Summons
Hiccup finished his brief morning duties in the forge and then went outside to relax on the heights and enjoy a moment of peace. He specifically avoided having too much to do this week, since there were other tasks that mattered far more.
The golden plain was now far more green than it would be in the warm summer months. The spring rains had left the vegetation very green and lush whereas the hotter summers left everything more golden and brown.
How the time flies.
The major pack-related projects he had undertaken over the last year since Morning-Star's birth were more visits throughout Gondor and, far more enjoyably, teaching the older cubs and fledglings basic runes. The Glittering Caves had enough sandy areas that the young Furies could practice writing with sticks held in their jaws. Storm-Chaser, Tail-Hunter, Free-Flight, Breath-Of-Sky, Mystery, Dancing-Flame, Hidden-Star, and Cloud-Whisper, in various degrees, took to the learning and showed that they had very good memories. Nightfall received lessons here in Edoras.
While writing was highly unlikely to be normally practical for the Furies, it was still a potentially beneficial skill. Being able to write would, at the very least, be another way that they could interact with humans as equals.
His other significant responsibility was to ensure the pack was being treated fairly in work for Gondor and fishing. On the whole the captains were fair and appreciative of the help, though some of them were less amicable... usually because of a lingering emotional wound from Minas Tirith.
Hearing the sounds of joyful play not far off, he went to investigate what was happening.
Far-Flight, Sky-Dancer, Lightning, and Hunts-In-Deep-Waters, all of them enjoying one of their days off of other duties, were watching over Hunts-Golden-Light, Kindled-Dream, and Morning-Star as the cubs played and chased tails. However, the play stopped when he arrived. The cubs spun toward him and ran to him while their parents followed closely behind.
"How are you all doing this morning?"
The cubs purred loudly up at him. Hunts-Golden-Light, the oldest of the cubs at two years old, sat back on her haunches, which meant she was about at his bellybutton in height. Her ears lifted as she purred and her tail swayed.
"I'ccup 'ug!" she hummed.
"Oh, you want a hug?"
"Uuuggg!"
He picked her up and held her in a hug with her head on his shoulder. She was just barely small enough for him to pick up and easily hold, but that would not be true much longer. It was also still easy to hold her before her wings grew out, strange though that was, which would happen sometime next year.
"Good to see you too!"
Kindled-Dream and Morning-Star whined while pawing at his legs, so he gave his sister and niece hugs after Lightning called her daughter away.
By the Valar, how do their parents deal with them all the time?
Those hugs given, he went over to Lightning and Hunts-In-Deep-Waters, since he hadn't seen them in a few days.
"Hey there Hunts, Lightning, how are you both?"
"We are well and warm in our soul-fires! How are you?" Lightning asked.
"I won't complain at all. But..."
He paused and gestured her to follow him a short distance away, which she did while Hunts-In-Deep-Waters followed his daughter.
"What is it?" she asked.
"I've been meaning to ask, how is your brother doing... really?"
Her ears fell a little.
"He is well enough. His helping the farmers makes him feel useful."
Wing-Of-Ice had, through a combination of his mate's support, his sister's presence, his playful daughter, and his responsible son whenever Windripper was around, moved on as much as was likely possible by accepting his new reality of being grounded. He had found meaningful work by helping with the harvests and with carrying stuff or other labor at the farms within walking distance of Edoras, not that those walking distances were short at all. He frequently rested overnight out among the villages where he was working.
"Glad to hear it. Haven't seen him for a while."
"He, his mate, and Nightfall went on an adventure to climb mountains together on paw. How is your brother?"
He frowned.
"This is his sick week, but he's doing alright."
She hummed sadly.
"How bad is it for him?"
"Well enough. I've made lots of tea to help him. He just sleeps a lot, mostly."
"Good. It could be worse. He is always warm when playing with my daughter."
He glanced toward his house.
"Actually, I should go check on him soon. If you don't mind..."
She purred and nodded.
"Yes, go."
He quickly checked in with his parents, and then started for Toothless's and Moonbeam's home. He arrived and paused at the door before he knocked and stepped inside.
Everything was as expected: Toothless was lying on his side and asleep while Moonbeam, still awake, curled around him and rested a wing over his back. There were empty buckets of tea that Toothless had drank to help soothe himself in this most difficult time of the year: the anniversary of their fall and the innocuous but terrible wound Toothless had received.
This time was not so bad since they knew what to expect going into it and had taken extra precautions, mostly making sure that enough Athelas was available, having Far-Flight and Sky-Dancer agree to watch over Morning-Star, and ensuring that Toothless and Moonbeam had no duties to attend to. His pendant greatly helped him, but he always wore that anyway for other reasons.
