She looked out over the water. Miles and miles of empty, open water. Almost as empty as her heart, it felt sometimes. She tried not to despair. But today was cool and grey. No sun was shining through the overcast. She dearly missed her sister on days like this. It almost seemed she had powers of her own. To bring out the sun in people, or events and gatherings just by being herself. She tried herself to keep the crews' spirits up, but she wasn't her sister.
She took time to learn the chanties. Songs the men would sing as they hauled rope, or other menial tasks they would need to perform. She sang along with them. It took them by surprise at first. To hear her voice loud and clear as a bell, singing along with them. It soon brought out smiles, and seemed to hearten them. Now, every time she was near she joined them in song.
She sang to them in the evenings now too. After the meal when the men were all gathered on deck, resting before the night watches took over. The Captain, and some of the crew taught her some of the ditties too. She didn't care for the more… salty tunes. It wasn't very ladylike. But they were far from Arendelle, and her only audience was the crew. And it boosted morale. It was surprisingly liberating, and helped lift her spirits as well.
The mood was kept as light as possible. She let the Captain run his ship, but these were all her subjects too. It was hard to let go of all of her training. To remain aloof, and disconnected. She had a rapport with the officers, and the men were allowed to approach her with concerns. Just like all the rest of of her subjects. Some of the men were rewarded for good behavior, or a job well done by having tea with the Queen. An idea forwarded by herself, much to the spluttering of the Captain. It was reluctantly agreed to a half-hour, in a semi-private setting. It had become the brunt of jokes, and good-natured competition for the men.
She helped the cooks, and with the chickens and the few other animals kept on board. Also, to the spluttering of the Captain. "A Queen shouldna' be doin' such menial tasks tha are completely below her!" He'd said. She replied with a frosty glare. She was the Queen and she would do as she pleased, thank you very much! The help was appreciated, and it served morale too, and kept her from being completely bored when she ran out of books to read.
They had made good progress in the first few days. She had provided a strong wind at their backs, but it left her drained at the end of the day. After the third day, it was decided to only use it if they ran into a doldrum, or any day where there was little or no wind. It was disheartening, but she felt it better to be fully rested and able once they reached Berk.
Two weeks into their journey, she and the captain were going over the map. She felt it time to broach the subect of where they were going and what may be waiting for them. Captain Heinz Verschtop had come highly recommended. Not at the top of the list, but a great sailor, and a fine officer. Seems he had trouble following orders to the letter, but it seemed those situations had turned out for the better for it. She took it to mean he thought well on his feet, and was no slave to protocal when it really mattered. Qualities she felt were needed on such a mission. She also felt that the kingdom may yet need the finest in the not-so-distant future.
"Captain? What do you know of, -dragons?" It took him by surprise, He thought for a moment.
"Fantasies! Your Highness, but… after the attack on your person, I have doubts. I've heard of a land where it is said they ride the damned things. I've seen many a strange thing in my travels, so I wouldna' be surprised. The world is a vry large place, Majesty." She nodded.
"Indeed it is Captain, but I was not attacked, it was more a, -surprise encounter. I learned later, it was, -Lord Haddock, and his dragon, who I ran into…" His eyes went wide for a moment, he then knotted his brow.
"And the humongous beast that appeared in the fjord? That was…" He led.
"-A dragon also. He led her away from our shores, and back to his home. But please, Captain! Not many know of this. But it is essential to our mission here that it be known. It seems, the rumors you heard were not, -completely- false." He pondered this, -heavily. She continued. "They are intelligent, curious creatures, who are surprisingly gentle, at times. But dangerous if misunderstood. I must ask you and your officers to not act aggressively, should one show up. I know this will be difficult, knowing what we do, but what we know of them is wrong ! I have met Lord Haddocks' dragon up close, -personally. They are not what they seem." He was thinking -hard. Holding his chin in his fingers.
"This wouldna be easy, Majesty. From what I hear tell, this place is crawling wi' 'em! The men will be fearful, I canna say what might happen." He said.
"I know, Captain! I will be at hand. I'll be able to protect them, if something goes arwy. I ask you and your officers to trust my judgement in this." She told him earnestly. He considered for a moment.
