Chapter 8: Arrival at Draconia.
A few months after King Ryder and Astrid had been betrothed together on New Berk, the High King of Draconia had sent an envoy with an invitation to the Royal Wedding which was to be held in the Great Temple of Draconia.
The salty breeze whipped through Stoick's beard as he stood at the helm of the mighty ship, overseeing the final preparations for their voyage to Draconia. Valka rushed around the deck, shouting orders to the crew with the air of a seasoned warrior.
"Secure those crates!" she called out, her voice carrying a mixture of authority and urgency.
Spitelout and Snotlout worked together to tie down the sails, their gruff voices blending with the creaking of the ship. Fishlegs and Ruffnut were busy checking the provisions, making sure they had enough supplies for the journey. Tuffnut, always the prankster, was playfully teasing Gunhild and Sven, trying to lighten the mood with his antics. Astrid stood at the bow, gazing out at the open sea, her eyes shining with excitement for the upcoming wedding. Stoick approached her, a soft smile tugging at his weathered face.
"Are you ready for this, my dear?" he asked, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder.
Astrid turned to him, her expression determined.
"I've never been more ready, chief," she replied, her voice steady and confident.
Gunhild and Sven joined them, their faces filled with pride and a hint of sadness.
"Our little girl is all grown up," Sven teased, nudging Astrid playfully.
Gunhild laughed, her voice warm and melodious.
"She's going to make a beautiful queen," she said, her eyes sparkling with emotion.
As the ship set sail, the crew let out a collective cheer, the sound echoing across the water. The journey to Draconia was long but uneventful, the days blending together in a haze of blue sky and rolling waves. Finally, after weeks at sea, they caught sight of the majestic spires of the Draconian capital. The city seemed to rise out of the ocean itself, a testament to the power and grandeur of the High King.
As they docked at the bustling harbour with banners of the Isle of Night, Draconia and New Berk hung around, the crew disembarked with a mixture of excitement and nervous energy. Stoick led them through the crowded streets, his presence commanding respect from the locals. They arrived at the Royal Courtyard, which was filled with new plants, people trimming hedges, and children playing around. King Ryder stood at the entrance of the Royal Hall, his eyes fixed on Astrid as the people of Berk entered the courtyard.
"Welcome back to Draconia." says King Ryder hugging his soon-to-be wife. "I trust you had a peaceful journey here?"
"Yes, my King." says Astrid hugging back looking around the garden. "It's been so long since we've been here. I hardly remember it all."
"Well, you are always welcome here." says Ryder gesturing to the doors as they open. "If everyone is able to go to their rooms, and meet back in the Royal Hall, my father wishes to speak with the people of Berk."
"Alright then, Astrid are you coming with us or going with him?" asks her mother Gunhild as Stoick takes the others into the castle.
"If it's alright with you, I have something I'd like to show Astrid." says Ryder taking Astrid's hand.
"Of course, just be back by dinner." says Sven as the rest of the group enter the castle.
The sun dipped low in the sky, casting a warm glow over the Draconian Gardens as King Ryder Ridaris and Astrid Hofferson strolled hand in hand. The vibrant colors of the flowers painted a beautiful backdrop for their romantic walk, the air filled with the sweet scent of blooms and the gentle rustle of leaves. As they wandered down a winding path, Astrid's laughter bubbled up like a spring, mingling with the harmonious hum of bees flitting from flower to flower. King Ryder couldn't help but smile at the sound, his heart swelling with love for the fiery-haired beauty by his side. Suddenly, a low growl reverberated through the garden, causing Astrid to jump in surprise. Before they could react, Toothless the Nightfury emerged from the bushes, his emerald eyes gleaming with a mixture of mischief and protectiveness.
"Toothless, what are you doing here?" King Ryder's voice held a hint of amusement as he addressed his loyal companion. The Nightfury let out a deep rumble, almost like a chuckle, before nuzzling against King Ryder's side.
Astrid's eyes widened in awe as she took in the majestic creature before her. She had heard tales of a Nightfury's bravery and loyalty, but seeing one up close was a wholly different experience. A mix of fear and fascination played across her features as she tentatively reached out a hand to touch his scales.
