Chapter 10: The Decision
Following the guard around the castle Hiccup thought about all the things he had done since coming to Scotland. He had helped save the land belonging to his people most hated, befriended a Scottish princess, and was now being invited as a guest of honor to a Scottish king. It seemed almost ludicrous. The gods must be laughing at the face of it all, surely. Reaching the back entrance the guard told him to wait outside. Complying with a nod he waited.
A few moments later the guard return with a large basket of fish and handed it to Hiccup. Hiccup thanked the guard and proceeded to dump the contents on the ground in front of Toothless. He watched as Toothless enthusiastically wolfed down the fish biting off fish head as he went. The sight of Toothless horrid eating habits was no longer made him squeamish. Turning to look at the guard, he seemed a little green at the sight.
"Yeah it definitely not pretty. You can go inside I can find my way to the main entrance," he told the guard.
The guard nodded and hurried off before he blew chunks. Chuckling as he went he leaned against the wall of the castle while Toothless finished his dinner. He started to contemplate his next course of action. His plan had all but gone up in smoke now. No doubt that the villagers were all gossiping about him. A dragon in this land was sure to be the biggest new of the century. He wondered if he should leave. He didn't want to be honest. While he loved traveling he liked to have somewhere to return where people would welcome him. Where he could sleep in a bed of his own with a roof over his head. That's always what Berk had been to him.
Not wanting to worry about it for now he decided to enjoy the moment and celebrate with his new friends. Or friend, that is. Looking to Toothless as he gulped down the last of the fish he asked, "You good bud?"
Toothless rumbled in pleasure at being full of fish and licked his chop. Smiling at his friend he reached out and scratched his chin. Toothless purred in delight and leaned into his touch. He looked Hiccup in the eyes and smiled. Happy that they were around friendly people again.
Hiccup smiled at his friend before rubbing his head and walking back to the front entrance of the main hall. Stopping outside the big double doors he paused as he heard the people inside. Sounds like a party. He thought to himself as he listened to the commotion. Taking a breath he pushed open the doors and walked in. Once inside and allowing toothless to move passed him he shut the doors. Turning around to look at the Scots he found that they were all staring at him.
He tried not to fidget under the scrutiny as he took in all the faces. Most were friendly but he could see some dark looks peppered in. He guessed he couldn't expect all people to immediately trust him and overlook his origins. He was still in enemy land after all. Toothless didn't seem bothered by the crowds gaze though. Seeing a fireplace he made his way through the rows of benches set up and curled up in front of it. Feeling abandoned by his companion Hiccup was forced to bear the gazes everyone by himself and stood there unsure of where he should take a seat.
Luckily someone decided to saved him from his uncomfortableness and shouted for him. "Hiccup!" He heard Merida's voice shout and saw her waving at him from a bench near the thrones. With an internal sigh in relief he walked between the rows and to where she was seated.
At the bench she was seated Merida had saved the young man a seat right. At the table was her parents, her siblings, the lords, and their sons. Reaching her, he gave her a smile before sitting down. With him seated she prepared him a plate. She filled it with bread, a turkey leg, some cooked vegetables, and piece of haggis.
Hiccup just sat their as Merida started fixing him a plate. Seeing and smelling all the food Hiccup finally realized that he was starving. He'd only eaten a small breakfast in the morning and after the events of the battle hadn't had time to go hunting. At his right were the triplets all staring at him with wonder. Across the bench directly in front of him were three young men he surmised to be the lords' sons since they looked very similar to their father's. All of them were giving him a look he could only describe as challenging, except for the young Dingwall, who was staring off into space. The looks he could only describe as a look a warrior had when he wanted to test himself against a rival. To his left was Merida and seated next to her was the queen. At the head of the bench, Fergus sat in a chair speaking to the lord's that were seated to his right.
After Merida had finished his plate she set it in front of him and he gave her a grateful smile before digging in. After going so long without eating food prepared in a kitchen he moaned in pleasure at the taste of the spices. So many different flavors and textures swarmed his taste buds, threatening to send him into sensory overload. He viciously bit into the turkey leg before he glanced up at noticed everyone staring at the table with mixed expressions of amusement and shock. Sheepishly he swallowed the meat in his mouth and began to eat slower.
