She woke up feeling all tingly. In her dream, she was exploring his skin with her hands. From his head to his feet. He had his mouth on hers, tongues dancing. He ran his hands over her breasts, then down below her curls… then she woke up. She stretched and yawned. Staring at the ceiling, going over the nights' events. She had felt that before, but never with anyone else in the room. While she appreciated his need to protect her honor, she wanted to share more experiences with him. He had given her a taste. A small glimpse of all the wonderful things they would share together. And like any other delicious dessert, she wanted more.
She stretched again, then threw the bed covers off. Then shuffled to the bathroom and washed her face. She would need a bath before she started her day in earnest. She donned a simple dress herself, and tied her hair in a ponytail. She then left for her office.
Upon reaching her office, she found Anna sitting at her desk. Quill in hand, scribbling madly. She straightened, looking at the paper angrily. She made a pair of long scratches and started scribbling agan, looking as though the piece of paper had just caused her a personal slight. It was hard not to laugh, with the way she attacked whatever it was on the paper to cause her such indignation. She didn't even seem to notice her arrival. Finally she could take no more. She cleared her throat.
"Anna? What are you doing?" Nothing. She continued to focus on the paper in front of her. She took the end of the quill in her teeth. Reading what was on the paper. Elsa reached over and poured herself a cup of coffee. Nothing-she grabbed a cake off the tray and nibbled at it. Nothing. She was getting a little aggravated. Finally, Anna put her quill down and picked up the paper. She held it so her view of her face was blocked. She Hmmm'ed a couple of times, considering. She put the paper down, and seemed to finally notice her sister sitting across from her.
"Elsa! Good Morning! I didn't hear you come in!" Her eyes were twinkling with mirth. Anna leaned back in her chair, twining her fingers in front of her.
"Good Morning, -Anna!" She said flatly. She was definetly up to something. "What are you doing?" She asked.
"Oh, just going over some paperwork before I start my day! The question is, what are you doing?" She asked, barely able to contain a smile.
"Well, you know, getting my day started. I am the Queen, I happen to work here." The corner of Annas' mouth curled. She was going to limit her time with Hiccup from now on.
"Not today, you are! Or will!" Her face broke out into a bright smile.
"I'm sorry, I'm confused, -what?" What is going on in that head of yours Anna? She picked up another piece of paper, and in an official sounding voice, read its' contents.
"By the power and authority of the Princess of Arendelle, I hearby proclaim today as an official Queens Day Off! Said Queen is forbidden to partake in any official function whatsoever. Furthermore, the Queen is to not step foot in the Throne room, or her office for a period of twenty-four hours. She is also hereby ordered to stay in her bed, in her favorite nightgown, and stuff her face with chocolate, and any other activities she deems necessary, other than any and all official business." She smiled at her sister smugly.
"Pretty good huh?" Elsa already saw a problem.
"Well, Anna I am already in my office-" It was a very sweet gesture.
"Eh, I'll behead you later, -now… get out! You, you -Queen!" She rose and pointed towards the door.
"Anna, I can't just take a day off…" She was somewhere between hugging her, and dressing her down.
"I know, that's why I ordered it! And, I had Catarin clear some of your schedule for the day! It'll be easy!" Anna looked at her earnestly.
"Anna…" It was really something she wanted for a long time. But she couldn't just, -not work. There were things to do, and matters to be addressed.
"Elsaaa! Please! I've been working so hard to learn. It's going to be a lovely day, -and a certain Viking Lord will be leaving soon. You two should, -spend time together. And speaking of which, you will have to go visit his home. Who will be running the country while you're gone? ME! I need this just as much as you." Anna pleaded. It was hard to argue with her logic. Especially when it came to the Viking in question. Just thinking about all the things they could do in a day had her feeling flushed.
