Alright, I've been persuaded. I was going to wait until Friday, but clearly you do not want to, so...

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Without further ado, Chapter 43.

"Aeri."

Aeri groaned something incoherently before rolling over, pressing her face into her pillow.

"Silly girl..." Without warning the blankets were pulled off of her, and she shrank into a ball, shivering at the sudden cold.

"What gives?" she croaked, peering out of one half-opened eye to see her grandmother standing over her bed, an impish smile on her face.

"They've spotted ships on the horizon."

"There are always ships on the horizon," she grumbled.

"We aren't expecting any traders until next week," Valka said slowly, as though that explained everything.

And it did. Aeri could have smacked herself. "Oh my gods... They're here!" She scrambled out of bed, stumbling past her grandmother, and yanked her oversized tunic over her head and tossed it to the side.

Valka backed out of the room as her granddaughter hurriedly got dressed. Today was the day. The Hooligan Tribe would finally meet the people that had saved and welcomed their Chief's heir.

"Haku."

Haku groaned and opened one eye, peering up at his sister in the dim light belowdecks.

"What is it, Maara? Is everything okay?" he mumbled.

She smiled, the first one he'd seen since they'd left Heimme, and immediately he sat up.

"We've spotted land," she said, her smile growing. "Haku, we made it."

As the sun rose and the island loomed ever larger on the horizon, Haku's nerves only became more unsettled, and he paced the deck, barely acknowledging the people who had gathered silently to watch the scene unfold. Not long after Maara had woken him and they had left the hold, several specks had appeared above the island, and before long three dragons- with riders- were circling high above the line of ships. They made no attempt at communication, and in less than a minute had turned and flown back in the direction of the island. Haku swallowed his apprehension, telling himself he needed to trust that Rádgatá- Aeri- had prepared her people for their arrival.

The rest of the day passed in interminable slowness. An unfavorable wind picked up, hindering their progress, and exacerbating Haku's edginess. People had taken up the oars, and were fighting the strong current to no avail. Sitting belowdecks with them, sweating from the exertion of rowing, he wondered if they would even make landfall before dark, until mid-afternoon, when a group of riderless dragons flew out from the island. The creatures were large, with long necks and tails, a kind Haku had never seen before. From behind them appeared another unfamiliar dragon, and as they drew closer, Maara nudged him.

"Look."

"At what?"

She only pointed, and narrowing his eyes, Haku focused on that dragon, which had broken away from the group and was almost overhead. Then he saw it.

"Is that a..."

"Person? I think so."

But it was the strangest person Haku had ever seen, perhaps barring Aeri when they had first met. He was masked, and standing on the back of the dragon, which was now circling their ship. Everyone waited with bated breath to see what would happen next, but no one expected the strange dragon to suddenly sprout a second pair of wings as it came to a stop above them.

"My gods!" someone shouted. Haku was at a loss as the rider began to twirl a long staff, seemingly communicating with the other dragons. One by one they descended, each coming to hover alongside a ship. Maara gasped at the size of them, and couldn't suppress her grin at their friendly faces.

Then the rider pointed his staff at the ship, sending a nervous shiver down Haku's spine. What was going on? They didn't have long to wait before a rope tumbled from the sky, the end of it striking the deck with a thump. Dumbstruck, everyone followed the line back up to the friendly-looking dragon, which was watching them expectantly. Maara was the first to act, darting forward and scooping up the end of the rope.

"What do I do with it?" she called up to the rider, whose X-winged dragon had gradually come low enough to be rocking the ship with the draft from its wings. The man simply pointed his staff from Maara to the bow of the ship, and it finally dawned on Haku what this whole thing was about.

"Tie it to the bow, Maara! This one is going to help pull us to the island!" Excited, she nodded and ran forward to do as he said. The rest of the dragons and humans on the ship turned to look at Haku, who in turn looked up at the masked rider. Something about him reminded Haku vaguely of Aeri, and he wondered if they were related.

"Thank you!" he shouted. The rider nodded, before his dragon beat its wings hard and launched skyward. Haku shook his head at the sight. How in the world was he holding on?

