Where was that man?
She had been searching for him for almost an hour. The sheep pens, the yak barn, even the dragon stables. She only got responses of "He was here this morn'", or "He was here only a half-hour ago!". She sighed. It seems he was running with his new-found freedom… But yet, there was always something to do, some things that needed taken care of. She could totally relate. Her own time as Chief was taxing, and as Queen, her days were usually full as well.
She sighed again. It made her think of home, and Anna. Who was apparently doing very well in her stead. She hoped it hadn't changed her too much. She had flown out as soon as Heather brought word. She was very grateful. It was comical to see them all scurrying about. Eugene had hardly recognized her. But then, he only knew her to wear regal robes, and queenly gowns. -Not very practical for riding dragons, she told him.
She had flown to one of her own ships after. They had sent the Lord Admiral Tesselig as emissary from her council. He had brought letters, and more agreements for the councils' approval. After enduring a wooly eye, and a few questions, she had assured him that nothing untoward had, or was happening. They were being closely monitored by Hiccups' mother and uncle she told him. Not to mention the whole tribe was now interested in the affair. Almost nothing could happen without the tribe knowing about it.
The letters were from Anna, and Kristoff. She was surprised at Kristoffs' sacrifice. He must mean to propose in the very near future. She hoped he wasn't waiting for her return. She should write him, and tell him to get on with it! Because who knew when she would return? She also desperately wanted to talk to her sister. Not that she was eager to leave Hiccup, -or the dragons, -or Berk. It was a sad, vicious circle. Wanting and needing to be home again, and wanting and needing the man she had come to love.
-Who apparently had vanished. She growled in frustration. They were supposed to have lunch together. -A quiet one, hopefully. But she knew better… At least their evenings and mornings had been uninterrupted. Gods! Their mornings… and evenings… They were becoming a little frustrating. -Not that she minded the feeling of utter completion they both obviously felt. After breaking each other down into tiny pieces in their raptures. There was that last, final step to take… She could see it in his eyes, wide with passion. She could feel it, as if it were a physical thing. The anticipation, and the wanting… It had weighed down a few of their sessions.
But they needed to be patient. It would be worth it she was sure. It was a little stifling, but at least they were allowed to spend time alone together. In Arendelle, they would be constantly supervised. Every interaction scrutinized. -Barely able to hold hands without raising eyebrows. But here, She was spending her nights with him. And such nights! Most of the time, she made good on her promise. To simply sit and talk by the fire. She would sew, or knit. He would carve wood for his foot, or draw, or maybe work on one of his wild contraptions, or a new attachment for his foot.
They would sit and talk. Of politics, or dragons, -their future. After everything had calmed down, and the village was settling in for the night. Other than, -well… you know… It was one of her favorite things to do now. To learn his mind, and he hers. Her other favorite thing was sitting across his lap, with an arm around his shoulders toying with his hair. -Saying nothing at all. Simply, -being with each other. Warm, comfortable silence stretching for minutes on end…
Gods! She needed to find him. Just thinking about it sent a flush of heat through her. But where was he? Come to think of it, where was Toothless? He was there in their room this morning. Hiccup had apparently snuck out, -again… Which was troubling too. The last couple of weeks, he had slipped out before she woke. -Not every morning, but… She would find him in the forge, hastily putting something away when she arrived. She didn't press, but she had started to get used to waking up with him. And if he was in the forge, perhaps he was making something… Something he didn't want others to see. -Or maybe something for her…
She huffed, -perhaps he was… At any rate, she should find Hulda. Maybe she could at least take a short flight before her afternoon duties took over. Maybe she would catch Hiccup and Toothless returning from where ever they had gone. She had turned and started to walk towards the ramps to the stables when the dragon in question stomped up to her. She chirped and squawked a greeting. She pushed her beak into her chest. She scratched her fondly.
"Hey girl! What've you been up to?" She chirped and cooed. Closing her eyes.
"Let's go for a flight, yes?" She trilled and grunted, turning her head. She wished she could understand her as well as she could Jórunna, but it was just as well. Hulda seemed to understand her just fine. She turned her head back and pushed her snout into her a bit forcefully.
"Maybe we can find Hiccup and Toothless, yeah?" She grunted, then squawked a bit louder than necessary, turning her head again. It was then she noticed it. A piece of parchment attached to a handle of her saddle. She walked around the dragons' head. It was no ordinary attachment. It was a silver chain. She smiled. It was much heavier than needed for a simple piece of paper. Its' links were twisted into a pattern. Somewhat heavy and familiar. She looked at it for a bit. She felt Hulda picking at her hair, dropping her braid over her shoulder. It took a moment or two to make the connection. It looked like her braid!
