Hey guys so this is my second Fanfiction. Let me lay down some ground rules and expectations here. I wanted to get this one out there so that it was out there and I didn't forget. I am a revitalized Hiccstrid man. As some of you may know I am writing another fanfic called The Ice Comes Calling and it is Hiccelsa, which is my second favorite shipping. Here's the deal, I love Hiccstrid but I love the relatability Hiccup would have with Elsa so I thought, why not have of a little of both, just instead of lovers how about a surrogate father/daughter relationship. A what if? If you will

NOW I don't like leaving things unfinished, so I will be returning to Ice Comes Calling and will be leaving this on the back burner for the time being. However, it is a meaty chapter, so it hopefully will be to your liking. There is a song at the end, yes it is from Tarzan but I think it works. Another thing the language Hiccup and Astrid use is Icelandic. Google translate doesn't have Norse and the dictionaries didn't have all the words I needed. One other thing, there is fluff from the TV show, particularly Race to the Edge. Now I own nothing, Let me know what you think and here is the opening chapter to The Haddock Chronicles.

In the gatherings of fates and norns, where decisions of the life of mortals were finalized, there was one life they were about to complete when they decided, let's make this a little more interesting. Changing the fate of a person in a way that would shake the foundations of the world. When you're 1,000,000 years old you need entertainment

"Daddy please." Elsa begged, "Please don't send me away."

"Sweetheart, this will be good for you, you may be able to control your powers after your visit." He answered. Always her magic, ever since the accident with Anna, Elsa's world was never the same. They moved her away from her sister, dismissed so many staff members, even a maid with a little boy the sisters used to play with. They had more or less sealed her in her room, only letting her come out when Anna was somewhere else. It hurt her so much, but she also knew that it was for the best. She couldn't control her powers even before the accident, after a day of playing servants would be spending the next few hours shoveling huge mountains of snow. It was funny then, but then Anna…

So Elsa obeyed every order and command, even when it came to the gloves, those velvet gloves that contained her power. She could remember when she got them, 3 months ago and she remembered the rhyme her father told her as clear as day. 'Conceal, don't Feel.' They were tight and hot but she didn't complain, she reminded herself that this was temporary until she could control it. She was telling herself everything would be okay, that is until this morning. Her father and mother entered her room together, the first time since the accident.

"Hey sweetie." Her mother said.

"Hi."

"How are you doing?"

"I'm okay, it's not too bad."

"That's very good." Her mother replied, Elsa could see that something was wrong.

"Elsa," Her father spoke for the first time in this conversation, "we need to have a talk."

"Okay."

"We have received word of a wise woman across the North Sea a woman who might be able to help you."

"Really!" Elsa said in wonder, maybe this nightmare would be over soon."

"Yes, she is said to live in the forests near DunBroch. You remember DunBroch; that's the home of King Fergus and Queen Elinor."

"Oh yes they have a little girl named Merida." Clamoured Elsa excitedly, "So when can they come?"

"Well, that's just it dear. They won't be coming, this woman is a recluse and would have to be searched for over there."

"So, when do we go." Elsa could see the look on their faces, something was wrong.

"We won't be coming with you."

"What? Why?" She felt betrayed, Elsa had never been anywhere by herself.

"The ambassadors from most of western Europe have arrived and will be here for a month and I have to be here to oversee the negotiations."

"Well can't we just wait until after the ambassadors leave?"

"No, we have a way to help you and we're going to help you. Now your ship leaves this afternoon. You better get ready."

Now, she was at the dock, pleading with her father to not send her away. Her luggage was already being loaded into a frigate. The Captain was trying to be comforting saying she had her own cabin, but Elsa was having none of that.

"Please Papa, don't send me away. I don't want to go away; I don't want to be alone" Elsa screeched.

"Elsa behave yourself please, you're a princess and I expect you to act like one." Her father said sternly.

"But-"

"No buts, NOW you will get on that ship and you WILL go to DunBroch!" He shouted at her, composing himself he continued, "Give me a hug please." In the hug he continued on.

"You be good as always and I wish you luck. Now you should say goodbye to your mother and sister." Anna? It had seemed like an eternity for Elsa, 5 months felt like that when she missed her best buddy, her playmate, her sister. Looking at her at the boarding plank of the dock, Elsa could see Anna standing there with a big toothy grin. She still had that strip of white hair from the accident but looked as chummy as ever.

"Elsa." She giggled excitedly running towards her and giving her a hug. It almost terrified Elsa, her magic typically flowed through her hands, but not always. Anna then looked up at Elsa.

"We can build a snowman when you get back." Elsa might've argued but she hadn't felt so happy in a long time, her sister was still her sister. Her mother also gave her a soft hug and some bars of chocolate before being led by the nanny to the deck with the helm. She kept her eyes on her family as the ship cast off, she kept her eyes on them as the ship glided out of the fjord and when she couldn't see them she kept her eye on Arendelle until she couldn't see it. Looking ahead she saw the wide open ocean, it was really pretty, maybe she would have an adventure like she and Anna talked about all the time. She had no idea, how right she would be.

Astrid was enjoying herself; She hadn't been to Dragon's Edge for a long time. It had been a year since Drago's attack on Berk and Stoick's death; ever since then Hiccup had been hard at the grindstone filling in his new role. From leading the counter-attack against Drago's army to the cleaning of Berk of the ice that the Bewilderbeast had spewed all over and more or less rebuilding the village from the ground up. Even when that was done he kept finding other things to do even if they didn't need to be done, more than that Hiccup was still hurting over his father's death even if he put up a good front. Although who could blame him; Stoick was his father and the circumstances of his death weren't a comfort to anyone. It had taken everything that she, Valka and Gobber could throw at Hiccup to take a break for a solid two weeks (They tried a month, he tried a week, they met in the middle). Gobber had a private chat with Hiccup that seemed to clinch it. It had been decided by the trio that Hiccup had to get away from Berk, otherwise he would just find work to do instead of relax.

They had arrived at the Edge a week ago and even Astrid could see that Hiccup was feeling better even if the weather had been crap since they landed, there was no evidence of his dad's touch on everything like the village, no the Edge had been their creation. 3 years ago; with the discovery of the mysterious object that they dubbed the Dragon's Eye which showed new lands, they had built a new base of operations to explore from. That had been the start of Hiccup's map, which had continued to expand until Hiccup and Astrid came across Eret 'son of Eret' which led to Drago.

