Chapter 12-struggled and hope
"That was incredible!" Astrid praised Merida as the girls walked from the archery ring.
"You're not so bad yourself" Merida complimented her friend "I can't remember anyone who shoots arrows as good as you".
"Well, I've been athletic since I was 1" Astrid added. The girls had become the best of friends in the short time Merida had been in Berk, sadly Merida was going home tomorrow but she'd had the time of her life. Not only because she was on an island filled with excitement and adventure but also because she loved being with Hiccup who was now out flying with Toothless.
"Oh, my dad always told me I was meant to do archery, because I used to play with his bow" Merida said as they reached the blacksmith's shop. "I wish you and the others could come to DunBroch one day".
Astrid's face dropped, she would like to visit Merida's home land, but it was risky. It was hard enough for Hiccup but Astrid and their friends were more 'viking' than Hiccup so they would be imprisoned immediately.
"Merida, can I ask you something?"
"Aye. What's the matter" Merida asked as she saw Astrid's face change.
"Have you and Hiccup ever talked about if your parents found out the truth, you do know the risks both of you taking?" Astrid said.
"Well, it has crossed my mind but I try to not think about it" Merida replied.
"I'm not being mean, but I just want to you and Hiccup to think of the danger, you both could be executed for betrayal" Astrid explained.
"I know" Merida answered.
"It will start a war…" Astrid continued.
"I KNOW" Merida didn't realise she shouted till she saw her friends face.
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to…"
"It's ok" Astrid said softly, placing a hand on her friend's shoulder "I want to protect the two of you. It's a huge risk you're taking".
"Aye, but it's worth it" Astrid could see dream like look in her eyes.
"Yeah, don't stop fighting for your love. It's so rare to find the one " Astrid said.
"Since when did you become a romantic?" Merida joked and both girls giggled. Just then Stormfly trotted toward them. The girls petted the Deadly Nadder dragon who cooed.
"Want to go flying with us Mer?" Astrid asked.
"Sorry but I promised I'd meet Hiccup and Toothless here" Merida replied a bit sad but was relieved see a smile on her face.
"Oh, cool that's fine, we'll be back before the bonfire party" Astrid said "See you then" then the Viking girl held up her arm in front of herself. At first, Merida didn't quite understand but it dawned on her. Merida lifted her arm up and both girls knocked their arms together.
Soon Astrid and Stormfly flew off, Merida waved them off then she returned to the blacksmiths. She entered Hiccup's living quarters, it was a bit messy but still impressive with all the drawings of his inventions. She could see Toothless's saddle, some special weapons and plans to help the dragon adapt to Berk. The Redhead glanced at them admiring Hiccup's drawings, then she came across a notebook. Curious, Merida picked up the book and flicked through it. She saw some things she expected like drawings of Toothless, notes and other information. But when she turned a page, she found a drawing of her, she continued and saw another. They were full of detail and intricacies, some were normal portraits others were she was posing like one of her holding her bow and shooting an arrow.
When she'd had her portraits done at home, she'd felt uncomfortable, tired and itchy in the fancy dresses she'd had to wear. They'd made her look like a different person, but Hiccup's drawings showed who she really was.
"Hiccup" a voice boomed that made Merida jump. Large footsteps came closer, Merida quickly put the book down as Stoick walked in "Hiccup, there you are we…" Stoick stopped at the person who he'd thought was his son, but when Merida turned the Viking was very surprised. "Oh, sorry I thought you were my son".
At first, Merida didn't understand his mistake, until she realised was still wearing Hiccup's helmet.
'Oh, it's fine' Merida replied with a warm smile. Stoick wasn't at all what Merida had imagined, he reminded her of her father. He definitely looked like a man to be taken seriously, although there was something in his eyes, she could see the resemblance to Hiccup.
"I don't mean to be rude, but who are you? You're new around here" the viking man asked, wondering why a girl was in his son's workshop. At first, she wasn't sure what to say eventually said.
"I'm Merida, Astrid's cousin".
"A pleasure to meet you" Stoick said shaking her hand "How's your time been visiting Berk?"
"Oh, it's been the best, everyone's been really welcoming and the dragons are incredible she explained, which made Stoick chuckle, she was so enthusiastic.
"That's my son's doing, we'd still be fighting them, if Hiccup had never befriended Toothless".
"You must be proud of him". Merida commented.
"Aye, I am now. I was too stubborn and proud to listen to him, but we're closer now" Stoick said with affection. "Oh, I forgot to ask, where are you from?"
Merida froze. She obviously couldn't say Scotland, so she said the first thing in her head.
"Bear Valley" she tried to look calm but inside, she was panicking.
