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

Chapter 36 - Astrid

The morning sun was trying its best to climb above the heavy cloud-cover that frosted the ocean.

It was very early and the kids were beginning to make noise.

Hiccup stayed up extra late with Dagur discussing things I couldn't stay awake for.

I rolled over and stared at my husband as he was in deep sleep. I lightly moved a strand of hair from his temple and kissed it softly.

I rose from my comfortable, warm bed and I go to the kids' room.

Nuffink was beginning to wake up but Zephyr was quietly journaling.

"Morning sweetie", I whisper sitting on her bed.

"Morning mommy", she says not looking up.

"Whatcha working on?"

"I'm writing a list"

"A list for what?", I am confused.

"A list of things I grab if we were under attack and we had to leave fast", she says casually and I'm shocked at her wild statement.

"Oh sweetie, you don't have to worry about that. We will make sure everything here is protected", I begin re-braiding her messy hair.

"It just sounded like daddy and uncle Dagur we're talking about scary things", she says and I pull her into my arms.

"We're Berkians. We protect our own. Daddy and I will make sure nothing ever harms you or the tribe. I know you'll do the same one day", I say and she looks at me with hopeful eyes.

I smile at my sensitive Zephyr and we rub noses.

"I would hit them wif daddy's dwagon bwade!", my son shouts from his bed.

I laugh as I shush him and remind him daddy is sleeping.

"Lets eat some breakfast", I pick up Nuffink and Zephyr holds the back of my night gown as we go down stairs.

I fix some porridge over the fire as the kids quietly played.

A soft knock at the door was heard.

I open it and it's Mala with Gunnar.

"Hey, Dagur is still sleeping. Could we join you so we don't wake him in the small guest house?", she asks and I oblige.

"Hiccup's still asleep too. You're just in time for some breakfast", I say as Gunnar joins his cousins and Mala gets bowls out for me.

"So, did Hiccup discuss any of their conversation last night with you?", she asks.

"No, I was exhausted after I finally got the kids down, that I was dead asleep until about 20 minutes ago"

"Oh I see, you poor thing. Two isn't easy...", she says and I nod.

"No, but it's a lot of fun!", I smile as I glance at my two gifts from Odin.

"Dagur wants another one... but it honestly makes me nervous"

"Nervous? Queen Mala, nervous?", I giggle and she does too.

"Well parenting is a whole other venture. I guess I've finally got the hang of it after 6 years", she laughs.

There's a moment of silence as I grab a pot of cane-sugar from a cabinet.

"Did Dagur discuss anything with you?", I ask.

"A little bit...", there's reservation in her voice.

I look at her with an eyebrow raised.

"Well, Dagur doesn't want you guys to trust Throk. I don't know what to think myself, that's why I want to speak with him. To read his eyes and see if he's telling the truth. But Hiccup... Hiccup thinks that Heather could have been doing the same thing as Throk. He wants to go talk to her himself and see", she finally explains and I am put way off.