Disclaimer: I do not own How to Train Your Dragon, nor Frozen. Stories and Characters property of Dreamworks/Cressida Cowell and Disney...

Epilogue 4

ROOAAAARRR!

The little girl screamed and started running for her life across the field. The terrifying monster gave chase. She thought to intervene…

WahhhRRRRRR! She screamed again, and started weaving this way and that. Trying to throw the beast off her track. There was a stirring on either side of her.

+Is she serious? -Is he?+

~Ughhh! We…That is utterly disgusting! -And insulting!~

"Shush you two!" The bundle in her lap stirred as well. She placed a gentle hand on it. The monster bellowed again. Ooooh! It almost had her! The girl started running in circles around it confusing it. Her long silver hair was twisting and curling. The way it caught the sunlight was almost magical…

~Uhh! I mean, -how can she possibly feel threatened by something like that! Those teeth! They would hardly break the skin!~

+And claws? -You call those claws? I'll show you some claws!+ She sent a frosty glare to either side of her. Her two companions were appropriately cowed for the moment.

"You'll do nothing! She must learn somehow..." And she was. After turning several circles around it, she darted away from behind the monster, hiding behind a bush. Good! The beast turned -confused, and started stalking around, sniffing.

"RAAAWRRR! Where did you go? WHERE ARE YOU HIDING? I WILL FIND YOU!"

~Ugh! -We sound nothing like that!~

+If it's really going to eat her, -may I have whatever's left over?+ She sent another chilling look, along with a large snowball in the direction of the voice. He merely opened his jaws and chomped it, looking rather smug.

+Why thank you! But you have to be much, much faster than that!+ She scowled, and couldn't help the curl of her mouth...Someday...The bundle in her lap stirred again, giving a tiny grunt. She started kneading the bundle gently with her fingers.

Her first pregnancy had gone well. -Better than most she had been told. And the images and thoughts of Ruffnuts' pregnancy and delivery were not lost on her. She had been a bit worried upon finding out she was with child, but as the months wore on, she became increasingly confident that it would all turn out.

And Hiccup was there with her the whole time. He had been very attentive, seeing to her swollen, sore feet and ankles, and her wildest cravings. Which included tiny fish in a special sauce that was only available at Uglythug Island...All the way across the archipelago from them. He even put up with her horrible 'mood swings', which had led her to chasing him out of their hall on more than one occasion...

~Oh look! It has disturbed your hatchling! Let me go over and eat him!~ She nearly burst out laughing.

"NO! -Just wait..." The monster had made it to the bush and was stomping and sniffing around, searching for its' prey...And good! She was managing to keep the bush between them. She crept around quietly, but...Oh no! A hand came to her mouth as she giggled. While it was incredibly cute, -it did give away her position...The monster was upon her in seconds. She darted away weaving this way, and that. She wasn't quite quick enough, and the beast a little too smart. It manged to anticipate her moves and...OH NO! IT HAD HER! It swooped in and scooped the little girl in it's arms. He tossed her in the air flipping her on her back, then caught her. She was done for! The strong, sinewy arms coiled around her. She squealed and giggled, her face turning red.

"RAHHHH! Now I have you! NOW I SHALL EAT YOU! RAHHH NOM, Nom-nom-nom!" She flailed her arms, pushed against his head, -but to no avail…She was being eaten alive by the monster! He pushed his nose and chin into the childs' belly, feasting on the tender flesh.

He stopped his meal after a few moments, and relaxed his grip on the child. She couldn't see his face, but she knew. That look he was giving her. It was much the same look he'd given her many times. -But this was different, and it would be burned into her memory forever...The first time he held his little girl...It had made her pregnancy and delivery worth it.

She could feel him smile. He pressed the child to his chest, and kissed her lovingly on the temple. He set her down and straightened her clothes. She bounced away from him…

"Papa! Again! Again!" He held up his hands.

"Just a moment, Asta!" He walked over and they locked eyes. Gods! It was like looking up into a clear, moonless night, with the stars shining brightly. He smiled and turned, plopping himself somewhat unceremoniously next to her. -And before she could blink, he pecked her on the cheek. She protested.

"Ahhh! Help! I'm being attacked by a ferocious monster! Whatever shall I do!?" He smiled that smile and leaned in. Her body shuddered as he nuzzled her ear. His voice low and gravelly.

"Feel my power, -and deal with it!" He pulled away and straightened, sticking his fists in his waist. He puffed out his chest and lifted his chin.

"Yes! Look upon me and despair! This mighty beast! -Who just slew a four-year-old!" She burst out laughing. Unfortunately, it caused the bundle nestled in the crook of her leg to stir. It cooed and grunted, then whined. Hiccup reached in and took him. He held the child to his chest, and peeled away part of the blanket he was swaddled in. His reddish-auburn hair caught the sunlight. It almost glowed like fire. The child blinked and looked up. As soon as he recognized his fathers' face he stilled and smiled.

"Hey little buddy! -I'm sorry, Mama and Papa were playing around again!" She smiled and leaned in, resting her chin on Hiccups' shoulder. Her left arm roped around his waist. Her right hand went for the childs' chest.

"Hello Stoic! Did you have a nice nap?" The babys' eyes were focused on his father, but upon hearing her voice, turned his attention to her. He smiled. And….Was that? -Was that...Hiccups' smile? She mentally face-palmed herself. Oh Gods! She was in sooo much trouble! This child...This child would be spoiled rotten...She just knew it! I mean, -how could she possibly resist that?

Her second pregnancy...well. It's not that there were complications...But it seemed nothing she did would ease her discomfort. Sitting, walking, sleeping...She was always uncomfortable, and it seemed as if she would swing from being mildly miserable to completely miserable...Sometimes in the span of just a few minutes…

She carried little Stoic to term, and he was born healthy. The kingdoms, both of them, celebrated the births. Here in the archipelago, it lasted a whole week! They had spoken of another child, but they were perfectly content right now. -And she was sure they weren't entirely finished with their mission yet. But Gods willing, there would be at least one more…

Hiccup turned his head and kissed her on the forehead. She tilted her head, and they shared a lingering kiss. They broke apart and she rested her head against his chest. A shadow appeared not long after. She turned her head and saw little Asta standing before her. A mischievous grin on her face. Oh Gods! She thought, She's half me, and half her father...It could be anything…

She'd been born with her silver hair. -Much like her own, but different somehow. And her eyes had been deep blue, but now they seemed to be changing to a slate blue or gray. -Almost like her hair. And while she hadn't shown any signs yet, they had both gone to her room as she fussed late at night, and she had been cold to the touch. They kept a watchful eye on her, and Elsa made a solemn vow to not let history repeat itself.

