Thank goodness the uber-emotional chapters are over. I think it's time for something lighthearted or violent, now. Don't you?! Lol

Angryhenry: I certainly thought so :P

CB73: It really was a very important day for Astrid. You are totally right. It really is just like a big Norse Soap Opera. One that her mother probably should have mentioned to her before now...lol

Agentwalkoff: Thanks :) It was one of my faves too. So emotional, but in a good way. I promise that the next chapters are not nearly as bad.

Now Account: Hiccup does have some issues with self-loathing, but at least Astrid is there to put him back on track. I'm glad the fluff was able to put some balm into the wounds the previous chapter had inflicted on you heart ;) It's good for Astrid, but also nice as the author to have Astrid know about Hiccup being the Dark God. Makes it much easier when he doesn't have to hide from her anymore. Same as with his past. It is good that they can all keep cracking jokes with each other, but we knew they would. They are just too perfect together (all three of them). Like a little family. Hiccup really is Death, lol. As for his slit pupils, he would not have let the other elves see that. We only saw it from Astrid's perspective. I loved how they all paid respect to Astrid though. That part certainly tugged at my heartstrings. It feels like that was the exact moment when Astrid really took her place beside Hiccup, Ilweran, and Cuithanna, without doubting that she belonged there. You are very welcome for the elf measurements, by the way. Only because you spotted my hint about Hecate and Urdarbrunnr... I am rather sneaky, aren't I :P Still love that quote! So perfect!

Superlego99: 'More power, more restrictions' really sums it up, eh. Lol. Although, Astrid's temper may reveal more of her powers a little sooner than expected ;) So many more shenanigans to come :) I am using a combination of elvish languages from Tolkien as my inspiration, but I have had to create a lot of my own words as well because they do not exist in his world. *shrugs*

Surfy: Understandable. So at the very beginning (Prologue) Cuithanna mentioned that her form is able to linger at Samhain. Much like the very ancient festival, Samhain actually lasts for a couple of days. So yes, it was supposed to be more than one day. I honestly can't wait to see how mad Astrid is when Ilweran finds someone else. I mean, it's all planned out in my head, but I haven't written it yet. I'm sure we can all assume that it is going to be hilariously epic though. Lol

Guest: SH4MAN17: It is moving away from HTTYD certainly, but much like most things in this story so far, it may circle back in unexpected ways ;) I just really like to keep it unexpected and interesting, and I'm glad you like that too :)

Guest: Very emotional, but in a much better way this time.

Guest: Angelica: It was a rather cute one, wasn't it... :P There were so many feels in these chapters, but it was never going to be easy for Astrid to find herself and figure out her path. It isn't in real life after all. We are still a ways from springtime, but it will be interesting when it arrives. Especially now that Astrid has found both her power and her confidence. As for Cuithanna's pregnancy, it is symbolic in the way that it is not an actual flesh and blood baby growing in her belly. It is the new year. More like a spirit, or ball of purest essence, though it is still created through sex. The sex is just a one time dealio though, despite the fact that the party lasts all day. That is just kind of the climax of the Beltane festivities (pun intended) lol. By the way, I love the questions :)

_

Arriving back in Alfheim, they had barely a day to unpack and get Ilweran settled in their treehouse before Thor and Sif were set to arrive. Hiccup couldn't help feeling slightly uneasy about this. Not about Ilweran staying at their place. Despite everything that had happened, the blonde man had proven that he was more than strong enough to fight off the pull of Astrid's magic. Even when she was deliberately using it at full force to lure him in and trap him. The three of them were in a much better place now for it anyways. Cuithanna had been right. Again.

Astrid had needed to fall face-first right off that pedestal that they had all placed her on in order to find herself and figure out what she wanted. Now that she had, he could not sense any lingering confusion from her. Nor was there an increase in possessive desire from Ilweran, as the night fury in Hiccup was happy to note. He really had no desire to destroy his friend just for the rights to keep his mate. Not that he wouldn't, but it was just better to avoid it. Somehow, everything was even easier than it was before the mess that was Samhain. All three of them learning some very important lessons about themselves and each other that they were unlikely to forget any time soon.

No, he was more worried about another man that was not already aware of Astrid's powerful allure sharing their home. More for Astrid's sake than anything else, really. Sif would be here too, and he trusted Thor. He also trusted Astrid completely. Not to mention that he and Ilweran wouldn't let Thor within five feet of her if he showed even the slightest hint of poor behaviour. Still, Astrid was not overly comfortable with her newfound powers. That much was plain to see.

A new man panting after her was only going to serve as a constant reminder of what she was. Unfortunately, it was a necessary evil if she was going to regain any of her previous confidence with sparring. More than anything though, Hiccup was simply not looking forward to spending the next couple of months pretending that he and Astrid were only friends. At least he wouldn't have to hurt her, or be an asshole to her on purpose this time.

That night, Hiccup had lain down with Astrid in his arms. Loving her slowly and tenderly as he tried to pour every shred of feeling he could into it. The idea of even the small degree of separation they would be forced to endure making the night fury in him anxious and needy. Yes, he would still get to hold her every night, but normally he got to touch her during the days too. That was going to be the most difficult part. Passing over those little moments of intimate contact that he rarely even thought about. Unconsciously touching her at every opportunity was not going to be an option for the next little while.

The following morning the three of them were seated on the grass outside. Hiccup keeping a careful distance from Astrid as they waited for their guests to arrive. He was just starting to wonder how long they would have to wait, when the hairs on his neck suddenly stood on end. It felt like he was about to be struck by lightning. Ilweran smirked at him knowingly as Astrid shot them both a confused look. "What..." she started nervously as she raised a hand to her neck in confusion.

Before either of the boys could answer, there was a rumble of thunder from the clear blue sky. This was promptly followed by the screech from a gigantic skrill. "It would seem Thor has arrived. Get ready brother," Ilweran drawled with an eye roll. Making Hiccup bark out a laugh. All of them holding their hands up in greeting as the massive blue and yellow dragon came into view over the treetops. Toothless, Tintallë, and Stormfly looking up in moderate interest as well.

"Hello fellow crazy people," Thor yelled out, and the three of them laughed now. Leaping down from Joltalon as soon she touched down, Thor jogged his way over to their little group. Sif following right behind him with a wide smile on her pretty face. "Hi Hiccup. Ilweran," she greeted warmly. Pushing to his feet, Hiccup moved to hug the two of them. Ilweran following suit. Sif then turned towards Astrid and stretched out a hand in greeting.

"I take it that you are Astrid Hofferson. Otherwise known as my new sparring partner. I'm Sif. Æsirian warrior, gifted Valkyrie, and the lovely and most amazing wife of this idiot," Sif stated with a grin. Gesturing towards Thor with an eye roll as Astrid giggled and grasped her hand in return. Still clasping Astrid's hand in hers, Sif looked her over once. "My goodness," she said quietly. "No wonder Ilweran chose to settle down with you."

