Chapter 17
"So, let me get this straight," Fishlegs replied, "you're telling me that the dreams you've been having have been changing since you got here." Hiccup nodded.
"Yeah," he replied, "the second one I had seemed more like a memory, I guess. I'm pretty sure I saw some sort of ritual that may have been part of the binding spell." Eret sat quietly across from Hiccup and Fishlegs listening in interest to their conversation.
"A memory," Fish questioned.
"Well not my memory," Hiccup replied, "obviously that would be impossible. It was more like I was being shown something that happened in the past. I'm sure the two people I saw performing the ritual were my grandfather and Mairead."
"Okay," Fish nodded as he thought over Hiccup's words.
"But the dream I had yesterday was different than the others," Hiccup replied, "it almost seemed a bit random. The other dreams had everything to do with Mairead and my grandfather, but this one just confused the hell out of me."
"But you said that Mairead appeared to you again," Fish replied, "you said she spoke to you again." Hiccup nodded as his mind drifted back to Mairead from his most recent dream. He thought of her face and her haunting blue eyes; he recalled the way he felt in her presence. He thought about how strange it was to look into those pale blue orbs that were nearly identical to those of Mairead's great, great granddaughter. He couldn't explain how strange it was to know he was looking at Mairead, but to feel as if he were looking at Merida. It was almost as if he had feelings for them both. But how could that be? He wondered once again if the spirit of his grandfather was somehow influencing his feelings, or even manipulating them outright. If that were the case, could his feelings for Merida possibly be just a byproduct of said influence? He shook his head as he tried to banish the thought from his mind. He refused to believe that his feelings for Merida weren't real. Still the question remained. Why did he feel for Mairead the same way he felt for Merida? He looked up at Fish as he sorted through his thoughts.
"She did," Hiccup replied, "but it was different this time, what she told me was not about her or my grandfather. It honestly seemed like some sort of a...a prophecy I guess. And it was all about this Adag place or maybe person, I...I'm not even really sure."
"So, what did she say exactly," Fish asked. Hiccup reached into his pocket and pulled out his notebook. He quickly opened to the specific page and began to read aloud.
...
"The House of Adag is lost, exiled and forgotten.
It is said an Adag will lead them home, but only a link forged by both clans will renew their bond.
Heavy is the heart torn by pride and only can be mended by forgiveness' healing hand.
It's so much bigger than us Hiccup, we were only the start of it.
The house of Adag will rise and the bond between the clans will be unbreakable. For the link that binds them was forged in love."
…
Fish nodded as he thought heavily on Hiccup's words.
"It's almost like some sort of a riddle or something," Fish replied, "I think we just need to figure out what Adag means. It could be a name, of a place or person. From what you've said though, it sounds more like the name of a clan to me. Then again, the name could also be some sort of an anagram for something else entirely." Hiccup nodded as he thought about it.
"Oh, come on mate," Eret interrupted, "clearly it has something to do with the banishment." Both Hiccup and Fish looked over at Eret in curiosity.
"Only a link forged by both clans will renew their bond," Eret repeated, "the house of Adag will rise and the bond between the clans will be unbreakable. It only makes sense; the two clans must be Dunbroch and Berk." Hiccup gazed at Eret as he thought over what he had said.
"Think about it Hic," Eret replied, "you said from the start, you think that you and Merida are being led to find the truth and maybe set things right. Maybe this is all about renewing the bond between Dunbroch and Berk."
"But what is Adag," Hiccup questioned, "the house of Adag, an Adag will lead them home, the house of Adag will rise?" Eret paused a moment as he thought about it.
"Well," you said they speak a little differently here, maybe it's the word for Berk, or Viking." Hiccup nodded as he thought about it. He guessed it was possible, he'd have to ask Merida to be sure. But Eret's suggestion didn't quite explain anything else he saw in his dream.
"But that doesn't explain what I saw," Hiccup replied, "I saw a village full of people and dragons, and the name above the gate was Adag. And there was an emblem of a Tide glider above the gate too."
"Well hasn't Berk's crest always been a dragon," Eret questioned, "does it matter which one? Maybe it used to be a tide glider then they changed it a little over time. I mean maybe the name of Berk was changed too."
"No, that wouldn't make sense," Hiccup replied, "I mean it wouldn't have changed since my great, great grandfather's time. And Mairead still called our people Berk in her journal."
"Okay," Eret said as he thought about it more, "maybe it's not Berk exactly, but it must have some connection to Berk."
"Hey you know it does kinda sound like your name a bit," Fish replied with a slight chuckle.
"What's that," Hiccup questioned.
"Well, I mean the way you pronounce it," Fish replied, "it...it sort of sounds like your name."
Hiccup furrowed his brow in confusion.
"Oh, come on," Fish replied, "don't you hear it, Adag, Haddock, Adag, Haddock. It's like Haddock with a silent H." Both Hiccup and Eret gazed at Fish with an intrigued expression on their faces.
"That's weird," Hiccup replied as he thought it over, "it actually kinda does sound similar. I...I didn't really notice before." Hiccup wondered if there could be any significance or if it was only a coincidence. Though after all he had been through recently, he was beginning to wonder if coincidences ever truly existed at all. Lately it seemed more like everything surrounding him had been laid out by careful and strategic design. It was like a puzzle of grand design; he need only find the missing piece that would lay everything in its place. One thing was for certain, he had to talk to Merida, he had to find out if anything from his dream would spark anything for her. Maybe she already knew what or who Adag was. Maybe the answer was somewhere in the archives of Dunbroch. He hoped that when she read his letter, that she would search for the answers they needed, and he prayed she'd have some luck finding it. He suddenly remembered that he needed to head to their meeting place soon.