Asta smiled, and after a moment brought her hands around. She held a small bouquet of wildflowers. She beamed at her.

"Look Mama! I pickeded these for you!" She took them and brought them to her nose. It smelled heavenly! Honeysuckle and violet, and lavender. Asta smiled again and turned around. She plopped herself in her lap. She wrapped her arms around her and hugged her tightly. She kissed her hair.

"Thank you sweetheart! They're so very lovely!" She gave a squeeze and released her. Asta straightened her dress. Stoic gave a tiny grunt and a whine. Hiccup tilted him a little more upright. Asta turned her body and craned her neck a little.

"Hello baby Stoic!" A soon as he recognized his sister, his face lit up in a gummy smile. She waggled her head and made faces at him. His smile grew wider, and his arms and legs tried their hardest to wiggle out of his swaddling. She smiled and tilted her head. She caught Hiccups eyes in that moment. He smiled, hers grew wider. They leaned in as one, and shared a loving kiss. A familiar warmth spread through her body…

-Yes, what once was fire and the giddiness of new exploration had changed some. What was once heat and dragon fire and learning had settled into comfortable flames. Like the fire in their own hearth. It was each of their favorite way of reconnecting. Their duties kept them apart most of the time. And adding to that raising children...Well, there wasn't as much time for themselves as they'd had before. Still, they made it a point of spending at least two days out of the month for themselves...Just to themselves...Many times, they just slept in. Other times...Well…

-And their missions had helped a little in that regard too. They'd be gone for weeks. And although they were technically working, it was just the two of them. Roughing it on the road. They'd been out twice the year Asta was born, and four times the year after. In all, they'd been out a dozen times. -And they were about to go out once more, -if she read the signs right…

"Mama? Do I really have to go to Awendew?" She smiled and drew her closer.

"I'm afraid so, precious..." Asta sighed heavily.

"But I want to stay wif Toofwess and Howda! Why can't I stay wif Gramma?" Hiccup chimed in.

"Now Asta, we've talked about this...You're a princess...If you're going to be Queen one day, you have to know a lot of things. Sometimes, that means traveling to other places...Learning how different people live." She nodded.

"Gramma, -hasn't been feeling well lately. -And your Auntie Anna will need help if her baby comes while we're gone..." Elsa told her. Valka had been getting around a little slowly, especially in the mornings. She hadn't complained, but she and those closest to her could tell. They had agreed that chasing after a child would do her no good. And while there was no shortage of people willing to look after their children, they felt it best that she experience both of their worlds. Which reminded her…

"You know if you do go, you'll be able to see Ashleigh, and Tyler again..." Rapunzel and Eugenes' children. They had bonded quickly. Their third child was on the way, although it was still early. Anna wasn't due for a number of weeks yet, -but that didn't mean the baby wouldn't come early…

"And besides, Toothless and Hulda will be coming with us." Hiccup said. Asta huffed.

"But Stoic gets to stay, why can't I?" She folded her arms across her chest. She had to bite her lip. She looked so like her father when he was being stubborn. Hiccup continued.

"Because Stoic is just a baby...You...You are the big sister! -You are nearly old enough to have your own dragon...And not long after that, you'll be riding! Coming with us means you'll learn even more about them!" She seemed to consider this. She had one more idea that might push her over the edge…

"-And don't forget, your Auntie Anna is an expert in all things chocolate..." She raised the pitch of her voice on that last word. That did the trick. She didn't say so, but her manner seemed to change a bit. Asta stood, and brushed the grass off her dress. She looked over to where their dragons were napping. She twisted towards Hiccup.

"Papa? Will we see any dwagons on the way?" He tilted his head slightly, thinking…

"I, -I don't know...Maybe..." They hadn't, but that didn't mean they weren't out there. She looked at her father confidently, back straight.

"If we do, I want to train it!" He smiled, so very proud of her. She got an idea.

"Train it? You couldn't even escape from a slow dragon! It got you and ate you just now! And yet, there's another dragon creeping up on you..." Asta turned and looked across the field. This way and that. She rose up on her knee.

"Where? I don't see it!" She raised her hands and turned them into claws.

"Right...HERE! RAHHHHHH!" Asta spun around, her eyes wide. She shrieked and started running. She gave chase.

"RAAAHHH! ROAAAAHHHHH!" She giggled and screamed, twisting this way and that. Her long silver-blonde hair catching the sunlight…She stopped...She didn't know why…But this place, -this...She had been here before...Or had seen...She looked across the field, The sun shone brightly, the green of the grass contrasting with the cliff face. -The boulders strewn about. She turned and looked towards the treeline...Two, -no…Three tiny points of light...Like sunlight catching on armor...They flashed, then they were gone…

It hit her like Thors' lightning...Her vision! It seemed like so long ago, now she remembered! She had been shown this! It, -it was her own daughter she had been chasing...She had hoped all along, but she couldn't know...She looked around again, her throat closed up, -chest tightening. Her eyes came down. Her daughter was looking at her, puzzling.

"Mama?" She chanced a glance at Hiccup. He was holding the baby against his chest. A bit of worry in his eyes. She blinked and shook her thoughts…

"I'm sorry darling, -it's nothing..." Her eyes flitted to Hiccup. His lips were drawn in a line. -She would tell him later...She crossed an arm across her waist and drew her hand up. She tapped her cheek with a finger.

"Now, -where were we...Oh, Yes...RAAAHHHHH!"

oooo0000oooo

BRAAHHHHEEEE!

Finally! -Some progress! They'd been traveling for weeks! And hunting for a couple more. The dragons had caught its' scent four days ago. They nearly caught up with it the other day. It seemed to be staying in one area. -And there...Between the clouds! A flash of white scales...Toothless and Hiccup gave chase…

They had traveled east. Farther than she or Hiccup had ever ventured...Farther than she'd ever dreamed! They had crossed Europa in three days. Beyond that were miles and miles of burning sands, interrupted by an occasional river, fed by distant mountains. They had then ventured in to hot, steamy forests before heading slightly north. They had to skirt a huge mountain range that was simply too high to fly over. Many of the peaks had snow covering them, despite the season.

