Happy Birthday Dad
'They're cutting it close, that pair are.'
Stoick had started to fret about the whereabouts of Hiccup and Toothless. They had done all of the necessary tasks assigned to them in preparation to his Chief's birthday celebrations before they had left three days ago. However, being the Heir of Berk, his attendance, unless in the case of an emergency, was compulsory by tradition. Stoick knew the lad was known to deliver, but there were times when he cut it close, too close for his Father's liking sometimes.
This was not the first time Hiccup had behaved in this manner and scare his Sire out of his wits. The time when it was believed that his Heir had met his end at the hands of the Red Death, fortunately the lad had pulled through, even if it meant the loss of his leg. The selfless deed of where Hiccup had sacrificed his freedom, and possibly his life to the Outcasts, to save the people of Berk. The incident where he had made a temporary truce with Alvin and Mildrew to save Stoick from the torments of Dagur the Deranged, the result being the defeat of the Beserkers and a new peace between Berkians and Outcasts, as well as the restoring the old friendship between Alvin the Treacherous and Stoick the Vast. These actions had been pulled off and they made the Chief of Berk swell with pride for his Heir and for the future successes to come.
There had been times when Stoick had been left in disbelief. The time Hiccup had led the other Dragon Riders to the Treasure of Hamish the First to prove himself against their original painting of the Chief and Heir. The Pride of Berk had managed to survive the cave in, but it was more than enough to terrify Stoick half to death. Another case had been when Hiccup had allowed himself to be tricked into being captured by the Outcasts. Even the events before Hiccup had made the Peace with the Dragons had miffed the four hundred Viking Chieftain to a certain degree. He knew that the lad had always meant well and was going to make mistakes every now and then, he WAS improving as he got older, but the Stoick was still entitled to worry about Hiccup. The lad was more then his Heir and Hope of Berk, he was his Son.
The Chieftain of the Hairy Hooligan stood at the Shelf that towered over the harbour of Berk, his gaze fixed on the horizon, pondering the whereabouts of his Heir and Hope, he knew that Toothless would take care of Hiccup, and that his Son would look out for the Night Fury. Still, there were times when he wished he had Thornado with him. He would have been able to speed off into the horizon and find his boy, even it was just to make sure he was safe and sound. He sighed deep and sadly as he leant on the railing. He just hoped the lad was alright.
'Worrying about your boy Stoick?'
The Chief of Berk turned and faced his Outcast counterpart. Since peace had been made between the Berkians and Outcasts, Alvin the Treacherous and his men had been welcomed as allies and old friends, both tribes travelling back and forth between the two islands freely. Alvin enjoyed this fully, sharing drinks and old tales with Stoick and Gobber just like the good old days. Hiccup had been generous enough to forgive the Outcast Leader and had offered him a Whispering Death as a gesture of goodwill. It would be the first Dragon that Hiccup would help the Outcasts train according to their peace treaty, but the Pride of Berk had handled the situation diplomatically and had treated the Outcast Chieftain first.
'I'm not worried, Alvin, I'm just concerned about his well being.'
'Ohhh, so you're outright fretting about the boy,' chuckled Alvin, reading his friends mind. 'Do you want me get Rocktooth and go look for him,' referring to his female Whispering Death.
'No, we can't organize a search party now, its too late now. We'll have to start my birthday celebrations with him and Toothless,' the Chief sighed in resignation, secretly disappointed his son and Night Fury, his family, were not there on his birthday.
'I'm sure the lad's on his way back now, Stoick,' stated Gobber, joining the pair on the Shelf.
'Really, only wish I could be as sure,' replied Stoick quietly. The trio stood there together, in mutual silence, scanning the clear sky, looking for any sign of the Pride of Berk and his Night Fury. Eventually, the three Vikings realized that they could wait no longer and had to attend the birthday celebrations
'Everyone, can I have your attention please,' Stoick announced, getting everyone's attention.
They had congregated around the steps before the Great Hall, Vikings of Berk and Outcast visitors, as well as their Dragons. The Chief stood at the entrance of the Great Hall, looking down at the Village, his people and guests. He was flanked by Alvin, Gobber, Spitelout, Gothi and other senior members of the Village and guests. The other Dragon Riders were present, the only ones absent were Hiccup and Toothless, who should have been on the right flank of Stoick. But they could wait no longer.