It was early in the morning and Astrid liked to take Stormfly out and watch the sunrise in private, she liked having a private moment every now and then. If any good could be taken from her chief's death, it was not to let any moment slip away and this morning was no different. The sun had just breached the horizon and the colours that reflected from the sky and ocean were always grand: Oranges, reds, yellows and deep purples. It was relaxing to see such beauty after the storm they suffered the past week that lifted during the night, Thor must have been in a sour mood. After gliding for a few more minutes, she landed on a small island with a cove where she could cool her feet off, even flying at great heights wool could get her tootsies overheated. She liked this particular cove because there was a reef that would keep out water dragons such as the Scauldrons or Seashockers.

After a few minutes Astrid broke the silence "Well, Stormfly what should we get Hiccup to do today?" Stormfly answered of course with a squawk.

"Excellent idea Stormfly, get him to relax more." She giggled, even before Drago Hiccup had always need to keep himself busy with projects, "Well if that's the plan, we can't do that here." After getting her boots back on they were off. She was scanning the waters and islands below her as flew back to the Edge, never know when the brothers would- Hello, hello what have we here?"

"Woah girl, just give her a flyby." Astrid relayed her command to Stormfly. 'Her' was a shipwreck, it was beached on one the many islands in the area, this one happened to be a haven for a small pack of gronkles, no more than five or six. Giving the ship a pass, Astrid could tell two things; one it was abandoned, no one was walking around the ship nor were there any signs of emptying the ship, nothing. Not the biggest surprise considering that the hull was practically twisted in half and there was almost no front half; smashed to pieces the lower part of the hull was all that was left. The second item was that not only was this ship not one of the dragon hunter ships that prowled these waters, but not one of any tribe that Astrid had crossed paths with. It was too far west for it to be one of Drago's remaining warships and the ship was different design than Astrid had seen before, larger than the Viking galleys, but smaller than a warship or the hunter vessels that Viggo and Ryker used to hunt and store dragons. The ship had twin masts, long, narrow but also very tall, there were 2 decks within the hull.

What made the ship all the more curious was the lack of armament; no catapults, no ballistae, nothing. How this ship was planning on sailing through the archipelago without weapons was beyond her, not that it dangerous, but with the brothers, brigands and various rival tribes, it was insanity to not be armed. To cap it all off the insignia on the flags were from somewhere she knew wasn't in these waters. The insignia consisted of a purple and green background with a yellow flower of some sort.

"Easy girl, set us down nice and gently." Normally, the procedure would be to go back and bring backup but Astrid was a big girl and could take care of herself thank you very much. All the same it didn't hurt to be careful she thought to herself as she withdrew her axe from the saddle. Keeping an eye on Stormfly and the other on the shipwreck, the two slowly lowered down. Getting closer, she could make out more details. The captain's cabin seemed to have panel windows with glass in them or did anyway, the glass panels were all shattered. Landing about 30 meters from the ship Astrid slipped off Stormfly and moved in towards the ship carefully listening for anything that could signal a trap. Nothing, all was still; which did nothing to ease Astrid's anxiety.

Oh come on Astrid it's an abandoned ship, not a fort blasted apart with ice.

That kind of thinking has gotten us in how much trouble over the years? Exactly.

Next Stormfly balked a few meters from the ship, squawking and flapping her wings.

"Whoa girl, steady." That should have been enough to send red flags to Astrid and she knew that too but her curiosity was gnawing away at her, however her guard was dialed up as well. Stormfly was having nothing to do with this venture so Astrid put her on standby and continued. The ship was leaning heavily on a boulder that was keeping it upright (the stern side that is), using that she was able to climb up easily. She saw that there were no life boats Maybe the survivors weren't that far off, stranded on another island. She could talk to Hiccup about that later. Something else she noticed was the chunks of ice, there weren't many but they were all around the front half of the ship where most of the damage was. What, they hit an iceberg? Not the strangest thing ever, but Astrid thought it was a little warm for iceberg weather.

Astrid first checked the captain's cabin it was utter chaos; there maps and other items, a man's bed was half way across the room and a trunk that held clothes was open and empty it, she saw the remains of what appeared to be a baked salmon, it wasn't rotten; fresh. All this gave her reassurance that this was a result of the storm not a setup of Viggo's.

After removing some broken beams that blocked the stairway, Astrid moved to the second level where she discovered the weapons cache. Not the most interesting cache she ever saw but was intrigued how it was mostly crossbows. They weren't unknown up in the archipelago; Hiccup had a shield that converted into one, but other than that there were a few light swords and a couple hatchets. Astrid was scandalized to see no battle axes. The only explanation Astrid could come up with was that this ship was a trader, but it didn't carry the proper insignia of neutrality. She moved through the cache and discovered the galley, a much more impressive galley than Astrid ever saw, although with everything scattered about it didn't look impressive it looked sad. Creeeak.

Whipping around ax ready, Astrid saw… Nothing. Guard up Astrid moved back toward the cache, eyes scanning all around her. Minding her blind spots from the doorway she moved into the cache, nobody was there. Maybe I'm making things up, if someone was here I'd have heard them moving. Wincing as her own movements emphasized her point. Just the ship settl-

CRACK!

"AIIIIIIEEEEEEEEE!"

The noise came from the back of the cache, moving closer she could see a door that she had missed. Easy to do with another huge beam blocking the door. After moving the beam Astrid saw that door was open a tiny little crack Moving in quickly, carefully checking her blind spots, she saw… nothing again. Well not quite; she corrected herself as she saw a hole from a couple boards that broke, probably strained from the wreck. Moving on top of the hole Astrid carefully made sure to keep her body from being exposed from a possible arrow or crossbow bolt. She peeked over the side to discover… a little girl. Thrice expecting enemies and thrice mistaken. This girl had fallen into a ballast compartment, an unused part of the ship that was sealed off with tar, so that when a storm came the ship could stay afloat. The girl herself was a tiny little thing in a woolen dress. She was a blonde with bangs and her hair was tied back into what appeared to be a bun, it was hard to tell what with darkness and the distance. She was huddled into the corner of the compartment, looking fearfully at Astrid. It took Astrid a moment to realize she was looking at the axe.

"Oh Thor I'm sorry, I didn't mean to scare you." Astrid said awkwardly as she set her axe aside. "Are you alright?" The little girl didn't say anything, just stared at her.