And although they tended to stay away, the people changed as they went. Dark skinned, dark haired people of the...Desert...She had know were called Percians. She had only ever seen one once before. The dark skinned people remained until they started to travel north. There, the people were lighter-skinned, their faces rounder...And their eyes, It seemed they were looking through two slits in their heads.

The dragon screeched again. She needed to focus. The boys would chase, -their job was to follow and make sure their quarry didn't escape high. All of a sudden there was an orange flash below them. She heard Toothless yelp. She tried to focus, -focus in the direction...She heard Hiccup yell, just before another orange flash...Directed at them! Hulda rolled, avoiding the blast easily. It was then she saw it…

It was like nothing she had seen, although, it looked like a Screaming Death. Its' head...It had a long snout. The scales on its' nose resembled a beard. Hair or fur surrounded its' head. It had two ridged horns curling out of the back of its' head. It reminded her of Terrible Terror horns...Horns which were...Barreling towards them! Hulda screeched loudly, and shot a burst of flame at it. She squawked.

~Calm! Please! Calm yourself!~ The dragon roared. It didn't have wings! It merely seemed to curl itself through the air...And it could change direction very quickly! But it didn't seem too fast. In a blink the white dragon reversed direction and headed towards the ground. Hulda squawked again.

~Calm! We will not harm you!~

"Hiccup?" She shouted. "It's headed your way!" She heard Toothless call. They were a short distance away, and closing. Hulda folded her wings but held back a little. She understood what needed done. She stopped just below the clouds. The boys flew in from the side. The white stopped and hung in mid-air. It turned and opened its' mouth. A ball of blue light shot from it. Toothless rolled and screeched. He released his own shot at the dragon.

+Calm! We do not wish to harm you!+ The blast shook it, but it was only stunned a little. It roared again. She made a faint connection...Fear! Hurt! Protect! Protect...Cháoxué! It took off away from them. Fear! Humans! Humans kill! Humans -take! So, they were the problem? -Not the dragons...Maybe there was another way…Hiccup and Toothless renewed the chase.

"Please stop!" She cried. "We will not hurt you! Calm yourself! -We wish to speak with you!" The white seemed to pause briefly, it suddenly reversed itself twice, then took off in another direction. She drew in a breath, hissing through her teeth as the boys narrowly missed a collision.

::Báowō! Báowō! Súlóng Protect báowō!:: Hulda tilted her head.

~I...She may have a nest nearby...~ She? She called out…

"Hiccup? Don't lose her! There may be a nest!"

+WE won't!+ Why that little...The boys looped around. She and Hulda turned, keeping high in the air. They would be able to spot her from here...Súlóng twisted and writhed, then started rising. Up, up she came. Hulda slowed, it seemed Súlóng...She disappeared behind a tiny cloud until she popped up right in front of them. Hulda stopped, hovering. Súlóng seemed to consider them for a moment. She had piercing blue eyes...There were two appendages attached to her snout at the front. They reminded her of cats' tails, the way they seemed to curl on their own. They were very long... Súlóng then frowned. Her lips pulled back into a snarl. She only had a blink in time to react…

Súlóngs' mouth opened, a huge ball of blue light shot out of her mouth. Her hands instantly came up, ice shooting out. She felt the impact. Through her arms to her shoulders. It pushed but she held...Three, four...The ball dissipated in a pop. Súlóng considered her for a bit longer, frowning. Then, her expression changed...Was that...Worry? -Fear? She dropped one of her hands, the other she continued to hold out to her.

"Please! We only wish to speak..." Súlóng hung there for a half-breath longer, then closed her eyes. She felt a heart-rending anguish coming from her. She turned, then dropped out of the sky. She started making her way to a mountain peak. They went after her, but they were only following. Súlóng sped up, Hiccup called from down below.

"Do you have her?" Hulda shook her head and squawked.

~Yes WE do!~ She placed a hand on Huldas' neck. Hulda turned her head slightly.

~Thank you for saving me!~ She gave her a fond pat and scratched.

"Of course! -My brave girl!" She chirped and shook her head. She felt her whole body shiver from her attentions. The boys dropped back a little further, settling in to an easier pace. She looked down just as Hiccup looked up. They shared a warm smile. Súlóng continued forward, when all of a sudden, she swung out and disappeared to the left behind a crag. Hulda squawked and folded her wings, trading a bit of altitude for speed…They rounded the crag, -and there! About two-thirds the way up the mountainside was a cave. She and Hulda swung around right...There was a small ledge...She wasn't sure if…

"Hiccup! -There!" She pointed. Hiccup nodded. Toothless drew up and hovered for a moment. He then rose and tucked in his wings, diving into the entrance. She reached around, and grabbed her staff. Holding on to the saddle, Hulda dropped. The shelf was less than ten feet across at its' widest point. Her feet touched down, but she lost her balance a little. She lifted, then hovered for a breath. As soon as her feet touched, she leapt out of the saddle, landing in a crouch. She entered the cave. Hulda twisted sideways a little, then followed her in.

The tunnel was about twenty feet across. She could hear a soft shuffling, and Toothless' claws against the rock ahead. Hiccups' uneven footfalls...She had gone about forty feet when there was an ear-splitting roar, and a burst of orange light. Toothless screeched and roared. She rounded a slight bend in the tunnel. It opened up into a space. Toothless' wings were splayed. Hiccup stood just behind him. The floor and part of the wall ahead was burning. It sent a clear message...Go no further!

The space was about fifty feet tall, and a hundred or so deep. Súlóng stood at the other end, glaring menacingly. Her eyes...They seemed to be glowing red...Or were they just reflecting the firelight? There were a few moments of tense silence. Súlóng raised her head and drew in a breath, she barely had time to react...She tapped her staff on the floor. Ice shot out, and formed a wall between them, all the way to the ceiling, -as a stream of fire burst forth from her mouth. Toothless screeched.

+HOLD!+ The orange glow on the other side dissipated. She waved a hand and was met by a blast of heated air as the wall disappeared. Hulda squawked.

~PLEASE! -CALM! -We will not harm you!~ Súlóngs' eyes flit from one to the other. She snarled.

