I have quite a few chapters of this fic done and posted on Ao3. I'm going to post more frequently until I catch up.


"Solitude. What business do you have there?" Those were the first words Toothless spoke as Hiccup returned to the foggy dreamscape.

"What?"

"You packed your bags. Your father said he was leaving for Solitude tomorrow. For what reason do you do so?"

"Oh, there's been a new High King crowned. We're going to go and show our support."

"A fine thing to do, considering the last one was murdered. Will you be journeying to High Hrothgar afterwards, then?"

"Well, I don't know when I'll see the Greybeards. I didn't tell my father that I'm the Dragonborn. I doubt he'll let me out on another adventure this year."

"You cannot develop your Thu'um trapped inside Dragonsreach walls. You have to experience the world, delve deep into forgotten places, talk to those with different lives than yours."

"I need some time to come up with something. I've never won an argument with my father. Once he makes his mind up, that's it."

"You do have time, my Hiccup, but sooner or later, the wars of this world will find you. It is your fate."

"I get it."

"Rest now, for the road to Solitude is long, and you must be vigilant."

Indeed, the road to Solitude was long. And cold. And dangerous.

"We'll be heading North this time, boy-o. We're going up by Dawnstar, back down through Morthal, and then to Dragon's Bridge."

"Won't that take longer?"

"Most certainly, but scouts have reported that the Forsworn camps in the Reach have gotten really violent. Best to not even go near them. Make sure you bring your furs and blankets, lad. We'll get into Northern snow before midday."

The carriage driver was a man named Hackjaw. He and Stoick were friends, which meant that Hiccup didn't have to try to make small talk with his father for the two day journey. Instead, he grabbed every book on the Dragonborn that Dragonsreach's library had.

It was two books. That wasn't very helpful, in the grand scheme of things, but it was at least reading material for the road.

They ate a hearty breakfast before heading out, as meat would likely attract bears, Sabre cats, frostbite spiders, or horkers ("we're not going to encounter any horkers on the road, dad." "We might if we bring fish!")

Once he was well fed, they packed the carriage with their bags, and then set off toward Solitude.

Hiccup sat in the back of the carriage, nestled between the trunks and rations. He wore a fur pelt over his lap, and the seat would be quite cozy if it wasn't so cramped. He brought along his steel shield from his previous adventure, and crept it within arm's reach. His bow and quiver, now stocked with iron arrows, were stowed under his luggage, so his father wouldn't see.

They traveled north, the same road Hiccup took to Riverwood, except the other direction. For a while, Hiccup just gazed out at the scenery, letting his mind wander. They passed many farms with windmills and cattle. Then when the city was obscured by large boulders, they passed the northern guard tower. This would be the end of the Whiterun hold.

The guards on duty saluted as they passed by.

They passed another lonely farm, isolated, but not out of sight of the guard tower. And then the wilds were before them.

Up on a hill, nestled within a rocky crag, a house sat. From here, Hiccup could see the door was boarded shut and it was abandoned. He could only wonder what had caused the owner to abandon it. Too many wolves? Bandits perhaps?

Skyrim was the northernmost country in the continent of Tamriel. Whereas summertime in most of the other countries would bring fantasies of tall grass and cooling off in streams, at least three of the nine holds of Skyrim were above the snow line. So just as Stoick said, before noon, they crossed into the frozen tundra of the Pale.

Coniferous trees still grew, despite the clinging cold, as only the hardiest species could survive such a climate.

There was snow on the ground, but luckily, it wasn't snowing.

So Hiccup hunkered down with one of the books and just hoped the reading would make the trip go faster.

By midafternoon, they had finally begun traveling west, finally in the direction of Solitude.

"Has that Fort always been on the road?" Hiccup asked, noticing the fat stone structure they were heading towards.

"Aye," said Hackjaw. "That's Fort Dunstad, a guard outpost for Dawnstar at one time…but now it's under Imperial control."

They approached the wooden gate before being halted by the guard on the wall. "Hail and well met. What is your business on this road, Nord?"

