A Dragon Rider's Heart
Chapter 10
A/N: Thank you ever so much for your positive feedback and your defense of this story. It has come to mean a lot more to me than it did. At first, it was just meant to be a cute, meaningless drabble about Heathstrid, to distract me from my failing health, but as I've written and faced adversity to a simple story, it has developed into something more.
So thank you all, flamers and lovers alike, who give me the strength and the muse to write more.
We shall take a journey, my loves. The fun has just begun.
Note: Reading back over Chapter 7 I realize I had written that Kari's arm was in a cast, but it was actually Dustin who was supposed to have the broken arm and that was before I decided to omit it entirely. I'll go back and fix it in the future, so sorry for the confusion.
X0X0X0X0X0X0X0X0X0X0X
Astrid looked up at the sun, which was just reaching its zenith and wiped the sweat from her forehead. Three days had passed and all of the repairs to the buildings and fields had been finished and the stores had been supplemented by their family on Berk and by forays and hunting and fishing expeditions out to nearby islands by the riders and Blind Water Vikings. The ship's repairs hadn't gone neglected either. Even now great bows of wood were being stretched and curved to dry into the correct shape all along their tiny shore while others were already being hammered into place. The men and women of the family party who were too weak to partake in the back-breaking work, had stretched out the great sailcloth and had begun to repair it while still more worked tirelessly to provide meals for everyone from the bountiful supplies available.
Astrid approved of their efficiency greatly and even the twins had been pulling their fair share and had kept their playful pranks to a minimum, an unprecedented feat. Stoick, Gobber and Gothi had left two days prior, with promises to visit again before the Blind Water Vikings departed. Astrid knew they would have the little surprise she and the others had thought up for them ready by then.
Thinking of surprises, she frowned. She'd forgotten Heather's surprise completely. Again. Then again, in light of their new relationship, the gem she'd been planning on giving her might be a bit inadequate. Unbeknownst to her girlfriend, she'd been planning on giving it to her anyway when she'd next visited as a friend. Now though, that they were girlfriends and lovers, something a bit more elaborate might be in order. She'd need help modifying it though.
Sighing, she realized there was really only one man for the job. Hiccup. Unfortunately, he was rarely around now. He'd take Kari's request to heart and set aside his research. Now he was off on Toothless at the slightest opportunity, often going out with the hunting and gathering parties. Her plan to get to know Kari was also on hold as she was more often than not astride the Night Fury with him. She decided to check his hut and the temporary longhouse that had been set up for the Blind Water Vikings anyway, on the off chance that they were there.
She turned to Heather, who was lounging beside her in the shade of a tree. "I've got a little something to take care of. That ok?" She asked.
Heather nodded and made herself more comfortable. "Go ahead. I'll be here or at your hut when you get done."
Astrid smiled warmly at her. She cast a quick glance around to make sure no one was watching and leaned in to give her a swift kiss on the cheek, before standing and setting off at a quick jog towards the compound. She reached it in just a few minutes and she was happily surprised to see Toothless just settling down on the balcony of Hiccup's hut. After a quick detour to grab the gem she wanted modified from her hut, she darted up the steps. He'd opened the large doors to allow Toothless inside and she knocked on the large frame.
Hiccup glanced over from recording something in one of his books and saw her. "Come on in, Astrid." He finished writing and turned to her. "What's up?"
She smiled at Kari before turning back to him. "I need your help with something." She told him, withdrawing a small gem from her pocket. It was a beautiful, multicolored gemstone that cast a rainbowed aurora-like shadow where the light touched it.
"It's gorgeous." Kari whispered, awed by the sight.
Hiccup reached for it and Astrid dropped it into his hand. He held it up, examining it. "It really is. What do you need help with?"
"I wanted to know if you can shape it without damaging it."
"Hmm." He contemplated for a moment. "I can do it, but it might take a few days at the least with everything going on. What shape did you want it?" He asked still turning it this way and that.
Astrid blushed. "A heart."
"Aw." Kari cooed. "Is it a present for someone?"
Astrid's blush deepened. "Yes."
Hiccup was intrigued and he grinned at her. Opportunities to tease Astrid didn't come along very often. "For who?"
