Epilogue: And So It Ends…For Now

"And that," the great white dragoness finished, "is my tale, from the beginning to the end." She glanced at the dark-haired man sitting on her back, and he translated it for their audience, a smile on his bearded face.

There was silence around the campfire as the children, teenagers, adults and dragons who've been listening to it digested what they've just been told. Although fragments of the story had been passed around for several years, nobody had heard its full version. This was the first, and a tale it was. It would bring talks and questions for weeks on end now.

A child raised his hand. "But what happened afterward, Tempest?" he asked, dark blue eyes shining with curiosity. "How did you fulfill your oath and got the dragons to come to us? How did it come to now?" The plump Toxic Nightshade clinging to his shoulder also chirped, tilting her little head.

Tempest and Sweyn Hocksson exchanged a glance. Yes, Tempest's story might have drawn to a close, but then there was the other problem, the bargain they've made, the other adventure – or misadventure, as many would say – before things finally settled down as nicely as it had now. It was a long and dangerous one, but it was one Sweyn would never forget. Neither would Tempest, actually. None of them would.

"And who's Morgana?" another dragon piped up. "You know, the name that the evil kelp…cap…cat…"

"Captain," his dame corrected.

"Yes, captain, called out when you found the ship," the hatchling finished, unabashed. "Who is she?"

Sweyn glanced at the sky. The moon was just about up, and the day after tomorrow would be the Midsummer Celebration. He would have to deal with the bunch of young dragons plus the chieftain plus the wedding of the chieftain's daughter plus the Berk folks who would come over for their annual visit. It would be a busy six weeks.

The Viking smiled at the young dragonet. "That's another fine story," he admitted, looking over the audience that have gathered around him and formed a tight circle near the bonfire. He slid off Tempest's back and stretched, yawning hugely. "But…perhaps another time."

"Tomorrow?" a girl asked hopefully.

"Tomorrow," Sweyn promised. He smiled at Tempest. "And I believe it will be my turn."

"Feel free to talk until your throat is sore," she said airily. "At least then I don't have to hear you complain."

Sweyn grinned ruefully at her as a ripple of laughter passed through the dispersing crowd, but he nodded again as he started walking toward his house. "Yes, I'll be the story-teller next time." He glanced to the west, past the ocean, and his gaze darkened. However, before the comment could escape Tempest, he'd already walked on.

The white dragoness tilted her head as she watched him, but then she made to follow. What happened next was not altogether pleasant, no matter which way she looked at it. And her friend still feared it, Tempest thought. He still found the memories terrifying. Well, she agreed that their villain wasn't all sane and that witch was, for the lack of better words, Loki twisted the very wrong way.

But she wasn't afraid. Because, after all, Tempest told herself a bit smugly, I am a dragon.

And now, I bid the fandom farewell. Sincere thanks to Spyden, who I did not send this for you to beta because it's just too short and I don't want to bother you with something like this. But know that without you, the last half of this story wouldn't have been so good. Thank you.

Perhaps someday soon, the sequel will be there. But as of now, I'll take a vacation from HTTYD until the end of August. Once again, I can't say how grateful I am to all of my readers' support and all the guys and girls who faved and/or added me to alert. Wish me luck on my next installment.

A toast to all of you,
~the Apprentice