It was hard not to come across Imperial soldiers these days, ever since Hiccup was a child, Skyrim had been a part of the Empire, though still allowed to have its own king. So the leather armor the guards wore were familiar.

"I am Jarl Stoick the Vast, of Whiterun. I am traveling to Solitude."

"Forgive me, My Lord," the guard bowed his head. "Open the gate!"

The wooden doors opened swiftly, and the group was ushered inside, only to be shut in.

"We'll get you some feed and water for your horse."

"Is the Stumbling Sabrecat still in business?"

The soldier smiled. "It is."

"And is Baral Sendu still the proprietor?"

"Of course! He makes this place the most wanted station in Skyrim. Let me show you to the tavern."

Hiccup, not really interested in squeezing into the crowd at the bar, mostly made up of depressed imperial soldiers, opted to warm his hands by the hearth. Up on the mantle, the taxidermied head of a Sabrecat was mounted, though squewd, and a bottle of ale was wedged in its mouth.

"Cheeky." He smirked.

"Shor's bones, our camp is being visited by nobility, what an honor!" A soldier heckled from a table nearby.

Hiccup glanced over at him, but said nothing. Did this guy have a problem with the Jarls? Imperial or Nord, he should at least have the decency to talk to them with an ounce of respect.

"What's wrong, your majesty? Your crown so cold it froze your head?"

His crown…?

Oh.

It had only been a few days, and Hiccup had already gotten used to the circlet on his head. He didn't even feel it anymore.

He merely shook his head, and kept warming his hands. He wouldn't be intimidated by a soldier to leave this warmth before he was ready.

"What are you up to, Lucan?" Another soldier asked, joining the first at his table.

"Just pestering our guest here. I think he's important."

"Say, I think you're right, he's got a royal crown and everything." The second soldier chuckled.

"Is that your da over at the bar? The great big burly one?" They gestured to Stoick who was laughing joyfully with the barkeep.

"The Jarl of Whiterun, yes," Hiccup said calmly. Would that be enough to get the Imperials to shut up?

Apparently not. "So in Skyrim, the Princes wear crowns too? Do they just hand them out here?"

Hiccup sighed. "No, they don't." He allowed the annoyance to bite into his tone. "I delved into a burial mound, looking for adventure, and found a cursed circlet. I can't take it off."

The two soldiers were quiet for a while and then started laughing.

Hiccup rolled his eyes.

A fur lined hat plopped onto his head then, as one of the soldiers adjusted it so the circlet was covered. "I have to admit, I feel guilty now. You should probably keep that covered though, especially on the road. It's not smart to flash any gold out there."

"Thanks for the tip." Hiccup hunched his shoulders. In truth, he had prepared to wear a hood, but forgot it with all the other things he needed.

Before long, Stoick and Hackjaw had finished their drinks, and Hiccup had thawed his fingers. It was back out into the cold.

"Keep the furs on, Lad. We'll be in the snow line for a bit longer. We'll stay the night in Morthal and then arrive in Solitude tomorrow around dinner time."

"Ugh. Morthal? Isn't that place crawling with spiders and those big bug things?"

"The Charus?" Asked Hackjaw. "Yes, they're out in the swamps. But we're not going through the swamps. Too dangerous. We're sticking to the snowline until Dragon Bridge."

Hiccup adjusted the furs on his lap. "If the choice is between snow and spiders, I'll take the snow, I suppose. I've had enough of spiders."

Stoick turned around in his seat. "You say that like you've actually encountered a frostbite spider."

"The burial mound had a big one in it," he admitted.

"And how did you get around it?"

"I shot it with a bow and arrow…an old bow that I found."

Stoick and Hackjaw laughed. "If you killed it with a bow, it must have been on its last legs. A spider's carapace is too tough for arrows."

Hiccup decided not to argue and clarify that he had shot its underside. His father would continue to be a skeptic. "Then I was lucky, or had a good shot."

