All was black. But his world was spinning. Then it started quaking. As it the world itself was falling apart. He felt himself falling, falling… there was a voice in the distance, calling his name…
"Hiccup? -Hiccup! Wake up! You must come! -Quickly!" He knew that voice! He opened his eyes and blinked. There above him was that face. The face of that kid who was annoying as Hel, but yet reminded him so much of himself. He had grown into one of the best riders on Berk. Certainly THE best of the newer generation.
"Gus, -Gustav? What, -How…" His head was still spinning… and starting to throb.
"Hiccup! You must come, -The Great Hall… Ansel has arrested the Lady Kirsten!" WHAT?! Have they gone insane ? How… His anger flared. They had better not have harmed her! Gods help him! The more he thought about it, the more furious he became. He sat up, and the spinning in his head increased. It died down after a few moments, replaced by a stronger throbbing. And his left leg was faring no better. He looked down. The foot was still attached, but it was crooked. His stump burned and throbbed madly.
He looked back at Gustav. There was fury in his eyes. He had taken Astrids' loss very badly too, he heard. What was once a boyish infatuation had turned into great respect, and love. She was a big sister to him. And he was fiercely loyal to her. So much so they had nearly come to blows on her behalf… more than once! And apparently, he had attached himself to Elsa as well. If Eret wasn't at her side, Gustav was.
He shook his head trying to throw the cobwebs out. He thought to what happened. Heather, and the fight… The flight home, -the landing… Toothless! He spun around. The dragon was laying on his belly not far away. He got up but stumbled, pain shooting up his leg. He felt something tear… He wound up crawling quickly to his side.
A quick examination revealed he wasn't seriously hurt. His left brow was a bit swollen. And he was vigorously licking his right fore-paw. Otherwise, he seemed ok.
"Toothless! Oh Gods! I am so sorry Bud! Are you alright?" He crooned, and looked at his paw, then looked back and splayed his wings slightly. He turned back and huffed and barked softly a few times.
"I'm ok, my head hurts, and this, -stupid leg… We, we have to get to the Hall! Elsas' in trouble! Can you take me?" He huffed and barked. Gustavs' face was twisted in thought. Probably from the use of her name. That didn't matter anymore. All that mattered… He fixed him with a look.
"Gustav! Sound the call! Get everyone to the Hall… Everyone!" He nodded firmly, steel in his eyes. He turned and ran off shouting. He used the handles on the saddle to pull himself up. He mounted, but the other leg… It was alright, they didn't have to fly…
"Let's go Bud!" He raised up and took a step. He felt him flinch. Toothless crooned, and licked his paw. He stepped a little more slowly. He limped along as best as he could. The Great Horn sounded. Doors were opening all around the square. It seemed to take forever to cross the almost two hundred yards to the Hall steps. Toothless took them gingerly as well. Gobber was there pulling at the doors and swinging his hammer at them. To no avail…
"They've barred the doors from the inside!" He nodded.
"Back away!" Gobber fixed him with a look and gave a single nod. He went down the steps a bit as did they. A small crowd had gathered. He leaned down.
"Careful Toothless! We don't want to hurt anyone on the other side." Not entirely true but… Toothless huffed. He felt the surge as he built up his charge. He released a medium-sized pulse that struck the door halfway up. It fluttered, but otherwise… He built up another. This one was lower, and a bit stronger. It did the trick, as the doors fluttered and groaned. The right door twisted on its hinges, then fell inwards. Toothless cleared the top steps in one bound. He yelped as he landed.
He let out an ear-splitting screech, then a menacing roar. Someone scuttled out from under the door. Nicolaus! He expected… there was a growl from their right. A Monstrous Nightmare poked his head around the corner. Upon seeing them, he quickly retreated. As they entered the Hall, he looked. The dragon… Tindr! That's who that was! He had plastered himself in the corner, quivering in fear. He scowled furiously at him. Toothless paid him no mind.
