September 25, 1015 CE — Haddock Household
The sun hung lazily in the early autumn sky, still casting a warm shimmer over Berk despite the season's slow change. The air was thick and warm, with a breeze that offered only the promise of cooler days to come.
Upstairs in her room, Zephyr Louise Haddock, left-handed and soon to be thirteen, sat curled in the corner of her bed. The midday light spilled over her notebook as she flipped through its pages—an old, well-worn collection of her most private sketches.
At first, it was dragons.
Majestic wings, roaring flames, swooping talons—her Stormfly plush sat nearby as a silent companion. Then, as she turned the pages from left to right, the dragons began to share space with something else.
Or rather, someone else.
In between the sketches of Nadder beaks and Night Fury tails, a figure emerged over and over again—Kai Stormbraid. Tousled hair, that confident smile, the way he held a stick like a sword on the camping trip they took last summer. His name, sometimes stylized with little hearts, popped up near doodles of the two of them standing side by side. Or flying on dragons. Or just laughing.
She sighed and hugged her knees, whispering his name softly into the empty room. "Kai…"
Just then, her mother's voice echoed up the stairs. "Dinner!"
Zephyr jolted upright, quickly tucking her notebook under her pillow and grabbing her Stormfly plush on her way out.
At the dinner table, the Haddocks were gathered with their usual energy. Hiccup, nearing forty but still with that familiar spark in his green eyes, passed a basket of bread to his wife. Astrid, ever the sharp one, caught the way her daughter avoided eye contact and nibbled quietly on her fish cake.
Nuffink, now ten and always ready to stir up some trouble, took one look at his sister's face and smirked. It was too perfect an opportunity to resist.
"So…" he said, drawing out the syllable as he leaned his chin on his hand. "Zephyr… how's your boyfriend doing? Kai Stormbrain?"
Zephyr's fork dropped with a clatter. "His name's Stormbraid, and he's not my boyfriend!"
Hiccup paused mid-bite. "Wait, what's going on?"
Astrid leaned in and whispered with a half-smile, "Nuffink's just teasing Zeph. I think she might have a crush."
Hiccup blinked. "A crush? Zephyr? Our Zephyr who once told me she was going to marry a Deadly Nadder and live in the sky?"
"I still like dragons!" Zephyr cried, cheeks burning. "I just have a little more… problems."
Nuffink burst out laughing. "You like a boy who's a problem!"
Zephyr scowled. "You're the problem."
"I'm not the one drawing hearts in my sketchbook!"
"Nuffink!" Astrid said firmly. Then, with a gentler tone, she turned to Zephyr. "Sweetheart, crushes are totally normal."
Hiccup, still stunned, muttered, "When did we go from dragons to boys?"
Astrid rolled her eyes with a smile. "Don't be so surprised. Remember when you had a crush on me back at the Old Berk Dragon Training Academy?"
"That wasn't a crush," Hiccup said, flustered. "That was… intense admiration for your combat skills."
"You stared at me every day and couldn't say a word without stammering."
"I was scrawny, and you were terrifying."
"And yet," Astrid said, smirking, "once you took me flying on Toothless, I knew."
"Knew what?" Zephyr asked, eyes wide.
Astrid leaned back and smiled. "That there was something special about your dad. I just didn't know how special until later."
Zephyr blinked, slightly pink but clearly thinking. "So… it's okay if I like someone?"
Hiccup sighed, smiling warmly now. "As long as he treats you with respect, and doesn't fly off with your dragons."
Nuffink snorted. "Or your drawings!"
"Nuffink!" Zephyr exclaimed.
The boy just grinned and shoved another bite of bread into his mouth.
Later that evening, Zephyr sat at her window with her Stormfly plush once more, the stars slowly emerging in the dusky sky. A flicker of warmth remained in the air—but inside her chest, she felt something else flickering too.
Maybe it was nerves.
Maybe it was joy.
Maybe it was just… growing up.
She reached under her pillow and pulled out her notebook, running her fingers across one of the hearts she'd drawn.