"Right well, it seems we have more questions than answers once again," Hiccup replied as he stood from his place, "but maybe Merida found something in the archives, she said she'd look." Hiccup then headed over to where Toothless was as the others watched.
"I gotta go," Hiccup said, "I'll be back in a little while."
"Sure thing Hic," Fish replied with a nod, "see ya."
As Fishlegs stood and headed off to tend to Meatlug, Eret's attention remained on Hiccup. He followed him over to Toothless and observed as Hiccup prepared to head out to wherever he was supposed to meet this princess of his.
Eret couldn't quite explain why he found himself so curious about this princess. Maybe it was the fact that Hiccup had been slightly less than forthcoming about her that piqued Eret's curiosity. Perhaps it was the way Hiccup spoke of her that intrigued him. Or perhaps, more likely, it was because the prospect of Hiccup finally moving on would make things just a little easier on he and Astrid. Regardless of the reason Eret couldn't help but to be more than a little curious about this girl. Despite his objections to the mere idea, Hiccup seemed more than a little taken with her. Whether Hiccup admitted it or not, Eret could clearly see that there was something more going on than Hiccup would avow. As Hiccup finished strapping the saddle to Toothless' back, Eret approached him.
"Off to see your princess again, eh mate," Eret said. Hiccup glanced up at him briefly and rolled his eyes, eliciting a chuckle from Eret.
"I'm not meeting her," Hiccup replied with a hint of annoyance, "I told you she can't leave the castle, she's..."
"Grounded, yes, I know, I know," Eret replied as he crossed his arms over his chest. Eret continued to gaze in Hiccup's direction as he prepared to mount Toothless.
"Well," Eret replied, "do you mind if I tag along then mate?" Hiccup looked up at Eret once more with a suspicious expression on his face. Eret grinned.
"It's just, Skull Crusher," Eret replied, "he, uh, he's getting a bit stir crazy is all. He could use the exercise."
"I don't know Eret," Hiccup replied distractedly, "I'm not all that sure I really feel up to company right now."
"Come on Hic, I'm sure Toothless wouldn't mind the company," Eret said as he patted the dragon on the neck," right Toothless?" The dragon grinned at Eret and nodded enthusiastically. Hiccup crossed his arms over his chest and glowered at the dragon.
"Traitor," he mumbled under his breath.
"I mean seeing as though you're not meeting up with your girl and all," Eret replied with a slight smirk. Hiccup seemed perplexed by his statement.
"Well, you know," Eret went on haughtily, "I just figured if you were actually meeting up with her, you know, you'd probably want a little privacy, but since you're not..." Hiccup groaned.
"I told you Eret," Hiccup huffed, "there is nothing going on between her and I, so please, just stop insinuating that there is."
"Whatever you say mate," Eret replied with the shake of his head. Hiccup quickly mounted Toothless, then looked down at Eret. He sighed heavily as he rolled his eyes once again.
"You coming or what," Hiccup questioned. Eret smiled.
"Absolutely," he replied enthusiastically. Eret quickly mounted Skull Crusher and followed after Toothless.
Merida didn't waste time this morning. To avoid being seen by her mother, she went straight to her room after she returned from the meeting place in the woods. She quickly entered then closed and locked the door behind her. She removed her hood then pulled her hair out from beneath her cloak and flipped the long cascading curls over her shoulder. She then reached into her pocket and pulled out the neatly folded letter and purple flower that Hiccup had left for her. She smiled at the sight of the purple flower as a slight blush arose on her freckled cheeks. She lifted the flower to her nose and took a whiff of its sweet fragrance before laying it down upon her vanity. She removed her cloak and hung it up. She then sat down upon the soft cushioned chair beside her fireplace with the letter in hand. She carefully unfolded the paper and started to read.
—
Dear Merida,
To begin with, I am really sorry that I worried you. When I showed up the other night, I had a lot weighing on my mind. I didn't exactly intend to lay all my stupid drama on you though, and I certainly didn't mean for you to lose any sleep over it. I really just wanted to see you because, well, because you're really good at distracting me from all of the negativity that I tend to dwell on.
I've been thinking a lot about what you wrote. In your letter, you mentioned that not a day has gone by since we met that I didn't have a smile on my face. I have to admit that your statement surprised me. I mean that's not necessarily the norm for me back home. If it's true then I can honestly say that it could only be because of you. I can't even remember the last time I was truly happy in Berk. Don't get me wrong I care about Berk and my people; Berk is and always will be my home after all. But even so, I've sort of always felt like a bit of an outcast. I mean yeah, I'm the Chief and my people chose me to lead but honestly sometimes it just feels like half of them are really just waiting for the other shoe to drop, so to speak.
See, as I told you before, I've been a screw up for most of my life and, honestly, sometimes it feels more like people are just waiting to see what I screw up next. Just about the only person in Berk who ever truly believed in me was Astrid and, as you know, I pretty much epically screwed that up too. Then, of course, back home it's near impossible to not be reminded of all my past mistakes and all my screw ups and all my epic fails. It's almost like there is just no escaping the past. Sometimes, it kind of makes moving on seem practically impossible.