Ooooh that man! That, -that… Wonderful man! Here she was planning to drop a pile of snow on him… She may still do it out of principal… But no, she couldn't. She considered the chain again. There was a clasp on one side, and a hook on the other, to which the parchment was attached. She unhooked it, slipping the chain into a pouch on her belt. -Another gift from him. She found it one morning hanging on the bedpost. It had a large pouch, and a smaller, thinner one made specifically for her crystal. She had sewn pockets, but this was more secure. She opened the paper.
My Queen,
Sorry to disrupt your obviously nefarious plans for me. I felt we should meet on more equitable grounds. And I must apologize. I have been terribly remiss in my duties as your future husband and King. I will accept any punishment you feel I deserve. I am even prepared to do more than the appropriate amount of groveling at your feet. May we still have lunch? I hope you deign to accept this invitation from this horrible, horrible person you've attached yourself to.
With all the heart-felt remorse I possess,
Hiccup
P.S. -The chain is only part of the gift, if you want the rest… get on the dragon! -H-
A flush of excitement ran through her body. There was more? She had received gifts before, oh yes, -but this was from Hiccup. And he made it with his own hands. She should reward them. His wonderful hands… Hands that made her… A flush of heat ran through her body. She came up with a couple of ideas, but she stamped them down. If she didn't, she was sure she wouldn't be able to fly properly…
"C'mon girl! Let's go find them!" Hulda squawked happily. She climbed in the saddle and they were off. Hulda did a couple of slow circles before heading northwest. They had only been in the air for about ten minutes when she spied a small cap of land sticking out from the water. There were sharp, short cliffs all the way around, making the land on top inaccessible by boat. The land itself was about a quarter of a mile across, covered by soft-looking grass. There was a tightly packed clump of trees on the northwest corner. Across the whole north side was a natural fence of rock about forty to sixty feet high.
They made a pass around the island. Toothless bounded across the grass. He stopped and roared in greeting. Hulda grunted and squawked. She saw Hiccup emerging from the trees. She could feel him smile as they came in for their landing. She noted a fur had been spread out. Another flush of excitement passed through her. This was a little close for her liking, but it seemed like a really good place anyway.
They set down and she slid out of the saddle. Toothless bounded up to her yelping happily. He pushed his snout into her belly. She laughed and wrapped his head in a hug.
"Hello Toothless!" He barked and gave her a small lick to her front. She gave him a fond scratching to the top of his head. He barked again, and he and Hulda went into their greeting dance. She looked around. The spot they had landed on was flat, and maybe seventy feet across. The rest of the land sloped somewhat gently to the edge of the cliff. There was a smaller rock formation on the southwest corner. And in the distance, across the water was Berk. Rising like a great spire from the ocean. Taken as a whole, it was quite the idyllic spot!
She turned around and saw Hiccup with Hulda. They both had each others' full attention. Huldas' eyes were lidded. One of his hands was on her chin, the other she could tell, was scratching her jaw. He was also talking to her softly. She couldn't hear what was said, -but she guessed he was offering his thanks. She had caught him, as he had caught her, spending a few quiet moments with the others' dragon. Always talking softly, scratching their favorite places, and on occasion, giving a treat. Either a sweet, or a strip of dried salmon… Ending with promises to look after one another.
Seeing him like this made her chest swell. Filled her entire being with warmth. Gods! She loved him! She felt so blessed to be here, with him, in this time and place. She sent a small prayer for this moment to last, -forever! Something inside gave a small twinge. Yes, these moments were fleeting… but for now, -right now… She chose to do her best to make it so!
Hiccup released Hulda. She turned around and tromped up to Toothless, splaying her wings and squawking loudly. Toothless crouched on his belly, ready to pounce. Upon reaching him, she leapt into the air, gliding a short distance from him. Toothless rolled on his back as she passed over, pawing at her feet and popping his jaws. He came to his feet crouching. He jumped straight up in the air a few feet. He huffed and popped his jaws. Hulda chirped twice, and tilted her head. She tromped over to the rock fence.
