He crept through the woods being as quiet and stealthy as he could. The moon was waning, providing a little light. Clouds were casting shadows over the ground. He would have to be careful. Reaching the edge of the woods, he looked out. He noted the night-watches, calculating the routes they took. He had barely avoided the Guards' evening patrol. They were on the peak now. More watching the seas around them, rather than the village.
He hated coming home like this. But with his new charge in tow, he should be careful. The people might panic seeing another Bewilderbeast in their midst. It had been over four years ago. The memory of the last one showing up that fateful morning was still being talked about. He knew of some folks having nightmares to this very day! He had to get to the one person who wouldn't panic at the sight of her. And he had to do it quietly. He didn't quite trust his council either. What with the send-off they gave him. He had time to think about it, and it stunk like shite.
He had recieved letters from Camicazi and Dogsbreath, asking him to consider uniting the islands into one large kingdom. That discussion had been forwarded following the Beserkers' defeat. But he had been too wrapped up in the loss of Astrid to even care. He thought it was a joke at first. Cami had approached him again, along with Trofastr. They were dead serious. There was no doubt as to who they wanted for their King. He appreciated their trust, but he declined. Word must have gotten out, for ever since then, most members of the council treated him, -differently. They were mostly more, -condescending. TulkR had grown to be more demanding. He was head of his council. However, should a unification take place, he imagined his role would be reduced, If he wasn't replaced altogether. The whole thing just stunk.
Shaking the thoughts from his head, he watched for his opportunity. He sprinted from the edge of the trees to the nearest house. He stood in the shadows for a moment and listened. He peered around the corner, and picked his path. One that would keep him under the eaves and sheds. He took out his helmet. He had applied firesmoke to it to dull the finish. It wouldn't reflect light this way. He took a couple of calming breaths, put the helmet on, and stole away.
He made it to the side of his hall without incident. He crept along. He couldn't go in the front door, so he made for the back. Making for the corner of the hall, he noticed light on the ground slowly intensifying. He ducked down behind a couple of baskets. Pulling the cloak over his head, he steadied his breathing. The light faded. He let out a controlled sigh. He inched his way to the corner and carefully peered around. A watchman he guessed to be Ditliev was walking the opposite direction. He dashed to the door and went in.
Home! It felt really good to finally be back. He took a moment and breathed through his nose. Slightly musty, but he also smelled herbs, smoke, tea. It smelled like stew also. He hoped there would be some left. His mothers' cooking had improved, but more often than not, they sent for something from the Great Hall. Both of their duties not leaving much time to cook a proper meal. Especially after… NO! No time for this! He had to bring her.
He heard a creak of wood. The sound of a chair scooting across the floor. She came around the corner wielding a sword. Her initial reaction was a hardened glare, her sword rising. She then recognized the intruder. His hands came up.
"WOAH! MOM!" He reached up and took his helmet off. "Can I at least get a hug be, before you kill me?" She half-dropped the sword on the table, and quickly walked up to him. She embraced him tightly.
"Hiccup! My boy!" His arms came up automatically. He squeezed her warmly. He missed her. She separated after a few long moments.
"I knew you would come back!" Her hand on his shoulder, the other cupped the side of his face. He leaned into the contact. She looked him up and down.
"You've put on some weight finally!" She smiled. He was about to answer, when her expression hardened. She grabbed his ear and twisted. He let out an undignified yelp. The pain!
"What the Hel do you mean leaving like that! I've a good mind to beat the snot out of you! Not telling me where you're off to! Hiccup Horrendous Haddock the Third! I ought to…"
"SSShhh! ACK! Mom! PLEASE! No one knows I'm back! Och! Mom, Mother! I, I have something to show you. PLEASE! We have to keep it quiet!" She relented a little, meaning she at least stopped twisting. She still kept hold of his ear.
"Mom, This is something I can only show you! Please! Get your gear and a cloak, and come with me." She let go. Her face softened. She embraced him again.