But when I'm with you, it's different. When I'm with you I don't think about everything I've done wrong or the mistakes that I made. It's a lot easier to live in the moment when I don't have the past looming over me every day. When I'm around you, I just, well, I don't really know exactly how to explain it but it sort of feels like I'm just free in a way. It's like I'm free to be the real me without the worry of being judged. I don't get so caught up in my usual negativity and I'm happier just being around you.
Besides all that, you are just so easy to talk to. I mean, you don't just listen, you take it to heart and you don't judge me for how I feel about things. Then you somehow turn it around and help me see things from a different angle. No matter how complicated a problem feels to me, you just make everything seem so simple. So, when I came to you last night, I just told you everything that was bothering me and like the true friend that you are, you let me talk and you listened without judgement. And once again, you helped me to see things just a little bit clearer than I ever could have on my own.
I really must thank you for being such a good friend. The other night was the first time that I really actually ever told anyone like, everything, ya know. I mean I've talked to my mom a little before but I've never told her everything. Back in Berk it was just a lot easier to just keep it all to myself and to just avoid the subject all together. But then I didn't actually have anyone who I could just vent to about it before either. I mean not without them judging me or giving me some useless advice, or 'I told you so', or just some other stupid insensitive comment. I mean what do you expect from a bunch Vikings I guess, right. I suppose I could've told my mom a bit more but, I don't know, it's just a little awkward to talk to her about all of it. Don't get me wrong, it's not that I don't trust her or anything, it's just hard to talk to her about this in particular. I mean, considering everything she's been through. But all that is beside the point, I'm getting side tracked here and the whole story of my mom is just a really, really long story that I don't actually want to get into right now. Man, I'm actually rambling, aren't I? I can't even write a letter without rambling. I guess it could be worse I could be stuttering too, so at least there's that, I guess.
Basically, what I'm trying to say is, it felt really great to get all of that off my chest after keeping it all bottled up for so long. Just being able to talk to someone about all of it was exactly what I needed. I mean you didn't just listen you also helped me to see things differently. You've been a true friend to me since the moment we met. Okay, maybe not the very first few moments, ya know, while you were using me for target practice, but the first moments after you came to your senses.
Now, to answer your question, yes, I am doing much better than the other night and to be honest I really do owe most of that to you. Don't sell yourself short either, just because you've had it somewhat easier than me doesn't mean your advice is any less sound or any less useful. You may not think what you said was much but it was everything to me. I don't know how, but you always seem to know exactly what I need to hear. You're always honest and you're always sincere and I truly appreciate that about you.
Anyway, I want you to know that I took your advice. When I got back to camp, I forgave Eret. I mean, I don't really know that we are all that close to being friends again or anything, but we put an end to the feud at least. After you and I talked last night I realized what you told me was true, that letting go of the past and making peace with it is the only way to move on. More importantly, I realized that what I want more than anything is to finally move on from the past. I realized that I have spent far too much time just being angry about what happened, and brooding over all my mistakes and everything that went wrong before that I didn't think much about the future, or what I truly want. I know it seems like I want to avoid love at all costs, but the truth is that I really do want to find love again.
I've told myself for so long that I was better off alone, that I actually started to believe it. I mean I pretty much stopped believing in love altogether which is why I scoffed at the mere idea of finding my soulmate when my mother mentioned it. But the truth is, I do want that more than anything. I mean, I want a future with someone who truly cares about me. I want to feel like I belong, like I have a place to come home to where I feel complete. I want to feel like I matter to someone. I want to be with someone who believes in me even when I screw up.
You know, you were right about me before; I was afraid of love. I was afraid to move on, I was afraid to let my guard down, and I was afraid to take a chance on anything to do with love. I mean, honestly, after I lost Astrid, I was afraid to even believe that love was even possible for me. I guess I just felt like, what was the point, ya know. Of course, I would be a screw up at love. I mean, I was already a screw up at probably eighty five percent of the things I've done in my life so why would love be any different, right. But really, I just blamed myself for losing Astrid. I just thought, if I couldn't make things work with her than what chance would I have with someone else. It just seemed like it was a lot easier to give up. So, I told myself, love just wasn't in my cards, that I didn't want it or need it and I was fine on my own.
But after our many conversations on the subject, I'm beginning to realize that I was wrong about many things, particularly when it comes to love. I really do want love. I mean real, true love, like what my grandfather found with Mairead. You know, if I'm ever lucky enough to be given the opportunity again someday that is. I mean, who knows, maybe that day will be sooner than anticipated. I mean, like you said before, I just need to open my heart to the possibility right. So maybe by finally letting go of the past and admitting that I do want to find love eventually will help me to maybe recognize true love when or if it ever finds me. Honestly you put a lot of things in perspective for me last night. I mean for the first time in a very long time I feel like maybe finding love again isn't such a long shot after all. I mean, maybe there is still hope for me yet.