"Maybe crushes aren't so bad," she whispered to the night sky. "Just... weird."
And with that, she closed the notebook, hugged her plush tight, and let the warm winds of early autumn lull her into sleep.
Morning — September 26, 1015 CE — Haddock Household
The smell of grilled fish and bread lingered faintly in the air as the Haddocks cleared the breakfast table. The day had begun with clear skies, a sharp sun hanging low but fierce, refusing to acknowledge the arrival of autumn.
Upstairs, Zephyr sat on her little wooden stool, brushing crumbs from her tunic. Her mother stood behind her, gently pulling a brush through her wavy auburn hair with long, practiced strokes.
"Ow," Zephyr muttered, scrunching her nose. "Can you not tug so hard?"
Astrid smirked. "I'm barely pulling. Your hair's just as stubborn as you are."
Zephyr groaned. "I swear, if Nuffink barges into my room one more time pretending his plush Toothless needs a mission…"
Astrid chuckled, securing a small braid into place. "Little brothers are like that. Annoying. Loud. Overly fond of plush dragons."
Zephyr rolled her eyes. "He keeps teasing me about Kai. He thinks I'm a joke because of him. It's like… he knows."
"Oh, he knows," Astrid replied with a knowing look. "And someday, when he has his first crush, it'll be your turn."
Zephyr smiled at that. "You think so?"
Astrid finished by placing Zephyr's kransen—a simple but elegant bronze circlet—on her forehead, just as her own mother used to. "Absolutely. You'll get to make his cheeks go red for once."
Zephyr snorted. "Can't wait."
Astrid leaned down and kissed her daughter's head. "Now go show that boy how a Haddock handles a sword."
Afternoon — New Berk Training Academy
The training field buzzed with energy. The sky above had turned cloudless and pale, the wind soft and salt-scented from the nearby cliffs. At the far end of the field, Fishlegs, still built like a walking book but with more muscle than people gave him credit for, clapped his hands.
"Alright, students! Pairs! Wooden swords only—no spinning, no face hits, and if I see one more 'epic battle pose,' I'm deducting points."
The students laughed and scattered into duos. Zephyr found herself partnered with Julius, a boy about half a year younger but already trying to prove he could best her.
They squared off in the dirt ring. Zephyr took her stance, sword raised.
"You're holding it too tight," Julius muttered.
Zephyr shot him a look. "You're holding it like you want to strangle it."
"Means I'm ready."
Zephyr lunged first, her foot sliding slightly in the dust, causing her swing to miss. Julius easily deflected and jabbed forward—but Zephyr blocked in time. They kept sparring, parrying and stepping, eyes locked, expressions serious.
But then, Zephyr slipped.
She didn't fall—just twisted awkwardly and yelped, bumping her sword against Julius's with a clumsy clang.
A voice called out from the sidelines.
"Nice move, Carrots."
Zephyr froze.
She turned her head.
There he was—Kai Stormbraid, standing with his arms crossed, smirking in that infuriating, perfect way.
Zephyr's face turned the color of her namesake flower. "Carrots?" she echoed, incredulous.
Kai shrugged. "Because of your hair. And the way you flailed."
Fishlegs barked from the other end of the field, "Focus, Zephyr! No flirting during practice!"
A chorus of teenage gasps and laughter erupted from the class. Zephyr could have melted into the dirt.
But despite the heat on her face, despite the embarrassment simmering in her ears… she smiled.
Just a little.
Julius tilted his head. "Are we still fencing, or should I let you two have a moment?"
Zephyr groaned.
"Shut up and spar, Julius."
Evening — Haddock Household
The stars twinkled softly above New Berk, a quiet breeze rustling the trees outside. The faint crackling of the hearth downstairs drifted into Zephyr's room as she sat cross-legged on her bed, the glow of a small oil lamp casting flickering light across her face.
A leather-bound diary, its corners softened from wear, rested on her lap. She flipped past sketches of dragons and Kai doodles before turning to a fresh page.