'We are gathered here today to celebrate my 46th birthday,' claps and roars of applause followed this. Stoick gave them a few moments before he asked for silence.
'Unfortunately my son, Hiccup, the Pride of Berk, is pursuing a matter of great importance and is unable to . . . to . . . . . . .' the Chief of Berk's speech trailed off as something caught his eye above the crowd just on the horizon. A speck. Stoick descended the steps in silence, pushing the silent audience of perplexed Vikings and Dragons. Reaching the rear of the group he strained his eyes to see the object better.
'What in Thor's is that?' piped up Gobber, hobbling up just behind his Chief.
'Here get a look through that,' barked Alvin, handing his friend a looking glass. Stoick thanked him and peered through the looking glass and was shocked by what he saw.
'It's Hiccup,' shouted Stoick. 'And he's brought more Dragons with him.' The population of Berk cheered at the sighting of the Hope and Heir of Berk.
Hiccup could see Berk just ahead as he led the convoy of Dragons to their new home. He just hoped his Dad would not bite his head off for cutting it close.
'Alright guys,' he addressed the group of flying reptiles. 'When we touch down on Berk, remain calm, unlike MOST Vikings, these ones are used to Dragons landing in their territory, as you'll see that soon enough.' Grunts and nods off the Dragons stated they all got the message.
The Haddock smiled with relief to himself and they continued to make their way home. Home the Rumblehorn thought to himself, that sounds nice.
The group finally landed in the clearing just in front of the Village, in front of an entire population of surprised Vikings. The squadron leader leapt from his Night Fury and greeted his Chief.
'Hey Dad, sorry we're late,' Hiccup addressed his Chief and Sire formally, Stoick's response was his trademark bear hug.
'Nice to see you made it, Son,' the Chief chuckled with relief, swinging his Heir around.
'Ummm, thanks Dad,' Hiccup managed, finally receiving air when Stoick settled him down. He gathered himself and stood chin up and chest out saluting his Chieftain with his drawn sword.
'Chief Stoick of Berk,' Hiccup announced formally in front of the Village. 'Happy Birthday,' turning around and gesturing to the Rumblehorn.
He had spent the whole time standing in the clearing behind the young Viking, Hiccup as he had came to know him as, as the Viking was embraced by an elder Viking, almost definitely his Sire. So far none of the Vikings had attacked any of the Dragons, he was amazed to see Dragons amongst the Vikings, all on friendly terms. He took a good hard look at the man near Hiccup. It was clear that this one was the leader, the alpha male of this society, a suitable warrior to a suitable Dragon such as himself. The Viking leader's personality and stature radiated power, authority, loyalty, intelligence and stubbornness. IF he was anything like his fierce offspring. He just needed to past the Test. This new stranger needed to follow Hiccup's example.
Stoick stood just behind his Son, stunned with wonder by the magnificent beast in front of him. He barely took in Hiccup's motives for finding him an unique birthday present, the journey made, the discovery, the clash with Dagur and the Beserkers and the way back home. He knew what he had to do. He walked slowly and steadily, not to startle the newcomer. Stoick kept his stoic gaze as he raised his hand, moving towards the Dragon before him.
Good, good he thought as the Viking leader approached him in the same manner as Hiccup had. He's behaving the same way. He himself treaded cautiously forward, meeting the Viking head on, knowing what was going to happen, remaining on alert just in case of funny business.
Stoick walked forward slowly, his palm held forward. The New Dragon lumbered forward, stood there still for a moment, then closed its eyes, and touched the Vast hand.
'Skullcrusher,' the Chieftain of Berk and the Hairy Hooligan Tribe announced, introducing his new Dragon.
He smiled and the bond was made
Skullcrusher, he liked that.
An idea ladies and gentlemen. A story with Merida as Hiccup's second wife. I love Astrid and Hiccup as a couple, but I would find a story with Astrid being sadly lost and leaving Hiccup a son who needs another mother quite an interesting plot. With a few surprises on the side.