"How are you?" Moonbeam whispered.
"Doing well. How is he?" he whispered and knelt by Toothless's side.
"Better. The dreams are gone, and he does more sleeping only. Morning-Star?" Moonbeam asked.
"She's fine and having lots of fun with Kindled-Dream and our family."
She nodded and lay her head down on Toothless's neck.
"Good. Has Mystery gotten back yet?"
"Nope. She's still with Breath-Of-Sky and their friends mapping the depths of the Caves."
"Good for them."
"Do you need anything?"
"No, he could use more Athelas tea though," she purred.
"Alright, I'll make some up at the Hall and bring the tea down here."
He left them, closed the door, and stared off into the distance, trying to not think too much about Toothless's situation. The condition left Toothless miserable for about a week and unable to do much except rest. While he was recovering, Moonbeam stayed at his side a lot while Far-Flight and Sky-Dancer took Morning-Star in as one of their own.
Even now, two years after it happened, there was in his heart a twinge of guilt and a hidden sense of responsibility for what happened. It was not strictly his fault, but he did bear some responsibility for wanting to be involved in something he had no business in.
His place was in building and making, not in fighting and slaying.
Hiccup was working in the forge on nothing terribly important or difficult, though it was pleasing to work on simple and repetitive tasks. The final touches were going on Snowflame's future saddle that she would wear when she and Eowyn wanted to go flying. Snowflame had specifically requested it and let him take measurements to help make herself feel like Eowyn was safer.
The simplicity of this work let his thoughts wander.
A month had passed since Toothless's annual sickness. All was peaceful in that time. King Eomer and several of the Furies had ridden or flown to some of the last reclusive groups of the Men of Dunland, who had troubled Rohan before and during the war. Those meetings went peacefully enough with the people of Dunland suing for peace and mercy.
Packmates regularly used the dragons-only building like a pavilion which Aragorn had constructed above the cliffs of Dol Amroth. From there two or three of the Furies regularly helped out the fishing villages by findings the largest schools of fish and driving them toward the nets. The Furies on the fish hunting duty rotated through those who were grown, had fire, and were willing to do that work. They brought back large bags filled with fresh fish every couple days at the end of their duty terms. That activity brought back more than enough for everyone in the pack.
Then he heard a strange commotion and clamor of noise beyond the forge.
He set aside his project, dusted himself off, and went outside to see what was going on. Nearly a dozen of the people of Edoras were staring toward the main gates.
"He's back!" "The White Rider!"
Wait, Gandalf is here? What a pleasant surprise!
Sure enough, he spotted a rider in white astride a great white horse making its way up the main path. He ran up to the steps of the Golden Hall where the Wizard dismounted and was met by King Eomer, Theoden, and several advisers. Shadowfax started for the stables without any prompting.
"Mithrandir! Welcome again to Edoras! It is our honor to welcome you!" King Eomer greeted him with a bow.
"The honor is mine, Eomer King," Gandalf said while leaning on his staff and inclining his head.
"What business brings you here?" Eomer asked.
Gandalf gave a solemn smile.
"Business concerning the dragons. I have news for them and for Master Haddock."
Eomer nodded and gestured toward the Wizard.
"Very well. Ask for any provisions, and they will be provided."
Gandalf nodded and strode over to him.
"Well met, Master Haddock."
"Good to meet you again, Gandalf."
A mirthful twinkle appeared in the Wizard's eyes.
"I have heard that your brother now has new responsibility."
"Not only him. We've also got a new sister! Come meet them!"
Gandalf, with surprising speed and energy, followed him through Edoras until they arrived at the two homes next to each other.
"Brother! Moonbeam! Gandalf is here!"
There were a pair of barks of surprise from within as the two Furies came outside. Morning-Star was perched proudly on Moonbeam's back.
"Gandalf!" Toothless cried in joy.
Gandalf smiled, only having eyes for the cub who eagerly stared back at him.
"Well met, Burning-Star. And what is this dear one's name?" Gandalf asked.
"She is Morning-Star," Moonbeam purred.
"Oh, is she? From Burning-Star and the Moonlight comes a Morning-Star. Most appropriate," he chuckled.
"We thought it would be. Her head-color shape is even better!" Toothless hummed.
"That it is. I hear you have a sister."
Toothless purred.
"Yes, our cub-sister, Kindled-Dream, is well. She plays much with Morning-Star."
"Most excellent. Now, if I may speak with you two, Burning-Star and Master Haddock. There is a matter which I would discuss with you and the rest of the pack."
Moonbeam faced them.
"I will take her to your parents so you can talk freely," she said.
