A Fading Star Will Rise Again (A How To Train Your Dragon Fanfic)

2- Falling to Pieces

(Artwork by Fengmei Qin123, Featuring Esteria as Queen)

Esteria

Esteria sat atop the largest crystal in The Hidden World beside an elder Night Fury, Auraseer. Auraseer's voice boomed throughout the large cavern that the Crystal was centered within, loud enough to reach the hundreds and hundreds of dragons that had gathered.

"Due to King Asazin's unfortunate passing," He began. He circled the Crystal so every dragon got the chance to see his face. "We gather together to crown his daughter, Esteria, as Queen."

Esteria gulped, her heart pounding. Night Furies had become the Alpha Species thanks to their natural leadership abilities and kindness to all dragons. Asazin had always told Esteria that one day she'd become Queen, and she'd be wonderful. But neither of them thought it would be happening so soon. She scanned the crowd of dragons for anyone that looked like they intended to challenge her, but no such dragon appeared.

"Any of those worthy may now step forward to challenge for the Alpha position," Auraseer said, watching the crowd for any who might step forward.

"If anyone's gonna challenge Esteria, they'll have to go through me first!" A small voice chirped. Esteria looked down to see Birdie, Nightfall's younger sister, leaping around the Crystal and growling at random dragons.

Esteria, despite herself, giggled at Birdie's attempt to be menacing. This earned a glare from Auraseer, who was obviously containing a laugh himself.

"Since none are stepping forward, we will continue with the coronation." Auraseer shot Birdie a look, earning him a childlike-growl. Birdie then put her head up and flew gracefully back to her spot beneath Nightfall's wing.

For a moment, Esteria caught Nightfall's eye. Her heart did a little flip-flop as she looked deep into his emerald-green eyes. He smiled sweetly, and her face grew hot and she looked down. Already, she was in a better mood. Thanks Bird. She thought to herself.

"I hereby declare that Esteria, daughter of Asazin, will now be known as Queen of the Hidden World, and Alpha of dragons!" He gave Esteria the signal, and she spread her shimmering wings wide and roared a majestic, booming sound that echoed through the cavern. She willed her glowing yellow markings to glow, causing her wing tips to glow yellow, as well as a star marking around her right eye. In response, the crowd of dragons bowed their heads and raised their wings, showing respect for the new Queen.

From the sound of the roars erupting from the crowd, came a high-pitched chirp of Birdie's voice once more. "Yay Este!" She screamed. Esteria smiled at her, and everything seemed perfect for a moment.

Esteria soon caught the pinkish eyes of a familiar Light Fury. Serenity. Esteria remembered, from Oasis's burial. Serenity's face still looked stung with grief and pain, then she saw Esteria looking at her and she composed herself before leaping off of her rocky perch and flying away.

Esteria nodded at Auraseer, who dismissed the crowd. She flapped her wings and dove after Serenity

Serenity bowed when Esteria landed on the ground beside her.

"Please don't bow, I'm not ready for that yet." Esteria said.

Still silent, Serenity nodded and sat up before Esteria.

"Serenity, right?" Esteria inquired. Another nod. Esteria flew close. The newly crowned Alpha dragon could tell the Fury was uncomfortable in her presence. "Uhm, well, uh," Esteria stuttered, unsure what to say

"So," the dragon said flatly, waiting for Esteria to continue.

Esteria took a breath. "I'd like your opinion, I am aware that you've lost, as I have, due to the hatchery collapse. So I feel you could help me make my decision." She said, feeling a bit more confident. "Before my father's, er, passing, he had a dream of sorts. He dreamt that the Hidden World would no longer be able to stand, that it would collapse in on itself and take the life of everything within." Esteria's voice became shaky as Asazin appeared in her mind again.