The next morning when Merida woke, she quickly dressed, attempted to run a brush through her hair then gave up. As she was about to leave her bedroom, there was a knock on the door. She opened the door to find Hiccup waiting with that silly grin of his on his face.
"Hungry?" He asked.
Merida was about to reply when her stomach did it for her. "I was just about to come ask you the same thing." Merida said as Hiccup laughed.
They walked to the great hall together and sat on a bench, nearly already full with the guards and vikings. The castle servants bustled around the busy tables, placing dishes to be eaten. Merida and Hiccup helped themselves to some eggs, bacon, baked beans, tattie scones and toast. Soon the other young vikings emerged, hungry, sleep still in their eyes. They ate and chatted about plans for the day, before they were interrupted by the Queen politely tapping her daughter on the shoulder.
"Oh, hello mum." Merida said turning in her seat to face her mother properly.
"Good Morning Merida. Good Morning Hiccup." Elinor said, addressing the young viking who was startled at being addressed.
"G-good morning Your Majesty." Hiccup hurried, trying to be respectful.
Elinor smiled kindly at him then turned back to Merida. "Here you are my dear. Something to help you out for the day." She handed Merida a small piece of parchment with a list of scribbles on it.
"Ooooh.. thanks." Merida said, taking the list and looking at it.
"Remember, your main task for today is to make sure our guests are happy and entertained. Please keep them clear from the court aswell. I will see you at dinner." Elinor bent down and gave her daughter a kiss on the forehead, making Merida blush slightly and push her away from face with a small groan. "And have fun too, dear." She nodded at Hiccup and walked away from them, before calling out to them "Oh and keep an eye on your brothers!"
Merida made a face at her mothers back then turned back to the table. Her mother had given her a small list of approved activities to help Merida keep their guests entertained. She showed Hiccup the list, frowning at the lack of competitive sports and combat.
"I don't know about you Hiccup, but the only thing appealing to me on that list is 'Midday Feast'. How does she expect me to keep a bunch of young vikings and scots occupied when all we can do is watch the 'Lute Competition'?" Merida said, playing with her eggs.
"Lute playing can be... fun.." Hiccup tried to stifle a smile as he attempted to cheer up Merida.
She made a dark expression at him, before returning to the list. "There's got to be something more lively we can do today.."
Hiccup had to agree with her. While The Queen had done a nice thing by providing them this list, truth be told Hiccup felt bored just reading about the activities. He frowned, trying to think of something.
"Well.. we could always have a race. "
"A dragon race?" Merida's face lit up.
"Yeah. We have them all the time back on Berk. They're always a hit." Hiccup said.
"That's perfect Hiccup!" Merida said happily. "Oh maybe today won't be so boring after all. Will you race with the others?"
"Sure. It'll be fun. Toothless IS the fastest of his species after all." Hiccup said, trying not to boast too much and Merida gave him a soft nudge.
"We should map out the race course." She said flipping over her mothers list to the blank side. Hiccup handed her his charcoal and together they mapped out a small racecourse around the castle and grounds.
By the time they finished, they decided the rest of the list should be modified as it really was in their best interest. Along with the dragon race, they now had a considerate amount of activities and games that involved the dragons and vikings, as well as keeping some of those that were approved by the Queen. Together, Merida and Hiccup arranged the days schedule, coming to a full day of exciting events. As they re-checked everything was in order and nothing clashed, the Queen approached the head of the hall, calling for order. Silence fell and she smiled at them.
"Good morning one and all! It is with happiness I welcome you to the second day of the peace treaty! Now, if all those joining us in court today, please make their way so to the chamber so we may begin, those who are not, please follow my daughter Merida out on to the grounds. And may today be as productive and enjoyable as yesterday!" Elinor finished and everyone yelled in mighty agreement. Merida quickly jumped up, dragging Hiccup with her and headed for the great oaken wooden doors. As the crowd followed, Merida took Hiccups arm and pulled him slightly closer to her.
"I just want to thank you for your help earlier. I don't know what I would have done without your suggestions.." She said and he blushed slightly, giving her that half-smile.
"Crashed and burned, probably." Hiccup replied, nonchalant, ignoring his heart rate rapidly increasing.
Merida laughed and let go of his arm, though he did remain slightly closer to her than before. They all proceeded to where the festivities had been the day before, most of it still set up. Merida stood before the crowd, faces all before her and swallowed her small amount of nerves.