She looked back at him and screeched and chirped. Toothless stalked up to her. He crouched, rolling his shoulders. When he finally pounced, Hulda jumped into the air, landing on top of a pillar fifteen feet above him. She tilted her head, and chirped twice. Toothless stalked after her. She swished her tail at him. He nipped and pawed at it. He got closer, and took a swipe at her ankles. But he only came up with air, as she jumped again, landing on a higher pillar. He stalked her again, only to have her leap and land on the grass. She crouched down and grunted and squawked.
Toothless reared on his hind legs, roaring loudly. He spread his wings and jumped. Gliding toward her. Hulda rolled onto her back, pawing with her feet at Toothless while he hovered over her. He landed on one side. Hulda rolled to follow, swiping at him. He crouched down wiggling. He jumped again, and after hovering over her, landed on her other side. With Hulda again rolling to follow. Toothless commenced to hopping around her head, nipping at her playfully. When she'd had enough, she rolled to her feet, squawking loudly. Toothless continued to run around her, barking and yelping. He finally ran off. Hulda gave chase.
Her sides were hurting! This, this was too much! And to think, only a few short months ago, She thought dragons all but gone. And they were ferocious beasts. And here were two of them, playing happily as children would. Her chest clenched. -Children… Gods! She hoped she would be able to have at least a couple. But with her powers… she wasn't sure… A new doubt had started to cross her mind ever since the "incident". And it seemed more and more of her time was being spent with the orphans. Whether by design or… She couldn't say. It had more than solidified her decision that yes, she did want children of her own.
She watched the two dragons chase each other merrily across the grass. Bounding off and over the rocks, and then in circles. One would stop and grunt, then the other would chase the other… Who wouldn't laugh at such a show? Her sides hurt more…
She then noticed Hiccup standing beside her. Not close, but within arms' reach. He seemed to be shining. The sun off his auburn hair. The way his freckles contrasted with his skin. His eyes lit in mirth. His smile, even from this angle made his face light up. He still had a little trouble from his wounds, but they had healed well. She suspected it may just be from what Gobber had described as ghost pains. He had mentioned them before… At least he wore the sock she had made for him constantly.
She had managed to keep him in bed, or at least in the hall for ten days after he woke up. Two days of straight complaining led her to let him work in the forge. With stern words to Toothless to not let him go anywhere else! His foot did need rebuilding after all. It seemed to calm him, but it was another two weeks before she would allow him to walk or fly. It had led to some terse words, and their first full-on argument. Well, not counting the one in Arendelle…
They had hurt each other with their words. All couples had them from time to time, Valka had explained. It helped a little, and after a couple of days of barely talking, they made up. It still gave her goosebumps, just thinking about it! And their first flight together after had led to another one of their… sessions. Gods! They were both in trouble once they finally became married!
He stood there now as she took him in. His attention on the dragons. He was wearing one of his light green tunics covered with a dark furred vest. Dark brown pants and boots. The sun seemed to glint off the tips of the fur. A smile was on his face. A laugh slipped from his mouth as he watched. He looked at her quickly, then back at the dragons. After a short moment, he looked at her again. Their eyes locked.
No words were needed now. She could feel him, as surely as she stood there. She felt the warmth. It seemed to radiate from him. The light in his eyes, the smile on his face. She could almost tell he felt it too. Words and feelings expressed in a look as surely as the had spoken or touched each other. She was one lucky girl! To have found someone that she could have this deep connection with. For just this brief moment, she felt her very soul joined with him. Even though their hands were not. -not yet, anyway. She was about to grab him, and pull him in for some serious kissing when he blinked. He straightened, and brought his fist to his mouth. Stepping back a step and a half, he cleared his throat. He then drew an arm across his waist, and bowed deeply.
"My Queen!" Oh Gods! What now? She stifled a giggle. She grabbed her skirt, and curtseyed politely.
"My Chief!" She could feel him smile. He straightened and clasped his hands behind him.
"I am so very happy you came! Please! Let us eat, and make merry!" He swept his arm towards the fur. She dipped again playfully.
"Of course, kind sir!" He smiled warmly. She stepped over and sat down, curling her legs to the side. He sat down next to her. -Not close, but within arms' reach. She took in the setting. There was bread, and goat cheese. Some strips of dried fish and yak. It looked like even some dried fruit! There were two flasks. He handed one to her, and she took a sip. It was honeyed mead! She had grown fond of it since arriving. She took a longer draw. She liked her wine, but this was something else entirely!
