Once in a Nightlight

Chapter 23

Toothless and Astra flew their way through the sky, soaring their way through the Hidden World to a rather dark area that Toothless didn't recognise.
    Astra perched himself on the edge of a crevice in the wall, looking in. "This was our old den, the scent is very faint but I still recognise it." He whispered to his brother-in-law and crept inside to take a closer look, sniffing around silently.
    Toothless let him have his moment and looked around himself, this den was shun away from the main area of the Hidden World and Toothless wasn't sure why.
     "Why is this den so... Far from everything else?" He asked Astra, who looked at him with a look of sadness.
    "At the time the Hidden World wasn't the safest of places. It was raided by lots of Grimmel's dragons under his command, so our parents hid away here to keep ourselves out of danger in the meantime." Astra explained and took a seat next to the Alpha. "We all went into hiding, and eventually after a long few months, Grimmel thought he had chased the last of the dragons out of here and left. Sadly, those who were chased out were captured, and I fret to think of the fate they met..." Astra glanced down, his ears pinned to his head. Toothless dropped his expression at the defeated look on his face and placed the tip of his tail on Astra's shoulder.
    "You don't have to fret anymore, Astra... I solemnly swear that nothing will happen to those who live here... I'll protect them." Toothless promised, which made Astra smile a little.
    "You're a good guy, Toothless... I was so scared leaving my sister here to look after everybody... I was afraid they would come back when I was gone and hurt her and those who lived here... But now I know that she's safe, here with you." Astra smiled even more at him. "Thank you, Toothless."
    "There's nothing to thank me for. It's my duty to look after those, and protect my own. Just like my human did." Toothless took a deep breath and stood up, gesturing for Astra to follow. "This den will remain untouched to honour your family and your parents." Toothless said before he took off from the den and glided back home with Astra close behind.

Luna was spending her afternoon with the other mothers of the Hidden World, being taught a thing of two about motherhood.
    "Ooh we can't wait for the babies to arrive!" Millie excitedly wagged her tail. "How many do you think you're having, Luna?"
    "I'm not too sure. I'm happy with one or multiple." Luna purred with delight to the females. "All I know is that me and Toothless are so excited to meet them, as long as they are healthy we don't care what we have."
    "This is so wonderful. Finally, we'll have an heir to the throne." Stormfly smiled. "I've known Toothless for a long long time now, and I'm glad he was finally able to settle down and have his own family." The females all agreed while their own young ones were playing in the circle they were laying in. Luna watched them with a smile on her face, excited to one day watch her own play together.

A loud roar bellowed from the skies as the King made his way back with Astra, all the dragons turned their head to greet him. Toothless came and landed next to his mate and gave her a warm nuzzle, while Astra landed besides him.
    "Hey Luna, how are you doing?" Toothless purred to her.
    "I'm okay, how are you? Did you and Astra have fun?" Luna smiled at her mate and her brother, happy they finally met and got some time together.
    "Oooh we had a blast, right?" Astra chuckled to Toothless and sat down. "It was very fun. We got to know each other a lot better."
    "That's wonderful!" Luna beamed happily. "I'm glad you two have gotten along so well, I really wish you could stay, Astra."
     Astra smiled at his sister and came over to give her face a gentle nuzzle. "I know, I know. I promise I'll visit a lot more frequently now, okay?" Astra promised his sister who nodded with a smile on her face. While the females in the circle began to chat with Astra, Toothless gestured for Luna to come so they could talk privately.

Toothless sat at the edge of the crystal perch and glanced to Luna who waddled up besides him. "How long do you think we have left until they arrive?"
    "Not long now, I'm assuming it's very soon." Luna said to him. "I can't wait."
    "Neither can I. Promise me you won't be doing any crazy flying or walking from now on, you need lots of rest to get comfortable." Toothless gently said to his mate who rolled her eyes playfully.
    "Of course. I have started making the nest a little more comfortable for the delivery, so they should be here any day now." Luna got up and brushed her tail under his chin. "I'm going to head back for a nap, I'm exhausted."
    "I'll be there in a second." Toothless said to Luna who warbled in response before taking off. Toothless turned back to the group and padded over to join the conversation for a little while.

Luna landed on the edge of their den and wandered inside, climbing into the warm nest she had began making and padding it down to make herself comfortable. She curled up there by herself, chin on her tail and slowly blinking her eyes closed.
    Moments later, Toothless landed in the den and crept inside, giving Luna's hair a gentle nuzzle then came and curled up next to her, a single wing draping over her body so she was warm and safe, before drifting off to sleep.