In the end, she really couldn't refuse. Anna had pleaded with her for years. To take some time for herself. But this was what she was raised to do. She realized long ago that sacrifices had to be made. She had all but given up on her dream to be truly happy. It wasn't what she wanted, it was just the way things had to be.
Now, Hiccup had changed all that. For the first time in her life, she had a true friend. Some one to share her time with. Share responsibilities, even her life. No more was she just thinking of running her kingdom. She felt truly happy in this. And deep down, there was the possibility of marrying someone she truly loved and, Gods willing, have children. Yes, they still had a ways to go in that regard. But for the first time in a long time, she believed it could truly happen.
She walked around the desk, and wrapped her sister in a warm hug. "Thank you, Anna! It's really sweet of you!"
"I love you Elsa, I want to help!" She hugged her back. "Now, let's talk about all the things you could do today over breakfast!" They left the office, and walked arm in arm all the way to the dining room.
After breakfast, she took a bath. Then donned her riding suit. Black knee-high boots, Dark green pants, a white shirt, with a leather vest. She wore a pair of brown deerskin gloves, her hair tied in a single braid down her back. She had stopped by the kitchens, and packed a saddlebag with bread and cheese, and also some strips of dried fish. Her horse, Torkil was saddled for her when she reached the stables. A blanket was tied to the back of the saddle. It had been a while since she was on horseback, but it was something she wanted to do. She refused an escort as well. All of the foreigners had left, and she had her powers to protect her.
She rode to the blacksmiths' first. Much to her dismay, Valdor had not seen the lad this morning. It was hard to hide her dissapointment. They chatted for a while, talking about his business, and the talk of the townsfolk. Just about all of the people were happy for them. The smithy had become a popular place. Many people had stopped by just to see Lord Haddock, and offer congratulations, and blessings on their relationship. He quipped about Hiccup being a might uncomfortable with the attention. She silently agreed, seeing how he was at the announcement. She thanked him. He bowed and wished her a good day.
She rode north from the town taking a track not very well used. Her horse seemed a bit skittish at one point. She didn't notice anything unusual, save for some trampled grass at the edge of a forest at the base of a cliff. She continued on, determined to reach her destination with enough time to rest the horse and return to the castle before nightfall.
She rode through forests and the edges of more than a couple of mountain meadows. Perfect spots for a picnic, she thought. If only she could've found Hiccup. She had a thought just then, she hadn't thought to ask after where he was staying. She would have to ask when she saw him again. She assumed he was staying at one of the inns in town. She could've looked for him there. She stuffed those thoughts away for now. She had a whole day to herself, with nothing to do and nowhere she had to be. But still…
She imagined riding with him. Either sitting behind him, with her arms around his waist holding on. Or sitting in front, across his lap. Riding through the forests, or across a meadow. Sitting in the shade of a great fir tree, eating lunch. Maybe they would get another chance before he left. She made up her mind to speak to Catarin or Kai about this. She would also speak with Anna, as she would run the kingdom in her stead. She would also talk to her sister about the proper use of pitiful looks. She had it down to a science!
She took a deep breath, then exhaled. She cleared her thoughts of castle and kingdom. The air was fresh and pure, and she was going to enjoy it. She rode on through the valleys and along the slopes. At the bottom of one mountain pass, she found a small stream. She dismounted, and let Torkil drink. She decided to rest him a bit before continuing. She rummaged through a saddlebag and took a piece of bread to nibble on. She noticed a small house through the trees. Walking a few paces, she saw there was a small barn next to it. This must be Master Oakens' trading post, she thought. The large man spent the warmer months in town. Selling various herbal remedies. He moved back when the mountain snows began.
She mounted up again after fifteen minutes. She rode along the stream for a while until she came upon the path to her destination. Another twenty minutes of riding had her near the treeline. Before leaving it, a shadow crossed over the ground. She shivered slightly. Her horse stopped and raised its' head and whinnied nervously, then snorted. She searched the sky, but she couldn't see much. They had not yet broken the trees. There was not much of the sky to see. She urged Torkil forward, but he only stamped his feet. She leaned forward, rubbing his neck. A few soothing words had him moving again, albeit slowly. It was fine with her, for they had to move carefully from here on out.
