He was floating in blackness. It was a weird sensation. He couldn't know up from down. Then, there was a faint light, the darkness receding only just. He felt bounced around, jostled. He heard a faint voice… He couldn't… But all of a sudden, there was a cooling… not that he felt extremely hot… But it was soothing… It was familiar somehow, -which he thought was weird too… but… He felt safe… He felt himself slipping again, when he heard the voice again… It sounded far away… my king… come back to me… Wait! He was a king? -why that was just… just… silly! And who was that? He felt he should know… wait… he did know… Elsa! He slipped under quickly…
He was floating again… or still… There was a flash, -something familiar… Boards, timbers… and a face. Green eyes, faded a little with age… familiar hair, tinged with gray… He should know… shouldn't he? -Another face, pale and craggy… But who? Something cool and bitter passed through his mouth… he slipped away again…
Floating… floating in blackness. He saw two spheres of light in the distance. He felt himself pulled… pulled toward them. A face appeared in one of the circles. He should know… Blue eyes… That nose… He heard melodious laughter… And was summarily shoved away. The lights receded in the distance…
He woke again, at least he felt awake. There was light again, forming below. It congealed into a form, a… person. Slim, -light colored… Elsa! She was smiling at him. He felt warm and happy. Then her expression changed… a bit of sadness. -And something else. She started falling away from him. -Or was he rising? He couldn't tell… Down, down she fell, or he rose… he couldn't… There was a flash, he smelled smoke. Smoke, -and… No! That was… was… Dragon fire!
She was far below… he started twisting and turning. Was he on Toothless? He couldn't tell. There was another flash… shapes passing his… blocking his view of her. He could still make her out, but just barely. Just a dot of light, far below him. Another shadow passed in front of him. There was a great wing beat… More flashes of light, -only, these were different. Orange, white, purplish… More flashes from below… bluish-white. In all directions… He looked down. Elsa was… Was she using her magic? Yes, some of those flashes were coming from her.
His view of her was blocked for a few moments. -Then he heard it. A great ear-splitting, screeching roar. He had heard it before… but where? He felt her look up, -following it. It landed in front of her with a roar and a low, rumbling thud. Another light… Many, -many times larger than she began to form in front of her. Her blasts became larger, more frequent. The light began to form into, -into a… Oh NO! It was… A Red Death!
He started to panic. She couldn't possibly… Could she take this on by herself? He didn't want to find out. He needed to get to her. He started pulling, and pushing. With everything in him. His arms, his legs. He wasn't moving! He could only watch as she blasted it again and again. He heard the intake of air, which could only mean… NO!
The beast released a huge blast of fire. It engulfed her, for a few moments, a huge river of flame… It receded, when he could make her out again….Her light had changed. She blasted it, again, -and again she attacked. Once more the dragon attacked… her light faded even more. Again she blasted it… It seemed to have an effect but it kept roaring, gnashing its' teeth. There was a sudden vision of her face… so sad… and looking up at him. She said something, but he couldn't hear what it was. The vision faded. There was a short pause… The beast then reared up on its' hind legs. It towered over her. Then it dropped its mass upon her… her light went out…
Everything… his whole world condensed into a single point in his stomach, then burst forth. NO! ELSA! He was suddenly falling, tumbling into nothing… he felt as though he was falling to pieces. His arms, then his legs flung off his body as he spun. It should hurt, he thought, but it didn't… somehow. He felt as if there was Nothing left of him but his head, and some other small part of him, in his chest. It was hurting. Where was Elsa? What, what happened to her? He just saw… but it didn't feel like she was gone…
Two more points of light appeared in the distance. They sped towards him, -or he was speeding to them… He couldn't say… They stopped some distance from him. They stayed as they were for a few moments… then started to form into something… Two shapes, the outlines. He could make out… they were persons. One large, the other… not. Soon, he could make out… He gasped. There was no mistaking as the shapes came more and more into focus…
He wore his helmet still. There was no mistaking those horns. But the helmet… The headband, and the bands that held it together were pure silver. The plates of the dome in between, -gold. His hair was still red, but it was tinged with a little more gray than he remembered. His green eyes were bright again, and twinkled from under his bushy eyebrows. His great beard… Again, it seemed there was more gray in it. He could tell from the way it was tilted, there was a smirk on his face. His broad shoulders, his very size hadn't changed. The suit of mail he wore was bright silver as well. He carried a sword in his hand..A sword he himself made for his birthday. A shield was strapped to his back… Dad?