"Hiccup! I'm… I, -I love you son!" She squeezed him. "I love you too Mom!" She did as he requested. She threw the bolt on the front door, and grabbed her staff. Throwing her cloak over her shoulders, she came up next to him. A quick peek outside, and they were off.
They made it across the village without much trouble. Something had stirred inside a stable they came to rest at. It thankfully went back to sleep. They dashed across the small amount of open ground and into the woods. When he was satisfied they were out of range, he gave her a very brief description of his trip. He left out Elsa for now. She gave him a short brief on the goings-on of the village in his absence.
They reached their destination. It hadn't changed much from the early days when he and Toothless met. Two dead trees had fallen in, and four new ones had sprouted up on the floor. The small stream still ran clear. The small pond was nearly devoid of fish though. It was a spot of local legend. He scoffed at that. The newer generation viewed it as hallowed ground. His generation didn't go there very often, having -interrupted he and Astrid on a few occasions. The memories pricked him a little. A thought of Elsa came to his mind. He quickly dismissed it. They made it to the floor of the cove. Toothless quickly bounded up to Valka. She chuckled as he nuzzled her.
"Hello Toothless! I missed you too!" A larger shadow moved in a corner. Hiccup quickly identified the shape.
"CloudJumper! How are you?" He scratched his chin. Thank the gods Toothless found him! He figured they would need a distraction. "Will you take us to the island please?" He nodded and grunted. He lowered himself so Hiccup could climb on. Valka mounted up beside him.
"OK Toothless! Just like we talked about! Meet us at the Island!" He softly barked, and leapt up into the sky. After a few minutes, he heard the loud growling and thrashing through the underbrush.
"CloudJumper? Slowly at first. We need to make sure they follow him, then up into the clouds Yes?" He gurgled his assent. He had bonded well with the Stormcutter, better than he'd hoped. Nearly as strong as his mothers'. He was thankful. Another deeper thought came to mind, but he shook it out. He needed to focus.
After another minute, He urged him into the air. They stopped at treetop level looking around. He barely saw the black shape heading out to sea. Another, then another giving chase. Good! "Up CloudJumper!" He grasped his mothers' staff tightly. He felt her arm wrap around his waist. He was still a little unsteady on him. He still marveled at how his mother refused a saddle, preferring to stand on his back. Up through the clouds they leveled off, then headed for Dragon Island.
The clouds were not as thick here, the moon provided a little more light. They circled the island slowly until he found the sign he was looking for. They hovered on the spot. Valka looked around curiously, then to him. He smirked, a little smugly.
Just then, the Bewilderbeast breached. CloudJumper startled a bit. He nearly fell off. It rose slowly until they were face-to-face with it. Valkas' eyes were wide, her mouth agape in wonder. She looked at the beast, then to him, then back. It gazed upon them, considering the new arrivals. Hiccup bowed slightly at the waist, followed shortly by Valka. After a moment, it breathed a frosty breath upon them. Valka shook the snow from her hair. She looked at him incredulously.
"Hiccup! How? Where? Where did you find it?" Her mouth dropped open again.
"Well, I found HER in the kingdom we finally wound up in." He said a little smugly. "It's called Arendelle, It's a fairly rich kingdom about five days south. Something… had been bothering Toothless. We scouted for days until she finally showed herself. She… I don't know… She seemed confused. Toothless and I calmed her, and convinced her to come with us." Valka nodded and looked upon her again
"The people were pretty frightened, as you can guess. But she didn't cause any problems though! She just roared, and made a small display, and… And I, uhhh… I, -I didn't think she belonged there…" A thought came to mind. "I don't think any of them, belong. down. there…" Indeed, it was a thought prickling the back of his mind the whole trip. Valka looked his way and nodded.
"Aye! Son, sadly… I think that may be true as well…" She trailed off. "Aye, There's no more dragons down south. They've all been run off or killed." They both looked upon the beast, thinking their own thoughts for a moment. He decided now was as good a time as any…
"Uuuhhh, Mom? I, uhhh, -I found something -else, down there, or rather some ONE else…" His head was down. He looked at her through his eyelashes, gauging her response. She straightened, her face lit up.
