Chapter 6

It was a rather long walk to the palace stables, where the Dragon Riders of Berk had called home last night. Anna had questioned Kristoffs choice for their accommodations, but Kristoff assured her that they were more than happy there. The walk gave Elsa time to think of the words she would use to express hers and Annas apologies for the undignified behavior they had displayed yesterday, and she silently prayed that they hadn't done too much damage to their new alliance. With heads held high, and dressed as though they were attending a meeting with upper class royal officials, they approached the stables. Kristoff opened the door and announced their arrival.

As Elsa and Anna entered, they found themselves caught off guard by what they saw. Hiccup was making adjustments to his dragons harness. Astrid was lounged out on a haystack, tossing fish to her dragon. Snotlout was bench-pressing a large iron bar while his dragon snored loudly. Fishlegs was giving his dragon a bath. And Ruffnut and Tuffnut were banging their heads together as their two headed dragon shook both its heads.

Astrid was the first to see them. "ELSA! ANNA!" she called out.

Suddenly all of the Riders eyes were on them. Anna leaned over to Elsa and whispered," Awkward."

Hiccup came over to them. "G'morning Elsa. Anna. Can I assume the licorice root blend helped?"

"Very much so, thank you." Elsa replied as regally as she could.

Hiccup could tell something was up, but he said nothing. Elsa confirmed his suspicions.

"My sister and I must apologize for our outlandish behavior yesterday. It was totally inappropriate of us, and we do hope we did nothing to jeopardize our alliance with you or your team."

A moment of awkward silence was suddenly followed by uproarious laughter from the Riders. Even Hiccup was unable to contain himself. Elsa and Anna could only stand there stunned, unsure of what was so funny. After a few moments Hiccup was finally able to compose himself.

"You don't remember much of yesterday, do you?"

"I'm afraid we don't." Anna replied.

Snotlout hollered, "OH YA! They are DEFINATELY Riders!"

"Ok. Now we're very confused." Elsa commented. Hiccup provided an explanation.

"Yesterday Arendelle and Berk forged an alliance. On Berk, such an alliance is celebrated with a LOT of drinking and revelry. Now, I don't know much about royalty, but I would assume you celebrate such things in a much different way. Correct?"

"That's correct." Elsa replied.

"What happened yesterday," Hiccup continued, "was that you saw how we do things. I know we can be rather brash and even vulgar, compared to a royal gathering. But despite that, the two of you didn't shy away. And not only did you stay, but you joined us in celebrating our way. I admit we didn't know what to expect of you when we arrived here. But by doing that, you proved your desire for this alliance. And by celebrating to the point of memory loss, you've earned our full respect. Hence why we've made yourself and Princess Anna Honorary Dragon Riders."

Elsa and Anna stood dumbfounded. They had come down to apologize for possibly damaging their alliance, only to find they had reinforced it with their very unroyal behavior. This was truly a strange group of people. And they were grateful for that.

Kristoff, however, just stood quietly by the door, smiling.

"I think it's time for a few more introductions." Hiccup called out. And as if on command, the Riders brought their dragons over.

"Queen Elsa, Princess Anna. Meet the core of the Riders."

Hiccup placed his hand on the black one." This is my dragon, Toothless. He's a Night Fury. The fastest dragon there is. And as far as we know, the only one of his kind."

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Toothless." Elsa smiled. Toothless walked over and began licking her face. Elsa giggled.

"I guess I should have mentioned," Hiccup added, "dragons appreciate respect."

Elsa laughed. "So I see!" Hiccup waved Toothless away, then motioned to Astrid.

"This is Stormfly," she said, "She's a Deadly Nader. She may look like a spiky chicken, but don't be fooled. Naders fire burns hot as the sun and they can throw their poison tail spikes at will."

Anna stepped up cautiously. "H..Hi there." Stormfly took a step forward and nuzzled Annas chest.

"Hehe! She is rather sweet." Anna giggled.

"This is Meatlug." Fishlegs chimed. "She's a Gronckle. Gronckles are best known for their tough skin and great strength. They also have the ability to eat rocks and, instead of fire like other dragons, they spew molten lava."

Meatlug lumbered up to Elsa, tougne hanging out. Elsa pet her nose and she rolled over.

"Oh ya," Fishlegs added, "and they have a very sweet disposition."

Elsa couldn't disagree.

Snotlout stepped up. "This is Hookfang. He's a Monstrous Nightmare, the fiercest, toughest dragon of all. People fear them most for their ability to set themselves on fire at will."

Hookfang jumped towards Anna, snarled and set himself ablaze. Anna jumped back, startled.

"See? Pure terror." Snotlout touted.

Not to be outdone, Anna stepped towards Hookfang, let out a growl of her own, and set herself ablaze. "I can do that too."

"Now I know I like her!" Astrid commented.

Hookfangs eyes went wide as the once fearsome beast ran behind Snotlout and cowered. Snotlouts mouth just hung open.

"Anna!" Elsa stated, "Nobody likes a show-off."

Anna smiled, "Sorry.", and put her flames out.

"Now it's our turn!" Tuff piped, waving the 2 headed dragon over.

Ruff said, "And this is Barf and Belch. He's what we call a Zippleback."

"2 heads, twice the danger!" Tuff added.

One of the dragons' heads nuzzled up to both Anna and Elsa at the same time.

"They seem awfully sweet." Elsa said as Barf nuzzled her cheek.

"I think this head's purring." Anna stated.

Hiccup stepped forward.

"Now you've met all of us. Welcome, Queen Elsa and Princess Anna of Arendelle, the newest members of The Dragon Riders of Berk."

Riders and dragons alike roared and cheered!