"Well he may not look like a Viking, but he's certainly got the appetite of one," lord Macintosh joked.
The other lords joined him in laughter and banged their hands on the table. Beside him Merida giggled lightly while the young lord joined their fathers in laughter.
Lowering his gaze back to his food and finishing his turkey leg he moved on to the brownish lump of meat on his plate. Cutting a piece with his fork he stabbed it and bit into it. It was strange tasting he thought. After a few more bites he determined that it wasn't bad and he swallowed before cutting himself another piece. A gagging noise to his right caught his attention and he turned his gaze to the right as he watched the triplets watching him eat the strange food with disgust written all over their faces.
"Hiccup," Merida said to his left.
He turned to face her and swallowed the brown lump in mouth before answering. "Yes Merida?"
There was a look of mischief in her eye. Like she knew something he didn't. "Do you know what you're eating?" she asked slowly.
"Not really, but it's pretty tasty," he answered before cutting himself another piece and lifting it to his mouth.
"It's called Haggis," she said pausing and trying to hold in her laughter. "It's the heart, liver, and lungs of a sheep cooked inside its own stomach." She finished as his Haggis was a few inches form his open mouth.
Eyes wide he abruptly stopped as he was about to put the 'Haggis' in his mouth. He lifted his fork with the piece of Haggis on the end of it to eye level and stared at it. After a few moments of deliberation he simply shrugged, brought the fork to his mouth, bit down on the Haggis, chewed, and swallowed. Glancing up and noticing everyone's chocked expressions around him he nonchalantly replied, "I've had worse." Referring to the time he ate fish that had been barfed up by Toothless.
Merida gaped at Hiccup in shock. Everybody usually lurched back in disgust when they discovered what Haggis was. Some people even vomited. She had been looking forward to seeing Hiccup's amusing reaction, but the young man simply shrugged it off. She didn't even like Haggis. What could he possibly had that was worse? She wondered.
Sensing her thoughts Hiccup leaned over to whisper into her ear. "Remember when I first befriended Toothless?"
Thinking back to the story she realized what he meant. She then burst out laughing and slapping her hand down on the table. She laughed so hard she began snorting as everyone looked at her in confusion clearly not getting the inside joke.
Finally calming herself she turned back to her own meal as she waited for Hiccup to finish his meal before speaking to him.
After a few minutes of eating, having seconds, and then thirds. Hiccup was satisfied. It had been a long time since he had been able to eat his fill like that. Glancing around, Hiccup felt content among these groups of strangers and was glad he decided to join the feast. Taking a few sips of his wine he began to relax the contagious feeling of the jovial atmosphere.
Then his attention was grabbed by a question from lord Macintosh's son, "So Hiccup, Merida told us that where you come from dragon are abundant."
Turning to the young lord he nodded before answering, "Oh yeah. Where I come from dragons are waited normal and come in all shaped and sizes…Speaking of which," Hiccup said suddenly realizing something he had forgotten.
Grabbing another turkey he began to strip chunks of meat off it. Then turning around in his seat he called out, "Hey Sharpshot, come here boy."
From the saddlebag on Toothless the tiny dragon's head popped out excitedly. Being cooped up for so long in the saddle bag had made him anxious to stretch his wings. Hearing the ok from his master he leapt out of the bag and flew across the room. After doing a mid-air loop he dived down and perched on Hiccup's shoulder.
"Hey bud, sorry I forgot about you for a while. Here you go," Hiccup said while feeding the small dragon the turkey pieces.
The small dragon readily accepted and wolfed down the treat greedily.
"Looks at that. It like a small cat," lord MacGuffin said in amazement.
"Aye, a wee little thing," lord Dingwall murmured in agreement.
Scratching the Terror and the chin he began to explain, "This little guy is called Sharpshot, he's what my people call a Terrible Terror. The bigger dragon is named Toothless. He's a Night Fury. My tribe is the only tribe that lives alongside the dragons and trains them. We used them for construction, hunting, fishing, even smithing, and—,"
"War," lord MacGuffin asked suspiciously. He was obviously a little wary about a Viking tribe with dragons at their disposal.
Hoping to dispel their worries he explained, "Well, if we're attacked then yes. But my tribe doesn't do any raiding. We aren't interested in taking what doesn't belong to us. We simply want to hold on to what little we have." He said honestly.