After a climb of several minutes, they were crossing a small shelf. At the end she passed between to large rocks. A shadow again passed over them. She shivered once more. Torkil snorted, but continued forward. She could see nothing in the sky above them, although her sight was limited by the rock faces. Another short climb, and one more ledge. Rounding a corner, there stood her destination.
It was the same as when she left it those years ago. Its' walls shimmered in the sunlight, casting all the colors of the rainbow. Something seemed off a bit. Usually, Snowflake the guardian posted himself outside at the base of the stairs. He wasn't there. The doors were open too. She looked up at the balcony. She thought she caught a glimpse of, -something slipping through the doors upstairs. A flash of something black and red. She noticed the doors there were open as well. Through the front door she noticed Snowflake heading up the winding staircase. It all seemed very odd. She quickly dismounted, and ran for the stairs. She wanted to find out why he was inside, and not guarding the entrance.
Upon reaching the doors, she got an answer. A roar came from upstairs, answered by another screeching animalistic roar. She thought she heard a voice too. How could someone get past the guard? She made the stairs and started running up. There was a gutteral growl, followed by another roar. Her stomach dropped out, but she kept running. She cleared her mind as much as she could, readying her magic. It had been a long time since she had used it against something, or someone. She could hear voices now.
"Whoa! -Whoa! Big guy! Calm down!" Another roar followed, answered by Snowflake.
"YOU! NOT BE HERE! YOU GO!" He roared.
"OK! OK! We were just, -looking around! Sorry! No harm done!" It was a mans' voice. It sounded muffled. She got to the landing and through the door of the first chamber. Snowflake was blocking her view of the next room.
"YOU! GO AWAY, -NOW!" Another animal roar, Followed by more growling.
"Calm down! Big guy! We'll go!" She slid to a stop at the doorway. Snowflake must have heard, he took a step to the side.
What she saw surprised and shocked her. There was indeed a man there, but what stood behind him caught her attention. Was that a, -a, -dragon? It was black, and had wings like a bat. They were raised over his body in an agressive display. It seemed, -smaller that her idea of a dragon. Its lips? Were pulled back in a snarl. Revealing small conical teeth. Its' eyes were yellow-green, the pupils narrowed to slits. It stood on four short, powerful legs. Short, sharp claws on its' feet. The dragon swished its' tail back and forth. She noticed it had two rows of small triangular spikes down each side near the top. It had two fins at the end, one black, the other, -red? She then noticed the straps of leather. One long strap down each side, and smaller ones securing it to its' body. There was a large metal ring against its' side around its front leg. Was that a, -a stirrup attached to it? And a, -saddle on its' back?
The dragons' attention was solely on Snowflake, she considered the man in the room. He was a head taller than her at least. He wore hard leather armor that was a mixture of black and brown. He was wearing a helmet that covered his face. She could see through the holes his eyes were dark green. The helmet seemed to match the dragon in appearance, though not in color. Separate armor plates covered his shoulders and forearms, and the backs of his hands. In one hand he held a flaming sword. Not exactly in a threating way. He waved it back and forth in front of him. It seemed he was trying to confuse his opponent, or divide his attention. The flame may have made the snowman hesitant to attack. The man didn't seem to be overtly threatening him either.
Snowflake looked at her. It was then the man seemed to notice her. His eyes went wide. His helmet obscured any other facial expression. The dragon seemed to notice as well. His pupils widened, he cocked his head in a look of, -curiosity? Like a dog would. A questioning croon came from the dragon. She called on her magic. She could feel it surge through her body. She produced two glowing balls of frost, one in each hand. She raised them to waist level. The mans' eyes flitted from her face to her hands. This is it she thought, Show this man who's boss around here! His eyes went from her hands back to her face, he then, -turned and ran! She heard him call "GO! -GO!" Without any hesitation, the dragon turned and ran for the doors as well. In mid-stride, the man jumped on the dragons' back. He held his sword out to his side. All of a sudden, the blade, along with the flames, vanished! Out the door and onto the balcony they ran. She gave chase, Snowflake just behind.