"Thor told me that you were incredibly beautiful, but I thought that he might just be exaggerating again. You know what, you actually remind me strongly of Freyja. You have the perfect body, the perfect looks, the blonde hair and blue eyes. Everything. Right down to the curiously strong allure that Freyja radiates. You're a lucky man Ilweran," Sif added. Smiling widely at Ilweran now.

"Luck has nothing to do with it," Ilweran replied with an easy smirk before meeting Hiccup's eyes. Then the two men were grinning at each other as they both fought back their laughter.

Astrid blushed bright red at the compliment instead, as she shot a startled look at Thor. He just shrugged and smiled at her. "What? You are," he stated with a chuckle. "She makes a valid point too. You remind me a lot of Freyja. Not sure why I didn't see it before, but us men are pretty blind," he added as he winked at her. Making her giggle again.

"More like Hecate, I would say," Ilweran intoned quietly. "At least, judging by how much she resembles Cuithanna anyways. They are supposed to be twins after all, but Astrid just has a certain something... darker, you know..." His amber eyes were glinting brightly with mischief when they met Hiccup's again. Making Hiccup barely suppress a snort of laughter. Coughing loudly, he rubbed at his face instead.

"Very true Il," Thor said as he stroked his chin in contemplation. "She really does look more like Cuithanna than she does Freyja." Then Thor grasped Astrid's hand and raised it to his lips as he added, "you truly are a stunning goddess, lovely lady. "

Astrid blushed again as she pulled her hand back and rolled her eyes at him. "Seriously Thor," she grumbled. "The rooster is standing right here this time!" Thor shrugged and grinned at Ilweran with a devious light in his blue eyes. Shaking his head in humorous exasperation, Hiccup slapped Thor on the back with a chuckle of his own.

"Okay, you charming fool. Stop flirting with my housemates and get your shit unpacked," Hiccup teased. Pushing Thor back towards his skrill with a covert wink at Astrid. She giggled quietly again and bumped him with her shoulder. All of them moving to grab one of Thor and Sif's bags before heading into the house. Taking everything straight up to Thor's bright blue and yellow room that perfectly matched Joltalon.

Thank the gods I had the foresight to give him the farthest room from mine, Hiccup thought. Suppressing a sigh as he glanced around at the gaudy colours. "Hiccup," Sif started in a low voice. Leaning towards him and speaking in a very carrying whisper. "Why have you not painted this room for me yet?"

Hiccup just laughed at her now as he tugged jokingly on her ridiculously long golden braid. "If you would like a change of colour scheme my dear, you will need to take that up with your husband. I promised that I would not touch his room as long as he did not touch the rest of the house. You know that I am a man of my word."

"The H-man knows better than to cover over my hard work," Thor chimed in. "I'm sensitive and it would hurt my feelings. When my feelings get hurt, I throw tantrums. Just like a child. Except even worse and much messier. Besides, you love my flamboyant side babe," he added with a smirk. Pulling Sif towards him and wiggling his eyebrows at her. She shook her head, but leaned up to kiss him anyways as the rest of the group chuckled. Tossing their bags on the bed for them and leaving them to unpack.

Hiccup, Ilweran, and Astrid made their way back downstairs then. Taking up chairs in the sitting room instead as they waited for the other two. They spent the rest of the day simply swapping stories as they dipped into his stores of elven wine. Thor and Sif both wanting to hear more about the fight with the Red Death. Thor especially found it immensely funny that they had willingly submitted themselves to dragon training while in Midgard. No experienced Rider would do that on purpose, after all. They all despised it, and for good reason.

"You know, it was not nearly as bad as usual," Hiccup allowed. "That and it did certainly come with its fair share of perks for a change," he added. Shooting a glance at where Astrid and Ilweran were sitting beside each other. Close, but not overly so. "Right brother," he asked Ilweran with a grin. Watching Astrid cover her smile with a delicate hand as Ilweran barked out a laugh.

"That it did," he grinned back. "Those Viking women were something else. Relentless, clingy, and crazy as Hel, but still as beautiful as a summer's morning. Well, some of them were at least. The rest you would need to love with the lamps out, if you know what I mean." Astrid burst out laughing and tried to shove Ilweran out of his chair at that. He simply smirked at her as he playfully tilted her chair onto the two back legs. Making her squeal and grab at his arm; thinking he was going to tip her over. Thor and Sif smiling at the whole display as if they thought it was cute.

Hiccup rolled his eyes briefly before glancing back at the group. Finding Astrid grinning at him with bright humour in her lovely blue eyes now, and he couldn't help smiling back. "I barely remember most of them, to be honest," he chimed in. Directing his words to Thor now. "I mean, sure, that archipelago may be loaded with gorgeous warrior women, but we stole the most perfect one and brought her back with us. That is all I care about." Hiccup gestured vaguely towards Astrid at that. Making everyone laugh again as Thor raised his goblet in agreement.

As the sky darkened outside, he could see Astrid starting to get tired. Ilweran noticing as well when Astrid struggled to conceal a yawn. "Well, I think I am going to take my lady to bed," Ilweran said softly. Standing and pulling Astrid gently to her feet with him. "I will see you all in the morning." They all bid Ilweran and Astrid goodnight. Astrid shooting one last look at Hiccup before heading upstairs.

Hiccup stared after them for a few moments before Sif's soft voice broke into his thoughts. "They really are quite adorable," she said quietly. A small smile playing on her lips as she continued to gaze towards the stairs as well. Normally she would be actively flirting with both him and Ilweran, but she had been mostly leaving Ilweran alone now that she thought he had Astrid. If she only knew, he mused with a quiet chuckle.

"I guess so," Hiccup offered with a shrug. "I have personally never really thought of Ilweran as adorable, but I suppose he is a bit on the cute side. Like a sweet little puppy. I wonder if he comes when she calls and messes on the floor too? Perhaps we should ask Astrid..." Sif snorted a laugh at that. Thor holding his hand out to Hiccup for a high five as the two of them chuckled and grinned at each other.

The three of them sat around talking for a little while longer after that. Until Sif's eyes finally started glazing over with exhaustion too, that is. Thankfully, although Thor may be elf enough now to not need sleep, his wife still did. Deciding that he had been here long enough to not look too suspicious, Hiccup downed the last of his wine. Placing his goblet on the edge of the hearth and gazing over at Sif and Thor. "Thor, your wife is getting tired. Take her to bed before she has to try and carry you there. We can ask Astrid if Ilweran messed on the floor tomorrow," he teased.

Thor raised his glass in a mock toast again at that. Chuckling as he finished his own wine. Then he got up and dragged Sif out of her chair. "I guess I might as well go up too," Hiccup added easily. "No sense sitting by myself down here."

"If it's company you want, I could join you in your room," Sif shot at him. Only partially kidding. She had long since given up on him actually taking her up on the offer of sex, but it didn't keep her from trying every now and then.