Stoick reached back and ruffled his hair. "Well, a kill is a kill, so you should be proud."

"Well, thanks, I guess."

"We've got some time to kill, why don't you tell us about your adventure?"

Hiccup hesitated. "And you won't get mad at me for my reckless behavior?"

"I was only mad at you for being so late. I can't help but be proud that my son was called to adventure. It runs in our blood, afterall."

Hiccup sat up a little straighter, and began his tale. He skipped over and fudged the information about Toothless and the Dragonborn, and kept it to simple adventuring. The kind his father would appreciate.

They mostly laughed through the whole thing. Apparently wearing a skeever skin to avoid the bandits just tickled the men. There was a lot less laughing about the pressure plate trap, however. But Stoick was glad to hear it was because of an old trap and not because Hiccup tried to take on a fight he couldn't handle.

"I'll admit it, lad. You're smarter than most and braver than many more. I've always appreciated your problem solving skills. That's part of the reason I had you work under Gobber. The gods sure were looking out for you on this adventure, though. I'm glad this was a one time endeavor."

Yeah…a one time endeavor. Hiccup had rather hoped that the full story would have given Stoick more faith in his son, but it seemed to do the opposite.

So what was he going to do?

Morthal appeared before them a little after the sunset. The trees obscured the residual sunlight, and the carriage was led on only by torch light.

The faces of the guards were stark as they passed, and they glanced with critical eyes over their carriage, though no one stopped them. When they arrived at the Inn, Hiccup was quick to notice that the house next door had been burned down. Unlike some of the other capital cities of Holds, like Whiterun, Morthal had no walls. It had a steep cliff on one side and a lake in the middle. That could dissuade some creatures from wandering into town, but it looked like Morthal was down on its luck.

"Are we not paying the Jarl a visit first?" Asked Hiccup.

"I'd rather not." Stoick said softly. "Jarl Couffaine is a little…eccentric. We don't have time to deal with her."

Hiccup held his questions and obediently followed his father into the Inn.

Every room was vacant, and according to the keeper, had been for a while. Each of them got their own room at least.

While Hiccup laid alone in his room, trying to drift off, he could hear the barkeeper talking to a patron at the bar.

"Dark times indeed. High King dead, the damn wizard moves in, Hroggar's house burns down, killing his family, and now the Jarl of Whiterun passes through town without visiting the Jarl!"

"Hush, keep it down, will you? Jarl Stoick's actions seem very innocent. He's on his way to Solitude. He doesn't have time for chit chats with a crazy woman."

"But the very notion that he avoided her, that has to prove it, right? Even the Jarls think she's crazy!"

"Whatever the case may be, it isn't our business."

"I think we ought to have some business in knowing who's in charge of our city."

The barkeep was quiet for a minute before saying, "you think she's next?"

"It's likely. Drago will kill anyone aligned with the Empire. The Jarl's son is off playing his music somewhere, but her daughter is impressionable. Drago could probably convince her to join his side."

"I would think Jarl Stoick would be next. He's very influential, and Whiterun is in the middle of the country. He's got a whelp of an heir that wouldn't do anything."

"I bet you're right. Wanna make a bet?"

"If you're trying to get out of paying your tab again, it's not going to work."

"Fine."

Hiccup didn't sleep very well that night.

In the morning, they departed quickly before most residents had risen. Dragons Bridge was the next way point, which they would reach before noon.

The largest bridge in Skyrim, once the only way to cross the Karth river. It was an architectural wonder, being as old and stable as it was. Rumor was it was the oldest structure in Skyrim.

And its name was derived from the giant dragon head decoration on the top.

A village settled nearby, named for the bridge. It had a wood mill and a tavern. It was enough for passing travelers.

Once they had crossed the bridge, it was a straight shot to Solitude, and they had plenty of daylight to do it in.

Hiccup reclined in the back of the cart. The majority of the journey was over, and it was rather uneventful.

Just as the thought crossed his mind, he heard a loud thunk on the side of the carriage. The horse whinnied and came to a halt.