"Your Highness, this is MY ship. And I am responsible for it, and everyone on board, including you, so if…" She cut him off.
"Excuse me, CAPTAIN! But I am the QUEEN! So, technically, this is MY ship! And i am EQUALLY responsible for EVERYTHING and EVERYONE on this ship! More so, if you think about it! If you don't like that, or if you don't think you can carry on with that fact. I can freeze you solid where you stand, OR, you can have a nice swim home!" His eyes went wide, then narrowed, glaring at her. She expected an angry outburst, she was ready. She glared right back at him. She imagined this may have been the first time in a long time anyone stood up to him, especially a woman.
His eyes twinkled, and his features softened fractionally. The corners of his mouth started to curl. He chuckled, which turned into a full-out laugh. She smiled back at him, a little smugly. He stood straight, throwing his head back, still laughing. After a few moments, wrangling his laughter, he brought a hand up wiping his eyes. He stood straight and bowed deeply.
"Of course Your Majesty! F'give me the impertinence!" He was still chuckling . She flashed him a smile.
"Not at all Captain! I understand your position, believe me, and I respect your opinion." He nodded once.
"Ya know, I had ma misgivins, 'bout ye comin wi' us. Ya know what sailors say 'bout women bein' on board…" She rolled her eyes.
"Well! It's a good thing I'm not a woman! I am THE QUEEN!" He laughed heartily. She couldn't help but join in.
"Very well your Highness! I'll speak wi' the men, tell them…" Just then there was a commotion on deck. Men shouting, running. They looked at each other for a split second, then made for the door. Men were running about following a small shape flying around the ship. it was squawking loudly, a sound she'd not heard before. It wasn't a bird though, she could only catch glimpses of it as it flew. A few of the men had crossbows at the ready. If it wasn't a bird, it must be…
"HOLD YOUR WEAPONS!" She shouted. A few of them looked at her incredulously. Whether because the orders came from her, or they saw the creature as a real threat, she couldn't say. "PUT THEM DOWN! -NOW!" She could tell they really didn't wish to raise her ire, but neither did they want to let the creature near. The Captain joined in.
"LOWER YER WEAPONS LADS! -DO AS SHE SAYS!" The men relaxed a bit. She looked up and caught a longer view of the animal. Definitely not a bird. It was about four feet long and had leathery wings, -no feathers. There were four short legs, one of which she could see had a cylindrical, -something attached to it. Hiccup had mentioned smaller dragons, -used as… messengers! She turned and ran alighting on the wheel deck.
She ordered the deck cleared. She followed the tiny dragons' flight which was somewhat erratic. The dragon seemed to notice her when she held up a hand. The little thing flitted towards her, then unceremoniously crashed onto the deck, sliding to a stop. The poor thing looked exhausted! She took a few tentative steps, talking to it soothingly. The dragon could only twitch its' wings. It let out a few short grunts. It appeared it couldn't even lift its' body to defend itself. She immediately took pity. She knelt down beside it, and reached out her hand.
"Your Highness! Be careful!" She held up a hand towards the voice, and scowled in that general direction.
"Hey little guy! You look so tired! Would you like to rest in my room?" The dragon lifted its' head slightly, and grunted. She placed her hand on its' head and gave a few gentle strokes. Then down its neck. It fidgeted a little, and growled. What did the trick, she found, was running her fingernails along its' back on either side of the spiny frill, and scratching. It let out an elongated version of its grunt, lidding its' eyes. She then gingerly scooped it up in her arms, and walked towards the stairs.
The men all backed off as she approached, except the Captain. He stood wide-eyed in wonder. He finally found his voice.
"Is that a, a… dragon?" She nodded.
"Lord Haddock spoke of smaller dragons they use as messengers. He called them Terrible Terrors." He nodded absently.
"So that thing on its' leg?"
"-Is probably a message from him, yes." She stood there as the men gawped, either at her, or the small creature in her arms. Lieutenant Staubb piped up.