::Humans! Humans Kill! -You, -you are slaves!:: Hulda chirped indignantly.

~NO! These humans...They are companions!~ Her head rose slightly, tilting. It was if she didn't…

+Com...Comrades!+ Toothless piped in. Hiccup had drawn his flaming sword, but now extinguished it. He held up a hand, and took a few tiny steps forward.

"Yes! We are friends! We are friends of all kinds of dragons!" Súlóng straightened, and sniffed a few times.

~We were sent by the Bright Ones!~ Súlóng sniffed, then snarled…

::Bright...Ones?:: Toothless huffed.

+The Creators? The ones that control this world?+ Súlóng seemed to nod, then lowered her head. She sniffed a few more times turning to Hiccup, then her. She herself took a few small steps.

"We have been tasked, to take the dragons, and lead them to the safe place beyond this world!" She straightened again and sniffed. Her head rose, she could see her body shift to the left. She didn't notice her short legs until now...Súlóng turned her head and looked behind her. Hiccup craned his neck.

::Báowō! My...my brood…:: She didn't...Ohhh! Now she understood! She could relate. Hiccup seemed to get it too. He looked at her and smiled widely. That must be why she fought so fiercly!

"Do you...Do you have young? -Hatchlings? -We will bring them with us as well!" She felt sadness and worry…

::No, not...Not the yet…:: She must have eggs then! She took another step towards Súlóng.

"I, -I am a mother too! I, -WE! We have young at our home. -They await our return!" Súlóng looked at her curiously, then lowered her head. She stepped forward. She brought her nose right up to her. She gently placed her hand on the dragons' snout and started stroking it. Súlóng sniffed, then lowered just a bit, and sniffed again. Her fur was so soft! She then withdrew, her head rising. She looked at her curiously again.

::You, -you are...Mother?:: She nodded. Súlóng sniffed, then sniffed twice again. She looked at her with that piercing gaze…

::You are Mother!:: It wasn't a question...She didn't quite...Hiccup looked at her, tilting his head. He then looked at Súlóng.

"Yes..." He said carefully. "We, we have children at home...One girl, and a little..." Súlóng cut him off, snarling.

::NO! She IS Mother!:: Hiccup turned back to her frowning…

"Elsa?" She didn't...Then it hit her...Her, -her time had come and gone...She wasn't sure, but...Her eyes started to sting. Her chest swelled to the point of bursting. It took him a moment longer…His eyes widened…

"Elsa? You...You're..." She nodded. His face lit up like the sun. They crashed together. Lips upon lips and cheeks and foreheads and noses...They embraced tightly.

"ELSA! Oh Elsa! You're...we...We're going to have another!" She nodded into his neck. Happy tears flowed freely. She laughed between sobs. They separated after a few long moments. Tears welled in his eyes too...

"Yes! Yes we are!" He smiled brightly, and shook his head.

"Elsa! I love you! I love you so much!" She nodded and smiled. She said the words between sobbing laughs…

"I love you too Hiccup!" They embraced and held each other, never wanting to let go. -To hold on to this happy moment forever…

oo00oo

Toothless huffed and walked over to one side of the white. He sat on his haunches, turning to look. After a moment, Hulda followed suit, walking to her other side and nestling. They all watched the couple for a bit…

::Humans?::

~Humans...~

::Humans...Are…:: Toothless snorted.

+Humans are weird!+

oooo0000oooo

He worked the ties, tightened the straps...He'd done this thousands of times...Maybe hundreds of...No, maybe not, -but this time...His throat started to close...His chest clenched...He stuffed those feelings down. -There were more important things…He glanced up over the saddle at the young woman working with him. The small bit of light through the walls of the stable made her silver hair shine even more.

"Asta? Make sure you get MistiFreids' harness good and tight. We made some adjustments..." She turned her head, a serious look that melted in a bit. She nodded and smiled.

"Yes Papa!" He smiled back at her. She was a splitting image of her mother. -And -Gods! She would be sixteen this year! She had inherited her mothers' looks. -And good thing too! He thought. Another good thing...she seemed to have inherited her fathers' brains...Not that that's an entirely good thing...She had inherited her mothers' powers too, although...Elsa wasn't sure...They came out when she was upset, or angry, -but Elsa felt she had more control than she ever did at her age. She blamed it on him, -always with a coy smile and a kiss...He finished the harness, and rubbed his hand over Toothless' head. He crooned.

"Buddy? When we get done...Lead the others to the feeding station. Make sure everyone's good and fed!" He huffed and barked. Astas' mount WinterStorm, was already out. She was one of Huldas' children. She was a darker blue, but instead of the usual speckling of yellow and green, she was entirely blue. Her iridescence was more pronounced too. Hulda had paired with an unusually large Nadder they had come across.

+Sure! Just...Hurry up already!+ He smiled and shook his head. He turned his attention to his other charge this morning. She chirped and squawked her greeting.

"Good morning, you!" She chirped and gurgled, nuzzling him. She gently licked his cheek. He threw the saddle on her back. Asta turned from the Gronkle she was working with, and dutifully handed him the straps under her chest and rump. He tied one off then started on the other. She gave a squawk and a thump with her wing after a particularly hard tug. He glared at her. She gave him an innocent look.

~What? That was YOUR fault!~ He glared harder, but couldn't help the slight curl of his mouth. The silly dragon! He tightened the other straps, making sure the saddle was secure. He ran his hands along her flank. His thoughts started to coalesce into a heavy ball in his stomach. He couldn't...He didn't want to think...They had been his whole life. And today, -no, -tomorrow…well...Sooner than he'd wanted…He sighed heavily. There was a heavy nudge to his back.

~What...What is it?~ She looked him up and down. The ball in his stomach leaped to his throat, choking him as he thought to speak. He swallowed, -hard.

"It's just...I, -I can't think of..." The ball threatened to choke him completely. He closed his eyes tightly. There was a gentle nudge at his front a breath later. He looked up at the most loving look she had ever given him. She closed her eye and nuzzled him tenderly.

~It will be alright...~ She cooed. He felt a little better. Hulda backed away a half-step. There was a hand on his shoulder.

"Papa?" He really didn't want to turn around. To show her her father was weak. -But he made a solemn promise to never turn away from his children...Ever! He turned slowly and looked down. Catching her face as it broke a little through his slightly swimming eyes. She wrapped her arms around his waist and hugged him tightly.

