them but it was only when she spoke did they stop. She huffed when reaching them. "Where are we going?"

The male teen sighed, "I was going home. My father's home now I guess."

"Oh, I thought we were supposed to," she stopped seeing how upset he looked. "Never mind."

"I'll show you around some other time," he said. "As of now I just want to end this day. If you don't mind."

She understood and didn't mind at all, but she also didn't want to disobey her father or another Chief's orders. Though it had seemed he already had an answer for that when addressing the two men. It wasn't long after pointing it on a map to his dad that he ascended the stairs to his room. His best friend in tow. Eira watched him and while walking back to her ship she couldn't help but feel horrible about all this.

In her corridor of the ship, she sat on her bed slowly untangling her hair from the braid. All that kept running through her head was how everything was a disaster. What made it sting even worse was that she thought that there might have been something between her and the Berkian boy but that ended very quickly and abruptly.

She was so lost in her thoughts that she didn't realize she had company.

"What's wrong my little dove?"

She brushed away a tear that threatened to fall and gave her father her best fake smile. "Nothing Daddy. I'm alright."

Illfuss sat by her on the bed well aware that she was lying. "Now none of that," he tucked her hair behind her ear. "Tell me what's going on in that mind of yours?"

She sighed yet didn't want to look at him. She took another deep breath and told him what was on her mind. "I thought I would be marrying someone I loved. Now I'm marrying someone in four days and know nothing about him. How am I supposed to fall in love and know him in that amount of time? How am I going to make him even know me or fall for me?" With all her might she tried not to cry. "And this place… It's so… different. How am I going to get used to all this?"

His face turned into a frown, "What do you mean fall in love?" She would have answered but he continued, "Eira, this marriage isn't about love. It's about stability for you. For our tribe. You knew this when we set out to find you a suitable suitor. You understood this when you agreed to it. If you wanted love, then we should have stayed home. Plenty of boys seemed to love you."

Eira could only nod. She didn't have the heart to argue with her father about how the boys viewed her in her tribe. Neither the less none of this didn't settle well with her.

That was very clear to the father. He sighed, "You know your mother and I had an arranged marriage."

"I know, but you two were at least in love."

He chortled at the statement. "Love? Yeah, I was in love with her ever since a boy could realize he could be. It's the reason why I fought so hard to become Chief, so I could be with her. But your mother. Oh, your mother hated me. Most likely loathed me when it was announced that we would be married."

"But I always remembered you two always being so happy and in love. You always said it so freely to one another."

"We did eventually, but it took years for her to come to terms with it," he explained.

"When did she?" the daughter asked.

He smiled as he remembered the day, "When you were two, maybe three I suppose. At least that is when she finally said those words to me. You were very sick with one of the worse possible fevers that our tribe had ever seen. You slept for weeks and if you were awake you were in so much pain. You barely kept anything down and the blocks of ice weren't working like the healers told us it would. I just couldn't leave you. Not when you were like that and your mother was beside herself on what to do. I… I neglected my duties as a Chief to take care of you. A lot of people were upset with me for it, especially when others were suffering too." He paused trying to collect himself. "It was the first time I was actually torn by what to do. But then by the graces of the Gods, your fever finally broke one night. When I told your mother that you'll be okay I swear I dreamt what she told me, but I wasn't. You were going to be fine and your mother just whispered to me that she loved me. It was because we loved you so much that it made both of us realize how much we really did love each other."

Eira smiled and enjoyed the story of her parents yet she was still upset. "Do you think I'll be lucky like you and mom?"

Illfuss pulled his daughter into a hug and then softly told her, "You just need to be yourself and I promise you this place will feel like home and you will be just as happy." He kissed the top of her head and then said, "And when that happens maybe you could become this island's jewel too."

Eira stayed quiet after hearing her father's words. She knew he meant them to be encouraging and uplifting but all she felt was a feeling of hopelessness and uneasiness. It was not the answer she was looking for, but she knew he did not have a better one. So, when he kissed her head one more time and asked if shew as okay she gave him the answer that he needed to hear.

It was three days later the whole village was running around and getting ready for all the ceremonies that were about to take place for the young teens. It was going faster thanks to the help of the dragons, but some traditions still required it to be done the Viking way. Like Hiccup preparing his family ceremonial sword so it could be presented to his wife as a sign he could protect her and any children that would come their way.

He sighed the damn thing was heavy even without the box it was stored in. but he knew he had to polish and sharpen the blade, so it would be ready. The only thing he was happy for was that the thing wasn't as gaudy as some family's heirlooms, like a solid gold ax. The handle was pure gold and from it, a decorative design was carved into the blade all the way to the tip. The blade itself was made from the strongest and purest metal they could have. He was on his way to do his duty when he bumped into someone. When looking at who it was he was surprised to see it was the other Chief. "Sir?"

Illfuss barely acknowledge the lad before he went to go back to what he was doing.

However, Hiccup noticed that his behavior was a clear sign that he was searching for something, so he asked again. "Is everything alright Chief? Anything I can help with?"

The man considered not telling the boy but looked at him and realized he had no other choice. "I cannot locate my daughter," he whispered.

"You mean Eira's gone!" he was shocked but was quickly hushed.

"Keep your voice down," he gritted. "If others found out they could see this as a betrayal and it would not be good for either tribe."

Hiccup nodded and then asked, "Would Eira do something like this on purpose?"

"No," Illfuss spoke, "she wouldn't hurt me like this."

The teen stood in thought for a bit and then offered a solution. "I can take Toothless to search for her. It would be faster, and dragons are decent trackers."

The Chief considered it before agreeing. His love of her outweighing the consequences of him and others knowing the situation. "Just find her please."

Hiccup nodded and quickly went to drop off the sword before in search of the missing girl.

Toothless was not the best tracking dragon on Berk, that title was held by his father's dragon Skullcrusher, but he was able to find a trail of her scent after a while. What shocked both was where the scent was leading them. They were at the cove and at first Hiccup thought Toothless just wanted to go to the oasis for personal reasons. That assumption was quickly dropped when the dragon began to sniff the ground and move towards a cave that was hidden within the cove's walls. He began to think this wasn't where the girl was until the Night Fury stuck his head through the vines hanging over the entrance and a small female gasp was heard within. He pushed his dragon aside and called out, "Eira?"

When not receiving an answer he tried one more time, "Eira, are you in there? If you are please say something."

It took a few moments, but he finally heard her.

"Yes," she said softly, "I'm here."

"A-are you okay?" he asked. "You're not hurt, are you?"

Again she was hesitant to answer him, "I'm fine."

"Do you want to come out? Your father is looking for you."

"No."