They ate in silence, stealing glances, -and a few kisses while they ate. When they had finished, they packed what was left, which wasn't much. The dragons came over and plopped themselves behind them, exhausted from their play. Hiccup leaned back on Toothless. She sidled up to him, wrapping her arms around his stomach. She rested her head on his chest. They both let out a contented sigh. Eliciting a laugh from them both. She smoothed his tunic, and laid her head back down. A terrible thought crossed her mind.
"Hiccup? We should get back soon…" She felt him shake. The vibration of his voice on her face was soothing.
"No, -I had our schedules cleared for the rest of the day… So I'm afraid my dear, -you are stuck with me, -for the whole evening!" She smiled.
"Oh drat-it-all! And here I was, needing to work at least one more finger to the bone!" She swore she could feel him smile…
"Well, if you really want… You could, -I dunno… uproot a couple of trees here. -And no using the dragon! -Or your magic! -That's cheating!" She laughed, and shook her head.
"No! No, I don't think so… I'm well enough, thank you!" So! They had the whole afternoon! -And possibly the evening too! A giddy sort of happiness flushed through her. She drew her shoulders up and sighed. She hugged him tightly. She felt his hand come up and cup her shoulder. He squeezed her tenderly. It laid there for a moment, then it was gone. She was about to protest when his fingers lightly brushed her cheek, then her ear. He drew her hair back, and started caressing her cheek with his finger.
Strangely, it sent a sort of languid electricity through her. Who knew? She was learning her body did all sorts of strange things when he touched her. -Or even looked at her a certain way. She never dreamed… She never thought she could be this way, -ever. Yet here she was… She had learned through their… sessions… She pretty much had the same effect on him, and that he was, -well, relatively easy. She had learned in confidence, that Hiccup was a special kind of man. He would make sure she was… OK, before he would allow her to touch him. That thought alone made her feel warm, -and loved.
Yes! Happy, -happy warmth flooded her body. The sun shining down on them. The meal she just ate. The warmth of his body pressed against her, -his strong heartbeat and steady breathing threatened to lull her to sleep. But she had questions…
"Hiccup? Has anyone… said anything about the wedding?" She felt his body shift a little.
"No, not yet. Gobber has been working on something, -a couple, -if I'm not mistaken, in secret. I haven't seen it yet, but I think it has something to do… with, -that…" She nodded.
"Your mother, and some of the women at the shop are also! I managed to see a form in the storage room. It was covered, -but… There was another too! And Valka, -I keep seeing her putting something away sometimes, when I surprise her…" He shifted again.
"So I guess we can assume preparations are already underway?" He said. She shrugged. There was something else…
"Hiccup? You don't think, -this gathering they're having… That couldn't be the reason…" She tilted her head to look at him. His brows were knotted. He shook his head.
"No, I think… I think that is more along the lines of introducing you formally to the other tribes. Since I was out of it for a while, they brought it here… It's just a formality now… Or just an excuse to throw a party and get drunk!" She smiled. She hadn't seen him drink. She wondered what he would be like drunk…
"I think we have some time…" He paused. "Viking weddings are traditionally held in the fall, after the harvest. When the food is plenty, and we are sure we have enough to last the winter. The ceremony is simple enough. The party after can last for days… A chiefs' party can last for weeks!" She nodded.
"Perhaps I should send a Terror to Anna, and ask after the preparations there." There was a pause. Then she felt him stiffen a bit.
"I, -I assumed we would have the wedding here… Is, Is your sister going to help with the wedding here?" Wait… surely he knew…
"Hiccup? -No! The wedding in Arendelle? Anna will be preparing for that one!" He was silent. She lifted her head and looked at him. His eyes were wide. His mouth hung open. It was a few long moments…
"I, -we… You… You mean, -another wedding?" She sighed. For such a smart man, he sure didn't act like it sometimes…
"Hiccup! -My council will surely recognize the ceremony here, and give it full weight, -but the people, MY people… they will want a wedding!" He spluttered a bit then shook his head.
"Why… That's just, -just, - crazy! I have to marry you again?" She knew what he meant… But she was going to have some fun with it…
"Hiccup? Do you, -do you not want to marry me now?" She plastered a hurt look on her face.
"NO! No, Elsa that, -that's not what I…" Her eyes widened. Her mouth dropped open.
"You, - you don't want to marry me AT ALL? -HICCUP!" She turned her face away, so he couldn't see her fighting against her mirth.
