Chapter Text
“Will each our morning be like this?”
Astrid lay on her stomach and watched her husband; she leaned on her elbows and ran her fingers over Hiccup's bare chest. The man watched her closely, trying to calm the frenzied heartbeat. But the sight of his naked wife and her beautiful, flushed face did not help him at all.
“In my opinion, such a start to the day is almost perfect, don't you think?” He smiled and twisted Astrid's golden lock on his finger.
“Yes, it's perfect. Hope we never get bored of it. It would be a tragedy,” she shook her head and laughed softly.
Hiccups shifted on the pillows; the girl felt his stomach muscles tense. She rose gently to her feet and rested her head on his heart. The man stroked her bare back and kissed Astrid's golden hair.
“I'm more likely to lose my other leg than that I will stop wanting you.” he said seriously. Hiccup felt her lips press against her breastbone; he felt a pleasant warmth spreading through his body, born of the closeness of his beloved.
“I'm so in love with you…”
Haddock laughed sweetly at his wife's confession. They talked about their love many times; Astrid was not very effusive in her feelings, but every day she told him more and more often and boldly how much she loved him. The young chief loved it; especially since he could see who she really was - sensitive, gentle, and caring Astrid.
And the fact.
Undeniably in love with him.
The young couple decided on a short honeymoon at the Edge. In fact, it was Hiccup who arranged everything herself, wanting to surprise his beloved woman. He knew very well that it would be with great joy that they would be able to return to where it all began. The Edge was their beginning; here their greatest adventure has begun.
It was early morning on the island; it was brisk and fresh. The sun's rays appeared timidly in the cloudless sky, as if the day were afraid to take the place of the night. The lovers lay on furs spread by the hearth in the center of the former Club. Everything was just like when they left the Edge. There were several chests against the wall, and on the table, there were dishes, bread, cups of water and a jug. The room still smelled of sex and love and joy; it was pleasantly warm here, which was caused by a smoldering fire.
They were silent, enjoying their presence. Hiccup watched as his wife hugged against his chest. He could feel her hot, calm breath against his skin. Everything was perfect, just as he dreamed of it, although he never expected her to make love to Astrid here at The Club.
“Let's not get out of here,” he spoke in a whisper and tucked a golden lock behind her ear.
The blonde shifted in his arms and looked significantly into the emerald eyes of her lover.
“You want to lie under those furs all day? You will die of boredom,” her laughter echoed off the walls of the hut. Hiccup grabbed her chin and moved closer to the kiss.
“That's why I want you to accompany me, honey,” he is lips were warm and sweet and still hungry for kisses.
Astrid closed her eyes, feeling a pleasant shudder through her body. How is it possible that this man acted on her so much?
“I'll find something to do,” he put a hand on her back, his fingers hooking her butt. “We will have a good time.”
Astrid began to relax in his arms. She felt his erection on her hip. Moments earlier, they had both gone crazy with the pleasure, and now he was starting to feel the desire again. The girl, however, could not lie - she herself slowly felt the need for closeness and fulfillment.
“I have no doubts, Hiccup.”
The blonde rose from under his fur and straddled his belly. They were both naked; they hated sleeping with each other in their clothes and the constant urge to have sex prevented them from getting dressed. It just did not make sense to put on your sleeping clothes.
“But it's our honeymoon, we're in an exceptional place and I'd like to do something else too,” she bent over the man's face. “It doesn't mean I don't like doing nothing, it just,” she hesitated, “I want to feel like I used to. Reminisced. Take a walk around the island, see what has changed. I would also to train in the forest. Just like a few years ago. You know what I mean?”
Hiccup grabbed his wife's tiny hand. He studied her flushed face closely. Astrid, his beautiful wife, looked so wonderful as she told him about her desires. Even if they concerned simple everyday life.
“Hmm,” he mused. “I can agree to it, but on one condition.”
He sounded serious, but the woman knew he was teasing her.
“Yes, chief?”
“I won't let you out of here until one desire is fulfilled. Our common, of course.”
Hiccup ran his hands down her thighs, moving between her legs. Astrid sucked in a breath and felt her wet with the sensation of his touch. She shivered and leaned in to kiss her beloved husband.
“Sooo,” she whispered between kisses. “I give myself completely to you,” she raised her hips so that a moment later the young man could enter her.
They made love several times this morning.
The fit together perfectly. He shares bodies, breath, love, and his own life. They were united even when they were physically far apart. They were a young couple who continued to get to know each other from every angle. They felt that they could do anything together.
***
“So where are you going first?”
Hiccup was fastening the buckles of his outfit and turning to face Astrid. The blonde braided her hair into a tight braid, identical to the one she wore as a teenager.
“I'll go for a walk on the beach. Later I will go to the woods for some training,” she walked over to her husband, who watched her every gesture. His eyes sparkled with admiration for the beauty of the young woman.
Astrid threw her arms around his neck and kissed him on the nose.
“And what are you going to do?”
“I'm going to rummage a little bit about the things we left here. Maybe I will find something interesting or useful,” he replied and pulled her body against his.
