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Hiccup was reclining in their brass bathtub in their room. She was rubbing soap into her skin and quickly rinsing it. Because it was deep into winter, hot baths were few and far in-between. But being the chief's wife had its benefits which meant at least three baths a week. Being pregnant meant she could guilt Dagur into hefting up heavy buckets of hot water. But Dagur liked bathing too. He was in the tub with her, washing her back. Hiccup smiled when Dagur moved to scrub her hair. She giggled as his fingers tickled her scalp. Then she splashed him, and he splashed back, the pair of them laughing like children. His hands settled on the curve of her belly
"Sir!" It was like someone flicked a switch on Dagur.
"What the hel do you want?"
"I apologize sir, but you told us to tell you the moment-" Dagur stood up out of the tub and grabbed a towel.
"Get out, show some respect for my wife. I'll discuss this with you later." The man scurried away, like a mouse despite being twice Dagur's size. Hiccup peered over the edge of the tub watching him dress.
"Was that necessary?"
"What?"
"Scaring the life out of that poor guy. Not every tribesman needs the fear of god shot into him every time you talk."
"It is."
"No it isn't."
"He burst into our bedroom without leave, he could have seen anything."
"Yes, your beached whale of a wife." Hiccup got out too and rubbed herself down with a towel.
"Don't knock yourself like that." Hiccup rolled her eyes and pulled on a loose shift, the only one that fit her at this point. Dagur pulled on his shoulder plates and Hiccup walked up behind him, twining her tiny fingers into his hair.
"Oh, I just remembered something I wanted to ask you."
"What?"
"Was I your first?"
"First what?"
"You know, lover, I guess." She could see Dagur flush all the way down his neck. It wasn't often he blushed, but it was usually for her.
"Dagur?"
"Mmmfmmph."
"What?"
"Youwermahfirstndfmed."
"Okay, I'm going to need you to use your words Dagur."
"Yes, you were my first."
"Wow, I know Vessa told me that she didn't think so but I thought you would have gotten up to some hijinks."
"What make you say that?"
"You were a sixteen year old guy with poor impulse control. And you know, you're not bad looking."
"Oh?"
"You should see some of the village women, always checking you out. It's annoying."
"What's so annoying about it?" He asked, a smirk etching into his features. Hiccup scowled at him.
"They act like they have a chance of usurping my place but I don't go around scaring the hel out of them." She responded, trying to act like she was something other than jealous over it. She nagged Dagur over his jealousy all the time, it wouldn't do to give him ammo to get back her with. But his smirk left and his smile was more amused.
"Well you don't ever have to worry about someone ever taking your place, Silver-tongue." He told her, ruffling her bangs. She scoffed at the notion a bit.
"Really? If I had died that day I defeated the red death, you wouldn't have taken another wife?"
"Never." He answered promptly, no hesitation an only sincerity in his tone. The statement baffled her for a moment. She searched his expression but found only sincerity. What had been a somewhat playful comment had turned into a touching and perhaps saddening statement.
"Dagur, you're a chief, you would have to marry eventually, if only to have a kid.'
"I don't need an heir, I could pick one, besides, after having you, I wouldn't have anyone else." Hiccup smiled.
"You're sweet."
"I'm not sweet, I'm just honest. I've never loved before you and I know I would never love again." That was unexpected. Dagur was all war songs and expressing affection with the heads of his enemies, not really professing undying love.
"Have you been reading those roman plays?"
"Shut up." Hiccup finished tying the leather cord over his hair, standing on the tips of her toes to kiss his earlobe.
"Well, that poor man needs something with you, so go and terrorize him."
"Will do and don't bother getting dressed I have plans for you."
"You make a whale feel loved." He laughed and kissed her mouth.
X
"So what, my friend, was so damn important, that you barged into m home, into my bedroom like you did."
"Sir, please, we found a skrill.'
"Truly?"
