Chapter 7: The Friendship

Over the course of the next two days the thoughts of the Vikings plagued Merida relentlessly. The wisps had without a doubt led her to him. So what did it mean? Why was she fated to meet this man? She couldn't get the thoughts out of her head and more questions just kept coming to mind. Finally after having enough of her mind's constant nagging she decided that she would go see the Viking again. After two days of princess lessons her mother granted her a day off. She was pleased her mom and her had come to an understanding since the bear incident. Elinor was willing to compromise and grant her daughter more freedom while Merida would take her princess lessons more seriously and accepted that one day she would have to marry. The night before her day off she wondered how she should go about going to see him. The man camped on an isolated mountain so it wasn't like she could just casually run into him and play it off as coincidence. There was also the fact that she had tried to kill him. She wasn't sure he would want to see her again. A peace offering perhaps? She thought that could work but wondered what she could bring him. Thinking back she faintly remember smelling the scent of fish coming from the dragon's mouth. Coming to a decision she decided she would bring the Viking fish for his dragon as a way to apologize for the misunderstanding. With that she went to sleep smiling at her plan and buzzing with anxious energy.

The following morning she quickly got up, washed, dressed, grabbed a basket and loaded it with fish from the kitchen. Then she quickly saddled Angus and rode off so no one would inquire about why she needed so much fish. With the basket sitting in front of her during the ride she steered Angus at a moderate pace to the northern plains.

Finally reaching the lonely mountain she entered the forest once again. Coming to the wall she wondered how she was going to get the basket of fish up to the top. After a moment of contemplation she got Angus to stand along the bottom of the wall while she slowly stood on his back and lifted the basket over her head. After a taking moment to balance herself she calculated how much force to put into her throw. Counting to three she hefted the basket as hard as she could and in relief it went over the top. Patting herself on the back she dropped back down into the saddle and off Angus before tying him to a tree. Taking her weapons with her as a precautionary measure she scaled the wall as she had done the day before. When she reached the top she took a breath and picked up the basket. Looking up the slope she hesitated and wondered if this was a good idea. She could turn back now and just leave the Viking be. She could just try to forget him and go about her life as if they had never met. Shaking her head she decided to press forward.

Going up the mountain was a slow process with basket of fish to carry. But step by step the meadow could be seen ahead. Breaking the tree line she glanced to the left and froze when she saw the black dragon resting on all fours at the end of the meadow. She was looking at its side and it head was turned in the other direction toward the interior of the camp. She bit her lip nervously before taking a breath to calm her nerves. Then slowly she began walking forward. When she was within 20 feet of the camp the dragon turned it head towards her. She froze when it glared at her with black slit, rose on all fours, and growled at her in warning. She stood there unsure on how to proceed when she heard a voice from the other side of the dragon. It said, "Toothless? What is it bud?" The dragon gave a hiss in reply. From the other side of the dragon she saw the top portion of a head peek up and over the dragon's back.

When she saw the green eyes she realized it was the Viking and he didn't have his helmet on. As soon as he saw her he immediately disappeared with an, "Oh gods!" Then she heard clanging and him rummaging around the camp. Then the man stood up from behind the dragon with helmet on and shield raised. He wasn't wearing armor today she noticed. He wore a green tunic with a vest of dark fur and brown leggings. He walked around the dragon slowly to its other side with his eyes never leaving her. Stepping directly in front of her at the dragon's side he seemed to be waiting for her to speak. Unsure of what to say she only stared back. After a few moments of awkward silence the Viking spoke.

"Uh…you're not going to attack me again are you?" he asked cautiously.

She shook her head before answering, "Nae. I just came to talk to ye." Letting one hand off the basket she looked away shyly and rubbed her arm. "Ah wanted to say that ah'm sorry for the misunderstanding. And I brought fish for your um….dragon," she said lifting the basket up slightly.

The man relaxed and lowered his shield. He and the dragon looked at each other for a moment and the back to her. "Oh well, thanks that's very nice of you….uh…uh…I'm sorry I didn't get your name," he said sheepishly.