"Haku! I've got it tied!" He looked forward to see Maara perched cheerfully on the bow, tugging on the large knot she had made. The large turquoise dragon seemed to have been waiting for her to say that, because it immediately flew forward, pulling the ship almost with ease behind it. In moments Haku could feel the shift in the motion of the vessel, and he couldn't help but cheer. He ran to the stern to make sure that the other ships were also being helped, and was pleased to see that was the case.

From that point on, time seemed to pass more quickly, and by the time the sun was low in the sky they were close enough to the island to hear the waves crashing against the cliffs, and to see curious humans and dragons alike watching their approach. Several times more dragons had flown out to replace the long-necked creatures towing the ships, so they maintained a smooth, rapid pace. Dragon riders appeared, forming a sort of guide with a pair of them leading each ship. The village and surrounding buildings were colorful and fascinating to behold. There were windmills and what appeared to be a large water tank, not to mention the bright banners and other immense structures he couldn't even begin to guess what purpose they held. Despite his efforts to the contrary, Haku found himself searching for a black dragon, not to mention his female rider, but he saw no sign of them. Finally the dock came into view, sprawling out into the sheltered waters alongside the island and zig-zagging up the cliff side. It was lined with people, and the sky overhead was swarming with dragons of all shapes and sizes.

The dragons of Heimme peered up nervously at their brethren, some wanting to greet them in flight, but most content to stay on the ships with their relatively new human partners. His anxiety renewed, Haku straightened his tunic, moving to stand next to Maara, Vasara, and their dragons.

"You ready?" His sisters turned at his words.

"Depends on how ready you are," Vasara replied.

A hand settled on his arm, and Haku looked down to see a weary but alert Vahna. Behind her, Asti stood solemnly, and his heart ached for her. She and Alkaa had been inseparable since birth, and now she was in a strange new place, far from home, without her beloved sister.

Haku thought of everyone who had been lost in the pirates' assault. The people who had bravely defended their loved ones even in the face of death. He thought of how fortunate they were to have someplace to go, that not all was lost. He thought of Aeri, who had made their survival possible, and his heart rate slowed. They had made it.

The dragon towing them released the rope, but their momentum carried them smoothly alongside the dock, gently bumping against the wooden planks. Immediately they dropped anchor, and two men tossed coils of rope to tie the ship in place against the dock, which had cleared of people. Haku singlehandedly picked up the plank and lowered it to the dock, then strode down it, pausing at the bottom to assist Vahna as she followed him. The people and dragons of Berk watched them disembark in a curious silence.

Finally he stood, with Maara, Vahna, and Vasara at his side. For a moment nothing happened, then the crowd rippled, revealing a familiar set of bright blue eyes.

Haku couldn't contain his relief. "Shade!" Maara cried.

The dragon bounded forward, nudging him, before turning to his sisters to shower them with affection. But Haku's focus was on the auburn-haired woman stepping free of the throng.

Seeing her again was like receiving a bucket of cool water over his head. Suddenly revitalized, Haku gave her a small bow, although he desperately wanted to hold her in his arms. "Aeri."

She returned the gesture smoothly, her expression composed. "Hak-"

"Rádgatá!" Maara shouted, leaping forward to embrace her. A smile blossomed on her face, and Haku laughed as Vasara shoved her way past him to join the hug.

"I've missed you so," Aeri told them, and they nodded, finally feeling safe.

Mika clambered overboard, and Aeri held out her hand to receive her spear, which the dragon carried in her mouth. The Grimler then turned to Shade and let out a loud snort, which he returned, grinning toothlessly. Kova and Fern were leaning over the railing, squawking cheerfully.

Then the crowd parted, revealing a strangely familiar looking man in leather armor and a blonde woman wearing a short fur cape. They were followed by another black dragon, slightly smaller than Shade, with vivid green eyes.

Aeri disengaged from Maara and Vasara, stepping back.

"Maara, Vasara, Vahna, Haku- these are my parents. Mom, Dad- these are my friends." Ah. Haku should have known.