"Oh," Hiccup's voice trailed off and then looked at his dragon for any type of help. Unfortunately, the dragon did not have a solution. "Some help you are," he dragged to Toothless, but he was loud enough to make Eira believe he was talking to her.

"What?"

The young boy panicked and compensated with, "Do you mind if I join you?"

The long pause made him anxious, but she finally told him he could come in if he wished. It was just his luck that the small cave wasn't allowing any light into the place and it caused Hiccup to trip on a root. He was quick to catch himself, but it didn't mean that he didn't get hurt. He slammed himself against the stone wall and hissed a curse out as he tended to his hands. Toothless even tried to help but with the dragon's size and the two teens inside it was almost impossible. To help though he did light a small stone that caused the damp cavern to have a soft glow. It made it very easy to see for the two humans. What surprised both was how close the two were next to one another. Hiccup seeing the worry on her face because of his fall.

"Are you alright?"

"I'm good," he gritted trying to shake away the stinging he felt in his palms.

Eira was still concerned though, "But it looks like you have a scrape or two on your hands."

"It's nothing," he explained. "It will heal soon enough." He shook them again before pressing them firmly together hoping the sting would wear off soon.

She sighed and moved a pouch into view. "At least allow me to rinse them out before you go all "Viking strong" on me." She held out one of her hands to him waiting.

Dumbfounded by her boldness he could only oblige her demand. It was only when the painful sting of the cool water hitting his skin did he regain his sense back. When done, he told her his thanks.

She hummed and capped the canteen before setting it down. She sat back down and Hiccup joined her only sitting a foot or so away. The silent awkwardness was back between them.

Hiccup tried to break it a couple of times but everything that he was wanting to say never seemed to come outright. In the end, he brought it back to why he was out here in the first place. "So, your dad is looking for you."

"I know," her voice a little sad, "are you going to drag me back?"

The rider thought about it and remember how he was always the one who was humiliated by being brought back into town, especially when all he wanted was some peace. He shook his head. "Only when you're ready. It's hard to navigate around here sometimes."

The relief sigh that Eira let out allowed Hiccup to know he made the right call, but it did make him curious.

"Why are you out here, if you don't mind me asking?"

She pulled her knees to her chest and whispery said, "A lot on my mind."

"Anything you want to talk about?" he watched her shrink back into herself, pulling her knees closer to her. He sighed and pressed on, "You know we're going to be together for a while after tomorrow. It wouldn't hurt if we tried to talk to each other."

"I know," she didn't dare look at him as she mumbled that and brought the silence back.

Hiccup was becoming a little annoyed because he was in the same predicament as she was and he seemed to be handling it better than her. This was all her and her father's idea to have this marriage and yet she was now pouting and trying to hide from it. He groaned as he thought, "maybe it's because I'm not the husband she was hoping for. Well, if that's the case then-"his words were cut off when she spoke.

"The weddings tomorrow."

"Um, yeah," he nodded.

"I mean its tomorrow." She stressed.

He agreed again and didn't know where she was going with this but he looked at her and he could see she was distraught. He carefully reached out and when she didn't pull away he gently touched her shoulder.

Feeling his hand on her made her spill what she was holding back. "I'm going to mess all this up. I'm going to ruin your wedding."

This was defiantly not a response he was expecting nor something he was used too. He was the one who was to blame when something went wrong. "What do you mean by that?"

She became nervous and tried to collect herself to explain what she meant. "There's so many traditions and rituals that we have to do tomorrow. How am I supposed to remember them all so I can do them perfectly?"

He gave her a soft understanding smile, "but it doesn't have to be. Trust me nothing around here ever goes perfect."

"I have to be," she told him defeated, "If I'm not then…"

"Then what?"

She shook her head trying to brush him off, but he wouldn't let up.

"Then what Eira?"

"Then you could reject me. The Gods could reject the union. I would not only dishonor my tribe but my father as well. It would be a disaster and… and…" She felt like crying. She felt like a failure and nothing has even happened yet. This type of pressure was something she wasn't used too on a day to day basis and it was all very evident at the moment.

Hiccups lip curled into a small smile until he then began to chuckle softly. When Eira gave him a quick glare wiping away her tears, he knew it was his turn to explain. "Trust me Eira I don't think you need to worry about any type of rejection from me." He paused and took notice of the blush on her cheeks. That's when it dawned on him what he told her, and his cheeks copied hers as he tried to double back with an explanation. "Not like that. Not to say you're not pretty or whatever. It's just that…I mean…" he huffed and rested his head on the stone wall. "As you can see I can cause a few of my own screw-ups, so I don't think yours will be as bad if even noticeable."

She hummed in acknowledgment still blushing from his compliment. She was still nervous, "It's still a lot though."

"It is," he said. "But hey anything horrible goes down you can blame me."

Eira appreciated the gestured but asked, "Even my first kiss?"

That threw the young Haddock for a loop. "You mean you never…"

The young girl nodded her head, "You would be my first and in front of a tribe full of strangers."

He gulped and stared at her wide eye. "So that's why she was really freaking out," he thought. He couldn't blame her either. Anyone's first kiss was supposed to be something special right? At least Hiccup's first kiss was something he wouldn't forget with Astrid, even though she punched him first. It was a bit of a dilemma he was in. Thus, when he blurted out his next words he was only thinking about making the girl next to him more comfortable. "We could practice the kiss."

"What?" she said in a bit of shock.

"Uh…" he was a dear in the headlights looking at her trying his best to see if she was angry with the idea. He gulped before restating it again, "We could do the kiss now that way you wouldn't have to do it in front of everyone for the first time."

Now she was staring at him wide eye pondering what he was offering. "Can we even-"

"We are betrothed to one another. It wouldn't be frowned at if we were caught. Not that we would be." He gestured towards the large black dragon who was comfortably laying in front of the opening. He went to read her reaction to his plan and once more asked, "So what do you think?"

She took some time to think about it but taking a deep encouraging breath she asked, "What do you need me to do?"

"Oh, um…" Hiccup never thought about what to do when kissing someone. He fantasied about it a bunch, but he never thought about the mechanisms or steps that go in to do such things. "I think it would be best to face each other."

She could understand that and so they both turned until their knees were barely touching. Already her heart was pounding and if she wasn't so focused on trying to calm down she could have heard Hiccup's own heart beating just as hard. She took a glance at the boy in front of her to ask, "Now what?"