Hiccup and Toothless agreed and followed Gandalf away from their homes until they stood above what had been the pack's slope. The warm wind ruffled their wings and robes.
"What's going on?" Hiccup asked.
Gandalf planted his staff in the ground and leaned on it.
"Do you both recall that the Elves must depart Middle-earth eventually and sail to their true home of Valinor beyond the edge of the world? That they leave over the water by a Straight Path that only they can sail?"
"Yes, I remember." "It is twisted."
Gandalf nodded.
"It will soon be time for more of the Elves to leave the world. They can hear their kin and the white shores calling from beyond the horizon. The ships will come to carry them to their home and place of healing."
Gandalf paused before continuing.
"They will not be going alone. It is appropriate that the Ringbearers should depart according to their need."
Hiccup frowned in thought, wondering what Gandalf meant by that.
"The Ringbearers: so Elrond, Galadriel, and... yourself?"
Gandalf nodded and crossed his palms, revealing Narya gleaming on a finger.
"Yes, my work in Middle-earth is now finished. Other evils and new shadows may arise in the future, but those are not my concern. Sauron's demise was my purpose, and it will soon be my time to go... and others with us."
Gandalf paused and closed his eyes, with an appearance between peaceful and solemn.
"Bilbo will be going with us to Valinor," he whispered.
Neither of them said anything at first after hearing that sad news. Toothless hung his head.
"Why?" he asked.
"Because he was too hurt by the Ring to be able to stay here. Even now in Rivendell where he rests, he still craves the Ring and cannot fully be rid of his need for it. He was a Ringbearer, and it is therefore appropriate that we should bring him with us so that he may find the healing he needs."
Hiccup frowned, upset that Bilbo would be leaving forever. But if this is what Bilbo needed to be at peace, then it was the best option for the kindly Hobbit.
"We'll miss him, but he deserves some peace."
"Indeed," Gandalf agreed, "those Undying Lands do not grant everlasting life to mortals, and Bilbo will pass on once his spirit is healed. He will take the path which all mortals must. The grey rain curtain of the world will roll back as all turns to silver glass. Then there are white shores and a far green country under a swift sunrise."
Despite everything, Hiccup was struck by that description of that afterlife, so different from the stories that the Vikings had told of what would be.
"Are the Alpha pair of Flame-In-The-Night and Snowfall here? There is a matter I would discuss with them," Gandalf softly said.
"They are at the Glittering Caves with the rest of the pack. Well, they're with everyone who isn't here in Edoras or on duties at the coast," Hiccup explained.
"Then I shall speak to them at the Caves. Wing-Of-Ice is here in Edoras, correct?"
"He's actually in one of the nearest villages to help them with the planting and plowing. But he'll be back later this evening."
Gandalf nodded.
"Very well. You are probably curious what I have to discuss with the pack. I know that this is much to ask, but we would like for all in the pack to join us at the Grey Havens in mid-September. That could be overly burdensome on Wing-Of-Ice, so I will discuss this in confidence with him and his mate. I will also have word sent to the pair living in Ithilien. King Elessar sent word to me of the problem the pack encountered on Tolfalas."
"Yes, there were trappers," Toothless growled.
Gandalf sighed, looking weary again.
"And there may be a solution for that, but that is still to decide in the future. Are you both willing to journey thus all the way to the Havens on the Lindon coast?"
"That's at least a week of flying, probably two weeks actually," Hiccup pointed out after a moment of thought.
"Moonbeam and Morning-Star could fly with us. She said that she would like to see the Shire. The rest of my kin could also fly, even though carrying the cubs will make flight slower," Toothless said.
Hiccup shrugged.
"I'll have to check with Adney, but I could be away a few weeks. What do you say, bro? Shall we take another vacation there and back again? We haven't seen the Shire in years. I can make slings for the moms to carry the smallest cubs."
Toothless purred in approval.
"I like that plan. Is there more you want to talk about?" he asked Gandalf.
Gandalf frowned.
"How fares your wound?"
"It only hurts once every year now. I endure it with Athelas tea, my pendant, and my kin."
"The pendant won't ever fade or stop working for him, will it?" Hiccup asked in worry.
Gandalf almost smiled.
"Do the stars themselves fail? Has it ever failed him before in a time of need when other lights had gone out?"
"No," Toothless immediately answered.
"Thus you have your answer. Know that it warms my heart to see you both again in happiness."
Hiccup smiled.
"It's a quiet life for sure, but there's nothing wrong with that."
"No, no there isn't. As Bilbo once related to me from another, if more people valued food, cheer, song, and home above hoarded gold or greatness, it would be a merrier world."
