The Lightfury Rider

The Respectful Viking Chief

"Ye, blood-thirsty pirate! Ye torturer! Mad-man!" I shrieked at the Viking chief, named after a talking disorder. I paced back and forth shaking a finger at him.

"Uh, please, this is all-"

"OI, SHUT IT!"

"BUT-"

"Shut it, ye tormenter! Can't even care for yer own! You should be ashamed! SHAME ON YE! SHAME ON YE!"

Suddenly I pause. Here I was out at night in an unfamiliar place, alone, with only my dragon, screaming at an enemy Viking chief! Very bad situation...

But the whisps led me here for a reason. Could this...Chief Hiccup be the answer to-well...everything? He hasn't even hurt me yet.

"Hey, uh, Merida? Are you okay, you kinda just spaced out..." The Viking I'd just been insulting looked at me with such a sweet, concerned face. Stop, Merida. He's an enemy! Bad idea to trust him. But the whisps...

"Okay, look, I get that you apparently have an...unpleasant history with Vikings, but I assure you, Berk is not like that. We haven't tried conquering for years. We also don't maim our dragons-"

His dark dragon snorts and gives his master a nudge. "Anymore." Hiccup hastily adds. He explains he shot down his nightfury, but couldn't bring himself to kill him. Instead it seems, Hiccup befriended his nightfury and named him Toothless. And together, they convinced his Viking tribe to stop killing dragons.

A nice story. But is that the truth? His face is honest-looking, but looks can be deceiving. I frown skeptically. The lad looks at me so sadly, with a hint of desperation in my eyes.

"Please, give me the benefit of a doubt. Because the enemies of your people, are also my people's enemies. And the enemy of my enemy is my friend."

I still keep frowning. "Please we could use your help. Maybe you can speak to your leaders, Berk is also threatened by other Vikings." I haven't told him I'm the queen of my people. He asked me a favor without knowing my status. He obviously values my skills not my position...same can't be said for three certain lads...

"Very well, I will give you one chance to prove yourself to me, Hiccup Haddock." I stand tall, with my most regal air. Hiccup breaks into a heartwarming, boyish grin. My knees start to tingle. Ugh.

"I'll do everything to prove myself, and earn your trust." He promises, his green eyes, fixed on my blue. I'm praying my face doesn't betray me by blushing.

"I already picked out your trial." I cut him off. Here comes the risky part. Hiccup now looks confused and uncertain. I myself am rather nervous. "Are ye ready?" I ask him. He nods, still looking a bit wary.

I straighten myself to my full height. "I am Queen Merida, of the Four Clans of Scotland! First born descendant of Clan DunBroch, daughter of Fergus, The Bear King, and Queen Elinor who slayed Mor'du, The Demon Bear!" If he's actually an enemy, he'll attempt to kill me on the spot. I'm ready to draw my sword and fight for my life.

Hiccup looks at me his eyes wide in shock. He drops to his knees! His head bowed, kneeling to me! "Your Majesty." He murmurs, taking my hand and kissing it gently.

"What are ye doing?!" What is he doing?!! He's Viking royalty! He has no obligation to bow to any queen, especially an enemy queen! I didn't even bow to him! I actually smacked him!

"Paying respects to a fellow ruler." He looks up confused at my confusion. I almost fall over in shock. He would humble himself even to someone who both insulted and assalted him? Why!?!

"Uh, do I have, Your Majesty's, permission to rise? It's a little uncomfortable to be on your knees." He smiles sheepishly. I nod. This has suddenly become awkward. Don't blush. Don't blush.

I can't believe it. A Viking Chief, would show me, an enemy queen more honor and respect than any of my suitors! Ironic. Stop. Why do I keep comparing him to the Young Lords?

"Okay, guessing I passed the test, would you like to a come visit Berk? To y'know make an official peace treaty slash alliance and all?" Hiccup smiles once again. He just invited me to his village. Huh. Well he DID pass my test, and I guess I do trust him.

"I would like that, Chief Hiccup." I shake his hand. We mount our dragons, who had been cooing and nuzzeling each other while me and Hiccup were (ahem) discussing things. We fly off, with Hiccup leading the way to his village on the Isle of Berk. Will the Vikings there welcome me, like Hiccup?

Author's note: So hurrah! A much longer chapter! Toothlesss and Whisp are a thing now, and Merida for the first time is getting attracted to a potential boyfriend! Double Yay! I hope you all enjoyed reading this, as much as I enjoyed writing it. Please tell me what you think. So reviews, comments, criticism, suggestions, and votes are totally welcomed, appreciated, and needed! 😆

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