"Oh? Who is it then?" She was showing him her mom face, but she was barely containing the smile that threatened to erupt.
"Her, her name is Elsa! And she's wonderful, and smart, and funny and… and, -and we're in love!" The smile did erupt. She hugged him tightly.
"Ooohh! Hiccup! My Boy! Oh! I'm so happy for you!" They nearly fell off Cloudjumper. "Ohhh Son!" She separated, cupping his face in her hands. Moonlight reflected off the wetness in her eyes. She embraced him again, and choked a sob. "My Son!" She sniffled, and they broke apart. The mom face came out again, although not as intense.
"So? How did it happen?" He winced a little.
"Well, our first meeting didn't go so well…" He told her of their "meeting" in the forge, and was met by a full-out guffaw from his own mother! She barely regained control, and apologized.
"Yeah, Thanks mom! I also found out she was the Queen!" She grew a look of astonishment, then stifled a few more laughs. She shook her head. He told her of their time together, of Anna, Kristoff, And Rapunzel and Eugene.
"And how did she take to Toothless?" He winced again.
"She, aaahhh, she -didn't take it so well. She told me he had to go, but she didn't realize in sending him away, it also meant I had to go as well. She, she took that even worse! But I went back and introduced them properly… and -she should be on her way here within the week!" She nodded.
She looked upon the bewilderbeast again, and sighed. She looked at him again, face stern. She directed CloudJumper down. They landed on the beach, a short distance away from the Bewilderbeast. They stood for a moment then Valka faced him, putting a hand on his shoulder.
"I AM Very proud of you Hiccup, but there's something you should know. There's something going on with the council. Part of it may be my fault but… Three days after you left, Camicazi came to Berk looking for you. She said she had business with you. Ansel and Botolfr asked after it, but she wouldn't tell. Almost started a fight over it! Camicazi threatened them, said when the Kingdom was good and started, they'd be the first sent out on boats!" Hiccup winced. Diplomacy was never her strong suit. But this was serious. Valka continued.
"Then, about a week ago, a meeting was called. They were asking where you were and when you'd be back. I told 'em I didn't know. They insisted you be there. When they wouldn't let up, I suggested that maybe you'd gone to search for a wife. What with the way they'd sent you off after the last meeting…" He smirked, and huffed. He didn't MEAN to find one, but it sure happened that way…
"I'm sorry, Hiccup. But ever since, there's been comings and goings. Freybjorn, and Nicolaus have been back and forth across the islands with messages. But they'll not speak as to what they're about. I think they mean to kill this notion in its' crib, or set up some other kind of alliance…" Hiccup nodded absentmindedly.
"Yeah… I thought something like this could happen…" The fools! By trying to kill it, they would almost surely cause it to happen, and not they way anyone wanted. He'd thought about the possibilities, none of them had a pleasant outcome. Another thought came to his mind… Elsa! She could be headed for a shitstorm when she arrived! He needed to prepare her! But there was no way to be sure she would receive the message. The Terrors were good, but to find a lone ship out in the middle of the vast sea was a long-shot. But still…
"Mom? I'm going to take her further north, to one of the Islands in our territory, see if she will start a nest there. I think we need to keep her existence a secret for now." She nodded. "I'll make my arrival tomorrow at noon. Send me Sharpshot, Hlif, and Borekr. I need to speak with the other Chiefs. And I have to try to get a message to Elsa, so she's prepared. I promised Anna I'd send word once I got back, but on the off chance Elsa hasn't left yet…" Valka nodded again.
"The council will most likely want to see me when I return. I'm going to fly off again. I'll be brooding, my vacation didn't go as I'd planned, or they'll do or say something that sets me off… In the meantime, I'll be bonding with Jorunna here." He indicated the Bewilderbeast. Valka spoke up.
"Hiccup, don't you think that I should be the one to bond with her? After all, I know so much about them. I can be the one to convince her…" He gave her a sheepish look.
"I, I -know mom, I'll need your help. But you won't be around forever, and if something should happen, she'll still have you to look after her." He winced a little. He wasn't sure what her reaction would be. She frowned and opened her mouth, but closed it again. Finally she nodded in assent.
