Until They Can Return in Peace - How to Train Your Dragon

Chapter 18 - Astrid

Dear Heather,

It's been 3 months since I've seen you. I am so sorry about you finding out about Dagur the way you did. But we ended up recovering him and returning him to Berserker Island. It was quite wonderful to see him reunited with his family. Your nephew Gunnar is already learning how to walk at almost 1 year old. Mala regrets not telling you of the reason she sent you to us. We just wanted you protected. You're my best friend and I love you dearly.

Zephyr is 3 months old and she's already smiling and giggling in little doses. Hiccup and I have defended New Berk against a couple of attacks but nothing we can't handle.

I just hope you're okay and know that we are very sorry... I hope you receive this letter... somehow...

- Astrid Haddock

"Astrid that's the eighth letter you've sent... I don't know if she's getting any of them, no one knows where she is", my husband says from his chair the fire.

I finish folding the letter and I put it in an envelope to give to the traders when they come to drop off supplies tomorrow.

Zephyr spits up on his lap and I can't help but laugh.

I grab a cloth and go to clean her and him up, "I know... but she's got to be out there somewhere... I just hope she's okay and no Fractious or Rebellion has found her".

"Me too", he says continuing to rock Zephyr in his arms.

I set our dishes in the wash bucket and I go back over to the fire.

The chair is big enough for me to climb in the seat with Hiccup and my baby girl.

I snuggle close to side and I stare at Zephyr's sleeping, now squishy face.

"I could have another one", I say without thinking.

Hiccup's eyes widen at me.

"What? I could... this one is so wonderful...", I smile at him.

He looks terrified and I can't help but laugh.

"Don't worry I'm not pregnant! But glad to know where you're at with that", I say slightly nudging his shoulder.

"No I am open to it...! I just...", he starts but I cut him off with a kiss.

"I know you're trying to be protective and there's a lot going on right now. But maybe in the future!"

His expression softens and he kisses me again, "Well can I at least celebrate my one year anniversary first before we add another baby in the mix?".

My heart stops and my stomach doubles over in knots. Did I forget our one year?!

"Oh my gods is that today?", I begin to panic.

"It's tomorrow, Astrid... did you forget?", he smirks.

"I. Uh. No! I just.. didn't get you a gift... Or... I...", I stutter.

"A gift?! Astrid the greatest gift you could ever get me, is right here. Having a family with you"

I absolutely adore this man. As my chief, my best friend, my husband and father to my child. He never ceases to catch me off guard with his kind heart.

"I love you Knucklehead. Always. Happy Anniversary", I kiss his cheek.

The fire keeping our bodies even warmer as we cuddle closer.

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*NARRATOR POINT OF VIEW*

The dark and moss-covered Island was a dense and frightful place to inhabit.

Since the migration of the dragons, nature has taken it over, making it easy to hide a rebellious clan with even darker intentions than the sky above.

A stranger docks their ships on the sand of this murky place.

The followers of this stranger are close behind as they make their way towards a poorly built house lying in the midst of the trees and vines.

The leader of the group steps up the stairs that lead to a throne.

"Magnus the Morbid. I've heard a lot about you", the mysterious figure dressed in black approaches the leader of the Rebellion of the Wing.

"Have you now? I've begun to feel forgotten about since our departure", the large burly man strokes his beard, leaning back defeated in his seat.

"You're quite the bold one, attempting to capture the chief of New Berk many moons ago", the stranger said.

"It was to throw fear into their souls. They have no idea what's coming for them in the future", Magnus snarls at the dark figure.

"That is why I think it's important that we come to a mutual understanding when it comes to New Berk and Berserker Island"

"Are you suggesting we work together?! The Rebellion and the Fractious?! Have you forgotten the reason we left that Thor-forsaken island?!"

"It will be something Hiccup and Mala would never guess. That gives us the advantage. Besides, they will never suspect me...", the stranger is now closer to Magnus.

The scars on his giant arms are more visible as he crosses them across his body.

"And why is that, oh fearless leader of the Fractious Berserkers?"

The stranger pulls down her hood, revealing her face.

"Heather?", Throk questions from his leader's right-hand side.

"Hello Throk. It's nice to see a friendly face that knows where their convictions are", she deviously smiles at her past companion in battle.

Throk gulps deeply and stares at his feet.

Magnus is appalled at the sight of someone so close to royalty being the leader of a rogue tribe.

"Heather? So your group captured Dagur months ago, while you were on New Berk to give them the illusion that you were hurt and on the side of Mala and her tribe?", Magnus asks.

"Why, to do the very same as you. To put fear into their minds", she smirks wildly.

Magnus is now intrigued, "So, Heather. Why have you come? How could I possibly benefit from this... merge of tribes that we have ran from the last year?"

Her raven black hair blends in with the rest of her ensemble, making her green eyes spark aflame with revenge.

"I have the closest coordinates to the Hidden World. Once we find it, we can return to the way we used to live our lives. And in the end, we get revenge on Hiccup Haddock for sending the dragons away"

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*AUTHORS NOTE*

Hey guys! So something a little different... new point of view...!

Let me know what you think of having a narrator pop in?!

- k.r.