Lost and Found

Chapter 9: For the Dancing and the Dreaming

The blonde viking, Gobber, sits by the fire with his dragon Grump. Valka works at the makeshift counter, attempting to cook some food. I had offered, but she declined. Stoick is next to her, helping. Atlas, Cloudjumper, and Toothless all wait eagerly for scraps of food.

Hiccup also helps with the food, carrying a bowl over to a basket to grab more fish. Though I believe he's just trying to channel his excitement into something helpful and productive: he hasn't been to sit still since he suggested that we and the dragons move back to Berk.

Honestly, Berk sounds fantastic. I'd love to move in there, but at the same time, it terrifies me. I have been with this nest practically my whole life. So I can't help but feel like I'd be abandoning it in a way. Plus, whenever I think about moving to Berk, a bunch of nerves dance in the pit of my stomach. What if I don't like it there? What if they don't like me there? What if I make a mistake?

Desperate to get out of my own head, I look away from the flickering flames to watch the other three cook.

"Mom, you'd never recognize it. Where we used to make weapons, we now build saddles, wing slings -- we even fix dragon teeth." As he grabs some fish from the basket, Toothless inches closer, attempting to swipe a fish, but Hiccup closes the lid on the dragon's nose. Toothless snorts and shakes his head as he watches Hiccup walk away from the basket. "You wouldn't believe how much everything's changed."

Stoick smiles with pride, "Your son's changed Berk for the better." Hiccup hands the bowl to Stoick, who sets it on the counter. "I think we did well with this one, Val." He says as he puts his hands on Valka's shoulders.

The touch causes Valka to jump, which sends the food spilling to the floor. Atlas and Cloudjumper get to the fish before Toothless can. The night fury glances sadly at the two stormcutters. I snicker softly. Cloudjumper briefly regards Toothless before spitting up some of the fish to share. Toothless eagerly slurps up the fish. Smacking his lips, the night fury purrs thankfully, looking toward Cloudjumper. I shake my head with a fond smile and turn back toward the group.

"I'm... a little out of practice." Valka explains as Stoick places some more fish on the tray.

Stoick smirks and shrugs, "Well, y'know... I didn't marry you for your cooking."

Hiccup takes the tray from Valka and walks it over to Gobber. "I hope not, her meatballs could kill more beasts than a battle axe. I've still got a few knocking around in here. Ha-ha." Gobber laughs and smacks his stomach.

I laugh lightly; Gobber sure is a fun company to keep. Out of the corner of my eye, I watch as Gobber takes a bite of the fish before wincing at the taste. He quickly and sneakily shovels the food into his dragon, Grump's mouth. The dragon accepts the food with a tired huff.

"And once you two move in, with all your dragons, Drago won't stand a chance. Everything will be okay!" Hiccup exclaims excitedly. Valka bites her lip as she takes the water jug and turns to fill it.

Stoick places his arm around Hiccup's shoulders and laughs, "Slow down, son. It's a lot to take in."

"Oh, gotcha." Hiccup nods. He glances over at me with a smile before pulling away from his father to come and sit by me in front of the fire. Atlas has curled up behind me. She snorts a greeting as Hiccup sits down. Hiccup pats her side in greeting. Atlas shuffles closer to me and lays her head by my side, where I can stroke her with ease.

With a sigh, I glance at Hiccup, "I'm gonna be honest Hiccup, the idea of moving to your village is thrilling and exciting, but..."

He looks at me, slightly worried, "But what?"