The Rebellion

by KatieMarie999

Growing Up Haddock Story 9: After years of plotting his revenge, Brandyn Anderson is back. Welcome to The Rebellion. Join Hiccup, Astrid, Fearless Finn, Adrianna, Erick and their friends on the epic conclusion to the Growing Up Haddock series. Will they prevail against evil, or will their entire world be destroyed? Only HTTYD and R/DoB are canon. T for limes and mature situations.

5. Memories and Mementos

*Peeks around corner*

Oh hello! Uh… let's see, what have we missed… Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, Happy birthday to me, Happy Valentine's Day… oh and Happy April Fool's Day!

NO, this is nOT a Drill, and it is NOT a prank! It is I! We have returned! And boy, am I sorry for the long time it's taken me to get this next chapter out to you all. After Christmas and New Years I went through a big writing slump and started the next chapter, which turned out to be entirely full of content that was too soon in the timeline lol I almost skipped so much, it's horrible. Luckily I caught it and realized I had to pull it way back.

Then came February, in which I had my birthday and my sister's birthday, then met someone :) So I've had a bunch of really good dates and was properly distracted with that. Kept writing as best I could. March arrived with the prospect of packing up my apartment to move. I was determined to get this chapter done before all that happened. Determined!

Yeahhhh didn't happen. When I tell you guys I've spent the last 3 weeks giving myself gray hair and stressing out about stuff, believe me, it was bad lol I did my best not to stress and not feel too guilty about this chapter not going out yet, but two of our readers helped me get through it and not feel too terribly guilty. Blair and Jon, I appreciate you both, and I hope you two enjoy a lil present in this chapter :}

Now that I'm getting settled into the new place, I can focus on writing again. I'm planning to get back into this story on a weekly basis once more. Thank you all for your patience & I'm sorry once again for the super long wait! TR is back and it's ready to pack a punch. Please don't forget to review and I'll talk to you all on Discord! If you're new, please join us! :)

~Em

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Chapter 5: Memories and Mementos

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Astrid Hofferson Haddock was many things. A warrior, a wife, a Chieftess, a teacher, a friend. Being a mom outshined them all. It was her greatest pride, seeing her two babies fully grown, starting families of their own. Still living, breathing, all in one piece. Well, mostly. They hadn't lost limbs, but they both had enough emotional scars to season even the stoutest of warriors.

And yet they still smiled. They still had spirit and passion. They still loved life.

She and Hiccup might have screwed up in dozens- no, hundreds of ways as they raised their twins. But seeing them happy on their twenty-first birthday brought Astrid more pride than she ever thought possible.

As per usual, she kept these thoughts gathered up in her heart to inspect and treasure at a later time. Even after all these years and their various ups and downs as a family, she still wasn't fond of looking at her emotions too closely if she wasn't ready.

She had a lot on her mind besides. What with Snotlout and the twins' long awaited arrival after a week away to search for Alton and Johann, tensions were beginning to run high. Hiccup had taken to staring at the far off horizon as if he could sense their approach, just as Toothless would follow his gaze and sniff the air. And yet nothing.

They would return with news, she was sure of it. In the meantime they needed to keep their heads and be patient. Not cause the Brands unnecessary stress, particularly Taryn. She was due to give birth in just under a month and it wouldn't do for her to go into premature labor. Not if Astrid could help it.

So on the morning of the twins' birthday, Astrid was meeting Finn for an early breakfast at the Great Hall. Well, she supposed it was no different than their usual morning breakfast meetings. She couldn't deny however that this one was special.

Twenty-one. It felt like yesterday she herself was twenty-one and now…

Refusing to think about her own age and thus turn her thoughts to more speculative endeavors, she forced her mind on the path ahead. It was bad enough that she'd burst into tears on multiple occasions after Finn moved out of the house. She wasn't going to do that today.

It had been so… strange, having no kids in the house. Finn had always been a boisterous child, coming and going with loud bangs and heavy-booted steps and jangling weapons no matter what age. Adrianna had always been a quieter presence, but a presence no less. She'd always be curled up in some corner reading or baking cookies with Erick. But now that they were all grown up with homes of their own, the Haddock home had felt distinctly… empty.

She'd always heard that becoming an empty nester hit different for everyone. Lara Larson had been very pleased indeed, happy to no longer have others under her roof so she could do whatever she wanted, whenever she wanted. Though she meant nothing negative by it, Astrid could understand the sentiment. Raising twins herself had been a lot of work. But raising five kids? She couldn't imagine.

Astrid refused to think too hard about it, but… she hated the quietness of the house. She'd spent the first week after Finn moved out spending most of her time around the village and the arena. Hiccup had eventually sought her out, insisting she had to come home and face the music.

"I know you don't want to talk about it, but the fact is, Astrid," Hiccup had said calmly, wincing slightly as her eyes had narrowed dangerously. "If you don't come home, then I'm left alone to my own devices. And imagine the state of the house when that happens."

He'd said it teasingly and it had dimmed the ire roiling through her veins. It was true though. Whenever she and the kids had been gone for long periods of time, Hiccup would inevitably bring more tools and gears and inventions into the house, and that simply would not do. Just because they no longer had babies in the house didn't mean the house needed to become a widespread workbench.

So she'd gone home. She'd thrown herself into chores, cooking them dinner (Hiccup tried and failed to help, as did Toothless), reorganizing shelves that had been driving her crazy for months, starting laundry.

And upon finding one of Finn's forgotten socks, she promptly burst into tears.

Once it started, it didn't seem to stop. Hiccup had given her a hug, but it didn't seem to help. She missed Finn and she hadn't properly seen him most of that week due to unpacking and traveling to Hjart. He was busy, yes, and he shouldn't have to go out of his way to remember his old and graying mother, but gods blast it, he'd been gone for five days and he'd forgotten about her already!

Hiccup had insisted she take a hot bath to relax while he "sorted this out". Astrid hadn't had much fight left in her and obeyed, which a tiny part of her soul cringed at. But clearly she was more upset that she gave herself credit for if she didn't even want to argue with him.

Much to her surprise, Finn tromped through the front door the next morning with a grin, a new Hjartan dagger, and insisted on breakfast. Clearly Hiccup had talked to him. Though she warred within herself at the time, knowing how busy he was and not wanting to take him away from his duties, Finn had merely rolled his matching blue eyes and grabbed her hand.

"Stop that now, you hangry woman. Let's get breakfast."

She'd slapped his arm for his sass, but grinned at his victorious smirk. And that had been that. It was like their morning routine had never changed.

Months later she was grateful for their morning routine. It had taken some adjusting and learned communication since they no longer lived under the same roof, but they'd had never had a problem communicating. At least now she knew to be prepared for another change in his routine after he got married, which was next week.

Next week.

Astrid's stomach gave a nervous flop, even as she sidestepped a cart and nodded at the driver. The wedding was next week! She knew this of course, but in no time at all it had flown up on them. Even now decorations were being hung throughout the streets. White and gold streamers and flags were being hung from houses and torch brackets. She vaguely wondered if they were being put up too soon, but didn't question it. This was only the beginning of Berk's well-known decoration process and Gobber and Grandma Ingerman were no pushovers. She wouldn't badger them with ideas of her own. Not when party planning wasn't her area of expertise.

Hundreds of people would be arriving for the wedding. Adrianna and Erick's wedding had been a large affair, just as Hiccup's and her own wedding had been all those years ago. But Finn and Genevieve's… it very much seemed like everyone in the Archipelago wanted to be there.

Her chest burned with pride again. Her Fearless Finn deserved a big wedding, after everything he'd been through. And the Hjartans were no pushovers either. They were pulling out all the stops for Genevieve's wedding, going so far as to send decorations and preparations for the food weeks in advance by ship.

Hjart's cook would be combining his efforts with Berk's own, and were apparently preparing a feast. This was normal for Viking standards, of course, but Astrid's eyes had flown wide at the menu when Genevieve had shown it to her the other day.

Roast pork and boar with chutney, roasted vegetables, homemade rolls, pecan and strawberry salad, the Hjartan cook's famous apple crumble with vanilla ice cream and caramel sauce, and, to Erick and Adrianna's delight, their famous mint chocolate cookies. And the wedding cake, of course. Beverages included Gobber's famous wine, Hjartan ale, and various tonic waters.

Astrid didn't know how they were possibly going to pull this off. If it had just been their combined villages, surely it wouldn't be such a difficult feat. But with all the visitors coming… How did the cooks and all their workers possibly hope to accomplish it all?

When she'd voiced these thoughts to Genevieve last week, the girl had merely smiled. "Any problems on the day won't reach my ears, so I'm not going to worry about it."

Fair point. There was nothing more frustrating than people bringing the bride problems with wedding preparations, especially on the wedding day itself. The bride and groom were already stressed about a great many things. Mainly, getting married and fighting nervousness and other things. Anything else could, and would, be handled by other people.

Genevieve was a godsend. Ever since they were little, Astrid wondered if there could possibly be anyone out there who could handle her spirited Fearless Finn. For a time she'd wondered if Helga Ingerman might be that person, except… Well, once it fell apart it seemed it wasn't meant to be. They were best friends and close companions. They'd do anything for each other, except, perhaps, open that door again.

