Chapter 21
Berk
Astrid sat quietly on the floor of Hiccup's study, carefully going through the remainder of his grandfather's belongings. She was determined to find something, anything, that might help Hiccup to discover whatever truth about his grandfather that he sought. She figured the sooner he, Eret and Fish could solve the mystery the sooner they all could leave Dunbroch and come back home. Astrid worried that the longer they remained in Dunbroch, the more likely it would be that they would get caught. She feared that if Hiccup and the others were discovered then they all could be in great danger.
The fact that Hiccup had, supposedly, befriended the princess of Dunbroch did not exactly set her mind at ease. Judging by what Eret had said, and by what Valka believed, she supposed the princess might legitimately care for Hiccup, but that did not change the fact that Berk and Dunbroch were still enemies. That in mind, it was fair to assume that the King and Queen of Dunbroch might very well frown upon a Viking befriending their daughter. There was simply no telling what her parents might do if they found out about their friendship.
She sighed heavily as she tried to push her troubled thoughts to the back of her mind and to focus on the task at hand. So far, her search had yielded very little, most of which seemed of little importance. She was so focused on her search that she barely noticed Valka coming down the stairs with two mugs in her hand.
"Astrid," Valka called out
"Yeah," she replied as she continued to leaf through some old drawings. Valka shook her head.
"You've been at this for days," Valka replied, "You should take a break." Astrid continued to look through the papers without a word. Valka walked up beside her and held the hot mug out in front of her. Astrid raised her eyes to the mug and then glanced up at Valka. She smiled slightly as she put the papers down and carefully took the mug from Valka.
"Thanks," Astrid replied. Valka nodded. Astrid held the mug to her nose and inhaled the aromatic hot steam.
"Mmmm, what is this," Astrid questioned. Valka smiled slightly as she sat in the chair across from Astrid.
"It's just warm yak milk with a bit of honey, and just a bit of licorice root." Astrid took a small sip and then looked up at Valka in pleasant surprise. She nodded her approval. Valka smiled.
"The secret is the licorice root," Valka replied, "It gives it a nice subtle flavor, but it's also good for calming the stomach. I used to drink it every day when I was pregnant with Hiccup." Astrid suddenly gulped what was in her mouth too quickly which nearly caused her to choke. She sat forward as she coughed a few times, then she took a deep breath.
"Are you okay," Valka asked in concern. Astrid nodded as she patted her chest a few times.
"I'm fine," Astrid replied, "just went down too fast." She glanced up at Valka briefly but quickly averted her eyes. Valka just gazed at her with a knowing smile.
"How long have you known," Astrid asked without looking up. Valka sat back in her chair and smiled down at the girl.
"Oh, I've suspected since you got back," Valka replied, "but it's become a little more obvious recently."
"Obvious," Astrid questioned, "how?"
"You're practically glowing," Valka replied, "then there is the morning sickness, you haven't taken mead with your meals since you got back, and you are sort of starting to show just a bit." Astrid laid her hand on her belly and looked up at Valka wide-eyed.
"Please don't tell anyone," Astrid replied.
"It's not my place to tell anyone Astrid," Valka replied, "your secret is safe with me, but I'm sure most of the mothers probably already suspect." Astrid nodded.
"Does Eret know yet," Valka questioned. Astrid inadvertently reached up to the pendant that hung around her neck and fiddled with it as she looked up at Valka.
"He does," Astrid replied. She seemed to force a smile as she dropped her eyes from Valka.
"Is everything okay Astrid," Valka asked in slight concern. Astrid nodded wordlessly but Valka could see that something was weighing on her mind.
Astrid sighed heavily, then took another sip of her warm drink. Though most times she kept it well hidden, she was still troubled over everything Eret had recently told her of his past. But what weighed on her the most was his confession that he feared becoming a father. Though Eret was happy about the baby, the news had brought up many things from his past, that still troubled him till this day, which caused him to approach his impending fatherhood with trepidation. She only wished that Eret could see himself as she saw him. He was kind, brave, confident and strong. He was a good man deep down, a good man that had once made a few bad choices in his life, but a good man none the less. He had the makings of a good father if only he had the confidence that he could be so. Still the knowledge of his hard past made her heart feel heavy. She sighed as she looked up at Valka.
"Everything is fine," Astrid said, "Eret is really happy." Valka nodded as she gazed at Astrid curiously. She was not convinced that Astrid was being completely forthcoming.
"You know you can talk to me Astrid," Valka replied, "mother to mother." Astrid shook her head as she debated her actions. She averted her eyes as she continued to fiddle with the pendant around her neck. Despite Valka's encouragement, Astrid seemed reluctant to confide in her. Valka nodded, as she gazed at Astrid. She took notice of the pendant that she held in her fingers and smiled slightly.
"Your pendant is lovely," Valka complimented, "was it from Eret?" Astrid nodded as she turned her eyes back to Valka. She let the pendant slip from her fingers and dangle from her neck. Valka reached out and lifted the pendant up to see it better. She smiled reminiscently.
"It's strange…it sort of reminds me of the pendant Stoic gave me," Valka said, "I mean the design is very different but it sort of has a similar style to it. Just out of curiosity, where did Eret get this from?"
"Uh...his mother," Astrid replied with a shrug, "see, his father gave it to her and then she gave it to Eret when he was a boy."
"A family heirloom then," Valka replied in interest, "the one Stoic gave me was also a family heirloom. It was passed down nearly five generations, now it belongs to Hiccup." Astrid remained silent as she listened. Valka studied the engraved image on the pendent. It was the symbol of a downward facing sword in front of three interlocking circles. As she traced the intricately carved design with her finger, she couldn't help but to be reminded somewhat of the symbol of the interlocking hearts on the pendant she had given to Hiccup.
"What does this symbol mean," Valka asked in curiosity.
Astrid shrugged.
