Frosted Scales - When Worlds Collide: A HTTYD X Frozen Tale

The Witch That Caused Eternal Winter

Three days at sea in that confining cube of a ship should have translated into less than a three-day flight. That was the thought circling in Elsa’s mind during their sixth night camping. The small island where they made camp was nestled just off the coast of the mainland, its rocky shores bathed in the dim light of the moon. The air carried the crisp scent of saltwater, mingling with the earthy aroma of damp moss clinging to the stones.

Elsa took another reluctant bite of her fire-cooked fish, the smoky flavor doing little to disguise the monotony of her meals. I am so tired of fish, she mused, the thought heavy with longing. I want some beef, or chicken—anything else. Her thoughts flickered to warmer memories of rich meals in the Arendelle palace, a far cry from their current fare.

A sudden, boyish laugh broke through her reverie, light and carefree. It was Hiccup, his laughter infectious, echoing softly against the tranquil night. “What’s that look for?” he asked, his eyes glinting with amusement as he noticed her expression.

Elsa realized she was frowning, her nose scrunched up in distaste. Quickly, she relaxed her features, offering a half-smile. “Oh, it is nothing. I just want something more than fish.”

“Yeah, fish gets old really quick,” Hiccup agreed, nodding sagely as he tore off another piece of his own meal. “When it’s all you have, except mutton, you learn to deal.” He paused, his gaze turning thoughtful as he studied her face. “Elsa, if you could have anything to eat right now, anything your heart desired, what would it be?”

She felt his eyes searching her, curious and intent. What is he looking for? she wondered, a strange flutter in her chest. “Since the fish is already cooked, probably it... and some chocolate for dessert,” she answered, closing her eyes briefly, imagining the sweetness melting on her tongue. The thought was almost too indulgent to bear.

“I’d want a thick stew, with beef and fresh carrots,” Hiccup added, his voice rich with the same wistfulness that tugged at her own heart. They shared a laugh, their conversation flowing easily as they listed their favorite foods, each memory a small comfort in the vastness of the night.

Despite her initial frustration over their delayed journey, Elsa found it impossible to stay angry with Hiccup. There was a warmth in his presence, a sincerity that made her irritation fade. It was not really his fault, after all.

Their journey had not been without its tense moments. A few days into the trip, they had nearly argued when Elsa’s sense of direction clashed with Hiccup’s. She had no clear way to determine their exact location, only a vague idea of the direction she had come from. Hiccup, never having been to the mainland, was equally unsure. After a lengthy discussion about Arendelle and how they might find it, Hiccup had suggested navigating by the stars. What followed was a few hours of debate over constellation names before Hiccup confidently announced they needed to travel east. Elsa had been skeptical but agreed to wait three days for him to prove his point.

Now, three days later, Toothless had flown tirelessly, crossing into the mainland just the day before. Elsa was eager, the tension in her chest tightening with each passing hour. It has been two weeks since I left. What will my people think? The anxiety gnawed at her, making her restless.

“Okay, it’s dark enough,” Hiccup said suddenly, breaking the silence. He dropped his bark plate, now bare of any fish, beside his bag and rummaged through his belongings until he produced his looking glass. Elsa watched with a smile as he rose to his feet, his expression a mix of pride and anticipation. He always got so flustered when she teased him about his inventions, pretending not to believe he made them himself.

“Are you ready?” he asked, extending a hand to her.

Elsa quickly finished her meal and let her plate fall beside his. Taking his hand, she followed him a short distance away from their camp. The stars above were brilliant, their light shimmering in the inky black sky, reflecting off the still waters around the island. Hiccup handed her the looking glass, and she raised it to her eye, following his pointed finger toward the southwest.