"You're right! But what of it in the meantime?"
"We have to keep them thinking we're in the dark. We, we have to get some kind of information out of them, see what their plans are…" He frowned and looked away.
"Your Uncle Spitelout has been staying in their good graces, but they still consider him family, and Snotlout too. They've both been trying to help…" He needed someone else. Someone they wouldn't suspect. He needed to talk to Fishlegs, get some ideas…
Just then, he heard a soft rustle in the wind. He barely saw Toothless land on the beach a short distance away. He trotted up and nuzzled him. Hiccup scratched him on the jaw and chin. "Hey Bud! You did great out there!" Toothless huffed and crooned. He then hopped over to CloudJumper, trying to get him to play. They chuckled at the dragons' antics. Valka turned to him again.
"Hiccup, you don't think, they're out to, to harm you do you?" He shook his head.
"No, I don't think so. If something should happen to me, they'd have half the archipelago against them. I, I just hope they realize that." He imagined Elsa would be pretty upset too. He shivered at the thought. He would not want to be on the receiving end of her wrath! He sighed heavily, and cast his eyes downward. He couldn't wait to see her again, to, -be with her. He imagined they STILL had a long road ahead of them. But at least their feelings for one another had been sorted. And now, she knew about Toothless, and was OK with him. And, -Toothless loved her.
Valka smoothed his hair. "Hiccup? What is it?"
"I, -I just, -wish she were here…" She patted him on the shoulder, comforting him. "I can't wait to meet her!" He looked up at her. She was beaming at him. He wrapped his arms around her and hugged her tightly.
"I love you mom. I'm glad you're here…"
"I love you too, son." She sniffled into his shoulder. She pulled back. He could tell her eyes were wet. He looked up into the sky, and noted the moon. She needed to get back.
"Toothless and I will cause a diversion…" She nodded, and walked towards CloudJumper.
"Could you have a bath ready for your Chief when he returns?" He could see her grin, even in the moonlight. She bowed cheekily. "Would your Highness require anything else?"
"Ehhh, I'll think of something, wouldn't you say?" She laughed, and climbed onto her dragon. Toothless bounded up. He leapt into the saddle. Sharing one more fond look they shot up into the sky. He made sure they followed then turned towards Berk.
He made his return as promised. They made a circuit of the island and the village before landing in the square. He kept his mood somber, although he had a few genuine smiles for his friends. Gobber hefted him up in a great bear hug.
"Ahhh, it's good ta' have ya' home lad!" He would always miss Gobber. Every time he left. Valka came and hugged her son, looking him over in the daylight. She smiled and cupped his face. She kissed him on the forehead. Leaning in, she whispered in his ear.
"Your bath is ready, your Lordship! And a hot meal!" They shared a smile. He recieved more pats on the back and hugs across his shoulders. Fishlegs, Tuffnut, even Snotlout was there. Smiles on their faces. Indeed, there were smiles and fond looks all around.
He thought of Elsa, and Arendelle in this moment. Yes, his people loved him. And it was a good feeling they felt as they did, and didn't fail to show it. He wondered how they would feel about Her. He scoffed at himself. They would love her too. If anything because he loved her. And she was an honest and caring person. He chose to enjoy the moment. It was a good choice, because a side-ward glance told him it was about to come to an end…
"My Chief! Welcome back!" They walked up, and gave a small show of respect. Ansel, Botolfr, TulkR, and Gothi. He gave them curt nods. He had a smile and a wink for the Gothi. She glared, turning slightly red. There was a twinkle in there too.
"We trust you had a pleasant journey Chief?" He scowled a bit. Just get on with it already!
"Not as good as I'd hoped, I am glad to be back. It appears everything is in order?" He asked leadingly.
"Of course Chief! As soon as the rest of the snow melts, the plowing and planting will begin on the upper fields. Repairs have have already begun!" He nodded. "There are, -other matters to tend to, once you've settled Chief." He nodded again.