And Astrid had had such doubts about Genevieve. Someone so unapologetically girly seemed too soft for Finn. Compared to the things he'd seen in this cruel world, how could she be more than a pretty face? How could she ever understand the things he'd been through, let alone help him through it?

Except Genevieve had surprised her over and over again. Soft she may appear, she had a strong will and was not afraid to state her opinions. She was direct, concise, and kind. Somehow, some way she'd soothed those hard edges that Finn had carried for so long. Of course, Astrid had no doubts that the beautiful girl had caught Finn's eye within seconds of meeting her. Which was no doubt why he'd looked so disappointed at Erick and Adrianna's wedding when he'd returned to the Great Hall to find they'd already left.

Maybe that's why she suggested to Hiccup that Finn should train Hjart. It was a test and one they needed to give him, to grow as a leader and future Chief. It was utterly necessary. But if she was being honest… deep, deep down, she wanted to give her boy a chance to see that pretty girl again.

And now look at them. A few years down the road and on the cusp of getting married. Starting a new life together.

Astrid couldn't help the proud smile this time.

The hustle and bustle of the village was a cathartic hum around her. So deep in her thoughts as she was, she almost didn't notice the voice calling her from behind.

Blinking, she turned and found Finn running after her with his arms held aloft.

"Hullooooo?" Finn grinned. "You didn't hear me?"

"Sorry, I was thinking." Astrid hugged him once he caught up. "Happy birthday."

"Thanks!" Finn stepped back, a brow raised. "Normally thinking is dad's thing. You feeling okay?"

"Hey, I think, too!" Astrid said indignantly. "I just don't obsess over things until I get a nosebleed."

"Ha ha." Finn led the way up the stairs to the Great Hall, taking in the surrounding buildings being decorated in streamers. "Oh no. Already?"

"Yup. Apparently they need to start now if they hope to get everything done in time."

Finn watched as a trio of men on dragons hung more streamers, his brow furrowed. Astrid watched him, wondering if he was being critical of their work or if the expression was hiding some other emotion.

He took a deep breath. "Well, I just hope they don't fall down before then. Otherwise they'll have to come back to fix them."

"True." Astrid said, continuing up the stairs. "I wonder why the streamers aren't being put up last."

Finn shrugged.

Moments later they entered the Great Hall and joined the line of early morning workers getting breakfast before the start of another day. They filled their plates and found a secluded table in the back, chatting idly about the decorations and food as they ate.

"What's dad doing today?"

"He's organizing the houses people will be staying in next week. They're mostly ready to go, but you know him. He wants to make sure everything is perfect and comfortable."

Finn nodded, picking at the remainder of his eggs. "I suppose he's got to occupy his time with something."

It sounded like he meant it as a joke, but it came out flat. Which meant he was distracted.

Astrid set down her glass. "Finn, what's wrong?'

He looked up at her. "Huh? Nothing. I'm good."

"Are you sure? Because you seem a bit…" What was the word? "Distracted."

Finn glanced to the bar where Ben the Baker could be heard barking orders to the scullery maids about sugar flowers and icing for a certain wedding cake. "You don't say."

Oh. Well, of course, he'd be distracted!

"Just tune them out. They're just doing their job."

"No, it's not that." Finn said, rubbing his eyes. "I'm just… ready for it to be over. And I don't mean it as if I'm not grateful or excited, but…"

Astrid reached out and squeezed his arm, feeling the corded muscles beneath his gear. So much strength in that arm, and yet that's all so many people saw. But he was just like everyone else, insecure and nervous about getting married in a week. "I understand. It's been a long time of waiting. And though it's exciting, getting married is a big responsibility. There's no shame in admitting you're nervous."

"Yeah, I know."

For him to even admit that much or not argue only proved how far he'd come. A few short years ago he'd be hard-pressed to admit he was nervous about anything.

"I'm proud of you." Astrid said finally.

Finn met her eyes in surprise.

"I… I know I don't say it. But I couldn't be more proud if I tried." Astrid said, blinking away the sudden burn in her eyes.

Finn gave her a small understanding smile. "I know. Thanks, mom."

Sniffing sharply, Astrid quickly looked away. She would not cry. If she had to gouge out her own eyes on the wedding day to keep from crying, so be it-

As if reading her thoughts, Finn laughed suddenly and she glared. He held up his hands but said nothing. Good. Cheeky little weasel.

---

On the morning of Adrianna's twenty-first birthday, she was awoken to the sharp pitter patter of small feet before a mass leapt atop of her in bed.

"Mama! Mama, wake up!" Darin shouted. "It your birfday!"

A pair of hands lifted her curtain of hair off of her face. She cracked her eyes open and couldn't help but smile at the pair of blue eyes an inch away from her nose.

"Up, mama, up! Daddy make you breffast!"

Stretching, Adrianna rolled over and pulled Darin into her chest for a hug. "That was nice of him. What did he make?"

Darin put a finger to his lips. "Is a secret."

"Oh?" Adrianna whispered. "Is it something special?"

"Yeah it's somethin' special with snackages but is a secret!"

"Ohh." Adrianna tapped her nose mischievously. "Well we won't tell daddy."

Darin gave her a conspiratorial grin but soon was distracted when the door was pushed open by Erick, carrying a massive square of wood.

"Oh my… Erick, what did you do?"

Smiling, Erick set it on the bed and she gaped. He'd made a charcuterie board full of their favorite snacks, all in the shape of a giant heart. Strawberries, grapes, blueberries, oranges, along with sliced meats and cheese, crackers, nuts, toast and jellies, and even sweet buns. How he'd managed to make it all fit so perfectly was beyond her.

"Oh… it's beautiful!" Adrianna said. "How long-"

"Never mind that." Erick slid into a spot beside her and kissed her. "Happy birthday."

"Thank you." Adrianna took his hand even as she reached out to take a few blueberries before Darin ate them all, as he was prone to do. "I almost don't want to take anything and mess it up!"

"It's a work of art that's meant to be consumed." Erick said, removing a slice of orange and pulling the rind off before handing it to Darin. "What do you want to do today?"

Adrianna watched Darin eat his orange slice carefully in case he choked, which he was also prone to do. He loved fruit a little too much. "I want to spend the day with my boys, maybe go for a hike or something. Obviously we have the party this evening, which I'm almost loathe to go to."

"Why? It'll be fun. Besides, you and Finn deserve a party."

"Maybe. I just don't like being the center of attention, you know that."

"Well it's our closest friends, not the whole village. It'll be fun."

"True."

"Besides, it will be our last hurrah before Finn and Gen get married, and Cliff and Taryn have the baby. It will be hard for any of us to get together after this."

Adrianna took a bite of her sweet roll with a shrug. "I guess. It's just a part of life, being busy. They'll learn how to make time just like we did."

"Yeah, but it'll be harder for Finn and Gen." Erick said, grabbing another slice of orange. "Your dad hasn't mentioned when he wants to retire, has he?"

"No. I imagine sometime in the next ten years, maybe even five. It all depends on what happens next, I guess."

"Mmm."

Adrianna looked over at Erick, confused by his full-mouth hum. His lips looked strangely protruded before he grinned, his teeth replaced by a bright orange peel.

"Oh gods, what are you, six?" Adrianna laughed. "Darin, look at daddy."

Darin was delighted by the orange slice trick and soon their conversation was lost to laughter. Soon all sorts of foods were used to recreate animals' characteristics, like dragon fangs or walrus tusks (which in truth they'd only ever seen in books). They didn't eat even half of the charcuterie board's contents, but soon had to call their fun quits before food was strewn all over the bed and floor.

Still, it was perhaps the best birthday breakfast she'd ever had.

As Darin exited the room and toddled down the stairs some time later, Erick on his heels, Adrianna caught his sleeve. "I didn't tell you what else I want to do for my birthday."

Erick's brows went up. "Oh?"

"I was thinking after the party, we'd have a late night flight." Adrianna said in a quiet voice. She slid her arms around his neck and added, "Stay out for hours until our hands get so cold we have to come home and… find some way to warm them up."

"Hm. As my lady commands. It is, after all, your birthday."

"Hm." Adrianna said, fighting a strangely giddy smile. "It's a date then."

Erick laughed and swiftly kissed her. "A date with my Annie. What could be better?"

Adrianna breathed a laugh as he released her and went downstairs in search of Darin. Mittens the cat followed closely behind, clearly interested in what was happening. Adrianna returned to their room and entered their massive closet in search of something to wear for the day. It was going to be another hot day… Eventually she settled on a purple shirt, a comfy pair of leggings, and a belt. The belt was for decoration, but as she tightened it she caught sight of her weapons belt, sitting on top of her dresser.

The two daggers Finn had gifted her lay untouched in their sheaths, both inscribed with a word in Latin.

Fortem. Fortis. Brave and strong.

It had been a long, long while since she'd worn the weapons belt. Once she'd started training with Finn and a few others, she'd taken to wearing the belt everywhere. It had seemed clunky at first, weapons jostling at her hips everywhere she walked, not to mention weighing her down. But she'd quickly grown accustomed to their weight, and more importantly what they symbolized.