Okay so, moving on. That is fantastic news about the guard. I have been trying my best to be optimistic, but I have to admit I was a little worried that I wouldn't be able to see you again. I mean, I feel bad enough that I got you into trouble with your parents to begin with, but if I couldn't see you again because of it, I'd feel even worse. You've become one of my best friends and above all else I don't want to lose you, especially over this. I mean I'm sure we could find some way around it. Sneaking up to your balcony was easy enough, but that could probably get us into more trouble. Then again, maybe it's time we should consider maybe introducing me to your parents. I mean, maybe it's time I try to appeal to their good graces. I've been thinking that coming forward might be better than if they were to discover that a Viking has been running around in their forest with their only daughter. Not that I mind at all, honestly there is probably nothing else I'd rather do; but given the circumstances, I don't think your parents would be all that thrilled about it if they were to find out on their own.
I'm fairly sure that I can convince them to just give me a chance to prove myself. I know your mom doesn't like Vikings and all, but I'm the exception, don't you think? I mean I can be charming, and witty, and charismatic. I'm fairly certain that I could win her over. I won you over, didn't I? All while you were trying to kill me, I might add! Just think about it okay, that's all I ask. We can talk about it more next time I see you.
I will cross my fingers that you find something useful in the archives. Actually, I might have something else you could look into as well. Last night I had another dream. I'll tell you all the details later. But Mairead came to me again and what she said confused me. She said, 'the house of Adag is lost. Exiled and forgotten, it is said an Adag will lead them home, but only a link forged by both clans will renew their bond. I also saw the ruins of a village in my dream as well and the name above the gateway said Adag. Any ideas about this place or what she might be trying to tell us? Does any of the things she said ring any bells for you at all? I did record everything I could remember from the dream and I will show everything to you when I see you again, hopefully in the next couple days.
Oh, and to answer your other question, yes, Toothless was extremely happy to get his treats. You know, I have to say, given how the two of you met, he really has taken a liking to you. Maybe a dragon's heart can be won through his stomach too. I sure, wish I would have known that sooner, it probably would have made it a little easier to gain his trust in the beginning.
Anyway, he and I both thank you for thinking of us. We look forward to seeing you soon. I'm pretty certain that Toothless misses you terribly. As do I.
Hopefully the days pass quickly like you said. Until then I'll be thinking of you.
Your friend,
Hiccup.
...
Merida smiled slightly as she folded the letter once again. She was glad that Hiccup had confided in her, even more so knowing he had actually taken her advice. He was at least taking a step toward moving on and letting go of the past, which was all that she could have hoped for. Whether or not that meant he might ever see her as more than a friend still remained to be seen. Judging by all he had said in his letter, it seemed that he did truly care about her, and his feelings did seem sincere. Perhaps he could be feeling something more for her after all. Maybe everything in his past had hindered him from seeing what was right in front of him. Perhaps being less bogged down by his past, would help him to see things just a little bit clearer now, maybe he might even see her in a new light as well. Perhaps if he looked just a little closer, Hiccup might find in her all that he said he wanted. Everything he had said about his happiness being because of her caused her heart to flutter. She wondered what that meant, if anything. She sighed as she thought about it. But her smile slowly faded as the thought of the argument with her mother resurfaced. Her fear was that it didn't matter whether he reciprocated her feelings or not; he'd never be accepted. Above all else she feared that she was doomed just as her grandmother, to be forced to choose between her heart and her throne. It was a scenario she'd tried all her life to avoid. She inhaled deeply and exhaled slowly as she shook the thought from her mind.
Sitting around dwelling on her feelings would accomplish nothing. So, she pushed the thoughts away from her mind and pushed her feelings deep down in her heart and tried to focus on the task at hand. She had to find evidence that Berk was innocent, that they were wrongfully banished. Only then would she stand any chance of proving to her mother that Hiccup was different. She only needed her mother to hear her out. If she could just convince Elinor to give Hiccup a chance, she had no doubt that Hiccup would prove to her that he was different than other Vikings. The hard part would be getting her mother to listen. She opened the letter again and re-read what little details Hiccup had given her from his newest dream.
"The house of Adag," she muttered to herself. She furrowed her brow in contemplation. Why did that sound so familiar to her? Try as she might, she couldn't quite put her finger on where or how she had heard that name before. She wondered if she had learned it in one of her many princess lessons during her life. She sighed heavily in frustration. Having spent most of her lessons distracted and bored, she now wished in this moment she had tried to pay attention just a little bit more. She supposed she could swallow her pride and just ask her mother if it sounded familiar. Merida groaned at the thought. She had not spoken to her mother since their previous argument, and she wasn't entirely sure she wanted to approach her about anything regarding Vikings. She folded the paper once again and stuffed it into the sleeve of her dress. She decided she would just have to look through the library on her own for now, then if she had no luck, she could just try to bring it up to Elinor. Now with a plan in mind, Merida decided to head down to breakfast.
As Eret and Hiccup made their way through the woods, Hiccup remained quiet. Eret was trying to think of something, anything, to break the awkward silence.
"So," Eret said, "you uh, you really believe your great, great grandfather and her great, great grandmother are leading you both on the same path?" Hiccup nodded as he glanced briefly in Eret's direction.
"I know it sounds completely crazy," Hiccup replied turning his eyes back to the trail, "but yeah I do." Eret nodded as he thought over what Hiccup said.
"Why do you ask," Hiccup inquired. Eret shrugged.
"It's just interesting to me mate," Eret replied, "you know, not everyone can trace their ancestors back one generation let alone three or four, and not everyone has such a rich history as you. To top it all off there is a very good possibility that your great, great grandfather is trying to reach out to you from who even knows where. It's more than a little mind-blowing. I mean here you are receiving messages from your ancestors from beyond the grave, while some of us are lucky we even know who our parents are at all, let alone have any memories of them." Hiccup furrowed his brow as he glanced curiously in Eret's direction.
