So I actually decided to not do the timeskip just yet. I still want to do it, but the moment didn't feel right.

Character names for those who need it:

- Solveig and Edvard Hofferson

- Majken and Gisli Ingerman

- Ebba and Gerik Thorston

- Fjola and Spitelout Jorgenson

Chapter 5

"Welcome back home." Valka was smiling at her son as she and Hiccup entered their house again for the first time since the hole in the roof had been fixed. It was an odd feeling to return, even though she'd only left it for a little over a week.

Since Stoick's death it seemed so empty. And right now that feeling was even worse. Usually she left the fire burning through the day, therefore making her return in the evening quite cosy, but the fire had died down shortly after her new dragon friend had entered the house and due to being unoccupied during the repairs it hadn't been relit since.

Nonetheless Hiccup seemed quite happy to be back in his usual surroundings. Valka put him down on the blanket, that was always placed near the fireplace, where he immediately began playing with his toys, while she went to light the fire.

In the cosy light the atmosphere of the house changed a lot. She felt less alone, her grief fading to the background once again.

"There will always be that Stoick-size hole in me, I guess" she said quietly, as she sat down next to Hiccup and began to hand him one toy after the other, all of which he threw to the ground. From Majken she knew that this was normal behaviour for Hiccup's little more than six months of age. Fishlegs had gone through the same phase a month earlier.

"Alright, Baby" she interrupted him after a while of playtime. His movements had gotten a little sluggish, indicating his tiredness. "I guess it's time for you to go to bed."

"Majken, I've been meaning to tell you something, but the moment never felt right. So, before I avoid it any longer, I'll just do it now."

Valka knew she was rambling but ignored the notion to stop. Instead she held her friends eye contact.

"All I'm asking you to do is to follow me to the forest. I will explain on the way there."

"But what about the boys?"

Valka delighted at the way Majken was so ready to trust her but still put their children before her own curiosity.

"I'll watch them." Gobber had walked up to them.

After he had met the dragon himself, Valka had expressed her wish for Majken to experience the same wonder she had. Gobber had immediately agreed to watch Fishlegs and Hiccup while their mothers were away.

As they were leaving the Hall, Valka whispered a quick "Thank you" to Gobber, at which he nodded.

Even though Valka was excited to tell her friend, they walked at a leisurely pace.

That gave her the chance to give a few beforehand explanations.

"And no matter what happens, please don't assume a fighting stance" she ended her little speech.

Majken raised one eyebrow questioningly at that. Valka laughed softly. They both knew that Majken was no fighter and the mere thought of her picking up a weapon bigger than a dagger was amusing.

When they reached the forest Valka turned around. "Majken, may I introduce you?"

There was the rustling sound again and a head popped through the leaves. Majken gave a short shriek of surprise but otherwise stayed calm.

"This is my new dragon friend, the one who broke into my house only a week ago."

Majken's eyes had gone round. "He's beautiful", she said, her voice full of awe.

Valka was scratching him, which gave Majken the courage to touch the dragon as well.

The two young women stayed with the dragon for a long while, Majken still full of admiration for the beautiful creature before her.

"You think anyone has ever seen this species before?"

Valka shook her head. "At least not on Berk. They would've included it into the book."

Their conversation was interrupted by a commotion coming from the village and shortly after they heard several voices calling Valka's name.

"I guess this mean back to business." Valka sighed and bid the dragon farewell.

Walking through the village she soon found the source of the tumult. A ship had arrived at the dock. When she recognized the flag, it lifted her spirits.

Could it really be that he had returned after such a long time? She took off running down the ramps and almost flew into his waiting arms. "Björn!"

Since they had been children, Björn had always been her closest friend next to Majken. He was two years older than herself and had gone to sea after dragon training had finished. His last visit had been for her wedding about two years ago. And now he had returned unexpectedly.

"But why are you here?" she asked, once she had calmed down again.

"I heard about what happened at the gathering" Björn explained quietly, so that only she would hear him. "And something told me then that I should return home to be there for you."

His warm smile reminded Valka of the comfort it had given her back when they were children. "Thank you" she breathed, hugging him tight once more before letting go. "I'll be waiting for you in the Great Hall for lunch."

The rest of the morning flew by like nothing while Valka felt years younger and as light as a feather. She still couldn't believe that Björn had returned. And that his only reason was her well-being.

Now she was sitting in the Great Hall, with her back leaning on the wall and Hiccup in her lap. Majken sat beside her as usual.

The double-doors opened and Björn walked into the Hall, his eyes scanning the crowd. Valka lifted her arm and waved. When he saw it, Björn smiled and walked in their direction.

"Welcome back, Björn" Majken greeted him and with a nod he sat down across from Valka.

"This is Hiccup" Valka told him and stroked her son's back, who had turned away from the stranger and was trying to hide in the crook of her arm. With an apologetic smile she continued: "he just started doing that a few days ago. It will pass again."

"Hey there, Hiccup" Björn whispered, and Hiccup turned his head a little, cautiously looking at the stranger.

After lunch Valka and Björn stayed in the Hall for a little longer while Majken and the boys went back home.

"I came to stay for a little longer than usually" Björn started the conversation as soon as they were alone.

Valka looked at him in surprise.

Björn continued his explanation. "Actually I'll spend the whole winter here. You know that usually we spent the winters in oceans that don't freeze over, so we can still do our trading. But now it's only a matter of days before the freezing starts. So instead, we'll use the winter for repairs and restocking the ship and then we'll be ready again in spring. And I'll be here to help you whenever you need it."

Unable to hug him across the table, Valka instead clasped his right hand in both of hers. "Thank you so much!" she said, fighting hard to keep the tears down that had started to well up in her eyes."

And that was chapter 5. And I was finally able to introduce you to Björn. Please tell me, what you think of him so far! I know, I know, one chapter is not nearly enough time to get to know a character but I'm sure you'll like him as the story goes on.

The next chapter will start with a timeskip, reintroducing us to the characters about 4 years later. Can you believe it? We'll have the gang as toddlers!

Anyway, thank you so much for reading this. I'll see ya next time!

Lucasdiaz9000: I did some research regarding Vikings and their marriage customs and all I could find was that it was common for both, men and women, regardless of social status, to remarry quickly after their spouse died. But maybe you can point me to where your knowledge comes from.

CHSHiccstrid: Thank you so much for your review! You said you didn't really like the idea of Valka marrying so I'm especially interested in your opinion of Björn.