Toothless stopped a few steps into the room. He quickly scanned the scene. The three were at the table at the head of the room. Their eyes were wide. In front of the table stood Freybjorn and Ditliev. Both had their hands on Elsas' upper arms. His anger flared. How dare they! Elsa had craned her neck. She looked so… afraid? Why was she… why had she not… He dismissed those thoughts for now as he scanned the rest of the room. Not a large crowd, mostly family of the three, and some of those aligned with them. Fear on all their faces. Assessment done… now was a time for words!
"WHAT THE HEL IS GOING ON HERE?" He surprised himself at the force of his voice. Toothless started forward, still limping slightly. As they reached the front, Ansel narrowed his eyes.
"That, -that's far enough Haddock! We have this under, -control!" He snorted.
"Oh really? Yes! I can tell… You can smell the fear and urine from the door there!" He slid off the saddle and set his jaw against the pain. He walked up to her and glared at the two men holding Elsa. He gave her a quick look. She didn't appear to be harmed. They locked eyes. Something was wrong… but what? He turned back towards the table.
"I'll ask again, what the HEL is going on?" Toothless growled low and deep. He heard a shuffle of footsteps.
"This, -this woman is a spy! We have arrested her, and mean to send her back to wherever she came from!" He scoffed.
"A spy? REALLY? What evidence could you possibly have?" Ansels' eyes darted side to side. His mouth twisted.
"We, have a sworn statement from Gjaflaug. She witnessed the actions of this… person!" He didn't believe it, not for a second!
"Oh? I would like to read this statement! And, I want to question the witness! Where is she?" Ansels' eyes flitted again. He opened then closed his mouth.
"WHERE IS SHE?" He roared. They flinched as if he'd hit them.
"She, she is confined to her families' hall… Her, her statement is still being taken…" He looked to be sweating profusely, poor guy. Too bad he was enjoying this…
Oh, I see… Tell me then, what exactly is the Lady accused of doing?" He straightened a little.
"She, -she has traveled to the Murderous tribe, and the Lavalouts! She has been giving away, -our… secrets! Aye! -She has gone there without our knowledge or consent. She, -she means to, -overthrow us! Yes! And provide a means for our enemies to attack us!" There was a murmur from the crowd. He couldn't believe…
"Oh? Secrets? -What secrets? Everything we do here on Berk is common knowledge, and above-board, yes! And I can't think of any kind of secrets kept here that the Lady would be privy to… And as far as her going? I knew! She told me she was going! I didn't exactly give my consent, because I feared for her safety! The Gods help us if something were to happen to her while she is under Berks' protection!" He let this sink in for a moment.
"And enemies? Well, Gjaflaug was with her, and the girl has been staying here… That doesn't exactly mean they are enemies at the moment. And the Lady was merely taking the girl home? To visit her family? That doesn't constitute spying by any meaning of the word… And the Murderous tribe? They are not specifically an enemy to Berk…" Ansels' mouth twisted again. Time to see the end of this. One way, or the other…
"So tell me! Or maybe one of you other idiots can tell me… What, -specifically has the Lady done? She has visited the other tribes? She is an emissary! That is her job! It's what they do! They go out and meet people, strike trade deals, for the benefit of all!" There was rage in TulkRs' eyes Bótolfr was pale. Perhaps he knew they were caught, which they were… He just needed to finish this.
"And as far as someone attacking us? We have watches, patrols… We have allies, they are watching too. Anyone, or anything would be spotted with enough warning to be repelled. -Anyone, or anything -stupid enough to attack an archipelago full of violent lunatics with dragons as backup!" A couple of hoots went up.