Gandalf took a deep breath and whistled loudly. A whinny echoed on the air as Shadowfax galloped forth at the summons.
"I go to my errand! I shall look for you and your kin on the Great East Road to the Havens. Fare thee well, and may the winds of life be warm."
Gandalf leapt onto Shadowfax's back, and they sprang away without delay.
"Well, that happened," Hiccup chuckled.
"Yes. I like this flight! We will see the Hobbits and show them the cubs!"
"Yeah, I need to get my Lady's approval first."
Toothless snorted.
"Is she the Alpha of your nest?"
He punched Toothless in the shoulder.
"No, we are equal Alphas, like Flame-In-The-Night and Snowfall. It's just fair to let her know that I'll be gone for a few weeks in... five months, I suppose it'll be."
Toothless nodded and turned away.
"I will tell sire, dam, and Moonbeam about this flight!"
Adney put her hands on her hips and frowned after he explained the plan.
"A few weeks?" she grumbled.
"Yeeeaahhh. It's not ideal, but I really feel like I owe this to them. The Hobbits are why the war was won, after all."
"You always get into trouble whenever you go and do something."
He rolled his eyes.
"My lady, we won't be getting into any trouble or going anywhere else. Just a flight to the Shire, the ocean, and back here once the Elves and anyone else who has to go is gone."
"Promise?"
"Promise. Further, I promise I won't come back less another limb this time."
"You are terrible at reassuring me, you know that?"
He stepped over to her and kissed her.
"How's that?" he whispered.
"Better," she whispered back.
"Good."
"But you're still annoying, and do you know what that means?"
"Uh... I'm sleeping on the floor tonight?"
She strode over to the weapons rack by the door, grabbed a pair of wooden swords, and tossed one of them to him.
"Now!" she fumed.
A duel had become one of their ways of working out frustration or excess energy. There was another way they could do the same, but that usually happened after the duel, assuming they didn't completely wear themselves out.
Hiccup woke up before dawn and checked the supplies one last time to make sure he had enough bread and dried jerky to last until the Shire. A few changes of clothing would help to have on hand if they ran into bad weather. It would be terrible if he forgot to bring something after having five months of time to prepare.
It was time for him and the dragon side of his family to go on their adventure.
Everything looks good to go!
"Are you ready?" Toothless stuck his nose through the door.
"Just about. I'll meet you all up by the Hall after breakfast."
"Got it! You can put the supplies and saddle on me then."
"Will do."
He strode over to Adney and kissed her awake.
"Good morning, my lady."
"Good morning, my lord."
"Uh, what did I do wrong?"
"Nothing. I just like calling you my lord."
"Fair enough, my lady. It's almost time for me to go. They've got salted vegetable stew and porridge at the Hall."
"My favorites. Anything other than Eowyn's recipe."
"Is it that bad? I didn't mind it..."
She frowned and bopped him on the nose with a finger.
"You grew up on Berk. We are not going to be trusting your taste preferences."
"Yes, my lady! Err... no, my lady... whatever you say. Let's go have breakfast together."
"Yes, let's..."
He chuckled and offered her a hand to help her up. She got up and threw on her cloak as he retrieved his shoes, and he and she left hand in hand. They paused outside to watch the distant sunrise and the visible Furies: Breath-Of-Sky, Mystery, and Eyes-That-Shimmer, gliding in the morning wind.
"Feel anything today?" he asked, holding a hand to her belly.
"No. She's sleeping."
"How are you so sure that it's a she?"
"I just know."
Women...
"Fair enough, you're probably right... as usual."
"I'm your wife. Of course I'm right."
You think that...
He nodded in total apparent agreement.
"I've already learned that lesson. Maybe you should write a book about how to train your husband."
"And you'll write how to train your wife?" she asked.
Definitely not...
"I don't know if that's possible."
"The writing or the training?"
"Both, if there's nothing to write about."
She kissed his cheek.
"Don't pretend we're that mysterious."
"Well, you are, and that's part of the adventure. It would be boring if we both understood each other perfectly."
"I guess so. Let's go. She's hungry," she muttered.
"Which she is that?"
"Both of them."
His thoughts kept being drawn to one very important question over and over again. He didn't care if his first child was a son or daughter was long as it is healthy. Though, a son would be nice, but so would a daughter.
Definitely want both, but does the order matter? No. Absolutely not. Not really. Well... maybe a little.
"Something else I was thinking about... we should plan a couple names for either way," he proposed.
"Good idea. I've been thinking about names already. What was your former tribe's custom?" she smirked.
"Yeah, we're not doing that. If it's a girl... how about Zephyr, for the warm wind blowing across the fields of golden grass?"