She smiled lightly and took a small step forward. "Ah'm Merida. It good to meet ye," she said in greeting.

"Come join us Merida," he said placing a hand on the dragon's neck. "He won't do anything to you. I promise," he said referring to the black dragon. She took a step forward but the dragon's growling became deeper and louder causing her to freeze. Looking to the Viking for advice he answered, "It's your weapons. He thinks you mean to do us harm. Drop them and you won't have a problem."

She nodded before removing her weapons and placing them on the ground. The dragon's growling stopped and its body relaxed slightly. Seemingly satisfied she slowly advanced. Coming up to the Viking first she handed him the basket which he accepted and emptied in a pile in front of the dragon. She proceeded to walking around to the other side of the camp and sit down with her back facing the tree line. The dragon turned his attention to the pile of fish and dropped down to it stomach. The Viking sat at the dragon's side before reaching out and grabbing a medium sized fish. He looked to the tent and called out, "Sharpshot lunch time." At that a rustle was heard from inside the tent before the small green dragon came darting out. It rushed to the Viking side and he dropped the fish on the ground in front of it. It gulped the fish down in one bite before curling up at the Viking's side.

The Viking stroked the dragon small dragon's back while it purred in contentment. The he turned his attention to her and spoke. "So. You said you wanted to talk right?"

She nodded. "Yes. I would like to know…that is, if you're willing to tell me, more about you," she replied honestly.

The Viking seemed to think about her words for a moment. Then with a shrug he answered, "Sure. What would you like to know?"

With a smile she thought of what she should ask first. She could ask how he came to have a dragon. She decided against that and opted to ask the more basic of questions first. "Well let's start with your name."

The Viking nodded and cleared his throat before answering. "My name is Hiccup."

She raised an eyebrow and cocked her head to the side in disbelief. Was that really his name?

As if sensing her thought he sarcastically continued, "Yes that is my real name. Viking believe a horrible name will scare away evil."

She snorted in amusement before laughing lightly. "What so horrible about Hiccup?" she asked amused.

"Beats me," he replied with a shrug.

"Ok then Hiccup. How old are ye then?" she continued.

"I'm 19. You?"

"Ah'm 18, but I'll be 19 in a few months," she responded.

He nodded his head and waited for her to ask another question.

"Where are ye from then Hiccup?"

"A small island very far from here. It's called Berk."

She thought back to her geography lesson with her mother. She couldn't recall ever hearing of that place. She assumed that mean it was very far away. Looking at the bigger dragon he was leaning against she saw that it had fished off its fish and was looking at her. It was no longer growling at her but it still looked at her with unfriendly black slits in its eyes. "What about your beastie," she decided to inquire truly curious.

The dragon snarled lightly at her choice of word before the Viking patted him on the side to silence him. "This big guy here is named Toothless. He's what my people call a Night Fury," then he gestured to the smaller dragon curled up at his side. "This little guy hers is Sharpshot. A Terrible Terror."

She smile in understanding. She found both creatures absolutely fascinating. The smaller dragon was actually a little cute as it lay curled up at the Viking's side like a cat. But the bigger dragon was another story. She was in awe of it. Its body seemed to emanate strength and power. She took in its claws, to its tail, to the ridges covering its body, and one word came to mind. Deadly. She noticed that it wasn't solid black in color and that it seemed to have patterns of spots that had a dark blue hue to them. "How big is he," she asked next while motioning with her head to the black dragon.

"He 31 feet long with a 52 foot wingspan. Making him the fastest of all dragons," he said proudly.

Her mind latched onto the word dragons which implied more than just the two she was seeing right before her. She attempted to ask calmly but couldn't hide her curiosity. "You mean there are more than just these two."

"Oh yes all kinds. Tons of different species where I come from," he nodded and said matter of factly.

"Wow," Merida said amazed.