The other shape… It was… Astrid! She looked so beautiful! Her eyes were shining. She looked the same as she did before. There was definitely a smirk on her face… His axe was on her shoulder. She shrugged. The axe came off her shoulder. She caught the handle just under the head, and held it across her body. He heard another voice, very faint, off in the distance… Send him back to me… Stoic nodded…
"Hiccup? Ye must go back! It's no' yer time quite yet!" He didn't want to!
"Dad? Please! Can't I… Jus, -just for a little while! I miss you!" He smiled.
"No, son! Not the yet! There is something you must do still!" He was instantly sad, But… He knew… Astrid nodded.
"Goodbye Hiccup!" He was falling, at least it felt like it. Their shapes blurred in the distance…
He woke again… There was light. A very, very bright light. It surrounded him. Engulfing him in a pleasant warmth. He opened his eyes after a few moments… Gods! It was bright! As his vision focused, he could make out the beams and boards. The same view… The same ones he'd bee seeing every morning for as long as he could remember. His head ached. At least it was still there…
He took stock of himself. Foot, legs… His stump throbbed madly. There was also a slight burning sensation too. He moved his thoughts upward. Legs, hips… Oh! His bladder! He needed to empty it very soon! He stuffed the urge for now. Waist, chest, shoulders, arms, hands… Yes! He was all intact! Although his left hand… There was something on it, or in it. He turned his wrist. What ever it was, it was very soft to the touch, And somewhat, -familiar? He turned his head slightly.
It was hair! Silver-blond hair… He closed his fingers upon the few strands. So soft! He turned his head a little more, and yes! He knew who it belonged to! He saw the top of her head. Her face was turned his direction. Her hands crossed under it. Her shoulders rising and falling slightly as she breathed. It was soft and even. She was still asleep, very deeply, if he had to guess. It seemed she was half on, and half off the bed. He wanted to wake her, but chose to just look, and enjoy this… Just for a little while…
He lifted his arm and gently moved her hair. It seemed to cover the whole side of the bed. He couldn't see much of her face from this angle. She stirred a little, just a small fidget. He smiled. She looked so peaceful, -and beautiful. Gods! He was so lucky! Lucky to have found her, and lucky she loved him. If the Gods would favor him… just a little, he would do everything in his power to make, -and keep, her happy. He drew a finger lightly across her temple, then down her cheek. He wanted to turn on his side, but he didn't still want to wake her. His head still throbbed, every time he moved just a bit. And there was the issue with his… yeah…
She stirred again, her shoulders rolling a bit. She rubbed her face on her hands, then tilted her head, and opened her eyes. They met instantly. They were such a beautiful blue. He wanted to get lost in them again. Her eyes searched for a moment, then locked on his again. He said the first thing that came to his mind.
"Hi!" He said gently. The smile was in her eyes before it was on her lips.
"Hi!" She said breathlessly. Her smile widened just a bit. She raised her head, then laid it down again, changing the angle a bit. He could now see a bit more of her face. He smiled.
"Did you miss me?" She huffed, her smile widening.
"Of course!" She said gently. Her eyes widened a little. Her head shot up off the bed. "Hiccup!" Her hands were all over him in an instant. His face, his forehead, shoulders, arms chest, -then back to his face.
"Hiccup! Oh! I was so worried! How, -how are you feeling? Can I, can I get you something?" He smiled. His bladder made itself known again.
"I need a bucket! Cause I, -I ummm, -have to -errr, go! -And some water please! My mouth is as dry as week-old bread!" She nodded, and stumbled to her feet. Her legs didn't seem to want to work correctly. He felt sorry for her. He shifted and tried to sit up, but he felt a bit weak. She returned a few moments later and set the bucket by the bed. She helped him sit, then turn. She left the room hurriedly. He scanned the room while he… the noise must have woken him… At least he was finished before he pounced. Toothless was yelping and barking happily. He ran his hands over his head as much as he could.
"Yeah Buddy! I missed you too! How are you? Gods! I'm so sorry!" The happy dragon nearly pushed him off the bed. He calmed after a few moments. He heard more than one set of footsteps on the stairs. Elsa came in first with a pitcher and a mug. His mother followed, and the door frame was then filled by Gobber. There was a huge smile on his face, his eyes shining.
"Well! Have ye had a nice rest? Are ye ready ta come back ta work? The poor lass here has worked herself ta the bone she has!" Elsa sat down next to him and offered the cup. He gulped it down greedily.