Upon reaching the balcony, the dragon leapt. Its' wings unfurled and swept down in a powerful stroke. They flew out and away from her castle, putting distance between them. She heard Torkil scream in fright. She tried calling him, but the horse bolted down the slope. The dragon had flown about a half-mile, then stopped. It hovered for a moment. It then started coming back, -slowly. It would take a few wing-beats, then stop. What were they trying to do? Size her up for an attack? Or Snowflake? It didn't seem like it, but she wasn't going to take any chances. The beasts were dangerous! She didn't know how her powers of snow and ice would fare against dragon fire. She may just find out!
The pair continued their pattern of advancing. They were about one hundred yards out, when she decided they were close enough. She reared back, and unleashed a bolt at them. The dragon, in one beat of it's wings, flipped and rolled. It screeched in anger. The rider held out his hand, palm out. She could hear him yell. "HOLD!" They stopped their advance. He didn't have a weapon in his hand. But the dragon was a threat in and of itself. She didn't relax her stance. The dragon and rider hovered there for a few moments. She thought she could hear the man say something. She did hear the dragon growl, then croon. Was he, -talking? -To, -to the dragon? The man lowered his hand and scratched the dragons' neck. The dragon shook his head and, and, -smiled? The man put his hand on his helmet. He seemed to be considering, -something. He then dropped his hand to the saddle. He considered her for a few long moments. Then the pair turned, and flew away. It wasn't very long before they were a mere speck on the horizon.
She relaxed, and slowly willed her magic out. It was only then she noticed her heart beating wildly in her chest and her ears. She took several deep breaths, releasing the adrenaline, and the stress to the ether. What, what was that? What just -happened? She thought. Snowflake grunted. She turned, he was looking at her questioningly. She realized she voiced that thought. She put a hand on his arm.
"You did well, my friend! He, -they didn't hurt you did they?" The giant shook his head.
"No. No hurt me." He looked to the horizon and growled. "I not let anyone hurt Queen!" She smiled. "Thank you!" She said, and patted his arm. She considered making him a companion.
Maybe later. Right now she had to get back to the castle. Try to find Torkil. The poor dear! He might be halfway to Arendelle by now. She would get back, and faster than by horseback. She had a horrible thought of him being eaten by the dragon. She had to try to find him. She also had to try to find the dragon and its' rider. She needed to know if they were nearby. She hoped they were just passing through. A dragon running loose in the countryside was something she didn't want to consider. It had to be killed, lest it cause damage and mayhem across her kingdom. She made her way out the front door and down the steps. She bid Snowflake farewell, and promised to visit again soon. She willed up her magic again, and created a lane of ice in front of her. She slid along it, moving faster than a horse at a gallop. She dissipated it behind her. She moved down the slope, and back the way she came.
They flew in long circles between the town and the cave. The sun had set some time ago. He decided before they got back to move their campsite further away. The view below made him certain it was a good choice. Lights from several torches dotted the countryside. Obviously searching for them. They seemed to be headed back to the town now. He breathed a small sigh. He would wait until they had all gotten back and the countryside was dark again. He had to get to the castle and talk to Elsa. Since their encounter, there was no delaying it any more. She had to know about Toothless. But how to go about it? He would have to see her first. Gauging by the number of torches he saw, it wouldn't be easy. But he was good at changing peoples' minds about dragons. And she would listen to him, wouldn't she?