"What's wrong, Sherry?" Asked Hackjaw before an arrow struck him in the chest.

"An ambush!" Stoick shouted. He yanked the reins from Hackjaw and snapped them, propelling the horse into a sprint. "Hang on, Son!"

Hiccup sprawled out over the carriage, pushing everything down and forward so they didn't fly out in the impending race. He scrambled up to where Hackjaw was draped, and wrapped a hand around the bleeding wound.

As they raced along, Hiccup heard his father wince. He then noticed the arrow in Stoick's arm.

"Dad! Your arm!"

"It's just a poke, worry about Hackjaw!"

They made it to Solitude in record time, not slowing down when the gate was in view.

"Halt your carriage, Nord!" An imperial soldier yelled from the wall.

"Open in the name of Jarl Stoick of Whiterun! We need a healer!"

Luckily the guards didn't argue. "Open the gates!"

The heavy wooden doors opened just in time as the horse thundered into the city.

"Move aside! Wounded man!"

People along the road screamed in terror and dove out of the path of the horse.

The streets were narrow, as they weren't made for carriage traffic. Hiccup was almost thrown from the carriage as they rolled over rocks and curbs.

Finally, the horse came to stop at the Blue Palace, the home of the Jarl of Solitude.

"Call your healers! Can't you see that a man is injured?!"

"Two, by the looks of it," said the guard as he helped Hackjaw down off the cart. "The Jarl has been notified of your arrival."

Almost as soon as he said it, several more guards and the court wizard poured out of the palace. "Please escort them to my chambers, and be gentle!" The female mage stated.

"I will join you shortly," said Stoick, holding his arm. "I would like to pay my respects to your Jarl first."

"Dad," Hiccup said harshly. "You were shot!"

As Hackjaw was carried away, a couple appeared, dressed in the finest clothes and jewelry.

Hiccup had always thought his father was the biggest man in Skyrim, but this new man certainly was a competitor. His arms were thick, and his shoulders broad. He didn't have a beard, which was odd for a nord, but he did have a thick mustache. At his side, a dainty elf with red eyes, black hair, and snow white skin stood.

No doubt, this was the new High King of Skyrim.

"Ah, High King Tom, it is a pleasure to meet you." Stoick held his injured hand out, as his good arm was still clamped around his arrow wound.

"Jarl Stoick!" Tom began to bow, but his wife gently elbowed him. Tom grabbed his hand and squeezed warmly. "Forgive me, I…I met you once, when I was just a baker. You were our Jarl when we lived in Helgen."

"No apologies needed. I understand completely. Now, you are the authority over me."

Tom looked stricken by the thought, but stood to the side to gesture inside. "Please come in! We'll call for Angeline to look at your arm."

"Thank you, but it's really not that bad. I'm much more concerned about my driver."

"He is being looked after by Nadja, our court magician. She's very good! Shall I show you to the room?"

"Please, by all means."

Hiccup, still in the cart, awkwardly watched as his father walked away with the new king, and he was forgotten with the luggage.

"May I escort your horse and cart back to the stables, Young Master?" Asked another guard. "Having them here is a hazard."

"Oh, uh, sure." Hiccup pulled himself out of the cart, dragging the multiple bags out with him. Then he was left alone with the luggage. "An interesting start to our visit, to be sure." He lugged the bags inside and stood awkwardly in the lobby. Where should he put them? Surely not just leave them here?

"Can I help you?" A young woman interrupted his thoughts.

He glanced at her, surprised by her sudden appearance. She was a teenager, and had skin like snow and pitch black hair. Unlike the queen, however, her eyes were a glowing blue. She wore a pink dress and leggings, and looked less formal than the king and queen.

"Uh maybe? I'm Hiccup, son of Jarl Stoick." He held out his hand.

She gasped a little at that, and grasped his hand. "You're Young Master Hiccup?! You don't look like…you're younger than I thought."

"I get that a lot."