The blonde woman smiled warmly, and the man came forward, reaching out to shake Haku's hand. He was young-looking, a few inches shorter than Haku, with shaggy auburn hair and sparkling green eyes. His armor was similar to Aeri's, but displayed several red crests. Where his left foot should have been, though, a strange metal device supported his weight.

"A smart man surrounds himself with women. Greetings, Haku. A pleasure to meet you all," he nodded at Maara and Vasara, then bowed respectfully to Vahna. Haku wondered what position Aeri's father held in the village, if he was the one greeting them, but didn't have to wait long for the shock of his life.

"This is my wife, Astrid-" Haku started at the familiar name, then... "I'm Hiccup."

Haku couldn't help it. He gaped. "Hiccup?"

"Yes?"

Haku turned and narrowed his eyes at Aeri, who was busy looking at the sky, scuffing her boot against the wooden plank beneath her feet.

"It's a pleasure to actually meet you, sir," Vasara spoke at his side.

Hiccup laughed. "Well, thanks. I must say I'm quite pleased to finally meet you all as well. This is Toothless," he gestured to the dragon who had appeared at his side, watching them all shrewdly. Haku caught a glimpse of red as the dragon flicked his tail back and forth, and it all sunk in. This was the Hiccup, responsible for ending the war between humans and dragons. This was the Toothless, his loyal companion. And Aeri and Shade were their children. It all made so much sense now.

"Come, let's go to the Great Hall. I imagine you are all hungry for something other than fish." Hiccup waved his hand at his people, and two dozen burly men immediately hurried from the crowd to assist the other incoming ships. He gestured for Haku and the rest of the people from the first ship to follow him, turning and heading back the way he had come, Astrid and Toothless at his side. Aeri walked with Maara and Vasara, chatting away, followed closely by Shade and Mika.

With a thump both Kova and Fern hopped from the ship as well, then the rest of the weary passengers. Haku wanted to stay at the docks and wait for the rest of his people to safely arrive, but knew it would be rude to make the other chief wait. So, holding his arm out to Vahna, he followed the procession, nodding at the villagers who greeted him cheerfully as he passed. It was all so disconcerting after being at sea for so long. They made their way up the winding wooden pathway, and he marveled at the sheer determination it must have taken to construct it.

And when they finally reached the top, well, it took him a moment to adjust. There were a lot of people, to begin with, but it was just the design of the whole place that struck him. Heimme had been built well, despite the constant threat of dragons, but Berk… it was really nice, and well thought-out. To his left, he could see enormous, flat bowls, piled high with shiny fish for the dragons, and there was a network of something running over the entire place, with ropes hanging down over every building. The architecture of the homes was very different than he was accustomed to, the roofs curving down low, but each detail had been painstakingly crafted. There were dragons everywhere, on banners and pillars and decorating the buildings, and in the setting sun the place was glowing with color.

Then he looked up at the mountain, and nearly had to take a step back. There was a massive statue that looked like it had been carved from the side of it, of an unfamiliar bearded man. Haku wondered who he was and why there was a statue of him. Wasn't Hiccup the hero? He suspected there was a lot more to be learned about Berk and its people than Aeri had shared in her story.

They processed up the streets, encountering all manner of humans and dragons on their way. Everyone seemed excited to see them, and Haku supposed they had been waiting over a month for them to arrive. Finally the houses ended, and the path led to a set of grand stairs leading to an enormous wooden door at the base of the mountain, flanked by two more statues. As they entered the massive torchlit space, his attention was first grabbed by the sight of an enormous tusk, suspended over the large fire pit in the center of the room. What in the world was large enough to have a tusk that size? he marveled. And, more importantly, who had managed to get it off the giant beast?

Haku could hear his people speaking in awed whispers as they too noticed the trophy hanging from the vaulted ceiling. Glancing behind him, he wondered at the shocked expressions on the dragons' faces as they saw the tusk, and became even more curious to know the story behind it.

"Tha' came from a Bewilderbeast," a heavily accented voice sounded at his ear, and startled, Haku turned to see a big grizzled Viking, with a braided mustache down to his chest. His shirt was scorched and torn, and where his hand and foot should be were a mug attachment and peg leg.

