Fearless Fables

The Dragon Fairy

Benen had always loved snow. The thick, crisp whiteness of the landscape outside his window made his heart feel freer than it had in a very long time. Snoggletog morning had come at last and he was excited to spend it with loved ones and new friends. Not wanting to waste a second of the holiday, he quickly rose from bed and put on his heavy jacket to brave the cold outside. As he exited the building, he was surprised to run headlong into a small, red haired blur rushing up to the door to greet him. The child hurled himself into his friend's arms, already chattering incoherently.

"Slow down, Fearless Finn!" Benen exclaimed with a cheerful smile, returning the rather impromptu hug.

"Sorry!" Finn chirped. "I'm just really excited because guess what, it's Snoggletog!"

"So I've heard." Said the elderly man through a laugh. "It's all anyone talked about for a month."

"Yes but this one is special!" Finn grasped his best friend's hand. "'Cause now you get presents too!" he tugged on Benen's arm. "Come on, Dad says you have to be there before we start opening them."

"Ahh so there is an ulterior motive." Benen winked at the boy. "Well, I guess there's no point standing around in the snow. Lead the way!"

The little boy skipped alongside his friend, trying to keep up with Benen's much longer strides. As they walked, he continued to ramble about the many traditions shared by the villagers during this special time of the year. Benen listened patiently, a smile on his face. He liked to see Finn happy, especially considering what he had gone through four months previously.

The Haddock house looked more like a decorated confection than anyone's dwelling. The Snoggletog lights were draped around its front, the coating of snow sparkling in the sun's rays. Benen was not given much time to enjoy the idyllic scene before a little girl threw open the door and, echoing her brother's footsteps a few minutes before, plunged into the man's arms.

"Happy Snoggletog, Anna." Benen patted the girl's head, which came up to his stomach.

"You're here! Finally!" she squealed. "Now we can get started!"

"Their devotion to you is very touching." Hiccup deadpanned from his position in the doorframe.

"Isn't it?" Benen smiled widely. "Well let's not keep them waiting any longer!"

"Hear hear!" Finn nearly dived into the house, his sister at his heels.

"Hello there, Benen." Astrid greeted him as he walked into the house. "Let me get your coat."

"Thank you but I can manage. I'm not wasting away just yet." Benen hung his coat on the stand next to the door.

He turned to the Snoggletog tree, which was nearly buried under the wrapped parcels beneath. Gobber was already sitting at the kitchen table with a large tankard filled with what Benen guessed was some very strong tea. He sat down next to the tree and watched Finn, who already had a present in his lap, fidget as he waited for everyone to sit down and watch him tear into it.

"All right, you two, I guess you've waited long enough." Hiccup said through a chuckle. "Go for it."

There were several loud ripping noises as the twins got started on what promised to be a very exciting morning.

Xxx

And it was an exciting morning. Besides the new, properly fitted armor for Finn and four new books, filled with colorful pictures, for Adrianna, as well as the regular weapons collection from Gobber, updated wardrobe from Astrid, bizarre inventions from Hiccup, and hand carved sculptures from Benen, there was also one tooth mysteriously found in Finn's breakfast, which he claimed was not the reason for the gaping hole in his mouth, and a precursory look into Adrianna's hand gifted birthday present for Erick (a picture book of one of their adventures that she had written and illustrated with some help from Hiccup).