"I...I don't really know exactly," Astrid replied, "his mother told him it was a family crest but Eret doesn't really know for sure. I...I mean he doesn't really know all that much about his family really."
"So, his mother passed it to him and now he's given it to you," Valka smiled as she dropped the pendant gently from her fingers, "to pass to his little one when the time comes."
"Yeah, sort of," Astrid replied, "but it's uh, it's a little more complicated than that." Valka continued to gaze at Astrid in curiosity.
"How so," Valka asked. Astrid took another sip of the warm milk. She looked up at Valka once more.
"I...I can't say," Astrid replied, "It's not my place...Eret has a complicated past, but it's his story, not mine." Valka nodded in understanding. She leaned forward with a sigh.
"Well, I'm always here," Valka replied, "if ever you change your mind." Astrid nodded but remained silent.
"Now," Valka replied changing the subject, "as far as our search goes, have you found anything of interest?" Astrid sighed heavily.
"Not a thing," she replied, "nothing about this love affair between Hiccup the first and the queen and not a thing about any banishment. If there was ever anything here, I'm assuming Hiccup took it with him." Valka sighed in slight disappointment.
"Well, maybe he will find all his answers in Dunbroch," Valka replied.
"Yes, but how long will that take," Astrid complained, "from what Eret said they aren't even close and if Berk is Dunbroch's enemy there is no way they will just let them into the archives to look. I mean, I suppose this princess might help them but that doesn't change the fact that both our people are enemies. Not to mention the danger Hiccup is putting himself and the others in just by being there." Valka sat back in her chair as she thought about everything Astrid had said.
"In the meantime, Eret and Fish are bent on helping Hiccup," Astrid continued, "while I'm stuck here running Berk! And the fact that there is literally nothing I can do to help is so frustrating!" Valka reached out and gently rested a hand upon Astrid's shoulder. Astrid took a deep breath as she turned her eyes to Valka. Valka smiled back at her reassuringly.
"They will be fine," Valka replied, "Eret's letter didn't mention anything concerning. So just take a deep breath and try to calm down. I know you are worried, but getting all worked up over it will not help anyone, not to mention the stress is bad for the baby. Your number one priority is protecting that little one in your belly, okay." Astrid nodded silently.
"Now," Valka smiled, "let's get back to our search. I am absolutely positive that if there is any evidence still here, we will most definitely find it." She gently patted Astrid's shoulder and turned her eyes back to the array of papers, maps and books strewn about the study. Astrid smiled slightly at Valka.
"How can you be so nice to me," Astrid questioned, "after what I did…after how I hurt Hiccup?" Valka turned her eyes back to Astrid.
"I don't blame you Astrid," Valka replied, "What happened between you and Hiccup wasn't anyone's fault."
"But you said it yourself," Astrid replied, "I broke his heart, how could you just forgive me?"
"There is nothing to forgive," Valka replied, "you both were meant to go through that .Everything happens for a reason Astrid. I truly believe that going through all of that was to set you both on the paths you were always meant to take." Astrid smiled slightly.
"You really believe Hiccup's path is leading him to Dunbroch…to this…princess don't you," Astrid questioned.
"I can't say for sure," Valka replied, "but I do think it's a possibility. Astrid nodded as she thought about it.
"Well," Astrid smiled slightly, "I guess we better get back to work then. Valka nodded in agreement and turned back to the stacks of papers on the floor while Astrid picked up where she left off.
As Valka averted her eyes to the floor, out of the corner of her eye, she caught a glimpse of something just sticking out from under Hiccup's work bench. She furrowed her brow as she turned and tried to make out what it was from where she sat. Astrid huffed and continued to leaf through some random papers. Valka stood without a word and bent down by the workbench to see what was there. She pulled out an, old leather satchel. She furrowed her brow as she gazed at it. She wondered if had been there since the chest had broken the day Hiccup discovered the hidden compartment. She lifted it carefully and laid it down upon the workbench. She untied the leather strap, opened the flap and reached inside. She carefully pulled out what looked to be a stack of letters. She stared at the letters in surprise, taking note of the green wax seal that was on the letter at the top of the pile, particularly the symbol that had been pressed into it. She looked up at Astrid in shock.
"Astrid," Valka called out.
"Hmmm," Astrid replied distractedly as she continued to look through the papers she was focused on.
"Astrid," Valka called again, "Astrid you need to see this." Astrid looked up at Valka curiously. She furrowed her brow at the sight of Valka's bewildered expression. She put the papers back down on the floor beside her and then stood and headed in Valka's direction.
"They were in a satchel under the desk," Valka replied, "Hiccup must not have seen them there." Astrid approached the work bench to see what Valka had found.
"Letters," Astrid questioned.
"Yes," Valka replied, "but look closer...the seal..." Astrid picked up the top letter and looked closely at the seal. Her eyes went wide in disbelief and slight confusion. The symbol pressed into the wax was identical to the symbol on her pendant. The symbol that was supposedly Eret's family crest. She looked up at Valka in confusion.
"What is this," Astrid questioned.
"I'm not sure," Valka replied. Astrid turned her eyes back to the letter. She opened it carefully and began to read. She looked up at Valka briefly.
"It's from the woman in Dunbroch," Astrid replied. She carefully folded the paper once more and gazed curiously upon the seal. Could Eret's great grandfather have hailed from Dunbroch?
Dunbroch
Eret sat silently by the fire sharpening his sword with a piece of slate, trying in vain to dis
tract his mind from thoughts of the symbol that he had recognized in the wax of Merida's letter. It had been troubling him since the moment he had seen it, though he tried to push the thought of it from his mind. He couldn't help but to wonder if Dunbroch could possibly be the homeland his father had failed to find.
Though his curiosity was piqued by his accidental discovery he was very reluctant to look any further into it. His fear was ending up as his father, so obsessed with finding the answer that everything else, including his family, came second to his search. Eret had grown up an orphan because his father left him behind for his search and his mother died of a broken heart. He refused to be that man, he refused to do to Astrid and his child what his father had done to him and his mother.