"SO, Ansel… I have another theory! The Lady has been going around the archipelago, making friends with everyone she comes in contact with. And as such, will undermine everything you three have going on in the background! So before she causes any more damage, you falsely accuse her of some imagined wrongdoing, and send her away! How's that? -Fairly accurate? Or did I hit the Viking on the head?" Ansels' face went pure red, as did TulkRs'. Bótolfr looked like he was going to faint. A louder murmur, -a low grumble came from the crowd behind him…
"What! I, -that… It, -it matters not!" He spluttered. "She is arrested! She will be sent out on the morning tide!" He sighed and hung his head, which was still pounding. That was it! He had played his next-to-last card! He turned to face her. His leg slipped, there was pain. He couldn't think of that right now. All they had been through… That night in Valdors' forge -in Arendelle, -up to this point… It all had led to this. As he saw it, there was only one way… Forward! And damn the consequences! He loved her! That was all that mattered!
He looked up and locked eyes with Elsa. There was a barely-detected turn of her head. He sighed again and hung his head. He then looked at the two holding her, he eyed them menacingly…
"Release her." He said. The two merely shifted their weight. He straightened fully and gathered all of his ire.
"I said, RELEASE HER!" Toothless growled low in his throat. He could tell it turned into a bared-tooth snarl without looking. They both released their hold on her arms and moved away slowly. He drew out his dagger and moved behind her. He cut the ropes binding her. He gripped her arm and gave it a squeeze. He felt her look, but his focus was elsewhere. He stood tall, unafraid.
"OK, There are three very, -very good reasons why arresting her is a bad idea!" This seemed to grab their attention…
"First, -she is not, -Lady Kirsten Snjardrottnig, of Corona! She is… actually… Elsa Ellesmyre the First! Queen of Arendelle! Sole Sovereign! The Snow Queen! Ruler of the Northern Fjords! Great, Great Granddaughter of Oskar the Great!" There was a collective intake of air. A hush fell over the crowd… The threes' eyes went wide. He drew a breath. He continued…
"Second, she is a powerful, -sorceress! -Sometimes frighteningly so! She commands the power of winter, of ice and snow!" He turned to her, there was another stab of pain. He nodded. She shook her head slightly. He glared at her, -and surprisingly, she did as she was told. She raised a hand up, and three large snowflakes were dancing on her palm. She turned and faced the crowd. There was a gasp. She then rotated her hands in front of her, creating a small ball of snow. She held it in her palms for a moment, then flung it into the air. It exploded with a soft pop just below the ceiling. Showering the room with sparkling snow crystals.
He looked around, as did she. To a person, there were looks of wonder and amazement. They held out their hands to catch the flakes as they fell. A couple of them even stuck out their tongues! Toothless was chomping any stray flake that floated his way. Good! He thought they might be fearful. Maybe the dragons had helped in this regard he thought. Maybe the dragons had opened their eyes to other possibilities… He hoped so.
She turned to him. There was light in her eyes. Her beautiful, beautiful blue eyes. They seemed to sparkle themselves! She smiled that smile… Gods! He hoped he could make her do that at least once a day, for the rest of his life!
He steeled himself. He was a bit afraid. Afraid of what she would say, -how she would answer. All they had been through, everything he had not told her… Now it was all out in the open. He stood here now, in front of his family, his tribe, his best friend… It all came down to this. He took a calming breath, and took a step towards her…
"Third, -and most important! She… She," He took another step, mindless of the pain. There was only her, and her answer. He gathered her hands in his…"-She is to be the Chiefs' wife! My wife… if, -if she… if she will, -have me!" His chest tightened, what would she say?
He didn't have to wait long. He saw it first in her eyes. They lit up even more… As if it were possible. And her mouth started to curl. Forming that smile he loved. It made her whole face light up, and went straight to his heart. His chest loosened, his heart filled up. Filled to the point of bursting… He knew… He knew before the words were even formed… He knew!
"Yes! Hiccup Haddock, -I will have you! Now, -and forever!" Her voice! Her lovely voice. It rang out clear and firm. It was soothing, and in this case, caused his heart to overflow. He released her hands. She threw her arms around his neck. His arms instinctively wrapped around her waist. They came together and kissed. Long, slow, and passionate. The rest of the world was drowned out. There was her, and only her. Everything seemed right, in this time, in this moment… in this small space between them…
She leaned into him. He took a step back. White-hot pain shot all the way to his hip. He jolted, hissing against it as they broke apart. There was a confused look on her face.