Hiccup gulped already feeling his face turning a bright shade of red. "I guess we just close our eyes and lean forward until… well, you know." He heard her stutter out an okay and watched as she closed her eyes, which seem to mesmerize the lad. With the still dimming rock lighting, the cave and the way it reflected on her blushing cheeks and other soft facial features Hiccup couldn't help but think on how pretty the newcomer really was. That all changed when he saw her leaning forward and he quickly compensated for not being ready. He overdid it and when rushing to close his eyes and leaning towards her instead of their lips meeting it was their foreheads. It caused them to pull away and with the close proximity and quick reflexes Eira was able to hit Hiccup square in his nose as she tried to soothe her own head.

She looked at him very apologetic and alarmed that she hit him that hard. She even tried to apologize but he just waved her off.

"It's fine," he said through a clenched nose. He pulled his hand away to make sure he wasn't bleeding. With no sign of injury, he gave her a crooked smile. "See everything's good. Just remind me to watch out for your backhand."

She laughed, "As long as you don't head butt me again."

He copied her laugher and agreed. When the merriment died down some he asked her, "Are you alright?"

"Yeah, just a little embarrassed."

"At least it didn't happen in front of a tribe full of strangers," he joked.

"Right!?"

They both shared another laugh and when things quiet down she asked, "Should we try again?"

"Do you want to?"

She took a deep breath, "Just try not to get into another head bumping match."

He nodded and said, "I think you just need to keep your eyes closed and stay still. I can do the rest." He was becoming more nervous as he spoke. Thankfully she seemed to agree with him and Eira had her eyes closed and waited. Hiccup took a calming breath trying not to be distracted by the girl in front of him. He could tell by her face she was becoming impatient and new he had to gain his courage faster. One more gulp and a word or two of encouragement for himself he began to move forward with the kiss. He leaned forward and gently cupped her cheek to help guide him and keep her still. When he was close enough he closed his eyes and then closed the gap between them. Her lips were soft and warm and there was no wonder why he fell into the kiss so quickly. If he didn't need to breathe he would have liked to stay there longer.

Eira, on the other hand, held her breath the entire time until she felt Hiccup's lips upon hers. That is when all the air she was holding onto escaped her. His lips were a little chapped, but they were just as she had imagined they would be for her first kiss. Though, she never felt like melting into a puddle or see sparks as the kiss continued. It was however never unpleasant. She was breathing a little heavier when they pulled apart, but it was clear that they both now were a pinch more taken by the person they sat in front of. That was evident by the blush slowly spreading on their faces.

"So do you feel somewhat better about tomorrow after that?" Hiccup asked trying to regulate his breathing back to normal.

"Y-yeah," she said. "I think that would be good."

"G-good." He said shakenly. He coughed and said it more confidently. Then he took notice of his dragon and realized that he was becoming antsy. "I think maybe we should go. Toothless only gets this way when a storm is coming."

"A storm? Is it going to be a bad one?"

He shrugged. "Most likely not. Berk always has small rainstorms this time of year. Nothing too back but still better to be back in the village than caught in it."

She smiled, "I guess you're right. No fun if either of us get sick because of a little rain."

"Especially not for tomorrow," he continued and he went to climb on the back of Toothless yet stopped and turned to Eira. "Do you want to try to ride him with me?"

She was debating the offer, "Is it safe?"

He smirked, "The only time I ever feel safe is on the back of Toothless." He offered his hand to her, hoping she would grab it. When she did his smile beamed. He helped her on the saddle making sure her dress wasn't getting caught on anything and then getting on himself settling behind her. "Just hold on and it should be an easy flight."

She nodded, "I'm trusting you." She then told Toothless the same thing making both boys chuckle.

The rider's arms were around her waist holding onto the same handles she was. He leaned in close to her ear getting comfortable in his new sitting arrangement and whispered, "You have nothing to worry about I got you."

He couldn't see it, but the blush was bright red on her cheeks. She didn't have time to dwell on the words for Toothless was quick to leap in the air to fly back to the town and poor Eira had her eyes tightly closed trying not to scream her head off. She just kept repeating Hiccup's words in her head and hope he meant them when he told her that he had her.

The day had finally arrived and needless to say that both teens were more than nervous.

Eira was in one of the huts in the village that was a home to one of the women that volunteered to help her get ready for her day. No one was allowed to go in the building, not even a dragon. It was one of those traditions that no one could see the bride until she was given away to her husband. The only ones who were able to see her were her family members who were assigned to help her get ready, but since Eira had no relatives except for her father on the Island a few volunteered to help her thus the reason why she was in one of their huts. One was twisting her hair in braids as another was making a crown of flowers, though she was not doing a very good job. The last lady was checking to make sure the dress that she wore had no flaws and was up to standards as a wedding dress. That wasn't a worry for Eira however. How could it be when the dress she was wearing was her mother's, something the young girl insisted to wear as part of the agreement of all this with her father. No, Eira was nervous about other things at the moment and the only one who seemed to notice was the woman who was gathering her hair into an integrated bun.

"Don't look so worried my dear. Today is supposed to be one of happiness."

Eira sighed not too sure on what to say.

"And tonight should be even better," the one adjusting her dress chuckled.

"Maybe for the groom it will be," the one making the crown chimed in.

The other Viking huffed, "Just because yours is bad doesn't mean hers will be. I heard the Haddock men happen to do very well in that department."

The young bride was confused, "I'm sorry. What are you two talking about?"

"They're talking about your wedding night my dear," the Viking finishing up her hair explained. "Tonight is the night you will be giving yourself to your new husband."

The bride turned white as her dress. She completely forgot that was a thing and here she was worried about a silly little kiss.

Luckily, the woman behind her seemed to catch on. "Ladies, why don't you try to find better flowers to fix that?" She pointed to the crown of what was supposed to be flowers but looked like it had gone through a tornado in a hurricane after a mudslide.

"Hey! I'm trying my best here okay!" the one working on it yelled then pouted.

"Just go find more flowers please."

The one building the crown huffed and rolled her eyes as the other lady lead her away all while trying to give some encouragement that her work wasn't all that bad.

The Viking that stayed behind shook her head. She then turned to the young girl in front of her and gave her a warm smile as she took a seat. She offered to hold her hands and could tell that the girl was extremely scared and nervous. Gently she said, "Take a deep breath and let it out slowly."

Eira did, but it was very shaky and so she did it until it seemed that she was somewhat calmer.

"Now," she brushed a strain of her hair back into place. "I'm sure you were given the talk about your cycle and what that means."

Eira nodded, a small tint forming on her cheeks as she tried not to remember that embarrassing day when her father sat her into the healer's hut making her believe she was bleeding to death. When in reality the Chief had no idea how to explain to his daughter that she could now become pregnant and what she now had to do every time her monthly cycle hit her.

"Good, we don't need to go that far then." The woman looked at Eira and then asked, "Do you know what happens on your wedding night?"