"I'll be in the Great Hall in two hours." They nodded, and walked off. Gothi took a couple of steps and stopped. Turning to him, a small smile curled her lips. She closed her eyes, and gave a deep tip of her head. He returned it, giving her a tip of his head. She turned and walked off.
He stood there waiting. He'd bathed and gotten a good meal. He suspected it came from the hall, but it was the thought that counted. He didn't want to deal with this. At least he was clean, and had a full belly. He wasn't sure what to expect, but he had an idea
They all came filing in. Ansel, Botolfr, Gobber, Gothi, Spitelout, and TulkR. They sat down. At least he knew some were on his side here. Let the grilling begin!
"So Hiccup! Where'd ya go on your little trip?" Spitelout asked.
"Uhh, South! I went south and found this little kingdom, where I spent my time…" He hoped they didn't ask for names just yet.
"And did you find what you're lookin' for?" He hated lying, even to them. It was what was required right now.
"Looking? I, wasn't looking for, -anything! I, I just needed to get away…" That was the truth, when he left anyway. They sat there in silence for a moment. Ansel spoke next.
"Well Hiccup! I suppose you've heard the rumors, we need to know if they're true."
"Rumors? What rumors?" Maybe he could goad them a little. He received a few flat looks. TulkR spoke up.
"Don't play dumb with us boy! We know you've received letters, we've heard the talk. We want to know what's going on wit' that!" He stamped down his anger, for now…
"Well, the letters you're talking about were dragon-related questions from some of the other Chiefs. As far as the talk goes, there's lots of it. Sooo, what specifically are you asking?" TulkRs' nostrils flared. An exasperated sigh came from someone…
"THE TALK HICCUP!" Ansel cleared his throat. "The talk of unifying the tribes, the whole archipelago, THAT talk! Why, that Boggy girl was in her one week ago, talking like it's already happened!" Of course, he wasn't surprised.
"Aaahhh, I have heard that, and I have said it wasn't a good idea." It was the truth. "It would be a logistical nightmare. The supply routes, the amount of materials, All the numbers don't add up! And unification means alignment… Do you guys REALLY want to align with the Bogs? Or how about the TrollGuts? Outcasts? or the Berserkers? THAT is a nightmare in itself!" Another truth. They seemed to consider it, at least.
"Very well! We think you should continue to dispel this notion. In the meantime there is another matter that needs discussed…" He had probably guessed. Spitelout spoke.
"Hiccup, ya need ta take a wife! Berk needs an heir. Your rule has ta be solidified…" He didn't expect that from him. Still…
"I, uhhh, -I, I'm not, -ready…" He cast his eyes down. He couldn't let this out yet. He caught a sympathetic nod from Gobber.
"Hiccup? We're all v'ry sorry 'bout Astrid, but it's time ya moved on…" Spitelout spoke softly, as family should. Botolfr was not.
"You will find a suitable wife! If you do not come up with one, a girl will be chosen for you! And you'll not refuse her!" THAT did it!
"I WILL NOT! I will only marry some one of MY CHOOSING! THAT is my FINAL WORD!" He roared. It took most of them by surprise. His father would have been proud, maybe. He turned on his heel and stormed out. He kicked the door open, nearly sending it off its' hinges. His prosthetic shifted, sending a small spike of pain up his leg. He probably bent the thing, but he didn't care at this point. He kept it up, storming all the way across the square to his hall. Only when he slammed the door did he relax. He took a couple of deep breaths, calming himself. Valka was seated at the table, nursing a mug of tea.
"Trouble?" She asked. He offered a small smile.
"Ehh, nothing I didn't expect…" He sat down and released his leg. He massaged the stump for a few moments. He remembered the sock Elsa made. He hadn't worn it since leaving. He didn't want to ruin it. She would give him an earful if she were here. He then remembered he hadn't unpacked, The presents! He attached his leg and jumped from the table.
"I got you something!" He retrieved his pack. Rummaging through it, he brought out the cloth. Something fell out and rolled part way across the table. Valka scooped it up in her hand. Her eyes went wide, and her jaw dropped open.