"Gobber!" Elsa said. Her tone was slightly menacing. Gobber only smiled. Valka knelt in front of him. She gave him a quick examination, then smiled.
"I'll send for the Goethi, And bring ye some food." He nodded.
"Thanks Mom!" She smiled and ruffled his hair.
"I'll let everyone know yer back." Valka and Gobber left together, but not before a nod and a wiggling of the eyebrows from the smith. He leaned into her, resting his head on her shoulder. Her hand went around him rubbing his back soothingly. Gods! He felt horrible still, but maybe with a bath…
"So what's happened?" She took a few moments before answering.
"Well, I've taken over the tribe… And apparently, everyone approves! Everyone also approves of us, -marrying…" She paused again. Her hand also stopped on his back. He almost protested until it started up again.
"I have, -spoken with Heather…" He straightened. Gods! He hoped…
"You, you didn't…" She shook her head.
"We… Talked. And we reached an agreement. -She wants to turn Berserk into a sanctuary. She wants to bring the dragons there, like it is here." He nodded. She would have a tough row… Elsa paused again. -A bit longer this time.
"I, I took Fishlegs to see the nest… but he hasn't been able to figure anything out yet. And your mother, she has heard stories, ancient ones, that might explain my, -connection to them. But we haven't anything solid." He nodded again. Gods he was tired! He wanted to sleep some more but…
"I went to see Tarr. The heir of the Lavalouts? He wants to change things there, but his father… He is just, -stuck in his ways. There was another incident and…" She stopped short. His head came off her shoulder again. It was a moment before it registered. Another… incident? His anger immediately sparked.
"Elsa? Another? What happened?" Her eyes darted side to side. It was obvious she didn't mean to say anything… He was curious and angry.
"Please Hiccup it was… Nothing really… I just went over there and…" He cut her off. He could see the anger flash in her eyes. But dammit, nobody, but NOBODY threatens one of his… Especially her!
"ELSA! What. Happened? TELL ME!" She glared at him like nothing before. He didn't care. He would take care of this himself. By Blood Feud, Single Challenge… Whatever it took…
"HICCUP! I HANDLED IT! NOW LEAVE IT!" He felt the temperature in the room drop considerably. Her eyes glowed fiercely. If he wasn't so angry, he might be concerned. It was a few tense moments before she blinked. She seemed to realized what just happened. Her arm came from around him as if he burned her. She looked down in her lap where her hands were, folded nervously. She wrung them a little. She closed her eyes tightly and winced. When she looked at him again, his heart almost broke.
"Hiccup… I," She looked away again, closing her eyes. She looked at her lap, then back after a moment. Her eyes were wet and pleading.
"Hiccup please! What, -how would Tarr take that? How would the tribe take that? If you went over there and killed Röngvaldr… This, -this feud between you would be fired up all over again! What if… What if, -you went over there, and managed to get yourself killed?" What! Did she, -did she not… He wouldn't get killed! He would fight, and he would win! His anger flared again. He wasn't sure if he was mad at them threatening her, -or her, for not trusting….not trusting him to take care of her… to protect her. He was a Chief! He could not be seen as weak! She had looked away again. He detected a shake of her frame. She drew in a ragged breath. When she turned back to him, her eyes were wet, as were her cheeks. It broke his resolve.
"Hiccup, -I… I don't want to loose you! I, -love you… So very much!" She buried her face in his neck. His arms coming around her automatically. She heaved and sobbed. Speaking in-between.
"I… couldn't take that… Hiccup… I don't… Want… I don't want to be without you!" He started rubbing her back, comforting her. And what could he say against that? She was right, after all. This must be handled delicately. They needed every person on their side if they were going to change. He chose to trust her. If she handled it, then, well… He thought of another question…
"Shhh, Elsa? Why, -why didn't you use your powers? That day when they arrested you?" That day… what day was today? How long had he… It was a few moments longer before she spoke again.
"Hiccup? I, I was very tired, and upset when they took me… You know about my powers and… Well, if I use them in such a state, it is much easier for me to loose control of them." He nodded, it made sense. She continued.
"I had gone to Lavalout Island that day with Gjaflaug. I sent her ahead, and stopped at the nest, to calm down." He nodded. She leaned into him, or he into her. It didn't matter…
"I actually bonded with her, -touched her. I had a vision when I did… Two beings, fighting against each other… There were great beasts involved. Whether they were actually dragons or not, I couldn't exactly say…" Wow! This was, -this was huge! He had a feeling though, she wasn't quite done yet…
"I was shortly after that, Jórunna, -she struck me with her ice…" His head came up off her shoulder.