"Yes sir." Dagur laughed, starting lowly and quietly before giving hearty guffaws
"Finally! Quickly, go and collect, bring it here and the man who discovered it shall be well rewarded." He shouted turning and running back to his home. He found Hiccup at her desk in a loose tunic and leggings, and was very surprised to hear him barreling up the stairs. She scooted out her chair in time for Dagur to pick her up and swing her around in a circle.
"I'm not even sure how you managed to do that, but what on earth was that about.'
"They found a skrill Hiccup.'
"What?"
"A skrill, final a dragon worthy of me."
"Dagur, aren't skrills…."
"My tribe once trained them, and you'll surely be able too. Now the chief of the Berserkers has his own mount. Think of it, by the time the baby's born we will fly together." He kissed her hard. Hiccup tolerated the rough embrace for another five minutes before her weight began to wear on her back.
"Dagur's that's all great, but I'd appreciate it if you put me down." Dagur did as asked and Hiccup rubbed her lower back.
"That does hurt you know, no more of that until the baby gets here please." Why she was feeling surly Dagur was practically vibrating in excitement.
"Just think Silver-tongue, a skrill to lead our tribe with."
"Yes that's all very nice but tell me, how is this dragon getting here and while we're talking about this, where is it?"
"My men are collecting it as we speak." He mumbled, hugging her against him. The ever growing baby bump was making the contact they once shared near im possible.
"I don't know why you're so fixated on a skrill; a monstrous nightmare or thunderdrum would suit you just fine."
"No, I am the chief and my wife rides a night fury. I want to be equal to you in all ways. A skrill is how I'm going to do that." Hiccup rolled her eyes.
"You're already my equal." She told him. He laughed and kissed her hair again.
"Gotta go silver-tongue, got preparations to make for our new guest" Hiccup rolled her eyes and gave him a light slap on the chest.
"You're impossible." She groused. Dagur dashed out the door, only pausing to reply.
"I know!" He sang. Hiccup only laughed, shaking her head fondly. Then she put her arms over the swollen bump of her belly, addressing it sweetly.
"You're doomed with us as your parents; you're bound to be crazy kiddo. Sorry."
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Hiccup and Dagur were standing at the docks while the ships returned. Hiccup shifted between her foot and prosthetic, unnerved by the supposed arrival of a skrill. She remembered some of the stories her father had told her, well Gobber actually, about Berserkers and how they were really the first dragon trainer, because they trained skrills. They were the stuff of legends second only to the night fury. And Toothless wasn't easy to train, even if she had known all of her tricks; Toothless was too smart to be won over easily. The same would probably be true of a skrill. She felt her hands cup the underside of her belly. She could only think of how scared the poor thing must, taken from its home and forced onto a ship. The ship came to the dock and then the men began to disembark. The lot of them was injured. Hiccup moved to run toward them but a sharp grip on her am halted her. Dagur walked forward instead, to the men were some of them were limping toward him.
"Sir…"
"What happened?"
"Sir we…."
"Where is the skirl."
"Dagur."
"Sir, it was Alvin! He took us by surprise, and he said, he said…"
"What?"
"He'd like you and the Mistress to come visit; that he wanted to give you his gift in person."
"The gift being the dragon."
"Yes ma'am." Hiccup bit her lip.
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"What do you want to do Dagur?"
"Vessa, leave." Vessa gave a light curtsy motion and left as she was told. Dagur sat in his chair, rubbing his hands. Hiccup stood some distance away.
"Hel, what do we do now?"
"That's what I just asked you." He put up a hand telling her to be quiet.
"No sass now alright."
"Dagur, I will go with you to get that dragon…."
"Hiccup…"
"I don't mind, I honestly help that dragon and it may very well be that dragon you need."
"Hiccup…"
"I'll be fine, you know, I'm not made of glass, I'm not going to pass out if I see the guy."
"Damn it Hiccup, how can you be so calm!?"
"What?"
"You know that man wants from you, u should be shaking in your boot!"