"Awright you lot! Back te werk! Off wi' ye!" That pulled them out of their collective stupor. A few furtive glances were stolen across some shoulders. Some unintelligible muttering, but they all complied. She would address the crew herself later… She made it to her cabin, and went in. The Captain and his Lieutenant stopped respectfully at the door, she bid them come in. She laid the dragon gently on the bed and scratched its' back. It grunted once, and settled. She opened the container, and drew out the letter within. She opened it quickly. There were two sheets of parchment. One with a letter, another was a small map of what she guessed was the archipelago. It was hastily drawn, yet contained a surprising amount of detail. She read the letter…
My Love,
We have safely arrived on Berk. It was a rather interesting journey. The Bewilderbeast was pleasant company, and seemed to understand what we were doing for her. Toothless and I were even allowed to ride on her back for a time. She provided a few meals of fish, for which Toothless was very grateful.
The dragon you have there is a Terrible Terror. The ones I spoke to you of. His name is Sharpshot. He is my own personal messenger, and part of a small flock I call my own. They are not as smart as Toothless as a whole, but Sharpshot is very smart for his kind. He has a pleasant disposition, and is not prone to mischief, as so many of them are. They eat mostly fish, but are partial to rodents as well. We have not had a problem with them on Berk for many a long year.
After the battle with Dagur the Deranged, there were rumors of uniting all the islands into one large kingdom. It was not an idea I supported. When I left the archipelago, and even before, the rumors had started to surface again. One of my peers, an Heir, got into an argument with my council while I was away. Now it seems they may be scheming to either quell the idea before it can begin, or seek to keep themselves in power, if it happens. It is a potentially bad situation. And I fear unification will lead to conflict, and war. I also fear that with their dealings, behind my back, will only hasten one, or the other. Probably both, unless I mss my guess.
So you see, My Dear, you may arrive here in the middle of quite the political storm. I cannot, with a clear conscience, ask you to continue to Berk. I would tell you to return to Arendelle, and await my message telling you when it is safe. I would have you meeting the tribe under more happier circumstances. And, I would have you with me as soon as possible. But alas, this is how things are. If you choose to continue, I would suggest that we not reveal ourselves, nor you your powers, until I have successfully winnowed this conspiracy out. I am sure you understand the delicacy of such a situation.
I miss you terribly. I can't wait to see you once more. My mother says she cannot wait to meet you as well. I am sure my friends, and the people of Berk, will be happy to meet you. I am also certain my peers, the Heirs, and my allied Chieftains will welcome you with open arms. I look forward to the time where we can be a proper couple. I have come up with more ideas for gifts for you. I will try to find the time to fashion you a couple of trinkets, at least. You will find out when, or if, you arrive here. I am watching the horizon every day. And I keep my crystal, and you, always close to my heart.
With all the love I possess,
Hiccup
Her eyes stung. "Hiccup-" She sighed his name. It sounded like a huge mess for sure. She considered his request for her to return home, -for maybe a half-second. NO! This was THEIR future at stake here, and she would be damned if she did not have a say in it! It was all she could do not to march right up on deck and call up a winter gale to speed them along. Her love, her future husband was out there dealing with this, -without her! At least, she thought, he had help, and support. Reading between the lines, -friends, and allies, he'd said. It would be enough, and it wouldn't hurt to have a certain Snow Queen at his back as well…
She considered the map. Looking at it she recognized his work from the few times she had gotten a look at the journal he always seemed to have with him. Somewhat stylized, but a working map nonetheless. On it, were drawing of the islands. He had put notes on it identifying the tribes thereon, the Chiefs' names and whether it was an ally or not. Such strange names too! Meatheads -ally, Chief: Mogadon, Heir: Thuggory -childhood friend. Hopeless: -ally, Chief: Trófastr -childhood friend, -very skilled with dragons. BogBurgulars -ally, -A tribe made up entirely of fierce, sneaky women, -NO MEN ALLOWED!, Chief: Bertha, Heir: Camicazi -childhood friend. He had spoken the names briefly while in Arendelle, giving small insight to the politics therein. And here was a map, detailing the relationships more clearly. These were things she would need to know as Queen…
Her chest jolted. She was to be their Queen. Joined, with Hiccup, the mere thought of it made her feel warm and tingly. Which made her mind wander to more racier thoughts. Kissing him, touching him, -sharing herself with him… She blinked, and drew in a breath, calming herself. Such thoughts would do her no good at the moment. The Captain thankfully cleared his throat.
"My Queen? Is, is it good news?" He asked carefully. She sighed.