"Hiccup? Wh, what is THIS?" She looked upon the crystal mesmerized, and drew her finger across it.
"That's aaahhh, Some, -something I got in, -in Arendelle…" How could he explain it? Should he try? She turned it over in her hands. She still hadn't closed her mouth. He came around her side and looked.
"That's her mom. That is Elsa…" She was wearing that same expression. The same small smile. The point of light pulsing strongly in her chest. His own chest tightened. Valka looked at him in wonder.
"Hiccup! How, How was… How is this done?" He still couldn't explain it.
"Mom? I, I don't know. Only to say that Elsa is, very, -very special!" He looked again, his heart clenched. He shook it for now. He had to get going.
"Uhhh, mom? There's some cloth I got you, and the jar? There's some, -thing in it to make your bath water smell nice." He called over his shoulder as he grabbed some fresh clothes from his room.
"I've taken Jorunna to Hildrs' Island. There's plenty of water, and it should make for a good nesting site. I plan to be back on Dragon Island tonight. Cami is meeting me there so we can talk about what's going on." He stopped as he noticed her expression. It had fallen from its' previous wonder. There was sadness there now. She looked him in the eye.
"I'm sorry Hiccup, I, I wish things could be different for ye, but…" He put his hand on her shoulder.
"Mom? It's not your fault! It's- just the life we've been given. We have to make the most of it, yes?" She nodded shakily. She held out the crystal to him. He took it and looked quickly before putting it in his bag.
"She's very beautiful Hiccup! I canna' wait to meet her!" She smiled a small smile, then hugged him tightly.
"I love you mom." She gave him a squeeze, then released him. He put a scowl on his face, then turned. Upon reaching the door, he kicked it open. He walked up to Toothless with a cloud over his features. He quickly glanced around. there were people milling about the square, all with their attention on him for the moment. He barely registered Spitelout storming towards him. He cast his eyes down.
"HICCUP! We need ta talk boy!" He paid him no mind. He quickly secured the bag to his saddle. He took a step and leapt onto Toothless…
"HICCUP! DON'T!" He took a split second to look at his Uncle. He was surprised to see… No anger? A glint, perhaps, in his eye? No matter! He cocked an eyebrow at him. "Up! Toothless!" The dragon leapt into the air. With a powerful stroke of his wings, they quickly shot into the sky. Spitelouts' voice fading in the distance.
"HHHIIICCUUUPPP!"
He stood there scowling, watching the black dot get smaller. As if his gaze and sheer will would bring that foolish boy back where he belonged. He wasn't as much family as he should've been. After the death of the boys' father, and the surprising return of his sister, he had begun to realize what a mistake he'd made. All for foolish pride. He vowed to make it up to him.
He barely caught his sisters' footfalls as she came up next to him. She followed his gaze skyward, but remained silent. He asked a question under his breath, with so many eyes and ears watching…
"Does he know?" Simple enough, and to the point.
"Aye! He knows!" She answered. Such a smart and clever lad! He was proud to call him family.
"Good! Now let's see just where it is the rats are nesting…" He turned and walked away, still scowling furiously…
He had flown out, circling over Dragon Island. First, to make sure he wasn't followed, and second, to gather a flock to come with him to Hildrs' Island. Monstrous Nightmares, Nadders, Hobblegrunts, Raincutters. He and Toothless had gathered quite a mix of dragons. They even had a small flock of Terrors accompany them. CloudJumper joined them for a few hours. They passed the time interacting under the watch of the Bewilderbeast. Jorunna spent most of her time resting. She must have been a little worn from their journey. At one point, she left for about half an hour. When she returned, she disgorged a huge mouthful of fish. He took that as a good sign. They left while there were still a few hours of sunlight to be had.
He sat now by a fire outside a natural cavern he had dubbed "The Office". It was large enough for a decent gathering of people and dragons, with a high ceiling. It had a natural rock formation in the shape of a desk. Its' entrance was mostly shielded from the weather. He poked at the fire idly. Having filled his stomach with roasted fish, bread, and cheese.
