Hiccup looked out into the brightening day and leaned back, pressing his palms into the floor of the cave behind him.

"Y'know," he said. "Your answer doesn't explain why you didn't come with me to help protect our village."

She stiffened. "I don't know how to explain it but I feel like there's gotta be a reason the dragons are raiding us. Logically they could leave any time they wanted, but they choose to stay and raid us," she said after a moment. "I don't think it's because they're bad, because if that was the case, they'd attack in a swarm, obliterating us. Why don't they? That's what I'm beginning to wonder."

"It's pretty obvious to me," he replied. "They need us alive so they can keep stealing from us."

"But they've proven they can hunt for themselves," she stated. He turned and looked at her suspiciously. "I sometimes watch them when they're off the northern shore. They fish there occasionally."

"How come you've never told anyone? And why hasn't anyone else seen this?" he demanded.

"Because no one goes exploring like I do," she said annoyed.

"Well maybe we would if you let people follow you!" Hiccup argued.

That cut deep. He could see it. "Nina-"

"Just get out of here!" she yelled at him. "Take the sheep with you." She got to her feet, kicked the bushes away from the cave entrance and stormed off.
He rubbed the back of his neck uncomfortably. He'd never fought with Nina before except in a playful manner. This, he knew, was different. And he didn't like it one bit. He stood up and clicked his tongue at the sheep. They rose and followed him, awoke by the Vikings arguing.

"C'mon you little wool balls," he said, trying to sound convincing. He'd had to help guide sheep before and he knew from experience that they looked for someone who could take them to safety. He gestured and they followed him, if a bit hesitantly. "Let's go back the the village. It's safe now." They headed back to town and the farmer seemed visibly relieved to see them.

Stoick noticed his son return with some sheep and waved him over.

"Hey, Dad," he said. He made sure the sheep weren't around and let his shoulders sag.

"What's eating you?"

"I had a fight with Nina."

"Bad one?"

"Yeah. She yelled at me. I think I pushed her too far with my questioning."

Stoick tilted his head questioningly.

"She seems to think the dragons aren't evil a-"

Stoick covered his mouth.

"Meet me at the house." Hiccup nodded and headed that way when released. Stoick walked in and sat down, gesturing to the bench.

"What did she say exactly?"

"I think she said something like, 'I don't think they attack because they're bad, because if that was the case, they'd attack in a swarm, obliterating us. Why don't they?' Then I said because we were worth more alive. The conversation went. Downhill from there." By the end of his speech his eyes had begun streaming. He hung his head, embarrassed. In a rare display of affection, Stoick went over and sat down beside his son, putting an awkward arm around him. He knew it wasn't very Viking-like, but he also knew that he sometimes got upset and cried, though only when he was certain no one was around. And he would never dream of showing anyone or sharing that fact with anyone.

"Your mother and I fought sometimes too," Hiccup heard his father say. He looked up, scrubbing he tears from his face. "She believed peace was possible." Stoick gave a hoarse laugh. "I think she and Nina would get along fine. Wish she were still here." His voice had dropped to a quietly whisper. He closed his eyes, forcing himself to remain calm and push his emotions aside. "You two will work it out. Trust me." He gave his son a wink and then rose, patting Hiccup's shoulder before walking out.