"NO! Elsa, PLEASE! I do want to marry you! It's just… The, -whole ordeal of the preparations, the planning, -the actual ceremony itself… We, -we have go through that, -twice ?" He was digging himself so deep…
"OH? So that's what this is? An ORDEAL? Something distasteful? -Something unwanted! -To be bourne Just because… Just because you want to bed me? OH! Not even married! And I am already a burden to you!" She sniffled a few times, but she couldn't get a tear to flow. She was having too much fun! Hiccup spluttered harder.
"ELSA! -I, -you NO! That's not… Oh Gods…" He grabbed for her, but she shook him off.
"-And after all I've done… After what I gave you! After what, -what we've done! Oh Boo HOO HOO!" She sobbed. She was fighting tooth and nail not to laugh. She chanced a glance at him out of the corner of her eye. He looked so sad… A giggle escaped. She turned to look at him fully. He looked at her through his eyebrows. -And she lost her fight. The laughter exploded from her like never before…
His head snapped up, a look of shock on his face. His mouth closed with an audible snap. He narrowed his eyes and scowled, -but the corners of his mouth gave him away. He huffed…
"Oh Hiccup! You, -you!" She bent over at the waist holding her sides. They were hurting even more, she was laughing so hard! When she was finally able to look at him again, the scowl was still there. -But a light was shining in his eyes.
"You… You're mocking me?" He asked. She shook her head. It was a few more moments before she was able to speak.
"Oh no! -Far be it for me to tease an all-powerful Viking Chief with dragons at his command!" Her laughter escaped again. He looked down at his lap shaking his head. He huffed again and chuckled.
"Well, I guess I… Gave you that one…" She shook her head and laughed.
"Oh Hiccup! I think a whole flock of your Whispering Deaths couldn't have dug you out of that one!" She laughed again, as did he. He looked into his lap again shaking his head. He looked at her with one eye opened. That smile was on his lips… Her favorite one… He grabbed her, and pulled her in a bit forcefully. She laid her head against his chest. He hugged her tightly, and shook her playfully as he growled. The power and strength in his arms, the sound and feel of his voice did something for her. She felt him kiss her hair. It was many long moments before their laughter died down to a few sporadic chuckles. -And he spoke…
"Elsa? -I think you should know…" His hands came from around her to her arms. He straightened her. He took a hand and grabbed her chin, drawing her gaze to his. There was a fierce determination in his eyes that made her heart flutter. -And he lowered his voice just so…
"I would marry you, -however many times you wished, -My Queen!" He pecked her on the lips. She was stunned. Oooh, -this man! This, -this MAN! Her heart exploded. If they weren't so close… And out in the open… She would give it to him… Heart, -body, -soul… And anything else she could give, -and then some.
She shrugged his hands off her forcefully. She threw her arms around his neck and kissed him fiercely. Sliding her lips off his mouth to tongue lasciviously at his jaw, then his neck. She spun around and straddled his lap, and ground into him. Gods! She wanted him! She wanted him NOW! She pressed herself flush to him, getting as much contact as she could. She just couldn't stop… Didn't want to stop…
She barely registered the grunt and squawk. The dragons were leaving them? It didn't matter to her, there was only him. This wonderful, wonderful man! He laid down slowly and she followed him, connected at the mouth. Kissing him, deeply exploring his mouth with her tongue. She would… She would! Well, maybe after… But she would give him something. Something she knew would make him come undone… Would let him know, -without a doubt, what he meant to her.
When his back touched the ground, she reached down for the hem of his tunic. She pulled, then pushed it up to his armpits. She slid her lips off his to his chin, then down his neck. Kissing, nibbling, licking… The sounds he was making only fired her determination. She started kissing him down to his chest, then across it, leaving a trail with her tongue. She made her way down, kissing past his ribcage to his stomach, then lower…
Her eyes fluttered open. It wasn't as bright as it was… She felt a hand on her head. Someone, or some thing… No, she knew… Hiccup was stroking her hair. His breathing steady and even…
"Elsa?" She shifted her head. The sun was setting, or was getting ready to. How long had she… Oh drat! They would have to leave soon. She yawned and stretched a little. She tilted her head to look. There was that smile. Gods! It made her think things… She ducked her head back down. Shrugging her shoulders, she hugged him firmly. -Yes, thinking things… like what they, -she had done just a little while ago…
She tilted her head again. His smile was still there. She scooted up and kissed him. She looked around a little before she laid her head down again on his chest.
"Hiccup… You shouldn't have let me sleep so long!" She was mildly irritated. She wanted to spend the afternoon with… him! Not napping.
"Eh, you looked tuckered out…" She stifled a laugh.