He sighed heavily as he lifted his sword to his eyes to see if the sharpness of the blade was sufficient. He carefully ran his fingers along the blade. Satisfied with his work, he tucked the slate in his pocket, then re-sheathed his sword. He was distracted from his thoughts when Fish sat down by the fire beside him.
"So, what's the word Eret," Fish asked in curiosity, "what did Hiccup tell you about the princess?" Eret glanced up at Fish with a slight smirk on his face.
"It's not exactly my place to say Fish," Eret replied. Fishlegs sighed heavily in annoyance. He dropped his eyes from Eret and slouched his shoulders.
"Okay," Fish sighed, "but...based on what he told you..."
"In confidence," Eret reminded him. Fish rolled his eyes.
"Yes, in confidence," Fish reiterated, "what's your opinion on their status?" Eret couldn't help but to chuckle at Fishlegs' interest in the situation between Hiccup and Merida.
"If you are so interested," Eret smirked, "why don't you just ask Hiccup yourself."
"Oh, come on Eret," Fish groaned, "can't you just give me something, anything, any detail at all?"
"Absolutely not," Eret replied as he stood and stoked the flames of the fire, "Hic and I are finally on good terms again, I'm not gonna screw that up by repeating what he told me in confidence."
"Fine," Fish groaned as he crossed his arms over his chest in discouragement.
"Besides," Eret replied, "I don't think he'll keep it a secret much longer, I have a feeling after today, he'll be shouting his feelings from the rooftops." Fishlegs' eyes lit up at Eret's comment.
"I knew it," Fish replied excitedly, "Hic's in love with her; isn't he?" Eret shook his head in denial.
"I'm not saying anything," Eret replied.
"That's why he wanted to be alone with her isn't it," Fish questioned excitedly.
"Fish," Eret laughed, "you need to stop mate, you are far too excited about this."
"I can't help it," Fish replied, "I'm a romantic."
"Clearly," Eret replied teasingly
"Hey," Fish huffed, "there is nothing wrong with being a romantic. I'll have you know Ruffnut loves my sensitive side." Eret rolled his eyes.
"You two were definitely made for each other," Eret replied.
"Anyway," Fish went on, "Hiccup's my friend too and I just want him to finally find a little bit of happiness. You know he's had it pretty rough the last few years. It just would be nice to see him happy for a change." Eret nodded in agreement.
"That it would mate," Eret replied, "that it would."
Glean Sith
Merida's eyes fluttered open and she let out a yawn. She was comfortable and warm and awoke in contentment. She raised her head and looked around in confusion for a moment as she realized not only was she still in the forest, but it had grown slightly darker and she didn't know how long she had been asleep. The warmth of the fire still burned before her, but it wasn't just the fire keeping her warm, it was also Hiccup.
She gazed up at him and smiled softly. He sat peacefully sleeping, with his head leaned back against the log behind him. She was practically curled up in his lap and both his arms were wrapped tightly around her. She lay her head back down upon his chest and closed her eyes again for a long moment. She silently allowed herself to revel in their closeness.
As she pressed herself closer to him, she took comfort in the safety and warmth of his arms. His soft even breaths rocked her gently to and fro, nearly lulling her back to sleep. She was close enough to hear the rhythmic beat of his heart, which she could swear beat in perfect rhythm with her own. Her mind drifted back to the moment he kissed her, and his heartfelt confession that followed. She began to ponder her own growing feelings for the amazing man beside her. It seemed she had pondered over her feelings for him since the moment they met. She had tried to explain their instant connection, she had questioned whether her feelings were true or just some form of infatuation with him.
She had often questioned whether or not Hiccup felt anything besides friendship for her. Though there were many instances that his feelings seemed clear, he had always back pedaled, and he had always pulled away leaving her to wonder if the feelings in her own heart were nothing more than wishful thinking. But now he had confessed his feelings; he had told her that he cared for her and wanted to be with her. She could no longer deny their affinity for one another. Hiccup's feelings for her were real, or so he said. Her mind drifted back to his confession from earlier.
...
"It's just, y-you're amazing," Hiccup said, "a-and beautiful, and smart, and fun a-and I...I have these feelings for you" Merida just gazed up at him in uncertainty. He gently took her hands in his once more.
"Merida, I...I care about you," Hiccup replied with a slight smile, "I know it may sound crazy, but I...I feel like I've been drawn to you since the moment we met, and I feel like maybe you and I, m-maybe we could have something, ya know, something good, something real." He gazed at her longingly
"A-and kissing you," he paused and gazed into her sky-blue eyes, "it...it felt right, but maybe I shouldn't have done it without your consent. I...I'm sorry that I acted without thinking, but it wasn't a mistake, okay. I wanted to kiss you and I..." He paused a moment as he gazed deep into her pale blue eyes, "I want to be with you Merida."
...
Merida could feel her heart flutter at the thought of his heartfelt words. His confession meant everything to her and it was clear in her heart that she cared deeply for Hiccup, yet still her fear and uncertainty continued to hold her back. There were already so many extenuating circumstances, so many obstacles in their path, so many things working against them. She wondered if they took the chance to be together, how they could possibly overcome them all.
She took a deep breath and released it slowly as she tried to push the worries from her mind. She focused on this moment and how it felt to be so close to Hiccup. She pressed her face close against his chest, reluctant to let this one precious moment of closeness to end. When she opened her eyes again, she sighed heavily as she realized it was nearing dusk and she still needed to get home before dark. She lifted her head and gazed up at Hiccup.
"Hiccup," she called out as she shook him gently, "Hiccup wake up!"
"Hmmm, what," he muttered sleepily as he adjusted himself beside her. She smiled in spite of herself.