"Good, -and bad I'm afraid. Hiccup, -Lord Haddock has safely returned home. But there are stirrings of the political kind. I'm afraid our arrival may not be as well received as we might think." She frowned, thinking.
"We're with you, your Highness!" Mister Staubb brazenly spoke up. "Aye! And Lord Haddock too!" The Captain gave him an annoyed, sidelong glance, but nodded. She smiled inwardly. It seemed her future husband had already gained the support, and won some of the hearts of her people, without even trying. She was infinetly proud of him.
"Aye Your Highness! We'll fight wars for you, but the politics we'll leave to you. What do ya have in mind?" Heinz asked.
"I think we may have to hide the fact that I am a queen, and my powers from them all for a time. Merely a Noblewoman, an emissary, if you will, seeking a trade agreement with his people." She said. Her mind came up with a few other ideas. Politics were all about show, and winning minds to your cause. Doing it honestly was always preferable, but she could put on quite the show, if need be. She looked now at the dragon resting peacefully on her bed.
"Mister Staubb? Please retrieve a few small fish from the cooks. Sharpshot here needs to eat." He nodded.
"Yes Ma'am!" He left immediately.
"Captain? I will address the crew myself concerning the dragon. They need not fear him, but they need to be told not to threaten him. As far as this, -political matter, we shall talk of it again once I've thought it through. I think we have a couple of weeks more to plan?" He nodded.
"Aye Highness! At least! Unless, you're thinkna' conjuring up some more of tha wind…" She shook her head.
"No, I, -I just wanted to see him again as soon as possible, but I learned…" She regretted the words as soon as they came out. She mentally face-palmed herself. This was Annas' fault for the rambling, and Hiccups' fault for making her forget herself. She conjured up ideas for her revenge…
The Captain smiled at her fondly, and took a few steps forward. He put a hand out, but retracted. "Aye My Queen. I understand." He said softly. "There's more than a few what's vry happy for ye both. For ye ta have someone ye can trust…" She smiled back at him.
"Thank you Captain. Hiccup and I…" She paused, mentally berating herself for using his first name again in front of him like this. But, they were far from home. "We, -just. happened… He, he makes me feel like a person, not an object, or a prize to be obtained…" He smiled fondly at her and nodded. Mister Staubb returned with three small fish on a platter. He bowed and left. She nudged Sharpshot. He raised his head and gulped the fish down. He then returned to his nap. She and Captain Verschtop had a short discussion about her addressing the crew, and a few smaller matters. After which, He bowed respectfully and left.
She considered the map again. Her curiosity was piqued. There was a name, but nothing beside it. Berserkers, -?, -Heather? She recognized the tribal name. It was they against with they had battled. Did he just, defeat them, and left them to it? Leaderless? Did this, Heather have anything to do with it? Was she somehow connected to their leadership? And another… Outcasts, -? Chief: -Alvin, -WAS a friend of my father, and a member of the tribe long ago, -seems to change alliances with his socks, -definitely not FOR us, -not ENTIRELY against us. So many questions, with no clear answers…
Another week passed. But it had been filled with learning about the tiny dragon that somehow managed to steal her heart. It had been a rough start. He was so curious. He spent the first day or so recovering, but after that, he was up and about. Exploring the ship. He made short work of the pests that were on board. Much to the delight of the cooks, and everyone else. A few instances of misunderstanding, and getting underfoot at the wrong time had led to scorched eyebrows, and canvas. She was able to quell tempers and fears, and also a few fires. All had been well after that.
And Sharpshot was just so sweet! He seemed to sense her melancholy. He always would want to cuddle when she was feeling bad. Or on one occasion, when she'd had a dressing down of an officer, he perched on her shoulder, and showed his disdain as well. He had even brought her the occasional fish, which would signal the crew to break out their fishing gear to supplement the ships' stores. She marveled at it all, and couldn't help the feeling that this was just the tip of the iceberg, so to speak.
It was with a heavy heart that she sent him away. She needed to get a message to Anna. She knew she'd be worried for her. And she'd had another idea of how to help Hiccup in his trouble. She needed more words from him, but Anna would need to hear from her as well. With their approach to Berk, it would somewhat negate the need to send a message there. And if Hiccup needed to, he could send another Terror.