She smiled and nodded.
"Sure. And if it's a boy, which it isn't, then... how about Orvyn, for brave friend, which he would be to the pack."
"Sounds good to me."
They arrived at the Hall, took a table together, and ate a quiet meal except for when he told her a few details about the Shire. She expressed an interest in seeing that verdant land someday.
Then, their breakfast finished, they left the Hall hand-in-hand and ran into several packmates waiting just outside.
Toothless, Moonbeam, Far-Flight, Sky-Dancer, Breath-Of-Sky, and Mystery stood close together on the slope before the Hall. Moonbeam and Sky-Dancer wore large slings slung around their necks and chests to safely hold and carry their infant daughters. He had also made such a sling for Lightning to carry Hunts-Golden-Light, though she was a little bigger, once they made the flight. Toothless would wear his saddle for distance-flying.
"Well, this is it," he whispered, still holding his wife.
She kissed him.
"Go on, dragon-man. Fly and let the West Wind, the wandering wind, bring me news of you."
He hugged her again, not wanting to let go until he heard Toothless cough. She stepped away and started for her father's house.
He and Toothless ran back to his house and swiftly fitted Toothless with the saddle and supplies. Then they ran back to where the rest of their family was waiting and stretching their wings and limbs.
"Ready to fly, everyone?" he asked after hopping into the saddle.
They answered with raised joyful roars as they jumped and took flight together with their flights turned to the northwest.
Hiccup and Toothless glanced back at the field of golden grass flowing on the plain and at the walled city and Meduseld which was so like a castle on the hill. So much good had happened there over the last two years.
Hiccup frowned, realizing or only appreciating then that he had changed so much since fleeing Berk. The wanderlust that he felt back then was totally gone. The thought of going on an adventure for the sake of going, of just flying away to a distant horizon, no longer held the appeal that it did before. That desire for adventure was really the same as not being rooted and committed to one place or purpose. It was to flee having responsibility.
He had grown up and let go of certain youthful desires and inclinations.
Even so, with part of his family flying to the Havens and the other part remaining in place in Edoras, he was partially conflicted... torn between two places.
But that would only be temporary.
They arrived at Helm's Deep and briefly stopped at the Glittering Caves to visit the pack and bid them a warm flight when they flew.
They passed over the remains of Isengard, now filled with growing trees being tended to by the Ents, without stopping.
Calm days and peaceful, watchful nights followed.
They followed the Misty Mountains past the unsafe lands of Dunland.
Into the wild of plains and sparse forests.
They found the Old South Road and tracked it past the Brandywine River and into familiar country that became greener and filled with more hills.
Finally, after over a week of flight, they arrived at the Shire and Hobbiton.
"Where are the trees?" Hiccup gasped.
"Saruman!" Toothless snarled.
The rows of trees that they remembered were gone. It appeared that engines and strange buildings had been erected and subsequently torn down along the Bywater.
"No!" "No!"
They both fumed when they saw the place where the greatest tree of all had been: the Party Tree. It was gone now. However, there was another tree now growing in its place and clearly being well-tended.
Hiccup remembered a letter he had received.
Frodo wrote that Sam planted a Mallorn nut there. I hope it grows well. Now to say hello!
"Let's go!"
Toothless roared with joy and dove for Bag-end. The rest of the Furies dove with roars of their own.
They all touched down on the grassy slope below Bag-end. It was not long before familiar Hobbits came running to meet them while others fled to carry news.
Frodo and Sam rushed out of Bag-end. Hiccup hid his shock and surprise at how thin and pale Frodo still looked, though the Hobbit had clearly recovered a lot since the end of the quest and his return to the Shire.
"What is this! Are all of you moving in now?" Sam exclaimed.
Hiccup laughed while Toothless chuckled, his tail thrashing.
"We told our family how much food there is in the Shire, and they just wanted to come here!" Hiccup said.
"Yes! The bacon is too good! You must make some for us, Frodo!" Toothless pointed a paw at him.
Sam laughed freely while Frodo calmly nodded.
"Well, I believe that I must," Frodo answered.
Hiccup waved up the rest of the family to come forth, which they did. Frodo and Sam bowed to them all in awe.
"Welcome to the Shire, good dragons!" Sam gleefully announced.
Breath-Of-Sky bounded forward and gently nudged Frodo and Sam.
"Hello again, small human-Hobbits! This is a very green and good range!"
Frodo gestured at Sam.
"We have Sam to thank for that. Sam and Galadriel's gift, to tell the truth."
"Sam, is that sapling where the Party Tree was... a Mallorn?" Hiccup asked.
Sam's eyes lit up.
