The Riders, with the help of Mister Thorston's boat, were reunited on Berserker Island in time to band together to journey to the seamstress. They even combined their coins from their earnings during the day along with Mister Thorston's win from the archery competition.

Although Mister Thorston was happy to help the Riders get to their next checkpoint to keep their island, Hiccup remained pressed about the mystery archer from the earlier competition that Mister Thorston had referred to when he had spoken to Ruffnut.

Hiccup hoped he would have more time to speak to Mister Thorston alone once they finished their business with the seamstress so she could accept their pay for disguises fit for an upscale auction with characters like the warlord Grimmel.

For now, Hiccup focused on flying Toothless along the path that the man from before had told him in exchange for keeping Barf and Belch as Ransom. Hiccup never thought he would be so happy to see that two-headed Zippleback soaring below him in the clouds.

Heather, feeling she had done her part, decided to send them well wishes for the rest of their journey and remain on her island's mainlands.

When the Dragon Riders Fishlegs, Tuffnut, Ruffnut, Astrid, Hiccup, and Gustav and their recent companion Mister Thorston arrived to the tiny village of the seamstress, they were surprised by how quiet and secluded it was. It was a small village nestled in the heart of a dense forest, and the only sound that could be heard was the trickling of a nearby stream.

The seamstress was a lovely old woman who welcomed them warmly into her abode, the community inn. She was a master at her craft, and she adorned the Riders with suits that would make them nearly unrecognizable to the people at the auction.

Eventually, the seamstress finished her work, and the Riders emerged from her home looking like a band of wealthy and respectable individuals. They planned to set out towards the auction with confidence by sunrise, having been given instructions from the man who had shown them the way.

Until then, the Riders were delegated to cozy rooms. Mister Thorston chose to room alone and was just blowing out his room's provided candle when his son Tuffnut appeared in his doorway, looking over his shoulder.

"We need to talk," Tuffnut said in the hush of the night. As if to anticipate his answer, Tuffnut said strongly: "About everything." His blue eyes flashed in the dim candlelight that barely lit his father's room.

Mister Thorston sighed ruggedly, settling his un-helmeted dreads on his bedsack. "I am only here ," Mister Thorston said slowly, "to see ye and me only girl off with ye dragons at this gambling ring ye've got herself into, and I'll be on my way back by the next moonrise. I only want to know she will be fine."

"So you're only here for Ruffnut." Tuffnut muttered after a long time.

"I found me girl by accident. I was originally going to see Berk off myself. Start a new, someplace else, with a new woman, perhaps. But when I saw her again, I realized, I've done enough livin'. I'm fine being forgotten and alone. It's what I deserve."

"Stop guilt tripping me," Tuffnut interjected. He gripped the doorframe roughly and whispered heatedly, "stop gas lighting me. You know why I ran away you bastard."

Mister Thorston sat up in his bed, his expression darkening at Tuffnut's outburst. Tuffnut felt a familiar shiver of fear jet down his spine, but kept his ground, reminding himself he was strong enough to deck his dad in the face if it came to it.

"I've never been one for words, Tuff. You know that," Mister Thorston said sternly. "But you can't keep running away from your problems, and you can't keep blaming me for them. You were a lazy pile of yakshit before you found a purpose. And it took me forever and day to realize how proud I became of ye once ye did."

Tuffnut's eyes narrowed as he took a step forward. "Blaming you? You were never there for me! You were always out, chasing after some adventure or some treasure on your God forsaken hunting trips," he spat out, his voice growing louder.

"And when you were home, you were drunk and violent. I couldn't--I couldn't fucking stand it anymore, so yeah, I left! And now you show up, pretending like everything's okay?! Like you can just waltz back into my life?!" Tuffnut fought the tears choking his windpipe to add, "what dad does that?"

Mister Thorston's expression softened as Tuffnut vented his frustrations. "I'm sorry, son. I know I haven't been the best father. When I had ye and your sister, yer mother and I were so young. I got overwhelmed by it'all. I let me anger get the best of me sometimes. But I want to make things right. I want us to have a chance to start over."

Tuffnut scoffed, crossing his arms. The sudden sound made his dad look at him in surprise. "Start over? How can we start over when you won't even acknowledge the pain you caused? When you won't even apologize for all the times you hurt me and Ruffnut?"

Mister Thorston sighed heavily, running a hand through his dreads. "I...I don't know what to say. I know I messed up, Tuff. But I'm trying to make amends. I'm trying to be better."

Tuffnut shook his head, his eyes brimming with tears. "It's too late for that. You can't just expect me to forgive you after all the years you've been gone. You can't just expect me to forget all the pain you caused."

Heaving a deep breath, Tuffnut opened the door and stepped over the threshold. "I'm going back to my room," he said quietly.