"-Hiccup" She breathed his name. She ached in her heart to be with him again. She needed to be at his side, helping him through whatever mess he was going through. She could only imagine. She had thankfully not been through anything like this before. Not when your kingdom was at stake, or possibly, your very lives. She felt only a modest parallel with their dealings with Mister-of-the-Southern-Isles. He had deceived them sure, but it was one person over the kingdom. Here, Hiccup had his council whom was supposed to be trustworthy, with only their own kingdoms' interest in mind. Were twisting that trust, trying to keep themselves in power, or to broker a better deal, mostly for themselves.
It always never worked out. Especially for the instigators. If they managed to keep their lives, they lived out their days in shame and ridicule. She had read the first-hand accounts of such. Some of her neighbors had unfortunately had this happen as well. It was an important part of her training to spot the signs, and act accordingly. The mere thought of a public servant abusing the trust put in them sparked her anger. The Gods help them if anything happens to Hiccup, or any of his own, before she got there! She vowed it wouldn't be a pretty sight when she was through!
A thought occurred to her, and she couldn't help but chuckle at the irony of it. Hiccup had come to her country, disguised as a common person, to get away from the bustle, and pressures of ruling. A chance encounter, and a stumble, had turned both their worlds upside-down. He had disguised himself to protect his friend, a dragon. Here she was, traveling to his country. Disguising who she was, all to protect and help him possibly establish a kingdom, or save it. He had come out of his self-imposed hiding to save her honor. She imagined she would have to do the same, before it was all over. Unlike the dragon, she could move about freely, all under the guise of diplomacy, all the while gaining support. She planned to do just that!
She was on the wheel deck, enjoying a cup of tea, when the lookout spotted land. They had been sailing for a while without having any to break up the monotony of it all. She and the captain had gone over the map, and were headed for a spot that Hiccup had marked on both maps. It was curiously named The Rookery. She guessed what it meant, and had initially thought to avoid the spot. Hiccup had taken the time to mark it on both of the maps she held. He thought it significant, and she couldn't help but think that meant something as well. It was, after all, along the most direct route he'd drawn. Perhaps, it was his affinity for dragons. She thought, in the end, it bore at least to sail within sight of it.
She and the Captain, and every man who was not on watch moved to the port rail. The Captain called for his glass, which came promptly. Some of the officers pulled out their own glasses, and were looking in the same direction. All she could see was a dark patch on the horizon. Smoke or steam rising from it. And something else seemed to be escaping from it as well. But she couldn't see!
After a few moments the Captain drew his glass from his eye. He looked at her somewhat grimly. She could hear exclamations from some of the men. He handed the glass to her. She put it to her eye, and after gaining her bearings, found the island in her view. She saw the island itself was nothing more than a rocky outcrop. Mostly flat, not very tall, not very large, and with little or no vegetation. There was indeed steam and smoke rising from it. But the one thing that caught her eye, was the, -other things rising from it: Dragons!
She took the glass from her eye, and looked at the Captain. He was still looking at her grimly, but his eyes softened slightly. It dawned on her that while she was in wonder of it all, he was concerned for the ship and the safety of the crew. He merely nodded and turned, speaking under his breath to everyone who had a glass to their eye. She brought the glass to her eye, and looked again.
She could make out shapes, and to a lesser extent, colors. These dragons were much larger than Sharpshot. Whether they were bigger than Toothless, she couldn't exactly say. She saw long necks, and horns. Some with just two legs, some with four. One with a single horn on the end of its' nose, and a frill of spines atop its head. And the colors! Blues, yellows, greens, and reddish-orange. Some even seemed to sparkle, while others seemed to reflect a rainbow of color.
She took the glass from her eye, and looked around. The Captain stood there, the other officers standing in a half-circle around her. They looked expectant, as if she was going to say something.
"Gentlemen? It seems we are even closer to our destination!" She said brightly. The Captain took a few steps forward, hands behind his back. He lowered his voice.
"Your Highness? those, -animals out there… there's a lot of them…" He started. She understood, and lowered her own voice.
"My order still stands! Especially now! We must not act aggressively! My powers will protec…" He cut her off, Her anger started to bubble forth. Only one man was allowed to do that! And he was not here!