"Er.. hi!" She addressed them all. "So um.. welcome to the second day of the official peace treaty and um.." She seemed to forget herself, looking over at Hiccup who nodded her encouragement. "Today we have a different assortment of games and activities. And we hope you enjoy them. There will be a schedule posted to the main notice board, please direct all your questions to either myself or the games master.." Merida directed at a middle aged man fallen asleep, half way sitting on his seat besides the notice board. "Er.. and well, have fun!" Merida took a deep breath and walked over to the notice board, giving the mans chair a sharp kick. He awoke with a start and Merida handed him the modified list. "Here is todays activities to be announced. I need you to look after all inquiries today. Any troubles, come find me." The surly man nodded and squinted at the list, before ascending to a small platform to yell out the schedule. Merida returned to the back of the crowd where Hiccup was waiting.
"Not so bad." Hiccup said, with a half-shrug. Merida rolled her eyes at him. They listened to the man bleat out the days events. There would be a few different games in the morning to cater to everyone, from the training for armour and weapons by Highlands very own Master of Arms apprentice, to the Dragon's Know-All Workshop, even the Highland VS Berk Creative Challenge. Come midday would be the feast, which would be followed by the Dragon Race of All Races. Once the race finished, there would be the food eating contest, a few more workshops with the dragons and the Ultimate Combat Competition. Once this was finished, there was time for the announcement of the overall winners for the day, that would adjorn the day to the night feast.
The crowds wandered off to what interested. Hiccup went to fetch Toothless, while Merida watched over the other groups. Naturally, most of the young viking and highlander teens went straight to the training area. Their honed and lean young bodies already taught to withstand and handle pain would give the young highlanders some good points. Merida's gaze wandered over to the Creative Challenge, where people danced, instruments were played and Maudie attempted to make her brothers sit and learn how to sew with some of the younger girls. Merida laughed as she spotted Fishlegs face turning blue while trying to play the flute.
"What's so funny?" Hiccup asked from beside her. Merida turned to see him, Toothless and another smaller dragon wandering behind them. She pointed at Fishlegs and Hiccup had to bite his fist not to laugh. "C'mon, we better get this thing going."
Together they walked over to where an odd assortment of all aged youngsters gathered, waiting. As they approached, some of the younger ones shied away from Toothless. Merida hovered near the group as Hiccup began.
"Hi guys, um.. thanks for taking an interest in the dragons. In this workshop we'll just be learning about the different types of dragons we have on Berk and just general knowledge. If you have any questions, you can ask me. Now here we-" Hiccup had begun when one of the little girls sitting in the front shot her hand up. "Oh, um yes?"
"WHAT HAPPENED TO YOUR LEG?" She asked.
"Oh, I, er.. lost it. Now first i'm going to show you all-" Hiccup continued awkwardly when he was interrupted again by the same girl.
"HOW?"
"Well.. I lost it in fight. But that's not important for today."
"WILL YOU GROW ANOTHER LEG BACK?"
"No." Hiccup sighed. "Now no more questions unless it's about the dragons, ok?" Hiccup took the groups silence as a yes and continued on, showing the group the now heavily modified Dragon Manual. It wasn't long before that same hand as before found it's way in the air once again. Hiccup nodded at her.
"DID A DRAGON EAT YOUR LEG?" She asked and Hiccup sighed heavily, closing his eyes and turning his head to the sky.
Merida had to stifle a giggle at Hiccups exasperation, intervening. "How about we meet our guests here, hm?" She suggested and the group livened up immediately. Merida looked at Hiccup and he nodded glumly.
"Ok, now before I get you all to meet them, I need you all to be very quiet, no sudden movements. Don't touch them until I say so. Do not hit them, poke them, yell at them or you could get hurt, ok?" Hiccup said seriously and the group all nodded and took on a very somber attitude.
Hiccup brought the smaller dragon first. It twitched it's head nervously, then snuggled closer into Hiccups arms. The sight made Meridas heart melt, just slightly. "Everyone, this is Sharpshot. He is a type of dragon called a Terrible Terror. He is one of the smallest known species of dragon." Hiccup bent down low so all the younger children could also see, motioning them forward. The gathered closer and slowly with his instruction began to pat Sharpshot gently along his belly. The tiny dragon made a kind of deep purring sound, lavishing in the attention and the kids giggled. They continued to listen to Hiccup talk about Terrible Terrors, telling stories and facts. After a few minutes, Hiccup motioned Merida over to him.
"Here, you take Sharpshot, I'm going to introduce the older kids to Toothless." Hiccup said.
"Oh, um, are you sure?" Merida said, hesitating and Hiccup nodded.