Wanting to know more about dragons she enthusiastically asked for him to tell her more. Hiccup smiled underneath his helmet at her enthusiasm. He first told her about the most common species like the Nadders, Gronckles, Monstrous Nightmares, and Zipplebacks. Then he went on to the other species talking about them in groups based on their classes. He told her everything from their relative sizes, speeds, colors, abilities, and legends. Merida just listened in wonder as her eyes lit up in excitement.

Dragons are real. She said in her mind. She had met them. She smiled to herself at her accomplishment. Her brothers would be so jealous of her if they found out. Hiccup continued to tell her about dragon's for as long as he could. When he couldn't find any more to say he changed the topic to more personal questions.

She told him about her dad, her mother, and her bothers. While leaving out the fact that she was a princess. While she believed he meant no harm it didn't mean she would completely trust him. At least for now. He told her about his life on Berk and she was surprised to hear he was the son of a chief. That brought up the question on what exactly he was doing so far from home. Surely the son of the chief wouldn't be let to travel so far from home by himself. When she inquired. Hiccup sighed sadly and turned his gaze down before answering quietly.

"I'm just looking for a new home." Sensing his sadness Toothless wrapped his tail around him and crooned in concern in attempt to comfort him. Likewise Sharpshot hopped up and wrapped himself around his shoulders.

Merida could tell that the dragons had a strong bond with their master. Attempting to distract him from his sadness she told him about the pranks her brothers would pull on innocent bystanders. It seemed to work as he went on to mention a pair of twins from his home with a penchant for destruction. As they compared stories of the deeds her brothers and the twins had performed they found themselves laughing and shuddering at the thought if the two groups ever met.

After ending that topic Merida asked Hiccup how he lost his leg. He simply answered that it was a dragon. Sensing more to the story she pressed for details and he simply deflected by saying he would tell her next time. Merida smiled at the implication that 'next time' meant he wasn't planning on leaving soon.

Deciding that she should go they said their goodbyes as she grabbed the empty fish basket and her weapons before walking back to where she entered the meadow. Looking back she waved goodbye to Hiccup which he returned and made her way down to Angus and back to the castle.

Declaring her meeting with Hiccup to be a success she had smile on her face all throughout dinner. Her mother seemed to notice this and inquired, "Something good happen today dear?"

Merida simply shrugged and after taking a bite of her meal answered with, "Just a good day is all." She said hoping to sound casual.

Her family seemed to accept her answer and didn't question it further. Heading up to bed her mother stopped her.

"Oh and dear ah just thought you should know the lords and their son's will be arriving in a few weeks in celebration of the anniversary of the formation of our alliance," she informed her.

"Ugh mum the lords," she said with a groan.

"Oh Merida the young lords aren't so bad," her mother said.

"They're a bunch of idiots mom. All they ever do is fight and try to do things to impress me," Merida said rubbing her hand against her temples.

"Well they are still candidates for marriage love. You should consider yourself lucky having three strapping young men vying for your hand," her mother said with wink.

Merida blushed lightly and stomped to her room in a huff. Going to bed and settling down she looked forward to her next meeting with Hiccup.

For the next few weeks Merida would go to see Hiccup on her days off. Every time she would make sure to grab a basket of fish for Toothless hoping to win his favor. On her second visit she was surprised to find the camp empty. Deciding to wait until the group returned she decided to practice her archery by shooting some trees. She got the surprise of her life when a shadow passed overhead and out of the sky came Toothless with Hiccup on his back. Dismounting to greet her she stared in amazement at what appeared to be a saddle.

"You ride him?! YOU RIDE DRAGONS!?" she shouted in excitement.

The Viking rubbed the back of his neck nervously before replying, "Oh yeah. Did I forget to mention that?"