He looked up and considered the Nadder that had followed them from the island. It was a particularly nice shade of purple, interspersed with a deep blue. He had first noticed her several years ago. She would show up, and stay for a little while. She seemed to have some kind of connection with Stormfly, but he couldn't quite pin it. He had not seen it again until shortly after Astrids' passing. But like before, it would stay for a day or two then leave. He saw it more often now, though. It was kind of strange, it felt like it should mean something…
He then felt a small change in the air around him, barely detectable. He opened his mouth slightly, but made no other move. He could, -taste something different in the air. He poked at the fire idly. His eyes darted over to Toothless. His head was down, but a few of his ear-flaps twitched randomly. He waited until the taste got stronger, a warming sensation on the back of his neck. Slowly, he reached back and found a scaly jaw. He started to scratch. A gurgling noise sprang forth. He then heard a very loud, a very aggravated, and very female voice behind him.
"DAMN YOU HADDOCK! How do you DO that?" He turned his head. Only the Changewings' head was visible. Hildiriors' eyes were lidded in pleasure. He smiled and scratched harder. Her tongue darted out and licked his cheek. Toothless and the Nadder jumped to their feet, wings splaying. He stood and raised his palm to the other two dragons. He turned and placed both hands on Hildirors' jaw, scratching furiously. More gurgling ensued. She then became totally visible, revealing a thoroughly frustrated Camicazi.
Her arms were crossed in front of her. Her eyes narrowed, lips drawn in a thin, scowling line. Her features softened slightly. She slid off the saddle, giving her dragon a pat on the neck. She walked past him silently. She drew one of the two swords strapped to her back, and started twirling it. Weaving figure-eight patterns in front of her, then flipping it in the air. She caught it with her other hand, and repeated the motions. Twirling it over her head, then at her feet for good measure. He couldn't take much more of this.
"What are you doing?" He asked. She remained silent, continuing her little workout. She moved toward him, threw the blade in the air again, catching it by the handle. She stood next to him, side-facing, just out of arms' reach. She held the sword up, blade facing down, as if testing the weight. In the blink of an eye, she drove the pommel into his midsection. He doubled over in an instant. A split-second later, he felt the flat of the blade against his backside sending him stumbling forward. She finished him with a blow across his shoulder blades. He fell face-first into the sand, groaning.
"WHAT THE HEL DO YOU MEAN! LEAVING LIKE THAT! Not telling ANYONE where you're GOING! NOT EVEN ME!" He thought her voice cracked a little on her last word. The pain in his newly re-rearranged organs cancelled everything else out. He attempted to curl up, but her foot came down on his shoulders.
"You, you just left, -just like that! No word! No, -no NOTHING!" She was almost screaming. "You could've been lost, or killed, -and we wouldn't know where to find you! How to bring you home! YOU LEFT US! LIKE YOU DIDN'T EVEN CARE!" Her voice did crack on that last statement. He heard and felt the blade being driven into the sand, somewhere near his head. Her foot came off, and she stomped away. He took a few moments then curled up. He clutched his middle for a few more moments before rolling onto his side. If he weren't in pain, he'd be really pissed off!
He managed to get to his knees and straighten before a spasm had his forehead in the sand. He raised up again, and sat on his feet. She was standing at the edge of the firelight. Her back to him. He stood a few moments later.
"Excuse me!" He gasped. "But I don't recall needing your consent OR permission to do -anything!" She spun around, a furious scowl on her face. She strode up to him balling her fists. She hauled back, and punched him straight in the chest. He felt a cold shock course through his body as he heard a few knuckles crack. She immediately withdrew, holding her hand in pain. She had struck him where the crystal was buried beneath his armor, over his heart.
"OW! DAMN! DAMMIT! -DAMN! Haddock!" The force of the blow took him a half-step back.
"What the Hel is wrong with you?" He asked. She was bouncing on her feet, shaking her hands. She hissed through her teeth. She calmed after a few minutes. She then looked at him sheepishly.
"Hiccup… I, -WE! -We'd be lost with, -without you…" She looked down at her feet.