"I have to go," she replied, "I have to get home." She attempted to sit up but he tightened his arms around her and pulled her back to him, causing her to blush. She looked back at him and could see that although his eyes remained closed, he displayed a small playful smirk upon his face.
"Hiccup," she laughed, "I'm serious!"
"Okay...okay," he yawned as he let her go. She reluctantly pulled herself away from him. He sighed as he smiled up at her.
"How long were we asleep," Hiccup questioned as he sat forward and rubbed his eyes. Merida shrugged as she stood and walked over to her now dry dress. She ducked behind a tree, dropped the blanket from her shoulders and then quickly pulled the dress over her kirtle. She then neatly folded the blanket and set it down upon the log beside Hiccup.
"Not sure," she replied, "at least a few hours...it's nearly dusk and I have to go."
Hiccup stretched his arms over his head as he watched her collect her things. He stood up and headed over to her.
"Will I see you tomorrow princess," he asked hopefully.
"I have my lessons tomorrow," Merida sighed as she turned toward him, "I'll be tied up all morn', but I'll try to come after lunch." He sighed dejectedly as he gazed at her. She flung her bow over her shoulder and refastened her quiver and then began to climb up the ridge toward Angus. Hiccup followed a few steps behind her. Once she reached the horse, she began to loosen Angus' reigns from the tree he was tied to.
"Hey, if you don't mind," Hiccup questioned, "may I hold onto your grandmother's journal, so I can keep looking for more clues?" Merida turned to him and smiled.
"Of course," she replied. She reached into her bag, pulled out the old book and held it out to him.
"Thanks," he replied. Merida nodded in response. His fingers just grazed hers as he gently took the book from her hands causing her to blush slightly. Hiccup smiled at her reaction. He could feel his heart beating furiously and all he wanted to do was pull her to him and kiss her once more. In her sudden nervousness, Merida quickly turned her attention back to Angus. As she fumbled nervously with the knot in his reigns, she suddenly remembered something. She turned back to face Hiccup.
"By the way," she replied, "do ye remember when I mentioned introducing ye to my parents soon?" Hiccup furrowed his brow as he nodded.
"Of course," he replied, "we were supposed to talk about that today, weren't we?"
"Aye, we were," Merida replied with a slight smile, "but our conversation took a more interesting turn today." Hiccup smiled slightly in return.
"I hope you're not having second thoughts about it," Hiccup replied, "uh, that is, I mean a-about my meeting your parents."
"Of course not," Merida replied, "In fact, I think we may have to introduce ye sooner than we thought." Hiccup furrowed his brow at her comment.
"Why is that," he questioned in slight concern, "they're not suspicious, are they?" Merida shook her head.
"Not in the least," Merida smiled, "it's my brothers. I'm afraid they caught me sneaking out to leave yer last letter and I was forced to tell them about ye." Hiccup raised his eyebrows at her in worried surprise.
"Sorry, I meant to tell ye earlier," Merida replied, "I-I mean, I meant to tell ye first thing…but uh, I guess I got a little distracted."
"Distracted huh," Hiccup smirked.
"Don't flatter yourself Viking," Merida replied with a smile, "you're not my only distraction." Hiccup chuckled.
"Is that so," he replied crossing his arms over his chest. Merida smiled and raised an eyebrow at him.
"Wouldn't ye like to know," she replied. Hiccup smirked at her.
"And would these happen to be the same brothers you were going to brag to about killing me," Hiccup questioned sarcastically.
"Aye, the very same," she smirked up at him. He furrowed his brow at her questioningly.
"Great," Hiccup replied, "so, what does this mean exactly? Are they going to come after me for showing interest in their sister?" Merida chuckled.
"They're ten years old," Merida replied, "I think ye'll be okay, although they have been known to be wee devils on occasion."
"Surprisingly that doesn't make me feel any better," Hiccup replied flatly. Merida chuckled slightly at his response.
"Don't worry," she smiled, "I swore them to secrecy, however knowing them, it's probably only a matter of time before they accidentally blurt it out."
"Oh, even better," Hiccup replied, "so, around what time should I expect the guards tomorrow...I'd like to get a full breakfast in before I'm arrested." Merida chuckled at his comment.
"Aye, yer being just a wee bit dramatic Hiccup, don't ye think," Merida replied.
"Dramatic," Hiccup scoffed, "don't you think there is a possibility that they might, I don't know, run to your parents about your questionable new friend or...maybe come after me themselves to defend their sister's honor."
"Defend my honor," Merida chuckled, "from ye?"
"Viking remember," Hiccup replied pointing to himself, "not to mention I'm from a banished clan. I mean, technically I'm still your enemy. You don't think they could see me as a threat to your honor." Merida smirked up at him.
"Relax Hiccup," she replied, "I told them very little and I left out the part of ye being a Viking so for all they know, yer just my new friend. I'm fairly certain there is no law against my having a friend."
"Well, that's good to know," Hiccup replied as he took a few steps closer to her, "I'd hate to have to add another crime to my roster."
"And here I thought ye were nothin' more than an unapologetic criminal," Merida replied haughtily. Hiccup smirked at her comment.
"Well, I guess it depends on the crime princess," Hiccup replied.
"Does it now," she questioned.
"Of course," Hiccup replied with a grin, "I mean, I try to avoid breaking the law as much as possible, but some crimes are worth the trouble." Merida chuckled slightly at his answer.
"Still," Merida replied, "I do think the sooner ye come forward the better. If anyone besides my brothers were to find out ye were here or...or discover the truth about ye, it could get ye and Toothless in a heap o' trouble. Not to mention yer friends." Hiccup nodded in understanding.
"Alright then," Hiccup sighed, "tomorrow we will come up with a plan, okay."
"Aye, tomorrow," she smiled up at him. "as I said, the sooner the better." Merida paused as she gazed up at him with a look of genuine concern in her eyes. "Lord knows I just…I couldnae bear it if something happened to ye." Hiccup's heart nearly leapt at her heartfelt words of concern.