"Well, it's all your fault! Looking at me the way you do, and saying such things to me!" He laughed.
"Well, if it is such an issue… If it is so distasteful… I'll stop!" Her arm underneath him prevented her from bolting all the way up. She looked at him nonetheless, and scowled fiercely.
"Don't you DARE!" He laughed. He reached down and cupped her face in his hands. He bent over and kissed her forehead. She couldn't scowl anymore, damn him. A smile broke out across her face. She scooted back up and kissed him once, twice, -then once more. She nuzzled into his neck, sighing happily. His arm around her shoulders tightened, pressing her to him. He took her other hand and kissed it. Placing it over his heart. Oh this man! She felt so content in this moment. She thought she could drift off to sleep again. Apparently, he had other plans…
"Hey, c'mere… I want to show you something…" She got up, -eventually and stood. Her body protested the lack of his, and the position she had been lying in. It took her a few moments to get the blood back where it needed to be. He took her hand and led her over to the rock wall. After a few moments, he found a way up. It was a bit challenging. When her head crested the top, her eyes were flooded with sunlight.
She clambered up the last few feet. She took the hand he offered. She stood and looked out. It was one of the most beautiful sunsets she had ever witnessed. The sun was a reddish-orange ball just touching the horizon. The few puffy clouds had their undersides blasted in pinks, oranges, and reds. The tops were varying shades of purple. The water sparkled, seeming like a sea of jewels. Deep blues, and silver, and an occasional flash of green. A few of the brighter stars started to twinkle here and there.
She felt the tug of his hand. She tore her gaze away to find him leading her over to a short pillar of rock, just big enough for two people to sit. Another pillar behind it formed a natural backrest. He sat, and she right next to him. She leaned against him, curling her legs. His arm came around her so naturally, as did hers around his waist. They sat there and watched as the sun began to sink below the edge of the world. The colors deepened. The sea breeze, this marvelous event they were witnessing, -together… Gods! It was another one of those moments she wished would last for an eternity… Then Hiccup straightened suddenly.
"Do you, -you have the chain right?" She nodded. She straightened and fished it out of the pouch at her side. He took it, and twisted his body. He had taken something out of his pocket… He was fiddling with something. She wanted to look, but she figured she'd find out soon enough. A few moments later, she did. He turned and held it out to her. The chain now had a large jewel attached to it. But wait…
It looked like a jewel… Familiar somehow. It was larger than the broach he'd made. She took it in her fingers and examined it more closely. The same fine lacework done in silver, holding it in place. But the… jewel. It was shaped differently. It was curved on one side… Rounder. And the colors… Purple was the base color, splotched with dark blue… And on the upper right side. A blob of yellow… It hit her like a bolt of lightning…
"This is… This is one of… Huldas'?" He nodded. And there was that smile.
"Well, I knew how much you liked the broach, -and the earrings… I was going to use one of Toothless' again, but I saw this on the floor of her stall and thought… Why not?" -It was one of her scales! Oh, -it was so sweet! Now she could be with her, -always!
"Oh! Hiccup! It's… It's amazing! -And wonderful!" She threw her arms around his neck and kissed him fiercely, then hugged him tightly. She released him and gave him her back. He carefully brought it around her head, and clasped it. She took the scale in her fingers again and looked. All of her emotions, all of the warm feelings for him, -all her love… Gathered up in her chest and burst. He was in for it… He really was… She had another thought…
"Hiccup? I, -I don't have anything for you yet… Nothing this fine but… I'm working on something and I…" He raised a hand cutting her off. He looked deeply into her eyes. A soft, warm smile on his face. He shook his head.
"You, -you don't have to give me anything Elsa. I… you…" He frowned and looked out. His lips quivered a little. He looked down into his lap, then back at her.
"You, you've already given me so much, -I… I… I won't ever ask for anything from you. -I don't ever, -expect anything from you, -I… I feel like the luckiest guy in the world! -Jus… Just to be able to be with you! I…" His gaze dropped to his lap again. He huffed and looked out, shaking his head once. He drew in a breath, and released it.
"When… When I lost, -Astrid, -I didn't think I would ever love someone again. -And for a while, I didn't want to… For her, -her memory. I, -started thinking… I would never experience that again. The warmth, that… That feeling you get… With someone caring for you. -Having your back… Loving you… I wasn't ever going to have that…" He paused. She reached out and took a hand and squeezed.