" What ! S, -struck you? As in… How?" She nodded, and drew in a breath.
"It was short. It lasted a mere second or two… It was strange… Her ice… It didn't behave like I am used to… It was only after fully unleashing my power, that I was able to… Control it…" Dear Thor and Odin! He -almost- wished he was there to see that!
"I was presented a weapon, but it seems it also channels my powers somehow. I, -haven't tested it yet, and almost afraid of when I do…" She looked away again. She turned back after a few long moments. An earnest look in her eye.
"Hiccup, I, -we… I couldn't know how the tribe would react… If I used my powers in such a manner… I am sure, if I felt my life was truly in danger, well… That would be different. But, using them, in such a way, in my state… It wouldn't have turned out well…" He could understand… He then realized how lucky they were he showed up when he did… She leaned back against him. He had only seen her use it playfully so far. And didn't she say… She had froze her entire kingdom, at her Coronation… When she lost control? He shivered slightly at the thought. He had another thought, but then he remembered he had another question…
"Elsa? How long have I been out? How long did I sleep?" He felt her shrug.
"Three days… I, I was worried, but somehow, I knew…" Holy Shit! Three days! He did need to get back to work. But his leg, his head. And he needed a bath… Very soon! -And food! He was so hungry!
"I'm sorry I worried you. Do you think you can handle it, for a few more days My Queen? Until I'm back on my foot?" He felt her jolt, and smile. She straightened, and yes! There was that smile again, reaching all the way to her eyes. They were a bit red still from her upset, but still…
"Of course, My King!" She bowed her head. She was being playful, but it irritated him, -a little. At least she was smiling again. They embraced, and shared a few short, sweet kisses. She offered another cup of water. She ran her hands up and down his back and across his shoulders. He felt her fingers in his hair. She rose after a few moments. She kissed the top of his head and left the room.
The thought came back to him. His vision… Elsa, and the Red Death… She was scary powerful, but… How would this… How did this… His head started throbbing. He would need more time, more rest, -to figure this out…
She was soaring over the ocean. She really shouldn't… But it was such a nice day. She would be remiss if she didn't get up here, if just for a little while. Not to mention, it really felt good to finally get out of that smelly hall filled with smelly old men.
She really shouldn't think that way about them. A few of them were trying, at least. Eh, they were Vikings! Change was slow, if it came at all. Her lovely brother had convinced them all that there was power to be had in having dragons. Which there was, but not in the way he described it to them. It took a lot of explaining and analogies to get through to the few she had.
She sighed, maybe she could get… No, she was pretty sure Elsa was still mad at her. But she did offer help… Right? She sighed again. She was about her only friend she had right now, and even then, only just… Maybe when Hiccup was well enough to fly again… Maybe she should just send a Terror. It wouldn't hurt to ask after all, would it? It was times like these she really missed Astrid. She was a true friend. She would help, if she were here… But she wasn't. She forced those memories down. They brought on a whole boatload of feelings she didn't want to deal with right now.
She had managed to gather a few Gronckles, a couple of Nadders, and one Monstrous Nightmare. She brought them to the island, and tried to show them what she knew. She wasn't as good as Hiccup. She thought she… no one, would ever be as good as he was with them. But she tried, and managed to get a few of her people at least close to them without getting burned. It was a start…
She had been out here a couple of hours now. She should really start getting back. They had started out with some rolls and loops and twists. Her Razorwhip was more than willing. Now that she was Chief, there was precious little time to spend with her. She felt badly for her. But Windshear took it like the trooper she was. Always with a threatening snarl, or a sympathetic snout, just when it was needed. She reached down and patted her. The dragon gave an appreciative gurgle.
She directed her down into a dive. Windshear tucked her wings in. They were going very fast! She then unfurled her wings at the last moment, swooping just above the waters' surface. She then climbed up in a spiral. Up, up, -up they went. They performed a flip at the top, then dove again. She swooped again, corkscrewing straight up, until their momentum was lost, then plummeted backwards to the sea. Windshear rolled over, then swooped again, climbing lazily into the sky. They leveled off high above the clouds. She felt exhilarated, recharged… She dearly wished they could do this more often.
