Six days following Hilda's arrival was the big day! New Berk was bustling with activity as decorations were put up and everything was arranged accordingly for a 'royal' wedding.

Thankfully, Zephyr did not have the severity of nerves like I did for my wedding. She was calm, cool, and collected, yet antsy for the ceremony. I helped to style her hair, and I couldn't help but compliment the red waves cascading down her back. As often as I was around Zephyr, I rarely saw her hair entirely down and loose like this. Her bangs were styled out of her face as Astrid wove the white flower crown atop her head, weaving it with white ribbons, complimenting her creamy white dress, embroidered with red, blue, and gold thread. Zyrah then placed several decorative silver brooches brought by Hilda specifically for the wedding.

A brown fur cape was pinned with gold brooches with Toothless carved in, surrounded by a traditional knotwork design. And with a little rouge to her cheeks and some soft kohl around her eyes, she was ready.

The ceremony was quite grand, and I spied Hiccup and his inner circle chit-chatting with allies and close friends that they hadn't seen in years. Zyrah and her brother, Rurik, were speaking with three other men and their wives, whom I assumed to be their older brothers. I had only heard Zyrah and Rurik talk about them, and for the first time, I truly observed the contrast of Zyrah's appearance to her older brothers. The oldest of the men hugged Zyrah close, and I sensed the bond between them was strong.

Tannr and Nyr were speaking with their cousins, and Hilda was with Ana, the two gossiping together. Hilda was in more formal attire, as she would be aiding Ana with blessing the ceremony, as well as representing Tannr's Sámi heritage.

Finally, a horn blew, and everyone gathered together as Ana and Hilda began the ceremony, presenting Zephyr to Tannr. The both of them were beaming, and the sun radiated off of Zephyr's red, freckled cheeks. The blessings came, and the couple exchanged swords, each respective sword belonging to their grandfathers.

The vows were exchanged, with Tannr saying his in Sámi. Then, Zephyr kneeled before Ana and Hilda, the latter who handed a bowl of crushed charcoal. Ana brushed Zephyr's loose hair and the flowers aside from her forehead, and then dipped her fingers into the black powder, and drew the seal of the chief on Zephyr's forehead. Bearing the new symbol, Ana wrapped the embroidered cloth around their hands, binding them, followed by Hilda banging on a ceremonial drum and calling upon the gods to bless the union.

Upon the drum being brought out, I saw Eyarr's expression out of the corner of my eye. I couldn't initially discern what he was feeling, but a quick squeeze of my hand assured me he was proud of his good deed, and how I helped him through it.

At last, the ceremony was sealed with a kiss, and cheering broke out, "to the chief and chieftess!" Whistling and whoops followed, the loudest from the respective families. Zephyr grinned even wider, her joy was utterly palpable. She married her childhood best friend and sweetheart, and now, she was the chief of New Berk.

The following celebration was filled with music, singing, and dancing around the large bonfire. A feast was prepared, and mead was poured, as well as expensive wine imported from the southern mainland for Zephyr and the royal family. Some wine was offered, but I politely declined, not in the mood for the alcohol, as just the smell was making me feel dizzy. That of course, didn't stop Zephyr from happily indulging, getting quite tipsy in no time.

Eyarr was pulled into a rowdy dance with Tannr, Nuffink, and the boys, becoming quite loud. I let him enjoy himself, happy to see him getting along with everyone, and also indulging in some drinking games. He and Saoirse were also quite giddy around the fire, playfully firing insults at each other in Gaelic.

The reception gave me flashbacks from Zephyr's birthday years ago, the first time I experienced New Berkian celebrations, and saw how loud and rowdy they became. But I was accustomed to it now, and it was more amusing than anything. Though, I felt that homesick ache in my heart, missing my family on Motunui. Lost in thought, I wandered away from the festivities, with the sun beginning to set and the stars beginning to peek out.

I took a seat on a fallen log, watching the sky, allowing myself to feel and listen. I tuned into the nighttime ambience from the woods, and the distant echo of the ocean below.

New Berk was my home, and I loved this island, but I would always miss Motunui, no matter how long I had been away from my family. Gazing skywards, I began to pray and wish good fortune for my family back home, that my sister and Heilani would be happy and perhaps start a family, that my parents would be comfortable, and that my extended family would prosper and continue to grow.

I also wished for peace for my ancestors, asking them to watch over us and continue to guide us into the future.

With my wish made, I felt a bit more at peace and relaxed, feeling comfort wash over me.

Through the distant sound of the party and the sounds of nighttime creatures in the woods, I did catch the sound of footsteps behind me. Quickly glancing back, I relaxed seeing that it was Ana.

"Feeling all partied out?" She quipped with a teasing smile, taking a seat next to me.

"Something like that."

"I feel that you should know that your husband has a remarkably good singing voice." I couldn't help but laugh.

"Oh goodness, at least he's not scaring anyone off,"

"Quite the opposite, he and Hiccup were singing some sea shanty together, I think they're having a wonderful time." She and I shared a laugh as I pictured such a sight. "Anything on your mind?" I shrugged.

"Not… really? I'm overjoyed for Zephyr, of course, that's mostly it. I sent a little wish up above for good fortune for my family back on Motunui."

"I'm sure they'll feel it." She assured, putting a hand on my shoulder. We chatted together for a little bit, and Ana began to reminisce on her mentoring Hilda when she was younger, and how Hilda inherited her mother's tenacity and confidence. She also reminisced on her attending Tannr and Zephyr's births, and seeing them grown up, and was understandably emotional.

"I'm so proud of all the kids growing up and becoming so accomplished. I'm excited to see how Zephyr handles her new duties."

"Well, the first calling of the council will be in a few days," I mentioned, receiving an encouraging nudge from Ana, who grinned.

"That's right, she's officially naming you her second-in-command!" I nodded, grinning. It was going to be incredibly exciting to witness Zephyr officially bring her official council together for the first time, and it would also be another passing-of-the-torch ceremony to be witnessed by all the tribes of the Barbaric Archipelago. The tribes who were unable to attend the wedding would be attending the council gathering in a week. Marking the beginning of Zephyr's reign.

Even though my family couldn't be here, I knew they'd be here in spirit to support her. I was proud of what my new position would be; though not to replace my position at the docks. What I was to become to Zephyr was what Gobber was to the late Chief Stoick. A personal counsel and advisor. Zephyr understood how important this was to me, with what my own birthright had been.

But now? Following Zephyr into the future of New Berk was more than I could have ever wished for.