Her training had been rigorous. She'd never been particularly lazy, but the training had quickly proved how out of shape she was. It was a few weeks of exhaustion and soreness before her body began to take on a new strength and strangely, she even had a new confidence. All of it to protect herself and her family should the need arise. While she knew she could still depend on others, it wasn't enough to expect others to protect her. Not when she was fully capable. Not while she had things to fight for, too. Herself, her husband, her son, her brother, her parents, her home.

If push came to shove… If she ever found herself in a position again that she needed to protect herself or someone she loved, she'd be ready.

But how ready was she if that need arose and her weapons were sitting unused, unpracticed in her closet, gathering dust?

Motherhood was a busy job. As was being a wife. It was perfectly natural that she got distracted and forgot about them after a while. Not to mention the hassle of wearing weapons while picking up toys or washing dishes. However, this was perfectly normal for Viking women. All the women she'd ever known her entire life did their household duties with weapons. It wasn't a question of what was comfortable or practical. It was about being ready at a moment's notice for anything. Danger didn't discriminate. It didn't knock on your door to ask permission before entering. Danger didn't wait. It snuck up on you unawares, ready to take.

And what good was her training if she wasn't ready? She might not have time to waste to run home and grab her weapons if something were to happen. By then it could be too late.

Steeling herself, Adrianna grabbed the weapons belt and strapped it on over her hips. The weight was back, heavier than she remembered, but she'd get used to it soon. She didn't expect anything bad to even happen, but the point was clear. Her weapons were useless if she didn't have them when she needed them. Even if she didn't need them until next week, next year, or ten years. Fix poor habits today. Be ready today. For you never know when danger will strike.

When she entered the living room a few minutes later, her weapons belt jangling with each step, Erick glanced at her in surprise. "Hoping to get a workout in before we start the day?"

"No. They're just no use gathering dust."

Erick nodded but looked away quickly with a smile.

"What?" Adrianna looked down at her clothes. "Do they clash with my outfit?"

"Not at all." Erick slid an arm around her waist and pulled her closer. "I love it when you handle knives, remember?"

Adrianna grinned and patted his chest. "I'll try not to turn you on too much."

Erick smirked. "Too late."

"Oh stop." Adrianna laughed, trying not to blush. "Let's get ready for that hike or we'll never get anywhere."

"Yes ma'am."

So together they packed a large satchel with a blanket, water skins, a few toys to distract Darin, and the remainder of their charcuterie board snacks. They laced up Darin's boots and put on his lightest jacket and laughed as he bolted out the backdoor into the wild outdoors before Erick could grab the dragons. Lily and Charger were part of the family, too, and would surely like to come.

Adrianna ran after Darin as he sprinted up the path to Troll Bridge, cackling at the sound of her approaching steps. The sun danced in their shared golden hair. Morning dew flashed in the tall grass and buds of wildflowers that they passed. The air was warm and smelled of dirt and sunshine and happiness.

She caught up to Darin and scooped him up, spinning him around and around until their laughter was echoing through the trees. Two pairs of heavy footsteps approached and she stopped spinning in time to see Lily and Charger kicking up dirt and crushing flowers in their wake. Erick grinned down at them from his saddle.

"Cheater." Adrianna said, panting.

Erick shrugged. "Man with a peg leg. I have a valid excuse."

"Mhm."

Darin wriggled to be set down so she released him, watching as he continued up the path to Troll's Bridge. Erick dismounted and backed away as Charger took off after the little boy. Lily stayed with them, setting her nose into Adrianna's neck and purring deeply as she scratched her scales.

"Hey girl. We're going on a date night flight tonight, how does that sound?"

Lily purred deeper, clearly excited at this prospect. They didn't go on long flights for pleasure as often as they used to. Before things got so busy. Adrianna kissed her nose, then instantly pulled back.

"Ick. I don't know how I always forget about the fiery secretions on your scales." Adrianna said, wiping her lips on her sleeve. "Tasty." Ignoring Erick's laugh, she stuck her nose up in the air and walked ahead on the path after Darin. "Rude, Mr. Larson. So very rude."

Erick caught up and took her hand. "Well at least you can kiss me any ole time without any fiery secretions-" Lily's wing came out and chuffed him on the head, knocking him off balance.

"Atta girl." Adrianna laughed.

Shaking his head to fix his hair, Erick pulled her forward as Troll Bridge finally came into view. Darin was climbing on the rocks above the opening, Charger watching with keen interest. They allowed Darin a few minutes to play before urging him to continue forward, inviting him on a new adventure. He rejoined them eagerly, hair bouncing as he ran ahead.

Every few minutes they were distracted by various things in nature. Birds darting through the trees and tall grass, fleeing as they appeared. A beehive, which they were keen to steer clear of. Colorful rocks and even a dark-skinned, red-bellied salamander under a particularly large one. Darin wanted to bring it home as a pet, but as neither of them knew how to care for such a creature, they withstood the small temper tantrum and left the poor thing to its home in the dirt. Darin was soon distracted by a group of dragonriders flying overhead, heading to the east. Likely the next group of scouts taking over for the morning shift.

The temperature rose with the sun, but so did their spirits. It was a beautiful day with only a few clouds in the sky. The air was sweet and calming. Everything was quiet and peaceful.

They crossed a creek, careful to step on stones and not slip into the water. A memory of a walk with Astrid rose into Adrianna's mind. An eternity ago. A lifetime ago. When their family's life had been full of such darkness… when Finn had run away and become a slave. When her daddy had gone after him. When Astrid had taken her on a hike to mend their relationship and clumsily fallen into the ice-cold creek, dragging her daughter down with her. Then finished with a long flight on Stormfly to dry off and surveying the horizon on a distant cliff.

Taking Erick's and Darin's hands, Adrianna pulled them off the path and through a copse of trees. "Let's go this way. I want to see something."

It was a long walk, and after some time Darin began to whine. Erick lifted him to his shoulders, but that didn't seem to fix the problem. He was soon distracted with a toy and a small bag of berries to snack on. Eventually the trees cleared into an open field that spread out into the edge of a cliff, bordered with pine trees and boulders. And spread out before them was Berk and the ocean beyond.

"Wow." Erick said, stopping a safe distance from the edge. "I've never been here before. How did you know about this place?"

Adrianna released his hand and approached a massive, well-worn oak tree. Carved there was a pair of names. Hiccup and Astrid. She smoothed a hand over the old words, softened with age, but still visible. "This used to be their spot. My parents. My mom brought me up here once. Back when… my dad and Fishlegs went to get Finn from…"

"Maero?"

Adrianna paused and looked at him in surprise. "Wait. You know?"

Erick adjusted his grip on Darin's ankles. "I never wanted to ask him, but… we all knew Benen was a former slave, right? And Finn has always had this… burden for slaves. Benen was his world, but it seemed to go deeper than that. And then after the Convocation, and other things that were said sometimes… like the time I asked him if I was his slave, and he got all quiet." He shrugged. "I put two and two together."

"Does he know you've guessed?"

Erick shrugged again. "I know it's not something he likes to talk about. I don't want to put him on the spot. If he ever wants to talk about it, like he did once with Raine, he will."

Fair, and so true.

"Anyway, my mom brought me here after my dad and Fishlegs left to find Finn." Adrianna said, facing the horizon once more. The wind here was chilly but it was nothing compared to the chilling memories that emerged, such as when her mother had told her the future of their family. "My parents almost got a divorce, you know. This is where my mom told me."

Erick gave her a sad look and squeezed her hand.

"I was so… angry and distraught. There was so much going on and my relationship with her wasn't great already." Adrianna exhaled slowly. "Obviously we've mended things just as they did, but… I've never come back here since. I guess the memories are still fresh, even fourteen years later."

Fourteen years. She and Finn were seven when their parents' fighting had taken a new, darker turn. When Astrid had slapped her in a public setting. When Finn had had enough and left Berk entirely on Johann's ship. When he'd been taken against his will on Rune and branded as a slave.

"So long ago and yet it feels like yesterday. So much has changed."

Erick squeezed her hand again. "We don't have to stay here, you know. If it's bringing up too many dark memories."

Adrianna met his eyes. "Oh no, I'm okay. It's just weird, I guess. How time flies, how so much can happen… how it could have been so much worse."

Her parents divorced. Finn dead or never to be seen again. Where would she be today if that had happened? She couldn't fathom how different things would be. And all that before Brandyn had ever entered her life!

Erick stayed quiet at her side, allowing her to think. Darin seemed to be allowing her the opportunity to reflect and reminisce and once again be thankful that things had turned out so gloriously good and right and perfect compared to the alternatives.

Then she remembered a quiet Darin was never a good thing, and looked up. Her eyes flew wide and she choked on a laugh.

"Uh oh." Erick said, voice laced with dread. "What's happening up there?"

Darin, still perched on Erick's shoulders, was eating his blueberries happily. His hands and face were stained purple, as were his sleeves, the front of his shirt, and portions of Erick's wavy hair.

"Annie-"

"It's alright." Adrianna said through a fit of giggles. "Though purple highlights look nice on you."

"Great. Darin, what have you done to me?"

Darin faced his daddy, oblivious to the problem. He grabbed Erick's face and pulled it back so their eyes could meet. "What daddy?"

"Are you dyeing my hair back there?"

"No. I eat my berries!"