“Thank you,” she smiled. “You don't even know how much I miss ax-throwing.”
“I'd rather you torture trees with it than me,” he laughed, for which he was hit in the side. “Hey, come on!”
Hiccup rubbed the sore spot, but the smile did not disappear from his face.
“You, my love, I will torture you differently,” she whispered coquettishly and broke away from her husband. She grabbed the ax and slowly headed for the exit, sensually shaking her hips.
Hiccup was hushed, marveling at her beauty. He felt he was going crazy with happiness with this woman. She was his whole world. She was everything to him.
“Just don't come back late. I don't want to worry,” he said before she left the Club.
“Take it easy. I know this island inside out,” she replied. “Have fun, honey. I love you.”
“Love you too.”
After saying goodbye, he began to leave. He planned to start the rummage with the twins' hut. Something told him that he would find real treasures there.
***
Astrid associated this place with shyness, even though she used to come here to train and sweat. She perfectly remembered when she had come here with Heathera, who had questioned her about her feelings for Hiccup. She then denied that they were only good friends, soul mates and that they would never be a couple.
But now... she has married a young Haddock and had a wonderful and romantic time with him at the edge of the world.
She smiled at the memory. Astrid loved her husband's company, she loved him the most in the world, but a moment of silence and solitude would do them good.
The blonde came here some time ago and hid among the trees, enjoying the peace in the clearing. She lay on the soft grass and watched the bright sky; she was resting after quite hard training. She put her hands under her head and flexed her legs at the knees. The chill of the earth soothed her tired muscles. She sighed happily.
Astrid closed her eyes and focused on the breathing and remembering what it was like. A young woman has reached such a point in her life that she was happy, and when she thinks about what once was, her heart is filled with joy and peace. The ex-Hofferson had a lot of great moments at the Edge, both with her friends and with Hiccup. She had a lot to remembered - expeditions, fights, riddles, secrets, plans, discoveries, and lots of funny situations from her youth.
The girl smiled sweetly, remembering their first real kiss; here on Edge right after she regained her sight. Then she was the most afraid - she might never see the world again. She did not want to be useless and unnecessary; a blind viking was just trouble. But it was the first time she had felt so powerless. Then Hiccup took care of her Even her parents did not care for her as much as the young leader did.
Astrid could drown in these memories, lose herself in them and thank the gods for every second of her life. She was grateful for what she had been through and could not wait to see what else lay ahead. In fact, the most interesting thing was what fate and the gods have prepared for her and Hiccup.
The blonde had everything she needed for happiness - health, love, a loving husband, wonderful friends, and family, she taught classes at the Guard and looked after the haddock house. Astrid had a perfect life, but she missed flying the most. But she could not have it.
The young woman accepted her husband's decision; the dragons had to go, even if saying goodbye was hard and painful. Harmony had to reign in the world, and they themselves had to take care of human life and the creation of a village. Astrid, looking at the sky or empty stables every day, missed her dragon, Stormfly. She lacked common flights and simply the company of a dragon. However, she had to accept it because it was better.
It was noon at the edge of the world, and despite the freezing wind, the sun's rays warmed the woman's face. There was silence all around; the only sound was the sound of the sea and the rustling of trees.
Suddenly the blissful calm was interrupted by loud crying.
Loud baby crying.
A sharp groan.
Astrid opened her eyes and sat up abruptly. She held her breath for a moment and looked around. She strained all her senses to make sure she did hear this voice.
But she was no wrong, the baby's cry was real and loud. Could be heard in it fear and terror. The blonde grabbed the ax, stood up and took a watchful posture. She had to be ready for anything, because apparently the Edge had new inhabitants.
The loud whine continued but grew louder. Astrid moved towards the probable source of the sound. Her heart pounded hard against her chest. The girl was focused and alert, because at any moment someone might surprise her. A shiver ran down her spine as she remembered how, many years ago, she had almost lost her life over her own inattention.
The young woman walked through the trees and stood in a small clearing. The baby's cry was incredibly clear and razor-sharp. Astrid looked around, slightly panicked; she frowned and looked at far.
“Hop hop?!” she lifted the ax over her shoulder. It might have been an ambush; she would never be completely sure of her safety in such a situation. She wished Hiccup were around, she would feel so much better with he by her side.
In response, she heard only the cry of a baby. A chill ran up the woman's spine, and she was really scared. What if someone...?
Suddenly she flinched at the brief groan. Astrid took a step forward and shook her head until suddenly her eyes saw a small figure leaning against a tree. The blonde stood paralyzed for a moment, lowered the ax and still holding it in her hand, slowly approached the stranger.
The young woman who looked as if she had been asleep rested her head on the rough bark. It was incomprehensible to Astrid because the sound of a baby crying was unbearable. In the arms of the sleeping woman lay a bundle - the source of crying, a terrified infant.
“Sweet Thor,” she whispered in horror as she was close enough to see not only the stranger, but this place as well.
There were traces of blood in the green grass, probably from a strange woman. The brown goo was on a stranger's dirty clothes and a bundle in which a child was moving vividly. The woman’s hands, legs and face were covered with dried blood. There was no one or anything else around, no things or weapons.