Buuut, -she needed to get back. She was just about to turn the dragon around when something caught her eye. It was just below the horizon, far in the distance. Just a speck, but at that distance, a speck was something big. As they moved around the clouds, a few more specks joined the first. They were ships, she finally determined. Big ships, sailing north, if she read the sun right. But what would four large ships be sailing north for? She could only imagine. It may not be good. She chose to get closer, and at least have a look.
They reached the closest ship. They used a passing cloud for cover, but at this height, they would be hard to spot. Windshears' shiny scales would reflect the oceans' surface. They would be at least partially camouflaged. She looked. A great, three-masted ship. Like they used in the south. Much larger than their viking longboats. Some of these she knew carried cannons… Whatever those were. Hiccup had told her it was a large metal tube. They used a burning powder to send steel balls, or explosive canisters great distances. Often at each other. He said Drago had some on his ships. He used them to fire canisters, and razornets at the nest.
Whatever the case, this couldn't be good. What in Thors' name could they be doing here? They weren't the trapping ships they had dealt with before. But people in the south tended to stay in the south. Despite what her council had said. "More and more people coming to the archipelago from the south, chasing the stories…" That couldn't be good… For them, -or the dragons…
She thought she should just put them to the torch, then grab one of the survivors and make him talk. But she thought better of it. The last time she acted rashly, she almost killed the only friend she had left here. No, maybe she would just drop down for a closer look. She would see how they react, then maybe talk.
She directed Windshear down out of the cloud. They were spotted quickly, the men started running across the deck. She didn't see any weapons yet. Most of them were taking cover, but a couple of them had taken a position on the rear deck. They circled around. She glanced over at the other ships. It looked like they weren't a threat at the moment. She looked back, and one of the men raised a hand. Was it a greeting… or… They dropped lower. Windshear roared a warning. It didn't seem to faze them. Hmmm…
They made one more turn around the ship. They swung around, and hovered for a moment before settling down on the deck. The older man was urging the others to stay hidden, and calm. The other man stood in front of her dragon. His eyes were wide, but not with fear. Truly, he looked amazed and stunned. He was slightly younger than she. Light blonde hair, bright blue eyes. His shoulders were wide, but not broad. He wore a loose white shirt open at the neck. Gray trousers and black knee-high boots. He was rather handsome she thought. He took a small tentative step forward.
"Is that, -a dragon?" He asked. She nodded.
"She is a Razorwhip! Her name is Windshear!" He nodded again. His eyes flitted from her to the dragon. He brought a hand up, holding it out towards Windshear.
"She's, she's… Magnificent!" The dragon gurgled and preened. Her curiosity was piqued. How, how did he know? He was approaching her like he'd done it all his life. But yet, these ships were from the south. There were no dragons there, not that she had heard. He stopped an arms length from her, hand out. He turned his face away. Windshear sniffed, then looked back at her, as if asking for permission. She made no sign. She would let her decide.
She turned back and sniffed again. After a small hesitation, she pushed her snout into his hand. He turned back with a smile, -such a beautiful smile-. And rubbed her chin. Windshear cooed and gurgled. A laugh escaped his lips. His gaze traveled down her neck to her feet, then up. Their eyes locked. They both seemed frozen for a moment. His eyes were a most gorgeous blue… He blinked, as did she. His face went a little red. It was cute. He brought his hand up to his mouth and cleared his throat, somewhat nervously. He gave a bow.
"Excuse me, Ma'am! Ahem, welcome aboard His Majesties Ship the Persevere! I am Lieutenant Timothy Schaeffer! And I am at your service!" He bowed again, and swept his hand to the left.
"This is Captain George Elmvecht! He is commander of this vessel!" She considered him. He gave a bow as well. She said nothing. She chose to let them stew for a moment. After which, Timothy looked up at her questioningly.
"May we, -may I, -help you? -My Lady?" She couldn't help the small smirk that formed on her lips. He was lucky he was… She shook the thought. Odin curse her for a fool!
"I am Heather Osvalddottir, Chief of the Berserker tribe! You are four ships heading towards my island. Should I be concerned? Should my dragon and I make kindling out of your ships? How is your swimming? SPEAK! Where are you from, and what is your business up here, so far north?" That should do it! -And it did. Timothy looked at the captain askance. The older man bowed deeply.
"Your Majesty! Forgive us! We did not know… We are from the kingdom of Corona! Our good king bid us come here to chart the waters of the far north, to expand our knowledge of the world!" Nope! She wasn't buying it!