"I heard talk of what is to happen," she explained.

"And?"

Her cheeks were on fire now. She didn't understand why she had to go into detail on what she was supposed to do. She knew the basics of the act that is all that counted. She was sure that her husband would be doing most of it. At least that's what she heard other women in her tribe whisper to each other about their own wedding nights. Yet this woman seemed to want more of an answer from her. She sighed, "I'm sharing my first time with my husband. We're going to be sharing a bed." She couldn't even look at this woman it was too embarrassing to explain this in front of someone she barely even knew.

"Yes, all that is correct. But do you know what is going to be happening with your own body during it?"

"W-what?"

The woman held the bride's hands and gave a comforting smile. Her voice was serious though as she explained, "It will most likely hurt the first time for you, so it's best to be as relaxed as possible."

Her blue eyes widen in fear, "Hurt? How bad?"

"Every woman is different. Every man is different. And most importantly everyone's experience is different. I can tell you my first time was more of a discomfort rather than pain and other women have stated the opposite. Your body is just not used to having someone else in it, so it's best to be as relaxed as possible." She paused, "if you feel the need I would suggest drinking more wine than you are used too."

She could only nod and the woman's words only continued to add to her stress.

"And don't be surprised to see any blood."

"There's going to be blood?!"

The woman chuckled, "only a small amount. Maybe enough to where it looks like someone received a small cut. The worse it could be is the same amount as your cycle and that is if the man is rough with you."

"Would Hiccup be?" her voice now shaking a little.

She squeezed Eira's hands. "I've known Hiccup since he was a babe. There's not a rough bone in that boy's body. He'll be gentle with you. He might even listen during it if you say anything. Not sure how the council would feel about that, but who knows."

That bewildered the young teen, "Council? You mean there are going to be other's watching…"

"It's only to see if Hiccup can perform his duty as a husband. To see if he can do his part to bring an heir."

Eira once again gulped but nodded. Her nerves about the matter never calming down.

The woman sighed. This was all hard with some of the adult women, but to go through this as a girl at her age she didn't know how either of the teens was making it through any of this. She was going to speak again when a knock was heard at the door. She got up to see who it was and only smiled when seeing who the guest was. "Hello Chief Illfuss."

He could only stand there and nod at the door as his hands fidgeted holding a polished wooden box. He stared at the lady and asked, "How is she doing?"

"She's terrified, to be honest, but I think she'll be fine once she sees you," she said calmly and stepped aside to allow the father to come through, which he thanked.

Seeing his little girl all dressed up as a bride was something he always hoped he would be able to see. It just cracked his heart for it to be this soon. He put on a smile for her though as he made himself known to her.

"Daddy?"

"Hello, my little dove," he beamed and asked her to stand. When she did he had to force a couple of tears back. "You look as radiant as your mother did in that dress. She would be very proud of you."

Eira took a shaky breath as she tried not to cry in front of her father. Then she quietly told him, "I'm scared Daddy." She was pulled into one of his hugs and as he embraced her she let a few tears fall wetting his tunic. "Please… stop this…" she whispered hoping that somehow that this would change his mind.

He held her tight letting one of his own tears fall. His voice a hushed tone as he told her, "I'm sorry." That's when he felt her sob and he did his best to ease her back down by holding her tighter. After a while, he separated her from the embrace and wiped away the trail of tears from her cheeks all while hiding his own. "You'll be fine Eira. You're stronger than this." He tried his best to encourage her. That's when he tried to comfort her fears by mentioning her future husband and her new home. "Hiccup will be good to you. He's a good young man. And Berk will treat you well enough that you won't even miss our tribe." He heard her choke back a sob and he felt defeated. He pulled her back into a hug and gently tried to soothe her by rubbing her back and calling her name softly. He then asked her, "Little dove what can I do to see you smile once more?"

She wanted this wedding to end. To go back home and forget all the horrible months at sea meeting and greeting all those villages and their terrible future Chief's sons. To go home and not have a village glare at you for interrupting and forcing someone new into their lives. However, everything was signed and agreed to by the two Chiefs and the elders. There was no changing what was happening in just a few hours. Eira was going to be married and then left on an island full of dragons and strangers who didn't wish to know her. A sigh escaped the young girl and she shook her head and put on a brave smile for her father. She could only want one thing right now. "Would you walk with me when greeting him? I don't think I can do it alone," she asked her head still resting against the man's chest as she clung to him.

Illfuss looked down at his daughter almost afraid to deny her request. Luckily, the woman who was helping earlier answered for him.

"I'm sure that can be arranged. Stoick and the elders would understand." She gave the small family a tiny grin. "Besides tweaking traditions is something of a trend here on Berk now."

The father sighed in relief and looked down at his daughter to smile at her. It was looking at her and her brown hair that he remembered that he had brought her a gift. "I have something for you," he pulled away to present her with the box he carried. Opening it he revealed a beautiful crown of silver. Etched into the crown's plate was an intricate floral design with touches of rose gold embedded in the flower's petals and leaves.

Eira was in shock at how lovely the piece of jewelry as but began to love the piece, even more, when her father explained the importance of it.

"I know you insisted to wear her dress today." The daughter nodded and subconsciously smoothed down the skirt as he continued, "And she would agree with me at how beautiful you look. She would probably be shedding a few happy tears at how fast you seemed to grow on us." He stopped to take a breath. "Your mother would be better at this than I am. I wasn't good at all this. Raising you." His breath became shakier and he was beginning to feel a little weak. It wasn't until he heard his daughter call him that he refocused his thoughts. He smiled at her and touched her cheek and became more settled when she held his hand and leaned into his touch. He began his story again. "This was your mother's bridal crown. We were married in the dead of winter and flowers well… They don't survive in snow and I heard from her cousin that she was becoming obsessed with wearing a floral crown. Said she wouldn't marry if she didn't have one and so…" He gestured to the box. "I came up with one for her."

"Dad," Eira called.

"I really think she was determined not to marry me. But I was determined to marry her. I loved her Eira and I love you."

"I love you too Daddy."

Those were the words that he needed to hear from her. "So, what do you say? Would you want to wear this, keep your mother close on this day?" She could only nod and with that, as his answer, he asked the woman helping his daughter get the finishing touches ready.

When the woman saw the crown, herself she gasped at the beauty of it. "Not at all, sir. Come on Eira let's finish preparing you."

The young bride nodded and wiped a tear off her cheek as she sat back down for the final touches. The circlet of silver felt heavy on her brow but couldn't help to smile when she heard the compliment given to her.

"Dare I say, that this is much better than any flower arrangement we wanted to use."