"A Bewilderbeast?" he asked.

"Aye. The largest and most powerful of all dragons."

Haku looked back up at the tusk, questions forming in his mind. "I thought you were at peace with the dragons?"

"Oh, we didn't hunt 'im for sport. Just over twenty years ago we had a spot of trouble with a man named Drago Bludvist, who had amassed a dragon army to take over the world, an' he had under his control one o' these humongous dragons. The biggest thing I've ever seen, and I had the shock of a lifetime when I saw two o' them battling it out."

"Bigger than the Red Death?" Haku asked, and the older man's eyes glittered with something he couldn't identify.

"Aye, bigger than tha' nasty piece o' work. Much bigger. Anyways, the thing about Bewilderbeasts is, they're the Alpha species. So after Drago's killed Valka's, he came an' took over all the dragons from her nest and on Berk—"

"Valka?"

"Oh, ye haven't heard of Valka? Well, you're in for a treat, then. She's Hiccup's mother, was taken and thought to be killed by dragons when he was jus' a wee babe, but was actually living among them for twenty years, and reappeared right in the middle of all the Drago trouble…"

"Gobber!" a voice cut him off, and they turned to see Hiccup approaching. "You're overwhelming our guests. There will be plenty of time to learn about our history later. For now, I imagine they would like to eat and unwind. Come," he gestured to Haku. "I think there's a lot we should discuss."

Haku swallowed his nerves, glancing down at Vahna. The wise woman nodded at him, and Gobber helpfully piped up, "I can see to the needs of this lovely young lady here. Go on, lad." Vahna shot him a stern look, but the old Viking just laughed and held out his remaining hand. "We can chat while the younger folks get settled."

Vahna still looked suspicious, and Haku was torn between staying with her and following Hiccup. "It's okay, Haku," she told him firmly. "I can take care of myself. Besides, I have Asti to supervise. You need to go speak with the Chief."

Uncertainly he nodded, glancing at a reserved Asti. He hoped the newness of Berk would help distract her from her grief, but only time would tell. Turning away, he strode after the older Chief.

"I made it very clear that no one was to come in here tonight, barring of course your people and a select few of mine," Hiccup said as they walked to the back of the room. Haku was grateful for the thoughtfulness, his people were weary and the walk up from the docks alone would be pushing it. Having to deal with a crowd of curious onlookers did not sound appealing.

"Thank you."

"I'll have Toothless and Shade show your dragons where they can stay, and eat, and all that," Hiccup continued. "I imagine having a familiar face present will make the adjustment easier. So maybe when everyone has arrived, have them tell their dragons to follow Shade?"

"I can do that."

They approached a large table where Astrid and Aeri were already seated with Maara and Vasara on the opposite bench. A shorter, bearded man stood at the end of the table, arms crossed. Nearby, Toothless and Shade were with Mika, the older Night Fury watching intently as the Grimler spread her shredded wing, before showing her his red tailfin.

"Hmm." Hiccup was looking at Mika as well, and Haku could almost hear him thinking.

"Mika is Maara's dragon. As you can see, she can't fly."

"Well, we'll see what we can do about that," Hiccup smiled at him, and he resisted the urge to ask the older man a hundred questions.

"Now, as we wait," Berk's Chief gestured to the doors, which were wide open, allowing a steady stream of haggard-looking people to enter, "we can discuss logistics." He sat next to his wife and daughter, and indicated that Haku should sit as well. A woman came up carrying a load of large mugs, and deposited one in front of each of them with a smile before bustling off.

"So. I'm sure you're wondering where you're going to be sleeping, and eating, and all of that. As soon as Aeri arrived home, we began construction on three longhouses, which should be large enough to hold all of your people. Fortunately, we had enough time to build furniture, so it should be a comfortable situation. The rooms are well-insulated, because winter is not long off, and no one should have to deal with a cold draft during their first winter on Berk." Hiccup paused to take a drink. "We've had a warm summer, so harvests have been and should continue to be plentiful, and the storehouses are full, thanks to Snotlout's supervision." He nodded at the man standing at the end of the table. "So everyone should have enough to eat. While I imagine you're tired of fish, it has become a regular staple for us, but hopefully our preparations are relatively creative compared to the options you had while at sea. Tonight we have several different options for you. I figured we should hold off on the welcome feast until you are all sufficiently well-rested."