Seemingly accepting his answer the lords relaxed.
Fergus however raised an inquisitive eyebrow, "What did you mean by smithing lad. You mean like blacksmithing?" He asked.
With a smile Hiccup stood up and said, "How about I show you." Then he walked over to Toothless and pulled out the Gronckle iron sword Fishlegs had given him. Drawing it from its sheathe he inspected it before walking to king Fergus.
Presenting the blade to him Fergus took it with a raised eyebrow. He saw his look of surprise as he obviously felt the weight of it.
"Well it's a beauty lad, but a sword this light isn't gonna be much good to a warrior on the battlefield," Fergus said.
With a mischievous grin Hiccup crossed his arms over his chest, "You'd think so, wouldn't you?" He said obviously planning something. "Lord MacGuffin, if you'd please," he said looking to the lord and motioning him to come forward.
He lord raised an eyebrow but complies standing up from the table and coming to stand by Fergus.
"Lord MacGuffin. Thank you, now if you'd please draw the sword at you side," he said while gesturing to the long sword at the man's hip.
Lord MacGuffin drew the sword slowly, wondering what the young man was up to. After fully drawing the blade the young man positioned Fergus and himself in the front of the thrones facing each other with a small distance between them. Then he raised lord MacGuffins sword and had him hold it out in front of him.
Satisfied Hiccup turned to Fergus, "Alright your majesty. I want you swing your sword as hard as you hand against lord McGuffin's."
The king raised an eyebrow at the young man's request. What did the young man think a sword as light as this would do? If anything it would break. But after a nod of encouragement from Hiccup he shrugged. After the young man backed out of the way king Fergus adjusted his grip on the sword. Then with a grunt he stepped forward and swung the sword in a horizontal arc aiming for the middle of the long sword.
Everyone gasped at what happened when the swords made contact. After the initial clang of metal Hiccup's sword bit into the blade of lord MacGuffin and then went clean through, snapping the blade in two as the top portion of the sword flew off.
Lord MacGuffin stared at his now broken sword.
Everyone in the room stared in shock mouths agape.
Fergus eyed the sword in his hand in shock.
After overcoming her initial shock Merida leapt from her seat and rushed to her father before snatching the sword out of her hand. She couldn't believe how light is was. Taking a few practice swings she said, "It feels like I'm swinging a wooden stick."
The young lord Macintosh had also come to inspect the sword and snatched it from her. "Aye, light as a feather," he said in astonishment.
Everyone turned to look at Hiccup saw the look of amusement in his face. He had clearly known this was going to happen and didn't look the least bit surprised.
Pointing to the sword king Fergus finally asked what was on everyone's mind, "Lad what is that sword made out of?"
"It's called Gronckle Iron. It's made from a special lava that is formed in the belly of a certain dragon we call a Gronckle. Hence the name. We found that the metal is extremely light yet harder than steel," he explained.
Noticing the shield strapped to the dragon Fergus asked, "Is that what your shield is made out of too?"
"Oh show them the shield Hiccup," Merida said excitedly.
With a smile and a nod he took the sword back from the young lord Macintosh before walking over to Toothless. Sheathing the blade putting it back in the saddle bad he grabbed he shield and walked back to the kings.
Holding it up of for them to examine he said, "See an ordinary shield right?" He said while strapping the shield to his right arm.
Once he had everyone attention he activated the switch and transformed it into a crossbow. Everyone gasped in surprise, save for Merida.
Transforming the shield back he continued slowly, "And it can also do this." He paused to look for a suitable target. He found on in a large stuffed bear a few feet always. Taking aim he fired the bola at it, ensnaring it in the ropes.
Turning to face the crowd they looked thoroughly impressed. The ooh and awed while eying the shield.
"Who made that?" King Fergus asked.
"I did," Hiccup answered proudly.
Fergus widened his eyes in surprise at his answer.
"I was trained as a black smith back home. I designed the shield, my dragon's saddle, and even my prosthetic," he explained while lifting the prosthetic up slightly.
"By the way lad, I've been wanting to know the full story on how you lost your leg," the king asked. Fergus loved a good story. And one filled with dragons was just not one he could pass up.