"Are you okay?"

"Jeg vet ikke…" the girl stuttered almost inaudible, but enough for Astrid to understand. Ah… Trader's tongue 'I don't know…' well good thing I do.

"Går det bra?" Astrid asked in trader's tongue. Are you alright.

"I'm okay." Whispered a tiny voice, she could hear the accent on the girl, not from around here.

"My name's Astrid, what's yours."

"I… can't… talk to you." The girl whimpered, "Mama said it's not safe to talk to strangers." Good advice but not helpful in this moment.

"I am not a stranger, I'm a friend." A lie she knew but hey you got to do what you got to do.

"No you're not." Okay so much for that.

"Do you know where your mother is? Maybe I can-"

"She didn't come with us."

"Well maybe your dad?"

"No, and the crew abandoned ship and I don't know where they are." Elsa said softly, crying from fear and pain, the fall probably didn't do too good for her. Why would they leave her behind?

"Well, maybe I can be your friend. Here let me help you up." She replied as she lowered her hand.

"NO! DON'T TOUCH ME!" The girl screamed, crouching into a tight little ball, muttering something that Astrid couldn't make out.

"Hey easy, I'm not going to hurt you, I'm going to help you."

"STAY AWAY!" The girl screamed again, her eyes tearing up, filled with fear.

"Okay, okay don't panic." Well, that makes this interesting. The compartment was just the right height to make this difficult; if the girl reached up Astrid could lift her up but she needed the girl to reach for her. Now Astrid could go down there and lift her up or even move down a level and hack at the compartment but this girl was scared to death, Astrid normally didn't care about other people's feelings, Eret could attest to that but this was a little, she couldn't be more than 9 or 10 years old.

"Could I just-"

"NO, DON'T TOUCH ME! Please, I don't want to hurt you." The girl then gasped and buried her head in her knees

"What did you say." Astrid replied with no small amount of skepticism. This girl couldn't hurt a fly.

"I don't think you could hurt me," Astrid said with a chuckle, "I'm a tough old Viking, I can take a hit." The girl was now just sulking in her corner.

"You hungry?" The girl lifted her big blue eyes up. Oh Toothless you would be jealous right now. "Why don't I get you something to eat, what do little girls like?"

"S-s-something sw-sweet." The girl answered softly.

"Alright, something sweet." Astrid realized a small opportunity, "Tell you what, tell me your name and I'll grab you something sweet, deal." The girl was debating this in her mind Astrid could see, finally the girl answered.

"Elsa. My name is Elsa."

"Lovely name." Astrid answered truthfully, "I'll be right back."

She now regretted promising sweets, her pack on Stormfly had the remains of an apple that Astrid had earlier and some jerky which she doubted Elsa would want that. Astrid then remembered the galley and just hoped and prayed for the food not to be spoiled. Looking at the strewn canisters and boxes she could most of the food was actually in good condition, but it was a lot of non-perishables, beans and jerky. She started testing some of the spices in the hopes of finding anything sweet or flavourful. Salt, No, flour, no good, where was the sugar? She was about to give up when she saw a small package that was still in one of the cupboards, opening it she could see that it was layers of brown something. Giving it a sniff she could smell the sweetness of it already. Score. With her curiosity up, she broke a chunk off and popped it in her mouth.

"Oh gods, what is this? This is so good? It tastes like- like Gothie's teas she makes on occasion only sweeter and tastier" Astrid called out at nobody in particular. As it turns out Elsa could hear her for Astrid could hear Elsa calling out an answer. However, Astrid was too far away to make it out. She quickly grabbed the package and ran back to the cabin.

"What was that?"

"Is it chocolate? There was a small package that my parents gave me before my trip." Elsa answered with hopeful eyes. Astrid held out the package for Elsa to see.

"This one?" Elsa's eyes got big like dinner plates.

"Yeah that's it."

"Alright we go." Astrid said, breaking a piece from one of the bars she then tossed it down to Elsa. Astrid was a little worried Elsa would miss it and it would land in the disgusting tar but she could see Elsa would have none of that, snatching it once it was in range. Elsa started nibbling on it speedily like a terrible terror on a shark carcass. Looking her over Astrid could see Elsa was wearing a pair of gloves, not anything of note except that she left them on while eating her chocolate. Astrid noticed that there were some melted parts of the piece she had on her fingers and proceeded to lick them clean. She heard Elsa start giggling at something, glancing down Astrid saw her cover her mouth to hide her smile embarrassed.

"What's so funny?" Astrid asked.

"You were making noises, sucking your fingers."

"Oh," Astrid inquired, "and why is that funny?"

"Well Momma always said it was rude to make noises while eating in polite company."

"Well it's a good thing I'm not polite company." Astrid replied with a chuckle.

"Could I have some more?" Elsa asked with big doe eyes, "Pleeease?" Astrid saw another opportunity, she just had to play it right.

"Oh I don't know; These- these chocolates can't be good for you. Nope, they taste too good, that means they're no good for little children."

"That's not true." Elsa whined, "Please, just a little more."

"Oh I don't know. I think I better- Yup I better finish these off. Save you from a terrible fate."

"Nooooo." Whined the girl. Try it now.

"Ha, ha, ha, tell you what, let me help you up and I'll give you the rest of this first bar." Elsa hesitated. Crap. Elsa started fighting with herself over something; almost shaking, what it was Astrid had no clue, but she had idea about that.

"I promise you won't hurt me."

"You don't know that, I hurt my sister and that was an accident and people died because of me!" Elsa choked out with teary eyes. What threw Astrid was that Elsa seemed to be convinced that she could hurt Astrid. How that could be was beyond Astrid, however she knew one thing, she wasn't going to leave this little girl alone on this ship.

"Hey, hey look at me." Astrid said softly and didn't continue until Elsa looked, "You won't hurt me. You know how I know?"

"How?" she asked with more tears.

"Did you mean to hurt your sister?"

"No she was my sister."

"Exactly; it was an accident just like you said. You would never hurt her or those people and you're not going to hurt me."

"You can't know that for sure." Elsa protested but she was looking hopeful.

"I'm willing to find out, if you are?" Astrid said reaching her hand down again. Elsa lifted her hand out then hesitated.

"Come on Elsa, just reach out to me."