"That's what I said."

Darin released his face, effectively smearing Erick's face in purple streaks. He gave a long suffering sigh. "We'll be stopping home for a bath before going into the village."

"No, no, let's stop and say hi to everyone-"

"Absolutely not, you fiendish woman."

Adrianna's cackles echoed down the ravine, soon joined by Darin's. He didn't know what was happening or understand why it was so funny, but Erick's nonplussed expression had sent Adrianna into a fit of laughter.

"This is why," Adrianna said finally, wiping her eyes. "I tell you to stop freezing the blueberries!"

Erick sighed again, turning away from the cliffside and heading back into the woods. "But they taste better when they're frozen!"

"Yes, but when they thaw they turn everything purple, including your gorgeous face! Besides, do you know how hard it is to get purple out of material?"

"And since when do you have a problem with purple material?" Erick asked with a smirk.

"I do when it's white! If we don't get both of your shirts in the wash soon, they'll stain forever."

"What do you mean, my shirt's fine, isn't it?" Erick asked suddenly, looking down at himself.

Adrianna pursed her lips. "What, you haven't noticed the blueberries gathering on the back of your neck?"

Erick gave another long suffering sigh and muttered something incoherent.

Grinning, Adrianna leaned up on tiptoes and kissed his cheek. "For the record, you look good in blueberry."

Despite himself, Erick gave a satisfied smile, earning himself another laugh.

Strolling back through the woods the way they'd come, they soon became aware of a certain toddler's increased irritation at being covered in purple juice. Soon Erick was whistling for Charger and Lily, who both swooped into the clearing within a few minutes.

"Darin, do you want to fly with mama or daddy?" Adrianna asked.

Irritation momentarily forgotten, Darin reached out his hands toward her. Adrianna pulled him down from Erick's shoulders and mounted Lily's saddle, smirking as Erick became aware of all the blueberries now falling down the back of his shirt. He flapped the material around, wincing at the sight of all the berries now dropping onto his boots.

Soon he gave up and pulled himself into his saddle, Charger holding still so he could clip his prosthetic into the stirrup first.

Adrianna held Darin in her lap and carefully belted him in with the straps on the saddle before saying, "Okay, Lily!"

Lily spread her massive purple wings, which shimmered in the morning sunlight. In two easy flaps they were rising into the sky, the combined wind buffeted from both Lily's and Charger's wing beats sending dust and leaves and needles flying through the clearing. Soon they caught an updraft and angled toward the ravine before tucking in their wings and diving.

It wasn't a steep dive but Darin still squealed, holding onto her arm tightly. Adrianna grinned. Riding was in his blood. She thought forward a few years, wondering what sort of dragon he might bond with. The thought of him bonding with his own dragon and riding through the Archipelago someday filled her with excitement and pride and fear all at once.

But not yet. Someday, but not for a long while. For now she held him close and watched as his blue eyes glittered with joy as the trees and river and soon the village swept below. Lily banked around the water mill, water spraying upward with the wind and catching them with cold prickles. Darin cackled and waved as a few workers waved, grinning as they flashed by.

Erick and Charger drew up beside them, nose to nose with Lily. The rush of challenge entered Charger's expression but Erick kept him firmly in place. Though it was tempting, Darin was much too small for a high speed chase. Again, someday, but not today.

No, today they were happy to bask in the sunlight and in each other's presence. As Adrianna surveyed the village she loved below, her husband at her side, her dragon beneath her, and her son in her arms, she couldn't help but feel a strong rush of joy.

Joy. The word resonated in her chest, making her feel light and happy and carefree in a way she hadn't felt in years. She looked over at Erick and grinned. He smiled back and winked. Holding Darin close, she gave him a firm kiss on the cheek.

"I love you, baby."

"Love you too, mama!" Darin said, looking up at her with berry-stained teeth.

Her heart soared as high as the sky. Nothing could be better than this. Nothing.

---

Drip. Drip. Drip. Drip.

Sound. That was the first thing that cut through the haze that was Alton's brain. The steady drip was distant, like his ears had been filled with cotton. He didn't remember thinking of hanging onto that sound, but once noticed it seemed his consciousness latched onto it. Tethering him to earth. Leading him out of the darkness. Back to reality.

Drip. Drip. Drip. Drip.

And then his brain started to pick up other things. Cold. His body felt cold, like it had been left in the rain too long. Exposed. He shivered, turning his head to the side and cracking his eyes open. He hissed at the stream of white light cutting through a nearby window, the only source of light. He recoiled, eyes burning in his skull, and then he gasped as a flash of pain shot through his now full conscious body. Reminding him of the pain. The injuries.

Oh gods.

Alton gritted his teeth against the pain, waiting for it to wane. Panting, he opened his eyes again to take stock of the room. A black ceiling, a crisscross network of bars on his right. An empty cell save for the metal table he lay on and the chained cuffs against the bloodstained wall beyond his boots. The clink of chains was sharp in his ears, echoing slightly in the cavernous room.

Blood. Long since dried, but no less stark in the light that shone through the window. It beat down in an almost heavenly light, and yet it was merciless on his eyes. His head pounded and as he tried to swallow, he realized how dry his mouth was. How raw his throat felt from screaming.

The momentary confusion he'd felt at first waking was gone. Now… now he remembered.

An involuntary gasp launched from his throat but he stubbornly cut it off, gritting his teeth. Just as quickly as the pain registered in his body-his arms, his legs, his face-his breath came in sharp and fast pants. His heart began to race.

Still captured. Still stuck here. Nobody came for me. Nobody is coming. Johann-

No.

Though it hurt like Hel to do so, Alton gripped the edge of the metal table he was lying on and squeezed hard. Hard enough to make his sore hands shriek and his nails to bend. Anything to get himself to focus. To breathe. Just breathe.

I will not break. I will not die here.

But even as he forced himself to take slow, deep breaths, willing himself to keep calm, his mind was already taking stock of injuries. The bruises. The burns. The cuts…

His face gave a particular throb at that, as if reminding him that there were injuries there. Or maybe his mind was that sluggish. He hadn't had food or water in days. His injuries would get infected if they weren't treated soon. He swore to himself that he would not be a casualty to Brandyn's games and yet… yet he had absolutely no control here. How long had it been since he was captured? Hel, he wasn't sure if he could escape if tried. Could he even stand?

Angry at himself, he lifted his head and looked down at himself. Everything felt heavy, and not because of the chains holding down his hands and arms and legs. He really must be weak if everything felt so horrible.

He took stock of the table, the room. There was no ornamentation to the cell so there was nothing he could use as a weapon, if he even got that far. The cell door was shut, presumably locked. Beyond that he could see down a long dark hallway, lit by the occasional sconce, but it wasn't much. There was a gentle sway to the room, which he'd assumed was disorientation. Now he recognized the sensation. He was on a ship. Other than that, everything was dark, black, and cold. So far as he could see, there was nobody in sight.

Just as well for him. The thought of Brandyn or the calculating man with the goatee showing up, or Slaver Anton…

Alton gave an involuntary shiver and dropped his head back to the table with a thud. Already he felt exhausted. He began to shake uncontrollably, but from stress or fear or pain he didn't know. He tried again to force himself to relax, but it seemed once it started he couldn't stop.

Stress. It's stress. It's okay, it's normal. Just… think of something else, not… Not him.

Slaver Anton's grinning face came to his mind regardless.

No. Berk. They're in danger. It's my fault. No, not my fault. I couldn't help it… not after-

Johann.

Tears burned his eyes suddenly. Johann. He'd tried so hard to fight it, to fight them, to threaten if they hurt or killed Johann he'd never tell them anything. Anton had only smiled. What came next…

The shaking worsened.

"Gods, stop. Stop it." Alton said to himself. His voice was scratchy and so dry it hurt. He'd been helpless before. Afraid. He'd lost loved ones before. But this… nothing could compare to this… Johann and Maybelle had been his only friends in the world outside of Berk. Now he'd lost them both. A pit of frustration and anxiety and terror and anger rose unbidden in his chest.

How the Hel was he going to survive this?

A creaking door sounded far, far down the hall. Alton went rigid. Footsteps echoed in wet slaps against the floor far, far away, and yet they drew nearer with every beat of his racing heart. He began to shake more, though he tried not to. Silently he counted the steps as they drew closer and counted the faces of those he loved.

Mom. Dad. Taryn. Cliff. Inga.

Alton closed his eyes, not caring that tears slid down his face into the tender, swollen cuts on his cheekbones.

Would he even get to meet his niece or nephew? Or ever see his family again? And Inga…

Inga. I'm sorry.

The footsteps halted outside the cell and the door screeched open. The footsteps approached hurriedly, pausing before the table. Steeling himself, Alton flicked his eyes open to glare at his captors.

And was utterly shocked to see a dark-skinned girl standing before him. Her eyes were a deep molten brown, her hair shorn close against her scalp. A pair of scars were cut across her cheekbones and over her brows in a fine hand, long since healed over with raised edges. Her clothing was thin, nondescript. And at her collarbone, a curved S in the shape of a snake eating its own tail. The slavemark.

"Here." The girl whispered, holding a cup toward him. Her accent was strange, so thick that he almost didn't understand what she said. "Drink this. It will help you feel better."