The father smiled at his little girl as he watched the woman carefully place the crown within her twisted and braided hair.

"Well, that's just great," one of the other ladies who was making the original crown of flowers said. "What am I supposed to do with all these then?"

"Oh, don't get your underwear in a twist. We'll use them for her bouquet," the other suggested. "At least the good ones," she gave them all a wink which caused Eira to chuckle. At least some of the women here on Berk were warmer to her than what she was used to in her village and that was something Eira could look forward too.

Over in another hut Hiccup was getting prepared himself. Though his experience so far was completely different from Eira's. He had more of his male family members all surrounding him. They were continuously offering him mead and wine, which he kept declining only sipping on his mug of water. He also was forced to do ridiculous traditions that were there to prove that he was worthy of marriage. Though he could plainly see that as he fumbled through most of them all his relatives were giving him a pass. Especially the one where he had to go find the sword he painfully worked hard on to polish and sharpen in the woods. That task he kept grinding his teeth and cursing under his breath searching for the damn thing. Only for it to be near his own home. It was only when he was forced to get ready in his ceremonial clothes that the members had left for the plaza where the ceremony would be held. Hiccup shook his head but was surprised when one of the old maidens started to yank his shirt off.

"I got that. Thank you," he said hastily, trying to keep some modesty on himself. He heard her huff, but he didn't care as he took off his shirt and then reached for the wedding tunic that was laid out for him. He recoiled his hand back when the lady smacked it.

"Your pants first. You can't greet your bride in ripped mud-stained pants."

He looked down at his clothing and indeed she was right. All the fabric he wore at the moment was not fit for the event that was about to take place. He gathered up the wardrobe and carried it to a place where he could have some peace and not be watched by anyone. "I'll be over here though. Don't you peek."

The woman rolled her eyes, "Fine. Just hurry up. We don't have much time. You took forever completing our sacred traditions. It's a wonder why the Gods are even blessing you with a bride."

He shrunk a little at the comment. Luckily his father was able to come to his rescue.

"Now he just fine Ester. We still have more than enough time to get the lad dress and ready at the altar." He gave his son a grin, but it faltered when the old woman continued.

"Yes, but even you did it faster than him."

Stoick groaned when hearing it. "Yes, but even you are old enough to remember that Valka was waiting for me at the altar. Making me late for the wedding."

"Really Dad?" Hiccup asked almost astonished that his father had made a mistake like that.

The Chief shrugged, "I was young. I thought I knew everything and could do no wrong. Your mother, however, knew differently and tried to make me realize that." He took a deep sigh. "It took her being gone for me to figure that out. Along with a few swift kicks." They both chuckled at that until Stoick sighed once more and getting a good look at his son. He saw him struggling with putting his prosthetic back on over the nicer looking pants. Apparently, someone never accounted for the missing limb and it still had the length. "Do you need help with that?"

Hiccup shook his head. He grabbed a pair of shears and cut off the necessary length he needed then finally he was able to click everything back into place. The next thing to put on was the white tunic with the gold trimming along the bottom and collar of the shirt. After that was on he then began to work on the belt. The buckle was gold and had a carving of Berk's crest in the middle of it, but it seemed he had to loop it a couple of times, so it wouldn't fall off his hips. Then came the cufflinks he had to put on yet looking at them he could tell that they wouldn't be able to fit. "Um… Dad?"

"Yes?"

"Do you think we could find something other than these to wear?"

That confused the father, "What do you mean? Every Haddock has worn those- Oh, I see what you mean." Stoick looked at his son who was holding out the cuffs that would never fit on his forearms unless he held them out straight. "Let's see what we can do under short notice." They managed to find some nice strips of leather and since the edge of the sleeves had the same gold thread design as his collar the overall look wasn't so bad. It suited the teen better at least. The final touch to Hiccup's wedding attire was his wedding crown.

The older woman presented it to him and his face said it all.

"That's it?" he asked in disbelief.

She looked down at the wreath of greenery, "What's wrong with it?"

Hiccup rubbed the back of his neck not sure how to go about his true thoughts about it. "Nothing. It's just with everything else so… flashy I would have thought that this would have been too. Not that having a pile of leaves on my head isn't grand or anything. Just you know…"

"It's tradition son," Stoick explained. "And it's what every male in our family has worn. It has blessed everyone so far with a strong happy household and marriage so far."

He nodded and carefully placed the halo of greens on his head. When collecting his nerves, he turned to the three in the room and asked, "So how do I look?"

Stoick beamed at his boy while Ester and Toothless tried their best to smile at the lad.

"You look like you're ready to meet your bride."

"Not quite," the older female said as she came up behind Hiccup to place a large brown cloak over his shoulders and securing it in place with some gold clips that had the strike class symbol etched into it. "There now you're ready."

Hiccup study the new addition to the outfit and then his green eyes drifted to the floor. He took a deep sigh and when he cast them up again he tried to be confident in his words. "Now's the best time for anything, right?"

The Chief nodded but recognized his son's uneasiness. "We can wait a little bit longer if you need."

"Do you think I could be alone for a minute?"

"Aye lad. We'll be outside if you need anything." His father patted his son's shoulder and before leaving he told him, "I'm… I'm proud of you Hiccup."

"Thanks, Dad." Those were the last words he said before the door closed and he was left alone. Almost alone. Toothless did stay behind and did his best to cheer up his rider.

He gave the reptile a small smile and gave him a scratch. "Thanks, Bud." He then went to lazily petting the Night Fury as he began to be in his own thoughts. A lot of things were weighing on his mind and now he was wondering if he really could go through with this marriage. Maybe his friends were right. He didn't think anything through and just jumped right in and for what? He didn't know his future bride. They only spent maybe a day or so together and again that was his fault. He wanted to spend as much time with Toothless as he could incase Eira wouldn't allow him in the home. Then again, he should have asked her what she wanted instead of assuming but it was too late. The home was built and there wasn't anything Hiccup could do to arrange it, so his friend had space.

"I'm such an idiot," he sighed causing the dragon to whine and nudge his head against Hiccup's side. "I-I should have thought things out Toothless. I should have talked to her more at the very least. I don't even know what she likes or even her favorite color. How am I supposed to get her gifts when the holidays come? What if I prank her on Loki day and she hates me or worse she pranks me?!" he groaned putting his head in his hands. He hated this. He didn't want to do any of this anymore. He just wanted to end all this and fly on the back of Toothless. Hiccup even thought to take that route, but he knew it was too late. However, when thinking about a flight on his dragon he remembered the one he had taken with Eira back into the village. He remembered how warm she felt as she leaned back into him as they held onto the saddle. How whatever she was using in her hair smelled sweet and calming to him. "Wonder if she would be using that in her hair today?" he thought then was pulled back into reality when his father knocked on the door to retrieve him.