Toothless sniffed her hand before letting out a low, contented hum, his tail swishing back and forth in a display of approval. King Ryder's heart swelled with pride at the bond between his beloved and his faithful companion. As they continued their stroll through the garden, the tension eased, replaced by a sense of tranquillity and companionship. The sun sank lower, painting the sky in hues of pink and orange, casting a warm glow over the trio as they walked.
In the distance, the sound of music drifted through the air, a soft melody that seemed to dance on the breeze. Astrid's eyes sparkled with delight as she turned to King Ryder, her voice filled with wonder. "This place is truly magical, Ryder. Thank you for showing me."
King Ryder's gaze softened as he looked at her, his heart overflowing with love. "I would show you the wonders of the world if it meant seeing that smile on your face, Astrid."
The words hung in the air between them, a promise of a future filled with adventure and love. Toothless let out a contented purr, his presence a silent vow of loyalty and protection.
As they reached the end of the garden path, the sky ablaze with the colours of sunset, Astrid turned to King Ryder, her eyes shining with unshed tears. "I can't wait to spend forever with you, Ryder. In this moment, everything feels perfect."
King Ryder's heart swelled with emotion as he took her hands in his, the love he felt for her radiating through every touch. "Forever starts now, Astrid. And I will cherish every moment we have together, no matter what challenges come our way."
The sun dipped below the horizon, casting the garden in shadow as the first stars appeared in the twilight sky. With a shared smile, King Ryder, Astrid, and Toothless turned back towards the palace, their steps light with the promise of a future filled with love and adventure. As the night wore on, the revelry continued, the torches casting flickering shadows on the walls. Stoick found himself on the porch of his and his wife's room in the Castle, the scent of blooming flowers filling the air.. Valka joined him, her hand slipping into his as they watched the stars twinkle overhead.
"It's been quite a journey, hasn't it?" she said, her voice soft and thoughtful.
Stoick nodded, a smile playing on his lips.
"But we wouldn't have it any other way," he replied, his gaze filled with affection.
The next morning, the people of Berk meet with the King and his two sons in the grand dining hall in the Palace of Draconia, which buzzed with the chatter of guests. The long table was filled with a delectable array of breakfast dishes fit for royalty. High King Ragnar sat at the head of the table, his authoritative presence filling the room. His sons, King Ryder and King Valentine, sat on either side of him, the resemblance between Ragnar and his son Valentine striking.
Chief Stoick Haddock, a burly man with a kind smile, raised his glass in a toast. "To the union of our kingdoms through the marriage of Astrid and King Ryder. May it bring peace and prosperity to both lands."
The assembled guests raised their glasses in agreement, a harmonious chorus of clinking filling the hall. Sven Hofferson nodded, his weathered face etched with pride at his daughter's betrothal.
Gunhild Hofferson, Astrid's mother, beamed with joy. "I couldn't be happier for you, my dear. You and Ryder will make a formidable pair."
Astrid, her icy blonde hair cascading down her shoulders, blushed at the praise. She reached for Ryder's hand, squeezing it tightly.
Ryder gazed at Astrid with adoration shining in his eyes. "I am the luckiest man in the realm to have you by my side, Astrid."
High King Ragnar cleared his throat, his deep voice commanding the attention of the room. "It warms my heart to see my sons united in purpose. Ryder, I remember the day you were brought to me in a casket, a mere babe destined for greatness."
Valka Haddock, Stoick's wife, placed a reassuring hand on Ragnar's arm. "Our family has grown in ways we could have never imagined. The bonds between our nations will only strengthen with this union."
Ruffnut Thorston, a mischievous grin on her face, nudged Fishlegs Ingerman. "Looks like the Isle of Night is in for some fun with Astrid as their queen. She'll keep them on their toes."
Fishlegs chuckled softly, his voice a gentle rumble. "Indeed, Astrid's strength and cunning will serve her well in her new role. King Ryder is fortunate to have her at his side."
"We can only hope so." says High King Ragnar raising his glass. "Chief Stoick, you should consider coming to the games today."
"What's he speaking of?" asks Astrid looking at her soon-to-be husband.
"My family and I have always overseen the Dragon Races." says Ryder looking at Astrid. "In fact I still remember the day that my father allowed to join them."
"What's a Dragon Race?" asks Snotlout looking towards his King.