Alton turned away, his already weak voice shaking from the tremors. "N-no."

"You misunderstand. This is water, with some herbs to ease pain. I am a healer."

A healer. Like Inga.

"How…" Alton said through clenched teeth, the shaking nearly making it impossible to talk. "H-how do I know you're not here to p-poison me?"

"Because your life is not forfeit. Not yet, Master Alton."

"Don't… call me that."

"Why not?" She was quiet for a moment. "Is that what your Master Johann called you?"

"DON'T," Alton shouted, trying and failing to haul himself upward. "Say his name! You and your people butchered him-"

"I am sorry. You are right, except for one thing." Her expression darkened as she looked at the cup in her hand. "They are not my people. I am enslaved here, forced to do their bidding. Such as making you drink this to make you feel better."

Dropping back into the table, Alton scoffed. "And why would they want that?"

"Some of them don't. My Master, however, wishes it."

"And which one is that?"

"Master Viggo Grimborn."

The one with the goatee and burn scars on his face and mismatched eyes. One calculating and dangerous, the other milky white with blindness.

Alton frowned. "Why would he want me healed?"

The girl frowned. "He always has an angle. I trust there is something you have that he wants. Perhaps more information."

Alton closed his eyes. "I told them… everything."

"No, you told them what they wanted to hear. You answered their questions. There is always more. My Master wishes to know more if he has bargained for your life."

Bargained for my life?

Alton faced her and stared deep into her eyes. "What's in the cup?"

"I said water with-"

"No. Tell me exactly what herbs are in there."

She raised a scarred brow. "Ginger, coriander, lemon, chamomile with honey. And… a little whiskey."

Despite himself and everything that had happened, he breathed a laugh. "Just a little?"

She straightened. "It takes off the edge. These herbs are good for-"

"Fighting fever and infection. I know."

Though the girl's expression was blank, he could see the surprise in her eyes. "You know herbs? I thought you were a trader."

Alton closed his eyes as another ache of pain rose up from his arms. "Traders… need to know the basics."

"And yet to know this much is not basic. How do you know this?"

Alton gritted his teeth. He didn't want to give her any information that she might pass on to her master. To Viggo.

Sensing this, she lowered her voice. "I am merely curious. It is not important."

Stepping forward, she held out the cup. Alton met her eyes, not trusting that what she said was true. He could smell some of the herbs in the cup, especially the chamomile. The girl stared back at him, waiting. She didn't appear malicious. Honestly, she just looked like a girl. Perhaps five or so years older than him. Tall and straight-backed.

Blinking, Alton took in her measure. She was a slave and yet there was a certain… challenge about her. As if she was not weak. As if she had something to fight for. Suddenly he felt bad for snubbing her question. Maybe she was asking on Viggo's behalf. Or maybe she really was only curious.

"A truth for a truth." Alton whispered. "You tell me something and I'll tell you."

She scowled. "My master likes to play games. I do not wish to play games with you."

"Okay. I understand that." Alton said firmly. "But I'm a prisoner here, just as you are, right? I don't want to get you into trouble, but I want to get out of here. Maybe… maybe we can help each other."

"All this because I asked how you know the health properties of coriander."

Alton blinked, stung. Then he noted the slight curve to her lips. A small, teasing smile. He sighed. "You shouldn't tease a guy in duress."

"Perhaps if the guy in duress would drink his tonic he'd be in less duress and stop thinking of dreams of grandeur."

Sighing, Alton raised his head. She gently set the cup to his lips and he drank it as best he could. The ginger and alcohol burned on the way down and it didn't taste great, but the chamomile and honey was soothing on his dry throat. When he'd drained the cup he lay back down, suddenly exhausted.

"There. That should help. I will return soon with a basket of cleaning materials. Your pain should have dulled by then so cleaning will be made easier."

Alton nodded as she turned away. "Wait. What's your name?

She paused at the cell door. "I am a slave. I have no name."

"Ridiculous. Everyone has a name. Maybe you can't use it, but you still have it. It's the one thing they couldn't take from you. What is it?"

She was silent for a long, long time. "Zuri. It is Zuri."

Alton nodded, his mind feeling slightly fuzzy. With nothing else in his system, he was already feeling the effects of the alcohol. "Zuri… thank you. Even if you're just doing what you're told… thank you."

Zuri gave him a small smile. "The whiskey was my idea. Rest now. I will return."

Alton watched her go, her footsteps swift and direct. He'd not met many slaves, and yet there was something about her. She had a spiritedness about her. Even if her life was not her own, she seemed to move as if she commanded it. Would she get in trouble with Viggo if he found out she'd given him whiskey? Or even talked to him? Maybe… maybe she didn't care?

Stupid of him to try to get her to help him. He didn't know if he could trust her. For all he knew, she was bonded to Viggo in some way. If she'd perhaps been in Viggo's employ, for lack of a better word, for a long time…

But no, she'd been disgusted at the idea that she should be lumped together with those evil men. Forced to do their bidding yes, but not loyal to them.

Chained… but not broken.

The thought gave him courage. Even with his addled brains and throbbing injuries from head to toe, and though he knew nothing about her except her name, he felt his heart lift. He could do this. She couldn't protect him from whatever Viggo wanted or if Slaver Anton came back…

But he wasn't broken. Not yet.

---

The Sullivan house was a flurry of activity. Boxes were strewn throughout the house, all closed up tight for travel. Leather luggage bags were full to near bursting with the remainder of Genevieve's belongings. Most of her clothes had already been delivered to Berk one way or another, and the furniture she'd chosen to bring was in a neat stack by the door, awaiting pick up and delivery to the ships.

Genevieve felt like her emotions were as frazzled as her hair. A big, tumultuous bush that refused to be soothed no matter how much she tried to tame it.

As the days had been ticked off the calendar and deadlines approached, she felt her excitement for the big day beginning to wane. Well, not wane exactly. It was still there, of course. Beneath the frazzled chaos.

Her brothers Ivan, Callan and Thuggory arrived and began hauling her dresser out the door and onto a cart outside. Outside her father Kiev laughed with her final brothers, Blair and Jon, while their mother Molly trilled throughout the upstairs. Genevieve's sisters had been by earlier that morning to assist with the final touches on packing, but as they each had multiple children by now, they had to hurry off to various engagements. It was just as well. The house was becoming much too crowded and loud with the endless noise.

Genevieve could remember clearly when all of them had lived under this roof. She gazed lovingly at the hearth where her father would have them gather around to hear stories of Vikings long since dead, about wars with dragons and stories of heroes far across the sea who tamed them. All of the girls huddled together in their night dresses and slippers, the boys all brandishing grins and toy swords and swearing to one day be heroes, too. Ivan, with his calm and steadfast persona, had always been the same, even back then. She'd curled up into his lap and listened to her daddy's stories with rapt attention, her curly hair bushier then than it was now.

Blinking, the memory disappeared when her brothers reappeared, grabbing the next pieces of furniture. It was strange how after all this time they were all still so close. There had been no shortage of spats in this house, especially with limited space. Eleven people and one washroom. How had they all not murdered each other? There had been days when tempers had run as high as the volume and she'd wanted to shriek with frustration for wanting a little bit of freedom and space to call her own.

And then they'd each moved out, one by one. First Ivan, then Lana, then Mavin and Callan and Bree. All of them were married in short succession, considering their close age gaps. Blair and Jon had gotten a small house together before finding their own wives.

Suddenly she was a blossoming teenager and she'd found herself with fewer companions, except Thuggory. He was a stalwart friend through and through, but even though Genevieve had wished away her siblings so that she might have more space and quiet, she quickly found out how much she missed them.

Ivan's steady presence. Callan's music. Blair and Jon's tricks, particularly Blair's penchant for scaring people. Playing dress up with Lana with her pretty dresses and jewelry. Drawing by the creek with Mavin. Baking and tea with Bree.

And of course, always followed by her parents incessant bickering. Though it drove her mad as a child, as she grew up she found how much she loved it. It was a steady stream in the background, always sassy, always loving beneath the surface, and even funny at times. Her mother's firm hand and her father's stern brow were both impossibly fearful most times as she grew, especially as she longed to be free from their constraints. All those siblings who had gone before to new lives of their own-except Thuggory, bless him-and she the baby, still stuck at home to be coddled.

They did their very best. She didn't fault them for worrying or having rules. Some things were still harder to swallow, but things had gotten better these last few years. Genevieve didn't think it was necessarily because of Finn, but she did think that his presence eased their mind considerably.

Finn had been incredibly nervous that first holiday night he'd been trapped in these walls with her entire family. Eight siblings to impress was no easy feat, not to mention all of her nieces and nephews. She was quite sure he'd had less fear in his heart when speaking in front of hundreds at the Convocation!

He'd easily impressed her brothers. Alas, he was the son of one of those beloved heroes they'd grown up hearing tales about! They had a great camaraderie and had all become fast friends, which eased Finn's nerves and grown his confidence.

Her sisters, though…

Lana had promptly called him a brute and stalked away, her nose in the air. Mavin and Bree had merely watched and probed him with questions, all in the effort of protecting their beloved baby sister's heart.

