Heart of a Berserker: Love (School of Dragons)

Chapter 12

A/N: Guess what time it is!

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"Family isn't always blood. It's the people in your life who want you in theirs. The ones you accept you for who you are. The ones who would do anything to see you smile, and who love you no matter what." — Unknown

Chapter 12

The middle of December brought the eternal night, the winter equivalent to the midnight sun. For about three weeks, there was either no twilight or no sun at all. Instead of sleep deprivation, the lack of sun brought depression and drowsiness. Usually, everyone stayed close to home and tried to get through it together.

The holidays did lighten the mood. Snoggletog occurred just a day before complete darkness, and celebrations often started a week earlier. This would be our first Snoggletog at New Berk, so I was curious to discover the plans. I went straight to Astrid, the holiday expert, for information.

"I love Snoggletog so much," Astrid said. "To me, it's an opportunity to celebrate the bonds that hold us together - love, family, friendship, and neighbors. I think it's only right for us to plan another big party so everyone can join in and have fun with us! I'm sure that would bring us all closer together."

I nodded with a grin. "I couldn't agree more! That's exactly what's needed right now. We need to all come together so we can fulfill the promise of the map." And I hoped the celebrations would help Harald finally feel welcome.

Astrid blinked. "Right, your map. Anyway, Hiccup told me he was going to be headed to Scuttleclaw Island to meet Toothless. I told him I was going to meet him, but all this talk about Snoggletog makes me want to whip up a batch of my famous yaknog! Will you go there in my stead?"

I resisted the urge to shudder at the mention of her yaknog. I had the unfortunate experience of tasting it during my first Snoggletog at Berk. "Sure thing. And when you're done, make sure to give plenty of yaknog to Harald!" He might be the only person willing to be honest about the drink.

Astrid gave me a quizzical look. "Okay..."

I left her to find Bolt. Soon, we were flying to Scuttleclaw Island. I spotted Hiccup and landed beside him. "Hey!" I called.

Hiccup smiled when he saw me. "Nice to see you here! Is Astrid coming, too?"

"No, she decided to make some yaknog."

Hiccup's face turned pale. "Oh! Well, if Astrid is making her yaknog, I think we'd be best staying as long as we can! Ha ha."

I smirked. "Right."

"Just kidding. (Sort of). Anyway, I told Toothless I'd meet him here. Follow me, and I'll take you to him!"

Hiccup led the way along the island. Soon, we came across Toothless and Raija, the Light Fury. I stopped several yards away to give them some space.

"Hey there, bud," Hiccup said. He turned to me. "The Light Fury has had her problems with us in the past... but we've had a lot of adventures together, huh? I hope we've proven to her that we're her allies."

"I would say so," I said. I slowly moved froward, keeping my eyes fixed on Raija's. Then I extended my hand and rubbed her head.

Hiccup smiled. "Excellent!" Suddenly Toothless bounded over to him and pushed him from behind. "Huh. Toothless wants to take us somewhere! Let's see what they want to show us. See if the Light Fury will let you and mount her."

Bolt eyed me suspiciously, and I flashed him a smile. "Don't worry. You can come too." I returned to Raija and moved even closer. She kept her eyes on me, but she did allow me to climb onto her back. Toothless nodded in approval.