Hiccup waved off Fergus's question and rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly, "Nah you don't wanna hear that, it's no big deal." Hiccup never really talking about himself. He was just too humble.
"Yes we do," Merida cried. Turning to her father she said, "Oh it's a great story da."
"Oh well now ah have to hear it. Come on lad," Fergus begged.
Still hesitant Hiccup remained silent. He saw the entire room's gaze upon him as they eagerly awaited a story. Deliberating with himself he felt Merida grab his hand.
Merida looked up at him and with her best puppy dog she said, "Oh please Hiccup. Please tell the story." She added a trembling lip for added effect.
Thor damn it. Hiccup said in his mind. That darn face. Blushing lightly he gave a deep sigh and said, "Oh alright."
With a wide smile, Merida pulled him back to their seats.
King Fergus, lord MacGuffin, and the young Macintosh all followed hastily and made themselves comfortable in their seats looking at Hiccup expectantly.
Settling down in his seat Hiccup took a sip of his wine. Clearing his throat he was about to begin when he saw the triplets out of the corner of his eyes. Turning to them he smile and handed them his shield for them to examine. Then he reached up to his shoulder and removed Sharpshot. Handing them to the triplets he said, "Here guys hold these for me."
The triplets beamed at him and excitedly accepted the shield and small dragon. They eagerly began feeling Sharpshot's horns and scaly skin.
Sharpshot made an unhappy look at Hiccup and puffed smoke, but made no attempt to free himself form the young pre-teens.
Taking a breath Hiccup started his story. Everyone around him was immediately enthralled in his story. Toothless having heard his name repeatedly during the story got up and went to stand by Hiccup putting his head between him and Merida while Merida scratched him on the chin. The crowd responded to the highs and lows of his story with gasps of excitement and horror. Finally reaching his battle with the Red Death he had them all on the edge of their seats. After concluding his story he took another sip of wine to wet with scratchy throat and let the story sink in.
Fergus then slowly started to clap, which triggered a chain reaction as the lords, their sons, and son everyone in the hall joined in.
"Truly a great story lad," Fergus stated enthusiastically.
"Aye lad amazing," Lord Macintosh added.
"So that why the Viking chief in the dungeon called you all those names?" Lord Dingwall asked.
"Oh yeah. I've become a bit of a legend unintentionally. I just prefer to be called a dragon trainer really," Hiccup said shyly while rubbing the back of his neck.
"So lad, what are you doing here?" Lord MacGuffin said gruffly. Coming out ruder than intended.
"Lord MacGuffin," Elinor cut in chastising the lord.
At the lord's question Hiccup paused with his drink to his lips. The question had just reminded him of his situation. With his presence known and sure to spread throughout the kingdom it was no longer safe to stay in Dunbroch.
"I guess I should explain that," Hiccup said sadly.
With that he slowly began to go over the war with the Berserkers. He explained how Dagur was obsessed with destroying him and started the war for no reason other than to get revenge for not giving him Toothless. He then somberly explained his tribe's plan to capture Dagur that ended in his failure. He concluded his story by stating how he and Beheader had come to the agreement promising to spare Berk from war that led to his exile.
After his story was finished he hung his head sadly.
"So that's why you left?" Merida said at his side.
He nodded slowly.
"Lad. You aren't to blame you know," Fergus said trying to comfort the lad.
"I know. But it's the reason I now have to leave," Hiccup said standing up.
At his sudden action Sharpshot squirmed free of the triplets' grasp and climbed onto Hiccup's shoulder. Toothless also raised his head to look at his rider. Hiccup took his shield back from the boy and was prepared to say goodbye to everyone while thanking the king when a shout cut him off.
"WHAT! You're leaving?" Merida shouted at Hiccup. Her heart had sank at hearing Hiccup declare his intention to leave.
"Yes Merida. The plan was to stay hidden. Then when you found me I at least got you to keep it a secret. But now that I've revealed myself word will spread throughout the kingdom, and eventually it may reach the Berserkers," he explained.
Just as Merida was about to argue, her mother cut in. "That seems unlikely. After all, we Scots don't trade with Vikings," her mother reasoned.
Merida smiled at her mother for making a good argument. She was correct, Vikings and Scots didn't associate with each other. The chance of word spreading to the tribes was minimal.