Of course, Finn handled it all like a champ. He was still a little afraid of Lana, but… well, who wasn't?

Genevieve smiled to herself as she climbed the stairs, passing doorways that had once been the entrances to her siblings' bedrooms. Ghostly memories of pillow fights and sneaking down the stairs for a cup of hot caramel apple cider in the middle of the night washed over her, but she pushed them away and went back to her mental list. Perhaps if she stopped focusing on memories, then she'd get more done. Besides, she needed to hurry. It was Finn's birthday and she needed to get to Berk before dusk!

Turning down the hall she strode into her room to grab the final box propping the door open and froze.

The room was empty. Save for a few pieces of furniture she'd chosen to leave behind, her bed as she'd be staying a few days longer, and a few shelves that couldn't be removed from the wall, everything was gone. Packed up and sitting downstairs, on a cart, or already packed away on the massive ship that would take her home.

The word clanged through her. Home. And yet… this was home. Wasn't it?

She reached out and ran her fingers along the bare wall beside the door that had once held a tapestry that Lana had made for her fifth birthday. Above that had been a shelf full of trinkets her brothers had brought home on their adventures. A glass of seashells from Brawn, dragon scales from the east, even a jar of dried petals from their wives' bouquets at each of their weddings. Curse her for being a hopeless romantic, but she couldn't bear to see the flowers thrown away.

As she stepped further into the room, her steps were loud claps against the wooden floor. With no rug or furniture or clothing to muffle the sound, it sounded as empty as it felt.

She wanted to move to Berk. She wanted to marry Finn. Of course, she did. She'd wanted that more than anything for years. And yet it felt like she was cutting out a piece of herself. Her entire life had been spent on Hjart. She'd been born here. Not so long ago she thought she might die here. And now she was leaving.

Genevieve's eyes burned with sudden tears. Where did her childhood go? A few years ago she'd been so sad that all her older siblings had moved out and gotten married and left her alone. Now she was leaving them behind for her own life, far across the sea. Now she wouldn't get to see them whenever she wanted. She wouldn't see her nieces or nephews as often as she liked. The elderly people she'd come to know and love at the Elders' home, all her friends, Hannah… all of them were staying here.

And she was leaving.

"Gen, dear," Molly said, her quick steps echoing down the hall before entering the room. "We have received a few more invitations despite the deadline for head counts being last Friday. You don't suppose we can squeeze a few more heads in the Great Hall, do you?"

Genevieve wiped her face with a shaking hand and turned. "Umm-"

As if her motherly instincts were on high alert, Molly looked up from the invitations in her hand. "Ohhh- Genevieve."

Quickly covering her face, Genevieve burst into tears.

"Oh oh dear." Molly rushed forward and pulled her into a hug. "Genni, it's alright."

"I kn-know." Genevieve said through great heaves. "I just… keep thinking about all the memories and now I feel awful for leaving because I won't see everyone-"

"Oh," Molly said with a small laugh and pulled her back. Her dark eyes were very bright. "Do not weep for what is not lost. You can see us anytime. We will all come to visit and you can come here anytime."

Genevieve sniffed and looked around at her empty room, her lips trembling again. "It's all gone."

"No. It's all packed away for your new life." Molly wiped a tear off her face and turned her chin back toward her. "This is good and right, Gen. I know it's hard and it can be scary. Change isn't easy. But it is not bad." A sudden prim smirk appeared on her face and she added in a low voice, "And you two wanted to get married two years ago-"

"Ugh mother." Genevieve huffed, but laughed all the same. Quickly wiping her face, she tried to ignore Molly's laugh. "I will pretend I didn't hear that."

Laughter preceded the sudden gathering of tromping feet on the stairs and suddenly there was a crowd. All of Genevieve's brothers and her father strode into the room, apparently looking for more furniture. Ivan stopped first, and threw out his arms to block the others from moving closer.

"Uh, let's go back outside-"

"Nice, it's empty!" Thuggory said, slapping down his arm and walking in anyway. "Does this mean we're done?"

"Thug, Gen and mom are having a moment." Ivan hissed, pointing back to his side as if Thuggory were a six-year-old child.

Nonplussed, Thuggory said, "I'm having a moment, too. Right now, see." He paused. "And here's another one. And another. The day is just full of little moments, you see-"

Ivan huffed as Blair and Jon snickered behind him. Another figure appeared in the hall, but as he was shorter than all his sons, they could only hear a voice call over the din.

"Molly? Is Genni in there? I can't see through the forest of limbs."

Molly huffed. "Don't you men have somewhere to be?"

"We're here on your orders, mom."

"So ungrateful."

"Yeah, where would you be without us?"

"Your sister, as Ivan indicated," Molly said, her nostrils flaring. "Is having a moment."

Genevieve took a deep breath through her nose, her tears now dried on her face. "No, it's alright. How can I blubber about missing them one minute and then be upset they're here the next?"

To her surprise, five sets of midnight brown eyes shot to hers and gave her sad, puppy dog eyes.

"Aw Gen." Callan reached out and tugged on her sleeve. He opened his arms for a hug, which she gratefully accepted. "We'll be here when you need us. And I'm sure we'll be around Berk, too."

"Yeah, when the time comes to beat Finn to pulp for treating our baby sister badly, you just send us a Terror." Blair said, scooping her up the second Callan released her. The hulking brute was very tall, even by Finn's standards. She could barely touch the floor!

Laughing, she said, "Well I'm sure that won't be necessary."

"Listen," Jon said firmly. "He may be hard to take out, but collectively the Sullivan men can take turns and kick his butt in turn."

"Don't forget, Lana," Thuggory said. "She still hates him, remember."

"She doesn't hate him." Molly scolded. "Lana just has-"

"Painfully high standards?" Thuggory offered.

"Genevieve's best interests at heart." Ivan corrected.

"That's what I said!" Thuggory said vehemently, wrapping an arm around Genevieve's shoulders. "Alas, what shall I do without you?"

Genevieve scoffed. "You could get a ring on Helga's finger already and move to Berk."

A collective "Ohhhhh" echoed throughout the Sullivan house at that, accented with sputters and much blushing from Thuggory, laughter from Genevieve and Molly, and an indignant whine from Kiev still locked out in the hall.

Genevieve looked around the room at her brothers, wishing for a moment her sisters were all here, too. But no, they were set to have lunch with the whole family soon. Sort of a Sullivan family brunch before she left for Berk for Finn's birthday. And in a few days…

A thrill went through her chest. In a few days, they'd all be gathering in Berk for the wedding. She'd see them all very, very soon. They'd all be dressed in their finest, a difficult feat but one that would be accomplished if their wives and mother had anything to say about it. She'd miss them, all of her big brothers, but they were right. She'd see them all soon and she could see them anytime she wanted.

After all, they were family. And family was forever, no matter the distance.

---

A dozen mugs knocked together in a cheer, ale splashing over the sides as the group of friends toasted Fearless Finn and Adrianna Haddock. The former sighed melodramatically and promptly stated it was about time he got the respect he deserved and grinned to the chorus of groans and scoffs. Adrianna on the other hand gave a sheepish smile and pretended she wasn't half of the center of attention before sipping her lemon water.

"Come on, Anna." Thorein said for the third time, pounding a barrel of mead nearby. "Just this once!"

"I don't like alcohol, you should know this by now."

"But it's your twenty-first birthday!" Helga chimed in, mead sloshing down the side of her cup as she brandished it toward her. "You only get to be twenty-one once!"

Adrianna rolled her eyes. "And one sip of that grotesque liquid was good enough for a whole lifetime."

"Well sure, if you even want to call the watered down liquid alcohol. Also, that was almost three years ago! You're telling me that you aren't at least a little curious?"

"Nope." Adrianna said flatly. "It burns on the way down. I'm not sure why you all enjoy it."

Helga and Thorein shrugged before pounding their mugs together once more. "More for us."

"Exactly!" Adrianna said. "Save the 'good stuff' for those who will enjoy it. In the meantime, I will enjoy my life fully hydrated with no after effects."

"Hydration always has after effects, Anna-Bear." Cliff said shamelessly from a seat nearby. "Which is why I'm always asking Erick and Finn to go pee because when your bladder is empty, you're all around less stressed."

Finn gagged on his mead from across the fire pit. Erick, on the other hand, flicked an imaginary piece of dust off his shoulder as if he'd heard nothing.

"Since when did you become so astute in bodily functions, Cliffie?" Inga asked before sipping her wine.

"Since I joined the family, of course, My auntie is Mara, you know." Cliff said. "And ya never know, soon we might have two healers in the family!"

Inga's amusement vanished in a blink. Alton was still missing and Snotlout and the Twins still hadn't returned. Leave it to Cliff to somehow forget this fact. Or perhaps he was trying to stay positive with the circumstances by bringing positivity into it. Either way, Inga's worry was unmistakable as she looked out across the ocean beyond the watchtower upon which they all stood.

Adrianna squeezed her arm but Inga quickly pulled away. "I'm fine. My dad will be back soon and he'll tell me it was nothing. We're worrying for nothing." She narrowed her icy blue eyes on Cliff. "And then we'll see who's peeing themselves with relief, Cliff."

"Ouch. I accept my fate."