"What do you mean," Hiccup questioned, "don't you have memories of your parents?" Eret shrugged and turned his eyes back to the trail ahead.
"A few," Eret replied, "but not many."
"Just a few," Hiccup questioned skeptically, "but you're Eret, son of Eret, I mean I thought your father taught you everything about tracking dragons, wasn't he some big name in dragon hunting?" Eret remained quiet for a long moment as if deciding what to say. He sighed heavily as he turned to Hiccup.
"Look mate," Eret replied in a serious tone, "I'm gonna tell you something I've only ever told Astrid...so long as you keep it to yourself." Hiccup nodded as he gazed curiously in Eret's direction.
"I am the son of Eret, but I don't actually know my father, nor anything about him really, besides the fact that I'm named for him. I don't even really know that he actually was a dragon hunter. Truth is, I just...I made all that up," Eret replied with a shrug.
"You made it up," Hiccup questioned in surprise, "why on earth would you make something like that up?"
"Cause it sounded good," Eret replied simply, "I was young when I started trapping. I thought if people believed I came from a long line of trappers that they'd take me more seriously."
"I guess I can sort of understand that," Hiccup replied, "but why didn't you tell me the truth before now. I mean we were friends, weren't we? "
"And what difference would that have made," Eret replied, "besides make you think I was nothing more than a liar. Honestly, I've already lived with the lie for so long I don't even think twice about it anymore. I mean, I don't exactly lose any sleep over it at all and I don't want anyone's pity over it either. It is what it is mate."
"So, you don't know anything about your father at all," Hiccup questioned. Eret shook his head as he kept his eyes on the trail in front of them.
"Not a thing mate," Eret replied, "I mean I have a memory or two of him, he was hardly around much. He left pretty early on. Mum always said he was lost at sea, but I don't really know if that's true or not. All I know is he left one day and never came back. The only thing I have of him is some old pendant my mum gave me." Eret paused a moment before continuing. "To be perfectly honest I don't even really know for sure if it was even my father's or not. I mean it's entirely possible that my mother just told me that so I would just feel like I had something of him. "
"A pendent," Hiccup asked almost distractedly as he became suddenly lost in thought.
"Yeah," Eret replied, "I've worn it since I was eight years old, it's the only family heirloom I own really. My mum said it was my father's family crest, but I don't actually know if that's true or not. It's pretty depressing actually, that the only thing I have left of my family is some worthless trinket that has most likely no connection at all to my father."
"It's not worthless if it's important to you," Hiccup replied. Eret looked at him curiously. "You said you've worn it since you were eight years old, it must be important to you." Eret nodded as he thought about it.
"Astrid said nearly the same thing," Eret replied.
"Do you happen to have it with you," Hiccup asked.
"No," Eret replied, "why?" Hiccup shrugged his shoulders.
"Just curious," Hiccup replied.
"Well, I only told Astrid the truth recently," Eret replied, "and she asked for the pendent. She said it didn't matter if the story my mother told me was true or not. The pendant was important enough that I kept it all these years and that we could use it to start our own family tradition. So, I gave it to Astrid to keep for the baby." Eret stopped himself when he realized he'd accidentally said too much. Hiccup looked over at him curiously.
"Uh, ya know," Eret tried to save himself, "in the future, uh, whenever we decide to have one." Hiccup felt his heart freeze for a moment as Eret's words sunk into his brain. He thought back to their argument the day before.
...
I offered...because I thought it'd be too dangerous. I... I didn't want her to come..."
"Too dangerous," Hiccup huffed, "for Astrid Hofferson." Eret just gazed at Hiccup.
"And you actually convinced her to stay in Berk and allow you to come after me on your own," Hiccup replied sarcastically.
Eret crossed his arms over his chest and raised an eyebrow at Hiccup.
"You know as well as I that there is no convincing her of anything," Eret replied, "we decided together that it was best that she stay and I go."
"Right," Hiccup replied flatly as he slipped his dagger back in its holster.
"Look she...she has her reasons," Eret replied cryptically. Hiccup turned to him in curiosity. He could see a look of genuine concern on Eret's face and maybe a bit of remorse.
"What reasons," Hiccup questioned.
"That is none of your business," Eret replied firmly.
...
"That's why she didn't come with you," Hiccup muttered to himself. Eret grimaced as he realized that it was too late, Hiccup had already figured it all out or at least he was about to.
"Okay look," Eret sighed in defeat, "I'm not supposed to say anything...not yet, no one else knows either, so if I tell you, you need to promise you won't say anything to anybody." Hiccup nodded.
"Astrid, she's, well she's," Eret paused as he took a deep breath, "she's pregnant Hic." Hiccup shook his head in bewildered confusion.
"So, y-you're saying that you and she," Hiccup stuttered, "you mean Astrid...a-and you are...gonna..."
"Have a kid," Eret replied in a concerned tone, "yeah." But Eret did not seem to be thrilled about it at all.
Hiccup turned his eyes back to the trail as he let what Eret had just said to him sink into his brain. He felt slightly dazed as the reality of it dawned on him. He didn't really know why he wouldn't have expected this. Astrid and Eret were married after all, it really was only a matter of time before they would eventually start a family. Having children was something she had always talked about, after all. Yet it still caused his heart to flinch. It was yet another reminder of his failure, another example of what Eret could give her that Hiccup had failed to. He took a deep breath and tried his best to see past it, to not get stuck once again dwelling on the past.