Hiccup barked out a laugh at her as he made his way up the stairs beside them. "Oh no, pretty lady. You are not using me to get out of that royal blue nightmare. You married him," he teased. Sif giving an exaggerated sigh in return. "Besides, you know that widdle baby Thor does not like to sleep alone in a scary room full of monsters," Hiccup joked in a mock baby voice. Then he deepened his tone back to his usual sultry velvet. "I am a big boy that can take care of himself. After all, the only monster in my bedroom is me," he added with a wicked grin. Causing Thor to choke out a laugh in response as he punched Hiccup in the shoulder.

"See you guys in the morning," Hiccup said at the landing. Receiving a partial wave and another chuckle from both as they took off down one hallway. He watched them go for a minute before heading to his own room. Opening the door quietly, he glanced in to see the shape of Astrid laying on the bed. Gloriously naked and silhouetted by the moonlight streaming in the balcony doorway behind her.

Her eyes were open and she smiled softly when she saw him. Patting the bed beside her. Grinning widely in return, Hiccup stripped his tunic off enthusiastically as he shut the door with his foot. Kicking his boots off before racing over and taking her in his arms, he began to greedily kiss his way over her jaw and throat as she chuckled quietly. Yep, he thought. This was WAY better than the trip to Asgard had been.

*

The first few days had been strange, but now Astrid was realizing that she really liked Thor and Sif. Thor was incredibly flirty, but in a humorous way that never felt gross or pushy. He was also pretty easy on the eyes. With skin of a beautiful pale gold, shoulder length blonde hair, impossibly blue eyes, and ruggedly handsome features. At six and a half feet tall, he was the average height for an elf, but he carried more muscle bulk than Hiccup and Ilweran. Making him quite an impressive figure, even without all his gleaming armour on.

Sif, on the other hand, was laid back and easy to talk to. A beautiful woman with skin as pale as Astrid's own, and long golden hair nearly to her knees that she kept constantly braided. Bluebell eyes and a dainty, heart shaped face. Slightly shorter than Astrid, but with the same athletic build. Sif was a true Valkyrie and an immensely strong warrior for a non-elf. Apparently gifted with enhancement magic as well. She even preferred to use a double-sided battle axe that was much like Astrid's own.

Although Sif's weapon was certainly beautiful, it was still nowhere near as beautiful and perfect as the one Hiccup had made for Astrid. Reminding Astrid once again just how wonderful her lover was. The first time that Sif had seen Astrid's axe she had been thoroughly impressed by it. Inspecting the remarkable craftsmanship closely when Astrid handed it over. Running her fingers lightly over the Celtic knots, Sif had glanced over at Hiccup. "You made her this. Didn't you," she asked bluntly. A hint of suspicion in her tone as she looked between the two of them and Ilweran in confused interest.

"Naturally," Hiccup replied without hesitation. When she just continued to gape at him, he offered a gentle shrug of shoulders. "I was a blacksmith long before I became a Rider and a soldier. I made Astrid her first axe many years ago and I decided to replace it with a new and better one before I left Midgard. A farewell gift for a good friend, you could say. Astrid unknowingly helped me through some rather difficult times and I owed her one."

He smirked at Astrid then as Sif returned her attention to the axe, and Astrid grinned back at him. "It looks like an incredibly deadly love letter," Sif moaned enviously. Tracing the decorations and protection runes etched into the blade with unmistakeable awe in her eyes.

"Anything that I make for a beautiful lady is likely to end up looking like a love letter," Hiccup offered with another shrug. "I am simply a charming asshole. You should know that by now."

"Indeed I do," Sif replied with a chuckle. Gazing at the weapon longingly for a few more moments before handing it back to Astrid with a sigh. "I would love to keep this, but I suppose you want it back." Astrid reached out to take it from her with a laugh, as Sif pretended to fight her for it. "That axe could pass as a betrothal gift for a goddess, girl. I'd protect that blade like it was my first born if I were you," Sif added with a jealous grimace as she finally let it go. "Hiccup has a point though. His work is always ridiculously beautiful."

"That it is," Astrid replied with a grin. "Ridiculously beautiful and ridiculously deadly. Just like him and Ilweran," she added. Shooting them a coy wink. A hysterical laugh threatening to burst out of her at the 'betrothal gift for a goddess' part. Oh, if they only knew... she thought as she bit her lip to conceal her humour.

"You've got that right girl! I wish the handsome devil would make me one. You lucky bitch," Sif joked. "Unfortunately, my goofball of a husband gave me my axe as a wedding gift. I can't really toss it aside for another man's work. Even if I would like to some days."

"Hey now! I made you that axe with my own two hands," Thor cut in. Holding a hand over his heart dramatically as if Sif had just stabbed him in it. "Slaved over it for days! I can't believe my own wife would shun my gifts. I thought you loved me," he added. Pretending to wipe a tear from his eye as Hiccup chuckled quietly.

"Of course I love you babe. I just love Hiccup's smithing more," Sif teased. Giving her husband a cheeky grin before looking back at Astrid with an exaggerated eye roll. "Thank goodness Ilweran isn't as prone to jealousy as Thor is."

"Hiccup can make her all the weapons he wants. I prefer to pound softer things," Ilweran offered flippantly. "Besides, I am better looking than both of them. I really have no reason to be jealous of their skills with a hammer. My gifts can be taken to the bedroom, whereas theirs must remain in the workshop." Thor scoffed loudly at that as Hiccup snorted a laugh. Both of them shoving Ilweran as they all burst out laughing now. Astrid shot another grin at her two boys, which Ilweran answered with a discreet wink of his own.

The two women had dived right into their training after Astrid had gotten back from her lesson with Golwen the following day. Astrid happily discovering that this was a much closer spar pairing. Sure she still lost most of the time, but at least she stood a fighting chance now. Even managing to get some pretty good hits in. Sif was an excellent, and incredibly patient, teacher. Taking the time to stop and correct Astrid in her stance, hold, or the force requirements or best use of a speed or strength spell, before carrying on. Somehow managing to do all of this without making Astrid feel like an idiot so that was good.

Hiccup and Ilweran had also begun teaching her to channel her newfound powers some evenings while Thor and Sif went out to visit some of the other elves. Much like the shadow magic that Ilweran had been studying, they didn't really want Thor and Sif to learn about it. Golwen helping as well in between other lessons. Astrid wasn't really progressing with it as much as they all hoped she would. Mostly just using it to boost her other spells rather than testing for new abilities. The memories of the wounds she had caused with it were simply too raw right now. Making her afraid to lose control of it again and hurt someone else.

Still, she was trying. At least she no longer doubted whether she was powerful enough for spells anymore. With all of the extra work that they were doing with mental shielding she was getting pretty darn good at that too. Hiccup and Golwen had even taught her how to block some of her own allure magic. Ilweran helping as best he could too, as he was incredibly adept at shielding thanks to his abjuration affinity. It was easier now that Hiccup had finally told Ilweran about the whole Dark God thing. Even fading in and out of existence in a swirl of crawling shadows that looked exactly like her dream, to confirm it.