"I see… So it is a joint venture perhaps? The other two ships, they're not flying the same colours on their masts. And they are not designed or built like this one. Hmmm, Shall we start chopping? -Or are you going to tell me THE TRUTH?" She nudged Windshear, causing her to hiss venomously. The captains' eyes went wide. Timothy stepped forward.
"PLEASE! Your Highness! -Perhaps you should talk to the Prince? He is just on the next ship, yonder…" She glanced over her shoulder. One of the other ships had changed course towards them. It could be troublesome. She considered for a moment…
"Very well, -only you are coming with me! To introduce us proper!" His eyes went wide. It looked like half excitement and half fear. He just didn't know. Humph! These southerners! Their stiff protocols would be their undoing, by Odin! Timothy stepped around. Windshear lowered herself slightly to let him on. Gods! They were both idiots! A tingly flush ran through her body as he placed his hands nervously on her waist. She fought the urge to look back at him for now. She looked at the captain and addressed the whole crew.
"If you should get any stupid ideas… If you try to harm us, -he will be the first eaten!" She used her sing-song voice. She could feel him stiffen. -And she would swear she could feel him gulp dryly. It took everything in her not to smile widely, and burst into laughter. Dragons didn't eat people, but they didn't know that. She then cast a glance over her shoulder. His eyes nervously met hers.
"Hang on!" His grip on her tightened. A fluttery flush ran through her body. Gods, what is wrong with me? Windshear jumped and stroked her wings. They rose a little, then glided over towards the other ship. The dragon looked back, checking on him. The big softie! She was going to have to have a talk with her when they returned… They made a pass around the other ship, and just like the other, the deck was cleared. Three men were left standing on the deck.
They swung around. She nudged Windshear, they landed lightly on the deck. It was not what she wanted! She wanted them to land heavily… For the effect. Windshear craned her neck looking at her sheepishly. Seriously? Ach! She was going to have to hold back on her salmon! She glared at her.
Timothy jumped off and ran over to one of the men. This one was extremely handsome! Dark hair, brown eyes, and very finely dressed! He must be the prince! She wondered if he was married… She shook the thought. There were other matters. A hushed conversation was taking place. She couldn't hear what was being said. They looked at her a few times. The prince finally nodded, and looked at her. There was no fear, even towards the dragon. There was concern, but not fear… Hmmm. Timothy stepped between them and bowed.
"Your Highness? May I introduce Heather Osvalddottir! Chief of the Berserker tribe! Chief? May I introduce His Royal Highness Eugene! Prince of Corona!" He bowed respectfully. He straightened. There was this look on his face… A small smile, eyebrows raised slightly… He looked smug. Well, she would take him down a peg or two shortly. Once the formalities were out of the way…
-Only, they didn't come. He should introduce the others… Welcome her aboard, -or something! Instead he just stood there, -with, -with that look on his face… It irritated her. Her eyes flit to Timothy. He glanced at her a bit sheepishly, then turned his head and whispered something a bit loudly to the Prince. She didn't catch what he said. It had no effect. He stood there still and said nothing. This was not the way this was supposed to go! They were in her territory, or near it. She was the superior! He should speak first! -But he wasn't. She was beginning to get angry. Who did he think he was? After a few more long moments, he spoke.
"So! Heather? What can we do for you?" Still with that smug look… And he didn't address her by title! She would give him a serious lesson in diplomacy!
"Well, you can start by telling me what business four southern ships are doing this far north! -And very close to my island… You are from Corona, but the other ships are not… Tell me where they're from, and what you are doing here!" She tried to keep her tone neutral, but this man… This man was beginning to get on her nerves. He was looking at her like she was… a child! And still, he said nothing! This, -this was insulting! She would have to find his superior, and give him a tongue-lashing! After a few more long moments, he turned his head, and considered the others on the deck with him. He put his hands behind his back and drew in a breath. He spoke clearly.
"No!" He said simply. What? Oooh, this man! Her anger was a storm inside her. She was barely able to keep it in check. And he still had that, that, -smug look on his face. It was time, -time to put the fear of Odin in him!
"SIR! You are close to my territory! Do you see my dragon here? We could reduce your ships to matchsticks! It would be nothing for us to do so! -And so far from land too! NOW TELL ME WHAT YOU ARE DOING HERE!" She caught, out of the corner of her eye, worried glances shot between the men. The prince still just stood there, unaffected. Oh he was good! So very good! He was lucky he was so handsome. She would be burning them by now. He tilted his head slightly, and cocked an eyebrow.