"I can't-"

"Yes you can." Astrid said firmly, "Don't be afraid, just reach for me." Elsa stretched her hand out and Astrid hers. Astrid could just reach her fingers, good enough, before Elsa could withdraw her hand Astrid shot her hand out quick as a viper and grabbed Elsa's wrist.

"There I got you," proclaimed Astrid triumphantly, "Here we go… yeah there." In one smooth motion Astrid lifted her up and flung her away from the hole, sitting her down with Astrid in between the two.

"There, that wasn't so bad was it?" Astrid inquired a bit breathlessly.

"I guess not." Elsa answered also a little frighten from her unscheduled launch.

"Well then let's get a better look at you." Astrid started, but noticed Elsa staring at a certain item.

"Oh, I almost forgot, here you go." She said as she handed Elsa the promised bar; Elsa took it eagerly. While Elsa nibbled away, Astrid could see that whoever this girl was she came from wealth. The dress was woolen but it was heavily refined, put through a loom obviously. It was also a rich blue, Astrid knew from personal experience how expensive dyes for clothes were, particularly blue dyes, Johan had charged an arm and a leg for the stuff Astrid bought from him and even then she was only able to dye a couple pairs of leggings. The other thing she noticed was this girl was soaked. She glanced at would've been her wardrobe except the clothes in there were soaked as well. Astrid spotted a small window that was broken, that would explain the water.

"Oh dear," Astrid commented as she unclipped her hood. "Here, take this." It was small, but so was this girl.

"Oh ah thank you, but I'm okay, the cold doesn't bother me." Elsa replied hesitantly.

"Maybe so, but you'll catch your death without something dry. It may be warm now but come nightfall you'll freeze."

"Ha, if only. I'd like to see that." Elsa muttered bitterly, soft enough that Astrid almost missed it.

"What was that?" Astrid stated bewildered.

"Nothing." Elsa said sulking within her new hood.

"Well tell you what, why don't we head to my home, we could get some dry."

"No, please." Sputtered Elsa, scrambling back.

"Whoa, whoa easy now, it was just a suggestion." Just wait until she sees Stormfly. That gave her another idea oh jeez next thing you know people will be comparing me to Hiccup. She was about to leave it well enough alone when she saw Elsa's head. It was dirty and grimy, as to be expected after what she assumed to be a long journey, a storm and a little time in a tar ridden ballast tank. It was also bloody. Moving the hood back and feeling the girl's head despite her protests, it wasn't long before Astrid felt a large bump and gash.

"Good grief girl, where did you get that?" Astrid exclaimed as she got a closer look.

"I got it during the storm. It went on for 2 weeks, I got flung around a lot, I hit my head." Elsa said, "I don't remember anything after that until I woke up. By then the ship had stopped moving." 2 weeks! That would explain how she was here all alone. She was abandoned, thought for dead for sure. Astrid made a promise to herself right then she was going to make sure this girl was safe.

"Hey listen I got to do something, don't go anywhere." Getting up and grabbing a few cloths she headed for the door before turning back to Elsa, "I mean it, I don't want to find you back in that hole or that you scurried off somewhere." Astrid made her way off the ship to Stormfly, who was still skittish for some reason. Seeing Astrid however, excited Stormfly as she ran up to nuzzle against her.

"Hey girl." Astrid greeted, "Yeah I love you too, pardon me." Scurrying around, she managed to grab her saddle pack and snatched out it's contents: A blue flag and some parchment. On the paper she wrote a message with instructions then put it back in the pack, then tied the flag to Stormfly.

"Alright girl," Astrid spoke softly, "Back to the Edge." Stormfly squawked in protest.

"I know; I know you don't like it. But there's a little girl on there that needs my help and need you to do as you're told."

SQUAK!

"I know you smell something off but that girl needs me, besides worst come to worst, I'll grab a Gronkle and fly off." Stormfly snorted at the idea with so much derision even Astrid could hear the 'Gronkles, they couldn't be trusted to fly in straight line much less an escape route.'

"I know, I know!" Astrid replied with laughter, "Now get going." And without further ado Stormfly lifted off. Astrid proceed to hang Elsa's clothes on parts of the ship to dry them off somewhat. It was a couple hours after sunrise now so it would probably be high noon before Stormfly returned with Astrid's request, namely a black dragon and a one-legged Viking.

The storm had come out of nowhere; They were sailing towards DunBroch like they had for the past 2 days; when the Captain asked her and the nanny to return to her cabin without an explanation. They had been in the cabin for an hour and Elsa was getting bored. She was all ready to leave the cabin when the storm struck with the full force of a hurricane. Up and Down, Side to Side, Elsa was sick, she banged her head, there was no way she was leaving the cabin.

That had been 2 days ago and the storm had still not let up. Now one would assume that the motions of the ship would be unbearable, but after 2 days one gets used to it. Having said that, the fear that the ship could sink on the next rolling tide was all too real. The nanny wasn't feeling at all well and Elsa felt that she should do something. When the nanny looked away, Elsa bolted for the door, leaving the nanny to try and catch her and on a ship swaying back and forth, good luck with that. Going to top deck all she could see was black night, waves, lightning, a few lamps and utter chaos. Men were all over dumping items over board, pumping at pumps. The captain was tied to the helm. Elsa could only stare. What am I doing? Before she could move the nanny came up deck.

"PRINCESS!" Yelled the nanny, because she had to, the noise was immense, "GET BACK INSIDE!" Elsa made to follow her when she saw something out there.

A huge wave, it must have been a monster, no way the ship could stay afloat. She had to do something. Taking off her gloves, she could hear in the background the nanny screaming, the captain bellowing orders, the waves crashing, she could smell the salt of the sea. All of that faded away when her powers came alight, it was almost as if thy could talk saying. We missed you. With all her might she pointed at the wave and with a scream shot her power at the wall of water, freezing it solid. Only then did she realize what she had done. The wave not only did not stop; it was now a wave of ice that would shatter the ship. Everyone could only watch as it came crashing down, but there must have been some high power looking over them, for the ice crashed down before it could strike them. But before relief could hit Elsa, the bow smashed into the ice berg. The front half smashed open like a fire cracker. She could hear the captain yelling orders to abandon ship but all Elsa could see were the dead sailors, one had been flung onto the ice berg, but he wasn't moving. The survivors were making for the life boats and the nanny was trying to reach her. What have I done? Speeding away from the nanny she raced to the cabin and shut the door tight and locked it and slipped her gloves back on. I'm no good to anyone. I'm better off dead.