Astrid growled in embarrassment fueled anger. "None of your business."
"Aw, come on." He pleaded. "You can tell me." She made to grab the gemstone from him and he snatched it behind his back. He tsked, shaking a finger at her. "Not so fast."
"Hiccup!" Astrid snapped.
He eyed her, weighing his chances of survival against his curiosity. Astrid was unarmed, but that didn't mean she couldn't hurt him. A quick glance at Toothless, who blinked at him in an amused manner, showed there would be no help from him. He sighed in defeat.
"Fine. Keep your secrets. I'll still fix the gem."
Astrid's anger left in a rush. "Really?" She asked hopefully.
He gave her a lop-sided smile. "Like I could refuse my best friend anything." Toothless made an indignant noise. "My best human friend." He amended. The Night Fury snorted matter-of-factly.
Astrid rose an eyebrow. "What about Kari? Isn't she your best friend too?"
Hiccup's eyes went wide and he glanced at the redhead, who crossed her arms and rose her own eyebrow. He was at a loss for a moment before he smirked. "She's my best girl friend."
Astrid gaped ad scowled in mock anger. "Are you implying I'm not a girl?"
Hiccup's smirk widened. "Not at all. You're my best rider friend. Who just so happens to be a girl."
Both girls giggled at this logic trip. "Nice save." Kari teased him.
He exaggerated a bow. "Thank you. Thank you. Hold your applause." Then he held the gemstone up to the light again. "You really will have to tell me who this is for sooner or later though." He said to Astrid.
She blushed again and glared at him. "After I give it to them."
He smiled brightly and Kari clapped. "Works for me. I'll get to work on it now. Say?" He glanced at Kari. "Didn't you say you'd like to go to the bathing pools today?"
Kari smiled. "Yes! I love those little stalls you have set up," She said, referring to the system of shower-like stalls they'd set up along the tree line near the refuse pits to bathe when a trip to the pools couldn't be managed. "But I just don't feel entirely clean." She finished.
Astrid smiled. "I could take you. I was planning on heading there later with Heather anyway."
"Really?" Kari asked, turning to her.
"Yeah. Go and get your things and I'll get Heather and the dragons. You can ride with one of us."
"Thanks! I'll meet you at your hut then. Bye, Hiccup." She called happily as she ran out.
"Thanks, Astrid." Hiccup said to her fondly, as he watched Kari's retreating form.
"No problem." She smiled and punched him lightly in the shoulder.
He feigned hurt and both of them laughed. She waved at him and went out, giving Toothless a fond pat on the way past. The Night Fury crooned happily at her and she turned to the sky and whistled for Stormfly. A few moments later, the Nadder swooped in and creeled a greeting at Toothless and Hiccup, before Astrid mounted and took to the sky. She set off to the fields and found Heather were she had left her, petting Windshear.
"Hey, love." She greeted from astride Stormfly.
Heather grinned at her. "Hey, yourself. You look pleased about something."
Astrid grinned. "I just got some good news. Do you feel up for a bath?" She asked.
Heather's grin changed to a predatory smirk. "I was just thinking about getting some alone time with you." She purred.
Astrid swallowed hard and shifted slightly in her seat as the tone of her voice had an immediate effect. They hadn't had time for more than a few passing touches and stolen kisses these past few days. "Well. Actually, Kari is going with us."
Heather looked disappointed for a moment, before perking up. "So that means we can finally drill her about Hiccup?"
Astrid smirked. "Yep."
Heather cheered lightly. "Awesome. Let's go!" She called, jumping astride Windshear.
The dragon roared playfully, before taking off. Astrid laughed at her enthusiasm and signaled Stormfly to follow. The dragons landed on Astrid's balcony and they both rushed inside to gather their things.
Just as Astrid finished shoving all but their clothes into a small bag, Heather grasped her shoulder and spun her around, dipping her and kissing her deeply. Astrid's gasp of surprise turned into a happy moan as she kissed her back. She lost herself for a moment, completely giving into the kiss, her hands burying themselves in Heather's dark hair to pull her closer. Heather's arms tightened around her for a moment, before pulling them back upright.
She grinned at Astrid's disheveled look. "Don't think I'm not disappointed at not getting to spend some time alone with you, love. Tonight, you're mine." She growled possessively, nipping at her lips.