"You ready son?"

"So much for high tailing it out of here," he thought. He stood up and nodded. With that Hiccup walked through the sea of villagers and to his spot on the alter, it was easy with Toothless behind him.

The young teen stood in front of Gothi, Berk's entire village, and the council. His father, Gobber, and Toothless were off to his side having a front-row view of his life-changing event. He looked out of the sea of people and noticed his friends were as close as they could be in the crowd. Whether it was to support him or not, he didn't know, but he was glad they were there. He fixed his white shirt and belt one more time before Gothi gestured for him to look towards the other side. When he did he sucked in a breath of air.

Eira was walking towards him, her father beside her and a bunch of flowers that made her look like she was carrying spring in her hands. Yet it was what she wore that caught everyone's and the young groom's attention. Her dress was pure as snow with what appeared to be a fair color of rose gold on her necklace, cufflinks, and belt. It even carried down to the trim of her dress. She wore a white fur cloak that was pinned to her garment where the broaches were made of the same rose gold. She was very breathtaking and Hiccup defiantly was taken.

He was so taken in fact that he forgot he was the person who was supposed to marry her. It wasn't until she stood in front of him and held her hands out did he snap out of it. He quickly but gently held her hands and as they did so both hoped the other didn't notice how nervous they were.

Neither heard the blessings or the union vows given by the Chief or performed by the elderly woman. Both taking glances at each other whenever the courage struck them. If they ever caught the glance of the other a small blush would appear on their cheeks and then quickly look back at their joined hands. The only time they looked at one another or pulled away was when they exchanged their rings. After that, the ceremonial union shawl was wrapped around their hands and Gothi once more gave another blessing to the young couple. The last thing to do was the kiss.

Green and blue met as they looked at one another nervously. The young bride gulped trying not to let her lips get any drier. When she looked at her groom she gave a small nod and then relaxed. She closed her eyes and waited just like she did back in the small cave. It was Hiccup's turned to gulp and check if he was ready, but seeing her close her eyes and trust him gave him a little bit of courage. He pulled his hand out of the sash and softly cupped her face as he leaned in once more to capture her lips. It was now that both teens felt the butterflies in their stomach go wild. It was when the soft clapping was heard did they pull away. Their faces a shade red from the public display.

The newlyweds turned to the sea of villagers still holding one another's hand as the sash was being taken off. What they saw was everyone lightly clapping, a few happy for them, most looked indifferent, and others clearly couldn't hide their disdain at the scene. Those were the people Eira couldn't overlook and she looked down in shame.

Hiccup saw this and although he wasn't new to any of these looks, he didn't want her to experience any of these types of glares. To make her feel better he gently squeezed her hand. She glanced at him and was rewarded with one of his small grins, which made her sigh but copy him back. He softly told her, "Let's get out of here."

She could only nod. She picked up her skirt as her new husband led them back to the Great Hall for the festivities to begin. And of course, everyone moved out of the couple's way. It helped to have a Night Fury following closely behind them.

It was late into the day and the celebration was still going on. One thing to know about Vikings is that if there was reason to party, they did... and hard. Hiccup even learned a couple of things about Eira during the celebration. Like despite how her new tribe felt about her she never gave them the satisfaction of seeing her upset. She greeted all of them with a smile and polite conversation, whether it was short or not. He was starting to enjoy the way she smiled. He was also founding out that she didn't seem to mind all the chaos that came with living with dragons on an island. Though she still jumped when one let out a roar or ran by her unexpectedly. It reminded him of a nervous bunny. He also learned that she would either tap her foot to the music or catch her swaying lightly if she was standing. Seeing her do it for another round gave him the courage to ask her, "Would you like to join them?"

"What?" she blinked at him.

He chuckled softly, "Would you like to dance? I've noticed the way you've been looking at the dance floor and I know I have two left feet, which is saying something since I only have the one foot, but if you want to we could try."

She looked at him studying to see if he was serious. When seeing that he was she took a look back towards the dance floor. She watched the people twirl and spin in time with the rhythm causing her to smile once again. Then she said something that caused the young male some confusion, "Maybe another time. I actually don't know how to dance." She smiled at him. It was the same smile that Hiccup was beginning to enjoy from her. "Thank you for the offer though."

"Oh," he said looking out at the dance floor and then back to her. He ended up copying her smile as he replied, "Then maybe I could teach you if you would like."

"I would like that."

They didn't even notice how close they were to each other until Eira felt the brush of Hiccup's hand against hers. That's when she did take notice at the brand new ring her husband was sporting causing a deep red blush to spread across her cheeks.

He was about to ask if she was okay when one of the women who were helping Eira earlier came up to them.

"Well, there's the blushing new bride." She saw who the young girl was talking to and commented, "and it looks like you two are getting along."

It was Hiccup's turn to blush, but he had to agree with the other woman. "It's been..." he took a glance at his new wife and the corners of his mouth turned up,"...pleasant."

"That's good," the woman beamed, "but I hope you don't mind if I borrow your wife for a moment. Don't worry you'll get her back."

"Um," he said not sure what to say to that, but also did not have a choice in the matter as Eira was being dragged away before he could even answer. With the hall being as crowded as it was he lost sight of her very quickly and in truth, he wasn't sure why he felt a bit sadden with her disappearing. He shrugged it off and decided to go find his friends to hang out with. That is when he was stopped too.

"Hiccup! There you are son!" yelled his father who waved him over.

He went and was greeted by not only his father but Eira's as well. They both seemed to be enjoying the evening and asked if he was also. He nodded but a question was still bothering him. "You wouldn't happen to know where they took Eira, would you. I kind of wanted her to come hang out with the gang and I. Get her use to Berk a little bit more."

Both fathers looked towards each other before Illfuss answered, "They're getting her ready."

"Ready for what?"

Stoick was the one to answer this time, "To consummate your marriage with her."

All the color drained from the lad's face as he stumbled out, "To- to what?"

"It's your wedding night boy. You do know what happens right?" Illfuss said a bit more firmly than he had hoped but in a couple of hours, he was going to have to watch the string bean of a Viking take his little girl.

"No," Hiccup said but then corrected himself, "I mean I know what happens. I just didn't realize how late it was. How close it was to that." He looked like he was going to pass out.

"Maybe you should go find your friends, son. Find you a drink too. It will calm your nerves."

The teen nodded and quietly left the men.

Illfuss watched the boy go and then sighed. He took a long swig of his mead before speaking, "I'm sorry I was so rough on your son Stoick. I just don't think I'm ready for this night myself."