"Look I'm sorry," Eret replied, "s-she didn't want to tell you, I mean she didn't want you to know yet, she was afraid you'd overreact. So, we haven't told anybody yet. But it's not as if we've known long, I mean we only found out a little before the wedding." Hiccup took a deep breath as he silently processed all Eret had just told him. It took a few moments for him to come to terms with this newest development. He was suddenly concerned for Astrid, he wondered if the reason she didn't want to tell him was because there might be something wrong.
"But everything is okay," Hiccup questioned, "she's okay nothing else is wrong?"
"No Hic, she's fine," Eret replied, "I mean aside from a little morning sickness here and there, other than that, Astrid is ecstatic. I'm the one that's terrified. I think I'm more afraid than she is, and she's the one going through it!" Hiccup looked over at Eret curiously.
"What exactly are you afraid of," Hiccup asked.
"Well, I don't exactly know anything about being a father, now do I Hic," Eret replied, "It's not like I had any kind of role model at all. My dad took off when I was a boy and my mum...did the best she could for as long as she could but she died when I was eight years old. I pretty much raised myself. Seven years I spent on my own, getting into trouble and stealing just to survive. Then I fell in with Drago when I was fifteen. He took me under his wing and taught me how to track and trap dragons. In the beginning I even looked up to him. I considered him like a father, until that is, it became blatantly apparent that he was mad. Then I only stayed out of fear!"
Hiccup nodded as he listened to Eret vent about all the unfortunate things he had been through. Though he and his former friend had been through a lot, and had been at odds for a long time. Hiccup still felt for Eret. After everything that had happened between them, Hiccup still cared about his former friend.
"You know Eret," Hiccup replied, "you may have had it pretty rough as a kid. I mean, maybe you haven't had the best role models and maybe you made a lot of bad decisions in the past, but none of that means that you'll be a terrible Dad. In fact, maybe you'll be even better at it because of all of that."
"Are ya kidding," Eret replied, "I grew up basically a petty thief with major abandonment issues a-and the closest thing I ever had to a father figure was Drago Bludvist! What the hell kind of a role model could I possibly be?"
"Well, think about it," Hiccup replied, "I mean, after everything you've been through, everything you've experienced, you'll have a lot of wisdom to pass on. Sure, you made a lot of bad decisions in the past but you're a good person, a-and when it came down to it, you chose to do the right thing. I mean you've completely turned your life around since then. If you ask me, I'd say your kid couldn't get a better role model than that." Eret just gazed at Hiccup in surprise. For a moment or two he remained speechless as all that Hiccup had said ran through his mind.
"Ya know Hic," Eret replied, "if I didn't know any better, I'd say we are practically friends again."
"Friends is a strong word," Hiccup said sarcastically, "I'd say more like...distant acquaintances." Eret smirked slightly at Hiccup's comment.
"Well as far as acquaintances go," Eret replied, "you're a pretty good one." Hiccup nodded as he glanced at Eret from the corner of his eye.
"You too," Hiccup replied. Eret chuckled under his breath as he shook his head.
"Astrid is going to be furious with me for telling you mate," Eret replied, "but I have to say, you took the news far better than we anticipated that you would."
"Well, you were probably right to be cautious," Hiccup replied, "I mean, if you had told me back in Berk, before all of this, it's possible I might have handled it a lot differently. But now...now..., well, let's just say being here has put a lot of things in perspective for me." Eret smiled slightly.
"Would you say this change in perspective has at all to do with this princess of yours," Eret asked. Hiccup grinned slightly as a blush crept over his cheeks. He turned away from Eret and attempted to focus on the trail ahead of them. As they continued on in silence Hiccup glanced in Eret's direction, silently debating whether or not he should confide in his old friend. He sighed slightly as he came to his decision.
"Honestly," Hiccup sighed again, "Merida has probably everything to do with it." Eret grinned knowingly as he gazed at Hiccup.
"Is that so," Eret replied. Hiccup glanced at Eret noticing the smirk on his former friend's face. He rolled his eyes and groaned.
"Don't look at me like that," Hiccup groaned.
"Like what mate," Eret replied feigning ignorance.
"Like that," Hiccup pointed at him, "with that stupid smug smirk on your face when you think you're right!" Eret chuckled.
"That's because I am right," Eret replied confidently, "you like this girl, I knew it the moment you first spoke of her." Hiccup just glared at him.
"Hey, deny it all ya like mate," Eret replied with a grin, "I know I'm right." Hiccup kept quiet as he focused on the trail ahead of him. Eret turned to look at him. Hiccup rolled his eyes and groaned when he noticed Eret gazing at him.
"Alright fine," Hiccup replied, "I like her, I mean, I... I more than like her, I mean I care about her...a lot." Hiccup could feel his heart race as he thought about his feelings for Merida.
"She...she just has this way about her," Hiccup went on, "I don't know what is, but she just draws me in. It's like she knows me better than anyone. Somehow, she just always knows what to say to me, and it's not like she's delicate about it either, I mean she doesn't hold back, ya know. She just tells me like it is all the time! She makes me see everything just a little more clearly. I swear Eret, this may sound a little crazy but it feels like I've known her forever, I mean, it feels like she just knows me inside and out. I can't really explain it." Eret nodded with a knowing grin as he listened.