"Hiccup?" Her eyes then scanned his face. Her expression changed as she took in the scrapes on his face. Her hands came up. She took his head in her hands, turning it slightly. His head started throbbing again. She placed her hands on his shoulders. Her gaze went slowly down. Across his chest to his waist. She took a half-step back and looked down. When her gaze met his again, her face went pale.
"Oh GODS! Hiccup! What… what happened to you?" He could only think of a name…
"Heather…" He turned to the table, and spoke loudly and clearly.
"Heather, -happened to me!" Ansels' eyes went wide, his mouth dropped open. His face turned pale.
"YES! Heathers' back!" The crowd hushed. "Isn't that GREAT? Why, with Dagur gone… and Heather taking over the Berserkers… Berk… Berk has another ally! This, this is such good news! Isn't it?" There was a hushed conversation at the table. Heads shook, hands waved. He couldn't hear what was said.
"Guys? Isn't, isn't this good news? Things will finally be settled there. Heather will take over as Chief! And things here in the archipelago will balance! Everything will be OK!" They looked at him strangely. There was another, more animated discussion. Ansel finally looked at him. He looked a little pale.
"Hiccup? -my boy…" Aha! Now they were getting it!
"Yes, Reifnir! Where, where is he? I haven't seen him around in a while Ansel. Has he been ill? Tell us… Where is your son?" Ansel looked at Bótolfr, and then TulkR. They both shrugged. Bótolfr was looking a little panicked. Ansel turned back to him. He lowered his tone.
"Tell us… Ansel! Where is your son?" He opened then closed his mouth. He looked down at his feet then back up before he spoke.
"He, he is over on Berserk Island…" His eyes flitted down then up. A loud murmuring coursed through the crowd.
"Really? What could he possibly… Oh! You sent him over to prepare for Heathers' arrival, did you? No… That would mean you knew when she would be arriving… And all that materiel that went over there… And the gold… Tell us Ansel, what is your son doing, -exactly, on Berserk Island?" He scowled furiously at him. If he didn't confess, and soon… His face twisted.
"He, -we… We meant to… Place him as Chief of the Berserkers!" A hush fell over the crowd once more. Many gasped, including many who were aligned with the three..At least he had confessed…
"You meant to place your son as Chief? Really? Was there a vote held? Did I, did I miss the gathering entirely? You know, the one that is supposed to take place, -by treaty, before any such decision is made? Input from the other Chiefs? The Berserkers themselves? Tell me, who else of the Allied Tribes approved this? Which one of us, exactly is supporting him?" His mouth twisted, but nothing came out. He seemed to grow paler by the minute. And yes, he was enjoying this, -a little too much…
"And what about international rules and law?" He held up a hand as Ansel opened his mouth.
"I know, I know… You've said it plenty of times… We'll be governed by no other law, especially from down south. Or, -We've no need of treaties from down south to protect us, we have dragons!" He thought his impersonations were pretty good, but there was tittering and a few giggles from behind him. Hmmm…
"Well, in case you haven't noticed, more and more people are coming here from the south every week. The sooner we align our laws with theirs, the better off we'll be. The Gods help us if we offend someone, or… wrongly accuse the right person… It could bring a whole fleet of ships down on our heads!" They didn't look quite convinced… He turned his head and called over his shoulder.
"Queen Elsa? Could you please enlighten everyone gathered as to the penalties involved with these actions?" She stepped up next to him. Her voice rang out clear and firm.
"Well in this case, the interference with another countries' sovereignty is a serious offense! It carries severe penalties. Half of the offending countries' treasury… Seizure of land… Pastures, fields, ports, timber, ores… The boats and ships in those ports… The livestock on the pastures, the very crops in the fields… The offended country can even select a group of individuals, and send them to the offending country, throw the ruling party out, and take over said country, -ruling indefinitely! Not to mention, the act, or the mere mention of such a plot, is considered an act of war!" GODS! He loved her! He surely did! He didn't look, but he could imagine the look on her face. The faces of the three grew paler with each penalty given by rote. Now it was time to drive the nails home!