At the sight of Hiccup's see through torso, Ilweran had poked a nervous finger into the spot where Hiccup's stomach would be. When his hand simply sunk straight through and disappeared, Ilweran pulled it back out with a surprised yelp. Both he and Astrid staring in shock at the fine coating of frost on Ilweran's hand afterwards. At their stunned expressions, Hiccup had stated calmly that he was simply crossing through the veil between life and death, and that it was rather cold on the 'other' side. His voice echoing strangely around them, and Astrid had to fight back a shiver.

"Can Toothless cross over too," Ilweran muttered distractedly. Watching the sunlight dance over the curious ice crystals.

"No, he cannot. He can certainly call on and feel the shadow realm, but he cannot cross over." Hiccup's answer was so nonchalant that even Astrid found herself staring at him in surprise. "Yes, Toothless can use magic," Hiccup drawled at their stunned expressions. "Honestly, Ilweran. You have already seen him do it before." Ilweran's eyes got slightly wider for a moment at that, but then he acknowledged it with a laugh and a shrug. Brushing it off as easily as he did the ice on his hand. Without a second glance or word, before going back to their practice session as if nothing had happened.

Of course, the boys would never be able to shield against her, and there was no way to stop projecting the wild magic entirely. Thankfully Astrid was able to tone it down to a reasonable point now though. Her own natural pull now hovering at around the same level that Hiccup usually allowed himself to project. Astrid had to admit, it was refreshing to finally understand just why women always seemed to flock to her man. She hadn't really blamed them before, since Hiccup was incredibly sexy, but it had still been rather irritating. Why couldn't they just stop wanting what would never be their's! Men had always done something similar to her after all, and it had driven her nuts. At least she now understood why.

Turns out, it really was not the others' fault that they were drawn in by the wild magic. Not even Snotlout could be entirely blamed for his behaviour, though she hated to admit it. The allure of the true gods and goddesses was just too strong to ignore. Poor Ilweran thought he had it bad now, Astrid had mused to herself one afternoon as she watched the blonde prince discreetly shy away from Sif's flirting. At least with her new shields in place, Astrid no longer unintentionally dazzled Ilweran anymore. A fact which he had seemed incredibly relieved about. Even breathing an exaggerated sigh of relief when she gloated about it and giving her a congratulatory fist bump in return.

Hiccup had been attempting to teach her how to access the shadow realm as well, but she just couldn't seem to do it. Every time she tried to summon the darkness to her, she would lose it before it had even started to gather. The shadows just didn't want to stick around. At least Hiccup didn't make her feel like a failure because of it. Explaining to her that it had taken him almost a year to be able to fully cross the veil at will.

He then reminded her that she may, in fact, be a little too human to cross over without help. No one else could aside from Hiccup and Hecate herself, after all. Astrid apparently hadn't acquired the goddess' healing magic either. Although, if she was honest, the icy cold tendrils of the crawling shadows reminded her strongly of dead hands grabbing at her from beyond the grave. It kind of made Astrid feel nervous and gross and she didn't overly want to summon them anyways. She couldn't fathom why Hiccup did, aside from the super quick transport between realms that the veil provided.

Despite the chaos of Samhain, the whole ruse with Hiccup and Ilweran was going remarkably well. Astrid had to admit that it was a heck of a lot easier to stomach when she wasn't constantly worried about one of them being thrown in prison. That, and it also helped that all of the awkwardness between her and Ilweran seemed to have finally melted away. It was all too easy to hold hands with or hug Ilweran now. Keeping just enough contact to pass as a couple, but in a strictly friendly sort of way. Honestly, Astrid had never really had a problem doing any of those things with Ilweran before Samhain anyways. It was just much less confusing now that their feelings were all out in the open.

Unfortunately, Astrid just couldn't seem to avoid touching Hiccup as well. Sure, to Thor and Sif it probably just appeared as friendly or accidental contact. Astrid seriously hoped that it looked accidental or innocent, because it certainly wasn't. In fact, it was distinctly more sexual than any of her contact with Ilweran was. Since he had charged back into her life five months ago, Astrid just hadn't really gone many full days without her dark prince. She certainly didn't want to start now either. She had no real intention of starting now.

Instead she found herself trying to covertly put her body near him. Or brushing her fingers over him when no one was looking. Usually he played it cool, but his eyes would still darken noticeably at the contact. Although Astrid did catch him staring at her more than once as well. His eyes drinking in her face when no one was watching, or following her hips as she walked away. Or he would 'accidentally' brush his fingers over her skin as he reached for something. He started every one of their private shielding or dark magic practices with Ilweran by taking her in his arms and kissing her until her knees gave out. His warm embrace the only thing holding her upright.

When Ilweran went off to hide and grant them some extra alone time, Hiccup would try to break her focus by touching her and teasing her instead. Claiming that if she could maintain her calm through that, then she could handle anything. His fingers and lips would dance over all her most sensitive spots, as she tried desperately to keep control of the magic despite her intense yearning for him. Until she inevitably gave up on the magic and took him right there on the grass. They just couldn't seem to stay away from each other for an entire day. It was a bit pathetic, really.

Sometimes she would actually lose herself for a few obvious moments as she gazed at him longingly. Needing to put her arms around him and taste his lips. Feel the delicious fire of his hands on her skin. Until she caught Sif watching her with a speculative look in her bright blue eyes, that is. Then Astrid would have to quickly look away as a blush coloured her cheeks. Trying to act natural while hoping that Sif wasn't reading too far into it. It felt like dragon training on Berk all over again. Just like Ruff and Fish, Astrid was positive that Thor and Sif could sense the magnetic pull between herself and Hiccup too, but they said nothing.

So far, they had managed to keep Astrid's heritage a secret from their guests at least. None of them were really sure how the couple would react, and they weren't entirely sure if they wanted anyone else to know about it anyways. The elves were excellent at keeping secrets, but others might not be so careful. Astrid really didn't want Odin to learn about it. Surely he would renew his efforts to wrangle her into a binding oath before she could complete her apprenticeship if he found out how powerful she was. As a blood descendant of Hecate, Astrid now seemed like even more of a dangerous loose end than the two boys.

Still, everything seemed to be going well. It had now been almost a month of living with their new housemates and they had settled into a comfortable routine. The days always the same. Astrid would wake up with Hiccup, and after an early morning romp she would then head down to breakfast with Ilweran. Next came arcane lessons at the palace with Golwen. Followed by sparring practice with Sif. Then it was time for communal dinner and her practice session with Hiccup and Ilweran. Finally heading upstairs with Ilweran before making her way back to her room to wait for Hiccup.