She dipped her quill in ink, and her thoughts spilled onto the parchment—each word heard in her voice as a gentle, thoughtful voiceover:
Dear Diary,
Today during sword training, I slipped. Like, totally embarrassing. And of course, Kai saw it.
He called me... "Carrots."
(Yes, like the vegetable. Because of my hair. Ugh.)
And the worst part? I didn't hate it.
I should have yelled, or rolled my eyes, or made fun of him back. But no... I smiled.
What is wrong with me?
She paused, twirling the quill between her fingers, her voice softening as her scribbles slowed.
I don't think I've ever felt this weird and happy and... floaty before. It's like I was in a dream. Except in the dream, I'm tripping over my own feet with everyone watching.
I still like dragons. I still want to be a great rider, just like Mom and Dad.
But now, there's Kai.
And apparently, now there's Carrots.
Zephyr sighed dramatically, blowing on the ink to dry it.
She closed the diary, hugged it to her chest, and flopped back onto her bed with a groan.
From the hallway, Astrid peeked in.
"Still awake, Zeph?"
Zephyr quickly stuffed the diary under her pillow. "Uh—just going to bed now!"
Astrid smiled, gave her a wink, and pulled the door shut.
Zephyr lay in the quiet for a moment, staring at the ceiling.
Then she whispered to herself, with a smirk, "Carrots…"
And for some reason, she didn't mind it one bit.
Morning, September 28, 1015 CE — Haddock Household
The early sunlight bathed the Haddock kitchen in a golden hue as the family gathered for breakfast. The scent of bread and honey wafted from the hearth. Zephyr sat nibbling at her loaf, Nuffink noisily slurping soup beside her.
A knock echoed from the front door.
Hiccup got up to answer it and was greeted by Eret, his long-time comrade and now a local leader in the village's defense.
"Morning," Eret said. "Just came to announce that the Harvest Festival will be held a week ahead of Samhain, just like the old days."
"Thanks, Eret," Hiccup said, clapping his friend's shoulder. "We'll be there."
As Eret waved goodbye, Hiccup closed the door and turned back toward the table, smirking.
"So, Zeph... you thinking of dressing up as a Night Fury again? Or maybe a—oh, I don't know—Kai's bride?"
Zephyr's spoon clattered to the table. "Dad!"
Nuffink erupted in giggles. "She's gonna wear a dress made of hearts!"
"I will end you, Nuffink."
"Now, now," Astrid chuckled, sipping tea. "Leave her be. First crushes are special."
Zephyr buried her blushing face in her elbow. "You're all the worst."
Evening, October 24, 1015 CE — The Grand Hall, New Berk
The Grand Hall buzzed with warmth and laughter. Candles flickered across long tables decorated with autumn leaves, carved gourds, and baskets of seasonal fruits. People wore autumn-colored cloaks, tunics, and flower crowns woven from firegrass and frost-moss.
At the side, Hiccup and Astrid chatted with Ruffnut, now seven months pregnant, glowing (and still wearing her usual fur-and-chaos ensemble).
"Fishlegs thinks the baby's going to be a scholar," Ruffnut said, patting her belly. "But with me as a mom? Please. This one's going to know how to wrestle yak before it learns to read."
Astrid laughed. "I pity your child's tutors already."
Meanwhile, at a nearby table, Zephyr and Nuffink sat beside Grandma Valka. Nuffink was halfway through stealing his sister's apple tart when a familiar voice called out:
"Carrots?"
Zephyr nearly choked.
Kai Stormbraid, tall and scruffy-haired with his signature lopsided grin, stood in a dark red tunic and fur-lined cloak.
"Wanna dance?"
Zephyr glanced nervously at Valka, who gave a soft smile and nod. She got up and took Kai's hand.
Later That Evening — Just Outside the Grand Hall
The music drifted softly through the open doors, mixing with the cool autumn breeze. The stars peeked through the clouds, and leaves skittered across the cobblestone path.
Kai and Zephyr strolled a short distance before Zephyr leaned her head slightly... and accidentally rested it on his shoulder.
She flinched, pulling back. "Sorry! I didn't mean—"
Kai just chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck.