He transferred Sharpshot into Meridas arms who immediately felt the tiny dragons warmth. It looked up at Merida and licked it's own eye. Merida laughed quietly, then sat down, placing Sharpshot into her lap. The small dragon turned in a circle a few times then dropped comfortably into her lap, watching her and the children pat and talk to it. It didn't take too long before the dragon closed it's eyes and went to sleep, humming again. Merida smiled, unable to take her eyes off this creature now in her lap. A few weeks ago, she had been told one of her dreams were going to be coming true. A mere day ago, it had happened and she had actually touched her dreams. Now, she had a dragon sleeping cozily in her lap and everything seemed so unbelievable to her. She ran a thumb curiously over the dragons smooth scales, noting every dip and curve. Merida looked over at Hiccup now talking to some of the older kids with Toothless. Hiccup took to scratching Toothless while he wriggled about, enjoying immensely, until Hiccups hands moved slightly under his chin. Toothless promptly dropped to the grassy floor, apparently succumbed to Hiccup. The group laughed and Hiccup roused Toothless again with little effort. The dragon bounced around playfully, engaging the older kids and Hiccup. Merida watched him and felt that familiar warm sensation throughout her chest. It was a mixture of that sense of pride she got, whenever her brothers pulled a particularly good prank on her parents, the feeling of safety when her father put his protective arms around her or the deep joy just being and conversing with her mother she had longed for. It was all this but more, stronger, that made her heart swell, sitting in the sun, while watching Hiccup with her people. He looked over at her, making sure she and the others were ok. Merida waved her reassurance. Sighing deeply, she knew what these feelings were now. She had suspected since their long chat, the previous night, but had felt no doubt now. Of course, she wasn't any stranger to it. Merida had had crushes before, on stable hands and some servants when she was much younger. However none this strongly, nor so quickly. It did not frighten her. Had she not fought so defiantly against her own family not so long ago for her chance at this? No she was not frightened. Anxious, would be the proper term.
Lost in her train of thought, she didn't even hear the horn signalling the midday feast until the kids had left her by herself. Hiccup came over with Toothless and helped her up. They walked back to the dragons stable area together, Merida still cradling Sharpshot in her arms. Hiccup looked over at her and gave her a smirk.
"You're a natural with that one."
"I wish I could have one of my own. To take care of, and ride." Merida said, looking at the dragon in her arms longingly.
Hiccup felt a small pain at her expression. "Well, hey. If this treaty goes well.. you may be seeing more of the dragons than you want." He laughed and Merida smiled.
"Not only the dragons." She replied. Hiccup gave her a confused a look but Merida did not reply.
They placed Sharpshot in one of the nests, inside the stable and walked back outside to where the midday feast was held. Hiccup and Merida sat together eating and talking about how the day had gone well so far, thankfully. Merida was most excited for the race and Hiccup barely ate anything due to nerves. Merida urged him to, but failed.
"Are you nervous, Hic?" She asked him and he shrugged silently.
"I thought you said you raced all the time at Berk. What's the difference this time?"
He couldn't look her in the eyes and tell her. It was true, he had raced a dozen times with his friends back on Berk, not winning all of them, but not entirely caring too much about it either. Why should it be any different this time? Sure, there was the fact that they were not just having another quick race around Berk, but in another land. Being able to make his own tribe proud another. Or was it more the pressure to impress his present company that was making his stomach twist and turn uncomfortably? As if she suspected one of the latter, Merida put her hand on Hiccups arm.
"Don't worry about winning or losing, Hiccup. I'm sure your own tribe aren't nearly as worried about you winning a single race as you think they are. And if it's about impressing my kingdom, well, you needn't worry about that either, they're already in love with you." Merida said comforting him.
"What?" He replied, startled.
"Look." Merida motioned his view to a few seats down from them, where the same little girl who had kept interrupting him earlier was now dreamily gazing at him with hazy eyes. Hiccup nearly choked on his water and Merida gave him a pat on the back laughing. Despite the embarassing information, he did feel slightly better. Before long it was time for all competitors to ready their dragons and meet up at the start of the course for a brief run down on the course. Merida wished him luck and gave him another pat on the arm, making his stomach do another backflip. As he approached the starting line with Toothless, Hiccup could see the others getting ready. Astrid spotted him and made her way over with StormFly.
"Hey! I didn't see you this morning!" She said.
"Yeah, I was helping with the one of the other workshops." He answered her, watching as Toothless and StormFly nipped and played with each other.
"Oh.. nice. So, how are you liking Highland?" Astrid asked, watching the spectators begin to fill up the sidelines.
"It's.. not what I expected." Hiccup answered truthfully.
Astrid nodded then seemed to hesitate a little. "Look, Hiccup. I know things are a little weird between us, but.. I just want to make sure we're cool."