Haku was deeply humbled by the generosity being shown to his people. They were complete strangers to Berk, and yet they were being treated like the closest of friends.

"I truly don't know what to say," he began. "How could we ever repay your generosity?"

"Don't trouble yourself with feelings of indebtedness," Hiccup said firmly. "You took in and cared for one of our own. That it was my daughter you welcomed makes me that much more inclined to offer you the best of our hospitality. We Vikings tend to be a course bunch, but I hope what we have prepared for you will be enough to sate your weariness. I understand that you desire to make yourselves useful, so whenever you are so inclined, we can discuss various employment opportunities for your people. Our tradesmen, farmers and fishermen would never turn away a helping hand. But that is for when you are ready, and no sooner."

"There's also the matter of the Academy," Astrid added, and Haku and his sisters looked at her curiously.

"We have a Training Academy here on Berk, based in the old arena," Hiccup explained. "Astrid, why don't you tell them more about that while I check on the dragons?" Excusing himself, he stood and made his way over to where Toothless, Shade, and Mika had been joined by Kova and Fern.

"Well," Astrid started. "It started specifically as a Dragon Training Academy, but has expanded into a school for all manner of skills." Haku didn't have to see Maara's face to know that she was barely containing her excitement when Astrid mentioned the weapons classes. "Swordsmanship is popular, but not nearly so much as the axes and hammers. Vikings are nothing if not blunt and predictable," the beautiful woman laughed. "Myself included. We mostly teach children, separated by age group, but I'm sure our teachers would be more than happy to accommodate anyone who is interested in developing their relationship with their dragon or their prowess with a weapon."

"I'm sorry I'm late, Astrid," a lilting voice called, and they all turned to see an older woman with long, dark hair striding towards them. With no small amount of shock, Haku recognized her armor and the staff she carried.

"You're the rider from earlier!" he exclaimed, berating himself for not considering that it could have been a woman underneath the mask.

"Yes," she smiled, revealing straight white teeth. "I'm Valka, Hiccup's mother." She looked far too young to be Aeri's grandmother, but Haku supposed that was a theme in their family. "I was assisting Fishlegs at the Academy and completely lost track of time," she explained to Astrid as she sat down next to Aeri.

"So. What did I miss?"

Aeri briefly went over what her father had told them. "And Mom was just telling them about the Academy."

"Ah, yes," the older woman's expression brightened. "I imagine that will be quite exciting for everyone. I'm slowing down in my old age, but I still teach now and again."

"Nothing could slow you down, Grandma," Aeri smiled fondly.

"It looks like almost everyone is here, Haku," Vasara said, and he looked out at the enormous room to see his people nervously standing in the space, a number of dragons milling about with them, and the rest clearly positioned right outside.

Immediately he excused himself, to encouraging smiles from Aeri's mother and grandmother. Aeri just watched him silently, but nonetheless he found her presence reassuring. Walking to the large fire pit, he was heartened by the cheerful flames. It had been too long since he had felt the comfort of a hearth, and he felt positive that soon, the apparent security and prosperity of Berk would ease his people's troubled hearts.

Noticing him, the weary and uncertain survivors all moved to gather around the fire, pressing together and murmuring. Haku raised his hands for silence, and soon the only thing to be heard was the crackling of the kindling.

"Hello, everyone. It has been a long and exhausting journey, but we have made it here. To safety. Tonight, we will dine here, together, for the Chief was kind enough to have a meal prepared for us, without the added stimulation of the other villagers."

"It's not fish, is it?" a voice called out, and despite their anxiety, everyone managed to chuckle, easing the tension of the room.

"No, I don't believe so," Haku smiled reassuringly. "I have been informed that three longhouses, complete with furniture, were constructed in anticipation of our arrival. You will all have beds to sleep in tonight, and floors that don't rock back and forth." Another small round of laughter.

