The Gift of the Princess (HTTYD)

Epilogue

"It looks like everyone is here, Astrid said above the crowd's noise. "I believe Hiccup wanted to tell the kids a story."

The younger children scrambled over to Hiccup while the older ones scoffed. Still, even the adults crowded around him as he sat in a carved out stump in a courtyard between the buildings. Toothless and Luna lay on either side of him while their own kids sat with the humans. Eira stood in the back, watching her friend with interest.

Hiccup took a deep breath and looked around at the audience before speaking. "There were dragons when I was a boy. Oh, there were great grim sky dragons that nested on the cliff tops like gigantic scary birds. Little brown scuddely dragons that hunted down the mice and rats and well-organized packs. Preposterously huge sea dragons that were 20 times as big as the big blue whale." He paused. "And we fought those dragons with everything we had. We believed they were evil, viscous monsters that would never cease attacking us.

"We were wrong. It turned out, the dragons viewed us humans much the same way we viewed them. Once we both put aside our fear and tried to understand each other, we realized we could become great friends and allies. Toothless helped teach me that." He smiled while Toothless grunted. "He spared my life after I spared his. And we learned that, together, we can accomplish far more than we could if our species lived apart. Our peace with dragons is mankind's greatest accomplishment yet, and it is the reason why we have become so successful.

"But our work is far from over. Outside our archipelago, people and dragons still believe they are enemies and fight to the death. If we truly want to change the world for the better, we will have to reach out to them and show them a better way. We are counting on you, the next generation, to continue the work we have begun. You need to prove to the world that peace is possible." Hiccup paused once more. "There were dragons when I was a boy, and as long as we never give up, there will be dragons for generations to come." Toothless roared. The other dragons roared back at him while the kids cheered.

"What about the Hidden World?" Guiscard asked innocently. "Dragons still live in there."

Hiccup nodded. "That is true, and that is their right. Some dragons choose to live in the Hidden World away from humans just as some humans may wish to live on islands without dragons. Everyone should be free to make the choice they believe is best for them. And while some dragons are moving to the Hidden World, there are some who have made the transition to the surface. The more progress we make, the more Vikings and dragons will choose to live together. The important thing is that they have that choice. No one has the right to force their will on another even if they believe it is what is best for them."

The kids murmured to each other in approval. Then Trond said, "Can we play with the dragons now?"

Hiccup chuckled lightly. "Go right ahead. I am sure they are eager to play with you."

Before anyone could move, however, a deep, loud voice bellowed from behind them: "HAPPY SNOGGLETOG!"

The children gasped and ran to the newcomer. Eira smiled as she watched Drago dismount Duskscales and place a giant bag on the ground. The man alternated between living on Night Fury Island, visiting Berserker Island, and traversing the globe doing who-knows-what. He did always make it to Snoggletog and seemed to enjoy showering the children with gifts.

"He certainly has changed," Hiccup said, watching the scene beside Eira.

"A lot of people have," said Eira. "We've helped so many people and dragons in the past 10 years. Thank you for not giving up on your dream."

Hiccup smiled. "How could I when I have so many people to tell me when I'm wrong?"

"Isn't that the truth?" said Astrid while Toothless nudged him with his snout.

Eira nodded. "That's why we all need each other." Her eyes were drawn to Luna, who appeared to be dragging something on the ground towards her. "Hey, is that a saddle?"

"That's right," said Hiccup. "I recently decided to store saddles for Luna and the Night Lights in case they wanted to fly with someone - although the Light Fury is very particular about who she allows to ride her."

"He means she only likes you," said Astrid.

Luna dropped the saddle in front of Eira's feet and looked at her expectantly. "Do you want to go for a ride, girl?" The white dragon let out a happy roar. Getting an idea, Eira turned to Hiccup. "Hey, why don't we all go for a ride with Luna, Toothless, the Night Lights, and both of our families?"

"That's an excellent idea!" Hiccup said. A thoughtful look crossed his face. "Let's see... There are five dragons and ten Vikings, but only four of us are adults..."

"That won't be a problem." Eira turned to the group of kids now playing with their toys from "Uncle" Drago. "Hey, Randel! Do you want to try your hand at riding a dragon with Eyvor?"

The young boy gave her a hopeful expression. "Do I ever!"

So, Hiccup rounded up the Night Lights and gathered the saddles while Eira and Astrid gathered up their families. Soon, they were all set to fly. Randel sat upon Ruffrunner with Eyvor holding on behind him. Eira chose to ride Luna with young Brynja, while Dagur and Sten climbed aboard Dart. That left Hiccup and Zephyr with Toothless and Astrid and Nuffink with Pouncer.

The Night Lights took off with a jolt, startling their riders. Luna growled at them, and they fell into line. The dragons flew together in formation at first, but then they decided they wanted to try to show off by racing an attempting fancy spins. Luna reluctantly gave into their antics when Toothless joined in. Eira had to laugh as she was reminded of the playful nature of members of her own family.

"Those two aren't bad," Hiccup said, nodding at Ruffrunner, when Toothless slowed to fly beside Luna. "They'll make fine dragon riders."

Eira smiled. "I agree. It is almost time for Randel to choose his own dragon."

"Of course they're amazing at this!" Dagur shouted from up ahead. "They're our kids!"

Hiccup frowned. "But isn't Randel-"

"Blood doesn't matter," Eira said. "Anyone can be taught to love dragons." She watched blond Randel interact with red-headed Eyvor and knew they did not care about the difference either. They were family.

Hiccup nodded. "Very true. And we'll keep on teaching people to love dragons."

"I want to help people around the world!" Zephyr exclaimed. "Even those way on the other side! Everyone deserves to know how great dragons are."

"You'll have to wait a little longer for that," said Astrid when Pouncer flew past Toothless. "You can't even fly to another island on your own."

Hiccup chuckled. "But it's a good dream to have. Dragons have done a lot for us, and we're going to improve the world for them."

"For both us," Eira corrected. "Because we belong together. Forever."

"Yes, forever."

To that, the dragons roared.

***

A/N: And it's over! Thank you so much for reading. It's been a long journey writing two massive stories, and I appreciate your interest. At the moment, I do not plan to continue this storyline in any way. That may change if I am inspired by a new idea. I may also write another HTTYD fanfic unrelated to this one, so be on the lookout. Thank you once more, and I hope you enjoyed the ending!