The Return of the Dragons

Part 12 My Baby Girl - Hiccup POV

I look at my sweet daughter. She has tears in her eyes and an inexpressible joy on her face. Her long red locks are falling over her shoulders and she looks as though some one had taken Astrid and me and jammed us together into one person. Next to Astrid, she and Nuffink are the most incredible gifts I have ever been given.

I remember holding her in my arms a few moments after she was born. Her precious little form was engulfed in her swaddlings. It had been so hard up until then and her poor mother was exhausted, but here she was, the little one we had been waiting for for so long in my arms.

I remember all that time Astrid carried her; how strange but wonderful it felt as I watched my beautiful Astrid's belly swell with the promise of something even more wonderful to come. I remember putting my hand over her in the womb and feeling her movements as her foot slid across underneath my hand as if to say, "Hi Daddy, I can't wait to meet you!"

I remember when Astrid first told me she was pregnant what joy rose in my heart as it leapt. Zephyr was part of my healing from saying goodbye to Toothless and just the thought that I was going to be a daddy filled my heart with more love than I could have ever imagined

Now here I am nearly thirteen years later and my little girl is growing up so fast. She has put my dagger under her pillow and is beginning to get sleepy. Hugging her little Toothless she looks up at me and smiles. Bringing the covers up to her chin I kiss her goodnight. "Sweet dreams, precious Zephyr." I whisper and blowing out all the lights but one, I disappear to the deck.

-----
The morning dawns and I am on the deck watching the sunrise. Here I have time to think and to ponder. I have learned over the years that being the chief of New Berk is a huge responsibility and I don't get much time to myself. When I am not busy chiefing I have a wife and two children who need my attention. So now I have been taking the opportunity to have some time to myself.

I had checked in on Zephyr a little while ago and sweet thing she was still sleeping. In her sleep Toothless had been involuntary dropped on the floor. With a smile I picked up the plush replica of my buddy and gently put him back in her arms. She stirred a little but snuggled back up with Toothless and went back to sleep. With a smile I kissed her cheek.

Now I am looking out over the water. I see Berserker island in the distance. We should be there within the next few hours.

I hear footsteps behind me. I turn around and there is Zephyr, all dressed and sharp with her satchel slung over her shoulder. I can see Toothless peeking out from under the flap. She has a big smile on her face and she puts her hands on her hips as her long hair flaps loose in the breeze.

"Good morning Daddy." She says with a smile.

"Morning Zeph." I smile and give her a hug and a kiss. She giggles.

"Did you sleep well?" I ask. I can't help but think of her trouble the previous night.

"Yes," She replies. "I slept just fine."

"Good!" I say wrapping my arms around her. We go and stand at the edge of the deck by the rail looking into the sunrise together.

"Daddy, which way is the hidden world?"

I am slightly surprised at her question. But nevertheless I answer. "Sweetheart, I need you to promise me something."

"Yes Daddy?"

"Never tell this to anyone outside our family, to keep the dragons safe. No one must know this. Do you understand." I look her very seriously in the eyes.

"Yes Daddy, I understand." She replies.

"The Hidden World," I whisper. "Lies north of New Berk. Sail far enough, and you'll find it. But darling," I say putting my hands on her shoulders." You must promise than you will never call the dragons but when all other hope is gone."

I can tell she can sense the gravity in my voice. Her eyebrows furrow and a distinct frown sets in her lips. She looks at me with her green eyes and says. "Yes Daddy. I promise."

-----

We land a few hours later on Berserker Island. There are ships here from other islands which I imagine are those of the other chiefs. We have these meetings between tribes often and I know my family is very happy when they happen to meet on New Berk but that doesn't happen very often. As I look around at the various and differently styled Viking vessels I can't help but think of how I am fairly certain no other chief brought his daughter along.

Zephyr disembarks right behind me. I turn around as she starts to step onto the dock and I hold out my hand to her. "Watch your step sweetheart." I say as I help her onto the dock.

"Welcome brother!" I hear a familiar voice say behind me. " I turn around to see Dagur behind me already holding his arms out. With a laugh I accept his invitation to an embrace and we pat each other heartily on the back. I have to say, at one time years ago, I never would have pictured us welcoming each other like brothers, but now, I am actually glad to see him.

"How is New Berk Hiccup?" he asks me.

"We are well." I reply. "And how are the Berserkers?"

"Berserk as ever, but not as much so as you Hooligans!" he says and we laugh together. "We are well also." he replies. He looks around me.

"I see you are not alone." he states, noticing Zephyr who had been standing quietly behind me.

"Hi uncle Dagur!" she exclaims giving the Berserker chief a huge hug.

"Welcome little Zephyr!" he replies to her excited greeting. " It is nice to see you."

"I'm not little anymore Uncle Dagur!" Zephyr insists. "I am almost thirteen years old!"

"Thirteen?" he asks humoring her with a surprised look on his face. "That is a huge number isn't it Hiccup?"

"It certainly is." I smile. Indeed my little Zephyr is growing up.