"First though, I must ask you to tell your dragons to congregate outside. There they will be learning of their own living situations."

"Where's Dreki?" someone shouted, and everyone nodded.

"And Missti Einn?" another person cried out, with a chorus of "Yeah!"s and general murmuring.

"They're…" Haku turned to see Aeri still seated at the table behind him, watching the proceedings. "Could you, uh, say something to them?" She looked mildly surprised, but nodded, getting out of her seat and waving her arm for Shade to follow her.

"They're right here." He informed the crowd, then stepped back to where his sisters stood, allowing Aeri and Shade to come forward.

"Hello, friends," she began, smiling when a handful of people shouted greetings at her. "I'm so very glad to see that you made it here safely. My people are quite delighted to have so many guests, so don't let their charming Viking demeanor fool you, most of us are really pretty soft, especially when it comes to our dragons." She placed a hand on Shade's neck. "Speaking of dragons, like Haku said, Shade here will be showing them the stables, and where to get food. He also will be introducing them all to the Alpha, the Chief's dragon over there. As some of you may have already gathered, the Hiccup I told you about in my story is still Chief here, and Toothless is the Alpha dragon. I haven't told you about Alpha dragons before because it was never an issue on Heimme, but here on Berk things are a little different. Toothless takes care of all the dragons here, and keeps things orderly to avoid conflicts with us humans." Another wave of murmurs had passed through the crowd at the mention of Hiccup and Toothless, but Aeri continued.

"My f— Hiccup is here," she gestured to where her father was leaning against a pillar, Toothless sitting at his side, and immediately everyone craned their necks to get a look at him. "But he wants to give you all a chance to settle in before introducing himself. He and Haku have already discussed several important matters, like your housing, as you heard. I hope you will be comfortable here, and that you will let me know if you find something that is not to your liking."

Aeri saw that they were still uneasy, so she pressed on. "I hope that after everything we've been through together, you have at least learned to trust me. Trust me again, when I say you are safe here, and welcome. Trust in the goodness of my people. Something you should know, though, is that here, I am not a mystery, nor am I lost. I am still the same person I was on Heimme, just in a different setting. You know me as Rádgatá, and Missti Einn, but my people know me as Aeri. Feel free to call me whatever you please," she offered them a small smile. "My dragon's real name is not Dreki, as you may have caught earlier. He is known here as Shade, and he is Toothless's oldest son. Like me, I don't think he minds what you call him.

"I know that you are in a strange place, with strange people, but I must ask that you allow your dragons to leave for their own accommodations now. Don't worry, you can visit the stables any time, and the dragons are free to come and go as they please, but for tonight, let's give them the opportunity to settle in as well, shall we?"

Turning to Shade, she whispered, "Take care of them, bud." He nodded, then padded away, Toothless following close behind him. The refugees nervously said their goodnights to their dragons, then sent them off so they could eat and rest. Once the Great Hall was empty of large, fire breathing reptiles, Haku stepped forward again, standing at Aeri's side.

He raised his hands again for silence, and again his people watched him expectantly. "Aeri saved us from the dragon menace. Then she saved us from certain annihilation by pirates. And now, she has welcomed us into her home, and her people have offered us food, shelter, and comfort." Looking around, he sensed the sorrow evident in their tired faces. "My heart aches for the home we lost, for the friends and family we could not save. Let us be grateful for what we have received, knowing that those we lost would not want us to suffer in their absence. The future beckons us, and it is not wrong for us to follow the paths ahead of us, because we will never forget what lies behind us."

Tears left glistening tracks down the cheeks of many, and everyone present was deeply moved by the powerful sentiments. For weeks they traveled the seas, not allowing themselves a moment to reflect on their grief. Now that they had arrived, the relief was overwhelming, but so was the sorrow. Families had been decimated, lives ruined. They had made it to Berk with what few possessions they had left, what livestock had survived, and the dragons that had opted to make the journey. They had only the clothes on their backs, which had already been scorched and torn in the battle, and were now threadbare. Standing in this immense hall, decorated with unfamiliar banners, with their possessions and livestock and even their dragons in the care of strangers, it was all a bit much to bear.

