First Friends

Epilogue

Hiccup,

No words could describe how grateful I am to have shared my life with you. And now, looking back on my youth, knowing my time grows increasingly shorter with each passing breath, I can only hope I can pass on the bit of knowledge I have gained to you, as I have no offspring to share it with:

There is only so much time you have with someone, and you never know how much time there will be, so cherish each breath, each moment. When Stoick passed away, I was thankful that he had made you, for it was you who saved my life when I was only a cub. From that day on, I swore I would protect you, and I have kept that promise to the best of my abilities. There were unfortunately, a few times when I could not be there to keep you safe, so I made Toothless swear to protect you, especially after you lost your leg under his care. I was so angry, because if I'd been there, I would have fought to my dying breath to keep you alive and whole. Also, to tie this up, if you love someone, tell them, because you never know when they will die.

Never let your anger cloud your judgement. This is something my mother told me. So far I've been able to keep that little morsel and it's been a wonderful life since then. You can't change who people are, you can't change their personalities, so you'll always find that one person who you just can't stand to even share the air with, but you learn to live with them anyways. The gods and goddesses put us on this crazy planet together for a reason, so give them a reason to appreciate their creation.

For every bad thing, try to think of at least one good thing in every situation. I know I've not got much time left, but just know that during my last days here, I didn't want or need anything that wasn't already given to me. Also, while my joints may ache, and my breath comes in wheezes, I will always find a way to get up the stairs so I can watch over you while you sleep, and nothing will change that, so don't try. All I ever needed was your love, which you always gave me freely, and in vast amounts.

Finally, always be thankful for what you have, no matter how little. I forgot about this when you and Toothless became a bonded pair. I forgot to look for the good in the situation, instead choosing jealousy over thankfulness. That is why I ran away from you when you tried to spend time with me. That and Toothless also made a mean comment. I've forgiven him, though, and know now that it was because he's a dragon, and I'm a jaguar.

If you're wondering how I managed to write this, though my bones ache with age and my eyesight is horrible, worse in the dim light of the fireplace, it's because a Terrible Terror is helping me write when I falter. Gothi is watching me write this, and also looking at me to make sure I'm not hurting. You're sleeping upstairs right now, so I still have a few moments yet.

I'll leave you off with this: I love you, Hiccup, son of Stoick the Vast. I have loved you from the day you saved me from sinking to a watery grave. To the day my last breath has been drawn, I will love you. By the time you read this, I will have passed on. Do not grieve for me, for I'm not in any pain. I know you loved me as you love Toothless, and your father. Oh, there are so many things I wish I could say to him, but alas, I cannot. If I see him in the Great Meadow, I shall speak to him, as there is no language barrier there. Take heart and comfort knowing that I'm at peace. I shall see you again, someday.

Always remember: once you love someone, they're never really gone because they live on in your heart, as happy and healthy as you choose them to be. I'll be watching over you.

With love,

Tiger