"Yes, it is! Smooth and silver-grey bark, leaves green on top and silver below and burning to golden in the autumn. That tree will be the greatest and most beautifulest of all west of Lorien!"
"Yes, Sam, it will," Frodo whispered.
Frodo faced them.
"But enough about us and the Shire. What are you good dragons doing here?"
Hiccup answered for them all.
"We are flying with you all to the Grey Havens. Gandalf wanted us and the rest of the pack to be there when everyone else leaves Middle-earth."
Frodo stiffened and gave a solemn nod.
"I understand. My Uncle Bilbo will be leaving and... I know."
Sam also nodded.
"It will hurt a lot to see the Elves leaving, but they must go there for their own good. That hidden place is their true home from which they will never return. Alas, woe is us."
Frodo must have realized something in that moment because his eyes also went wide.
"Wait just a minute. Moonbeam, what are you carrying in there?"
Hiccup grinned, went over to her, and retrieved Morning-Star, until then hidden. He held her on his shoulder while she licked his cheek.
"Well, look at that!" Sam breathlessly gasped.
"Her name is Morning-Star!" Moonbeam hummed.
"Frodo, say hello to her!" Toothless offered.
Hiccup stepped over to Frodo and handed Morning-Star to him. Frodo was barely able to hold her. She warbled in uncertainty while leaning toward Frodo's face, and then she licked him on the nose.
"Attacked!" Breath-Of-Sky chortled.
"And she's not alone! Sky-Dancer!" Hiccup chuckled after retrieving Morning-Star.
Sky-Dancer lay down and nudged Kindled-Dream out from her pouch. The cub chirped in annoyance at being awoken. Then she must have realized that she was in a strange place since she darted to hide at Sky-Dancer's chest.
Everyone else chuckled at her antics. Sam cried in surprise.
"How did I forget my own? Hold on!"
He ran back into Bag-end. Frodo looked amused and crossed his arms.
"I do hope that you do not need a meal now. I fear that we might not have enough for you all."
Far-Flight stepped forward.
"We ate much on the way by hunting in the wild."
Toothless also spoke.
"And we can work for food as I did before."
Frodo nodded.
"This is good timing for that. We're right around harvest time, and there are fields that need working. How long do you plan to be here with us?"
Hiccup answered.
"The plan is to follow Gandalf, Bilbo, and anyone else to the Havens when they leave, so probably in a week."
Frodo hesitantly nodded.
"Yes, we will be on the lookout for Gandalf and Bilbo around the twentieth, and it is about a week from here to the Havens on foot. All four of us are going with to... farewell those who are leaving."
Sam returned leading Rosie Gamgee and their infant daughter in his arms.
"Who is this?" Hiccup grinned.
"This is Elanor. The most beautiful Shire-maid that will ever be! She gets that from Rosie," Sam proudly said while Rosie, looking rather bashful before the dragons, blushed.
"Look at you, Sam. You never miss an opportunity, do you?" Frodo teased.
"An opportunity to tell the truth?"
Rosie rolled her eyes, but she also looked very amused.
Toothless's sire, dam, and Moonbeam lay down to rest in the warm sunlight after long flying. More Hobbits, whispering and pointing their paws, began to appear around Bag-end.
"Most extraordinary..." "What is going on..." "Didn't know they can be white..." "Beautiful..." "Are those babies..." "Hide the cattle..." "Is that Toothless..."
"Make way!" "Coming through!"
Toothless flew to his paws when he thought he heard a pair of familiar voices. Sure enough, he saw who he suspected was there.
Merry and Pippin, clad in their various armor and attire of Rohan and Gondor, confidently strode forward through the crowd of Hobbits.
"Well, well, what do we have here?" Pippin shouted.
"Dragons! Dragons in the Shire!" Merry cried.
Toothless smirked and spun in place, looking around wildly.
"Where?" he shouted.
"Merry, I see a danger to the Shire!" Pippin clamored.
"Yes, Pippin, they'll eat all our bacon!" Merry shouted.
"We can't allow that!"
"No, we can't!"
"For the Shire!" they shouted and charged as one.
He tackled them while roaring in laughter. Then he let them up and hugged them with a paw over their shoulders.
"You crazy ones!"
"Who?" "Us?"
"Who else?"
"Don't mind us!" "Yeah, show us your cub!" "Where is she?" "We want to see her!"
He smirked and spun toward Moonbeam. She looked like she had been laughing at him.
"Follow me!"
While Merry and Pippin followed him, he noticed that Hiccup was walking with Frodo. He was curious what they were talking about, but Hiccup would share it with him later if there was anything important.