Astrid kissed her fiercely in response and only an urgent chirp from Stormfly pulled them apart. They shifted their clothes back into place just as a knock came at the door. "I'm here!" Kari called.
"Coming!" Astrid answered. She grabbed the pack from the floor and finished shoving their clothes inside. "Come on, love." She winked at Heather.
Heather smiled and took her hand and they ran out to greet their new friend. "Since you aren't used to riding bareback, you should ride with Astrid this time around." Heather told her, taking her pack and securing it to her own waist.
"Fine by me." The red head said from where she was scratching a very happy Stormfly's brow.
Astrid mounted and then reached out to grab Kari's hand, swinging her up behind her on the Nadder. The redhead settled quickly and they took off, Heather and Windshear right behind them, heading towards the pools. It took only a few minutes of lazy flight to reach them and, upon arriving, Astrid removed their pack from the Nadder's saddle before removing it entirely. She knew the dragon would want to play while her rider was occupied.
She turned to find Kari and Heather already undressing. Her eyes strayed over Kari's body as it was revealed. She had a much nicer figure than her loose clothes implied. Perhaps she would suggest a more fitting outfit for the fiery girl. The thought flew from her mind when something hit her face. She grabbed at the piece of clothing to see it was Heather's shirt. She glanced over to see her girlfriend glaring at her. Astrid winced at the fury in her eyes and she raised her hands defensively.
"It's not what you think!" She mouthed.
Heather crossed her arms and rose an eyebrow, scowling. Astrid was momentarily distracted at the sight of her breasts being pushed higher, before she blinked and looked back up into her face. Heather seemed less mad at her distraction, but was still obviously miffed as she continued to undress. Astrid cursed mentally and kept her eyes to herself as she stripped. She knew she was going to get an earful later at letting her gaze stray, even in an innocent context like it had.
She looked at her girlfriend apologetically as they entered the water. Heather splashed her, earning a squeal of surprise from the blonde. Astrid sputtered and wiped her eyes to see Heather smirking.
Kari laughed at their antics. "This place is nice." She said happily, undoing her hair from its braid.
Astrid, seeing she was momentarily forgiven, moved behind Heather to help her take down her hair as well, having braided in in a more intricate pattern that morning. "It is. This island was full of surprises when we first got here."
Heather moved to undo Astrid's hair once hers was free. "If you like this place, we should take you to the hot pools in the Northern section sometime."
"Gods, yes." Astrid sighed happily. "I haven't been there since the last time you were here." She said to Heather over her shoulder. "I'd love to go back."
"I'd like to see them." Kari smiled. "Let's do that next time."
"Sounds like a plan." Heather agreed.
"Definitely." Astrid seconded, reaching for the soap they'd deposited at the edge of the pools.
The girls chatted about their activities over the past few days as they bathed and washed their hair. Kari gushed about some of the things Hiccup had shown her about their own indigenous dragon species, seemingly quite unaware of how she lit up when she talked about the boy. There was no need to press her for information. How she felt was clear. Astrid and Heather shared a few knowing looks as she spoke of her first flight on Toothless and how much she enjoyed riding with him.
"I never knew the sky could look so clear!" She was saying. "He took me above the clouds themselves and it felt like I could touch the stars." She sighed. "It was the best moment of my life."
Astrid chuckled, remembering her first, terrifying flight with them. She'd been utterly and completely certain she was going to die, only to have Toothless calm upon hearing her apology. She'd been so touched and overawed after that, at getting to see her world from another perspective. She remembered holding Hiccup tight and giving him a kiss to the cheek. It had marked the first time she'd actually seen him as anything other than a failure and disgrace and it had started a friendship that would last a lifetime. She had truly fallen in love with him that night, though it hadn't lasted.
As she looked at Heather, though, she couldn't find herself feeling sad that she and Hiccup had drifted apart over the years. She was well and truly happy and in love. And, judging by both Kari and Hiccup's actions towards one another, love was in the future for them as well. It was truly a time to be alive.
Heather met her eyes and she smiled brightly, letting her happiness show. Underwater, where Kari couldn't see, their hands came together and Astrid squeezed Heather's fingers tightly, eyes conveying the words she so badly wanted to say aloud. Heathers eyes sparkled as she squeezed back.