Hiccup looked over at her surprised. "Yeah, Astrid. We're cool." He smiled at her when suddenly a mischievous grin flashed across her face.
"Then you'll have no hard feelings when I kick your butt today!"
"Keep telling yourself that, Hofferson." Hiccup scoffed.
They were interrupted by one of the race regulators, calling over all competitors. He went over the guidelines and rules, outlining the racecourse. Once he was done, it was time for the race to begin. They all lined up accordingly. Hiccup looked out into the sea of faces now focused on him and saw the only one he was looking for. Merida beamed up at him with a shining smile that filled him with confidence. He waved down at her and she returned it with the thumbs up. Hiccup bent down close to Toothless, readying himself.
"No pressure bud." He said to Toothless, patting him on the side. "Let's just enjoy the new course." Toothless huffed in agreement and repositioned himself, ready for the count down. The announcer blew on his horn once.. twice.. then three times and they were off and airborn within seconds. The crowd below them roared, louder than any Hiccup had heard back on Berk. Astrid took the lead as they rounded the first bend, Hiccup on her tail and Snotlout close behind him. They kept a steady pace with Astrid and StormFly, weaving in and out of obstacles. There was a small tunnel with two diverged paths they lost Snotlout in. It was getting closer to the end of the course when Hiccup noted a sharp turn. He slowed Toothless down slightly, and very barely just scraped by, passing Astrid. She must have understimated the turn because there was a loud scraping noise behind him and Hiccup turned in his seat to see her and Stormfly falling, before finding their balance again. Once he was sure they were in no immediate danger, Hiccup sped up towards the finish line. He was almost there, before Snotlout sped out in front of him from seemingly nowhere and crossed the finish line seconds before him, then Astrid. Hiccup cursed to himself as he descended to the ground slowly, the crowd below cheering on Snotlout.
"What the hell? Where did he even come from?!" Astrid was screaming behind him. The second StormFly was on the ground she was marching over to the boasting winner. She grabbed him by the collar and shoved him on the ground. "You cheat! You cheated!" Snotlout stood, trying to stammer a response before she shoved him to the ground again.
Hiccup hurried over and pulled her away from Snotlout, trying to calm her down. She pushed him off of her and walked back over to StormFly, cursing wildly. As the announcer gave Snotlout his small trophy the crowd roared again and Hiccup felt someone tap him on the shoulder. He turned to see Merida with a 2nd place trophy. She handed it over to Hiccup, who took it gratefully.
"That was some nice moves back there." Merida said, more so to Toothless than Hiccup.
"Ha, thanks. And thanks, for this." Hiccup gestured to the trophy.
"You're most welcome. It's too bad not everyone has such nice sportsmanship, though." Merida replied looking over his shoulder at Astrid who had rejected the 3rd place bronze medal the announcer had tried to give her. She stormed off, dragging StormFly with her.
"Don't worry about her. She's just used to winning." Hiccup said, turning back to face Merida.
"Ah. Well, i've been asked for by some of the officials, so I will see you at dinner I suppose?" Merida said and Hiccups heart fell a little flat.
"Oh, yeah sure thing." Hiccup replied. He smiled at her and watched her disappear in the crowd now making their way to the food eating contest. He decided to skip the remainder of the festival in favour of some time by himself with Toothless in a quiet spot down by the docks again. Hiccup spent the rest of his day working on some of his side-projects in his scrapbook. Occasionally taking a break to just enjoy the sun, or play with Toothless. His thoughts went back to the race earlier that day. Of course he hadn't really been that bothered anymore that Snotlout won, as much as Astrid had been. But how he had gotten around them both so quickly did capture his attention slightly. There must have been a shortcut in the other pathway inside that cave he had not been aware of. Although, he wouldn't put it past Snotlout to actually cheat, somehow he didn't believe that he did. It didn't matter at any rate, Hiccup decided. He won, let him have this one. The sun was starting to set, casting a beautiful reflection on the sea before him and he found himself wishing Merida was here to see it with him. There was no doubt about it, there was something about the girl that simply captured Hiccup. The way she had held and cuddled Sharpshot earlier, Hiccup could have melted right there into the ground. Then there was that other comment earlier she had made, that had made his head spin with confusion. Did she really mean what he thought she meant? He was confused alright. He shook himself out of it. There were still a few more days left for the treaty. A few more days to see what this girl really meant. And how he really felt about her too.
The sun had nearly descended entirely when Hiccup remembered he had to be at the days end events ceremony. He and Toothless quickly made their way back up to the festival grounds, where they had just announced Fishlegs the winner of the Flute Challenge. Toothless left Hiccup to go hunt. He looked around, but did not see Astrid anywhere. He had doubted to see her here for this, after her little spat earlier.
