Epilogue

With the honors ceremony complete, it was time to celebrate their victory. The courtyard had been turned into a ballroom, owing to the large number of guests this evening. It was however, a perfect setting. Torches lined the walls, and the early evening glow of the sky made a perfect ceiling. Tables had been set up along the east wall, and had been filled with all sorts of confections from fruits to cakes to chocolate. Another table had an ample supply of meats and cheeses. There was something for everyone, even a generous amount of viking ale for those brave enough to drink it. And surprisingly, it was appearing to be a rather popular option by vikings and nobles alike.

The party was well underway when Queen Elsa and Princess Anna arrived, as was customary for royal gatherings. One by one the dignitaries greeted them, and they were surprised to note that most of them were more interested in discussing their viking guests than the battle. The Sisters gladly shared their experiences with them, and smiled often as the dignitaries would excuse themselves to go speak with the Riders. From what they could see, the vikings of Berk had been well accepted by the alliance. And Elsa couldn't be happier for that.

Anna and Elsa found themselves standing alone at last. Now was their chance to join the group that had gathered around Hiccup and his team.

"OH MY GOSH!" Elsa exclaimed as she walked up to the Riders. "Is this really the same group of brash, vulgar barbarians we came to know, love and fight beside over the past week!?"

"Can't be!" Anna added jokingly, "We're the only ones with magic in this region. And I don't think even we could have pulled this off!"

Everyone laughed in response to the Sisters quip.

Hiccup chuckled. "If that's true then your palace staff have greater magic than you do."

"The staff did this?" Anna said gesturing.

"Yep!" Astrid replied. "We got here yesterday morning, and asked Director Kristoff if he could help us to fit in better today. He handed us over to a group of people that taught us everything from basic protocol to how to waltz. Even threw together these cool outfits. It's not too much, is it?"

"You all look absolutely stunning!" Elsa answered.

The Regent of Zaria added, "The Queen is correct. If we hadn't known you to be vikings now, no-one would have guessed. You've certainly dispelled much of the rumor surrounding what little we know of your people."

"Agreed." Ambassador Ingstram added. "When I report back to King Gregor, I'm sure he'll wish to meet you himself. You may have become very popular amongst the alliance kingdoms."

"Um..forgive me for asking, Master Hiccup," the Princess of Alexandria asked, "but did you not have only one foot before now?"

Suddenly everyone looked at Hiccups feet. Sure enough he had 2 boots on. Hiccup smiled.

"Arendelles engineers came up with an attachment that looks more like a normal foot so I could wear both boots. I'll admit it does look great, but it's a bit of a hassle to fly a dragon with."

Fishlegs joked, "We just won't mention it to Gobber. He made Hiccups replacement leg and might take it personal that he didn't think of this." Everyone got a giggle from that.

"The changes you've made are amazing!" Elsa commented, "But why would you go to such lengths to be like us?"

"Because you did it for us." Ruff replied. "You both totally embraced the viking ways to understand us,"

"So it was only fair that we did the same for you." Tuff finished.

"So how do you like the royal life?" Anna asked.

A waiter presented a tray of wine glasses, from which everyone took a glass.

Sipping her wine, Astrid commented, "Oh, I could get used to this!"

Everyone in the group raised their glasses to Astrids comment. Elsa and Anna giggled.

Then Hiccup exclaimed, "Oh! Before I forget, we have a present for you."

"For us?" Elsa questioned

Hiccup picked up a small box with the Dragon Academy emblem on it. Holding it in front of him, Astrid took something out of a compartment on the side of the box and handed it to Anna. Taking the object Anna commented dryly.

"It's a fish."

Hiccup then opened the box, and a tiny head with big eyes popped out. It looked around and, spotting the fish in Annas hand, a tiny dragon jumped up on her shoulders. The nobles jumped back in surprise as Anna cringed.

"Feed him." Astrid told her.

She held the fish to the dragon and it scarfed it down. Then it cuddled against Annas neck and started purring. Low awes came from the crowd as Anna pet its neck.

"Oh my! He's adorable! What is he?

"He's what we call a Terrible Terror." Hiccup explained. "In packs they live up to that name. But individually they're loyal, loveable and trustworthy creatures. We've been training them to deliver messages over long distances, the way you use birds. And this one knows the route between here and Berk."

Elsa lit up. "So he could get a message to you much faster than Trader Johann."

"Exactly." Hiccup replied, "6 hours instead of 3 days."

Anna batted her eyes at Elsa. "Can I keep him, Elsa? Please!"

Elsa smiled. "I can't think of a more perfect pet for someone with fire powers than a dragon. But if he's going to stay in the castle you'll have to care for him. And he'll need a proper name."

"I've already got one." Anna grinned. "I'll call him Phoenix."

"Now that's a fitting name for a dragon!" Stoick said, coming up behind them. He then bowed before Elsa, holding out his hand. "Would your majesty do me the honor of this dance?"

Elsa smiled brightly and took his hand. "The honor would be mine, Chief Stoick." They both nodded to the group and made their way to the dance floor. Without the formalities, Hiccup and Astrid also went to the dance floor, followed by others from the group.

Anna turned back to the group, only to find she was alone. Fishlegs had gone to the buffet table. Tuffnut was having a conversation with the Reagent of Calair. Ruffnut was dancing with the Prince of Jolinar. And Kristoff was tied up with keeping the wait staff and valets organized. This was an awkward position for a princess to be in. Standing alone at a party with a dragon on her neck.

"Your highness." a familiar voice said. Anna turned and smiled. "Oh! Hi Snotlout. Enjoying the party?"

"It's pretty cool." Snotlout replied. "Nothing like the parties on Berk, but still cool."

"Oh, I believe you." She replied. "I can't wait to try partying like that again. I only hope I can remember it next time."

They both laughed at that comment. Then Snotlout went serious.

"Um.. Your highness. I know I kinda made a bad first impression, and I was wondering if you might be willing to give me a chance to change that."

Anna was taken aback by his respectful tone. "What did you have in mind?"

Snotlout then surprised her again by extending his hand and bowing.

"Would your highness do me the great honor of granting me a dance?"

Anna stood shocked for a moment. Even Phoenix stared at him.

Then Anna smiled. "Master Snotlout, the honor would be mine."

She took his hand. As they walked to the dance floor, Snotlout commented, "Oh. By the way, that's going to be one awesome scar."

Anna smiled proudly.

"So you figured out where you belonged, did ya." Stoick commented to Elsa as they danced.

"I'm afraid so. Not that I wasn't tempted, but I can't help thinking what would happen to Arendelle without us."

Stoick smiled. "And that is what makes you a great queen. You care for your people, and they care for you. You can't get better than that."

"But Anna and I would like to visit Berk every now and then. Just to change the scenery a bit. If that would be acceptable to you of course."

From behind his thick beard Elsa could see his smile beaming. "I would love that very much. In fact our winter holiday, that we call 'Snogletog', is in 3 months. It's one party you simply can't miss. I'll even send the riders to bring you and Anna up."

"That sounds great!" She replied. "I'm sure Anna would love to...OH MY!"

Stoick and Elsa stared for a moment.

"Can you believe it?" Stoick exclaimed, "Snotlout and Princess Anna dancing a waltz?"

Elsa grinned. "Look at what we've done in the past week: flying on dragons; eating bugs; defeating a dragon riding maniac and sinking his thousand ship fleet, and dancing with the chief of a viking clan. After all that I can only think one thing."

"That anything is possible."