Demanding an explanation he simply replied that it was a long story. Sensing that it had something to do with his missing foot she sat down and made herself comfortable before looking at him expectantly. Hiccup gave a sigh before grabbing the basket of fish she had brought and dumping it out for Toothless and Sharpshot to feed. Then sitting down himself across from her he told her his story

He explained how his tribe had been at war with dragons for centuries and that they used to kill them as a rite of passage. He followed by stating that how he was weaker than most Vikings and instead made a device in attempt to shoot down a Night Fury that would be Toothless and how when upon finding him, he spared his life. Hearing his story Merida was awestruck. As he explained about how he bonded with Toothless and constructed Toothless's replacement fin, pointing out the mechanism on the beast, she marveled at his intelligence and courage. It was like he was a hero that had jumped from the pages of a fairytale. He had overcome great odds, narrowly avoided death, and come out the better for it while improving the lives of those around him. When he got to his battle with the dragon he called 'The Red Death', which he claimed to be as big as a mountain, she was hanging on his every word. After that he went on to explain how he and his friends slowly started to find ways to integrate the dragons into Viking society by founding the dragon academy which he was head of.

Pausing in his retelling of his life to drink from a canteen Merida spoke up, "You're amazing Hiccup."

"What no I'm not," the Viking replied waving his hand dismissively at the compliment,

"You most certainly are. You're a hero," she cried at the shy boy. How could one man possibly be so humble at what he had accomplished? He was amazing in more ways than one.

At the word hero Hiccup blushed slightly underneath his helmet. It was a nice compliment. Not that he wasn't used to hearing it, but something from Merida made it speak to his heart. Deciding to change the subject off himself he asked a question of his own. "By the way Merida I was wondering," he said grabbing her attention. Motioning for him to go ahead with a nod he continued. "I saw a castle while I was flying in on Toothless. Does this land have a king or ruling family?" He asked inquisitively.

Raising her chin up and answering with pride, "Oh yes. You're in the lands of the clan Dunbroch in the Kingdom of Dunbroch. These lands are ruled by the Bear King, Fergus, and Queen Elinor," she paused to take a breath. Luckily she had given her family fake names when she had told him about them. Her response was almost automatic and as the princess couldn't help but speak about her family with pride. "Along with them they have four children. Three princes and the first born the princess," she finished without speaking their names.

"The Bear King?" Hiccup asked.

"Oh aye. King Fergus is famous for his battle with the demon bear Mor'du," she said with a smile.

"Sounds like quite the story," Hiccup said leaning forward.

With a smile she told her about her father's battle with Mor'du and how he lost his leg. Deciding not to reveal how the demon bear had been killed by her mother only two year ago at this time. At the end of the story Hiccup clapped enthusiastically.

"Sound likes this king could give my dad a run for his money," Hiccup said impressed.

"You bet he could," she said with a wink.

"So what happened to Mor'du? Is he still around?"

"Why? Ye scared?" she asked jokingly.

Hiccup just scoffed and rolled his eyes, "Please I got Toothless with me. I'd like to see a bear go up against a fire breathing dragon. Ain't that right bud?" Hiccup said turning to the dragon.

Looking up from his fish Toothless growled and gave a nod in agreement before resuming his meal.

With a light chuckle she turned to Hiccup and said, "Play your cards right and ah may tell it to you one day."

Hiccup smiled underneath his helmet and nodded in understanding. Deciding to change topics she asked Hiccup about his strange shield. With a smile Hiccup got up and grabbed it. He came to sit down next to her and explained how it worked. She watched in amusement as he spoke about his work with pride. She didn't understand the full mechanisms behind it but was amazed at what it was capable if. Hiccup was an amazing blacksmith, inventor, and he just never kept ceasing to amaze her.

After he finished talking about his shield he showed his prosthetic and tried to explain hot that worked as well. Once again she didn't fully grasp the concepts that kept coming from the boy but she just let him ramble on and gave the occasionally nod.

Finally calling it a day, she politely interrupted as he was explaining how the mechanism behind the saddle and foot pedals that allowed him to manipulate the prosthetic tailfin and said she had to go. With a nod he helped her gather her things before walking back to her usual entrance with a wave they said goodbye and she returned to the castle.

Her third visit was the most memorable. After a discussion with her mother about the allied clan's visit she left the castle in a sour mood. After riding on Angus through the forest and shooting all her hanging targets she decided to go visit Hiccup. When Hiccup saw her he seemed to sense her irritation and inquired as to what was bothering her. She only huffed that she didn't want to talk about and sat in her usual spot while pulling grass out of the ground.