"Oh Papa! Don't be sad! -Don't worry!" He shouldn't...He'd had enough time, -and had been granted an extension...He was grateful, -only...He'd miss them. Each and every one of them. -Especially those closest to him. He wrapped his arms around Astas' shoulders and hugged her back. He placed a loving kiss on her hair. He reached up and smoothed it with his hands. His daughter released him and looked up smiling. He returned it. He took her face in his hands and kissed her forehead.

"Go help your mother." She dipped to him respectfully.

"Yes Papa!" She turned and left. He walked out the door and looked. The sun was close to peeking over the horizon now, they needed to get moving, and soon. He turned, but his ears caught a familiar flapping. He turned around just in time to see two Monstrous Nightmares land heavily in front of him. They both gurgled and tipped their heads in greeting.

He walked up to the first. A bluish-red...Nearly violet colored dragon, almost like the boys' mothers, but more deeper blue. And with the black stripes at the ends of his scales...He lifted and extended his neck as he approached. He scratched his jaw fondly.

"FireWurm! -Make sure you eat up! We have a long flight today!" He barked and huffed, then nuzzled him. He ambled off. He turned to the other...Tindr looked at him sheepishly. His eyes darted down, then side to side. He laid his head down in submission. Good! He let him stew for a moment, then took his horn and a fang in his hands. He looked him sternly in the eye.

"You! If you want to continue to have a rider, -you WILL behave yourself!" His eyes narrowed for a moment, then he submitted once more. He really couldn't blame him...He'd had a tough life. He was on his third rider now. Eugene rode him whenever he visited, but that may be twice a year if he was lucky. He had tried to discourage Cristain, But the boy had taken a liking to him. Tindr was still a little naughty at times, but he was coming around...He shook him to emphasize his point.

"You listen! You pay attention! Or it's off to the nest for you!" He nodded his head and crooned pitifully. He almost felt sorry for him, -almost! Cristain had tried to take the dragon out. He wasn't entirely sure whether Stoic had goaded him. He was sure the boy was trying to prove himself. -Much like he had at his age...Tindr was one of the most stubborn of the naturally stubborn Nightmares. The dragon had been sorry after...But that was his son! He was still learning by Thor! Luckily, he had his fathers' gift with the dragons. And Stoic had been close by on FireWurm.

"Now go eat! You may come with us, -but only if you behave!" He crooned again and walked off. Cristain would ride MistiFreid today. He sighed. They could still interact, but he wasn't quite old enough...He didn't want to have to send him, but what could he do? He sighed again. He walked through the stable and through the side door to the house. He was met with chaos!

-But it was controlled. He smiled to himself...Barely controlled, -and yet comfortable. Elsa was washing at the basin. Valka had picked up a tray full of meat and nearly clobbered him with it as she turned. She smiled at him.

"Good morn' son!" He ducked in and pecked her on the cheek. Her smile widened. He walked up to Elsa, snaking his arms around her waist. He pulled her a little and kissed then sucked at her neck. She cringed and pulled away. Playfully flicking water at him.

"Wash you!" She told him with a smile and a coy look. She hollered.

"Stoic? Please bring Anabelle down with you!" He heard a muffled "Yes Mama!" And a rustling from upstairs. Cristain was already at the table. It was he Elsa carried in her belly. -When they had traveled to the far East. He had been born three weeks early, but he was healthy. He had russet hair like his own but lighter. He could've sworn there was silver in it...He was very shy, and insatiably curious. It was a constant point of contention who he most took after…

Asta came in from the great room and placed a small vase of wildflowers at the center of the table. She sat between her mother and Valka on his right. He placed a hand on his mothers' shoulder and squeezed. Her hair was growing whiter, a few more lines on her face…He sat in his chair at the head of the table.

A few moments later, Stoic came clumping down the stairs. He was the epitome of vikingness, yet he was holding his baby sister in his arms, Poking her and making faces. The two year old squealed and giggled. He placed Anabelle in Elsas' lap and kissed his mother on the temple for her trouble. He sat down heavily, and everyone dug in.

There was bread, the last of the honey, cheese, goats' milk, and fish, and also strips of boar as well. There was silence -for now, as everyone tucked in. He looked across the table. Elsa was feeding the tot some bread. She looked up at him staring. She tilted and turned her head, questioningly. He looked all around the table, then back to her. She smiled warmly and nodded. This was what he should focus on...His wife, his children...Not what might, or might not be…

oo0000oo

He stood there in that great white wasteland. It was cold, but the suns' reflection off the ice and snow seemed to give a little warmth. -And they were so far north...Farther north than he'd ever been yet. The edge of the permanent ice, he mused. There was nothing and no one here except him, his family, their dragons and the doorway that looked ancient, and yet shone like new.

They were about three miles from the edge, atop a great glacier, or slab of ice and snow. The end of which dropped off sharply eighty feet into the frigid, icy water. The doorway itself was about eighty feet wide and just as much tall. It was odd. There was nothing else here. It stretched for miles and miles in every direction. Broken only by distant mountains farther north than they were.

They had spent the night at Fjǫlmundrs' nest. The influx of dragons had called for a larger space. The Bewilderbeast left them one morning, only to return a few days later, with a request to follow him. A full days flight from the first, this one was over three times the size of Joruunas'. That was saying a lot! As with the other, it was part rock, and part ice. He had gotten some Whispering Deaths the carve out living spaces for him, should they need it. But they rarely came here. Preferring to leave the dragons to themselves, and wean them off of human contact. This one, they had left a complete secret. Only he and Elsa knew of it's existence...The children had sworn secrecy.

He looked around. He felt like there should be something happening, and dreading it. The thoughts came back with a vengeance. That ball started forming in his stomach again. He felt Elsa sidle up to him. She snaked an arm around his waist, and kissed him on the cheek.

"It'll be fine, Hiccup!" He wished he could share in her enthusiasm. He wasn't sure...He was looking back the way they came, wondering about the trip home...All of a sudden, out of the clear sky, a lightning bolt passed near them and struck the doorway. It crackled and sparked. The space between shimmered, then frosted, then shimmered again. Soon, it cleared, revealing a picture of green fields and forests, -mountains in the background. He looked behind...Nothing...Nothing to reconcile what was being shown in the doorway.