"Here, let me take this…" she grabbed one of the bags. "I'm Ma—" but before she finished her sentence, the bag slipped from her hands and hit the ground, then popped open on impact, sending clothes sprawling everywhere. "Madly clumsy. I'm so clumsy!"

Hiccup laughed. "Hey, no harm done. I could show you all the scars I've gotten from my own clumsiness." He stooped and helped her pick up all the scattered clothes. "But really, what is your name? My father didn't mention it. You're High King Tom's daughter, right?"

"Yes. I'm Marinette. Please excuse me for being so nervous. You're the son of my Jarl, er my old Jarl. Girls back home in Helgen talked about you a lot."

He perked up a bit at that. "They did, did they?"

"They described you as seven feet tall and built like a tree, and how dreamy you must be."

"Well…they got one thing right at least."

Marinette chuckled. "They also said you were sixteen, but you look closer to my age."

He tilted his head in confusion. She looked eighteen, easy. "I am sixteen. Just a late bloomer." He offered an awkward laugh.

Marinette blushed heavily. "I'm so stupid! I always put my foot in my mouth!"

"I'm confused. How old are you?"

"Thirteen."

He chuckled. "Well, now the egg is on my face. I thought you were at least eighteen."

"It's the elf blood. We mature quicker, but live longer."

"Oh right, your mother is a Dark Elf. But I didn't know the albino trait ran in families."

Marinette gave a sheepish smile. "Yeah, pretty weird…" She cleared her throat. "Shall I show you to your room?"

"Lead the way."

She took him to the West wing of the palace, and showed him to a room with a pair of double beds. "You and your father will be here. Your driver's room is supposed to be next door…but he might stay with the healer for a while. What happened? I didn't hear."

"I'm honestly not sure. It happened so quickly. Bandits I guess."

Marinette nodded. "I heard that's a problem on the road from Dragon Bridge. I'm sorry that happened."

"There's worse things on the roads. Did you have a safe trip when you came here two weeks ago?"

She nodded. "We were escorted by a group of high elves." She grew very solemn then, and glanced at the door. "Could I…this whole thing has been very confusing, and I want to talk to someone about it. My father doesn't want me to mention it in letters back home, but he won't explain anything." She grabbed one of her pigtails in a frustrated grasp. "I know we just met, but you've been a noble your whole life and Chloe hasn't even been nice let alone trustworthy–!"

"Hang on, Chloe? Chloe Bourgeois? You've spoken to her?"

"Yes. She and her father, Jarl Andre, arrived yesterday. I was excited to have a new friend, but she just ridiculed me and went into town. I had heard most Nords look badly on Dark elves, but…"

"It's okay, Marinette. I wish I had been here to warn you. Chloe is notoriously cruel. But I'm willing to explain anything you need."

Marinette breathed a sigh in relief.

"Let's take a walk, then you can explain to me the situation from the beginning."

Hiccup was intending on letting Marinette show him around, but he was more familiar with the palace than she was. He led them to the private gardens, where they would be less likely to be overheard. The gardens weren't very big, but provided large bushes for privacy and a nice view over the wall out to the Sea of Ghosts.

Marinette sat down on a stone bench. "It all started two weeks ago, not long after High King Torygg…my grandfather…was killed. At the time, we thought it was sad, but had no idea it would mean anything. Then…they knocked on our door. A group of high elves in black and gold robes. They said that they were there to escort my parents here, to Solitude, as my father would be crowned High King. We didn't believe it at first, but they explained that Torygg was my grandfather, and had my father out of wedlock."

Hiccup sat on the bench next to her. "I'm sure it was mind blowing, but wasn't it a little exciting?"

"Unfortunately, no. The high elves said that my father had to go to Solitude right then and there, or else he'd be arrested and sent to the Summerset Isles for his safety. My father agreed to go then. The elves almost didn't let me come along, but my parents made it clear they'd regret it if I wasn't allowed."

"Given the size of your father, I can imagine it was a little intimidating."