"Elsa? Elsa! Elsa please get out of there, we have to go!" Maid Harrison yelled at the door. She tried kicking it and everything.

"Ma'am, we have to go NOW!" the Captain bellowed taking the steps two at a time.

"We can't go; the princess is locked inside!" The maid yelled. Realizing the urgency, the captain gave a kick at the door; nothing. He was about to give the door another go when a large beam collapsed in front of the door and the ship tilted dangerously down.

"Captain." A first mate yelled, "We have to go."

"Blast it" The captain looked at the situation, he made a choice. Grabbing the nanny he bolted up the stairs in that same two at a time fashion.

"WHAT ARE YOU DOING? Screamed Harrison, "SHE'S STILL DOWN THERE!"

"THERE'S NOTHING WE CAN DO!" answered the captain as he flung the maid into a lifeboat, "CAST OFF!"

"NO, WE HAVE TO GO BACK!"

"THERE'S NOTHING TO GO BACK TO! SHE'S LOST!"

"NOOOOO!" Screamed the nanny, the child had been her responsibility and she failed, what would she tell her king and queen. I failed them… I failed her. She could only stare at the ship as it tumbled past the iceberg and into open waters.

As the Fates decided and as you can tell from the earlier part of the story: Elsa of Arendelle did not die that night. With the hull somewhat intact, the ship survived under it's strength and will and a little help from the Norns (Shhh), letting the storm carry the ship and its cargo (who showed an inner resilience thanks in part to the fates, their game had just begun) far from it's original course. The first 2 days had seen to that for the most part, now for the final push. Massive waves and hurricanic winds carried the remains of the ship like a leaf on a wind for 14 days past unknown lands till it crashed into a little sandbar island with few inhabitants. The winged creatures approached it but balked as they could sense the power of the creature inside, although it knew not of their presence for it never looked out it's window or came out of it's hidey-hole.

A night passed, blowing the last remains of the storm away. Elsa realized she had not died, much to her disappointment. She had been living off a store of food and water her nanny stocked up on for the storm, which is why she lasted 2 weeks, she wished she had gone down on day one. However, Elsa realized she had an opportunity, there was no one around. She could be free; no one could be hurt again. So she slept soundly that night for the first time in months, even if she was damp and hungry the stocked up food in the cabin having been out as of a few hours before. Her relief was not to last however; for someone appeared out of nowhere in the morning. Elsa was still in her cabin, not having ventured out. She had heard the person walking about on the deck above. She could hear the person walk downstairs, mumble to them self and walk away from her hiding place. After a moment Elsa peaked open the door to see a woman in the galley; though not any woman Elsa had ever seen before, for starts she carried an axe that was almost as big as Elsa, she was wearing a hood made of sheepskin, a red shirt that showed her bare arms, she wore a skirt that was made of cut pieces of leather covered in spikes, this laid on top of another shirt made of fur, both of these skirts were above the knees. mother would be scandalized Elsa giggled to herself. She also wore blue leggings, woolen boots and gloves that came up to her elbows. Her upper arms were wrapped in cords. She was also tall for a woman, her hood was down, so Elsa could see her blonde hair and round face; she was pretty, not as beautiful as her mother but pretty.

Elsa pushed on the door to get a better look when it creaked. The woman whipped around like lightning all poised for a fight. A quietly as possible Elsa moved to the back of the room. No, no stay back. She thought she was safe, then the floor gave way. The wood was covered in dried tar, it smelled stinky down here, but what was more worrying was that the noise attracted the woman to the room. Elsa could hear her move the wood and push the door open. She heard her step closer and closer then there was silence. As quick as a whip she was there, axe in hand ready to use. Elsa would've screamed had she not been petrified with fear, but the woman didn't do anything, she just stared Elsa axe in hand. Eventually the woman realized that Elsa was worried about the axe and spoke a language she didn't understand and with a thick brutish accent.

"Ó Thor Fyrirgefðu , ég ætlaði ekki að hræða þig." Said the woman as she set down the axe "Er í lagi með þig?"

"Er í lagi með þig?" The woman repeated.

"I don't know…" Elsa began. Ah, just go away, you can't understand me.

"Are you alright?" The woman asked again in Elsa's language.

"I'm okay." Whispered Elsa, she was still quite nervous.

"My name's Astrid, what's yours." Astrid; a very pretty name, but she looked dangerous, although Elsa knew who was more dangerous and she had already done enough.

"I… can't… talk to you. Mama said it's not safe to talk to strangers."

"I am not a stranger, I'm a friend."

"No you're not." Elsa retorted, but she had to admit she wouldn't mind being her friend.

"Do you know where your mother is? Maybe I can-"

"She didn't come with us." Oh thank God. I miss her but thank God.

"Well maybe your dad?"

"No, and the crew abandoned ship and I don't know where they are." Elsa said softly, crying from fear, guilt and pain, the fall scrapped her hands knees and pretty good. And those sailors would still be alive if I hadn't-

"Well, maybe I can be your friend. Here let me help you up." She replied as she lowered her hand.

"NO! DON'T TOUCH ME!" Elsa screamed. She wasn't going to hurt anyone else.

"Hey easy, I'm not going to hurt you, I'm going to help you." Why would you help me?

And so the seeds were planted, but not all has been revealed. Another character in this tale has yet to be introduced.

Hiccup was brooding again, he hated it when his Dad did it and he hated it now, but it seemed to be the only thing he could do nowadays. He was already thinking of things to do that needed to be done when he got back. However, there was something else on his mind far more troubling even though according to some it shouldn't be. Unbeknownst by Astrid, the truth behind how Gobber had been able to get Hiccup to make the trip was sickening in his mind.

"No, Gobber." Hiccup protested as Gobber directed him to the back of the forge, "I'm not going to just up and take a holiday, when there is still stuff to do. The flour mill needs the waterwheel replaced, the seeding is upon us and…"

"And it will all be here when you get back." Gobber interrupted, "The wheel can wait or someone else can do it and as for the seeding, one chief is not going to make a large difference."

"Don't patronize me." spat Hiccup.

"Get off ye high dragon." Gobber retorted, "There's no call for that."

"Gobber I can't just…"

"Why not? You used to always do just that."

"That was different, now I have a duty to the village and..."

"A duty in which you fulfilled admirably. Hell this past year you have done nothing but serve the village, eat and sleep. Although even the last two have been lacking."