Sif, like the rest of them, had been trying to get Astrid to open up and use more of her magic for weeks. The Æsir warrior seemed convinced that Astrid had so much more to give. In truth, Astrid knew that she did. She was just so leery of the new shadows inside of her that she was having a bit of trouble releasing her true powers again. What if some new and horrible ability burst from her again and hurt someone else? Sif kept looking for new and gradually more drastic ways to push her. While Astrid found herself struggling to let go and hold on at the same time.

Of course, the physical exhaustion she was starting to feel wasn't really helping things. This morning Astrid woke up in Hiccup's embrace like always. Giving him one last lingering kiss before crawling out of bed with a groan and heading over to their shared clothes chest. Suddenly Hiccup was behind her. His strong arms wrapping around her as he pressed a soft kiss to her neck. "You do not have to practice every day mi'lady," he said softly when she tilted her head back to look at him. "How about you take the day off and just rest?"

Knowing that Hiccup probably wouldn't agree with her reasons, but that he would not fight her on it either, Astrid simply grimaced up at him. "I want to get as much training from Sif as I can before she leaves, and I need my training with Golwen. I want to get signed off by the Order as soon as possible so that we don't have to play these stupid games anymore. I don't want you to have to play these games anymore. The sooner I am no longer an apprentice, the sooner we can start our life the way it should be."

"As long as you do not kill yourself in the process Astrid," Hiccup told her firmly. "I would drive stakes under my own nails before I would allow you to hurt one hair on your beautiful head for my sake. If you are pushing yourself because you think it is what I want, I will take you straight back to that bed and tie you to it right now."

Trying to ignore the pleasant fantasy that began to race through her head at that, and failing terribly, Astrid groaned again and leant back against his gloriously naked body. Hiccup had never actually tied her up before. Although he had jokingly threatened to more than once, and she knew from their new openness about his past that he had done it to more than one lady before her. Astrid had no idea if it would be sexy or scary to be restrained and completely at the mercy of a man, but her body seemed thoroughly convinced that it was the first option. Especially given the fact that it was Hiccup...

"I'll be fine Hiccup, but I need to do this. For me. You can tie me to the bed after practice," she teased. Trying to lighten the mood. Chuckling quietly even as he sighed in defeat, Hiccup pressed a hungry kiss to her lips before stepping back from her again and selecting his own clothes. Being ever careful not to match her outfit. Once dressed, she headed through the concealed door into Ilweran's room as Hiccup left to make his way downstairs. Astrid and Ilweran leaving Ilweran's room together shortly after.

After breakfast, Astrid made her way to the palace again for her lessons with Golwen. It was all getting rather stressful, to be honest. Golwen must have seen this too. After they had finished for the day Golwen followed Astrid out to the balcony where their dragons were curled up together. Astrid hadn't noticed it when she arrived, but Thornshade was already wearing a saddle with fully loaded bags, and Kaitlyn was sitting primly atop the dragon.

Astrid gave the enchantress a confused glance and Golwen answered with an easy smile and a shrug of her delicate shoulders. "I am going to accompany you back to your house today, my dear," she stated casually. "I think it might be easier for all of us if I was to come and stay at your place for a while. At least as long as Thor and Sif are there. For appearance sake, I should probably ask Aldanil for permission before I just start moving all of my stuff in though." Then her smile widened. "Not that he would ever say no to me."

"I mean, the house is already so full. What difference will one more body make? Besides, I am very good at distracting people if you and Aldanil want a moment alone together. Or if all three of you want a few hours alone together," she added with a wink. Causing Astrid to burst out laughing as they both mounted their dragons. The two of them landing on the grass outside the main room just as Hiccup and Ilweran started out the door. Thor and Sif rising from their chairs to join them.

"Let me guess," Hiccup drawled. "I am going to have yet another beautiful woman residing in my house." Kaitlyn hopped down from Thornshade's back then and rubbed against Hiccup and Ilweran's legs once. Then she sauntered straight past them and into the house with her tail held high.

"You are absolutely correct," Golwen grinned back. "It will be easier for Astrid if she does not have to travel around and everyone else is already staying here anyways..." she trailed off with a delicate shrug. "I was going to ask your permission for the sake of propriety, but I did already bring all of my stuff with me."

"Of course you did," Hiccup answered with an easy smirk. There was also an overwhelming measure of gratitude concealed within his green eyes, and Golwen winked at him. "Well, you know the house. Pick whichever room you would like while the big, strong boys bring your stuff up for you." He gestured towards Ilweran and Thor who both moved to grab Golwen's bags from Thornshade's saddle with him. The three women laughing before making their way into the house and up the stairs. Their arms linked together. Golwen conveniently selecting the room right across the hall from Hiccup and Astrid's, and Ilweran's.

Astrid had to admit, having Golwen already at their house definitely made life easier. With six of them living here, it was starting to feel more like her home back on Berk too. Complete with large and happy family, two 'pets', five dragons, and a packed house filled with laughter. Sharpshot and Kaitlyn could often be found curled up with each other. Snoozing in the nearest patch of sunlight, despite whatever chaos was going on around them. The main difference was that hers and Hiccup's house was far bigger than the one Astrid had grown up in. This one didn't feel crowded in the slightest, and of course, everyone had their own bathing room.

They were getting closer to Yule now. Astrid had been trying to find time amidst all of the chaos of training to write letters for all of her family and friends back on Berk. Hiccup and Ilweran were already sending Ana and Lint there anyways. This was going to be the first time that Astrid wasn't with her family for Snoggletog. It was a strange feeling, but it didn't make her as sad as she had first thought it would. Her life was so packed full of love and happiness that it was making the separation easier to bear.

She was also trying to come up with some sort of gifts for Hiccup and Ilweran. No doubt they were both planning to give her something. Probably weapons, honestly. Knowing those boys and how they were perfect at everything else, they would likely be excellent at giving gifts as well. She already knew that Hiccup was, after all.

Astrid, on the other hand, had never been great at that kind of thing. Usually spending too much time stressing over what to get, that she ended up running out of time to buy or make anything at all. She knew that they likely wouldn't care if she gave them nothing in return, but she still wanted to try. Spending their communal meals as a time to brainstorm instead of focusing on eating. After all, it was the only time she wasn't training, sleeping, or trying desperately to get her fill of Hiccup before the next day.

Astrid had been surprised at first to find out that Thor, the 'god of thunder', also loved to cook. Like, he really loved to cook, and he was good at it. Him and Sharpshot made most of the meals together these days. While the rest of the group lounged around the kitchen and stole snacks whenever Thor's back was turned. Last night he had finally caught them stealing his prepped veggies. Things quickly dissolved into a full out food fight then. Leaving them all laughing until Astrid, Sif, and Thor were all in tears as they clutched at their aching ribs. It was wonderful, and exactly the way that Astrid had envisioned her future home.