Zephyr exhaled. "Okay. Look... I like you, Kai. A lot. And I think we're—well, we're kind of meant for each other."
Kai blinked, then smiled. "I figured. You've been giving me moon-eyes since that camping trip in July."
Her eyes widened. "What?! No I haven't!"
"You drew me riding a Nadder, Zeph."
She flushed. "Okay... fair."
Kai took a deep breath. "Truth is, I like you back. Always have. I just didn't know if I could say it... You being Chief Hiccup's daughter and all. That's... intimidating."
Zephyr's expression softened. "I'm more than my dad's kid. I'm me. And maybe... maybe we can try something. Like, date?"
Kai smiled nervously. "When?"
Zephyr grinned. "My birthday. November 11. I'll be thirteen. A good day for something new."
Kai nodded. "It's a date."
She leaned in and kissed him quickly on the cheek.
His face turned the color of a ripe berry. "Goodnight, Carrots."
Zephyr beamed as she turned and ran lightly back toward the Grand Hall, her heart pounding.
Evening, October 24, 1015 CE — The Haddock Household
The cozy hum of post-festival energy filled the Haddock home. Hiccup knelt in the living room, gently wrestling Nuffink, who was mid-laugh and trying to tackle his father with a wool-stuffed dragon plush.
"Victory will be mine, Chief Dad!" Nuffink shouted dramatically.
"Not if the Chief strikes first!" Hiccup countered with an exaggerated groan as he toppled onto the floor, playing dead.
From the hallway, Astrid chuckled and shook her head. "I'll leave you boys to your chaos."
She made her way toward Zephyr's room, the door slightly ajar. Inside, the soft scratching of a quill could be heard.
Zephyr, still in her festival clothes but with her hair loosened, sat at her desk. Her notebook lay open, and she was writing—no, planning—with an excited furrow to her brow.
"Nov 11th aka My Birthday. Dress simple. Walk by the cliffs. Sit under the pine tree. Bring the charcoal set. Ask Kai what his favorite dragon is. Don't freak out if he says Zippleback..."
Astrid knocked lightly before pushing the door open. "Hey."
Zephyr startled slightly, then smiled.
"You seem... happy," Astrid said, walking in. "Suspiciously happy. That Kai smile hasn't left your face all night."
Zephyr grinned and looked down at her notebook. "I guess I'm just... not weird anymore."
Astrid blinked. "Weird?"
"I used to think it was weird to like someone. Especially him. I thought maybe something was wrong with me. Like—why would I stop thinking about dragons just because a boy smiled at me?"
Astrid sat beside her on the bed, listening quietly.
"But now..." Zephyr continued, "he likes me too. And it's like... suddenly, I'm allowed to feel this way. I don't feel awkward. I feel..." She paused, then laughed softly. "Confident."
Astrid smiled, heart swelling. "You're allowed to feel anything, Zeph. Crushes, dragons, both at the same time. That's what growing up's about."
Zephyr nodded, then added: "Also... Nuff's teasing? It's okay. I mean... more than okay. It's kind of fun now. Like a game."
Astrid chuckled, surprised. "Wow. Who are you, and what did you do with my dramatic daughter?"
Zephyr shrugged with a smirk. "She leveled up."
Astrid reached out and pulled her into a proud, quiet hug. "I'm really proud of you."
After a moment, Zephyr leaned back slightly and said, almost shyly, "I also told Kai we should go on a date."
Astrid's eyebrows rose. "Oh?"
"My birthday. I'll be thirteen. We'll walk by the cliffs. I'll bring my sketchpad. He said yes."
Astrid gave her daughter an approving smile. "So you scheduled your first date with Kai on your thirteenth huh? Sounds perfect. Just... stay where people can see you, okay? And maybe not too close to the edge."
Zephyr nodded. "Deal."
Astrid gave her a final squeeze before standing. "Goodnight, Carrots."
"Mooom!" Zephyr groaned, but giggled right after.
As Astrid walked back down the hall, Zephyr returned to her notebook, adding one last line under her plan:
"Step 7: Just be me."