"And there's still more to do. I can't leave it. Dad would never have…"

"HICCUP! You're not Stoick, you're Hiccup, you can't keep up at this pace, it'll kill you."

"I owe it to him."

"You owe him nothing." Gobber retorted.

"I OWE HIM EVERYTHING!" Hiccup spat as loudly as he could without drawing attention, "Or have you forgotten what he did."

"I have forgotten nothing." Gobber replied vehemently, "He was my best friend."

"He was my dad." Hiccup countered, tears welling up. Silence filled the room for a moment.

"You're right." Gobber conceded, "He was your dad and I know it hurts, but Stoick made his choice. All we can do is do our best."

"Which is why I can't leave Gobber." Stated Hiccup, making to leave thinking the conversation was closed.

"Actually, all the more reason for you to go." Gobber responded with some reluctance.

"What do you mean?" Hiccup asked now confused.

"Look here's the dilemma," Gobber answered, "You are the chief."

"Yes?"

"And there is a growing concern over the lack of-"

"Lack of what?" Hiccup asked again, now completely lost.

"Lack of an heir." Gobber finished with a grimace.

"Oh." The realization of the implications hit Hiccup like a ton of bricks.

"The council has been anxious these past few months about that particular fact." Gobber elaborated, "We didn't press because we were under the impression you and Astrid were going to… you know real soon and we figured why upset the apple cart. But you never made a move and now we are in a position we don't want to be in where we have to start shoving you in particular direction."

"Why didn't you come to me with this before?" Hiccup interrogated bewildered.

"You were still picking up the pieces and we didn't want to force you to do something that you were going to do in your own time. But now the council is sending an unofficial ultimatum: Ask Astrid during this trip or we start looking at potential brides in the other tribes."

"Gobber, you son of a-"

"Hey, don't give me lip. The truth was that we expected you to pop the question a year ago. Things changed for obvious reasons. But come on, 2 weeks' vacation and you get to propose to your girlfriend, enjoy it."

Enjoy it he said; the first week was nothing but stormy weather really enjoyable, but it let up last night. So, Hiccup took the opportunity to just relax on a chair in front of the stable. He wouldn't admit but sitting there with no villagers to pester him, no job to wake up to, it was nice. The gang had come along of course; the twins, Fishlegs, Snotlout and Eret as well. He had integrated into Berk fairly well over the past year, wasn't easy but he did it, although when Hiccup went on the trip Eret asked to come along saying he felt more accepted. Hiccup didn't mind, Eret was actually a valuable addition to the village, evidenced by his feats at the battle of Thor's anvil where the Hairy Hooligans of Berk met Drago's army head on. Even without Drago to lead them, they were a mighty force to be reckoned with. That day Eret and Skullcrusher smashed their ranks again and again. At the peak of the battle he, Snotlout and Fishlegs led a wedge formation straight into the belly of their force leaving it exposed for heavy and devastating attacks from Toothless.

That battle now looked easy compared to what he now had to do. He didn't know why it scared him so much, maybe he was afraid Astrid would be bitter about the neglect he dished out over the past year or maybe she would just up and say no. Gobber had been right, Hiccup had been planning on proposing to Astrid, if he had to be honest he had been planning on proposing to Astrid one particular morning then his dad had dropped the bomb about his handing over the chiefdom. He wished his dad hadn't said anything, because that moment on the clifftop of itchy armpit would've been a good moment to ask but noooo, instead he had to discuss the fact that his dad wanted him to be chief. Now he had to find a moment that would be meaning for them both here and he was at a loss. He was mulling over this particular problem when Fishlegs made a call.

"Wings to the southwest." He cried. Looking out in that direction he could see the aforementioned pair of wings as they got closer he could tell it was a Nadder, closer still he could see it was Stormfly, his stomach tightening as he couldn't see Astrid on Stormfly anywhere. Is she Okay? Did Viggo grab her, why didn't Stormfly…

"Blue Flag!" Squealed Fishlegs. Hiccup breathed a sigh of relief; the flags had been one of Fishlegs more practical genius ideas. If a rider was in a situation where they might get separated from their dragon or couldn't leave for unspecified purpose, they pulled out a coloured flag and attached it to the saddle, if they were separated, the dragon flew back to friendly territory. The colour of the flag determined the situation. Red was battle danger which each rider pulled out before a fight, yellow was injury, blue was nonlife threatening such as a new dragon or discovery, blue and yellow were pulled out after the scenario had played out for obvious reasons. Not too often blues were pulled mostly because the rider would report back. Stormfly landed in front of Hiccup and Toothless and squawked expectantly.

"Hey girl," Hiccup cooed to Stormfly as he checked the saddle bags for a note, "What'd you bring Uncle Hiccup today?" Finding the expected note, he was baffled buy what it said.

Hiccup

Take Toothless and follow Stormfly back to my position on wounded knee isle. Come alone and come quietly, no showboating. Also bring the following:

-3 blankets and a pillow

-rations for about a day

-some of my clothes

-And a couple of those hammocks

Astrid

Well that was curious; by the time he glanced through it a couple times, the others had made their way to him. Giving Snotlout the letter he went to grab the requested supplies. When he got back, he could hear the muffled snickering and guffaws that his guys were desperately trying hide.

"So ah," Tuffnut began, failing to be casual, "Astrid planning a little hoopla eh?"

"Oh come on Tuff really?" Hiccup countered sarcastically, "You wouldn't know what casual or non-interested looked like."

"Hey man it's all good." Tuffnut sidled along, abandoning any pretense, "I'm just saying good for you, you might even…"

"Just stuff it Tuff." Hiccup cut him off tired of it, turning to the rest of the group who had the same look "I'll be back in a few hours, I expect you be here."

"Oh, we'll be here." Snotlout commented.

"Yeah, where else would we go?" Replied Ruffnut.

"I can think of a few ideas." Hiccup grimaced, these guys had caused him many a migraine over the years, "See you later." And he launched off following Stormfly to Wounded Knee Isle. He knew the route but Stormfly was Astrid's ride so it would be in poor taste to not ensure Stormfly came back. Maybe we can use this as an opportunity, Hiccup thought to himself patting the necklace he had in his pouch, previously snagged from his hidey hole when he got the message. About an hour's flight later they arrived at Wounded knee (Snotlout's name, no idea why.) Stormfly then went low cresting the waves that crashed against the isle. He followed Stormfly to a beach, where he could see what had Astrid's attention. Setting down on the beach, he couldn't see Astrid anywhere but took the opportunity to examine the ship, double masts, triple decked, narrow, the insignia was something he had not seen before and the front half was splinters. Moving in toward the ship Toothless stopped short and let out a growl.