After watching her for a few minutes and thinking of ways to cheer her up Hiccup was struck with an idea. Walking over to her he extended his hand down to her for her to take. She raised an eyebrow in question and Hiccup just told her to trust him. Reaching out she took his hand and he pulled her up. Then grabbing her by the wrist gently he led her over to where Toothless and Sharpshot were sunbathing in the center of the meadow. Calling out to his companion Toothless walked over looked over at the pair with large black orbs. Then gently, he started to lift her arm and move it towards Toothless. Seeing his intention she yanked her arm back.

She looked at back and forth to Hiccup and Toothless nervously. Hiccup just gave her a reassuring nod and she carefully reached her arm out towards Toothless's snout. Fearing the worst she closed he eyes and looked away. When something warm and scaly pressed against her palm she looked back to see Toothless's snout pressed up against it. Buzzing with excitement she laughed and brought her other hand to pet Toothless on the forehead. The dragon responded with a rumbling purr which buzzed against her hand still on his snout. Then with both hands she began to feel Toothless's skin. She loved texture of it. Following Toothless's example Sharpshot perched himself on her should and with a happy chirp began to nuzzle against her cheek. She laughed in exhilaration at touching not just one but two dragons.

Hiccup watched the girl with a feeling of satisfaction. He was glad Toothless had moved passed their initial encounter with Merida and was being friendly with her. He found she was a very pleasant girl to be around once he got to know her. She was passionate, proud, brave, and had a natural curiosity about the world around her. He couldn't help but think about how much they seemed to have in common. With a nod he walked back to his campsite and decided to sit down. After a few moments Merida sat down next to him with Sharpshot still on her should and Toothless laid down behind them. Leaning back, he looked up at the sky and enjoyed the day. He still missed Berk. He still missed his father, his friends, and especially Astrid. But speaking with Merida made him feel less lonely, for while he liked having his companions around it was nice to hold a conversation with a being that didn't growl of chirp back.

Scratching Sharpshot on the neck and earning a contented purr Merida glanced over at her friend. She paused to consider whether or not Hiccup was her friend. He was right? They called each other by their first names, they talked about their lives, spent time together, and he had even tried to cheer her up. That constituted a friendship right?

Glancing over at the Viking who was just leaning back and staring at the sky she decided to ask. "Hiccup," she started nervously.

"Hm?" was all he said not looking at her.

"Are you my…," she fidgeted with her hands and realized her palms were sweaty. Rubbing her hands together she continued. "Are we…ye know…friends?" she asked looking to him.

Hiccup contemplated her question for a moment. She was a nice girl. She had brought him fish for his dragons, kept his presence secret, shared some of her life with him, so did that make her a friend? With a shrug he answered, "Yeah I guess so."

Merida smiled wide at his answer. She had made her first friend. In all her life she couldn't really think of someone she could call her friend. Sure she occasionally talked with some of the younger maids and serving girls that worked at the castle, but their conversations usually consisted of trading gossip. Then there were the young lords. Her relationship with them was more friend-ly than a friendship. She occasionally would spar and joke around with the castle guards but she was their princess. Hiccup associated with Merida just because she was herself. He didn't treat her like a princess and she couldn't help but find that endearing. It warmed her heart that he saw her as a friend.

With a sigh she leaned back against Toothless and stared up at the sky also. Occasionally she would point to clouds and tell him what they looked like to her. He would chuckle and tell her what they looked like to him and they just enjoyed each other's company.

On her next few visits Hiccup would show her the hand signals Toothless knew. He also demonstrated the tricks Sharpshot could perform. They also had a shooting contest one day with her bow versus his crossbow shield. Merida had to admit the lad had good aim but she always managed to beat him and thus held on to her title as the best archer in the land. On her last visit a few day before the lords were expected to arrive she told him that she wouldn't be able to return for a little over a week. She explained that the kingdom was having a celebration and that she had 'responsibilities' to see to. Hiccup simply nodded in understanding. Before she turned to leave she looked at her friend one last time and something crossed her mind. Hiccup never took off his helmet in front of her.