"Dagur, I know that he's a threat, but I won't let that knowledge get in my way. I don't have to shake in my boot to be scared of him. I am, but I won't let that impair my judgment, ever. I know you like to think of me as some delicate little treasure, but I'm a Viking just like you, just like my parents and everyone around us. Don't question my own strength." He shifted under her fierce gaze. It was easy to forget, she looked so soft and round now, that this was the same girl who slayed the Red death, won him over, trained a night fury, pregnant or not she was not one to take lightly.
"So what do you want to do?"
"We can't let them keep the skrill, the poor thing must be terrified. We will get it, and if the gods smile on it, you will be its rider." Dagur stared for moment then started to laugh, Hiccup smirked and drew herself up full, still much shorter than him.
Gods he loved her.
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Hiccup stood at the bow of the ship, Toothless sitting next to her. One arm crossed over her belly, trying to sooth the ever moving baby within. Dagur claimed he couldn't feel it and despite acting uninterested, he would often put his hand on her belly while he thought she was sleeping, hoping the baby would move. If she woke he would act as though he didn't at all. It was funnier than anything. The movement was good, a constant reassurance that the baby was healthy. With all of her screw ups, Hiccup didn't want her child added to the list. Even when the kicks hurt and the weight made it hard to sleep, she was grateful. Every kick and shift was proof that she hadn't messed up again, that the baby was fine. She could only hope Alvin wouldn't interfere with it. She kept her gaze to the sea, waiting for that fateful moment Outcast Island came into view.
The first dot on the horizon made her heart leap into her throat. She pulled her furs around herself more tightly, acting as though ti would shield her from things to come. Alvin had betrayed her father's people, people that were still hers in a sense. Marriage had a way of blurring loyalties. A woman was expected to be loyal to many, loyal to her husband, her family, her children, her people, and her family's people. What happened when those loyalties conflicted? Was she still a Hooligan, or a Berserker? Berserkers weren't friendly with the Outcasts, no one was, but they didn't have an active grudge, or didn't until Heather started spouting Alvin's intentions. Another problem with being a girl, had she been born a boy, it would be less likely she'd be taken as a trophy and probably killed with dignity. Alvin wanted drive his point to Stoick home, what better way to do that than with his recently redeemed daughter and unborn grandchild.
The eventual thunk of the ship against the dock made her heart lurch. She was hiding below deck now with Toothless, avoiding the inevitable. She and Dagur donned their own forms of livery. Hiccup attending to Dagur, helping his fasten his armor into place. She was avoiding looking at him. Despite her tough front, she was terrified. And feared it would show if she looked at Dagur. Dagur reciprocated, helping to fasten her heavy cloak and draping around her body to keep her warm. Dagur tipped her face up, reading her expression.
"He won't hurt you, I promise." He told her.
"He won't hurt you either." They kissed briefly and the sound of the bridge hitting the deck caused Hiccup to flinch.
"Are you sure you want to do this? I could handle this alone." Hiccup mustered up a cheeky grin.
"What, and waste the elaborate plan I made, as if." He chuckled lowly and gave her a firm hug.
"That's my girl."
X
"Ah, there's the happy couple." Hiccup smiled stiffly, her fingers digging into the crook of Dagur's elbow.
"Welcome to Outcast Island, sorry if it ain't to your high standards, Miss Haddock."
"With all respect, I'm not a miss any longer." She told him cocking her head.
"Right, yer Dagur's woman."
"Wife." She corrected tensely.
"Right." Alvin approached them both and Hiccup stood still despite her urge to run all the way back to the ship and hiding under the furs.
"My, my, you've plumped up nicely since we last saw each other." His eyes went down to her abdomen.
"Well, childbearing, it happens." Alvin's hand twitched and Hiccup knew he wanted to make a grab for her. His eyes flicked to her belly, Hiccup struggled not to cradle it.
"Must be a boy, 'ow big you're getting." Hiccup couldn't stop from retorting. Her and her damn mouth.
"Could easily be a girl. Have you ever seen Brenna, she's taller than Dagur is."
"Oi!" Dagur griped, swatting her behind.
"What did I tell you about below the waist?"