"The Dragon Race was invented by the settler and First King of the Isle of Night before he claimed Draconia." says Ryder getting up from his chair. "Apparently his people were a bit sad and unhappy with their lives of sailing island to island. So he chose the games to test those who thought they were worthy, in tests only a Dragon Rider could pass. At the end, he would choose who out of those who passed, would be worthy of his Kingsguard. Hence the name 'Dragoncorps', he made an army out of the games. Now the games are a way for the people to bet on those they wish."
"And you compete in these games?" asks Stoick.
"Yes, ever since I started training my dragon in the woods, my father would allow me to complete." says Ryder pulling the curtain showing a painting of Prince Ryder as a younger child riding a dragon of black scales.
"Is that what I think it?" asks Fishlegs looking at the painting.
"If you are thinking of a Nightfury, then yes." says Ryder sitting back down at the table. "Of course nobody ever beat us, so I retired and stuck to training the Dragoncorps army."
"You should see him." says Valentine. "The speed and sounds this dragon makes when flying are unforgettable."
Laughter filled the hall, a joyful symphony of merriment. The bonds of friendship and alliance solidified over the shared meal, setting the stage for a new era of peace and prosperity. Later that day, after everyone finishes their food, King Ryder and Astrid meet the others in the main courtyard where they see a few carriages.
"What's with the carriages?" asks Stoick leaving the Palace.
"For the ride to the Games." says Ryder as he opens the door to a carriage adorned with black paint and gold linings. "My queen..."
"Thank you My King." says Astrid entering the carriage.
"We will meet you at the games. Just go towards the Arena." says Ryder closing the door.
The atmosphere in the Draconian Arena crackled with excitement as Chief Stoick made his way through the bustling crowd towards the competitors' area. Dragons roared and flapped their wings, their riders gearing up for the race to celebrate the upcoming wedding of King Ryder and Astrid Hofferson. Valka Haddock, Stoick's wife, walked beside him, her eyes scanning the surroundings with a mix of curiosity and anticipation. Sven and Gunhild Hofferson, Astrid's parents, stood nearby, chatting animatedly with King Ryder and his family.
"Look at the crowd, Sven. They're all here to witness the grand Dragon Races," Gunhild exclaimed, her voice filled with excitement as she gestured towards the stands packed with cheering spectators.
Sven nodded, a proud smile gracing his features. "It's a sight to behold, Gunhild. Our daughter's wedding celebrations are truly a momentous occasion."
Stoick glanced around at the colourful array of dragons lined up for the race, their riders fidgeting nervously as they prepared for the thrilling competition ahead.
"The Isle of Night truly knows how to put on a show," Fishlegs remarked, his eyes wide with awe as he admired the magnificent creatures.
Ruffnut and Tuffnut exchanged mischievous grins, already plotting their own strategies for the race. "This is gonna be epic!" Tuffnut declared, his voice tinged with excitement.
High King Ragnar, resplendent in his royal attire, raised his hand for silence, his booming voice echoing through the arena. "Welcome, esteemed guests and citizens of Draconia. Today, we celebrate the union of our kingdoms with the exhilarating Dragon Races!"
The crowd erupted into cheers and applause, the sound reverberating through the Arena as the first competitors lined up at the starting line. The signal was given, and the racers took off, the thunderous sound of dragon wings filling the air as they soared through the sky with breathtaking speed. Stoick watched with bated breath as the dragons weaved and dodged through the challenging course, their riders skillfully guiding them towards the finish line. Stoick couldn't help but feel a swell of pride at the sight of the dragons and their riders racing towards the finish line, the spirit of competition and camaraderie uniting them in a thrilling display of skill and teamwork.
As the sun began to set on the horizon, casting a golden glow over the Arena, the last racer crossed the finish line, their victory celebrated with cheers and applause from the crowd.
"What a spectacular event," Valka remarked, her eyes shining with pride as she watched the dragons and their riders bask in the glory of their achievements.
Sven and Gunhild exchanged a smile, their hearts filled with gratitude for the bonds forged between their kingdoms through the shared love of dragons and the spirit of unity and friendship. King Ryder and Astrid shared a tender embrace, their eyes reflecting the joy and happiness of the day's festivities, a promise of a bright future ahead for their kingdoms and their love. The Dragon Races had ended, but the memories of that day would live on in the hearts of all who witnessed the legendary spectacle, a testament to the power of unity, friendship, and the enduring spirit of adventure that bound them together.