She had snuggled into Hiccup's warm embrace that night with a smile plastered on her face. After her lesson in the library the following morning Astrid went outside for her sparring practice. Sif wasn't there yet, so she took a seat on the grass while she waited. Looking around at the surrounding forest for a moment. Marvelling again at how lovely it was here. Apparently they were in the midst of winter on Alfheim now, and the weather actually had changed somewhat. Not nearly as much as one would expect though.

The colourful leaves had fallen from the deciduous trees a few weeks ago. The temperature dropping slightly as a colder wind swirled through the forest. Astrid had switched to long sleeved tunics, but that was about it. The days remained impressively warm compared to what she was used to. She had also yet to see any snow. Just rain. Sure Hiccup and Ilweran had already informed her that it didn't snow here, but it was still a hard thing to believe. Winter was just a way of life on Berk.

Turning her face up to the sun as she closed her eyes now, she began to reminisce over that rowdy battle from last night instead. There had actually been a point where she had jumped on Hiccup's back. Clambering up him like a terrible terror, as she tried to snatch a piece of carrot out of his hand. Nearly taking him to the ground in her enthusiasm as she put a little too much power behind her strength spell. It would be impossible to miss the fact that she was flirting with him, but Astrid just hadn't been able to help it and Hiccup had flirted back just as relentlessly.

Laughing, he had pulled her off of him and tickled her ribs until she was gasping for breath and begging for mercy. Then he had stuffed the carrot in her open mouth when she went to curse at him. Holding out his hands to help her up from the floor as she scowled with her cheeks distended ridiculously. Probably looking like a frustrated squirrel. She had attempted to chew the large piece of carrot in as dignified a fashion as she could while Ilweran and Hiccup both chuckled at her.

Finally able to swallow it, she had proceeded to stick her tongue out at Hiccup. "There really are far better uses for that thing, princess," Hiccup had teased. His green eyes shining with humour. "I would love to demonstrate a few for you if you require a visual aid, and my bedroom is right up the stairs," he added with a wink.

Astrid blushed at that, but quipped back, "empty promises," and stuck her tongue out at Hiccup again. Watching his eyes darken with primal lust as the muscles in his jaw clenched in response, as if he was biting back very hard on something. Ilweran covered up the moment by reaching over to shove him playfully then. The result being a friendly wrestling match between the two beautiful men. The others had thought the whole scene was hilarious, but Astrid still noticed Sif studying her and Hiccup closely. The sight of the woman's raised eyebrow causing the telling red of guilt to colour Astrid's face again.

The sound of Sif's voice shook Astrid from her musings then, and she felt a blush rise in her cheeks despite herself. As if she had been caught blatantly flirting with Hiccup all over again. Sif gazed at her knowingly, but said nothing. Simply drawing her weapon and diving right in as soon as Astrid was ready. While they sparred, the rest of the group made their way out to take up spots on the grass. The dragons landing a short ways away. All of them watching the training, like they often did now.

After a few hours, Astrid was aching and sweaty. She had also lost every fight. She kept feeling the weight of Hiccup's eyes on her and it was distracting her terribly. She just couldn't stop herself from glancing over at him. After another of these unfortunately obvious moments, Sif lowered her weapon as she met Astrid's eyes. A slight heat creeping into Astrid's face again as she felt the concealed judgement within that gaze.

"Would you like to leave it here for the day Astrid," Sif asked quietly. Removing the dulling spell from her axe as she spoke. "You seem distracted. As if there is something, or someone, else that you would rather be doing."

Rolling her eyes, Astrid tried to play off her embarrassment as she removed her own dulling spell in a flash of blue. "I just don't love an audience when I'm losing," she replied lightly. Letting a hint of humour creep into her voice and Sif grinned in response.

"Understandable," she offered with a chuckle. Raising her axe again and attacking Astrid with a startling amount of brutality. Not even bothering to dull her weapon again. When Astrid's gaze inevitably wandered to Hiccup, Sif took her out at the knees. Pinning her with her axe handle over Astrid's throat and pressing down hard enough to make her choke. Astrid looked up at the woman in surprise as she heard a sharp intake of breath from one of the other four and an angry croak from Stormfly.

Ignoring this. Sif leaned down to place her mouth right by Astrid's ear. "I know you want him Astrid, but you need to focus. How are you ever going to fight alongside him if you can't even spar in front of him right now?" Astrid felt her eyes fly wide, but Sif simply removed her axe and got back to her feet. Reaching down to pull Astrid up from the ground.

"I can't help being distracted by Ilweran," Astrid finally managed to say as she rubbed her aching throat. Raising her voice a little in the hopes of sounding less guilty as she deliberately played dumb to Sif's accusations. "He's gorgeous."

"I wasn't talking about Ilweran," Sif retorted. Loud enough for everyone to hear this time. "We can all see it and I'm surprised Ilweran is actually putting up with it." She was smirking at the look of shocked denial on Astrid's face. Then she lunged at Astrid again. Astrid barely raising her axe in time to block the heavy blow aimed at her face. "You want to fuck Hiccup, and why wouldn't you. Everybody does," Sif growled at her. Pushing her back with a relentless onslaught. "For years I have been trying to get in that man's bed myself."

Astrid felt her eyes somehow grow even wider. A whole host of rather rude things flying through her head that she wanted to say, but she held them back. "But you're married," she finally gasped out as she struggled to defend herself. Feeling that was the best retort that she could be expected to muster, given the circumstances. Sif was not holding back anymore. Giving Astrid a taste of the full might of a seasoned Valkyrie, and it was a little terrifying.

Sif just laughed at her. "Don't you see! That absolute innocence is why he will never want you in return," she added cruelly. Speaking in a tone that Astrid had never expected. It was as if Sif was deliberately trying to hurt her or upset her.

"You are too weakly human and pure. The Dark Rider is a wicked sex god of the most dangerous kind. Delicious and terrifying. You are just another simpering fool panting after him. As if you would ever have a chance. You can't even beat me in a fight. He would just break you before tossing you aside. If he even bothered with you at all."

"You should be thankful that you have a nice guy like Ilweran," Sif growled. "You should be showing him your affection rather than throwing yourself at his best friend at every opportunity. Flirting with him and thinking that we don't all notice. It's disgusting. Hiccup probably only tolerates your swooning because you're Ilweran's girl. Otherwise he would never even look at you."

Astrid was hearing Sif's words, but she was barely paying attention to them now. She could feel that strange power welling up inside of her again. The curious whispers telling her that this woman needed to pay for her insolence, and that they could help her do it. The magic was filling her body with that wonderful lightness as her constantly simmering rage rose to the surface. Along with her crescent moon mark.

"Uh-oh," she heard Ilweran mutter. "Hiccup..."

"I know," Hiccup started in a slightly louder voice. "Astrid... She is just winding you up. Do not lose control of it..."

"Control of what?" Thor blurted out in alarm. Clearly feeling the strange magic building in the air too.