"That may be. But a trader could stop in Scotland and spread the word to Viking waters," Hiccup said.
Merida didn't have an answer for that. That was certainly a possibility. There was always the occasional trader coming from far off lands. They could hear word from the locals and spread the word around. Not willing to give up she turned to her father in desperation and said, "Dad."
Fergus just sat mouth agape and shrugged, uncertain of what she wanted him to do. She motioned with her eyes toward Hiccup telling him to do something. Standing up Fergus said, "Now hold on Hiccup, my wife is right. It's very unlikely that the Berserkers will hear that you're hear. As a matter a fact why don't you stay here at the castle? I can give you a job as a blacksmith, you can earn a bit a gold, start a new life. You can be happy here lad." The king offered.
Hiccup contemplated the king's offer. It was a very generous offer. If he stayed here he could have a life. He could save up and maybe buy some land someday. Maybe find a Scottish girl. The king's kindness truly touched his heart. But the thought that his presence could possible bring war upon the Scotts was too much of a risk.
"That's a very generous offer your majesty. But no. I won't have Scottish blood on my hands," he said turning to the king with his mind made up.
"Your majesty, thank you for not executing me. And I also thank you for your generosity. If I may ask for one more thing?"
Fergus raised an eyebrow and nodded motioning for him to go on.
"If you will allow me to use your forge I would be most grateful. I would like to make some repairs and perform some maintenance on my dragon's prosthetic and saddle. Gods only know when I'll have access to another forge," he requested.
The king nodded and motioned for a guard to escort him to the forge.
"Thank you your majesty," he said while turning to follow the guard. Pausing he stopped and turned to Merida who was looking at him with sad eyes. Placing a hand on her shoulder he gave her a sad smile. "You've been a good friend Merida. Thank you for everything I'm glad I could help your people," he squeezed her shoulder gently to show his appreciation before following after the guard.
Toothless nuzzled her cheek and gave her a small lick to express his gratitude before following after his rider.
Merida watched him go with sadness. After he left the room she rounded on her father, "Dad you have to make him stay." She cried.
Fergus only shrugged helplessly, "Well there's not much I can do lass. Unless you want me to throw him in the dungeons the lad is free to do as he pleases. The lad's made up his mind."
Merida only frowned. She wasn't gonna give up so easily. Slamming her hands on the table she got up and ran to forge. After all that Hiccup had done, she wouldn't let him do this. He didn't deserve to live alone. As his friend it was her duty to stop him from making a bad decision.
She picked up her pace, readying herself for an argument. She would make him change his mind. She wasn't gonna let her first friend go. Not without a fight.
After reaching the forge Hiccup had unsaddled Toothless and the tailfin. He then stripped down the tailfin and began heating the metal so that he could reshape it. With the metal heating up he began to go over the saddle. Deciding to play it safe, he determined that building a new saddle would be the best option. Looking through the forge he found the necessary amount of leather that would be required. So with his knife he began cutting. Outside the forge Toothless was curled up with Sharpshot perched on his back as they patiently waited for their master to finish his work. They suddenly perked up at sound of someone swiftly approaching.
Hiccup was interrupted from his work by a voice coming from the doorway, "Hiccup." Said a familiar voice.
Not turning around he paused in his work and took a breath. He suspected that she might try to stop him. He had been preparing for a possible confrontation. Letting out his breath he calmly said, "Yes Merida?"
"You aren't really gonna leave are you?"
"I have to. The Berserkers could find me," he said flatly.
"You'd be safe here. The kingdom is strong. We would protect you, you know. It's the least we owe," Merida insisted.
"I know you would. And that's the problem. I won't have an old war rekindled on my behalf."
"So you're just gonna run for your whole life?" Merida yelled angrily. "Just keep moving? Never settling down? Just being alone?"
"I won't be alone. I have Toothless and Sharpshot with me," he said trying to keep calm.
"Yeah…but Hiccup you need people too. You can't just—," she began.
Finally losing his patience at her persistence Hiccup slammed the leather he was working on down on the work bench. Then her whirled around to face Merida, "Oh my gods Merida, what does it matter?! I'm an outsider. A foreigner. Why am worth risking a war for." He said while running a hand through his hair.