"My Queen! One small dragon is one thing, Those out there, they're much larger! Just one of those is enough… is…" He trailed off, looking over her head. His eyes narrowed, then widened. His mouth dropped open slightly. He then closed it, eyes growing wider.
"One of those… is headed this way…" Her blood chilled. She spun around looking towards the sky. There was a shape growing larger, floating in their direction. A mild panic started to set in. The men were pointing, a few started to shout. "What is that?" "It's headed this way!" She took a calming breath. A vision of Hiccup, Toothless, and Sharpshot entered her mind. Were it not for Hiccup, she would have been terrified of Toothless. And little Sharpshot… after realizing his true nature, her initial trepidation vanished. This would be no different, she felt.
As it got closer, she could make out more details. A single horn curved from the end of its' nose, which, on closer inspection, resembled a beak, like a birds'. It had a row of spikes standing upright at the top of its' head, creating a deadly frill. It was definitely larger than Toothless. Two seemingly powerful legs ended in long, sharp claws. Two shorter, hooked claws extended from the joints on its' wings. Looking again, she decided its' wingspan wasn't that much larger than Toothless'. It got closer still, She noticed the tail. While Toothless had two fins on the end of it, this one had none. It was covered with a curious layer of scales. Much larger than the rest that covered its' body.
It dropped lower, and started to make a lap around the ship. She followed it. She noticed its' color. It was a particularly beautiful shade of purple. Interspersed with blue. There was a spackling of yellow scales, along with a darker blue along with it. The dragon squawked loudly. That's when she noticed the teeth. Sticking up from its' lower jaw. As it turned, its scales reflected the rainbow in a colorful iridescence. Were it not for the mens' fear, and a little of her own, she would think it quite a beautiful dragon… Deadly, but beautiful.
As it made its' way around the front of the ship, she looked down. She could see no weapons drawn. Thank the Gods! The men were crouched behind the rail. Except for a few, who were looking at the creature in awe and wonder. She made a mental note to find out who they were, and talk to them later. She noticed the officers were still on the deck with her. She ordered them off. The only one left was the poor man at the helm. Perkins! That was his name! She took a few steps, standing right next to him. He looked at her with much trepidation. She smiled brightly.
"Don't worry Mister Perkins! I'll be right here!" His fear abated slightly, he gave a weak smile and a nod.
The dragon came around the other side of the ship. She took a calming breath, -in, then -out. She willed a bit of her magic up. Not enough to show, but enough to be ready, just in case. It came around the rear of the ship and hovered. Twisting its' head one way, then the other. She noticed its' eyes. Yellow, with a slit in the center. It seemed to widen as it looked at her. She held a hand up, palm out. It looked at her with one eye, then the other. It moved forward slowly. Another look with each of its' eyes, and with not much more ado, landed on the deck in front of her.
The ship shuddered slightly from the weight. It spread its' wings and tilted its' head skyward. It shook its' head and wings, which were then folded along its' sides. She dropped her hand, clasping the other a little nervously in front of her. It squawked twice, then turned its' head and looked at her from her head to her feet. the pupil of its' eye widened, then narrowed as it did. Its' tail curled over the top of its' body. She caught the flexing of those curious scales. She realized they were not scales, but spines. They looked VERY sharp! She looked upon the creature close up, from its' tail to its' head and then, its' feet. She decided it was indeed a very beautiful dragon. The fact it was one of her favorite colors MAY have helped her decision… a little. She calmed herself.
"My! Look at YOU! Aren't YOU the pretty one!" She said. Its' eyes lidded slightly. Then shook its' head. Was it… preening? Amazing! She continued.
"And look at your scales! So clean! And your tail! Well! I can't even begin to describe how wonderful it looks!" It let out a few chirps, and a squawk. It then shook its' whole body. This was… Incredible! Taking a bit of courage, she took a couple of small steps forward. She brought her hand back up, remembering her second meeting with Toothless.
"I haven't seen a more beautiful dragon than you!" It was the truth, given her experience was limited. But the dragon didn't know that.
"You are simply… Amazing!" The dragon cooed, then chirped. It ducked its' head under a wing, preening a little. The head came back out, then turned to the side. It was looking at her, its' pupil was wide. She stopped within a half-arms reach.