"Stay out of it if you know what is good for you. She is more likely to lose her grip if you try to distract her right now," Golwen said firmly. Putting a restraining hand on Thor's arm as he made to get up from the grass. The enchantress simply shook her head at Thor again when he looked at her in surprise.

Hiccup completely ignored all of them. Continuing to focus on Astrid instead as he added, "remember that the darkness does not lead you. It serves you. You are its master..." She could feel that he was trying to calm her. Sense the waves of his own magic subtly brushing across the edges of her shield. His powers were very likely the only thing that could stop her right now if she lost herself to the shadows and he knew it. Clearly he was getting ready to jump in if something started going horribly wrong, risking himself to protect the others if need be. Despite his obvious discomfort at the idea of fighting his mate for any reason.

"Thank you Hiccup, but I can handle this," she purred at him. "Stay close though, please. You will know if I need you." He really need not worry. She was in complete control this time, despite the dark magic urging her to let it go. It was whispering to her just like last time, but she was wiser now. Astrid would not allow it to take her over. There was no need for her mate to intervene and expose his own dangerous magic to these unworthy fools.

Using the thrumming swirls of magic Astrid simply boosted her existing enhancement spells instead. Pushing Sif back with purely physical force, even as her anger threatened to crash over her carefully constructed walls like a storm surge. "As you wish, mi'lady. I will be right here," came Hiccup's comforting voice in her mind. His presence helping to anchor her as the sound of him eased some of the storm for her. His emerald magic easily bypassing her shields as she had no desire to keep him out.

Her Dark God. Her lover. The dark soul that matched her own. The man this foolish woman was accusing her of hopelessly chasing. Of not being good enough for. As if such a thing was even possible. As if Astrid did not already own him completely. This bitch has no idea what her and Hiccup have...

"You think that Hiccup doesn't want me," Astrid stated quietly as she stalked forward. Her movements sinuous as a panther once more. "That I could not have him right this moment if I so chose. Well you are wrong. They would all be mine if I wanted them to be. I am as utterly irresistible as the Dark Rider," she added with a dark laugh. "Surely even you can feel it. The way your body yearns for me even though you don't want it to. It's because I am seduction, my dear. I am the night."

She brought her axe around in a quick arc that Sif barely blocked, before twisting it around in her hand and using the butt end to place a hard blow to Sif's now undefended ribs. Hearing the woman gasp for breath as the weapon connected solidly, catching her by surprise. Calling on even more of the dark magic, Astrid felt the temperature drop suddenly. The grass at her feet wilting as crystals of ice formed on the tender blades. The air around Astrid darkening and warping as her movements sped up to very near elf speed. This was the closest she had ever gotten to being able to summon the shadows like Hiccup, and it was awesome. She barely even felt the clawing darkness right now.

"Do you honestly think that I'm just an innocent little princess? A weak little human woman that will never amount to much," Astrid asked Sif calmly. Seeming completely unfazed by the immense power that was now coursing through the air around her in waves. Knowing that her eyes would be crawling sinisterly with indigo shadows as she paced easily towards the stunned woman. Blocking Sif's attempted retaliations with barely a nudge from her own axe as the Valkyrie's blade seemed to move in slow motion towards her.

"I am not a mere human," Astrid growled now. "I am the darkness that creeps into your mind and leads your soul astray. The cold detachment that drives you to commit acts of true evil, if I so desire. Capable of twisting and warping you into something unrecognizable and far beyond saving. The Huntress of the Storm and the Lady of the Dark Moon."

"You are but an ant beneath my foot," she laughed. "I could make all of you bend to my will. Could utterly destroy you with a simple thought, or careless wave of my hand. You think that the Dark Rider is terrifying? That he holds all of the power? If you had any sense at all you would be just as afraid of me..."

Astrid was now moving so fast that Sif was only managing to block half the strikes, if that, despite using all of her arcane abilities. The steel and wood of the Æsir's axe squealing and creaking as the strength spells struggled to hold up under the force of Astrid's fury. Loose tendrils of Astrid's hair were flying around her face in a wind of her own creation. Wisps of white essence rising from the frozen grasses as she crushed them beneath her feet. They roiled around her before melding with the aura encasing her. The essence simply seeking her out on its own now as it sensed her blood connection to the veil. She could even feel the slight warmth as each one boosted her magic minutely.

Astrid knew that she must look like a vengeful goddess, and she was. Seeing Sif's eyes fly even wider in surprise at Astrid's words and carefully controlled brutality. The obvious aura of power that was radiating off of her. "You are the one that is weak," Astrid growled at the woman. As Sif dodged away from the backhanded slice directed at her left side, Astrid faked out and spun around her. Wrapping her neck in a swift chokehold. Being careful to restrict her strength enough so as not to snap Sif's neck like a twig, Astrid kicked Sif's legs out before she could even think to react.

As Sif hit the ground hard, Astrid brought her blade down towards the woman's neck. Sif cast a quick warding spell to try and block it. Dropping one hand from the handle as her axe continued to arc downward, Astrid simply waved the spell away in a casual flash of blue light. There was definite fear in Sif's eyes now as she desperately hoisted her own weapon to try and block the blow instead, but Astrid's glorious axe sliced it in half like it was made of yak butter. Astrid holding the strike just before it could decapitate the woman. In a last ditch effort, Sif brought the two halves of what remained of her axe around to strike at Astrid's legs.

Hooking one side of her blade around Sif's axe head, Astrid twisted it viciously out of her grasp as she caught the wooden handle with her other free hand. Yanking it out of Sif's grip as the woman struggled to get to her feet. Before she could make it farther than her knees, Astrid brought her axe back up. The beautiful blade coming to a stop right against Sif's throat. Sif was holding her hands up in surrender now as she tilted her head back nervously. Trying to keep the razor sharp edge from slicing her to ribbons as she gasped for each ragged breath. Beads of sweat running down her pretty face.

"And just like that, you're dead," Astrid stated wickedly. Relishing in Sif's fear. "You have no idea who you are dealing with you foolish woman," she purred dangerously. "I would make you bow down before me, but you are already on your knees." The words rolled over her tongue like honey, and she watched as Sif shivered noticeably at the velvet sound. Even closing her eyes briefly. Unable to completely fight off the waves of potent allure pouring from Astrid right now.

"Well done mi'lady," Hiccup told her then. "By the way, your Dark God really wants to have his wicked way with you right now. My glorious Dark Goddess..." Astrid smirked at that and brushed her consciousness over his like a sensual caress. Beckoning him closer and begging him to touch her. Needing him to touch her.

Hiccup chuckled softly as he and Ilweran pushed up off the grass. Both of them coming over by Astrid now. Hiccup gave her a cheeky grin before throwing a casual arm around her shoulders. Making Astrid smirk even wider as she felt his immense power meld with hers for a moment. Pins and needles racing beneath her skin at his nearness, and she was leaning into his side slightly before she could stop herself.