Merida was initially surprised by his outburst. She had never seen Hiccup get angry before. She quickly recovered form her surprise and narrowed her eyes at him. "It matter because you're my friend. Hiccup, you're a good man. You don't deserve to be alone. You deserve to be happy," she quietly.
Touched by her statement, his face softened. "Thank you Merida. But I can't stay. If the Berserkers were to come here and start a war," he paused to turn away and lean over the work bench with his hands on it. "And you were to die. I wouldn't be able to forgive myself," he finished weakly.
This only made Merida angry. Why did this man have to be so damn noble? Why did his reason have to be so unselfish? He was willing sacrifice himself to protect a kingdom full of people who would call him their enemy. Hiccup was such a good man. She realized it was futile to try and persuade him to stay because Hiccup was a man who would always do the right thing. She had seen that today. Feeling hot tears coming to her eyes she angrily yelled, "Fine then. Live alone for the rest of your life you idiot!"
With that she ran out of the forge with her head down pashing a concerned looking Toothless and Sharpshot.
Releasing a shaky breath, Hiccup cursed himself for hurting Merida. She was such a good friend for wanting him to stay. He definitely hadn't wanted their last words to end like this. Picking up the leather scraps again he got back to work.
Suddenly he sensed a presence behind him. He guessed it was Merida come to try and convince him to stay again. With a sigh he said, "Look Merida I'm sorry. I just can't stay. Please don't make this harder than it is."
"Sorry lad. I'm not my daughter," came a voice that sounded remarkably similar to the queen's.
Turning around, he was met with Queen Elinor. Standing up straight and looking regal she had a hint of amusement on her face. Suddenly feeling very nervous in the presence of the sophisticate monarch, Hiccup began to fidget nervously. "Oh...uhm…uh…I'm sorry about your majesty," Hiccup stammered out while attempting an awkward bow.
She gave him a small smile. "It's quite alright lad. I just came looking for my daughter."
"Oh yeah she just left. We kind of had an argument," Hiccup said sadly, tuning his gaze toward the ground.
"I suspected that might happen. My daughter can be quite stubborn," she said knowingly. Shifting her eyes to the workbench behind the young man she asked, "What are you working on?"
"Oh I'm just making a new saddle. Better safe than sorry you know?" He said with a nervous smile.
"I see. Do you mind if I watch," she said interested in the process of making a dragon's saddle.
"Oh yeah. I mean it's your castle and all," Hiccup joked weakly. Then he turned back around to continue his work.
Elinor walked up and stood behind the Viking as he began to work.
Hiccup was starting to sweat having the queen watching him work. Something about her unnerved him. Perhaps it was the fact that he had never met a woman who carried herself like the queen did. There was also the fact that she was incredibly sharp and perceptive. That much was clear in within only the first few moments of meeting her. Hiccup was suddenly pulled form his thought when the king broke the silence after a few moments.
"Do you really plan to live alone for the rest of your life lad?"
"If that's what it takes. It's not the most ideal, I know, but it's what's best for everyone," he said blankly.
"Everyone except you," the queen replied.
"I got my dragons with me. It won't be all bad."
"While they are without a doubt very loyal companions. They are no substitute for people," the queen said evenly.
Hiccup suppressed a groan at the queen's persistence. They are really are mother and daughter, Hiccup thought to himself. With a breath through the nose he turned around to face the queen. He was only a few inches taller than her. But she made him feel tiny. Looking into her eyes he said, "I know but they'll have to be enough." He looked down and sighed again before looking back into her eyes, "Sometime we have to sacrifice ourselves for the food of many. As a queen, you probably know that better than anyone," he said, adding the last part in an attempt to end their exchange.
The queen's expression was blank for a few moments. Then without she stepped forward and embraced Hiccup. Hiccup was stunned the sudden action and tensed for a moment. Then the most peculiar thing happened. He relaxed into her hug. He didn't know why, but he found this strangely calming. He imagined this is what a mother's embrace must be like. He didn't remember much about his mother, so he could only guess.
Then all too soon Elinor pulled away and gave him a smile. "You're a good lad," she said sincerely. Then standing up on her toes slightly she kissed him on the forehead before turning to leave.
Hiccup stood there surprised. HE touched the spot on his forehead the queen had kissed and tried to process why it made so happy.