The Berk Chief understood. He didn't think he was prepared for this himself. On his wedding night, Valka was able to convince the council to have a curtain between their bed and the strangers' eyes. But that was years ago and a different group back then. Then the idea struck him, "I'll be back Illfuss just finish your drink."

It was a while later when Hiccup was approached by the group of Vikings, the two Chiefs, and Gothi.

"Hiccup," Stoick said, "It's time."

The trip to his new house was a very quiet and awkward one. He felt numb walking and it wasn't because of the few drinks he had thanks to his fellow Vikings. He opened the door and it felt heavier than any other door he had ever opened. Stepping inside it was warm and that was because of the small fire lit in the pit. But the first thing his eyes were drawn to was his wife. Eira was sitting in one of the chairs by the table. Her brown hair falling like a cascading waterfall down her back. She wore a light cream floor-length nightgown with a dark pink rose robe that was loosely tied. She stood when he entered the room and it was clear that she was feeling uncomfortable. Hiccup was too and he tried to swallow those nerves. He walked up to her and with a shaky voice said her name.

She said his just the same but catching the looks of the group standing in the doorway she knew it was her turn to continue the marriage ritual. Her hands were shaking as she reached for the wreath on his head. Once off she laid it on the table and move to unclasp his coat from his shoulders. Her hands were trembling so much that it was a more difficult task than she intended. She only stopped when she felt her husband's hands clasp her own. She looked up at him and he softly told her.

"Take your time."

"It's hard with all of them staring at me," she whispered loud enough for only him to hear.

He threw a glance over his shoulder at all the people there. That's when he shuffled a little to block their view of Eira, at least the best he could, "Is that better?"

She couldn't see anyone of them and so in her mind it was the best thing. She nodded and she tried to unclasp the cloak one more time. Luckily, she was able to do it this time however she almost dropped it on the floor trying to fold it. She cast her eyes at the council trying to sense their reactions but they were all stone cold. A sigh escaped her when she placed the fur on the table next to Hiccup's crown. She turned back to Hiccup and tried her best to give him a smile letting him know she was okay.

He didn't buy that especially when her hands were trembling again. Yet he couldn't blame her, her next task was to take off the belt he wore over his tunic. It rested on his hips, but the buckle was very close to an intimate part of him. He held her hands again and with a squeaky voice told her, "I'm sure they wouldn't mind if I do this part. There's no need-"

"No," she cut him off, "I- I need to do this. It's part of my duty as your wife. I have to be the one to undress you and make sure you're ready."

Both of their faces were on fire. As her hands touched the metal they both ended up jumping at the sound of another voice that cut through the thick tense air.

"Hiccup. Eira."

"Yes, sir," Eira said to the Berkian Chief.

"Dad."

"I think the council and I agree that we have seen enough."

Eira's eyes widen in fear. She had known she was going to mess up somewhere down the line and of course, it had to be the last thing she had to do. She cast her eyes downward and quietly apologized to Hiccup.

Stoick continued, "We are all in agreement that it would be best that you two should be able to finish this part of the marriage alone." When seeing the teens stunned and confusing faces the burly Viking decided to elaborate. "We believe that both of you are mature enough to handle this without the need of us babysitting you." Still seeing the stunned faces of the teens he asked, "Unless you two think otherwise?"

"NO!" Both shouted, snapping out of their confusion then settling down to count the small blessing that they were given. Though it did not mean that their blushes did not go away. In fact, it brightened tenfold when they were left alone in the very quiet but warm house.

Hiccup stood there unsure what to do as the newly built front door finally closed. It took moments for him to finally look at his new wife and from the way she was looking it seemed like she was in the same headspace as him. Relieved, but still frightened. It was, after all, a first for both of them. He was able to ask her a question, yet all he received was a head nod as an answer. It was an answer though and so he led her to their bedroom. He allowed her to go in first and when she took a seat on the edge of the bed he copied sitting beside her.

Again the awkward silence crept in between them.

"So..."

"So..."

Both sighed not sure how to go about anything. They fidgeted and looked at anything and everywhere besides each other.

It was only when Eira asked did Hiccup look, "What should we do now?"

"Um," he gulped. "I'm not entirely sure... I mean we could kiss again. That is if you want to?"

"I guess that's one of the ways to get things started, right?" she wavered.

He nodded and turned to face her.

She wasn't looking at him but did move so her frame was facing him. Her eyes were glued to her hands and the small gold band around her finger. She did her best to control her breathing. If her hands weren't steadily in her lap she knew they would be shaking. She jumped at the small touch of Hiccup's this leading her blue eyes to look at his green ones. Her jitteriness made Hiccup squeeze her hands gently.

"Hey," he called softly, "We don't have to –"

She cut him off, "No, we- we do. It's expected of us." She tried to put on a brave face for him, even trying to smile at him though it was not bringing much comfort to either of them.

"Are you sure?" he asked. He was nervous too. His heart thundering in his chest, but he wouldn't lie and say he wasn't the tiniest bit excited. His only answer was another nod, yet his next words made her feel a little bit calmer, "We'll go slowly, okay?"

"O-okay," she stumbled, "Slow it is."

His smile stayed on his lips as he gently rubbed his thumbs on top of her hands. He noticed how soft they were and at that moment the thought of her soft hands touching his skin flooded his mind. Then his mind carried further as he wondered just what other parts of her were this soft. Slowly the heat was rising in another part of him besides his cheeks. He couldn't dwell on any of those thoughts for too long for her voice broke his imagination.

"Hiccup?"

"Hm?"

"Are you going to kiss me?"

"Oh," he completely forgot that was the plan, but he agreed and bobbed his head. He scooted closer to her enough to where their outer thighs were touching. He used one of his hands to tuck some strands of her hair behind her ear and he kept it there supporting her head. His thumb gently stroking her cheek. He felt her sigh but when seeing that she had closed her eyes he moved in carefully to capture her lips with his own. Her lips felt just as soft as he remembered it back at the cove and he couldn't help but enjoy every second of this kiss like he did with their first one. Before he could get lost in it completely he felt her pull away. She was huffing lightly when he looked at her.

Eira softly apologized with a deep blush on her cheeks.

"Was that too much?" Hiccup asked copying her breathing.

She shook her head slowly. "I just needed to catch my breath."

He chuckled but agreed. His hand staying at the back of her head and continuing to stroke her cheek. His green eyes intensely on her noticing that her lips were a tad rosier. "Eira?"

"Yes," she breathed causing his heart to pick up its pace.

"May, may I kiss you again?"

She nodded and quietly whispered a yes.