Without lowering her weapon from Sif, Astrid then lobbed the broken axe handle towards where Thor was still sitting on the grass. The burly man reached out instinctively to catch it. A look of dumbfounded shock plastered on his handsome face. "Sorry about your wife's wedding present," Astrid shot at him, as she smiled darkly down at his wife. "I guess you'll just have to make her another one. Perhaps you can even get Hiccup to make her one now that the old one is broken."

To her surprise, Sif chuckled and started smiling too. "Now that's more like it, girl! I knew you were so much more powerful than you pretended to be," she exclaimed happily. Astrid gaping at her in surprise now as the boys both started laughing at her expression. Her axe even dropping slightly as she struggled to comprehend what was so funny. "Umm, can you please lower your axe," Sif inquired lightly. "I promise I didn't really mean what I said. I just wanted to make you mad enough that you would let go for once."

"You were just lucky that Hiccup was here. If she had let go a little too much he would have been the only one that could stop her," Ilweran offered calmly. Sif looked at Hiccup in surprise and he offered a nod in return. Astrid withdrew her axe from the woman's throat at that. Holstering it again before lifting her shoulders in acknowledgement of Ilweran's words as well.

Then Astrid reached out to twine her fingers through Ilweran's as she wrapped her other arm around Hiccup's waist. Unable to completely resist returning the contact, but still making it look like a casually friendly gesture. "Believe me when I say that you do not want her to let go too much..." Ilweran added with a shudder. Giving Astrid's fingers a gentle squeeze in return. Golwen made her way over then as well, and she placed a reassuring hand on Ilweran's shoulder. Tinkling a laugh as she winked at Astrid.

"Yeah, sorry about that," Hiccup chimed in. Smirking at Ilweran too for a moment before looking back at Sif. "We probably should have warned you guys about what happens when Astrid gets angry. That was our bad. To be fair, I think it is actually kind of hot when she loses it. I am a bit of filthy beast though." He grinned at Astrid again and she giggled in response. Then he dropped his arm from her shoulders as he offered his other hand to pull Sif to her feet.

Sif got up and promptly fell against him. Astrid would have snarled at Sif, if she hadn't noticed the woman's legs still trembling. Hiccup just chuckled as he leant slightly back from Sif. Keeping the contact strictly friendly as he patted her gently on the back, while glancing at Astrid with green eyes so full of loving admiration that it made her knees turn to jelly. That look alone settled Astrid's nerves again, and she cast off the dark magic with a sigh. Hiccup was her lover and he always would be. Sif just didn't know that, so Astrid would play nice.

Thor made his way over to join them now. Still staring stupidly at Astrid. "Uh, do any of you four want to explain what in Helheim that was just now," he finally managed to choke out. Waving the broken axe handle around vaguely. "Creepy crawling eyes, glowing purple moon, and dark clouds of freezing cold magic warping the air and killing the grass. I've never seen anything like that before."

"It turns out that Astrid is Hecate's granddaughter," Golwen stated smoothly. Causing both Thor and Sif to turn to her in shock. Thor actually dropping the axe handle in surprise as he gaped between Golwen and Astrid. "We have kept it a secret as it is not really something that should be common knowledge. If you know what I mean. We do not want others to believe that they can use Astrid as a weapon," the enchantress added pointedly. Giving Thor and Sif a warning glare that looked startling on her lovely face.

"Well that certainly explains a lot," Sif muttered quietly. Stepping back from Hiccup as Thor offered his arm to hold her up now, and Astrid suddenly realized just how much arcane reserves Sif must have expended while trying to fight her off. It made Astrid feel both smug and a little bit ashamed. "The looks, the allure, the powers..." Sif added with a shake of her head. Then she met Astrid's eyes again.

"I can see why you wouldn't want to spread that around. It would put you in incredible danger. At least you have Ilweran and Hiccup to protect you, although you clearly do not really need them to." She held her hand out to Astrid in a sign of truce then. "We promise that we won't tell anyone, and I really am sorry for what I said, by the way. I don't actually believe any of that and I hope that you don't either. Hiccup would never be that cruel to anyone, despite his reputation."

Hiccup grinned at Sif as Ilweran chuckled softly. "Oh, he most certainly would be that cruel," Astrid offered with a chuckle of her own. "Not to someone that he or Ilweran care about though, which I assume is what you mean." Gently unwinding her fingers from around Ilweran's so that she could shake hands with Sif, Astrid gave her a bright smile as well. "I realize now that you were just trying to rile me up. I'm sorry for snapping and beating the shit out of you. At least I was in control this time, and Hiccup was ready to intervene if needed. I mean, it could have ended up much worse."

"You could say that again..." Ilweran muttered. So quietly that only those right beside him would hear. Hiccup, Astrid, and Golwen all broke down laughing at that. Leaving Thor and Sif to stare at them in confusion as Astrid turned and wrapped her arms jokingly around Ilweran's waist now. Gazing up at him innocently.

"I have no idea what you mean darling. You seemed to enjoy it when I dazzled you," she teased. Grinning at him as he chuckled lightly before shaking his head at her.

"I refuse to respond to that statement on the grounds of self preservation," Ilweran stated blandly as he put his arms carefully around her shoulders, hands on his forearms. "I vote that we just avoid talking about it instead. As a matter of fact, I have been actively trying to forget that it ever even happened in the first place."

"Me too brother, but I doubt that we will be able to," Hiccup added with a laugh. Receiving a grumble and an eye roll from Ilweran. "I know for a fact that the sight of you two almost going at it in the middle of a crowd is not something I will likely ever forget." He and Ilweran met eyes for only the briefest of moments, but Astrid could still practically feel the unspoken understanding between the two of them. "Still, I would prefer to be able to eat my dinner tonight so I am going to pretend it did not happen either. On the topic of dinner though, Sharpshot is ready for us," Hiccup segued smoothly. Gesturing towards the house. With another round of laughter, the group started back across the grass.

"Speaking of things I want to eat tonight..." Astrid felt a blush rise in her cheeks as she suddenly heard Hiccup's suggestive words in her mind. An image of her own naked body from an incredibly intimate angle even flashing through her head briefly. Reminding her that the partial connection between their minds was still open from the sparring meltdown. Chuckling at her expression while he severed the connection, Hiccup slapped her on the ass as he walked past to join Sif and Thor. Turning his head to grin at her when she gasped in surprise as Ilweran snorted a laugh. Astrid just shook her head at the two of them. Her lips twisting up into a wide grin as well.

_

How about something both lighthearted and violent?! You're welcome :P

Oh Astrid, you and your temper... Although, I must say that I really love badass Astrid. So much! She will have been sparring against elves and seasoned Valkyrie warriors for the entirety of her training, by the time she gets set loose on the worlds. No one else is going to stand a chance against her. Lol

So, what do you all think? Do you think Hiccup and Astrid are going to be able to keep their relationship hidden for another month? Or do you think they are going to get caught, like in Berk? How do you think Thor and Sif would react if they found out the truth?