"And she's t-the most beautiful girl I've ever seen. She's got these blue eyes that just see right through me a-and a smile that lights up her face, and just wild red hair that's just all over the place, yet somehow it always looks perfect. I mean, I could just stare at her all day if I could get away with it. But all that is just scratching the surface," Hiccup went on, "I could just go on and on telling you everything that I like about her, but we'd probably be here for days." Hiccup sighed as he thought of Merida.
"Mostly, I like her because she just, she makes me feel...happy," Hiccup went on, "and I haven't felt like that in such a long time. It makes me just want to be around her all the time." Eret gazed at Hiccup in slight surprise. He hadn't exactly expected Hiccup to divulge anything about the princess, but he seemed to have poured out his heart in a single breath.
"Ya know Hic," Eret replied with a long-drawn-out sigh, "it sounds an awful lot like you might be falling for this girl."
"That's what I'm afraid of," Hiccup replied. Eret furrowed his brow at Hiccup's comment as he turned to look at him.
"Why would you be afraid of falling for her," Eret questioned curiously. Hiccup sighed.
"I don't exactly have a very good track record when it comes to relationships," Hiccup replied.
"Relationship," Eret corrected, "one, singular. It's not like you go around breaking hearts left and right mate. I mean one failed relationship doesn't exactly give you a terrible track record."
"Yeah, well that's not the only reason," Hiccup replied.
"Okay," Eret replied, "what else?"
"Because," Hiccup replied, "look it's all just a little more than complicated. I mean I... I want to tell her how I feel, I... I even tried to the other night, but there are just so many complications a-and obstacles."
"Like what," Eret questioned.
"Oh gee, I don't know Eret," Hiccup replied flatly, "uh, how about the fact that she's a princess and I'm just a Viking. Or, ya know, how about the fact that her mother despises all Vikings. Oh a-and maybe the fact that my people were banished from Dunbroch three hundred or so years ago. Or even better, the fact that in order to be with her I'd have to somehow convince her parents, the Lords and all of Dunbroch that I'm even worthy of her!"
"Alright, alright," I get it," Eret replied, "that's a lot of obstacles." Eret glanced over at Hiccup and smiled.
"But isn't she worth the effort mate," Eret questioned with a sly grin. Hiccup gazed ahead as Eret's words echoed through his brain. He could feel his heart rate increase as he thought about what Eret had said. Of course, she was worth the effort, she was worth everything.
"Absolutely," Hiccup replied as a small smile formed on his face. The rest of the journey Hiccup didn't speak all that much. He was far too lost in his own thoughts of Merida and what he would say to her the next time they met. Before long they were at the meeting place. The moment Hiccup dismounted Toothless, he headed straight for the hollowed-out tree. He found there another letter. He opened it immediately and began to read. Eret looked on in curiosity.
...
Dear Hiccup,
I spent a little time in the archive yesterday but I had no luck finding anything, though I didn't exactly look as thoroughly as I'd wanted to as something sort of happened while I was there. I had just started going through one of the books when I was interrupted by my mother. Surprisingly she was in the archives for the same purpose as I, to look for information about Berk and the dragon hunters. She said she has been looking a little each day ever since I told her of Mairead's journal, but that she hadn't found anything yet. I was surprised she'd be so helpful considering the subject.
But in the conversation that followed I told her that I believe that Berk was wrongfully banished, and that I was looking for proof of such. My mother was nae the least bit happy with my opinion and she completely overreacted.
My mother believes Berk's banishment was well meant. She thinks that Hiccup the first took advantage of Mairead and she thinks that Mairead was far too young and naive to have known any better. She believes that while Mairead may have truly thought she loved him, that it was far more likely that Hiccup the first only pursued her to steal her throne.
I just know that can't be true. I know it in my heart and soul! Your grandfather loved Mairead, he wanted nothin' more than her heart. If the Viking in my dream is truly yer great, great grandfather, then I know his love was true. I know it by the way he looked at me and the way he spoke to me as if I were Mairead. And I know it by the way my grandmother spoke of him in her journal!
I told my mother that I believe that Hiccup and Mairead were true soul mates, and that the Berkan Vikings were good people much like us but she simply refused to listen. She believes that Berk is no different than the Vikings that attacked her village, or the northern invaders that pillaged our land. She said I was foolish and naive to believe otherwise.
"I tried to defend yer people, but my mother wouldn't listen. In fact, I doubt she heard a word I said. She held firm to her belief about Vikings and would not see it any other way. I know ye say she has a right to feel this way but the very thought of it breaks my heart. Yer a good person, yer noble and kind. Ye deserve a chance just the same as any other but because of all my mum has suffered at the hands of those scoundrels I fear she will never give ye the time o' day.
Don't get me wrong, my mum is a good person and she is reasonable and accepting, but I fear her past experience with the Northern Invaders has made her intolerant of any and all Vikings! I mean, I knew that trying to convince my mum to see past the fact that yer a Viking would be difficult but I had hoped she'd at least hear me out, I had hoped she'd at least give ye a chance. Now I'm not so sure.
I don't know what to do. I fear that she may ne'er see past the fact that yer a Viking! But I'll not lose my only true friend because of it. There has to be a way to change her mind, there has to be some way to make her see.