"You really do care," he smiled sweetly as he gazed at her.
"Of course, I do," she replied with a genuine smile. He stepped closer to her and gently took her hand in his as he continued to gaze at her lovingly. She looked down at her hand in his for a moment before turning her eyes back to his.
"Hiccup," Merida said softly, "if we can find the truth and set things right, then our people could form a new alliance. Maybe then..."
"We'll figure it out soon enough, okay," Hiccup interrupted. Merida smiled up at him shyly.
"Amongst other things," she replied softly. He smiled warmly at her in return.
"All in due course, princess," he replied affectionately. She nodded at him and smiled. Without thought, Hiccup reached up and gently brushed the curls from her face with his opposite hand and tucked them carefully behind her ear. Her cheek tingled where his fingers grazed her skin causing her heart to flutter and her breath to catch in her throat.
As Hiccup gazed at her longingly, he gently pulled her into his arms. Merida moved forward without resistance, allowing him to wrap his arms around her shoulders as she lay her head gently upon his chest. She closed her eyes and breathed in deeply as she found herself once again soothed by the beating of his heart.
As Hiccup held her close, his heart felt as if it were racing and he felt nearly overwhelmed by his feelings for her. He leaned forward and rested his cheek against her soft hair as he gently ran his fingers through her long, tangled curls. It was clear in his heart, that wherever she was, was where he was always meant to be. He wanted nothing more than to profess his love for her once again, but he held his tongue. Instead, he reveled in their moment of closeness.
After a few moments Merida lifted her head and gazed up at him. She smiled slightly but there was still a hint of uncertainty in her eyes. As if sensing her apprehension, Hiccup leaned forward gently resting his forehead against hers. He kept his eyes locked with hers in silent reassurance.
"I…I know you're afraid," Hiccup whispered softly, "but you don't have to be. I…I would never hurt you Merida." Merida nodded as she gazed back into his intense green eyes. She knew in her heart that his words were sincere but her worry remained. She could not help but to fear that whatever this was starting between them would not end well because of all of the unavoidable obstacles that assuredly awaited them. Despite her hesitance, she still took comfort in his words; just as she had found comfort in the words from his letter, that he would do everything in his power to protect their friendship and to prove to her parents that he was not the type of Viking they might believe him to be. She knew it was going to be difficult to win over her mother, but it would be near impossible to gain the approval of the Lords.
As she gazed up at him, his longing gaze caused her heart to race. She felt as if she could just get lost in his eyes and his loving gaze if she only allowed herself. She held her breath as he leaned slightly closer until their lips were mere inches apart. She gulped slightly as she anticipated his actions, but despite his nearly overwhelming desire to kiss her once more, he respectfully restrained himself.
Merida, however, despite her trepidation did not hold back. Without a word, and against her better judgement, Merida stood up on her toes and kissed him tenderly upon the cheek. Her simple and unexpected action sent chills through his body. He closed his eyes for a moment as he tightened his arms around her slightly. There was no question left in his mind, he knew he loved Merida with all of his heart and he was sure that one way or another they were meant to be. Merida pulled away once more as she smiled up at him slightly. Hiccup rested his forehead upon hers once more as he smiled down at her wanting so much to reciprocate her actions. The two stood for a long moment just gazing at each other, both seemingly hesitant to part.
"I'll see you tomorrow Hiccup," Merida said sweetly as she smiled up at him. She reluctantly pulled herself from his arms and turned back toward Angus. Hiccup followed after her.
"I'll be waiting," he replied. She paused a moment and glanced back at him once more, still seemingly hesitant to leave.
"Go," Hiccup smiled, "I don't want you to be late." Merida smiled back at him. She had a million thoughts running through her mind but it seemed that her words alluded her. All she knew for certain was that his arms were warm and comforting, and the only place she wanted to be. Without a word she quickly crashed back into his arms. He was taken by surprise at first but he slowly wrapped his arms around her one last time and held her tightly against him. After a moment or two, Merida pulled away slowly. She gazed up at him longingly. As if by habit, Hiccup leaned slightly forward and kissed her tenderly upon the forehead and then reluctantly pulled himself away from her.
"You need to go," he said softly as he clasped both her hands in his, "as much as I really want you to stay; I also don't want to get you in trouble again." Merida nodded as she smiled up at him once more. She sighed softly, as she pulled her hands from his, then turned and quickly mounted Angus. As she took the reins, she turned her eyes back to Hiccup and smiled warmly.
"Stay out of trouble Viking," she said firmly.
"You have my word princess," Hiccup chuckled. With that she turned the horse and rode away through the forest. Hiccup just watched until she was out of sight. As he turned away, Toothless whined beside him and nudged his shoulder playfully. Hiccup looked up at the dragon to see him sigh and bat his eyes at him mockingly. Hiccup grinned in amusement.
"Shut-up ya overgrown gecko," Hiccup chuckled as he pushed the dragon back. Toothless playfully nudged him again. Hiccup smiled as he turned his eyes back to the path that Merida had taken. He sighed heavily.
"I think I'm in love Bud," Hiccup replied with a smile. Toothless rolled his eyes, then groaned as if to say, "I already knew that." The dragon then smirked and playfully nudged Hiccup once more. Hiccup turned to the dragon and grinned.
"Come on," Hiccup said, "let's get back."
Hiccup and Toothless made their way through the darkening woods on their way back to camp. Try as he might, Hiccup could not stop thinking about Merida and all that had happened between them in the glen. He had admitted to her his true feelings, but more than that he had also stated aloud the depths of his heart. He had said that he loved her, though in her slumber she had not heard his full confession.
Not only was it the first time he had said the words aloud, but the first time he had admitted how deeply he felt for her, even to himself. He was in love with Merida, she was everything to him, she was his present and his future. He wanted nothing more than to be with her, to give his heart to her completely, and to do whatever he needed to do to make her his. His mind inadvertently drifted to the letter that his great, great grandfather had written to Mairead.