Mister Thorston watched his son go, a lump forming in his throat and tears in his eyes. He took a few moments to clean up his face and compose himself before getting up and following Tuffnut.

When he reached the hallway, he found Tuffnut had paused and was leaning against the wall, his face buried in his hands. His expression was full of pain and regret.

Mister Thorston scanned the corridor for a few seconds before mustering the courage to speak. "I'm sorry, son. I'm sorry for all the years that I wasn't home for you and your sister. I'm sorry for all the pain I caused you both. I'm sorry I wasn't there to protect you from the hurt."

Tuffnut's shoulders shook from all the pent up emotions and pain he had kept locked away for so long. He looked up, red-eyed and tear stained. Mister Thorston slowly stepped closer, unsure. Tuffnut didn't move away when he placed a trembling hand on his son's shoulder.

Tuffnut finally spoke. "It's okay. I understand now that you were just overwhelmed and lost. I'm glad you came back, even if it's too late for us to start over."

"I'll be here as long as ye need me," Mister Thorston said. He looked like his old self when an irritated scowl crossed his face. "With you two and your nonsense holding back Hiccup and the Hofferson girl, ye'll never get anything done anyway."

"What do you mean 'holding back', you old fart?!" Tuffnut retorted, temporarily forgetting his sadness to get a foot in his dad's incoming rant. All of a sudden, he felt his father's arms around him. A still moment passed, holding Tuffnut's confusion in midair. Then, Tuffnut heard his father weep softly into his shoulder.

"I've never thought I'd see the day," Mister Thorston whispered, "I'd pray to hear those words again."

Tuffnut felt a gentle tugging inside, and without thinking, he too, started to cry. A few minutes passed before father and son found the composure to unwrap from the hug.

Mister Thorston tenderly wiped his son's face with his sleeve and said, "Ye needn't worry, I'm not gonna let ye do all this foolishness without me. We'll make it through this gambling ring and then get back your little isle in the ocean. Together, eh?"

Tuffnut nodded, wiping away the rest of his tears.

"I know ye have questions about your mother, ye were only small when she died. And I know ye've got some more questions to ask me. I'll answer them all in the morning. Eat early with me and see." His father gave him a half smile before clasping his hand and pulling him back down the hallway to their respective rooms.

That night, Tuffnut slept soundly, comforted by his father's kind and sincere apology. He knew that no matter what happened, his dad would be there to protect him and keep him safe.

Hiccup pressed his ear to his wall more intently, but he didn't hear anything else from the room next to him. He jumped when he saw Ruffnut sitting on his bed.

"Ooh, Hiccup, I didn't know you liked eavesdropping too."

Hiccup had no rebuttal. "That sounded like it went okay."

"Maybe, but it will take time. Tuffnut is more sensitive than I am. I know it's hard to believe."

Hiccup said, "no, I definitely notice it. It's really hard for me to give him feedback on his battle strategy sometimes. So, I usually keep it to myself."

"I have to bite my tongue a lot too," Ruffnut admitted. "But it's fun to push his buttons."

Hiccup said, "Is there some reason you're not in your own room?"

"I can't sleep, thinking about you."

"Ruff..."

"Yeah, I know we're having our first couple's fight, but can we skip to the part where bygones are bygones?"

"It's not that simple. There's nothing wrong with you, it's me. Like I said, I'm...I just need time to think about everything between us, and make sure it's for the best. The Riders come first, and I want to make sure I can lead with a clear head."

Ruffnut sighed. "I get it. Tuff and I aren't used to sharing anything. Especially our feelings. It's not like either of us are the touchy feely type."

Hiccup smiled sadly. "I know, but maybe we can learn how to be. I do care about you, Ruff. Please don't doubt that."

Ruffnut nodded. "I won't. I'm sorry for pushing so hard. I just want you to be happy, because..." Ruffnut giggled, still feeling green at admitting her feelings out loud. "...you make me happy!"

Hiccup smiled instantly. It was still new for him to see Ruffnut act so shy and giddy. He blew out his candle, and then hugged her tightly and pressed her face close to his chest.

Ruffnut felt a new sensation swell in her as she took in Hiccup's earthy scent with the quaint-smelling wax of the smoking candle of his room. His arms and legs felt like a fortress when they secured around her. She found herself imagining what it would be like to be tangled with him every night, in a cottage of their own.

She thought about the potential children they could have. Ruffnut had never thought of giving birth before, but when she imagined with Hiccup, she saw herself with a big belly and carrying a little kid on her hip. It felt like such a rewarding image of love. Oh gods, she's got it bad, she thought to herself. Astrid would gag at her thoughts.

Hiccup said, "Will you promise me something?"

"Yeah...anything, Hiccup."