"Then don't emasculate me in front of other chiefs."
"You're not that short, just shorter than your sister."
"Just don't mention it." Alvin smirked, their banter was truly adorable, oh he would enjoy the look on that girl's face when he presented her husband's head to her.
"Ahem." The pair were bought back from their own little world.
"Now, I 'ave prepared a lovely little feast fer you two. I 'ave some things ta take care of, I'll be there soon."
"And the skrill?" Hiccup pressed. Alvin raised brow at her.
"Yer a bold one."
"You offered it as a gift; I can't help but wonder what condition the poor beast is in."
"Now, now, have ya no faith in old Alvin." He asked, getting to close for her liking, or Dagur's, judging by the tensing grip on her arm.
"With your history with my family, not really." Damn it, she really needed to watch her tongue, oh well, too late now.
"No way to speak to a chief little lady." She wasted no time in retorting.
"But the way to speak to a traitor." Alvin held her gaze. Oh yes, he would enjoy breaking the prideful girl. But now was not the time with Dagur standing so close with a hand on his sword. So he laughed in instead.
"Yev got backbone girl, not many have the guts to talk to me that way."
"You strike me as a man who appreciates the truth over bootlicking."
"Can't say I don't enjoy a bit of bootlicking but bold talk like yours can be a refreshing change." Hiccup was watching him analyzing him. She had an eerie gaze at times. The girl was trusting of some but once the trust was broken there was nothing that could be hidden from her. This girl was going to be a great challenge; she knew his game and played it well. Dagur's arm tensed up, so did his jaw. He was visibly restraining himself, so the girl had trained him well. He vaguely wondered if Dagur was aware of degree of control Hiccup had over him. Yes, it would be joy to watch Hiccup's pretty eyes fade when her greatest weapon was destroyed, perhaps it would be even sweeter to make Dagur watch as he broke in his woman thoroughly. Hiccup saw something in his eyes she didn't like, and subtly pressed closer to Dagur, a gesture of protection or asking for it was hard to say. He imagined Hiccup had done things to protect him as he had for her.
Yes, he would enjoy this girl.
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Hiccup and Dagur were brought to the arena where the skrill was being held. The beast was wild and thrashing against its bindings. All the men watched; eager for a show by the famous dragon tamer. The dragon fought against its bindings, rearing whenever Hiccup came close. The crowd watched as Hiccup starting making a strange humming purr. The dragon looked baffled. But Hiccup did not try to touch it. She continued making that noise that even soothed the men watching. The dragon calmed down and sat very still, watching Hiccup. Hiccup held out a hand but the dragon cowered so she pulled back. So she sat down cross legged before the dragon and found itself sitting down with her. They simply sat together and the men were even more baffled as Hiccup began to make low rumbling noises. The dragon watched her and even seemed to be replying in similar noises.
"'Ow does she do that?" Alvin asked, truly in awe of her abilities.
"Hel if I know, she just understands them." Then Hiccup made more cooing noises, holding her hands out to the dragon but not touching.
"She's scared, poor thing." Hiccup announced, not breaking eye contact with the skrill.
"She?" Alvin questioned. Hiccup motioned to get up and Dagur went to help her, as she struggled to stand. Then she looked at him as if it were obvious.
"Of course." She told him, brushing off her skirt and turning back to the skrill, making more cooing noises.
"You can tell?" Alvin questioned.
"Can't you?" She replied. Then she and Dagur came back to him. Alvin was watching her and she knew it. Her unease even effected the dragon who began to get riled up again. Hiccup shifted uncomfortably under Alvin's gaze. He assumed her training was something odd, but this was beyond odd, she could communicate with them. She understood them like a mother would her child, noticing minute details, subtle behavior and acknowledging what it meant. It was as if the girl were part dragon herself. Perhaps she was more like her mother than he originally thought.