He cautiously stepped in front of it, -then a bit closer. Forests and fields, with rivers and streams running through it, and in the distance, if he was not mistaken, the sea, or an ocean. He could smell a faint saltiness to the air. It looked like a dragons' paradise indeed! He noticed off to the side, three shapes moving. He thought perhaps moving with the wind on the other side, but no, these were moving towards the opening. He backed away and off to the side.

Three figures stepped through the portal a moment later. The first, a young man in his mid-to-late twenties, if he guessed. He was slightly familiar, but he knew he'd never seen him before. His armor shone in the sun. An axe was strapped to his back. His sandy blonde hair peeked out from under a helmet with great horns on it. The next figure was...Astrid, then, -his father! The young man held back a little as the other two strode up. He took a knee as they approached.

There was a short stretch of silence, until he heard his father chuckle. Low at first, it grew in intensity and volume. He stopped.

"Ahhh, Son! -Stand!" He took him by the shoulders and shook him.

"Son! Well done! Very well done! The Gods be praised! I'm very, very proud of you!" He nodded and smiled.

"Dad...I..." His look turned kinder.

"I know, son! Ye did what ye had to do! The Gods are pleased! -Ye have their blessings!" He looked aside.

"Yer family!" He nodded and turned to the oldest son.

"Stoic? This is your Grandfather, Stoic the Vast!" His eyes went wide, his mouth dropped open. He closed it with a loud snap.

"S, -Stoic...The...Vast?" He dropped to his knee. "Sir! I will do my very best...To, -to live up to your great name!" His voice shook a little. Stoic eyed the younger a bit and laughed loudly. He grabbed him by the shoulders and picked him up.

"AYE! That you will!" The boy didn't know what to think, but he gave his father a single, chiefly nod that made him chuckle. He sidestepped to the next. He could almost see the mountain of man before him melt.

"And who might this lovely lass be?" She blushed, and gave him a very polite, very respectful curtsey.

"Asta, Grandfather! I am eldest." He felt a presence at his shoulder. Stoic held out his hand. Asta dipped again. He took her hand and covered it with the other.

"Ahhh lass! You're so very beautiful! -And so very smart! -A deadly combination for any man!" She blushed again and tittered. He fixed her with a look.

"Lass! Great things will ye do, -in your time...But! Ye must be patient! -And! -Ye must listen to yer father, Yes?" She nodded vigorously. "Ach! He's already a better parent than I ever was!" That...Stung a little.

"Daaad!" He admonished. Stoic just chuckled. He stepped off to his right to where Elsa stood. She dipped politely.

"Elsa! Lass!" He took her hand. "So nice to see ye again!" She smiled brightly at him. He bent forward.

"And who is this wee lass?" She looked him up and down, and buried her face in Elsas' shoulder.

"This is Anabelle, -named after my sister!" He nodded and leaned further.

"Heloooo! Yer such a pretty thing! -Yes you are! -And very, very special!" The tot turned her head a little and looked, then promptly buried her face again. Stoic chuckled. To hear his dad cooing at the baby...Well it just warmed his swelling heart. He wished he could be here always, to share his family with him...His father then looked down and straightened. He thrust his fists in his waist.

"And who is this strapping young lad?" The boy took a timid step away from his mothers' skirt.

"Cris...Cristain sir!" He looked down and shuffled his feet. Stoic leaned toward him.

"Ah Hiccup! He reminds me of you at that age!" He was a bit put out.

"That! -That is an ongoing debate we have! I, he...It's a debate..." Elsa cut him off.

"-That he constantly loses!" Stoic chuckled. He scowled, but it was met with a smug smile. He shook his head. Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed Astrid and Asta talking. They held each others' hands. Stoic bent down to Cristain…

"Lad, -remember! Just because yer small, doesn't mean you cannot be great! Yer father...Why, he was the runt of the whole village! And now, look at him! King of the archipelago! -Yes?" He nodded, somewhat unenthusiastically. Stoic chuckled and ruffled his hair. He straightened and looked at them seriously. He placed a hand on his and Elsas' shoulder.

"You two...Well done! Excellent! Yer task is finished! -But! -Ye must come when ye see the signs, yes?" They nodded. "Ta make sure they get in, and safely! -No mortal may cross over!" Again they nodded. He looked out they way they came. He continued.

"There are still things ye must do! Ye will be tested! So long as the people believe, and honor the Gods, they will thrive! Do ye understand?" They nodded. It made sense. A dragon called. He noted a great sound of flapping wings. Stoic squeezed gently.

"I'll see ye, -after!" Elsa put a hand on his arm and smiled. He did the same. Stoic nodded once, and turned and left them, walking towards the portal. He heard footfalls to his left. He turned to see Astrid walking up to them, a small smirk on her face. She stopped within arms length. She cocked her hip, and crossed her arms in front of her. He knew that look, -that posture...He was about to get it. He gulped dryly. She lifted her chin.

"So! Asta, -huh?" He nodded slowly. He tried to hide his nervousness, his uncertainty. He was pretty sure he wasn't doing a very good job. She narrowed her eyes, and drew her arm back. He threw up his hands.

"That...ThatwassoElsasidea!" He cried, and winced. Waiting for the impact that never came. He opened his eyes. Astrid snorted. She took a step and looked down. She crouched and spoke to Cristain. He couldn't hear what she said. She took his hand. The boy blushed madly. He nodded. Astrid placed a tender kiss on his temple, ruffling his hair as she stood.

She took a half-step, placing her hand on the babys' back. She rubbed and gently scratched. Anabelles' head came off Elsas' shoulder. She looked. Astrid leaned in and whispered in her ear, moving her hand to the babys' head. She drew away after a moment. Anabelle smiled at her. Astrid took the babys' hand and kissed it. She then placed a tender kiss on her temple. She released her, then took the both of them by the arm. She drew in a breath. After a short pause, she spoke…

"There are...Storms on your horizon...Not now, but soon. You have the Gods blessings, but you must trust...Trust each other, trust your people...And know that I, -WE will be watching over you. He nodded. She smiled at him and cupped his cheek. She led Elsa away to the portal.

The thoughts came back with a vengeance as he watched the first of the dragons enter the doorway. His stomach threatened to drop completely out. He saw his family, all of them standing and watching. He was about to join them when a voice just off his shoulder stopped him.