Marinette gave a little smile at that, but it soon faded. "We were only allowed to bring essentials or sentimental items. I really love fashion, and made all my own clothes, but I wasn't allowed to take any with me. That was hard. I only said goodbye to one friend as I was leaving, since she was walking down the road at the time. My grandparents were in Whiterun at the time, so we didn't get to tell them either."

"Do they know now?"

"I wrote my grandmother a letter. I don't know how long they were going to be in Whiterun, so I don't know if she received it…"

"Who are your grandparents? I can check with the taverns when we get back to see if they're there."

Marinette rested a hand on his arm and squeezed. "That would be the nicest thing anyone has done for me since this whole thing started. Thank you. My grandparents are Gina and Roland Dupain. Though…I suppose he's not actually my grandfather, is he?"

"If he was in that role, he was your grandfather. Finding out there's no blood relation doesn't change that."

"Right. Thank you. That's a better way of thinking about it. My father expressed a lot of shock and betrayal at the news."

"So what has you confused? I know this whole family mess will take some getting used to…"

She shook her head. "That's something I will overcome in my own time. No, I want to know about that group of High Elves. They mentioned their name once, but I can't recall."

"The Thalmor?"

"That's it! What are the Thalmor and why did they come to sit my father on the throne? I would have thought it would have been other Jarls or some Imperials…"

"How to explain the Thalmor…how much do you know about the history of the empire?"

Marinette blushed, her skin looking more purple with her stark white flesh. "Well, the Imperials always liked our sweet rolls! I must admit, I wasn't a very good student. I can read, of course, Elven and Common…but history rather bored me."

Hiccup laughed. "You're in good company. A lot of it is pretty boring. You know of the Oblivion Crisis, though?"

"That's when a demon opened a bunch of portals to his plane of Oblivion on our world and almost took it over, right?"

"Correct! The elves and Imperials called them Daedra, not demons. The last of the Septim Dynasty sacrificed himself to summon an avatar of the dragon god to destroy him and seal all the portals."

"And that's when the current dynasty started, the Stone Dynasty!"

"Very good!"

"But what does that have to do with the High Elves?"

"So, during the Oblivion Crisis, the High Elves of the Aldmeri Dominion sent armies to help defend the cities from the hordes of dremora, the minions of the Daedra. Once the Crisis was over, they sat back for a while while the Empire recovered. Then they went to the Emperor and demanded control of the Empire in exchange for their help."

"And they gave it to them?"

"No. The Emperor told them to piss off…so they declared war. Because Skyrim is part of the Empire, we helped fight."

"We lost that war, right? That was 'the great war' that everyone talks about happening some 30 years ago?"

"Right again."

"I always wondered what that was about. But everyone just kind of assumes everyone knows, so no one explained it to me."

"It's a sore subject for a lot, especially the Nords. I had to learn about it through books instead of my mentor."

"Oh, I see. So, the Aldmeri Dominion is in charge of the Empire?"

"More or less. They've left Emperor Stone on the throne, but he has to do what they tell him. Along with control, they also outlawed the worship of Talos."

The corner of Marinette's mouth pulled in a sheepish grimace. "Why would they want that exactly?"

"You know who Talos is, right?" Hiccup asked in a hushed voice.

Marinette didn't know why he was suddenly whispering, but mimicked him anyway. "Yes, he's the god of protection and adventure. My father said he's the nords' favorite."

"Well, that's because he is a nord. Tiber Septim–"

"The first of the Septim dynasty," Marinette added.

"Right, when he died, he was gifted godhood by the other divines. The Aldmeri Dominion don't like him because he won a war against them with the Numidium."

Marinette blinked several times, and opened her mouth for clarification.

Hiccup waved her off. "That's not important. What is important is that the Thalmor hate Talos and all he represents. They are here to make sure the conditions agreed upon at the end of the war are fulfilled. They wanted to put a High King on the throne that would uphold the ban of Talos worship, and allow them to continue the persecution of Talos worshippers."

Marinette curled up on herself slightly. "And my dad is going along with that?"