"-And as… Leaders, we, -we must marry, and carry on our lines… I, I couldn't help to think… This, poor person attached to me… Possibly loving me, -and me not being able to love them back… It, -It sent me to a place… A dark place… I, -don't even want to think about it…" His gaze dropped once more, then slowly rose. He looked her deeply and earnestly in the eyes.
"Then you came along. -You, -picked up my whole world, and set it on its' ear! You showed me it was possible. That I could, -love, and be loved… And by, -choosing me, you've given me hope. Hope, for a future… A future, -as bright as the sun! And as wide as the sky!" He took her hand and pressed it to his lips. He held it there for more than a few moments. Her heart fluttered. He finally lowered it, and covered it with his other hand.
"I meant what I said… I would marry you, -every day! -For the rest of my life! I would give you everything I have… Place the whole world at your feet… And it still wouldn't feel like enough! For, for what you've given me!" Her eyes started stinging. Her heart pounded in her chest. She felt light and a bit dizzy… She muscled through it. She brought his hand up, and caressed it with her cheek. She kissed it tenderly.
"And I you, Hiccup! You, -you've… I too felt doomed to live out my life, -with someone who would only… use me! To, to marry out of duty… To, to have children… The Gods help me! Children I may not want, because their father didn't truly love me… I would love them but… Without their fathers' love… That isn't a life… That is an existence! An existence I would be bound to… For the rest of my days… Never being completely happy… Never really knowing…" She paused.
"I love my sister. It, it is a natural thing, as surely and easily as you breathe. I love her! Her blood flows in my veins, and mine in hers. It was the only kind of love I knew… But you… You've shown me, -that love can be so much more! You have placed in me feelings… Feelings I never knew were even possible! -Never knew I could be capable of feeling! They are all-together wonderful, -and magical, and terrifying… You, -you've challenged me! To do things I never thought possible, or capable of! And you've shown me the dragons, and this place I would never have known about. Another whole life to be lived here! A different kind of life…"
"-And because of you, and the dragons you've shown me… I feel as if… I, -I can go anywhere, -Do… anything, -Be anything and anyone I ever wanted to be! -All because of you, Hiccup Haddock!" She squeezed his hands. The look on his face… Gods! She loved him!
"I, -I have one thing still to give you… And I will gladly give it… When, -when we… You, -you have my heart, Hiccup. You are a part of me, -a part of me, like my skin, my hair, -my very blood! You are in my very soul! I am so, -so much more than I thought I would ever be… I feel I can do… Anything I ever wanted to do… Be, -because of you! -That is something I can never repay you for!" There was a quiet certitude in his eyes that made her heart skip a few beats, even though it pounded in her chest.
"-I will hold your hand… I will be at your side from this day, until Ragnarok, and what ever comes after Hiccup! I never want to be parted from you!" He brought her hand to his mouth and kissed it forcefully.
"I love you Elsa! -With everything that I am, I love you!" She brought his hand up and caressed it with her cheek and kissed it. Then placed it over her heart.
"And you Hiccup! I love you! From this day, until the end of time!" They kissed, and the world stopped. There was only him… his lips on hers. It ended after what seemed like hours. They embraced each other for what seemed an eternity. She felt like a great agreement had been reached. As if a great stone had been set, just for them. Solid… Immovable, -by men or Gods. For now, and whatever comes after… Gods! She hoped, no, -she prayed with every fiber of her being… Whatever storm there was on the horizon facing them… They would weather it, unscathed…
They separated slightly, and rested their foreheads together… They stayed like that… Until the last of the sun slipped below the horizon…
The sun was setting slowly. He stood there waiting. Aye! Longer than he should! ACH! These foreigners! He should have chopped them up a long time ago, and fed them to their dragons! And from what he'd seen in the past weeks, He regretted not doing so. The raids, and the ships… It all pointed to something larger than he'd bargained for.
He heard the rustling of undergrowth, the light from a torch getting stronger. Finally he showed himself. He was not much. A half-head shorter than he. His heavily muscled frame was something, But it was his eyes… Cold, calculating… He may not be much physically, but those eyes seemed to see everything… They would seem to bore into a man, and take him apart… Piece by piece…
"Why Röngvaldr! You are looking well! Tell me, -how goes it? Making plans for the archipelago? After we've taken what we want?" Och! They needed to get on with it!
"Spare me your fancy talk, Viggo! There's trouble afoot! Aye! BIG trouble. Have you seen? Have you not heard?" He smirked… Smirked ! This man… His overconfidence would be his undoing, by the Gods! He held up a hand.