They dropped down and circled over the city. It was all lit up. Unusual for this time of night. They couldn't put down on a rooftop, they could be spotted. He doubted any of these roofs save for the castles' would support his dragons' weight. Not down on the pier, he would have to wait until everyone was indoors. They made another circuit. He could see most of the torches were held by soldiers, who were all marching towards the castle. Some were being held by townsfolk, who were gathered in the square. He decided to land in their clearing and walk to the castle. He had to see her before things got too far out of hand.
He made his way into the town. A few people recognize him. They paid their respects, and offered thanks he was alive. He frowned internaly. He walked towards the castle. Valdor found him just before he reached the bridge. He bowed, it made him uncomfortable.
""Where ya been lad? People been lookin' fer ya half the day!" There was a look of genuine concern on his face.
"I was, -out! Exploring the country, getting to know the lands around the town. Why? What, -what's happened?"
"Well, no one knows for sure. But hunters and trackers were summoned to search the kingdom, but not saying what they were searching for. Rumor has it that the Queen was attacked by a dragon!" He said.
"A, -dragon? Here? In this part of the world?" He schooled his features. He hated it, but it was necessary for now. Until he could tell her the truth.
"Aye! I don't know if I believe it, but the queens' horse arrived shortly before she did. An then the castle was in an uproar! Something happened, to cause such a stir!"
"I, uhh, -I have to go see her! See if she's al, -alright!" It seemed he was too late already. This would put dragons in a bad light. Something he aimed to change where ever he went.
"Aye lad! I bet she's a bit frightened by this, if it's true! Go!" Valdor told him. He bowed, and Hiccup crossed the bridge to the castle. Soldiers were moving all about the courtyard. It looked like the guard had been doubled. Siege weapons had been wheeled into separate corners of the yard as well. He felt a little sheepish, knowing he and Toothless were the cause of this. Braziers were being lit along the walls. The men were looking to the sky, wary.
He reached the palace and went inside. He was met by Catarin. "Lord Haddock! Thank goodness! The Queen has been worried about you!" She said. There was a look of relief on her face.
"I'm fine Lady Catarin. What has happened?" She glanced from side to side and lowered her voice.
"The Queen said she was accosted by a dragon My Lord! She also said a man was riding it!" He plastered a look of shock on his face.
"Is she alright? Is she hurt?"
"She is fine my Lord. She said she scared them off. But she sent soldiers and hunters into the lands surrounding the city looking for the beast." She told him. Scared them off he thought? He wondered if she told them that to placate the council, to downplay the threat. Or if it was pride.
"And have they found anything?" He asked.
"I don't know my Lord, the reports are just now coming in. I was sent to reassure the staff and guests that all was well. The Queen is currently meeting with the military staff now in her office."
"Very well Lady Catarin! I'll go to my room, and wait for the queen to finish. Can you let her know please?"
"Of course, My Lord." She dipped and continued on her way. He walked to his room. Two guards were now posted at the doorway. He bristled slightly. He managed to give them curt nods before entering his room. Tatjana and Kirvil were waiting inside. Upon seeing him, they seemed to forget protocol. They both took a few steps toward him. "Lord Haddock!" They both said. They stopped and blushed. "Forgive me!" They both said. It was comical. He regarded them both. "Girls? What's going on?" He cocked an eyebrow. Kirvil spoke. My Lord! For, forgive us! I, -we were worried about you. We feared for your safety!" She looked apologetic. Their eyes were cast down.
"I'm fine, thank you. Would one of you please get me something from the kitchens?"
"Of course, My Lord" Kirvil said, and promptly left. "Would my Lord like a bath?" Tatjana asked.
"No, no thank you. Maybe after I have spoken with the queen and have eaten something." He told her.