"What are you even talking about?" He asked her. She was acting awfully strange, even for her. She looked at him, frowning.
"What, what am I… Hiccup! Unifying the tribes? You, you're the only one who could bring us there…" Now he understood.
"Cami, we've talked about this before. It won't work! It won't, because it's a bad idea! None of the numbers add up! NONE! What possible benefit could there be? We already have treaties in place. For mutual cooperation? In times of hardship, or attack? And putting one man in charge of it all? Only an idiot would take that job! NO Cami! I refuse to be that idiot! And don't even get me started on the ones who won't willingly join your little party! The Lava Louts? TrollGuts? And, something is stirring on Beserker Island again. Once they regroup, I'm fairly certain they won't be coming along either! That can only mean one thing… War! More people, and dragons, dying! Probably someone you care about too! They way I see it, it's not worth one life, human or dragon, to go to war for something we already have!" She shook her head. Why couldn't she understand?
"But Hiccup, it would create a vast territory, where, -where the dragons would be safe!" A thought flashed in his mind. He shook his head.
"We already have that! The combined areas are more than enough, so long as they don't stray." She looked away frowning. Then looked back.
"And that idiot? He wouldn't have to be alone… You, -HE, he could take a wife, and they could rule together…" He thought of Elsa in that moment. Theoretically, -yes he and Elsa could rule this together… He dismissed it almost as quickly. There was still too much going on to think about that. Yes, he could see Elsa and himself joined, but not much else beyond that. He glanced at Camicazi. She was looking at him… strangely. What was she… Oh NO!
"Cami? If you're thinking, -You… and, -me?" He spluttered. "NO! Absolutely NOT!" He could already see traces of hurt. "Cami? -We would kill each other on our wedding night. THAT has been discussed before too! And there's… something else, that we need to discuss… but not right now! Right now, we need to find out what's going on!" She looked at him questioningly.
"What? Well, thanks to your little outburst to my council, they have taken it upon themselves to act! I'm not sure what, But I need you and the Bogs to help me figure it out." The hurt had left. She looked down, frowning. She looked at him, and opened her mouth, then closed it. She then trudged over and withdrew her sword from the sand. Wiping the blade, then sheathing it. She walked over to where Hildirior was resting beside Toothless and the Nadder. She absentmindedly stroked her jaw and neck. Camicazi turned her head, not looking at him.
"I'm, -I'm sorry, I should've kept my mouth shut…" She turned back. "I'm, -glad you're back, Hiccup." After a long moment, she did look at him. She opened, then closed her mouth once more. Then she leapt onto the saddle. She bit her lip. "I'll, I'll be in touch…" With that, the ChangeWing took off. He thought he saw her look back, But he couldn't tell.
He walked over to the dragons. Running his hand over his head, Toothless crooned in his sleep. The Nadder cooed, and nudged his arm, earning herself some attention as well. He thought back. Camicazi and he had been childhood friends. When the Thing was held on Berk, she stood up to the others for him. When they were older, they were always getting into trouble. He seemed to always take the blame, even when she or one of the other Heirs started it. Later, she had fully supported him after Stoick died. She always had his back. During reconstruction after Drago, and the battle with the Berserkers.
Something -changed after Astrids' passing. She had helped him out of the darkness sure, but he couldn't help but feel, -something about her… But, she was a BogBurglar, he was a Hooligan. They were forbidden any relationships. Men were a means to an end, nothing more. Any other relationship would be like water and oil. Always -separate…
He thought of Elsa. She would help in this, he knew. She would get to the bottom of this proper. He wondered if the Terror would find her. He hoped so. At least she would be prepared for whatever… happened. "Elsa…" He sighed her name, almost a whisper. He scratched the dragons idly. The Nadder gurgled, and shifted her head. A thought piqued his brain, but it was gone in an instant. He shuffled back to the cavern. The days' events finally catching up to him. He found his bedroll, and curled up to sleep. He dreamt of gently falling snow, a braid of silver-blonde hair, and deep, blue eyes.