"Oh, Bear Valley, guess there's lots of bears on your island" Stoick said which made Merida inwardly sigh with relief.
'Aye we do" she answered truthfully.
"I've faced the few bears in my time. Hiccup was nearly attacked by one if I hadn't saved him…" he looked at the girl wistfully, then added "Well, I'd better be off. See you later at the party".
"I hope so" Merida said, waving goodbye, Stoick waved back and walked right into a pole. The princess tried not to laugh as the chief straightened up and walked on. Just as Merida relaxed, she heard the flapping of wings and glanced toward the door, Hiccup and Toothless had arrived.
"Sorry we're late. We found a lost baby dragon and we managed to find its mum" Hiccup apologised gently taking his sweetheart's hands.
"It's ok, I'll be there on the next rescue" Merida said kissing on the cheek. "Oh, and by the way I met your father".
"WHAT! what did he said to you? Did he ask you anything? Did he find us out?" Hiccup questioned panicking, he eyes filled with worry.
"Hiccup, it's fine. I didn't say anything. We had a chat and then he left" Merida said reassuringly, placing her hand on either side of his face. The boy breathed, then put his hands on top of hers.
"Ok, I don't know what dad will be like if he finds out, so don't be surprised if he goes berserk" Hiccup commented. Merida held his hands and put her head on his shoulder.
'Sounds like my dad. Looks like we're cut from the same cloth" Merida said which made Hiccup smile as they walked out for their next adventure.
As the sun settled, the evening was to hold the first anniversary of peace between the Vikings and the Dragons. It started in the meat hall, the princess sat with Hiccup and the other teens, eating and chatting away. Then Stoick stood in front of all the Vikings, and began his speech.
"My friends. Today marks our first year with dragons. From centuries of fighting, we hunted and we lost so many on both sides. But now, we stand together, fight for each other and now that the Red Death has gone, we have peace. It's all because of my son and his Night Fury. Raise a cup for Hiccup and Toothless" Stoick announced. A chorus of cheers rang out, making the boy and his dragon blush.
"Hiccup and Toothless" Merida cheered. Hiccup smiled at her before kissing her cheek.
Not too long after everyone was outside celebrating around huge bonfire. There was singing, drinking and dancing throughout the night. The dragons joined in by warming themselves around the bonfires.
"Who's next" Stoick shouted. He has been arm-wrestling and was on a 14-time winning streak. Merida was watching him with the others, Hiccup passed her a drink which she took gratefully. "Come on! Are you scared to face me?" Stoick challenged.
"Or if they do, they'll be on your bad side of a week" Hiccup said sarcastically, which made the other teens laugh.
"Have any of you challenged him?" Merida asked, taking a sip.
"Ur no, are you nuts?" Ruffnut said bewildered.
"He breaks your arm in pieces" Tuffnut added pretending his arm was broken.
"Yeah, dad doesn't lose easily" Hiccup said.
"Well then" Merida commented before finishing her drink "let's see" she stood up walked away.
"Merida what? You? and she's gone" Hiccup said staring in shock. He and the other teens quickly ran as the Princess reached the chief.
"I accept the challenge" Merida called out which made everyone turned to look at her.
"Well Lass, come and show your strength" Stoick said showing her a chair.
When the others joined the crowd. They saw Merida sitting across from Stoick, ready for her challenge. Astrid noticed Hiccup's face had turned pale. She patted his shoulder for comfort.
"She'll be fine Hiccup. Merida can handle it" Hiccup smiled, not as sure as Astrid was about her success. His dad and his love gripped each other's hands They were face to face.
"Ready…go" their clenched fists pushed against each other. The elder Vikings cheered for Stoick while the teens cheered for the princess. Hiccup just bit his lip, watching Stoick overpowering Merida, nearly touching the table but suddenly Merida smirked, Stoick and the other vikings mouths dropped as Merida started pushing the chef's arm in the opposite direction. Even though he tried, Merida brought the man hand down. The teens shouted in celebration, Hiccup was more than relieved, he cheered as Merida stood up with both arms in the air in triumph.
"Well, congrats lass" Stoick said holding out his hand. Merida instantly shook it. "You're only the second person to ever beat me".
"Who was the first?" the girl asked.
"My wife" Stoick answered. Merida could see a bit of sadness in Stoick eyes. She knew from Hiccup what happened to his mum, so she understood. "She may have looked frail but she was unstoppable" he added smiling brightly. She smiled in return before her friends crowded around her and Stoick walked off to get a drink.
Astrid offered to grab some drinks, Snoutlout, Fishlegs and the twins went off to find food.
"You'll be the talk the village for a long time" Merida turned to find Hiccup, beaming at her.