"How are you doing?" Hiccup asked Frodo.
"Better than I was before, in some ways. My affairs here are... in order now."
Frodo chuckled without smiling.
"I said before that I've become like my Uncle, being more reclusive and hiding myself away from the Shire more. I've been productive the last couple years."
"Have you? What about?"
"I've been working on a book that will cover the War of the Ring, basically it picks up where my Uncle's story ends."
"That sounds like it could be a very long story."
"Yes, it is. It's not finished yet, and there's room for a little more. I'd like Sam to add his part when his time comes."
Frodo sighed and sat down on the slope while gazing fondly at the Furies. Hiccup joined him and watched as Breath-Of-Sky and Mystery took Hobbit children on short glides around Bag-end.
"I find that writing about and telling others my story is the only thing that helps at all," Frodo whispered.
I shouldn't ask. Maybe I can learn what he went through once the book is finished.
Frodo pulled out a chain from under his shirt. His neck had old scars as though he had worn a vicious collar. The chain had a small white jewel which he fingered.
"This is not what people want to hear or think, but there are things that time cannot mend. Some hurts go too deep."
He sighed and gently hugged Frodo with an arm around his shoulder.
"Frodo, I've made so many mistakes... almost like my life has been a series of mistakes. I still feel guilty that Toothless got hurt trying to protect me. But my leg doesn't hurt anymore. You do move on from the past. Everyone can with small steps and help from others."
Frodo glanced at him and then looked away to the Furies. His light blue eyes looked so pale and tired.
"Haddock, you are young still. Be thankful you did not take my place in the Fellowship. Do you know what Gandalf intends?"
He reflected on what he knew and also on what he suspected. Gandalf knew of what happened at Tolfalas and was aware of the Furies' need for a home of their own for those who wanted to live on their own. By bringing the pack to Lindon and the Havens, they would be within maybe a couple day's flight of the Western Isles which Aragorn had mentioned as possible dwelling places for any in the pack who would wish to live there. Gandalf had asked to speak to Wing-Of-Ice, certainly because the Fury couldn't fly at all anymore.
Gandalf's plan was clear enough.
"Yeah, I know what he intends to do."
"Then you understand why it must be this way."
"Sure."
"I'd like to keep this between us. The others don't need to know," Frodo whispered.
"That's fair. They'll learn when it's time."
"Yes, they will."
Frodo groaned and stood up as Hiccup did the same. Frodo then gestured to a pair of barns, one of which Toothless had previously lived in.
"I had another barn put up in case we ever had guests. Sam can have his pony, Bill, put up at the Cotton's for a few weeks. You should be able fit all the Furies in there if they don't mind packing in together."
"Not a problem for them," he chuckled.
"You are welcome to take my guest room if you wish. I've kept that room open for guests even with Sam, Rosie, and Elanor living here now."
"Thank you. I might just take you up on that offer."
Hiccup happily sighed.
"It's good to be back here in the Shire," he breathed.
Frodo crossed his arms while standing at his side.
"We set out in part to save the Shire, and it... has been saved. Even Saruman's mischief will not last forever. The land and people here will heal in time."
The week passed in peace, work, flights, play of cubs and fledglings, meals, drinks in the Green Dragon, shared stories by Hobbits and Furies, and rest.
Hiccup read more of Frodo's and Bilbo's old papers and books, and Toothless spoke long with Frodo, Sam, and Rosie, though Elanor was a little afraid of the Furies and tended to cry.
Merry and Pippin spent a lot of time with Breath-Of-Sky, Mystery, and everyone else, even going on flights of their own over Hobbiton.
Hobbits came from all over the Shire to meet the friendly Furies visiting them. Most of the Hobbits brought tributes of bacon or fish, which the Furies were amused by and thankful for.
Finally, a Hobbit rode up on a pony to Bag-end and delivered a message.
"Got the bags packed, Sam?"
"Yes, Mister Frodo."
"Master Haddock?"
"I'm ready," Hiccup answered.
"Just a second, Mister Frodo," Sam said.
Sam kissed Rosie and Elanor, put on his Lorien cloak, and followed him and Frodo outside. Hiccup thought that Frodo and Sam looked very similar to how they had when they had left the Shire nearly two and a half years ago. They almost looked the same, anyway.
Frodo looks thinner, and Sam is more confident. Definitely true that the adventure changed them both.
"I'll meet you at the road then," he said.
"Sounds good, Mister Haddock! Wouldn't want to scare the ponies, now would we?" Sam grinned.
"Hey, I might be horrendous, but I'm not hideous..."
He and Sam chuckled while Frodo only shook his head.