"I think that's why my father came…and probably Jarl Andre. As far as I knew, Jarl Andre was a supporter of Drago Bludvist."

"The man that killed my grandfather…"

"Yes."

"So…my father is doomed no matter what then? Either he outlaws the worship of Talos and is killed by Drago, or allows it and is killed by the Thalmor!" Tears began to well up in her eyes. "I hate this! We didn't ask for this! It's stupid and horrible and–"

"Calm down, Marinette," Hiccup rested a hand on her shoulder. "It is stupid, but I think your dad is going to be alright. Drago is being watched by the Imperials and the Thalmor, if he even leaves the walls of Windhelm, I think he'll be arrested and executed."

"But I don't want him to outlaw Talos worship either!"

Hiccup held a finger to his lips, begging her to not say stuff like that. "Neither do I or my father, or the other Jarls that stand with the Empire, but we can't fight another war." He rolled his eyes. "Though, I'm sure Drago would love a civil war."

"Well. We'll just have to wait and see how this turns out. Maybe he'll wait until my new uncle Oleg is old enough to take the throne."

"We would be so lucky." He stood. "We should probably get back inside before anyone thinks we're up to no good."

"Good idea! I could just see Chloe lying to get us in trouble."

Once they returned inside, Stoick was quick to find them, now changed with his arm in a sling. "Ah son! There you are! I was beginning to worry!"

"Sorry dad. Oh! This is Marinette, High King Tom's daughter."

Marinette bowed at the waist. "It is an honor, Jarl Stoick."

"Please, the honor is mine, Princess."

Marinette blushed again, letting out a little 'eep!' of embarrassment.

"How's Hackjaw?" Hiccup asked.

"The mage says he will be fine, but most likely resting for the rest of our trip."

"And you?"

"Fit as a fiddle! The sling is a precaution. The herbalist used a healing potion on me, but apparently I can re-tear the wound if I'm not careful. Back in my day, healing potions brought you back up to peak condition!"

"And you also walked to school uphill both ways in a foot of snow," Hiccup smiled smugly.

Stoick cuffed him on the back of the head. "Don't sass me, boy. Now, go get changed for dinner, you still have blood on you from the ride in."

Hiccup looked at his shirt, wide eyed. That was the second shirt ruined by blood this week!

"I better change as well, or I might get ridiculed for coming to dinner in 'commoners clothes'. See you later, Hiccup."

"Bye Marinette." And he left with his father back to their quarters.

When they were far enough away, Stoick asked, "so? What did you learn?"

"What?"

"Talking to the lass. What did she tell you? I didn't get to have a proper conversation with the High King."

"Oh, well. Not a lot." He recounted what she had said about the Thalmor basically abducting her family. "She didn't even know who the Thalmor were. I had to explain it to her."

"And what about…the Big T? How does her dad feel about him?"

"Based on what she said, he probably feels the same about him as you do."

Stoick gave a relieved sigh.

"Oh! She said Jarl Andre and his daughter arrived here yesterday!"

"Jarl Andre? Of Riften? Why…why he hates the Empire! Why would he…"

"A spy maybe? Drago couldn't send anyone else with such a high risk."

"It's certainly likely. We'll keep a close eye on him. You sit by the Princess during dinner. Help her if she needs anything." Then he grabbed Hiccup's arm sternly. "And remember—"

"Don't speak unless spoken to," Hiccup finished.

"Very good."

An hour later, Stoick and Hiccup entered the Blue Palace dining room. Sure enough, there were more guests in attendance, in the presence of Jarl Andre Bourgeois, his wife Audrey, and their daughter Chloe. High King Tom and Queen Sabine sat at the end of the table. Marinette sat at the other end. Another female high elf, who looked unfamiliar, sat in the center.

"Jarl Stoick," Jarl Andre stood from his place, with feigned jovial excitement wafting from him. He took Stoick's hand and shook. "Heard about your rough journey! I'm glad you're alright!"