"Having such a family pleases the Gods!" He nodded as absently as his answer.

"I'm very grateful for each and every one of them..." He turned. The young man he saw earlier smiled. He bowed to him in respect. To his surprise he returned it.

"I am Druian! Ward of Oðin, the All-Father!" He couldn't help the raising of his eyebrow. Druian held up a hand and smiled.

"I know, -Many people think the same...My situation was and is...unusual." He wouldn't press. He didn't want to be rude…

"You're the one Elsa tells me she sees in her visions..." He nodded.

"She is a remarkable woman!" He turned and looked.

"That she is..." He said to no one in particular.

"My mother was one such..." He turned back...And there went his eyebrows again. He chuckled.

"My mother...I was in the womb when she died in battle...She was fierce! A true warrior! -A shield maiden for the ages...Until she married my father..." He nodded. There was something oddly familiar about his face…

"-When she died, she had just two wishes...To have more time with her husband, -and that my father could see me and know me. She had earned the Gods favor long ago...And thus granted her dying wish. -And by extension, she received her second!" He nodded and smiled. It was an awesome story. His thoughts turned, and then his head. To the dragons. He sighed mostly to himself.

"So, -what happens now?" A hand rested on his shoulder. His thoughts calmed. He turned back to Druian.

"Do not be troubled! You have once again earned the Gods' favor! And so to your people as well! As long as they remember and honor the Gods, this will continue!" He nodded. The axe head behind his own...It looked oddly familiar...Druian continued…

"You...Your people...They are the only ones of this world that truly know, that truly understand them. And as such, they will be blessed! Until this generation, and the next have gone...Their dragons will remain. They will be able to reunite, once they have passed unto Valhalla!" He smiled as a wave of relief crashed over him. It was best for the dragons too. He was instantly grateful and thankful. A glint of light drew his attention to that axe head again. With a smile, Druian unholstered it, and held it out to him.

It was a beautiful weapon. Well, -of course it was! The metal shone brightly. Runes were carved in intricate detail. The level of craftsmanship far beyond anything he could hope to achieve, but had always striven for. Even the handle! Carved and finished with runes he couldn't decipher. Druian spoke…

"My mother...She was an axe person...She always said they were the best weapon man had ever devised...Extremely useful in any situation!" He had heard this argument before. In extremely close quarters, in a corridor, or small room, in a cave, it would...He stopped. Yes, he'd had this argument...Which usually led to...Playful fights, both verbal, and physical...He narrowed his eyes, and looked again at the young mans' face. The question came out all on its' own…

"Wh, -Who is your mother?" He smiled and lifted his gaze. He turned. A glint of sunlight flashed in his eyes...It, -it came from...HER axe! His stomach dropped out, his knees buckled. Breathing became difficult as he came to the realization...No wonder he looked familiar! Tears flowed freely. He nearly collapsed completely, if not for strong hands gripping his shoulders. He took a couple of deep breaths and lifted his gaze. A small smile was on his face...That looked familiar too!

"Yes...Father! I am your son!" He straightened a little, then reached out and touched his face. He seemed to melt a little at the contact.

"Oh! -Oh...son! I, -I am so...so..." He cut him off and shook him.

"Father! -Don't! -What happened...Happened. -I too would have liked very much...To have been with you. But, my life, -your life...Would be so very different...Would you truly give up what you have...For what might have been?" Druian looked to the side. His own gaze followed. -To where his family now stood. He shook his head.

"No! -No I wouldn't! -I...I just..." He smiled.

"Yes, father...You know...There is no way of telling where that path would have led! -And that is another reason why my father has earned his favor...You are able to see...To feel...that! That is a trap many men set for themselves, -and never truly crawl out of!" Druians' eyes cast down…

"I am a Ward of Oðin...And yet, -I must earn my place..." He lifted his gaze to him, a look of fierce determination…

"And I shall do so...Following my fathers' example!" His chest swelled. He was so...That was so Astrid! -And yet...It seemed he could see his path...Like him! He sent a silent prayer. -That the Gods would favor him some time. -Time to sit and talk with this young man. He gave Druian a single nod. The young man took him by the arm.

"Come, father!" They walked to where the others were. He walked to where Elsa and Astrid stood. They made a place for him. Druian took to the other side of Astrid. Elsas' arm automatically slipped around his waist, but then she was in front of him in a blink.

"Hiccup?" She reached up and wiped his cheek. She looked worried. He managed a smile and tilted his head.

"He's…He's my son!" Her mouth dropped open. She looked, then turned her gaze back to him. She absently handed Anabelle to him and walked over. She dipped as she reached Druian. He smiled and took her hands. He felt a hand on his back, rubbing it, then giving a pat. He looked down. Astrid was beaming at him. Anabelle twisted in his arms.

"Papa! Dagins!" She pointed. He kissed her cheek.

"Yes sweetheart! Dragons!" She bounced on his arm. He looked over. Cristain was looking up at his father. He scooped the boy up, and placed him on his shoulder. Cristain pointed. Stoic nodded. A pair of arms crossed in front of him. Anabelle nearly leaped out of his arms in to Astrids.

"'Stid! -'Stid! Dagin!" She smiled.

"I know! Look at them all!" She pointed.

"Nimaew!" She pointed again.

"Nadew!" -And again she pointed.

"Bumblehawn!" Astrid leaned, and nudged him with her shoulder. He looked. She was smiling at him fondly, shaking her head. He looked out. His chest clenched a little. All these dragons were leaving...Never to be seen here again…He took small comfort in that this wasn't all of them...Not yet...He felt hands on his left shoulder. Asta interlaced her fingers and hung her hands on it. A sad expression on her face.

"Papa?" She pressed her cheek to his arm. He wrapped an arm around her waist and hugged her. She was cool to the touch. He placed a loving kiss on her hair, then rubbed her back. -Much as he did when she was a baby. Yes, the dragons were leaving. -But he and Toothless still had some years to spend together, and he had his family. They would work it out...They would find their path...And it would all be fine…

oo00oo

He sat there in the warm water. The day melting away. He wanted to sleep...Like for a couple of days! -But the way his wife was moving against him...Whether intentional or otherwise...Well, there may not be much sleeping to be had...He took an arm from around his head and draped it across her.