"I'm sure you've heard about the little…experience I had two years ago?"
Hiccup looked up to see the queen had stopped in the doorway to forge. He assumed she was talking about the incident where she was turned into a bear. He still found that story hard to believe. He was also a tad bit curious about what that must have been like.
"During that time I came to learn many things. I learned about finding strength within oneself. I learned about my daughter and how to compromise," she paused and turned to look at Hiccup. She held his gaze as she made her last point, "I also learned that sometimes, sacrifice is an excuse we tell ourselves to run away from finding a happy resolution."
Hiccup's eyes widened in surprise. For some reason it struck him to his core. He mulled over what the queen had just said.
With that the queen turned and left. Leaving the young man to his internal deliberation.
Was running away what he was doing? Sure there was a minimal chance that the Berserkers would find him, but was it ok to risk it? Was it ok for him to put an entire land in danger? Wasn't it just selfish? Hiccup didn't know. But he knew one thing. He didn't want to keep running. He didn't want to be alone. Coming to a decision he exited the forge and looked into the eyes of his companions. As if sensing his thoughts they perked up and Toothless stood to follow his master as he made his way back to the main hall.
He was going to see the king. There was something he needed to discuss with him.
The next morning Merida woke up in her bed feeling absolutely miserable. She hadn't meant to say that last, mean, and insulting thing to Hiccup. It wasn't they friends were supposed to part ways. Plus she had been so awful to him when the poor lad just wanted to protect them all. Now, he was probably gone and she would never get the chance to apologize. Even the thoughts on the anniversary of the alliance couldn't cheer her up. Dragging herself out of bed and getting dressed she trudged downstairs for breakfast.
Her family were the only one's present at the table. The clan members probably sleeping off a hangover from last night's celebration. Her father was present. He had dark circles under his eyes and he held his head in his hand as he slowly ate. She mumbled out a good morning and took her seat. Her brother's noticed her terrible mood and smiled at her. She smiled weakly back.
"Sleep well dear?" Her mother asked.
"Not really mom," she replied sadly.
She looked at her mother and something struck her as odd. While her mother's face had a neutral expression, her eyes seemed to be shining with something. Mischief? Looking across from her, she noticed her brother all had the same expression. They actually seemed to be trying to hide smile as they quickly shoved food in their mouths. It's like they were hiding something. Ike they knew a secret that she didn't. Maybe it was about the celebration? She raised an eyebrow in confusion at their strange behavior. As she was about to ask them about it a voice form behind her caused her to freeze in shock.
"Morning every one," the voice said.
Finally taking notice of chair set up to her right she whirled to face the figure who had just taken a seat. And was met with the face of Hiccup who gave her a crooked grin.
"Morning Merida, morning your majesties, morning boys," he said while addressing the whole table.
"Good morning Hiccup. Did you sleep well?" Elinor asked.
"Oh yes your majesty. But those beds are way too soft. Thought I was gonna sink through to the floor," Hiccup joked with a smile.
Merida watched the exchange between her mother and Hiccup in bewilderment. They were acting like everything was completely normal. Turning she stared at Hiccup as he ate. After a few moments Hiccup stopped and turned to her.
"What? Something on my face?" He said as neutrally as he could. Trying his best not to burst out laughing at her confused expression
"Hiccup? You're here? Eating breakfast?" she asked.
"Of course. Long day ahead of me. Gotta make a good first impression with my new colleagues," he said nonchalantly.
Still utterly perplexed, Elinor cut in to explain. "You see dear. Hiccup has decided to stay at the castle," Elinor started. "At least for the time being," she added. "And your father has given Hiccup a job as one of the royal blacksmiths."
Going over the mother's explanation in her mind she suddenly beamed. She turned to Hiccup still smiling. "So you're staying?" She asked excitedly.
He smiled and with a shrug he answered, "Yeah. For now at least."
"Oh Hiccup!" she shouted happily as she through her arms around him in a hug.
He chuckled nervously and returned the hug before a noise coming down the stairs caught his attention. With saddle in mouth Toothless descended the stairs and came to Hiccup's right side before dropping the items down in front of him. He looked at Hiccup and grunted impatiently.
"Oh come on bud at least let me eat," he begged the eager dragon.