'Fate is not the arrangements made for us. Fate does not care about station, or caste or political gain. Fate does not consider the plans made by men. True fate is found where the heart leads and my heart only leads me to you. True fate is written in the stars above. I know in my heart the you are my fate. But if by some chance I am wrong; if my fate is not to love you then I would rewrite the stars themselves to be with you.
No truer words had ever been spoken and Hiccup knew exactly how his grandfather felt. He understood the depths of his predecessors' heart, and the magnitude of the love he had for Mairead. For his own heart knew the deepness of that kind of love. He was certain that he felt for Merida, as Hiccup the first had felt for Mairead. He could not help but wonder if this could have been the meaning behind all his dreams. Perhaps not only had they been leading him to Dunbroch to solve the mystery of his grandfather, but perhaps they also had been leading him to Merida. Perhaps feeling the depths of his grandfather's love for Mairead had helped him to recognize the depths of his own love for Merida.
He knew beyond the shadow of a doubt that he was destined to be with her and the moment he kissed her only solidified his resolve. He was more certain than he had ever been before; Merida was his fate, his true love, the one he had always been meant to find. Though her reaction to his initial confession wasn't exactly what he expected, his hope remained unwavering that they were meant to be. He need only have faith.
Macintosh castle
Just outside Macintosh castle, on the training grounds Ryan Macintosh stood steady with his bow; his notched arrow aimed at a target a few yards away. He gazed ahead in total concentration. He held his breath for just a moment and then released the arrow. It flew steady and true hitting the target dead center. He smiled in pride. He was distracted by clapping echoing from behind him. He turned with a confident smirk as he brushed his long mahogany hair from his face. His father stepped forth with a smirk on his face.
"Nice shot son," Lord Macintosh said.
"Thanks father," Ryan replied.
"Ye've certainly come a long way from the Dunbroch games," Macintosh replied. Ryan rolled his eyes at his father's comment as he headed to the target to collect his arrow.
"Aye, tell me again how disappointed ye are that I didn't win the hand o' the princess in one fell swoop," Ryan replied in annoyance, "I don't think I've heard it enough."
"I don't know what was more disappointing," Lord Macintosh replied, "yer terrible shot or yer immature behavior after. I mean, na wonder th' princess ne'er gave ye a second look." Ryan ripped the arrow from the target in frustration. He turned and glared at his father.
"What did ye expect father," Ryan spat, "How was I tae know she'd chose archery o' all things. It was her that took it upon herself tae make fools of us. I knew she used a bow, but I didn't know that she could be just as skilled as a man at it. Nae tae mention I've never failed at anything in my life before then. I mean, I was practically a kid, so excuse me for not handling it well at the time."
"That's nae th' point," Macintosh replied, "th' point is that yer future should hae been set on that day, and because ye acted childishly we are still waiting for a choice tae be made."
"That's nae my fault," Ryan replied angrily, "Th' King and Queen changed th' rules, because Merida wanted her freedom tae chose for herself. I don't see how that is my doing!"
"She shouldn't hae had th' opportunity to demand such a thing in th' first place," Macintosh replied.
"Again," Ryan replied in aggravation, "how is that my fault, or my problem?"
"Ye should hae won her over," Macintosh replied, "with nothin' more than a wink o' yer eye. She's just a girl Ryan; just a look at ye should hae been enough tae make her swoon. But ye had to screw it up by acting like an arse. And she has nae been receptive tae ye since."
"Well Merida is nae like other girls," Ryan replied firmly, "she's nae one tae swoon at such things. She's different...she's special...she's a challenge."
"She's spoiled is what she is," Macintosh replied, "a sel righteous 'n' ornery lassie. The only thing special about that girl is that she comes with th' crown o' Dunbroch." Ryan glared at his father.
"Don't speak o' her that way," Ryan replied through gritted teeth.
"Enough Ryan," Macintosh replied dismissively, "don't act as if yer in love with her!" Ryan glared at his father. Macintosh sighed heavily as he reached out and rested his hand upon his son's shoulder.
"Ye may hae a bit of a soft spot for the lass," Macintosh replied, "but I urge ye tae not lose yer focus. She's nothin' more than a means to an end son; that end bein' ye on th' throne o' Dunbroch."
"Nae, yer wrong," Ryan replied, "she's more than that."
"Ye best nae forget what happened th' last time ye let yer feelin's get th' better o' ye son," Macintosh replied sternly, "I suggest ye put yer feelin's aside, they will only distract ye from the real prize." Ryan looked at his father with a puzzled expression on his face.
"What are ye sayin'," Ryan questioned.
"I'm sayin, ye will have yer second chance tae win th' princess," Macintosh smirked, "th' clans are tae head tae Dunbroch in a few days' time. There ye and th' others will hae th' chance tae court th' princess, tae win her heart. So long as ye do as I say, I hae a feelin' this time things may work in yer favor." Ryan gazed at his father questioningly.
"Th' King and Queen actually agreed tae that," Ryan questioned skeptically.
"Aye," Macintosh replied, "and ye best not screw it up this time." With that, Lord Macintosh turned and headed back inside the castle leaving Ryan to think about what he had said. Ryan stood dazed for a moment at the prospect of, not only, seeing Merida again, but also being given a second chance to prove himself to her once again.
Though the Dunbroch games had turned into a complete disaster, Merida had left a lasting impression on him. She was unlike any girl he had ever met. She was spirited, and sassy, and unimpressed with feats of strength. She was unmoved by bragging, or brandish displays. She had a mind of her own, and was not afraid to speak it. Not to mention she could fight as well as any Scotsmen.