He went down to the barns and confirmed that everyone was awake and ready to fly. They were already stretching their wings and had the cubs securely tucked away in the slings.
"Ready to go?"
Toothless promptly collapsed on the ground and gave a heavy sigh.
"You go ahead. I will stay here," he snorted.
"Silly brother!" Breath-Of-Sky huffed.
Sky-Dancer and Far-Flight huffed and chuckled while Moonbeam rolled her eyes.
"Very funny. Breath-Of-Sky, you're my new favorite brother!" Hiccup chuckled.
"Yes!" Breath-Of-Sky hummed.
Toothless flew to his paws with an indignant bark and withering glare.
Everyone laughed.
Toothless huffed and let Hiccup strap on the supplies to the saddle and hop on his back. Then they all took to the sky and flew north over Hobbiton. They passed over the waters, the fields, the farms, and the remaining trees until they arrived at the East Road on which there was a wagon being pulled by a single white horse.
"Gandalf and Bilbo!" Toothless joyfully cried and dove for them.
He touched down ahead of the wagon and strode toward it when he saw that the horse was Shadowfax; that horse would know him and not be afraid. He and Shadowfax followed their usual greeting custom of snorting into each other's noses.
All his kin touched down behind him, blocking the road.
"Well, well, what have we here?" Gandalf, wearing all white as usual, chuckled and smiled.
"Good to see you again, Wizard!" he hummed.
"Indeed it is. I must confess that this greeting is far more amicable than our first encounter on this Road."
He grumbled and pointed a paw at the Wizard.
"I still say that was your fault!"
"Can you blame me under the circumstances?" Gandalf protested.
Toothless just rolled his eyes.
"Gandalf, what's going on... up there?" Bilbo weakly asked.
"Dragon attack!"
"Dragons... good heavens... let me see them."
He, Hiccup, and all their kin strode around the wagon until they could see the old Hobbit snug in the wagon. Bilbo looked very old. His hair was pure white and very wispy.
But his eyes went very wide with awe.
"Well, look at this... so good to... see you again..."
Hiccup stepped over to him and vaulted into the wagon.
"Good to see you too, Mister Baggins. Your nephew and his friends are coming to go with you to the Havens, just like we and the rest of the pack are."
Bilbo looked confused.
"Oh, are they? Well, you know... your errands. I'm going... on another adventure... you see. The Road goes ever on and on... Out from the door where it began... Now far ahead the Road has gone... Let others follow it who can! Let them a journey new begin... But I at last with weary feet... Will turn towards the lighted inn... My evening-rest and sleep to meet."
Bilbo's eyes started to look very heavy when he seemed to remember something.
"Oh dear, I almost forgot about... your journal! I kept it... safe as you wished... and even stuck... some drawings of my own... in there..."
Hiccup noticed his old journal among the supplies Bilbo had with him, so he tearfully took it back. He had completely forgotten that he left it with Bilbo nearly two years ago.
He inspected the drawings Bilbo had made. They were mostly of Toothless and were very fine pictures that the Hobbit had clearly taken great care in drawing. There were a couple others of Smaug in all his terrible glory.
"Thank you, Mister Baggins."
Frodo, Sam, Merry, and Pippin arrived on their ponies, so the Furies took to the sky, circling high above them, playing games of tag or just gliding on the warm winds. Frodo took a seat by Bilbo and began speaking softly with him while Hiccup sat beside Gandalf. It was a peaceful, calm ride on a warm day without a cloud in the sky.
Frodo eventually began singing a song in Elvish.
"Orthannen im vi ol. Coll e du. Or hiriath naur. Na rovail mae sui 'waew. Man prestant i ardhon. Cerithar aen illiad dim uthenin."
"My lad, whatever... is that song for?" Bilbo whispered.
"Uncle, you'd rather not know, not now anyway," Frodo answered.
"Fine then... tell me again, lad... where are we going?"
"To the Havens. The Elves have given... you a special honor: a place on one of the last ships to leave Middle-earth."
"Yes, how could I forget? Is there any chance... of seeing that old ring of mine again... the one I gave you?"
There was a long pause.
"I'm sorry, Uncle. I'm afraid I lost it."
"Oh, pity. I should like to have held it one last time."
Silence followed.
Hiccup frowned and glanced to Gandalf. The Wizard looked oddly grim.
"What did Frodo's song mean?" he asked Gandalf.
"In a dream I was lifted up. Borne from the darkness. Above the rivers of fire. On wings soft as the wind. What has happened to the world? Is everything sad going to come untrue?" Gandalf softly whispered.
Hiccup nodded and looked away into the distance and then up at his family circling high above. And he felt like weeping, though he knew not why.