"Yes, My Lord." She busied herself around his room. He walked to the balcony. He leaned on the railing and looked out over the town. More and more lights had been extinguished. The castle seemed on full alert. His gaze settled on one of the peaks overlooking the town. Toothless was out there, he knew. He had told him to wait at the high roost and wait for his signal. If he wasn't out fishing. He would more than likely be staying at the palace tonight. He scoffed to himself. With the effort being put forth, he doubted he might be staying at all. He pushed those thoughts aside. No need to worry right now. They would talk, and then… well…
He was there about a half-hour when Kirvil returned. She was pushing a small cart with several covered dishes upon it. He settled on the couch. The servants cleared the small table and started setting the food out. He turned to his meal, only now realizing how hungry he was. Halfway through his food, there was a knock on the door. Elsa entered. He had barely stood when she attacked him in a fierce hug.
"Hiccup! I was so worried! Are you alright?" She stepped back for a moment, checking for anything out of place.
"I'm fine Elsa! What, -what happened? The people are saying you were attacked by a dragon, or something."
"No! Nothing like that!" She turned her head and frowned. She looked at him, then at the servants. "Leave us!" She told them. They both dipped, and dutifully left the room. The door had no sooner closed, when she attacked his lips. Sliding together, opening her mouth slightly. After a half-minute, he broke the kiss. She rested her head on his chest. He rubbed small circles on her back. She slumped slightly, relaxing against him. When her breathing had slowed he separated from her. She looked a bit frazzled. She had changed her clothes. There were a few strands of hair out of place. He ran his hands through it smoothing. She seemed to relax a bit more.
"Elsa? What happened?" He was concerned for her. She didn't look to be taking this well.
"I, I was out today, taking a ride on horseback. I, I don't know if I told you, but…" She seemed to gather her thoughts. "When, -at my coronation, my powers were revealed to the whole kingdom. after years of hiding them." She winced at the memory, but continued. "I ran away, into the mountains. When I got there, I was finally able to release them without hurting anyone. I, -I created a palace made of ice. I had thought to stay there, alone…" She seemed to get lost in a memory. He caressed her cheek with a finger. She smiled weakly, and continued again.
"So, when I arrived, I heard fighting going on upstairs. Well, there was roaring! But when I got upstairs, there was a man there and also, a, a dragon!" He feigned a look of surprise.
"Really? What kind of dragon?" He asked
"What?" She looked at him curiously. "I, -I don't know it, it was black. And had wings like a bat! And a long tail, -but it was, -small… Well, it was smaller than I imagined a dragon to be, -but… The man, the man had a flaming sword! It was, -amazing! He, he was wearing a strange kind of armor. He was wearing a helmet. I, I couldn't see his face." She shivered a little. "I called upon my magic, and was ready to strike. -As soon as he saw it, -he, -they ran away…" She turned her head and frowned. She then separated from him, pacing a little.
"They flew off, but then came back, slowly. I, I didn't know what to think. I… I struck out at them, but they dodged my magic… and they. flew. away." She frowned again, continuing her pacing. She was worried, but he had to do this, gently.
"Sooo, they didn't attack you?" She looked at him, frowning still. "-No? But I, I don't know where they came from, or better yet, where they are now! I, I can't have a dragon running loose in my kingdom!" She was pacing in earnest now.
"So, they didn't attack you, yet you are hunting them? What, -what would you do if, if you found them?" He asked. Her answer was critical here.
"They would be killed of course!" She looked at him incredulously. He winced slightly. "Well, the dragon would be killed at any rate! They are savage, dangerous beasts!" He felt like he had been stabbed. He thought this would be different.
"Elsa? Where did you get this, -information, about, dragons?" He asked.
"Why, from books! They all tell of how they ravaged the land. Killing people, burning crops and villages!" She looked at him curiously.
"This one didn't…" He offered. She stopped considering.
"Hiccup? What are you saying?"
"Elsa? Have you ever considered that the books could be, -wrong? That whoever wrote those, -stories, might not have had, -all their information correct? That maybe, I don't know, they were just trying to get some extra glory for themselves, or just trying to get their book written?" It was what he himself had learned.