Despite his father's opinion of her, Ryan found Merida to be practically irresistible and the fact that he could do nothing to impress her, drove him practically mad. He said she was a challenge, but that was an understatement. Just trying to get her to notice him was like trying to catch the wind with a net. The problem was he didn't know how to gain her attention without bragging or showing off. It seemed no matter what he did, she only wrote him off as nothing more than a pompous, ego driven arse. She wouldn't even give him a chance. But maybe this turn of events would change things, maybe even she had changed since the Dunbroch games. Perhaps now that she was older and more mature, she would be more receptive to his advances this time around. After all she was of the marrying age now, surely, she was ready to choose a suitor by now. Ryan sighed as he thought of her.
When they were children, he had always taken a liking to her, though he was far too full of pride to ever admit it. He tried like mad to impress her on the rare occasion that his family visited Dunbroch, but Merida was always far too busy to notice. She had a heart for adventure, and wanted little to do with the things most girls did. Instead of being impressed by the boys, she'd try like mad to compete with them, if not beat them at their own game. She didn't act like any girl he ever met and Ryan had always been drawn to her free and insatiable spirit.
When they were teens, his feelings changed slightly. He didn't only notice her free spirit but also her beauty. As a teen, Ryan had stolen the hearts of many pretty girls, but to him Merida's beauty far surpassed them. He was quite taken with her, though she still paid him no mind whatsoever. It might even have been her complete disinterest that drew him the most. She was a challenge; she was hard to get and that only made him want to win her affections all the more. The problem was that even with all his charm, and flirtatious behavior, smooth-talking, and even his good looks, he could not sway Merida so easily as he could sway other girls. He'd even tried to kiss her once, though he had ended up with nothing to show for it save a black eye. This did not sway his feelings for her, however. if anything, it left him only crushing harder than before. To top it off when her mother insisted she apologize, Merida said she'd rather die first. Her blatant refusal and defiant attitude got her into a heap of trouble with her parents but only left Ryan more smitten than before. She was brave, and unapologetic, he liked that about her. He smiled slightly at the far-off memory.
His feelings had not changed, even in these past five years. Despite his father's harsh comments, Ryan was satisfied with the news his father had brought him. Finally, he would have a real chance to prove himself. He was more determined now than ever before to win Merida's heart. Who better at his side, after all, than the most beautiful woman in all of Dunbroch.
Dunbroch
When Hiccup arrived at camp, he came upon Eret and Fish sitting by the fire talking and laughing amongst themselves. He smiled slightly as he directed Toothless in their direction. Fish smiled when he noticed Hiccup approaching.
"Hey Hic," Fish replied, "you're back!" Eret turned to him with a wide grin on his face.
"Hic," Eret said smugly, "we were just talking about you mate." Without a word, Hiccup dismounted Toothless and headed over to the fire with an undeniable grin on his face. He sat upon a log across from Fish and Eret. Eret grinned at him knowingly.
"So," Eret questioned, anxiously. Hiccup looked up at Eret and smiled slightly.
"So,...what," Hiccup replied. Eret rolled his eyes.
"So, don't leave us in suspense mate," Eret replied, "how did it go?"
"What the thing with Merida," Hiccup questioned feigning ignorance.
"Hiccup you're killing me," Eret groaned, "yes, the thing with Merida." Fish looked anxiously back and forth between the two of them. Hiccup turned to Fish in amusement.
"Y-you told him what I told you," Hiccup replied as he pointed to Fish, "didn't you?"
"What...No," Eret replied, "I would never betray your confidence...I mean, I may have hinted a little but I did not tell him. He just sort of figured it out all on his own."
"Right," Hiccup replied sarcastically.
"Oh, come on Hic, you're stalling," Eret replied, "what happened already?" Hiccup sighed heavily as he thought over all that had happened between he and Merida once more. He looked back up at Eret and smiled.
"Well, honestly," Hiccup sighed, "it sort of, didn't go exactly as planned."
"What do you mean," Eret replied in slight disappointment, "you did tell her didn't you?" Hiccup continued to gaze at Eret but did not answer him right away.
"Hic," Eret replied, "don't tell me you chickened out." Hiccup chuckled slightly.
"Of course, I told her," Hiccup replied. Eret smirked at Hiccup.
"What did she say," Fish asked anxiously. Hiccup sighed slightly.
"Well, she didn't exactly react the way I hoped she would," Hiccup replied. Both Eret and Fish sighed in slight disappointment.
"But it wasn't bad," Hiccup explained, "I...I mean, she did admit that she cares about me too, uh, I mean, she didn't like shoot me down or anything. She...she's just not ready to be more than friends yet."
"She put you in the friend zone," Fishlegs lamented, "unbelievable!" Hiccup rolled his eyes.
"That's not what happened, Fish," Hiccup replied firmly, "I am not stuck in the friend zone."
"Seriously," Fish whined, "it sounds like the friend zone to me." Hiccup groaned at Fish's comment.
"Believe me," Hiccup replied as his mind drifted back to his and Merida's tender parting, "I am not in the friend zone…we are much more than that. It...it's more like somewhere in the middle, uh, more of uh, a...a gray area between friends a-and something more. It...It's complicated, okay."
"Complicated" Eret questioned in concern, "why is everything always complicated with you Hic? I mean either you want to be with her of you don't. It's as simple as that."
"How I feel is not complicated," Hiccup replied, "I mean, I know that I want to be with Merida...but the situation is what's complicated."
"What," Eret started, "just because you're a Viking and she's not."
"There is a lot more to it than that," Hiccup replied, "you know that!"
"But Hic," Eret started.
"Look, I hear what you're saying," Hiccup interrupted, "but you don't understand." Hiccup paused a moment as he tried to find the right words to explain.
"The truth is, I...I'm in love with Merida," Hiccup admitted, "a-and I know she cares for me too, but there are still a lot of things working against us right now, ya know. I..I understand why she's holding back."
"But if you truly love her Hic," Eret replied, "and she cares for you, then you shouldn't let anything stand in the way of your being together."