I'm sorry this letter is not as cheerful as the last. There has just been so much weighing on my mind these past few days and what happened with my mum just made it all that much worse. It upsets me the most because this is the first real fight my mum and I have had since the bear incident but I worry there is no gettin' through to her this time. I know ye'd probably tell me not to worry but I can't help it. I keep thinking about what happened to our grandparents, how they were forced to part for maybe even the same reasons my mum has said. It wasn't fair then and it's not fair now.
It's possible that maybe I overreacted to what my mother said. I mean, it's not as if she's ne'er warned me o' Vikings before. Practically my whole life she's taught me to fear yer kind. But now that I know ye, I know she's wrong about Berk at least. I probably shouldn't have taken it so personally I guess, but I just could nae bite my tongue! When she spoke of yer people in such a way it felt personal to me. Now I just don't know what to do. Maybe I shouldn't lose heart. Maybe if I just keep trying, maybe I could convince my mum to give yer people a chance at least, then she could see for herself that Berk is different.
I don't mean to worry ye, there just has been many things on my mind and the fight with my mother to top it off. Mostly it's just been hard to be away from ye and Toothless these past few days. I miss ye both. I know I said this before, but ye both are my truest friends and the thought of losing either of ye breaks my heart. I won't allow that to happen. I will find a way to make her see, to make her listen.
The one good thing is that tomorrow is the last day of my grounding. One more day and then we can get back to provin' yer people's innocence and finding out the truth about our grandparents. Until then I'll be thinkin' o' ye and Toothless.
Stay safe.
Love Merida
—
Hiccup smiled slightly at her last words. Though most of her letter was worrisome, her last sentiments gave him hope. She was thinking of him and she missed him, perhaps he stood a chance after all. Of course, now knowing for certain her mother's stance on Vikings made it all that much more complicated. He already knew pursuing her would take much effort on his part. He had to prove himself not only to her parents, but the Lords and her people as well. But to him Merida was worth it all. He just had to tell her how he felt and he had to know for certain if she felt the same for him. Though her letter was somewhat disheartening, it left him more determined than ever to prove himself worthy. He looked down at her written words one last time, tracing her last words with his fingers 'love Merida'. He was beginning to think that maybe he already did. He folded the paper neatly as he glanced up at Eret.
"Everything okay Hic," Eret asked having noticed his concerned expression as he read the letter. Hiccup nodded.
"Uh...yeah" Hiccup replied, "Merida and her mother had some sort of argument and she's a little upset about it."
"An argument," Eret questioned, "about what exactly?"
"Uh well," Hiccup replied, "I guess it was sort of about me." Eret raised his eyebrows in surprise.
"Well not me personally," Hiccup replied, "about Berk and Vikings in general, I guess. I told you her mom hates Vikings."
"So, what happened," Eret asked.
"Apparently the Queen thinks Berk was rightfully banished," Hiccup replied, "she thinks my grandfather didn't really love Mairead and he tried to use her to steal the throne. And she was more than a little upset that Merida believes otherwise."
"Is that all," Eret replied.
"Merida tried to defend Berk," Hiccup went on, "and they got into an argument over it."
"So, what does this mean for you Hic," Eret questioned. Hiccup shrugged his shoulders.
"Well, I guess it means I have my work cut out for me," Hiccup replied, "but I'm not worried." He paused a moment and sighed heavily. Eret gazed at him skeptically.
"Okay," Hiccup groaned, "maybe I am a little worried, but that won't stop me from trying to prove myself to them. I mean, I gained Merida's trust even though she tried to kill me. I'm sure I could win over her parents."
"Wait," Eret shook his head in confusion, "d-did you just say that Merida tried to kill you?" Hiccup chuckled slightly as he nodded his head.
"Absolutely," Hiccup replied with a grin, "and it was more than a little impressive! I mean she took on a dragon and a Viking all on her own and she was absolutely fearless. I mean, sure, it was only me and Toothless but she didn't know we weren't dangerous.
"The more you talk about her, mate," Eret replied with a chuckle, "the more I like this girl."
"Yeah," Hiccup replied with a slight smile, "me too." Hiccup pulled out his notebook and opened it to slip the letter inside its cover. He looked up at Eret once more.
"Can you just give me a minute," Hiccup said, "I'm just gonna write Merida back."
"Right mate," Eret replied, "I'll just give you your privacy then." As Hiccup closed his notebook and turned to walk away, the previous letter from Merida fell out and fluttered to the ground. Eret noticed and bent down to pick it up.
"Hey Hic," Eret called out, "you dropped thi..." Eret paused as he stared at the folded paper. He took immediate notice of the broken wax seal. He folded the paper so the seal looked intact and was surprised to see the emblem of a sword pressed into the wax. It was an emblem he knew well. He looked up at Hiccup with a bewildered expression.
"Thanks, Eret," Hiccup replied as he reached for the paper. Eret handed it over wordlessly. Hiccup noticed the expression on Eret's face and became concerned.
"You okay Eret," Hiccup asked, "you look like you've seen a ghost?" Eret shook his head.
"Uh...uh...It's nothing mate," Eret replied as he quickly handed the letter to Hiccup. Hiccup gazed back at him skeptically.
"Go on then Hic," Eret said dismissively, "go write your bloody love letter."
"Ya know Eret," Hiccup replied flatly, "I'm beginning to regret confiding in you." Eret chuckled.