"You are -Gorgeous! May I… Would you like for me to give you a, -a scratching?" She remembered Hiccups' words. She held the hand up, and turned her head away slightly.
She had only moved a small bit before she felt warm scales on her hand. The dragon purred and cooed. She ran her hands along its' jaw. She scratched. The purring intensified. She scratched along her jaw, making her way to the neck. She felt immediately relieved and elated, all at the same time. She sent a silent thanks to Hiccup. The dragon lidded its' eyes, in obvious contentment. She couldn't believe it! This was incredible! Anna would be sooo jealous if she could see her now! The dragon opened its' mouth slightly. A forked tongue came out, and licked her front. Her heart swelled. Sharpshot had stolen her heart, but what she felt for this dragon was entirely different. It was something she couldn't describe, not easily. She felt, -connected to it, it was odd, but wonderful! She did the only thing she felt was right. She retracted a little, then wrapped her arms around its' head, hugging her. The dragon cooed, moving its' head slightly up and down. A lump formed in her throat, she couldn't explain why. Not in a million years…
She took a half-step back and took the dragons' chin in her hands. She lifted, looking the dragon in the eyes.
"Hulda! Would, would you like that name? Hulda?" She seemed to consider for a mere second, she then squawked loudly, and chirped. She then rose and stretched her whole body. Head, neck, wings, legs, and tail. She gave a shake, then settled on her haunches, curling her tail around her. She lidded her eyes, looking very content.
She turned and looked behind her. The men were slowly rising from their cowering. Each taking courage from the other. The ones who hadn't, were still staring in awe, either at Hulda, or her, or both. She recognized one as a cooks' assistant. "Mister Jenkins? Please bring me some fish!" She turned back and considered the dragon. She amended her request. "Big ones!"
The next number of days were a whirlwind. She was somewhat surprised to come up on deck the next morning to find the dragon curled upon itself, sleeping soundly. It woke when she came near. Rising on its' legs, stretching, and squawking at her twice. She almost found herself slapping herself in disbelief. It was as if Hulda was saying "Good Morning!" Asking some of the officers, they reported she stirred a few times during the night, but made no trouble. Some of the men had a little trouble standing their watch at the ships' helm. One of the officers who had not cowered at the sight of her, Lieutenant Vorstapp, was ever at Huldas' side, when Elsa herself was not. Hulda seemed to approve of him. He made the introductions, as the men came to stand their watches.
She had, on more than one occasion, been looking idly at the horizon, or the men perform their duties, when she felt some -thing picking at her hair. When she turned, she found Hulda putting stray hairs back in place, or smoothing her clothing. Her dragon was, -preening her? She now had a several-thousand-pound, -handmaiden? She chuckled at the thought. She then scoffed, HER dragon? But she couldn't help but feel something for her, deeper than you would a dog, or a cat. And the way the dragon looked at her sometimes, and greeted her in the mornings, or -preened her. She also couldn't help the feeling that she, -belonged to Hulda as much as Hulda belonged to her.
She thought in that moment, of Hiccup and Toothless. Then her conversation with him after their encounter at her ice palace. The guilt started washing over her again, as she now understood what she had asked of Hiccup. She could no more send Hulda away than she could her own sister. Her insides twisted. She felt a nudge at her arm, and just like Sharpshot it seemed, Hulda could, -sense when she felt sad, or stressed. It was an incredible feeling that bloomed in her chest. She offered the dragon a bright smile, and a very heartfelt Thank You.
There were a few more moments where an officer standing within her reach, came under her tender attention. Elsa couldn't help but laugh behind her hand… mostly… She would straighten a hat, a waistcoat, or a button, to varying degrees of spluttering. The Captain, or Lieutenant Vorstapp, who were cool and aloof, -most professional-, would melt, offering Hulda chin and jaw scratches, and a wide smile.