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The feast was luckily as expected from a feast. The men drank, ate and sang their war songs, Hiccup and Vessa sat stiffly eyeing everything and everyone. Alvin hadn't taken his eyes off Hiccup the whole time. Even Dagur noticed and he didn't like it. It took Hiccup's firm grip on his leg to keep him from getting up and pulling a sword on the other chief. It wouldn't be long now, soon Dagur would have to fend for himself with the chief, though frankly he spoke violent way better than Hiccup did, Hiccup was all about twisting words and Dagur was the power that backed her up with intimidation. Hiccup watched from the men come and go with the food. Alvin and Dagur exchanged war stories and it wasn't until he started talking about the Hooligans that Hiccup actually listened.
"Stoick is an uptight fool. Can ye believe 'e banished me over a misunderstandin'?" The words left her mouth before she could stop herself.
"You sold the tribe out." Damn it.
"Sold is such a harsh word, think of it more as working fer peace." Well, no point in stopping now, see it through and all that.
"A peace that involved you becoming chief and my father dying." She corrected him with a little bite in her voice.
"Well, if it benefited me, as well, 'arder ta say no." Hiccup felt her mouth twitch. She should really stop at his point, not keep going.
"And what would have happened to my mother, I understand you guys had your differences." Alvin glared the girl down and she met his, unflinching.
"Well, I suppose I might've been yer father, ye probably would 'ave been born healthy. I think yer old dad didn' have it in 'im." Hiccup bit the inside of her mouth to keep quiet.
"Your husband sure seems to, within a year, good on ye." Hiccup's hand was hurting from her grip of Dagur, whether if it was more for her or him as hard to say. But at least this was something that was easier to deal with. She could talk about this, even if she didn't want to.
"Say thank you Dagur, he just complimented you."
"Didn't sound like a compliment." He groused. If Hiccup were being honest, she would be inclined to agree, however, this was not a time for honesty.
"I'm sure he meant it as one." Dagur tried to relax; she could feel it in his muscles. Hiccup managed to sit there for another few minutes before the inappropriate comments began to really wear on her. The comments about how she satisfied her husband was bordering on inappropriate even by Viking standards. It didn't help that he occasionally compared her to her mother. She wanted to rip his throat out, whether it was Dagur's influence or the baby, could easily be both, she had to wonder another time. Just as well, it was time for the plan to be put into action. She stood with some exaggerated difficultly, drawing everyone's attention.
"Sorry, guys, I'm gonna turn in early, childbearing, exhausting business." Vessa immediately came to steady her and walk with her. She didn't kiss Dagur as she desperately wanted to, she couldn't show any weakness of his, lest they be exploited by giant bastard hosting them. She settled by squeezing his shoulder and dragging her hand over the plate on it before walking off, arm in arm with Vessa.
"Time to get to work." Vessa said once they were out of ear shot.
"Hel yes." They bumped fists as they walked along the dirt path.
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Princess: I'm really sorry guys, but I had to put this on hold for a while and there won't be an update for two weeks at least. I've been taking a summer course and it has a nasty habit of eating away at my time. I've barely had time to sleep, let alone write. And my upcoming semesters aren't shaping up to be much better, fear not I will not give up on this story, it will be far between updates though. Ya. It's going to be a tough couple of months but I can do it! Yosh!
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Reviews:
Viking Lady: Yes, yes, family plots
Weirdsquirrelgirl: No, she just has the family tendency towards madness. She's a bit more in control of it than he brother but it's there.
Takara410: So do I
: He's still a person.
REBD: Whether or not the tribes love her, Brenna is still only the wife of the chief. She wouldn't get away with that, and frankly, killing your husband is pretty frowned upon. Norbert is her husband and as a wife, she does have to try to fix things.
Crazy Cowgirl Cassie: Things are complicated but Brenna can see Hiccup brings out the best in Dagur.
Biggles789: That's certainly a thought.
Tasha Grim: Thank you!
Lambtastic: The problem is that Hiccup can't always reign Dagur in. He might not take an in-family betrayal as easily as defiance from underlings or disrespect from enemies. His rage might act out before Hiccup could do anything.
Guest: Not sure that's gonna happen, sorry.