He whispered in her ear. "Will you always be honest with me?"

"I promise."

"Ruffnut," Hiccup whispered.

Ruffnut's heart raced when she heard the velvety timbre in his voice that she never heard around the other Riders. She met Hiccup's eyes simmering softly in the moonlight that creeped into the room.

"Who do you think that archer was that your Dad was talking about?"

Ruffnut frowned at the sudden questioning but she answered honestly. "I'm not sure. It could be anyone from anywhere. We have so many enemies, it's hard to tell who it could be."

"I know," Hiccup said, his brow furrowed. "But it's best to be prepared. I'll do my best to keep you safe, Ruffnut."

Ruffnut felt a warmth spread through her entire body as she looked into Hiccup's eyes. He meant every word he said. She wanted to tell him how much he meant to her, but instead she embraced him tightly and whispered, "I know you will."

In the grey early hours of the next morning, Astrid slipped from her covers and shimmied into her armored skirt. She felt for her axe's warm, leather handle in the dark and fished it from a corner. She passed by Tuffnut's room, and decided to pay him a short visit.

Tuffnut felt someone waking him up and taking his helmet from his eyes. "What?" He croaked.

"I'm going to get breakfast. Wish me luck."

"Okay," Tuffnut said. He took out a small lizard from his pocket and looked for somewhere on Astrid's person to house it.

Astrid jumped.

"Just hold still," Tuffnut said.

"No!" Astrid said, biting her disgusted laugh to keep the other Riders asleep. After much giggling protest, Tuffnut placed the lizard back in his tunic. "Lizards are lucky."

"Put it back outside," Astrid commanded.

"Eventually."

Astrid answered, "see you later."

Tuffnut gripped her arm, keeping her from leaving. "Odin be with you," he said seriously. With only a brief hesitation, he gingerly pulled her by the arm to his figure. Astrid felt herself nearly trembling with anticipation. She didn't make a move to tell him she didn't want what came next. He pecked her lips interestingly, and she returned him another kiss, a deliberate one.

Tuffnut made a deep, comfortable sound in his throat, and then broke away. He smiled. "I'll see you later," he said.

Astrid ran her fingers through his hair, reluctant to let go. She felt a strange sense of security in his presence. She smiled and nodded. "Yes. See you later."

With a last parting look, Astrid set off to get breakfast, her heart soaring.

She was surprised to see Mister Thorston armed with a bow and knives and making his own path into the hillsides from the seamstress' inn. Even Hiccup wasn't awake yet to fly Toothless on a test drive. Astrid followed him curiously, careful not to make a sound.

Mister Thorston impressed Astrid by making quick game in the forest by his efficiency and lighting-quick aim with his arrows. She hid as he passed in front of a tree.

"Don't lose me, lass, these woods have eyes!" Mister Thorston called behind him.

Astrid deflated and lugged her axe to where he was waiting for her with a crooked smile.

"I wasn't spying, sir, I was just wanting to know why you were up so early," Astrid explained.

"Laverne is fine by me."

"So sorry," Astrid said. "Did you see any strange men poking around?" She instinctively looked over her shoulder for a tall, white-haired man.

"No, just trees and dumb prey. Lizards." He gestured to a lizard poking its tiny, scaly head from his pocket. Astrid jumped at the sight of it. She wondered if collecting lizards was just something the Thorston clan did. As if reading her mind, Laverne said, "they're lucky by our blood, protects you from the forest spirits."

"I see," Astrid said. "Laverne, I just want to thank you for helping Hiccup find us on the island. Who knows what would have happened if we didn't find each other in time. We would have missed the whole auction by being just a minute off schedule."

"You and Tuffnut are close," Mister Thorston announced with ease.

Astrid gawked. "Y-yes, we're friends. Riders. I mean, Dragon Riders, if you know what that means."

"I'm aware, girl. Dragons were all Tuffnut could spew on about once Hiccup showed 'im how to tame his own. What I'm on about is your intentions with me son."

Astrid felt her cheeks warm up as Mister Thorston's words sank in. She had never considered that Tuffnut's father would bring up the topic of their relationship. She and Tuffnut had been spending more time together lately, but she never thought it would come to this.

"I...I don't know what you mean, sir," Astrid replied, trying to avoid the question.

"Don't play coy with me, girl. I can tell when someone has feelings for my son. So, what are your intentions?"

Astrid took a deep breath and looked straight into Mister Thorston's eyes. "I care about Tuffnut a lot. He's a great friend and an amazing Dragon Rider. But I don't know if I have any romantic feelings for him or anything."

Mister Thorston raised an eyebrow. "Is that so? And what about him? Does he have romantic feelings for you?"

Astrid shrugged. "I don't know. We haven't talked about it."