Astrid came close enough to the victim that she could kneel in front of her. She touched her arm, but immediately withdrew her hand as she felt the little girl's skin was cold. The blonde looked at the child lying on the girl's chest. The baby was covered with a bloody fabric.
“How did you get in here?” The blonde addressed these words to the restlessly moving baby.
Astrid felt like in a dream; this situation was absurd. She looked at the pale face of a woman who looked about her own age. She was definitely young and beautiful. However, the bluish color of chapped lips and dark circles under her eyes took away her beauty. The blonde discovered with horror that the stranger had to go through a lot.
Astrid swallowed, finally had to do something.
“Hey,” she said loudly to the girl; the baby continued to cry. “Can you hear me?” she cupped her cold face in both hands. Her head fell limp at Astrid's actions, who sighed in relief as she felt a faint breath on her cheek. “I'll help you. Everything will be fine,” she didn't know who she was more addressing these words to. To an unconscious woman? To baby? Or to yourself? Astrid had to stay calm and try to think logically.
For a few seconds, she put together what she saw and heard. Baby. A young, barely conscious woman. Traces of blood. And no other people. Astrid pulled the white fur off her back and covered her bare shoulders stranger. As she moved, she felt the fabric of her leggings soak the girl's cold blood. There was a lot of it, which terrified Astrid to the bone.
The child fidgeted restlessly in the bundle; his wailing continued.
“Oh gods, poor little,” she whispered, touching the little body. The baby coughed, stopping the crying for a moment. His little face was already blue with great effort.
Astrid had seen such children several times in her life, but she had never held in her arms. She had to change that because his mother's weak body was unable to support the kicking baby.
“You look like you just came into the world...” The blonde grabbed the baby uncertainly, with a slight fear and fear that she might hurt such a tiny human.
Astrid hugged the baby to her breast, which calmed down a bit, feeling the warm body. But Astrid was still terrified, finally had the unconscious body of this baby's mother in front of her. What was she supposed to do? After all, she will not leave them here. She wished more and more that her husband were not there. She was about to scream for help when she felt a woman's hand on her thigh.
The blonde got scared and shuddered at the cool touch.
“Liv...” the stranger's voice was weak and so soft that Astrid had to lean over her to hear anything. “My daughter... yesterday... was born... my baby,” the woman turned her head towards Astrid and the baby.
The blonde was glad that the girl was conscious. It was a sign that there was still some hope.
Unfortunately, nothing will change the fact that the woman was dying.
“Shhh, I'll go for help soon. You'll be fine, I promise.” Astrid clenched the woman cold hand with her free hand.
But she shook her head in protest.
“Please don't hurt her,” she said quite clearly, but Astrid saw how much strength it cost her.
“Nobody gets hurt,” Astrid said determined; the child was sobbing loudly and moving restlessly, as if sensing the vile atmosphere.
Time has stopped, everything else ceased to exist and to have any meaning. Now, it was important for the terrified Astrid to help the stranger and her child.
“My husband will help us. He is right here on the island. We have a cottage not far from here,” Astrid shook her head, determined.
“The island... Berserkers...” The woman did not seem to be listening to the blonde. Her head dropped limp; eyes flooded with tears. “Help my daughter,” she said, sobbing. Suddenly she let out a long groan. It was an expression of pain, despair, and helplessness.
Astrid felt tears welling down her throat. She had never felt such terror in her life. A cold wind hit her on the back, and she shivered. She looked at the child who was sobbing softly.
“Hush, sweety,” she rocked them in her arms. “Anyone with you? Are you a Berserker?” she turned to the barely conscious woman.
The girl shook her head in denial. Astrid did not know how to understand this. She saw the stranger leave. Her face turned paler, her breathing became shallow and barely audible.
“Don't leave me now. You must hold on. Your daughter needs you,” she said aloud, but heard no answer.
Although silence is also the answer. In this case, it was the only one.
“No,” she whispered, and leaned over the inert body. She could not hear her breathing or her heartbeat; the woman's skin was icy and thin like fine linen. “May the gods help me!” she cried out in despair. The little girl in her arms must have been scared because it screamed violently, shedding another stream of tears. “I’m sorry, I’m sorry...” she whispered. She did not know what to do now. Her body shook as she realized the stranger had died. She died before her eyes, holding her hand tightly.
Astrid knelt for a moment in front of the dead woman, holding the crying baby tightly to her breast. The blonde was shaking, she was cold and covered with blood. With her heart pounding, she mustered the last of her strength to get up and run for help.
“I will come back here,” she said to the corpse who could never come back to life again. To a young woman, a mother who has just given birth.
When Astrid realized what the tragedy had just unfolded, she almost lost her balance. Her knees buckled as she saw the blood on her clothes. Her hands held the bundle tightly and the baby moved its tiny legs lively. This baby was left alone. This little girl had only Astrid.
“Hiccup,” she whispered and looked at their cottage. Hesitantly, she took the first step, and when she was sure she would not fall, she quickly went for help her husband.