The Gift of the Princess (HTTYD)

A Chief's Predicament

Chapter 27: A Chief's Predicament

Hiccup decided to seek an outside opinion on the Light Fury. The first person he thought to ask was his mother. While she previously admitted to never coming across this type of dragon before, her general dragon knowledge might prove useful. He waited until after dinner when Toothless was curled in the corner to bring it up.

"Do you have any idea why she would keep attacking me?" Hiccup asked after concluding his summary of his latest encounter with the dragon in question. "She was fine when it was just Toothless, so she's not aggressive by nature."

Valka paused in the act of washing the dishes. "It is mostly likely because you are human."

"But I've never experienced that type of reaction from any other non-aggressive dragon. We used to believe dragons attacked Berk because we're humans, but we've learned that was wrong." Perhaps this dragon was an exception? It did not make any sense to Hiccup.

Valka resumed her activity. "You're right; dragons will not attack humans unless they feel threatened. I would say she's had bad experiences with humans in the past that made her wary of them. If she's as violent as you say, the memories must be strongly imprinted for her to not be able to judge between good and bad people."

Hiccup thought about this for a minute. Astrid had suggested something similar when they first met the Light Fury. "Then why is she still here? Why live on an island filled with Vikings?"

"Perhaps it is her best option. The archipelago is not exactly a hospitable place for dragons right now."

Hiccup frowned. "Okay, how do I get through to her?"

Valka finished her work and strode to her son's side. "Patience and persistence." Toothless opened an eye and growled lowly. The woman glanced at him. "If she tolerates Toothless' presence, maybe he can get to know her first and convince her you mean no harm."

Hiccup shook his head. "I don't like the idea of leaving him alone where I cannot easily get to him. He can't fly if he's in danger."

"Then you might want to hold off on this endeavor until after we solve Berks problems."

Hiccup had a feeling she would say that. It made sense, but he also thought he would go crazy if he did not have something to distract him from all of Berk's problems. His eyes scanned Toothless, stopping at his tail. Hmm...

***

Krogan lay awake in bed, staring up at the ceiling. It was one of those nights where he could not shut off his mind and memories flooded his vision. Deciding fresh air might help, he stood up and slowly walked to the door so as not to wake his roommate. He found the guards outside slumped against the wall, sleeping. No wonder this village needed to outsource security. He turned away form them and gazed up at the sky, taking in the full moon.

He tensed when he heard a sound behind him. He whipped around and found Chief Reidun approaching. For a second, he thought he saw something hostile in her eyes, but when she stepped into the moonlight, it was gone. He relaxed. It must have been his imagination.

"I apologize if I startled you," Reidun said in a neutral tone. Her eyes flickered to the sleeping guards.

"I wasn't trying to sneak away," Krogan said. "I couldn't sleep."

Reidun returned her gaze to him. "I hardly think you need guards anymore. If you meant harm to us, I would have seen signs of it by now. I did not come here to check up on you. I could not sleep either, and this is on the way to a place that relaxes me." She paused. "Would you like to join me?" When he hesitated, she smiled. "I am not luring you out alone to murder you."