"Don't you get it," Hiccup huffed, "it's because I love her. I...I mean, it-it's all the more reason to not rush things right. All the more reason to take things slow and to give her a little space to-to figure out how she feels." Eret and Fish looked at him in slight confusion. Hiccup sighed once more.
"I told you before," Hiccup sighed, "I don't want to screw this up, I mean she still has her own issues with love to work through. I can't just demand she decide and I certainly can't tell her how to feel!"
"So, what you're saying is, you and she are just…taking things slow then," Eret questioned.
"Yes," Hiccup replied as he crossed his arms over his chest, "and I-I told her that I would wait as long as it takes; as long she needs."
"But Hic," Eret started to protest.
"Look," Hiccup replied, "I know Merida, she...she's just afraid to take a chance. She's afraid to let her guard down. I mean her situation is just a bit complicated. Her whole life she's been preparing for her future as Queen. There is a lot expected of her. I mean, in order to take the throne at all, she needs to get married. And what's worse, whoever she chooses has to be approved by the King and Queen and the Lords, and love isn't even a factor in their decision at all."
"Really," Fish questioned. Hiccup nodded.
"When I met her, she was already resigned to the fact that her eventual marriage would not be for love at all, but for political gain. I mean, she's gone practically her whole life believing that true love is nothing more than…than some fairy tale that isn't real. Because of that she's afraid to take a chance. She is afraid that if she falls in love, they won't approve and then she'd have to choose between her throne and her heart." Both Fish and Eret continued to gaze at Hiccup in concern.
Hiccup sighed once again, "I understand where she's coming from, and honestly I can't blame her for guarding her heart. I mean, I've been there, I know. The fear of getting your heart broken isn't easy to get past. So, if a little more time is what she needs, I don't mind giving her that." Eret nodded as he thought over Hiccup's explanation.
"Truly spoken like a man in love," Eret replied smugly. Hiccup grinned up at him as a blush formed on his face.
"I am," Hiccup admitted, "she's everything to me and I won't do anything to jeopardize my chance to be with her."
"Okay," Eret replied, "then what can we do to help?"
"Well first things first," Hiccup sighed, "I should probably tell her I'm in love with her while she is actually awake to hear it. "
"HIC, are you kidding me," Eret replied, "I thought you said you told her."
"I did tell her...uh that I had feelings for her," Hiccup replied defensively, "a-and technically I also told her that I thought I was in love with her, but she was asleep." Both Eret and Fish rolled their eyes and sighed heavily. Hiccup chuckled.
"In my defense," Hiccup replied sarcastically, "I didn't know she was asleep at the time."
"Okay so first, you admit you're in love," Eret huffed, "what then?"
"Well, she's coming back tomorrow afternoon," Hiccup replied, "and she and I are going to come up with a plan for me to come forward and meet her parents. If I can get them to approve of me, that will be half the battle I think."
"I thought you wanted to wait until you found some definitive proof of Berk's innocence," Fish replied.
"Well I...I did," Hiccup replied, "I mean, finding proof is still the goal, but we both think coming forward now is a better option in the long run. I mean, at least this way I can work on getting her parents to see past the fact that I'm a Viking. If I can win them over, they might appeal to the Lords on my behalf. Not only that but maybe I'll be able to look through the archives with Merida."
"Are you a hundred percent sure that coming forward now is a good idea," Eret questioned, "I mean given all you've told us about how her parents feel about Vikings."
"I know it's a risk," Hiccup replied, "but if I can just get them to hear me out, I'm pretty confident that I can win them over."
"Yeah, but Hic, this might be slightly different than the negotiations you're used to," Eret replied, "first of all we've never came upon a place that we were banished from before, and second you're not just hoping that they accept an alliance with Berk, you're hoping they accept that you're in love with their daughter."
"And what would you have me do otherwise," Hiccup replied, "just continue on in secret and hope they don't find out. Or maybe I should just convince Merida to run away with me. How well do you think that would go over with them?" Eret nodded in understanding.
"I understand, Hic," Eret replied, "all I'm saying is that if you go there without any kind of proof who's to say they will believe you at all? Who's to say they won't just throw you in the dungeon on sight?"
"All the more reason for me to come forward sooner rather than later," Hiccup replied, "if I want to be with Merida, then I need to pursue her the right way. How can I ever expect her parents to approve if I'm not open and honest with them from the start."
"I get it Hic," Eret replied, "I really do, but I urge you to handle this tactfully, otherwise it could blow up in your face."
"I know what I'm doing Eret," Hiccup replied firmly, "this is important to me, I want her parents to see my intentions are good. I don't want them to just assume that I'm just some debaucher trying to seduce their daughter to get the throne. The longer I stay in hiding the higher the chance someone
else may discover us and inform the King and Queen themselves. If that were to happen then there is no telling what they will think of me. I'd much rather throw myself on their mercy than be accused of trying to trick their daughter into choosing me, for my own gain." Hiccup paused for a moment as he looked back and forth between Fish and Eret. He sighed heavily.
"Besides, if Merida's parents accept me," Hiccup continued, "then Merida would have nothing to fear, there would be nothing to hold her back from taking a-a real chance with me."
"And what if they don't accept you," Eret questioned, "I mean, what if you can't win them over?"
"Well, I guess we will just have to cross that bridge if we come to it, "Hiccup replied, "but right now coming forward is my best option."
"Okay then," Eret replied, "so maybe we should get to work on this plan of yours then mate. Then when your princess comes by tomorrow we can get her take on it." Hiccup nodded in agreement.
"First there are a few things Merida figured out about our mystery," Hiccup replied glancing back and forth between Eret and Fish, "I'd like to run it all by you guys, and see what you think. I also convinced her to leave me her grandmother's journal. Maybe we could compare hers with my grandfather's and see if there is anything we might have missed.
"Great," Fish replied, "let's get started then."