"Relax, my dear chieftain! It has all been taken into account!" He wasn't so sure…
"But the ships! These ships from the south! They, they can take apart anything we have…" He smirked again. It was really making him angry! He scoffed.
"Ships? Who needs ships… When you have dragons at your call. The dragons will take apart anything, -anyone in the world can offer up! -And you my friend… You will benefit greatly from that!" ACH!
"Dragons!" He spat. "In case ye didn't know, they've taken to raidin' again… We've had five killed in the last one!" He had the gall to put a pained look on his face.
"Sadly, that is a small side effect… But when we're done, -when we finally spring this… And have crushed them all… The dragons will no longer be a threat… To you, or anyone else! You will be free to rule the north as you see fit! You can make up your own rules! You can even have… Berk, as your centerpiece!" He smiled. It sent a cold shiver down his spine.
"And what of the girl? This… Snow Witch! How are ye gonna deal wi' her?" He had witnessed it, -experienced it himself. Surely, nothing from men could do anything against that…
"-Again, relax! She has been taken into account as well. We are quite certain she is indeed, -human. And, -as with all humans… They can be killed… Can they not?" His face twisted into something… Something truly… The gleam in his eyes, the curl of his lip… A cold, cold dread swept him. -All the way to his feet. He could swear his could feel her ice again. Creeping slowly… It was one thing to kill off the nasty beasts, but… Her, -to mess with her seemed… It, -it bordered on… Tweaking the nose of the very Gods! He didn't want this. He should have never… Ach! -But it was too late now it seemed. Plans and schemes put into motion that he had no control over. There was something else…
"And what of the other? The Berserker girl… We will need her… After!" He frowned.
"Sadly, -No! I cannot -and will not give her up! She seems to have only one thing in mind… Foiling my plans… I have dealt with her before. She cannot be allowed to run loose. She has yet a part to play in my plans… Surely, when you are King… Someone else can be found… Someone of your choosing? To rule over Berserk… After?" Well, he supposed… As King? Yes, -he could! He could very well do as he pleased… The whole archipelago! -His, to do as he pleased! But still, -something wasn't right… Something was… Ach!
"Very well! But something needs to be done soon! We'll no' be able ta keep this up much longer!" He smiled, and clapped him on the shoulder.
"Relax! It will be soon! And when it is all over… It will be more than worth it!" He still wasn't so sure… There was something… Something, -missing… He shrugged it off…
King! He would be King! King of the archipelago! -Or maybe… High Chieftain! Yes! That had a nice sound to it! All the lands, -all the riches… His! To do with as he felt necessary! Yes… He would place his throne in Berk! And his first order of business… Throw all the foreigners out! Or kill them… It was all the same to him!
He watched him go. He could have had a place at his table, -but no. He was too brutish, -too inept. Much like the man who stalked up to him… Honestly? How such a large man could be so quiet was beyond him.
"We should get rid of him! He will undo everything!" Did he really think so?
"All in good time, my friend! -He knows nothing! And if he knows nothing… He cannot be a threat!" He was sure of it. These people… The best of them only suspected. And the suspicion was working in his favor. They were scurrying about like little ants… Little ants that were about to be crushed underfoot! He knew they were being watched. He had carefully hidden all the pieces. Allowing the briefest glimpse. -And watching what happened. It was how he knew. Where to hide everything, -until the time was right…
"Are you sure? Are you positive it will remain hidden… Until…" He wasn't completely sure… These ships from the south. It was but another challenge to be overcome. He had seen her, and he was sure… Nothing would stand against her.
"Are you sure? Could this sorceress defeat her?" The corner of his mouth curled.
"She is human. She cannot possibly stand against her! And when I take their dragons… I will have them tear her apart! I will have her set up her nest… Right here! And from here, I will rule!" This stupid man! He could see right through him. Why he ever agreed… No matter… He had his own plans…
"Ahhh, don't you mean WE ? My friend? Still, -I will concede the north to you, -I have other places in mind…" Oh yes! Shining like jewels in the south, and beyond! This, Arendelle… And Corona! They had come under his eye. Oh yes! -As soon as he could grow his flock…
"My friend? I think it is time! Call your dragon! Let us give them a taste of what they have coming to them!" The leer on his face… Ach! Disgusting!
"Where?" He asked.
"Oh, -I don't know…" It didn't matter to him very much, -but still…
"Why not… Say hello to the neighbors…"