"And now the winners of the Dragon Race! In 3rd place, Astrid Hofferson of Tribe Haddock!" The announcer paused and there was some small applause but there was no one present to receive the award. "Er, moving on then, in 2nd place, Hiccup Horrendous Haddock The Third of Tribe Haddock!" Hiccup awkwardly made his way to the small stage, his metal leg making him stumble slightly on the last step. He waved at the crowd and took his trophy, moving out of the way. "And 1st place, Snotlout Jorgensen, of Tribe Haddock!" The crowd cheered again as Snotlout strutted out onto the stage, taking his trophy and posing in the most conceited way imaginable. Hiccup had to restrain himself from rolling his eyes. They were both escorted off the stage while the food eating contest winner was announced.
"Jealous?" Snoutlout said to Hiccup, smirking at him. When Hiccup ignored him, Snotlout continued with the boastful remarks. "I have to say, you and Astrid made it quite the race. But, the better man won, right?" More silence. Snotlout shrugged "Heh, maybe now that snotty princess will remember who I am now."
"A complete moron? Yeah I'm sure she'll have no problem with that one." Hiccup said as they watched one of the Highlander clans young men be awarded 1st place in the combat challenge.
"Just because you got lucky with Astrid, don't think you can snatch all the babes, little cousin." Snotlout stated. Hiccup made a disgusted noise at the back of his throat and left Snotlout to walk up to the great hall for dinner early. When he reached the already noisy hall, he could not see any of the royal party, or even his father and decided they must still be in court. Hiccup had just taken a seat when he seen his father emerge from an adjoining room on his left. Stoick looked teeming with fury and gave his son a meaningful 'do not approach me' look. King Fergus was out next, looking equally as angry as Hiccups father, followed by Queen Elinor and Merida who both had worried expressions. They talked to each other quickly before her mother nodded at her and Merida left her, walking quickly over to Hiccup. He could sense the worry in her almost immediately.
"What's happened?" He asked her before she could speak. The look she gave him chilled him to the bone.
"It's not good. I haven't been told the entire story, but I was able to catch the end of it. My father and your father are not agreeing on the terms at all. Each want more than what is reasonable. Your father.." She stopped and Hiccup noticed her hands were trembling slightly.
"Hey, it's okay. You can tell me. I won't be offended. I live with the man afterall."
"He threatened us Hiccup. He said he would take our whole kingdom by force with the dragons if we do not yield to his demands." Merida said, her head looking at her hands in her lap.
"What?! He's bluffing. He would never." Hiccup was startled. This did not sound like his father at all. He was set on a peaceful truce, not one forced by threats. "Did he say anything else?"
Merida shook her head. "But my father did not take kindly to his threats. He was ready to exile your entire tribe. That's when I got there. My mother intervened, told them that they were letting their anger and greed get the better of them. She declared a halt on the court and told them both to 'sleep on it'. She hopes they will come to their senses in time and fully realise what they are implying but.." Merida trailed off. She was positively shaking by the time she had stopped talking. Her face was pale and fearful. "Hiccup, this could mean a war between our people."
Without even thinking about it, Hiccup pulled her into a full hug, wrapping his arms tightly around her. "Hey, don't worry. It'll work out ok." She had frozen at his touch, but quickly relaxed in the embrace. "I'll talk to my father. You and your mother will talk to your father. We'll work it out. There's not going to be a war, ok?" Hiccup reassured her. "We just have to keep our heads about this." He felt her nod and let her go of the embrace, somewhat embarassed.
"I have to go back and talk to my mother about my father. I just.. I felt like you ought to know what was happening." Merida said, getting up from the table.
"Thanks."
Merida nodded. "And.. thank you Hiccup. I kind of needed that." She mumbled sweetly before darting off.
Hiccup turned back to the table for second, before getting up and going in search of his father. There were few times before when Stoick would really listen to Hiccup in the past. Now that he had gained some more trust with his father, he was more lenient to hear him out. However given his current mood it would not be easy. Hiccup, however was determined to MAKE his father listen to him, if it be the last time he is given the chance.
A/N: First off let me say I am sorry for not updating sooner. Secondly, to all those who favourite/followed or reviewed the story THANK YOU! And to all those who have stuck around this long, thank you as well. It means so much to me that you actually take interest in my story. Next chapter is already nearly done, so it shouldn't be such a long wait for an update. ( I know, that sounds familiar). I hope you guys like the longer chapters as well. I enjoy writing them a bit meatier. As always review/fave/follow if you liked this chapter!