"My friends… There is a time for sorrow, but there will also come a time for joy. A time for peace. A time for renewal," Aeri said, fighting the guilt that so often plagued her as she met the heartbroken gazes of the refugees.

"Aeri is right," Haku spoke up again. "Come. Eat the food that has been prepared for us, and let me worry about the details, alright?"

Still sorrowful, but marginally more at ease, the small crowd broke apart. Along one side of the room, while Haku and Aeri had been speaking, a veritable feast had appeared on the tables, and the smells of roasted meat and vegetables were mouthwatering to the tired survivors. Large kegs of mead were set up nearby, with stacks of dishes and cups nearby.

Haku urged the elderly and children to eat first. When it became clear that they were waiting for him to take the first plate, he informed them that he had no intention of eating until everyone else was taken care of. Aeri helped the smaller children to serve themselves, trying to cheer them up with promises of fun and flying.

Hiccup, Astrid, and Valka just watched from the back of the room. They were all immensely proud of Aeri, and impressed by Haku and the others. Since when did his daughter make such eloquent speeches? Hiccup wondered. She was a grown woman now, a fact that had become increasingly clear to him since her return. And she would make a great Chief someday. He knew that without question. All that remained to be seen was if she felt the same way she did before she left, or if she had accepted the responsibilities of her position.

According to what she had shared with him before the arrival of the refugees, she had done a great many things for the good of the people and dragons of Heimme, without expecting anything in return. It terrified him that she had faced such fearsome enemies at so young an age, but then had to force himself to remember all of the foolhardy and dangerous things he and Toothless had done when they were that age. "She is, without question, your daughter," Valka had told him quietly.

After everyone was sitting at the tables and had dug into their hot meal, Aeri walked back to where they sat, and suggested that they be introduced now, one table at a time.

"This is Chief Hiccup," she always began. "And his wife, Astrid. They are my parents." It took a few tries for them to become accustomed to the gaping stares they received upon the delivery of that news. But Hiccup and Astrid were exceedingly polite, welcoming each table to Berk and offering their assistance with whatever anyone might need. Valka suspected that Aeri knew exactly how the refugees would react, and was making the introductions so that they might be distracted from their current miseries.

And she was right. After Aeri and her parents moved away, the table would break out into whispered discussion, watching the subjects of what they now viewed as a legend walk around before their very eyes.

Valka herself was the subject of many a hushed conversation, as well. None of the refugees knew her story, but her timely appearance and assistance earlier in the day, along with her magnificent four-winged dragon, were cause enough to whisper about.

By the end of the evening, everyone had relaxed, and while there was still a long way to go in the recovery of their morale, a step had been made in the right direction. Aeri had pulled Gobber away from Vahna, and introduced him to Vasara, suggesting that she might want to come by the forge sometime. She also introduced him to Maara, mysteriously adding that her dragon Mika would be a perfect project to work on in the coming months.

Hiccup promised to lead a tour of the island the following day for anyone who was interested, and when everyone appeared interested, he laughed and said he'd get a few more tour guides. When it was time for everyone to head to the longhouses, Aeri led the way, greeting the torch-bearing watchmen wandering the streets as she passed. After they had arrived, she wished them all a fond goodnight, then allowed them space to organize themselves into the three structures. Haku watched her go, wishing she would stay, but knowing it was for the best. It took the better part of an hour, but finally all of his people were situated in beds of their own, and Haku was able to lay down, finding sleep came much more easily now that he knew they were all safe.

So. The refugees from Heimme have arrived. I know most of you were probably hoping for a bit more HakuXAeri, but you're gonna have to get used to this, unfortunately. I'll explain it more in future chapters.

We got 18 reviews on the last chapter! (Granted, three were from the same person, so there are only 16 names on the list up top) Let's try to break that, shall we? I'm a sucker for reviews. Love them.

Love you guys! See you next Tuesday. (And yes, you have to wait a week this time. I haven't had any time to write in the past few days so I'm going to run out of material to post if I keep updating more than once a week.)