Toothless snorted indifferently before gently grabbing his arms and pulling him out of his seat.
"Ah, alright Mr. Bossy. Geez," Hiccup said slightly annoyed. Crouching he scooped up the flight gear and began making his way to the entrance to the hall. He paused at the door and turned around.
"Hey Merida, want to come?" Hiccup asked.
Merida smiled in excitement before turning to her mother for permission.
Her mother smiled back and said, "Alright. Go ahead. But be back within an hour."
Merida eagerly nodded before leaping from her seat and following the Viking and dragon to the courtyard. She bounced around on her feet anxiously while Hiccup saddled Toothless and attached the tailfin. Ready to go he mounted Toothless and offered her his hand. She quickly accepted it and leapt on, grasping firmly onto the young man.
"You ready?" Hiccup asked looking back to her with a smile.
"Ready," she said with a nod.
With that Hiccup directed Toothless to take off. Which Toothless happily obliged. Beating his wings steadily he rose and level out before heading straight for the loch.
"So Merida, you wanna see what Toothless can really do?" Hiccup asked her.
"YES!" She shouted excitedly. "Let's see what he's got then."
Chuckling he leaned down to Toothless and quietly said, "You hear that bud? She want to see what you can REALLY do."
Toothless snorted at the challenge. With that Hiccup adjusted the tailfin and Toothless shot forward with a burst of speed. Merida gave a delighted shriek. Adrenaline coursing through her whole body as the wind roared passed her ears.
Seeing Merida enjoying the ride he quickly directed Toothless into a steep dive. Merida shrieked in delight as they headed straight for the waters of the loch. Then he pulled up at the last second and gained altitude again. Climbing high into the cloud he made Toothless do a couple spins. Then he let them freefall, letting Toothless do corkscrews as they fell.
Merida was having a blast. She thought riding Angus was exciting. But the experience of flying and Toothless's amazing speed totally beat all the rides she had ever gone on with Angus.
Deciding that there had been enough heart racing stunts he adjusted the tailfin, directing Toothless to level out and fly smoothly.
Feeling her stomach settle at the sudden stop Merida gaze out of the beautiful blue water of the loch. She'd never thought she would get to see it like this. It was truly a sight to behold. Looking up at Hiccup's face she smiled. She was glad he had decided to stay. There was still so much more about the young man she wanted to learn.
"I'm glad you're staying Hiccup," she said honestly.
He turned his head to face her. With a smile he replied, "Yeah me too. But I just want you to know Merida that it probably won't be forever."
She raised an eyebrow in inquiry.
"The Berserkers may find me one day. If that does happen, I will leave," he told her firmly. "Or I may just decide I want to move," he added.
She didn't like the fact that he may leave one day. But she realized that that was fair. He was his own person. He was an adventurer and held no real loyalty to the kingdom. She nodded in understanding.
"But I'll promise you this," he added.
She looked at him and met his eyes.
"I won't leave without saying goodbye," he said resolutely. Holding her gaze so she could see the truth in his eyes.
Merida smiled at that. At least he wouldn't disappear on her. With that understanding reached she pressed herself against the young man and relaxed. Placing her chin on his shoulder she stared off into the distance content to enjoy the moment.
He turned his gaze back to the front of him. He was glad he was staying. Looking down he couldn't help but admire the beauty of the land and lake. Feeling the girl relax behind him, he smiled to himself.
He couldn't believe his luck. Who would have thought he would've come across such a great friend in the land of his worst enemies. He chuckled at the irony of it all and content to let the god laugh at his unexpected twist of fate.
Hello everyone. Hope this chapter is enjoyable. Hope the fanfic is overall enjoyable. Hiccup and Merida will get together I rpomise but it iwll be a few more chapter. I'm slowly building up their relationship.
Anyway wnated to run another fanfic idea by you guys to get your thoughts. So i've noticed how in most Merricup fanfics that portray Hiccup and Merida as childhood friends, their mothers were best friends. or at least very close. So how would they have met? Here's my idea.
Plot: Elinor is kidnapped by marauder from her clan's land. Going into viking territory she is saved by Val (Hiccup's mom) and the Hooligan tribe and befriends her. His mother then proceeds to personally see that she gets back home. Thoughts?