"What is it bud?" Hiccup asked senses heightened, he noticed Stormfly was staying away from the ship and even saw a pair of Gronkles watching the ship nervously as if it might blow up.

"ASTRID!" Hiccup called out, he suspected she was on the ship and a few moments later his theory was correct as she came to the top deck of the ruined and walked towards him. Damn, he had forgotten how beautiful she was, a mistake he hoped he could rectify. Maybe if she was thinking something a little sneaky it wouldn't actually be all that bad, but he knew Astrid didn't do that.

"Hey." She called walking towards him.

"Hey yourself," He replied, kissing her cheek, "What's up? Why the blue flag?" She then lost her grin and replaced it with a look of unease.

"Follow me." She answered leading him back to the ship. Okay what is this then? Reaching the top deck, Astrid led him to the top of a flight of stairs that led to a lower deck and stopped.

"Walk down there and look," she instructed cryptically, "Don't say anything and come right back up."

"I don't understand."

"Trust me, this requires a look first, hear later." Okaaay. Far be it from him to argue. He made his way down the stairs opened a door and did as instructed and was struck dumb. He saw an armoury where all the weaponry had been shoved aside to make room for what he saw in the middle of the room. A little girl who couldn't be very old sitting on the floor playing with a dolly. She was sitting perpendicular to him so he could see her face; cute, grimy, her dress that she wore was ragged and torn. She looked up at him having heard his call from before and his walking on the ship; his metal foot gave him away. She looked nervous but still gave him a small wave and a grimace. He returned the wave, shut the door and marched up the steps right after. On the top deck he was bewildered.

"I wish you had said something but you were right. That is a look see, explain later." Hiccup confessed, "What do you know?"

"Not a lot: Her name's Elsa-"

"Pretty name."

"I thought so too, now let me finish." Astrid scowled at being interrupted, "No idea where she's from, no last name, but she may have just withheld it, she looks like her family has wealth, no idea where she is from and she doesn't speak Norse but she speaks Trader's Tongue."

Trader's Tongue? Not all the isles of the archipelago used the same language, Hiccup knew 4 languages, but it made it difficult to make deals from one island to another, until it was realized that they all dealt with the same traders: Johan and his people who had their own language, so everyone learned their language and used it to communicate with one another, allowing trade and alliances to emerge.

"You think she might belong to a trader's family?"

"No, the insignias don't belong to the traders and have you ever seen a ship like this before."

"Never." He had forgotten about the flags and Astrid was right about the ship.

"There's more." Astrid continued, "She was on this ship during a storm when it ran against an iceberg. She had been scared and ran to her cabin. This is what she told me, the captain tried to rescue her but couldn't. When I got here there was a beam blocking the door. They abandoned her to die."

"They don't know she's alive."

"They have no way to know."

"How long was she on the ship?"

"She lost count, but she thinks close to two weeks."

"Two weeks?" Hiccup asked astonished, "How did it stay afloat that long?"

"It must have taken less damage to start and lost more pieces as time went." Okay made sense.

"Wait, you said her own cabin?"

"I know what you're thinking and I tried asking but she is very frightened right now. It's a miracle I got this far. But she comes from a family of some stature, I saw some envelopes in the room with some fancy seals. I didn't open them yet."

"Why didn't you just bring her to the edge?"

"I would've but she has been very emotional and I didn't want her anymore upset. She hasn't even seen Stormfly yet." She answered much to his skepticism.

"Not to be rude, but since when do you care about other people's feelings when it comes to giving them sheer terror?" Hiccup asked quirkily.

"Oh you're one to talk wise-guy. I remember a scrawny Viking who kidnapped me and gave me a ride on hell with wings." She retorted to much laughter. A, it felt good to laugh, he couldn't remember the last time he laughed this easily.

"The reason I'm being more considerate is because she is already terrified and here's the kicker, she's not just terrified in everything; she's terrified of hurting me."

"Wait, what? How could she hurt you?"

"I thought the same thing believe me, but I saw the look in her eyes. It took a lot of cajoling to just get her out of a little ballast compartment she was trapped in." Astrid said, "She also told me she hurt her sister in an accident and people died because of her."

"Oh boy." Hiccup sighed, "That is some heavy stuff for a girl that age."

"It took me awhile but I think I know what the deal is but it leaves a factor unexplained."

"Continue." Hiccup's curiosity piqued.

"I think she was witness to her sister's accident or did something that got her sister hurt. I think that the people that died were people on the ship."

"Survivor's guilt?"

"Exactly. Like someone else I know." Astrid jabbed, but Hiccup didn't rise to the bait.

"So what factor is left unaccounted for?"

"The dragons."

"Oh yes. I forgotten about their behaviour."

"I can't explain it but maybe there is more to our young guest than meets the eye."

"So what do we do Astrid. I mean…" Hiccup stuttered to a halt.

"I have an idea. She'll hate me for it but it'll be worth it." Astrid answered. "Here's what we do."

She had heard the man call out before she saw him. She didn't like the fact that Astrid had brought someone else over. It was just another person to hurt. When he came down the steps she didn't know what to expect; a massive Viking several feet tall built like a bear with hands that could crush skulls. Instead the man she saw was still tall but not as tall as she expected, maybe her father's height, and he was thinner as well, more like a wolf than a bear. He wore a strange armour, made up of scales and metal plating. He wore woolen boots or boot rather as she saw that his left leg was replaced with a contraption. She didn't get a good look at his face for he was only there for a moment. He then went up the stairs and had a lengthy conversation with Astrid in their language. Eventually it had come to a close and they came down the stairs together with Astrid leading the way.

"Elsa," Astrid spoke, "This is my friend Hiccup." Elsa couldn't help it, she started giggling incessantly until she remembered what her mother would say and gulped her last giggle. However, the man took no offense and even chuckled with her.

"Great name I know." He said, speaking for the first time as he sat down cross-legged, "But it's not the worst. Viking parents believe certain name will frighten off gnomes and trolls, not that our charming Viking demeanor wouldn't do that. Blargh! Morning!" He added for effect making a silly face and then adding a toothy grin. She couldn't help but smirk.