"Hiccup. How come you never show me your face?" She asked with a frown trying not to sound too bit hurt at the realization.

Hiccup tensed at the question and his eyes widened. With a cough he hurriedly answered, "Uh well…I might have to go into town someday to use the forge or something and I think it's best if you didn't recognize me. You know being a stranger and all. Knowing someone from the village would be suspicious"

"But we're friends right? Don't you trust me?" Merida said. She realized that she was being a tad hypocritical since she was hiding the fact that she was royalty from him.

"What?! Of course we are Merida and of course I do," he reassured her. Seeing her unconvinced and hurt expression he added, "Look I promise that I'll show you my face soon. OK?"

Her expression immediately changed. With a smile she nodded before descending the mountain. Hiccup watched her go and sighed. He wasn't expecting her to question him about his helmet. The true reason was that he didn't want to get too attached. He knew he might have to leave if he was discovered and figured never seeing someone's face would make the pain of losing them hurt less. Shaking his head he turned back to his campsite to continue his devices.

Waking up the next day, something immediately didn't feel right. There was a foreboding that she couldn't explain. Looking outside she saw that the clouds were dark and the sky was an ominous gray. Getting dressed she went down to see her family. Entering the main hall she found her mother standing at the main door way looking out. Walking up to her mother she stood behind her and cleared her throat to make her presence known.

After a few moments of silence her mother answered. "You feel it too. Don't you dear?" she said.

Merida eyes widened in surprise at her mother's words. "Feel what mum?" she ask nervously.

"Ah'm not sure. But ah can't help but feel something bad is about to happen," her mother said while staring off into the distance.

"What do you think it is mom?" Merida asked cautiously.

"Ah don't know. Bah I'm probably just being daft," he mother said turning around. She waved her hand dismissively and smiled at her daughter. "Come on dear let just eat. Hunger is probably all it is."

Merida nodded at her mother and gave a small smile. Taking her seat at the table her brother's joined them followed by her father.

Eating quietly her father spoke up, "The lords should be arriving sometime today."

Her mother just gave a slight nod indicating she heard.

Suddenly a guard burst into the room and ran up to her father before kneeling at his side. "My king there are ships approaching the docks," he said frantically.

Her father leapt from his seat and cried out, "WHAT! How did they possible get this close without us noticing?"

"The whole loch was covered in a fog your Highness it only just cleared now. They probably slipped in during the night," the soldier answered.

King Fergus cursed silently. "How many ships are there? Are they the raiders we've heard about?" He asked.

Merida paled at the thought that these could be the raiders who were destroying towns.

"There looks to be at least twelve ships. From what we can see from spyglass there are at least 100, maybe more, of them armed to the teeth? They wear horned helmets too your majesty so they are believed to be the raiders."

Her father bristled and turned red in rage. He calmed himself and began to plan the counter attack when another groups of guards burst into the room. They were dragging a man whose arms were bound behind his back. The man was sporting a black eye and busted lip as the guards brought him before the king on his knees.

Fergus raised an eyebrow at the new development, "What's this then?"

One of guards holding the man spoke up, "Sir, we caught this man trying to scale the wall on the east side."

One of the soldiers pulled the man back by the hair, forcing him to look up at Fergus. Approaching menacingly with his fists clenched Fergus loomed over the man. "Who are ye?"

The man gave a sneer. But remained silent.

"Sir," shouted yet another soldier bursting into the room.

"What is it now," the King shouted in frustration turning toward the new soldier.

"It the armory sir, someone booby trapped it and it was ablaze…We managed to put out the fire but many of the weapons were badly damaged," the soldier cried.

Fergus's eyes widened. Then he turned back to the man. The man had an evil smirk on his face. He looked up at the king with a satisfied smile.

Fergus grabbed the man by his clothing and pulled him up to eye level. "Did ye do this," he said though gritted teeth.

The man cleared his throat before answering. "That I did Highness. I am Salomon the Saboteur. Aptly nicknamed if I do say so myself," the man said with a proud sneer.