Stoick, true to his name, schooled his expression into something neutral. "I thank you for your concern. How was your trip? Riften is a long way out."

"Not too bad. I traveled with a group of guards, so they disposed of the bears we crossed. Now, shall we sit down?"

"You can sit by me, Hiccup, if you want." Marinette offered.

"Thank you." He nodded and took his seat. Stoick sat next to him.

Chloe, sitting opposite of Marinette, gave a smarmy smile. She was a blonde haired, blue eyed nord, but she had the holier-than-thou complex of a high elf. "Well well well, if it isn't the Whelp of Whiterun! You haven't grown an inch in the last five years!"

Hiccup, gracious as he could be, just gave a passive smile and said, "I've gained inches where it counts."

High King Tom barked a laugh as Stoick elbowed his son.

Queen Sabine took control of the situation. "Oh Jarl Stoick, you haven't been introduced. This is Madam Lila Rossi, the new Thalmor ambassador."

The high elf sitting next to Tom gave a curt nod. "Charmed, I'm sure."

"It's an honor, Madam Rossi."

"Everyone is talking about your injury, Jarl Stoick. What exactly happened?"

"I'm…not exactly sure. It happened very quickly, and we didn't have a moment to fight back. We just ran. My guess is bandits."

Lila nodded in understanding. "I'm sure the High King would be quick to put a bounty out on the culprits…unless of course, it was actually Falmer hunters?" She swept her amber eyes over to Sabine.

"It wasn't the Falmer," Stoick insisted. "I've seen Falmer arrows, and this was a run of the mill iron arrow. Besides, it was the middle of the day, the Falmer only come out at night."

"That's good! The deep elves are very dangerous. I'm sure a group of bandits would be much easier to deal with."

Audrey Bourgeois spoke up for the first time. "So, you're rather displeased with the presence of the Falmer as well?"

Lila laughed. "Displeased? No, I'm livid that they've been allowed to thrive. If they were capable of morality and negotiations like the Forsworn, I would be willing to hear them out, but at this point, they're just animals. They kill without prejudice. They need to be dealt with."

"And I understand your concerns, Madam Rossi," Tom replied. "But with the death of…my father, and Drago Bludvist still at large, I'm not concerned with the Falmer at this time. Please understand."

Lila just gave a petulant flick of the eyes over to Sabine, and then to Audrey and Andre. "I believe that's fair. The time will come to act, however, one day."

Chloe, who didn't seem very invested in the grown up conversation, interjected, "Oh Hiccup! I love your crown! Where did you get it? Are you trying to convince us that you're someone important?" She giggled.

Andre and Audrey tittered as well.

Hiccup felt his face burn in embarrassment. He glanced at his father.

"Go ahead son, tell them where you got it." Stoick took a bread roll from a basket.

Hiccup sighed. "I was interested in learning more about our history. I had some information that led me to….a nordic burial mound."

Lila leaned in slightly, interested. "A burial mound you say? How intriguing. Did you find what you were looking for?"

"Not exactly…anyways, I found this circlet, and only figured out it was cursed after I put it on."

Lila's eyes lit up. "A curse? What did it do?"

"I just can't take it off. That's all."

Chloe laughed obnoxiously. "That's all?! Even your curses are pathetic!"

Stoick just laughed breathlessly. "Well, at least he's cured of adventuring from now on."

"Yeah…real bummer…"

Marinette was looking wide eyed at Hiccup. "You went into a burial mound? That's really amazing!"

"Uh, it's not as amazing as you might think. It was pretty gross and full of traps." Hiccup rubbed his arm that had gotten impaled with a grate.

Suddenly, the door slammed open, a guard rushing into the room.

"Y-yes?" Tom asked, getting to his feet. "Is there something you need?"

"Please forgive my intrusion! I have urgent news for the High King and Jarl Stoick!"

"Then speak," demanded Stoick.

"Helgen…has been destroyed."

"What?!" Tom shouted.

"They say it was a dragon. A dragon burst through the ground and swallowed the town…nothing is left."