"And So! You three not only sullied the Hooligan reputation, you also put Reifnirs' life, and the lives of everyone here on Berk, at risk… You sought to drive a wedge into the very heart of the Allied Tribes… And throw the entire archipelago into chaos… For What? - FOR WHAT? Power? -Gold? -Silver?" He drew in a breath, and released it. He was furious! He calmed a little, and turned towards the crowd behind him. Pain shot up his leg. He scanned their faces. It seemed to dawn on many of them too what this meant. An arm snaked around his waist supporting him. He looked… Elsa was looking at him with pride, then concern. He knew what he had to do…
"You three… Are done here! As Chief, I confiscate all your property, your lands, your herds, and your boats. I strip you of your titles, and your seats on the council… I will give you one boat each… Collect your belongings, and your families. You will leave Berk on the morning tide… And you are never to return… Under penalty of death! By this time tomorrow, your halls will burn!"
A roar came from the crowd. Many called for their heads. Many a call for the halls to burn now! He let them vent. He closed his eyes. He didn't want this… but they had given him no choice. The arm around his waist tightened. A hand placed on his arm squeezed gently but firmly. He opened his eyes and held up a hand. The crowd hushed. He glared at the three at the table.
"Snotlout? Tuffnut? See that this is done! Spitelout? Hoark? Brunhilda? Gather the others! -And put them in the cells!" A roar exploded from the tribe. People started moving, pushing… They gathered Ditliev, Freybjorn, Nicolaus, and a few others and led them away. Elsas' grip on him tightened.
"Hiccup? Please… Your leg, -you need to get that treated!" She looked very worried, but…
"Elsa… Not now, there's so much to do. The flocks need moved… Their boats secured… We'll need to inform the chiefs…" She separated from him, holding him at arms' length. Her expression changed.
"Hiccup! I am a Queen! I know what needs done! I can handle this! Now go and get that looked at!" Her tone was admonishing. He hadn't fully calmed down yet…
"Elsa!" He growled. Her reaction was swift, and took him by surprise.
"HICCUP HORRENDOUS HADDOCK THE THIRD! IF YOU DO NOT GET YOURSELF TO OUR HALL THIS INSTANT… I SWEAR BY THE GODS… I WILL FREEZE YOU, AND DRAG YOU OVER THERE MYSELF!" There was a furious scowl on her face. Her eyes glowed with a cold blue flame. He was taken aback a bit. She had never… Just then something hit him on the shoulder hard. He spun around, ignoring the pain. He caught a sight that made him jump.
The Gothi was scowling at him furiously too. She pointed at his leg, then motioned with her staff at the door. He then noticed the hall was completely silent. There were many shocked faces. She was probably right, but this was his responsibility. He looked down. Blood had seeped through the dressing, and had trickled down the side of the prosthetic. Yes, she was right but… He frowned.
"Fine!" He turned and limped over to Toothless. He crooned in worry.
"C'mon Bud! Lets go home!" He barked softly. He still was favoring that paw. Perhaps they both needed to rest. He pulled himself onto Toothless. Now that the weight was off. His leg throbbed viciously. The crowd parted, and they made their way to the door. He noticed Captain Verschtop, who gave a deep respectful bow. He nodded in return.
Toothless went slowly down the steps. He then turned towards his hall. His thoughts turned too. Heather was back, and he had survived their "meeting". Now they had to throw all their support behind her. She may have a difficult time, but he was sure she could do it. The other Chiefs, the heirs… they might not be happy with her… Cami, -and Elsa! They would be furious! He hoped they wouldn't be too hard on her. Surely they would see… Right?