"Are you with the raiders?"

"That I am Bear King," he said.

"How large are your forces. Why have you come here," Fergus said asking the man harshly.

The man smiled but remained silent. Fergus thought about striking the man when the man's eyes rolled to the back of his head and he started to spasm violently. Dropping the man as he began to foam at the mouth, Fergus backed away. The man continued to spasm and foam before his eyes bulges and he stilled.

"Poisoned himself," one of the guards muttered.

With a silent curse Fergus leapt into action pointing to one of the guards as he issued orders, "Round up the men and get at least half of them to begin locking down the castle. Get the villagers inside and into the tunnels," pausing he turned and pointed to another guard. "You get the other half and get ready for battle. Start getting the catapults ready as well. GO!" With that he turned and ran to his wife before pulling her into an embrace. "Keep the village safe ma love," he said before kissing her on the forehead. He then briskly ran out of the room silently praying he would see her again.

Elinor watched her husband go before dashing to the princes. Grabbing two of them by their hands she tuned to Merida and said, "Merida. Help me get your brothers into the tunnels."

Merida began to protest but her mother interrupted sharply, "No arguments Merida. NOW!"

Flinching slightly at her mother's sharp tone she consented with a nod before she grabbed her last brother and quickly followed after her mom. Taking them into the cellar her mother opened the door to the tunnels and pushed all of them in. "Stay here. Ah need gather the staff and ensure the villagers get to safety." With that she closed the door and ran off.

Merida walked into the tunnels with her brother's taking in all the events that had occurred. The raiders had come. They had bypassed their defenses and one man had effectively swept their legs out from under them. She paced back and forth worrying about her father. Her brothers left her to her thoughts and ran into the tunnels to explore. She paced keeping her head down as she went back and forth. She was worried for her father's life. She tired to think of a way she could help him but nothing came to mind. She paused her contemplation to look and her heart nearly jumped out of her chest. A wisp had appeared and floated just in front of her face.

"Well what do ye want then?" she asked annoyed. The wisp only bobbed up and down slightly before vanishing when the door to the tunnel entrance opened. A group of the castle workers walked in bringing sacks of food with them. One had a torch and began lighting torches that ran along the wall of the tunnels to illuminate it. They moved passed her and went deeper inside lighting more tunnels along the way. She watched them pass before turning around and once again having a heart attack as the wisp had reappeared a few inches form her face.

"Och. You're going to kill me ye blasted wisp," she said in a low hiss. "Now what the devil do you want? Where could you possibly want to lead me?"

The wisp only swayed slightly in front of her.

She ran a hand though her hair in frustration. She didn't know why she suddenly expected the wisp to answer her. She glared at the wisp as it continued to float in front of her. Suddenly the wisp became very still. It just floated as if frozen in time. Merida raised an eyebrow in confusion and slowly raised her right arm. She slowly brought her open hand toward the wisp. Expecting it to disappear Merida was surprised when it didn't just flicker away. As she moved her hand nearer the wisp just remained perfectly still. She decided to bring her hand around the wisp and then the wisp flame seemed to shrink back away from her hand. As quick as her could she tried to close her hand down around the wisp and it finally vanished. She gave a sigh in annoyance when she suddenly realized that something was in her hand. Lowering her arm she slowly uncurled her fingers and lightly gasped at what lay in her palm.

A dragon scale. Toothless's scale.

Hiccup?

Ok people i could use some help. I'm terrible at coming up with names so I want you to come up with the name of this group of raiders and their leader. The ones i like the most i will put into the story.

also:

guest reviewer Snowflake - Your emotional investment in the story is very much appreciated. Very encouraging too.

Comet Moon - Stay awesome

guest reviewer yellowrose - sorry they haven't hooked up yet. They will, i swear

Guest reviewer Shadowmaster - I do find your idea interesting but it's not quite what i had in mind. Sorry. If you'd like to write a story like that I'd be happy to read it though

hope you guys liked the chapter and are interested in more.