This time he gently took his other hand to run his fingers in her hair. This also allowed him to pull her a little closer as he once again planted his lips against hers.

It surprised her a little causing her small gasp to be muffled by the kiss. It surprised her more when she felt his tongue brush against her lips. That's when she pulled back for a second time, yet they still stayed just as close. Then it wasn't long before she felt him kiss her again and have his hand move from her cheek, down her neck, and then on her shoulder. A shiver escaped her feeling his callous fingertips along her skin. Her eyes were closed but she still felt the soft push of him laying her on the bed. His weight settled next to her as he continued to massage her shoulder and the back of her neck.

Both teens pulled away panting very heavy. Eira only noticing that Hiccup was a little too engulf with what they were doing when she noticed that through their kiss Hiccup had managed to slip her clothing off her shoulder. She didn't think he saw it, however, not when he began to kiss her again. As he was kissing her the young girl did her best to respond to him the way she thought he would like and not catch on how she felt.

Not surprisingly Hiccup did. It was the first time someone was allowing him to be this intimate with them. He moaned softly as he moved his body closer to hers, even becoming so bold to move so that his knees were nestled in between her legs as he tried to move on top of her. His hands exploring just how soft her skin was. However, he needed to breathe again and so he pulled back and far enough to finally get a look at his bride.

Eira was very pretty as she laid underneath Hiccup, especially with her long dark locks behind her falling like a waterfall and her cheeks tinted with her blush. The only problem was she looked like a frightened doe. It was at this point that he saw how bad she was trembling and when he felt her arms move he quickly found out why. During the last kiss Hiccup managed to pull her robe and nightgown down enough to expose her breast.

Even though her arms were covering herself allowing the boy above her not to see anything Hiccup began to feel very sick at the scene. His chest felt tight. Now it was his turn to look scared and back off of her. He was sitting on the edge of the bed trying not to look at her. He was trying to fight the feeling of throwing up when he heard the rustle of her movements and clothing shuffling back into place. He felt her hand on his shoulder as she said his name. Hiccup couldn't look at her as he apologized. "I can't do this," he mumbled defeated to himself. He stood up and turned to head out the door. The only reason he stopped was because of her voice.

"Hiccup, where are you…"

"We can't do this."

"But we have too."

"Who says!" he snapped turning around to look at her as she jumped at his outburst. "Who says we have to do that. Those people out there?" He watched as she cast her head down. "Those people barely know us Eira. Hel, we barely know each other and everyone wants us to do that? I don't see how that's possible given the fact that we can barely handle even a kiss."

She tried not to cry. Both outcomes were terrifying her but one was more terrifying than the other. The other being that she was failing at pleasing them, her new husband, and even herself. An intake of air and she tried not to have Hiccup hear her sob, yet he did and he sighed.

He sighed because he knew he was the cause of her stress. He walked back over to her and sat next to her. He questioned if he should put his hand on her shoulder or knee. In the end, he just kept it at his side. He took a breath then said her name. She didn't respond to him so he said it again. "Eira?"

She could only whisper and he barely caught it, "Did I do something wrong?"

He was in shock by her words that it made him stumbled out his thoughts, "What? No, how could you? How can you think like that? The only thing wrong is," he paused as the truth was finally sinking in, "It's us." He sighed, "Eira, I think we messed up."

Both looked at one another. The new wife looking at her husband for an answer. "Then was do we do? They're going to…" she couldn't finish her sentence but luckily Hiccup already knew what she meant.

"I can figure something out. I've talked myself out of worse situations," he tried to joke, yet neither of them laughed knowing that this was serious for both of them.

"Hard to lie when your wife is still intact or that the sheets-" she stopped as her eyes grew as if a light finally clicked on in her head. "The sheets."

"What about them?" he asked bewildered and then watched as she stood up and started to search for something. "What are you looking for? Whoa!" he shouted as Eira turned around with a knife in her hand. "What's that for?"

"Did they not tell you?"

"Tell me what?" he watched her closely as she took her spot back on the bed.

When she realized what he was thinking a corner of her lip turned upward. She then reassured him, "Don't worry I'm not going to use it on you."

That did not calm him at all, "then what's it for?"

The girl sighed as she explained, "A girl bleeds her first time, so I'm going to make it look like I had my first time."

Hiccup was intrigued but still puzzled, "How are you going to do that?"

She took a deep breath as she pressed the blade to her palm, "I'm going to make myself bleed." She closed her eyes and was about to make the cut when he stopped her.

"Wait," he took the knife from her.

"What are you-" she gasped when he winced and made a small cut on his hand. He moved a couple of sheets and allowed a few droplets to fall on them. "Why would you do that?"

He smiled, "They may question why you have a bandage on your hand. Me, however, well I'm accident prone."

Eira looked at the boy with admiration and disbelief at the selflessness of him. She then went to wrap his hand up.

While she was taking care of his hand, a blush crept its way back to his cheeks. Her fingertips were just as soft and she was being very gentle with him. Then bandage went on too fast for his liking, but the way she smiled at him when done made his heart skip a beat. "Finished?" he squeaked.

She nodded her smile never leaving as she looked at him, "All good and just like new."

He copied her and then said, "Thank you."

Eira shook her head and looked him in his eyes, "No, Hiccup. Thank you."

Then in the briefest of seconds, he felt her lips on his cheek as she gave him a quick peck.

"Uh yeah," the blush still clinging to his cheeks. "No problem. That's what husbands do right?" Those words were incredibly strange coming from him. Both now sitting in silence staring at the gold bands on their fingers. Their reality coming to the forefront finally. He sighed and spoke, "We really are married to one another, huh?"

She nodded, "It would seem so." She sighed and took a look at him. She couldn't express how grateful she was to him. She knew he didn't have to accept her. Others clearly rejected her and her father's offer so why did the boy next to her become her husband, make her his wife. She was about to ask when he beat her to the punch.

"It's getting pretty late and today has been… something. Maybe we should go to bed?"

She agreed and was preparing to slide in on the larger frame one they would be sharing as a married couple when she saw him head towards the door. "Where are you going?"

Hiccup flashed her a smile, "I was able to sneak my old bed upstairs. I figured you would need some time before we started sharing things like that." In truth, that was a lie. It was Hiccup that needed the time to feel comfortable enough to share a bed with someone other than a dragon. He also never snuck a bed upstairs either but he knew there were furs and other things he could use and it wasn't the first time he had slept on a floor.

It still caught Eira off but she accepted it even though she wouldn't have mind. She also knew that it wasn't best to argue with your husband's decisions. Instead, she just wished him a good night and received butterflies in her stomach when he smiled and did the same.