"Sorry if I worried you. I couldn't resist a challenge, even if was against your dad" Merida said walking up to her Viking.
"No don't be, I was scared but I need to remember that you're stronger than me" Hiccup said rubbing his neck.
Merida let out a small laugh and saying "Well you have the biggest heart I know of". This made Hiccup blush, just then they heard music started to play.
"May I?" Hiccup asked as he bowed and held out his hand. Merida grinned and curtsied to him before taking his hand.
"Well, I'm not very good at dancing, I'll probably stand on your feet all the time" she admitted as they walked to the where other vikings were dancing.
"Well, we can be bad dancers together" Hiccup casually said. The two began to dance, they both thought would be bumping into other people or stepping on each other feet. But no, Hiccup held Merida close as they moved across the floor, they hopped, clapped and twirled together perfectly. He never thought he could ever dance like this in his life, dancing with Merida felt like a dream. Merida was surprised, she was enjoying this, she thought dancing with a boy was the worst thing she could've experienced. Now, as Hiccup spun her around with one hand, she understood many girls' fantasies of a romantic dance. The world seemed to disappear and their troubles melted away. It was just the two of them, together at their happiest. They didn't realise everyone was watching them. The grown-ups were surprised at this but they could see the chemistry between them as Hiccup and Merida laughed and danced. Toothless watched in pride, he noticed that their love was rubbing off on to other people as they joined in with the dance. Astrid and the others returned, wondering where Hiccup and Merida were at until Fishlegs spotted them.
"Are they already practicing their wedding dance?" Snoutlout joked. Astrid shot him a look but she wanted them to work even though the world was against them. Stoick noticed them too, seeing how close they were. His son and the young lady reminded him of him and his wife when they were young. Happy and carefree, lost in their own private world.
"Only know each other for a few days and they're already love birds" Stoick was dazed by the dancing couple he was brought back to find Gobber next to him, offering a fresh drink. The chief took it and looked back to Hiccup and Merida.
"Thanks, feels like they know each other for years" Stoick said.
'Yeah, like you and Valka. Even though she had a huge compassion for the Dragons. You loved her regardless" Gobber commented "Now I know where Hiccup get his romantic charm from".
"What?"
"Yes. I was carrying some broken metal to the workshop when I happen to see those in the shadows, whispering, then they started kissing, like making out. I never thought he had it in him" Gobber explained, gulping down his drink.
Stoick thought it over, true there were many things about his son he didn't know yet like of course his friendship with Toothless, but he was still learning about Hiccup. So, knowing that Hiccup with someone he had feelings for, was a wonderful thing to see. Especially when he saw Hiccup kiss Merida on the cheek, hoping no one noticed it.
"So, you may have to give him the talk" Gobber noted his confused look. "You know, the birds and the bees" Stoick growled rubbing his forehead. He already knew it would be very bad, Stoick decided to leave his son but he would be there if Hiccup needed help. Stoick grinned as the couple returned to their friends, definitely having a good night.
Very early the next day, Hiccup and Merida got ready for a return trip to Scotland. Merida had put her dress on, thinking if mum saw her in viking clothes, she would freak out. Merida tried to return the clothes to Astrid and Ruffnut but they insisted she kept them. She packed the last of her bags before the girls headed out to meet the boys. Hiccup managed to fastened Toothless's saddle just as the girls arrived on the cliff side.
"Shame you're leaving so soon" Ruffnut said.
"Me too, hopefully I'll manage to visit again" Merida replied hugging her.
"Yeah, you'd better, we need to pick out a dragon for you" Astrid said hand on her hip.
"Who knows" Merida laughed and the two-arm bump together.
"What's that about? Snoutlout asked in confusion.
"It's our thing, when we say hello, goodbye and to celebrate" Astrid answered.
"Just give a high five like everyone else" he said and the girls rolled their eyes.
"Ok, all set. Ready when you are ready Mer" Hiccup said rubbing Toothless's head. Merida said her goodbyes, climbed onto the Night Fury and waved to her new friends. Hiccup, Merida and Toothless took off in the air. Just like last time, it took them 3 days to reach DunBroch. It was night-time we they landed on the outskirts of the castle. Merida looked out to her home, it looked the same as always, but at that moment home seemed different. She realised how much she'd missed it.
Hiccup joined Merida by her side and the dragon joined them.
"At one point, I would have done anything to leave and have my freedom, but now I can't imagine never returning home" Merida confessed. She felt Hiccup's hand slip into hers.
"Me too, I nearly ran away from my home because of everyone wanted to kill dragons, and I had to protect Toothless. Before that, I thought about sailing away, thinking no one would care if I disappeared" Hiccup told her. He felt Merida squeeze his hand and showed him a reassuring smile.