"Good." Inga said primly before taking a seat and crossing her legs. "Because I happen to know of a healer or two with some incontinence products, diaper baby."

"Down, girl." Thorein laughed nervously. "I thought this was a party."

"There's no party without some Jorgenson sass." Finn said.

Inga relaxed and gave an assertive nod. "Too right."

Adrianna watched Inga's blue eyes dart to Taryn as she pressed a hand to her belly. "You alright?"

"Yes." Taryn huffed. "I feel monstrous, that's all. And all this talk of bladders has reminded my son that he's sitting on mine and keeps kicking it."

Cliff coughed something that sounded an awful lot like "daughter" and Adrianna smirked. No matter the gender of the baby she had no doubts that they would be thrilled, but the sight of Cliff with a baby girl in his arms made her heart squeeze with all the cutesy feels.

Finn sighed and stretched out his boots toward the fire. "All this talk of bladders and babies makes me want to stay young forever."

"Hear, hear!" Thorein and Evan said, raising their glasses.

"When are you two expecting?" Adrianna asked Evan, taking a seat beside Erick.

Evan blinked, then his eyes widened. "What? We're not- I mean, Morgan's not- I mean-"

"I mean she could be-" Inga said with a sly smile.

"No, she's not." Evan said firmly, staring down at her glass. "Trust me, she's not."

"Well, where is she then?"

"I told you guys, she's helping with decorations for the wedding! She's not home sick or anything."

"Hmm. Well if you say so." Adrianna said, settling into her chair with a sly smile.

"Troublemaker." Erick whispered.

"Only the best."

Evan sighed and took a long drink. "We're not ready for kids yet."

"That's what I said," Finn said. "And yet we don't even have our rings on yet and people keep asking when Genni's due."

"Well yeah, you two are a bit-"

Finn's eyes flashed and Thorein bit his tongue promptly, but the smirk was still unmistakeable.

"Care to finish that sentence, Mr. Taylor?"

Finn's head snapped up. "Genni! Hey, when did you get here?"

Genevieve had materialized out of nowhere, the golden firelight catching in her hair like golden sparks. She accepted Finn's hug and kissed his cheek before taking the seat beside him. "A few minutes ago. I could barely get out of the saddle before we were accosted by Zap and Pepper."

"They're excited for the party to start." Finn said, throwing an arm around her shoulders as Erick handed her a drink from the drink table. "How was packing?"

Genevieve took a sip and nodded. "Good! Everything's packed up. I'll have to head back tomorrow to settle the last of everything, but…" She gave a sheepish grin. "I'm starting to run out of things to do. That's good, isn't it?"

Everyone nodded and grinned in agreement.

"So what's going on here?"

"Well, Inga's a savage today and Morgan's definitely not pregnant-"

Despite the golden firelight on his face, Evan's blush was unmistakable. "Thank you, Cliff."

"Agh I'm sorry, I'm stressed!"

Finn swirled the mead in his mug. "Do you need to pee?"

Laughter echoed throughout the clearing as Cliff turned a raised brow on the heir. "How dare you use my lines against me!" Taryn was positively cackling.

Erick tapped his prosthetic against the fire, smirking broadly. "We're learning how to best deal with you. It's kind of like parenting, you get better at it with time and much trial and error."

"Why is everyone Hel bent on teasing me today?" Cliff demanded.

"Taste of your own medicine, Cliffie!" Adrianna said. "Tell me, is it bittersweet or just bitter?"

"Agh." Cliff flopped into his seat and crossed his arms. "I hate you guys."

"Nah you don't."

"...nah I don't."

Genevieve unpursed her lips with a click of her tongue. "So everyone's sassy today, okay."

"To be fair, there's a lot going on." Finn said. "It's how we Berkians cope with stress."

"Ain't that the truth." Genevieve said, meeting his eyes and smiling.

A week. A week and they'd be married, Adrianna thought. Suddenly she was so excited, she felt like she'd burst-

"Ugh, can you two take the goo goo eyes elsewhere?" Inga sighed.

Finn ignored her but Genevieve gave a shy smile and looked away, meeting Adrianna's eye. "Oh! Happy birthday! Oh gods-" She whipped to the side and noted Finn's slow blink. "Happy birthday! Oh… sorry, babe."

He shook his head, definitely amused, but clearly trying to feign annoyance. "Forgot your own fiance's birthday, I see how it is."

"I didn't forget, I just got distracted by everyone's antics!"

"Hey!"

"Whoa now."

"Antics," Cliff said, arms still crossed as he stared up at the stars. "Is my middle name, after all." He snorted when Taryn slapped his thigh and rolled her eyes.

Genevieve rolled her eyes. "Anyway, what did you guys get for your birthday?"

Finn pursed his lips. "Actually I don't know. My mom has a box wrapped but said it's really for the both of us, so I'm not sure yet. She wouldn't let me open it until you got here. Erick and Anna got us some embossed glasses though, so those are nice."

"Ooh! I can't wait to see them. What about you, Anna?"

"Well," Adrianna glanced at Erick, who smiled. "Erick got me a new necklace." She touched the new silver pendant around her throat with a small purple gemstone wrapped around a twist of silver. "Oh and some saddle oil. My parents got me some new fuzzy socks and a few books. And Darin gave me this."

She reached into her pocket and held up a small purple and green piece of cloth in the shape of a butterfly. The edges were sewn down, which Erick obviously did as Darin couldn't possibly sew it himself. It was made of felt, soft to the touch and easy to keep in her pocket. It was so small and precious and sweet that she had no doubts that she'd carry it with her wherever she went for some time.

A chorus of awws echoed around the fire.

"That's so sweet!" Genevieve said. "He is so precious."

"He is." Adrianna gazed down at it. "Honestly I thought he'd give me a rock or something, but this was definitely more special. I suspect someone gave him the idea." She promptly elbowed Erick in the ribs in a small jab.

Everyone laughed but Erick shook his head. "Nope, Darin thought of that. We were making a craft and he asked if we could make you a butterfly. Making it a gift for your birthday was my idea."

Adrianna beamed. "Thank you." Folding the wings together she gently slid it back into her pocket.

Conversation turned back to the wedding, as it was prone to do. Finn and Genevieve took the questions in their stride. Adrianna could tell they were both eager and excited as well as nervous. It wasn't long ago that she'd felt the exact same way. Smiling, she sat back in her seat and took Erick's hand. He gave an amused chuckle and pulled her in closer.

She tried to stay focused on the conversation but she suddenly remembered they were going on a late night flight. Darin was spending the night at Hiccup and Astrid's, so they had all the time in the world to fly and enjoy a night together.

Though Erick's teal eyes flicked from one person to the other depending on who was talking, she could tell he was distracted. Without warning he met her eyes and raised his brows.

"What?"

"You're staring." Erick whispered.

"Oh."

Grinning in amusement he leaned into her ear and whispered, "You say the word and off into the night we go."

Adrianna fought a grin. She was tempted to say they should go right away. She hadn't gone exploring with Erick on a late night flight in ages. She was eager to explore and taste the open skies under cover of darkness. But the party had only just started and she hated to leave so soon. Besides, why not make him squirm a little bit?

Turning her face toward his, she brushed her nose alongside his and whispered, "Soon."

Erick gave her a knowing smirk. Oh, he knew exactly what was going on, and he surely didn't like to be teased. Not in present company when he could do nothing anyway.

A sharp cough sounded. "Gee, the stars are sure shining bright tonight."

Erick ignored Cliff and everyone else's nervous laughter, his eyes taking in the features of her face like a thief in the night. "Yes, she is."

Adrianna grinned and looked away before shaking her head, trying to clear her head and ignore their friends knowing smirks. Still, she wasn't quite sure she realized what she'd gotten herself into in teasing him. After all, Erick was very good at putting on a mask and returning to normal conversation as if he'd forgotten their little flirtation, and yet the fingers he twisted into her hair at the nape of her neck said otherwise.

A game then, to see who could survive this party the longest. She said they could leave "soon" and he left the decision up to her, but how long could either of them hold out? After all, both of them were fairly stubborn.

Adrianna fought a smirk and ran a finger across his ribs beneath her crossed arms pressed into his side. He stiffened and trailed a finger across her neck beneath her hair in a long slow sweep. It took nearly all her willpower to not shiver. She was grateful for Cliff's next joke that forced everyone into laughter, distracting them from anything she might have done. Such as smoothing a hand down the length of his leg and returning her hand back to her lap before anyone noticed.

Erick gave her a swift sidewise glance at her daring. A dimple appeared in his left cheek. Adrianna bit her lip against a laugh and stubbornly forced it down, down, down. This was escalating too quickly. They were nearly giggling like a pair of sixteen year olds-

His thumb slid up the length of her neck and pressed down into the muscle, sending small sparks down her spine. Adrianna inhaled in surprise, drawing Evan's attention at her side. She quickly cleared her throat and Erick's hand casually slid back to her shoulder. Adrianna didn't look at Evan but she was quite sure that he knew exactly what was going on, seeing as he muttered something about filling his mug and disappeared seconds later.

Erick dissolved into snickers. "Gods, would you stop."

"Me? I'm not doing anything." Adrianna hissed in as dignified a manner as possible as his laughter caught a few others' attention.

"What are you two laughing at?"