Elsa… She said yes! YES! SHE SAID YES! His heart threatened to jump right out of his chest! And now… With the issue of the council settled… they could be a proper couple! No more sneaking around! No more lying to protect her! Free, and out in the open! He started thinking of all the things they could do now. Long walks by the water. They could take their meals together. Go flying together… Long patrols! And by extension, now that they were officially betrothed, they could visit all the tribes together! -To introduce her properly… And such a trip could last days!
His leg gave a twinge as his weight shifted. No, he, -they… wouldn't be going anywhere for a while. And Toothless was hurting as well. Well… as soon as he was healed up… They could… He was further jostled out of his thoughts by a soft chuckling at his side. Somehow Gobber had joined him undetected. He turned to him, It seemed as though his eyes were glowing with a soft light. He just smiled and turned back to mind their path, chuckling again.
They went inside. Toothless lit the fire, then limped up the stairs. Gobber carried him up, setting him on his feet once in his room. He placed both hands on his shoulders. He smiled warmly, a twinkle in his eyes.
"Ahh, Hiccup! She's a good one! And no mistake! Your father would approve too!" He smiled back and nodded.
"Thanks Gobber. I love her! I, -I never thought… Thanks" He smiled, and patted his shoulder. He left and went down the stairs. He started removing his armor, trying not to move too much. He knew what was coming. Yes, the rest of this evening was not going to be very pleasant. He took comfort in the fact that she would be the one caring for him, and soon, hopefully in the near future, the beautiful, lovely, funny, caring… Elsa Ellesmyre, -would be his wife. Now that this was settled…
Something prickled the back of his mind. This was settled… But there was still the issue of the Lavalouts… and this huge dragon that may, or may not be out there… How was it they had not found it yet? He shook his head. He needed to talk to Elsa about the 'Louts. Find out what she saw and did over there. And then, well…
There was a clamor downstairs. He heard several people enter the house. He removed the rest of his flight suit, and sat in a chair to remove his boot. He got up again, hopping over to the bed. His hands stopped at his waist. He turned and saw that the Gothi was standing there. A neutral expression on her face. He moved his hands to the button holding his pants up. He stopped, and gave her a wink. He considered it a victory when she blushed a bit. Until she whacked him on the arm with her staff, a little more than gently.
He sat and undid the straps. The end of his stump was a bloody mess. And the bandages weren't even off yet. The Gothis' face turned grim. There was one, then another set of footsteps on the stairs. His mother came in with a basin and cloths. Then there was a man standing in the doorway. He gave a respectful bow.
"My Lord! -Ladies… I am Jorge Tennance I am a doctor, -a healer! Her Majesty bid me come help!" The Gothi considered him for a moment, then nodded. She motioned with her hand for him to come in.
After his wounds were cleaned, he was given a cup of water with a white powder mixed in it from Jorge. It tasted horribly, but he said it would numb the pain and help him rest. There were a few more splinters to be removed, and a few stitches to be had. Jorge was given a poultice by the Gothi that he eyed suspiciously. A strategic staff to the head had him smearing it on his wounds in earnest. He wrapped it in fresh bandages and stood just as Elsa entered.
"It should heal fine, but there is a risk… I'll return in the morning." They thanked him. The Gothi took one of his hands in hers, and patted it with the other. He smiled.
"And I shall see you as well! Young Lady!" She smiled and swatted his arm. He left with a bow. The Gothi stood before Elsa for a moment, then spread her arms and gave a respectful bow. She then smiled and left them. Elsa stepped over to the bed and knelt in front of him. She kissed him tenderly on the forehead, then sat on her heels. They locked eyes for a moment. She looked down and frowned, then back up. There was a pleading, hurt look in her eyes. She took his left hand in hers.
"Hiccup? I, -I am so very sorry, -I…" She cast her gaze down again, and winced. Her eyes were bright as she looked again.
"It seems I have this terrible habit of doubting you… of, -hurting you… I…" She looked down and away, closing her eyes tightly. A tear fell. She drew in a halting breath. What she said next came out as a whisper.