Then came another incident two days later. Elsa and the captain noticed a somewhat worrying number of shadows passing nearby. Shapes floating in the air overhead. They couldn't be certain, but she felt they were dragons. Hulda would occasionally cast an eye skyward, but would only rustle a bit, and settle, unconcerned. There was a shout, then another…"DRAGON! Starboard beam!" She ran to the rail. There was a shape out there, growing closer. Hulda squawked. She was watching the shape too, first with one eye, then the other. As it got closer she could make out four horns on its' head. A snake-like neck. It appeared to be slightly larger than Hulda. She worried a little. Hulda squawked three more times. She looked, and the dragon had risen to its' full height, and had spread her wings. Her tail was arched over her head, the curious scales flexing. She then shook her head, squawked twice, then grunted.
The advancing dragon slowed, then stopped. It hovered about three-quarters of a mile away. It let out a roar of its' own. Hulda let out an ear-splitting screech, then another grunt, then two squawks. She shook her head and wings. Her pupils were narrowed as she eyed the other dragon, who seemed to think better of his approach. He then flew off in another direction, away from them. Hulda then screeched again, squawked, and chirped. She then folded her wings at her side, and settled on her haunches. If she didn't know any better, Elsa could swear she looked… proud of herself! She then noticed the silence. The only sound to be heard was the splashing and gurgling of the water against the hull, and the wind in her ears. ALL of the men were looking at the dragon in awe.
Later in the evening, after the meal, the crew started approaching the dragon. One here, one there. Soon, there was a line formed across the deck. The men, nearly all of them, were offering her small bits of fish, or sweets, which she gladly accepted. They apparently were feeling as she did. Hulda had saved them from a nasty fight, and possibly, a watery grave.
Then came possibly one of the saddest days in her life. It was three days after the dragon incident. It had started well enough. It was clear, with a good strong wind. Hulda had greeted her happily. She was getting used to it. Indeed! It was something she began to look forward to, and, -need when she got up in the morning. Almost as much as her coffee!
The crew had warmed to her as well. When the men came to take their turn at the helm, they would to a man, offer her at least a fond scratching. Many brought her treats as well. And that morning, she made it a point to preen every person she came in contact with, or came close enough to. She was especially attentive to her. Preening her almost constantly, when she wasn't nudging her, asking to be scratched. Elsa felt compelled to respond in kind. She couldn't wait for Sharpshot to come back. She wanted to lord it over Anna and Rapunzel that she had a dragon of her own now.
This brought other thoughts to bear. She recalled Rapunzels' letter, describing what it felt like to ride Toothless. She had wanted to try to climb on Huldas' back and give it a try. But she felt it would probably be best to wait. Hiccup would give her proper instruction. And that brought a flood of thoughts to her mind. And all manner of tingly sensations as she imagined riding behind him. Her arms around his waist, clinging to him as his body moved against her. His warmth against her front. Or he behind her, embracing her from behind. Warm and strong against her back. Flying to a secluded meadow, or clearing, and having a picnic. And napping afterwards clinging to his side.
She was snapped out of her reverie when Hulda stood, flexing her wings and chirping. She turned her head side to side, then squawked. She nuzzled Elsa, then raised her head sniffing. She squawked twice, then chirped. Hulda nuzzled her again, and licked her. She could tell Hulda was trying to communicate with her. But about what, she couldn't know. She shifted her weight from one leg to the other, then leapt into the sky, flapping her wings. She hovered, turning to look at her once more. Hulda squawked twice, then chirped twice, then flew off.
Her insides sank as she watched her fly away. Yet, she felt, -no, she knew… she knew she would see her again. And it would be soon. She and the Captain had been over the map this morning. They couldn't be much more than three days out from Berk. She sent a silent prayer along with the dragon. Find Hiccup! And please, PLEASE! Tell him I am almost with him! There was a time she would think it preposterous. But after all, Hiccup had sent Sharpshot after her, and he had found her. Hulda couldn't talk, but she hoped that somehow Hiccup would know she was near.
That was yesterday. She looked out over the water. The horizon was empty again, save for the sun which was about to fall below it. She sighed. -Hiccup- It was a whisper on her lips. A longing in her heart. Hopefully to be quenched very soon. She prayed with all her heart that at least their first meeting would be a happy one for them both. To have even a few brief, stolen moments with him before all Hel broke loose. To tell him how much she loved him, to embrace him once more, to kiss him with all the passion she held. The Gods be merciful, it would be enough. Something to hold onto fiercely, until the time where they could at last be together. Out in the open, joined, forever…