They stood and watched the night sky, when Hiccup glanced over he noticed the melancholy look on the princess's face.
"Mer, what's wrong" Hiccup asked.
"I'm fine".
"No, you're not. Please" Hiccup replied.
Merida shut her eyes, she didn't want to talk about it but they needed to discuss it. She took a breath before answering.
"Hic, do you think we have a future together?"
Hiccup was taken aback. Yes, it was question that had been on his mind but he didn't want to bring it up.
"Yes of course".
"Even though we are from different worlds. Even if it takes our kingdoms…our families..." Merida continued on the brink of tears.
"Merida please calm down" Hiccup said calmly pressing his hands on her shoulders
"We need some time to figure…." But Merida pushed his hands off.
"LISTEN TO ME!" Merida screamed, hot tears flooded from her eyes. "If our parents found out. They'll never listen to us. There'll be nothing but blood, death and hatred because of us. I never want to hurt my family again, we've been through hell and I don't want to lose them. I love you Hiccup. I will always love you but there's this huge mountain of hate between us and I don't have a clue to get through it" Merida covered her head as she sobbed.
Hiccup could feel the tears running down his face. Everything she said was breaking his heart, seeing Merida so upset. Instantly, he wrapped his arms around her. Merida buried her face in his shoulder and held him close, for fear he would vanish.
"I'm sorry" he whispered. Toothless groaned in sympathy, he came over and wrapped his wings around the couple. They stayed like this for a while until the Viking softly kissed Merida's forehead. "Mer. I've had those thoughts running through my head since our first week. True, I haven't any ideas, but we can't loss hope. If we could fix things that are 100 times bigger than us. That doesn't stop us from trying." Hiccup told Merida rubbing a strand of hair from her face "And even if things don't go to plan. It's not stopping us because I don't want to live my life without you Merida. I dream of you and me having a full life with adventures and marriage and maybe babies".
"You…you want children" Merida asked. He blushed, he wasn't sure if she wanted kids, knowing her views marriage.
"Yeah, I've being wondering what our kids maybe like" he managed to say.
"I want them too" Merida said a bit shyly "I've being thinking about babies. I never thought much about it, but after meeting you. I began thinking about it more".
The two shared a loving smile, Toothless could sense they'd calmed down, he unwrapped his wings and backed off to give them some space.
"I'd like to give our children the freedom and the happiness they deserve" Merida added.
"We'll make sure that dream becomes reality" Hiccup said looking into her eyes "No matter who stands in our way".
"You definitely know what to say" Merida said laughing softly.
"Well, I do my best" Hiccup said grinning which made his princess smile.
"Do you think we'll end up running away together?" Merida then said.
"Wouldn't be surprised, let's try making peace between both sides somehow" Hiccup said rubbing his neck.
"Aye, I just… I don't know if they will" Merida told him still worrying.
"Hey, hey. It's not like you to worry. I understand but I don't want you to be worried" Hiccup reassured her "I promise, we'll figure it out" That was one of the reasons Merida loved him, he tried to make a difference in the world, it gave her hope and incentive for them to keep fighting for their love. "No matter what happened, we'll get through this".
Merida hesitated for a moment until Toothless gently pushed her closer to Hiccup. They looked over to the dragon and smiled at him.
"I believe you Hiccup" Merida said. The two kissed more passionately than before. The dragon sat on the side as the continued. Soon after, they went to sleep against Toothless. When morning came, Merida decided to stay and see them, before heading home.
"I wish you could come to the games. You'd enjoy them" Merida said pushing her bags aside.
"Yeah, I'm not a fan of physical games, it might be riskier being around more people" Hiccup explained before walking to Merida. "I promise to make it up".
"Oh, like what" Merida said playfully.
"Well, you know, an adventure and get into a bit of trouble and maybe something more" Hiccup said which did made Merida giggle before they kissed. They noticed Toothless raised him eyebrows at them.
"Oh, wee lamb" Merida commented, walking away to the Night Fury, gently holding his face "You want your buddy to yourself, do you?" Toothless purred which she took as maybe.
"Well, you're a true friend Toothless, that will never change. So, I trust you to take care of him".
Toothless responded by licking her, causing Merida to giggle. Hiccup gave his friend a scratch behind the ear and gave Merida another kiss. Soon Hiccup and Toothless were saying their goodbyes and flying off back to Berk. Even though they seemed ok, inside their thoughts were filled of their future. It scared them but they knew their love would withstand decades of hate, whatever the outcome, Merida and Hiccup knew it was going to be hard, all they could do that the moment, was hope.