"Well, maybe you should," Mister Thorston said. "It's important to be clear about your feelings, especially when you're dealing with matters of the heart."

Astrid nodded, feeling both embarrassed and grateful for Mister Thorston's advice. She knew deep down that she needed to talk to Tuffnut about their relationship, but she didn't know how to bring it up.

As if reading her mind, Mister Thorston patted her on the back. "Don't worry, girl. Just be honest with him. That's all that matters."

Astrid smiled, feeling relieved. Maybe talking to Tuffnut wouldn't be as hard as she thought. She thanked Mister Thorston for his words of wisdom and made her way to the inn's porch, where Tuffnut was tinkering with his dragon's saddle.

"Hey there, Tuff," Astrid said, trying to keep her voice steady.

Tuffnut looked up, grinning.

"Astrid! What are you doing up so early, Dad?"

"Ye have the memory of a chicken. I said the last night ago we were going to have an early breakfast. Join me when I get the fire going."

Tuffnut rolled his eyes once his father strolled out of sight, swinging medium limp game. Suddenly Toothless ran past, whizzing by with a newly fastened wing on his tail. Hiccup said hello as he sprinted after him. Toothless took flight and landed on his nose with a screech. Hiccup shouted to ask if Toothless was okay.

"I wanted to talk to you about something," Astrid said, fidgeting with her hands.

Just then, Gustav emerged from the inn with a yawn. "What's for breakfast?"

"Not now, buddy," Tuffnut interjected. "Shine our helmets while you're waiting."

Gustav frowned, but did as he was told and disappeared back inside the inn.

Tuffnut turned to Astrid once they were alone again. He furrowed his brow. "Is...everything okay?"

Astrid took a deep breath and looked at Tuffnut straight in the eye. "I've been thinking a lot

about us lately, Tuff. And I just wanted to let you know that I have feelings for you."

Tuffnut's eyes widened in surprise. But as he processed her words, a grin slowly spread across his face.

"Well, well, well. Looks like the tough Astrid has a soft side after all," he teased.

Astrid rolled her eyes but couldn't help but smile at his response. It was so Tuffnut-like.

"But in all seriousness, Tuff. I-"

Before she could finish her sentence, Tuffnut had closed the distance between them and leaned in to kiss her for the second time ever.

The warmth of his lips sent shivers down her spine, and she found herself melting into the kiss. The world around them faded away, leaving only the two of them in their own little bubble. Astrid wrapped her arms around Tuffnut, deepening the kiss as her heart raced in her chest. She had never felt this way before, and it was both exhilarating and terrifying at the same time.

Tuffnut broke the kiss, his forehead resting against hers as they caught their breath. "I've been waiting for you to say that for a long time, Astrid," he whispered, his voice husky with emotion.

Astrid smiled, hoping she would never have to admit to Ruffnut she was getting just as boy-crazy as she was about Hiccup.

"Need help with that?" Astrid asked, gesturing to Tuffnut's dragon-saddle. He obliged her to help him tighten some bolts on the reins, bare-handed.

The crew had a breakfast of rabbit and squirrel, with some bird eggs. Mister Thorston shared plenty of answers to the Riders' and his children's questions about his dead wife who had fought in one of Berk's first wars, but went silent when Hiccup attempted to probe into his thoughts on the identity of the archer from their competition.

Hiccup retained a brooding anger about Mister Thorston's silence that showed as he sailed on Toothless in gallant clothing towards the auction.

Snotlout announced, "we better lay low. I think we're getting close." He pointed to a mammoth wooden ship that no doubt belonged to Grimmel. Fishlegs concurred.

"I know this place," Hiccup said. "We're in Wingmaiden territory. The dragons should be safe with them while we go to the auction on foot."

"Wingmaiden?" Mister Thorston said in confusion, riding Belch who also tugged his boat on his green, scaly back.

Astrid's heart was still beating fast from the kiss with Tuffnut, but she tried to shake herself out of it and focus on the task at hand. "The Wingmaidens are a group of fierce warriors who have a special bond with their dragons," she explained to Mister Thorston. "They'll keep our dragons safe while we go to the auction."

Mister Thorston nodded, seeming relieved to have a plan in place. "Lead the way, then," he said, and they began to make their way towards the Wingmaiden's stronghold.

As they walked, Hiccup couldn't help but feel a sense of urgency. He knew that Grimmel was dangerous, and he couldn't let anything happen to Toothless. He glanced over at Astrid and Tuffnut, who were walking hand-in-hand ahead of him. He felt a pang of jealousy but pushed it aside. He had more important things to worry about.

When they arrived at the Wingmaiden's stronghold, they were greeted by a group of armed women, all mounted on fearsome looking endangered dragons.