"Please forgive me…" A few more tears fell. She drew in a ragged breath and sobbed. His heart broke for her. This woman! Didn't she understand? He reached up and caressed her cheek with the back of his finger. He then caught her chin in his fingers, drawing her gaze up. His heart broke again as her eyes opened. So much hurt and pain…
"Elsa? I love you! There's no one else… no one else I want to be with in the whole world! Of course I forgive you! -I realize I'm not… I, -I was afraid… Afraid of loosing you… I, -should have told you these things before… But, some of them… they're painful and… It's been just as painful… It's been very hard keeping these things from you. I realize not telling you would be far worse… I'm sorry… If you will forgive me, I promise to never keep anything from you, -ever!" She nodded. He released her chin. She looked down, then wiped her eyes and sniffled.
Their eyes met, she nodded vigorously. "Of course I forgive you!" They embraced tightly. She buried her face in his neck and breathed the words against it…
"I love you Hiccup!" He squeezed her. He felt light and airy. As if he were floating. Perhaps he was, or perhaps the drink the, -doctor gave him… No matter… She was here, they were together, All that was left were the formalities. He felt giddy, a flush ran through his body. They separated after a few long moments. He grabbed his chin and looked away in thought.
"You know, maybe jailing you isn't such a bad idea… It would keep you here, and not gallivanting across the archipelago, causing trouble! I think… Yes! I think the good Captain would approve very much!" He cocked an eyebrow. She smiled widely. The light creeping back into her eyes.
"No! The horror!" She said flatly. "The in-humanity! Caught and held prisoner by a powerful, handsome Viking Chieftain! What's a poor, southern virgin to do?" He chuckled. She fixed him with a look. Another light shone in her eyes… Before he realized she was touching him all over. His face, his arms his chest… Was she using her magic? He couldn't tell. His brain felt fuzzy… a flush spread through his body again, but her touch… It was cool, soothing…
"I'm afraid there is a very large hole in your plan My Lord… For it seems, -I am already your prisoner! Yes? It is a prison I am fairly comfortable with, and-" She grabbed him by the shoulders…
"And you'd DARE not release me!" He snorted. The look on her face was comical. She pecked him on the nose. They embraced warmly. And again, he couldn't tell… Her magic? He felt a little flushed, his head was spinning, but her touch… it was soothing… Cool… strange… She separated from him. She cupped his cheek. He leaned into the contact. They locked eyes for a moment, she pecked him on the lips and left.
She returned after what felt like a very long time… But it wasn't was it? She was holding a steaming mug and a pitcher which she set on the table by the bed. She padded over to the door and closed it. Then crossed the room and started rummaging through a trunk. She put out all the candles, save one. She stood in front of him, and considered him for a moment. She bit her lip, and started taking her clothes off, right there.
A flush ran through his body. If he could stand, which he wasn't positive… he would… well… help her. He had seen her before at their "meeting" at the nest, but they were here, in his bedroom… His head was spinning still. She gave him her back as she finished, and pulled her night-robe over her head. She then turned and untied her braid, and shook her hair loose. It cascaded over her shoulders. GODS! She was so… Beautiful!
She bit her lip, then walked to the bed and sat next to him. She reached around and took the mug, then held it to his lips. She turned, side-facing him, curling her leg in front of her. She was running her free hand up and down his back. Stopping every now and then to draw soothing circles with her fingers. He finished the tea, and leaned into her, laying his head on her chest. He could hear her heartbeat, her breathing. He was so tired! Just being with her was soothing! Her other hand was busy, running her fingers through his hair, gently scratching his scalp every now and then. After a long while, she straightened him. She fluffed the pillows and pushed him down flat. She blew out the candle. He felt her sidle up against him. He wrapped an arm around her shoulder. She laid her head on his chest. He placed a soft kiss on her hair.
"I love you, Elsa Ellesmyre!" He said softly…
"And I love you, Hiccup Haddock!" That sweet, soft voice… It was the last thing he heard before the darkness overtook him…