"Nothing!"

Erick tried to wipe his face clean of amusement but was clearly struggling. "I'm filling my mug, too." He quickly snatched it up and disappeared to the drink table where Evan was standing, staring out at the ocean.

Adrianna watched him go and watched as they exchanged a few quiet words. Though she couldn't see their faces, it appeared Evan was giving Erick an awkward side eye and he gave an uncaring shrug. Swallowing, she faced the fire again and found everyone staring at her with knowing smirks.

"What?"

"Ya know," Helga said, swirling her mead. "I may not be married, but I know of a few broom closets nearby-"

"Helga!" Finn cried in shock as Genevieve's eyes went wide.

"What? I mean if you're going to feel each other up, do it somewhere else! If you must celebrate the birthday in a certain fashion, do it without an audience, I say!"

Adrianna was quite sure she'd never blushed harder in her life. "We… I… I don't know what youre' talking about."

"Just own it, girl! You think you're subtle but everyone knows Evan gets squirmy around PDA."

"Shut up, Helga." Evan said from the drink buffet.

Helga raised her mug at his back and gave Adrianna a not-so-subtle wink.

Not to be outdone, Adrianna cleared her throat. "So Helga, how are you and Thuggory doing?"

Helga's smile tightened. "Who's Thuggory?"

Finn's brows shot upward above his mug.

"And ya had to ask." Thorein mumbled and took a drink himself.

"Wait." Genevieve said, voice full of surprise. "Did you… break up?"

Helga picked an imaginary hair off her mug and flicked it into the abyss. "Something like that."

Adrianna felt instantly horrible. "I'm sorry. If I knew I wouldn't have said anything."

Helga snorted and waved a hand, but she didn't quite meet anyone's eye. "It's fine. It's not like we told anyone."

Finn's blue eyes were hard on her. "When did this happen?"

Helga didn't reply. Apparently only Thorein knew any details and he kept his expression firmly blank. Still, Helga wasn't bothered by most things. At least that was the facade she put on. Perhaps it said something that she had so very little to say. That she wasn't waving away any insecurities with a grin sharper than her knives.

Then, as if forcing herself to spit the words out, Helga said, "He proposed the other day."

The crackling of burning wood and ocean waves crashing into the beach far below were the sounds for a long, long moment. And then it broke with a series of shocked questions.

"Wait, Thuggory proposed?" Genevieve demanded in a shrill voice. "My Thuggory?"

"Hang on-"

"-hear that right?"

Helga took all the outbursts in silence, her arms crossed tightly against her chest.

"What did you tell him?"

"Well obviously I said no."

Her words cut through the din and everyone went silent once more.

"As if I'd ever be a wife." Helga scoffed and stared out at the ocean, ignoring their eyes. Her next words were softer. "He deserves better. With someone who wants to settle down and… have kids and all that stuff."

"Oh Helga, you could be that person though-" Genevieve said.

Helga shook her head. "See, this is why I didn't want to tell anyone, because you'd try to convince me otherwise."

"Well, what you want is important." Adrianna said firmly. "If you genuinely don't want to get married or have a family someday, that's alright. No one said you have to do those things."

The frustration in Helga's eyes dimmed. "Thank you."

Finn, however, was not to be deterred. "You could be though. Anna raises a valid point, but you wouldn't have to give up everything you love to be with him. You can still do everything you do now. Putting a ring on your finger doesn't change that. Thuggory would never make you change."

"We're too similar." Helga recited, as if she'd been telling herself this for hours. "Two loud, obnoxious warriors busy with protecting their own islands would never make it work."

Thorein shook his head and sighed. "I told you already you're taking the wrong approach on this."

"One of us would have to move to the other island if we were to really make it work." Helga fired back. "He's already well established on Hjart and I've already set down roots here working for Finn, so I'm not going anywhere. I can't expect him to move here!"

"Did you ask him?" Genevieve asked softly. "Because I think if he asked you to marry him, he'd-"

"What?" Helga demanded. "Think through all the scenarios? All the consequences? No, he asked me in the heat of the moment. Thuggory doesn't think through all the scenarios. He leads with his heart and not his head, and that would only take us crazy places."

"But are you saying no because you don't want to get married," Finn asked. "Or are you saying no because you're afraid?"

Helga glared. "The decision was easy for you. You and Gen didn't have much choice. She had to move here."

"This isn't about me."

"No, but you talk about it like ending the best relationship I've had in years was an easy decision." Helga said, her breath suddenly hitching. She abruptly stood and stalked for the stairs, her blue eyes strangely bright.

Finn turned in his chair to follow her, as he was prone to do. He was stubborn and she was stubborn, and best friends as they were, he wasn't about to let her run away so easily. Except Genevieve gripped his arm and held him firmly in his seat.

"Leave her be."

As Adrianna suspected, Finn scowled. "She's clearly torn up about it. I'm not going to let her stew in it alone."

"You will because you forget that she's a girl. No amount of Fearless Finn stubbornness is going to fix this in five minutes."

Finn took a deep breath and huffed before sitting back in his seat, placated for now. "Well she's running from the real issue. You know that, right?"

"They'll work it out."

Finn gave a derisive laugh and shook his head. "You don't know Helga like I do. She'll run from the truth and let it eat her alive, but she won't change her mind. I don't want that for her."

"Me neither." Thorein said, standing and setting his mug down on a nearby tray. "Which is why I'm going to talk to her. No offense, buddy, but I am a little less brash than you." Patting Finn on the shoulder as he left, Thorein also disappeared down the dark stairs.

Adrianna felt horrible. "If I hadn't poked fun at her-"

"Then she never would have said anything." Finn said. "Helga doesn't talk about her problems, she buries them until even she forgets about them. The fact that she even mentioned it is shocking to me, but that only proves my point. It's eating her alive."

Genevieve shook her head. "Thuggory was teasing me earlier today and I even asked when he was going to propose to Helga. I was joking, but he was so embarrassed. I assumed it was because our brothers were all there teasing him, but now…" She trailed off and sighed.

Adrianna gazed around the fire at their friends. All of them had once had relationship problems. She and Erick had an entire life's worth of struggles, Cliff and Taryn had nearly been forbidden from seeing each other, Inga had once loved Finn and snubbed Alton, and Evan had had to overcome shyness in order to take a chance with the beautiful Morgan. Genevieve and Finn had even broken up for a short time.

Relationships were hard. They were painful at times. It wasn't simple, no matter how easy other people made it look. This didn't mean that Thuggory and Helga would ever get back together, but a spark of hope still filled her chest. Everyone had ups and downs in their relationships. Maybe they would get back together.

"All we can do now is be their friends. Encourage him not to give up and encourage her to really think about it. Talk to him about it. No matter what she thinks or says, Helga deserves love, too."

Finn nodded firmly in agreement.

"She's so confident," Genevieve said quietly. "It's easy to forget sometimes that even the most confident people have insecurities, too."

"Brashness is often a cover." Inga said dully, drawing their attention. "At least in my experience, it makes for a strong mask. But it gets awfully lonely behind it."

They were each silent for a long, long pause until Cliff finally stretched and yawned. Loudly.

Taryn rolled her eyes and elbowed him. "Must you be so annoying?"

"What? Just trying to bring us all down to earth with normal things such as yawns and sleepy husbands."

Sighing, Taryn also stretched and gathered her bags. "We should go. It's getting late. Sorry Finn and Anna, I guess your party was a little less… fun."

"No, no, it was fun!" Adrianna stood and embraced her friend. "Serious conversation is the bane of adulthood and quite normal. I don't want anyone to feel bad."

"I feel bad. There's no cake." Finn said before grinning. "Sorry."

They each exchanged hugs and began to trickle down the stairs. Finn and Genevieve paused and looked back at Erick and Adrianna, who lingered.

"Oh, we're going for a flight." Adrianna said quickly.

Genevieve gave her a slow smile.

"That's not code for anything else! We're going for a flight!"

Her grin broadened and Finn laughed before pulling her down the stairs. "Come along, you fiendish woman. Have fun on your flight." As they disappeared around the bend, his deep voice still carried upward in the silence. "Genni, remind me never to use this watchtower for a party again. It'll never be the same after tonight." A muffled slap preceded more laughter but it was soon lost to the distance.

Adrianna rolled her eyes. "Brothers and their naughty ideas."

"I think it was kinda Gen's fault." Erick said, gazing down at her. "They raise an interesting point though."

Gaping, Adrianna firmly poked him in the chest. "Naughty indeed. Lily! Charger!"

Erick's smirk broadened and turned. Their dragons emerged in moments and landed on a pair of landing platforms on the edges of the watchtower. Together they mounted and took to the skies, laughing and flying so high they could nearly touch the stars. They left Berk far behind and didn't think about any responsibilities or problems for hours and hours and hours.

If they'd been paying attention as Berk disappeared in the distance, they might have noticed a trio of dragon riders flying toward Berk in the darkness. But they didn't.

---

Hey, look who's back!

So Em and I both moved in the same month. I graduated from UMD in December and am now in Ohio looking for work in marketing and finally getting back into game development. I cannot begin to express how much I've missed that.

Anyway, feel free to join the Discord server and leave a review if you're so inclined!

~Katie