In Lieu Of A Tail

16. Gothi Is A Legend And Someone Finally Gets It

AN: Please look at the AN at the bottom of the chapter.

Hiccup and Toothless watched over their sisters as Gothi tended to them. After no small amount of villagers disagreeing with the elder and her hitting several with her staff, Stoick had finally ordered them to behave and help them get the dragon and the girl to his hut. No one would help, but they did stay out of the group's way. Not that they needed much help, as soon as Astra was fully awake she – with Hiccup and Toothless's assistance – got Aurora on her back and followed the Chief to his home and up the stairs to Hiccup's old room. Hiccup helped Gothi settle his sister on the bed – he refused to allow anyone but the dragons, himself or the elder near her – and Toothless nudged his sister in reassurance. Gothi bandaged Aurora first, knowing that Astra would not be able to sit still until she was sure that her rider was going to be alright. Gothi diagnosed a broken right arm, some grazes, and a possible minor concussion – not as bad as it could have been. She communicated through her runes again, as Hiccup could read them, the boy released a breath of relief when he heard Aurora would be alright.

"She is going to be fine," the dragons trilled in joy, "probably pissed when she wakes up and not fully with it for awhile but okay." Gothi smiled at the boy's words, finding it endearing how much he cared, she scratched under Heller's chin – relishing in the small amount of heat he provided that eased her aching shoulders – he trilled in response.

She turned her attention to the Star Fury, approaching her carefully.

"Astra, this is my hatchling –many call her Gothi." Heller introduced.

"Does she understand me?" Her answer came from Gothi, in the form of a nod. "Hello, Gothi, I am Astra, Heller has told me you saw to my sister's injuries before. For that, I am indebted to you, my sister is everything to me, thank you." Astra bowed her head, wincing as her wing twinged.

Gobber and Stoick watched all of this from the doorway. They observed as Gothi shook her head and carefully took the wing without fear, splinting it with gentle but firm movements. She worked swiftly and precisely, her practiced hands flying over bandages and the wooden planks that she used as splints. They departed downstairs when the figure standing vigil by the side of what was once his bed, shot them a threatening and irritated look.

He returned to watching his sister as she slept in silence. He almost missed the harsh sound of a disused voice.

"I thought they'd never leave." Hiccup turned towards the sound, beyond surprised that it was Gothi, and in dragonese. "You owe me nothing, Sister-Astra, it is my pleasure and duty. I only wish it was not necessary." The elder turned to Hiccup, a melancholy and sympathetic smile on her face. "Your sisters will be alright, they simply have to rest. Astra's wing is fractured, so she'll be grounded for around three weeks, and shouldn't fly too far or fast for an extra week or so."

"You-you're t-talking." Hiccup stuttered, eyes wide. The two large dragons regarded the woman with surprise, Heller rolled his eyes in amusement.

"Yes, I suppose I am." Gothi whispered with a twinkle in her eyes.

"I-in dra-dragonese." The boy said rather obviously.

"You sound surprised." She smirked.

"How long?" Hiccup questioned.

"How long have I known the truths about dragons?" Hiccup nodded, "A long, long time. Longer than you."

"Why didn't you say anything?"

"The time was not right. The fates forbade me until now." She responded, reproachfully, almost ashamed. "I –"