"Hiccup! I am not one to question the historians! They are honest accounts of what happened ages ago! How can they be wrong?" He couldn't read the look on her face. He pressed on.
"Elsa? What if they are wrong?" She frowned.
"Hiccup? What are you saying?" He sighed heavily.
"Elsa? You remember, I told you dragons raided our village?" She nodded. "And, I told you my own mother was carried off in a raid?" She nodded again, her brows furrowing.
"It was dragons that, that carried her off." He sighed. "When I was fourteen, I was a skinny weed of a boy. I couldn't swing an axe, I couldn't lift a hammer. I, I invented things, among others, weapons meant to kill or capture dragons. One night during a raid, I tried out one of my inventions. I managed to hit one! I brought it down. Everyone, even my own father didn't believe me. They, -the whole village, they laughed! I found him the next morning, tied up in the ropes I fired at him. I went to kill him, but -I couldn't! He, he was helpless, I wouldn't kill him, I decided, and set him free instead! Against all I had been taught, that dragons were just mindless killing machines. I let him go. And instead of killing me outright, he let me go as well! He roared in my face, then took off!" She took a few tentative steps toward him.
"Hiccup?"
"I wondered why he didn't kill me. I found him again two days later. He was trapped, and couldn't fly. I managed to gain his trust, and over the following weeks, figured out how to get him flying again. We bonded. I found out that everything I was taught about them was wrong!" He paused, he couldn't read the look on her face again. He forged ahead, this was it!
"It was a dragon that carried my mother off. -And it was dragons that helped me defeat the Red Death! It was dragons that caused the defeat of the madman Drago Bludvist, and his dragon army! Dragons we fought for and against in the destruction of the entire Berserker armada! And, it… it was a dragon -that, -that brought me here…" He winced, waiting for her reaction. She looked away, frowning. Processing. She looked at him once, then again, as if she was finding her words. Finally…
"Hiccup! Are you saying you, -you have a, a dragon, -here?" She looked at him like he had two heads.
"Well, not here, He's, -nearby. Waiting for me-" She looked away, then back as if to say something. She seemed to grow a little paler.
"Hiccup! You… you have to get rid of him!" He felt like he had been stabbed in the heart. His insides dropped.
"Elsa! What, are. you. saying?" He felt a little panicked. This wasn't supposed to happen this way.
"You, you have to send him away, Hiccup!" No! This can't be happening!
"Elsa? He is not a pet! I can't just order him around! He trusts me!" His hurt and anger started to bubble forth.
"Hiccup! Are you crazy? I cannot have a dragon running loose! Killing innocent people, and, and burning farms! NO! -No Hiccup! You have to send him away!" He frowned, his ire was raised. He thought, -she would be different…
"Elsa! He, he's my best friend! He was my ONLY friend for a long time. He has been there for me, and I for him! Have you not been listening to me? I can't just, send him away… If, if you would only let me show you…"
"NO! Hiccup, are you insane? Show me a dragon? To, -to be killed by it? No Hiccup! He has to go!" Surely he was dreaming he thought.
"ELSA! He can't fly without me! PLEASE! I, he, -he can't go without me!" She wasn't listening. Did she not, -trust him? His insides sank further.
"HICCUP! HE. MUST. GO!" Her eyes flashed. The temperature in the room dropped. He could't believe it! But there it was, her final word. If she didn't trust him or Toothless… He sighed.
"Fine! Give me twenty-four hours, then… yeah…" He hung his head. His eyes started to sting. He walked past her, and left the room immediately. She might have called out to him on his way out. But his mind was all jumbled. He couldn't fathom it. Why would she not listen? They, they had, shared so much! He loved her! Did she not feel the same? She may have been just looking out for her kingdom. He could respect and understand that, but… He pushed those thoughts aside. He needed to plan their departure. He needed to write some notes. He needed to go flying. Most of all, he needed to somehow kill this physical pain in his chest.