He smiled to himself. -Yes, they were still very much in love. After all these years...Their somewhat rocky start...Raising children, running a Kingdom...Yes, in love...Emotionally, physically...He couldn't imagine...He smiled again. Then was distracted by his wife running her hands up and down his arm, placing feather-light kisses all along...Yep...Probably not much sleeping to be had this evening...Or late night...Or early morning...

They had sent the children ahead. She had decided to spend the night at Fjǫlmundrs' nest. Between Asta and Stoic, and the dragons, they would be safe. It had been an emotionally draining day. Elsa had probably sensed this. He would just as soon spend time with his children. The times when they were all together in one spot for more than a half-hour were increasingly rare. The oldest, when they weren't shadowing him, were out among the islands. Spending time with the other Chiefs. Learning how they dealt with problems. Asta had even taken it upon herself to spend a couple of months out of the year in Arendelle. He suspected Stoic would follow suit soon. He and Elsa had decided to let them choose their own paths for themselves.

Cristain was still in dragon training, and had taken an interest in the forge and metalwork. Only adding fuel to the argument between them. They would now take him with them often, when they went visiting the islands. He was a quiet child, but he seemed to take in everything. -Just...Everything! He read incessantly too...

His friends were thriving as well. Snotlout and Luna had four children. -All girls. It warmed his heart to see the usually blustery, he-man of a viking melt at the sight of one of his girls. Ruffnut, after giving birth to Bonesplit, Had given birth to...Not surprisingly...Twins! Yes! -About a year and a half later. There was a collective eye-roll by the whole village when it was announced. But luckily (and thankfully) They were nothing alike. The girl was reserved, and liked to read. The boy, however...He had more than enough of a penchant for mayhem for both of them...Tuffnut married a girl from Berserk. He and Myrgjol had twins as well about two years later…

Elsa lifted and turned sideways. She rested her head on his chest. Her hand traveled from his shoulder to his stomach then back. His arm came up around her shoulder. She kissed him once, and then again on the chest. She pulled herself up and kissed him on the cheek, then twice on his jaw. She settled back against him. He swore he could hear her think.

"Hiccup? What…I, -your son? I thought...He...What..." She sighed. It was a lot to think about.

"Well, we...Have some one else watching over us...That's good..." She nodded against his chest. He placed a kiss on her hair...She sat up again a few moments later.

"Your father...Astrid…What they said...What...What does it mean?" He shook his head. Storms on the horizon...More for them to do...Well, of course there was! They weren't dead yet! Elsa settled against his chest again. Yes, while they still walked upon Midgard...A thought came to him...His lips curled.

"I think it means, -my dear..." He pulled her upright. She looked at him curiously. "-That our adventure is not quite over yet!" She looked at him flatly. She spoke flippantly.

"Oh good! -Because I was afraid our high-altitude-falling-to-our-death, burned-and-bitten-by-dragon-imminent-death-days were over!" He chuckled.

"Woman! You forget who you're married to!" He said indignantly. She huffed and rolled her eyes.

"Ahhh Yes! The King of Something Crazy! How could I..."

"Indeed! My Sweet! Why, -just now I was thinking..." She silenced him with a fierce kiss that lingered and softened. Shut up already! It said...She settled once more. After a few minutes, she rose and straddled his thighs. She took his face in her hands and leaned forward. She placed a tender, loving kiss to his forehead, then another to the end of his nose. She captured his lips in hers. -A slowly burning, but still chaste kiss. She rolled her hips slightly, breaking the kiss with a small gasp. She rested her forehead against his. They shared a few breaths. She then lifted, -her eyes searching his face. They met his...A serious look came upon her.

"Hiccup? I can't imagine myself happier!" He nodded.

"Me too! I, -I can't..." She crashed into him. Wrapping her arms around his head. She started moving. -In that familiar...All of her...Wet...Naked, -self...The fuzziness of imminent...yeah...That...Closed in. A thought came...He spoke, -probably against his better judgment…

"There is...Ahhh, one...way...I, think..." She stiffened. She rose slowly, an exasperated sigh escaping her as she did. She tilted her head, waiting. He was right…

"Ahm, that is…You and me, reaching Valhalla...Together..." She looked askance.

"-Preferably in our old age!" He added. She looked back and narrowed her eyes. She leaned forward slightly, and lifted her right hand. He looked, and took it with his own, locking their thumbs. She twisted his wrist, placing a kiss on the back of his hand. He placed a kiss on the back of hers. She lowered herself completely, sandwiching their hands between them. She came nose-to-nose with him. Her hot, sultry breath ghosted over his face…

"You sir, -have a deal!" Yes, that could be the only way...The only way to perfect this life. -To be able to spend eternity together...The next life…The Dragon Master, and the Snow Queen...

~~~Fin~~~

A/N: It is with a heavy heart, and a bit of relief, I must say, to hit the complete button on this story. What a wild ride it has been! And quite the experience! Over a year later, and about three hundred fifty thousand words...I didn't think I had it in there…

A big thank you to: Midoriko-Sama, Ecoutez, Determamfidd, thaipothetical_stiuations, sunflowerb, The Antic Repartee/AvannaK, Gumdrop Boo – Ch4rms, reens, , R-dude, RedStar, and all the other great writers out there. You inspired me and got me thinking about all the different directions these things can go. Keep it up! You bunch of wonderful people you!

A special thank you to R-dude, whose awesome story A Chance Encounter gave rise to mine. (Hey! It's in the summary!)

Another special thank you to Ecoutez, whose writing gave me the final push. -In that, something awesome and mind-blowing doesn't HAVE to happen every SINGLE chapter...It helps, but...One scene connecting another...Fluffy moments...Thoughts shared...Ahhh, -that's the stuff! Seriously! Read Simple Gifts to see what I mean…

-And a big, BIG THANK YOU to all who have been with me from the beginning. All who have favorited and followed( seriously? Favorite...Author? ME? ). -And all who have left reviews and comments. You have been an inspiration and a driving force.

-What's next? I plan on taking a break. There IS life outside the keyboard and screen...(Wait...did I, -just write that? I shall slap myself vigorously until…) -Sorry you had to read that...I have written down some ideas, and I have a few more…I don't expect to have anything soon but, hey...you never know...A little research, and...BAM!

-Thanks again! And keep being fabulous!