"I love you, too." She mouthed and Astrid felt her heart swell to bursting.
Her smile widened. Yes. It truly was a great time to be alive.
X0X0X0X0X0X0X0X0X0X0X0X0
A few hours later, Astrid and Heather finally managed to extract themselves from the dinner crowd unnoticed. As soon as they were out of sight from the others, they were in each other's arms, kissing passionately. They pulled apart a few moments later, breathing heavily.
"We have to get out of here." Heather whispered urgently, hands coming up to brush Astrid's breasts through her shirt.
Astrid bit back a moan and tried to gather her thoughts. "It's my watch at the Northern tower again." She whispered.
Heather grinned happily. "Perfect."
"Let's go." Astrid said, pulling away from her and taking her hand.
"Let's."
X0X0X0X0X0X0X0X0X0X0X0X0X0X
Astrid felt the grin on her face would split it in half as they landed and dismounted. This time, instead of sending the dragons away, they opened the main doors and lead them inside. A few logs and a quick shot of fire from Windshear later and a fire was lit. Astrid felt momentarily guilty that she was using the watch as an excuse to be alone with Heather, but one hungry look from her ebony haired love sent her guilt flying out the window. They patted the dragons as they finished moving the furniture out of the way so the two could settle near the fire. Astrid lit a lantern and Heather took her hand, pulling her down the stairs.
Astrid set the lantern on the floor near the bed they'd confessed to each other on and shared their first kiss. Heather smiled at her and they kissed softly. Slowly, Astrid let her hands drift down to hook at the hem of Heather's shirt and she tugged it over her head. Her own shirt followed, as did the rest of their clothes and Astrid pushed Heather down onto the bed. She fell on top of her and Heather reached up to wrap her arms around her. Both sighed happily as they were skin to skin once more. Unwilling to wait any longer, Astrid maneuvered until their most intimate places were pressed together and both of them moaned at the contact.
"Gods, I love you." Astrid whispered, feathering kisses all over her face.
"I love you too." Heather whispered back, hands burying themselves into golden locks to pull her in for a proper kiss.
As their lips moved together, Astrid started to move. It took a moment to get used to the unfamiliar motion, but the pleasure she received as their cores moved together urged her to continue. Heather moaned into her mouth and began moving her hips to meet her. Astrid deepened their kiss, pushing their tongues together as fire raced through her body from where they were connected. Their kiss broke as need for air forced them apart. Astrid buried her face in Heather's neck, panting, and bit her on the most sensitive spot there, sucking the flesh in between her teeth with a sharp pull. Heather cried out and her hips jerked and Astrid moaned as the sudden motion sent a white hot bolt of pleasure through her. Their motions grew faster, more frenzied as their pleasure mounted and grew. Sweat shone on their skin, lubricating them as they slid together. Their nipples met and both of them cried out as the sensation of them rubbing together sent them higher.
It didn't take long before Astrid felt her climax approaching and she steeled herself against it, trying to make it last. Heather felt her falter and began moving faster. Astrid cried out, her body stilling for a moment, before continuing to thrust against her, harder this time. Their lips met again hungrily, tongues curling together for a moment before the tight coil that had been building inside burst over them in a wave of ecstasy, both of them throwing back their heads with a scream as their bodies jerked together uncontrollably, sending them even higher.
They collapsed together, panting and trembling. After a few minutes, the colder temperature of the tower crept into their senses and Astrid moved to grasp a fur from the foot of the bed. She covered them, and pulled Heather into her arms, spooning around her until her front was pressed entirely against her lovers back. Heather snuggled even further back into her, drawing Astrid's arm further around her, tucking it up in between her breasts and covering it with her own. Thus situated, she sighed happily and Astrid kissed her shoulder softly. Astrid buried her face into her hair and breathed deeply of her scent. Neither of them were tired, but simply wanted to lie there, tangled together for a while.
"I love you." Astrid whispered.
"I love you, too." Heather whispered back.
X0X0X0X0X0X0X0X0X0X0XX0X0
And there is chapter 10! Let me know what you thought! Ja ne!