"Oh my, Astrid told me many things but she left out that you have a beautiful smile." He commented cordially. Looking at his face, she could see he had whiskers on his chin and cheeks and he looked handsome she guessed. He had brown hair but his eyes, he had these green eyes that looked hardened yet felt kind.

"Thank you." She said to Hiccup.

"Ah she speaks." He replied with a soft chuckle.

"Do you play with dolls?" Elsa asked, "Astrid has one and there's another in the cabin."

"Well I think I can make time to play with a little lady like you." He said as he got up to fetch a doll from her cabin. By the time he got back, Astrid and Elsa had begun playing. The rest of the day went along those lines. Hiccup left for a while, although where he went Elsa had no idea, he eventually returned as the sun started to go down. He made them supper, a fish stew that even Elsa gobbled down quickly along with the fresh water. They continued playing long after the sun went down, till Elsa's eyes started getting heavy.

"Yeeeaaaaahhhhwwwwnnnnnn." Croaked the little girl.

"Oh, I think someone is ready for bed." Astrid declared to Hiccup who was standing behind Elsa.

"No I'm not sleepy." Whined Elsa.

"Come on little one let's set up that hammock Hiccup brought for you."

"Oh pleeeeeaaasse Ms. Astrid, just 5 more minutes."

"Ha, ha, ha, just Astrid sweetheart," Astrid replied, "Tell you what; if you ask Hiccup really nicely maybe he can set up the hammock for you and we can play for 5 more minutes."

"Oh please Hiccup," Elsa cried out, hugging his leg, "Oh please, please, please, oh please. Oh Pleeeeasssse." Even Astrid could see Hiccup's heart melt like butter.

"Oh I suppose you little terror." He broke without a fight tugging her cheek.

"Yaaay." Elsa yelled as she turned back to playing with Astrid. However, all good things had to come to an end and after playing long after Hiccup returned, Elsa started dozing off and would have fallen asleep and clunked to the floor right there had Astrid not scooped her up. She then carried Elsa to her hammock where there were blanket and pillows for her there. Setting her in the hammock and tucking her in, Astrid could see Elsa was fast asleep. Turning to Hiccup she couldn't help but grin.

"Oh Frigga, she certainly knows how to melt hearts." She said before kissing him on the lips.

"Hmm, she's not he only one with that talent." Hiccup commented slyly, "But I heartily agree."

"Oh and who is this other one with that talent." Astrid replied with the same sly look.

"Heather." Hiccup answered with a straight face before breaking out in a grin. Astrid punched him in the gut.

"Ow, ha, ha." Hiccup chuckled.

"Oh get over it, you big baby, you had it coming." Astrid muttered even as her own grin appeared.

"So when do we move?"

"Ah, we'll wait till she's well and truly into sleep and then we'll move her."

"Sounds good."

"It was fun today." Astrid commented.

"It was." Hiccup agreed.

"You haven't laughed like that since-"

"Astrid don't." Hiccup interrupted, his edge returning, "It's been a good day, let's not spoil it."

"Sorry I didn't mean to-"

"Anna? MAMA?" Elsa screamed. Astrid and Hiccup rushed to hammock where Elsa was tossing and turning screaming out.

"Elsa, hey I'm right here." Astrid said shaking her, but Elsa was deep in this nightmare.

"PAPA!? WHERE ARE YOU?!"

"Elsa wake up." Astrid spoke quickly still shaking Elsa.

"WHY DID YOU LEAVE ME?" Elsa cried "COME BACK!"

"ELSA WAKE UP!" Astrid screamed. For whatever reason it brought Elsa out of her nightmare. She was however shivering and crying.

"Mama?" Elsa sniffled.

"No sweetheart," Astrid answered, though it crushed her to do it, "It's Astrid."

"I want my mama!" Elsa cried out, throwing her head on Astrid's shoulder. All Hiccup could do was stand there awkwardly.

"I know you do." Astrid murmured to her, "There, there, let it all out." Elsa willingly sobbed into Astrid's shoulder. A few minutes went by before any words were said.

"There, there, that's a big girl." Astrid spoke softly, "There, there, here we go. I think we can go back to bed now."

"NO!" Elsa screamed hoarsely and then returned to crying.

"Oh now, now don't cry. I'm here for you." Astrid commented Oh dear.

"Really?" Elsa asked not necessarily hopeful but Astrid would take it.

"Yeah, now don't cry," Astrid continued, "I'm here."

"Don't leave me. Please don't leave me." Elsa sniffled.

"Hey," stated Astrid sharply so that she had Elsa's attention, "I'm not going anywhere. I'm right here." It only seemed to start another episode of tears.

"Oh, no, no, no, don't cry, I'm here." Astrid stated again softly and calmly before singing an old lullaby her mother would sing to her.

"Come stop your crying, It will be alright

Just take my hand, Hold it tight

I will protect you, From all around you

I will be here, Don't you cry."

"For one so small, You seem so strong

My arms will hold you, Keep you safe and warm

This bond between us, Can't be broken

I will be here, Don't you cry"

Elsa was starting to relax, but Astrid used the opportunity to carry her in a cuddle in a swaying motion that would hopefully lull her to sleep.

"'Cause you'll be in my heart, Yes, you'll be in my heart

From this day on, Now and forever more

You'll be in my heart, No matter what they say

You'll be here in my heart, always

She saw that Hiccup was at a loss so he just held his piece.

"Why can't they understand the way we feel?

They just don't trust what they can't explain

I know we're different but deep inside us

We're not that different at all

And you'll be in my heart, Yes, you'll be in my heart

From this day on, Now and forever more

Don't listen to them, 'Cause what do they know

We need each other To have, to hold.

They'll see in time, I know"

Eventually Astrid saw that Elsa was asleep, but she kept singing.

"When destiny calls you, You must be strong

I may not be with you, But you've got to hold on

They'll see in time, I know

We'll show them together

'Cause you'll be in my heart, Yes, you'll be in my heart

I'll be there from this day on, Now and forever more"

Slowly she returned Elsa to her hammock and wached her groan albeit much more relaxed now. She kissed this little girls forehead and finished her song not realizing how those words would become so dear to her in years to come.

"Oh, you'll be in my heart, No matter what they say

You'll be here in my heart, always

Always"

The song belong to PHILL COLLINS AND DISNEY. I take NO Credit for their work.

So I hope you got the feels from that.