"No! -I don't think I will!" If he thought she was bluffing… Oh well, such a shame! He was so very good looking too…
"Very well! Have yourselves a nice swim!" She straightened in the saddle, and was about to give Windshear a nudge, when he held up a hand. It stopped her.
"Yes, I do see your dragon! And she is very lovely!" What? How, how did he know? He took a few steps forward, and held out a hand. Was he, was he reaching for, for her dragon? But…
"-And I have no doubt that she could tear us to shreds! She looks very fierce! And so very… Sharp! She, she is truly something to behold!" Windshear started to preen. This was… how… it, -it was… holy shit! He reached Windshear, she pushed her snout into his hand. His other rubbed her jaw tenderly. She cooed and gurgled. Oh fuck! He, -he was turning the tables on her! -Just like that!
"But before you do, you know, tear us to pieces, -consider this… If you impede our progress… If you harm us, -that is an act of war! Not only will you incur the wrath of the King of Corona, but that of his allies as well. And also the Princess, and Queen of Arendelle as well. And her allies too!" Wait, she had heard that name! Where was it? Her mind was all a-jumble. She had gone from predator to prey… just like that!
"-And I daresay, Chief Haddock of Berk, and indeed -the whole of the allied tribes would be terribly upset at our demise! -So NO! I will NOT tell a Berserker ANYTHING! -And if you so much as touch us… They will descend upon your island, AND FINISH THE JOB HICCUP STARTED THREE YEARS AGO!" OH SHIT! He, he knew Hiccup! Of course! It all made sense now! And Arendelle… Elsa! -She was Queen! Oh! This… This was very bad! So very bad! She had almost… She needed to fix this, -and fast! He was full-on glaring at her, and though she hated to admit it, she was intimidated a bit. She needed to do something…
"PLEASE! -Please My Prince! May we, -may we talk? -In private?" She hoped he would agree. Hiccup must have told him… how else would he know? She could see it. As far as he knew, Berserk and Berk were enemies! But that was Dagur… It wasn't her…
His features softened a little after a few long, tense moments. This man, Gods! He was so very good! She would like to speak with him under different circumstances, but right now, She needed to tell him. -Tell him the full story… After a few more moments, he relented. He motioned to an opening in the railing. She got off Windshear, and gave her a pat. Timothy walked up and bowed.
"I will see after her, your Highness!" She tipped her head. She wondered if he had met Hiccup too, and Toothless as well. It would explain a lot… She walked across the deck and down a set of stairs. She was directed to a cabin off the main deck. Eugene came in, closing the door behind him. How would she…
"First off, I would like to apologize! Surely you can understand! -A group of unfamiliar ships sailing in your direction… It usually doesn't bode well…" He nodded.
"And I should apologize to you Heather! It is not in me to disrespect a superior. Hiccup told me of how the Berserkers had made trouble, then lured him into a trap." She nodded.
"My Brother-" She spat. "He, he sent me away, before all that started… He, -he…" No it wasn't he, but she herself who was to blame. "I, -allowed myself to be duped by him… All, -all I ever wanted was a family… A true family of my own…" She told him everything. Her birth parents, her foster parents, Hiccups' discovery. And also, -painfully- her return. He considered her for many long moments. He was frowning in thought.
"And you say, -you have spoken with Elsa, since this… incident?" She nodded vigorously Gods! She was such an idiot! To make enemies of such people… and she wasn't even trying! It seemed hopeless…
"Yes, we, -talked. She supports me, although… I haven't seen her, even though it's been a few weeks… I, I have troubles of my own, trying to bring the dragons to Berserk." She frowned. Yes, it had been some weeks… Surely Hiccup was well by now, well enough to fly? Maybe she should fly there and visit. She wasn't sure what kind of reception she would get… Eugene had grabbed his chin in thought. He released it a minute later.
"Well Heather, I feel you are telling the truth! So long as that's the case, I will support you as well! I'm not sure what kind of help I can offer, but if I can, I will!" She nodded. She could think of a few things he could help her with right now… She stuffed those thoughts away. She had a question.
"How, -how did you manage to meet Hiccup, -and Toothless?" She suspected… How else would he know? He smiled a little.
"Well, my wife is cousin to Elsa and Anna…" He's married? DAMN! "We traveled to Arendelle for a festival. Only to find out, they had already met each other, and had fallen for each other… literally!" She listened. Oh! To be a fly upon that wall -in that forge -on that night! It was so… idiotic! -And romantic! -And so… Hiccup! She was going to tease him endlessly for that! And the rescue! That was Hiccup too! The fool, he could've gotten himself killed! Her chest clenched, that was indeed Hiccup! Going the extra mile for his friends. Gods! And she had almost… Eugene looked at her intently when he finished.
"So what can you tell me? What is going on in the archipelago now?" Oh yes, that…
"Well, the conspiracy has been found out, at least part of it has… Hiccups' counsel tried to supplant one of their own in my absence. He has banished those responsible. And the ones here have been, dealt with. Hiccup still feels, as do I, -that there's something else… It involves the Lavalouts… And the dragons have started raiding again. But it seems to be focused on a small area. They haven't come this far yet, but it's not saying they won't…" He nodded, then considered her.
"Do you have any advice for me?" She smiled. He was trusting her!
"I would say… If Elsa gave you orders, you should continue to follow them, until you hear from her. I will send word that I have contacted you. I imagine you will hear from her shortly." He nodded. She glanced around the room, and spotted a map on a large table. She took a couple of steps, and looked back at him. He wasn't stopping her, she continued.
It was a map, and not a very good one. She could draw a better one in her sleep, and Hiccup… She noted their position, and other markings on the map. She looked over at him. He came alongside her. She thought for a moment.
"Call your officers in." He cocked an eyebrow at her. "Please!" She added. He nodded and crossed the room. Several men in uniform followed him in and over to the map. They were eyeing her with suspicion. She looked over the map again.
"I take it, -you're sailing to Hopeless?" He nodded after a moment.
"Elsa told us to sail there, and wait for her." She nodded. It made sense. They would be on the edge of the archipelago. Unnoticed for a time. She looked at Eugene.
"Trófastr is an excellent host! Try the honeyed mead, if you get a chance. It's the best in the archipelago!" The corners of his mouth curled slightly. She looked back at the map.
"Here, is the island of the Lavalouts, and next door here… The Murderous tribe. They are the only two dragon-unfriendly tribes here. It is where the dragon raids have been occurring. There have been reports of strange ships, different than anything else we've seen. I would imagine she would want at least two of your ships sailed there. Anything that isn't a viking longboat should be eyed with suspicion, and noted in your log." He nodded.
"This is Berserk, my island. Once you pass it, you are considered in the archipelago. Your dragon encounters will become more frequent…" He nodded again. She motioned with her hand towards the officers, he gave his consent. She addressed them all.
"Any wild dragons you encounter will be merely curious. DO NOT attack them! Your weapons will make them skittish and fearful! They may be driven off with a few stern words…" They looked at her incredulously.
"-And I daresay, with the way your Prince, and the lieutenant there handled them, you have nothing to fear!" Eugene seemed to preen a little. She could have some fun with that, but…
"Any dragons you encounter with a rider will be an ally. Follow their instructions. It is customary to send an escort with people who don't know dragons. I imagine, once I've sent word, that will be the case for you. -I do not know what plans your Queen or Chief Haddock have for you, but I suspect that will be known shortly…" There were nods and murmuring.
"-And welcome gentlemen, to the Barbaric Archipelago!" More nods, and a few smiles. She went over the map again, giving advices on winds and currents. And also on what kind of dragons they might encounter. The men were dismissed after a while. Eugene faced her again, and gave a respectful bow.
"Thank you Heather! It's good to finally meet one of Hiccups' friends, after so long a voyage!" She wasn't quite sure about the friend part, but it was a nice sentiment. She wanted to meet his wife. She was one lucky girl!
"Thank you Eugene, for trusting me! I shall fly to Berk immediately! Elsa would want to know…" She needed to get moving, if she wanted to get back home before dinner. He smiled. She held out her hand. He eyed it curiously. He brought his up slowly. She clasped his forearm.
"It is a customary viking greeting, or farewell." He looked down, then back up. He smiled. Gods! He was gorgeous! -She needed to get going. She made her way back to the deck. Windshear, the big lummox, was practically in love with this man! There was a large platter in front of her. They even fed her! She was not going to hear the end of this… She couldn't help but smile.
Timothy gave a deep bow as she walked up. She mounted up, and he climbed on behind her. The fluttery butterflies came back in earnest. -She really needed to get going. Perhaps they would have time later to talk… The dragon leapt into the sky. After dropping Timothy off, she directed them towards Berk.
"C'mon girl! We need to tell Elsa her friends are here!" She gurgled and barked, and shot off like an arrow…