After completing ʜᴏᴜsᴇ ᴏꜰ ᴛʜᴇ ᴅʀᴀɢᴏɴ sᴇᴀsᴏɴ 3, I couldn’t help but to immerse the fanfictional aus of pairing the dragons with my beloved childhood fandom. So here are some of the likable headcanon pairs:
𝐐𝐮𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐄𝐥𝐬𝐚 - 𝐒𝐢𝐥𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐖𝐢𝐧𝐠
Sɴᴏᴡ Qᴜᴇᴇɴ ᴀɴᴅ ᴛʜᴇ Sɪʟᴠᴇʀ Qᴜᴇᴇɴ
Silverwing would be a perfect match for Elsa due to her docile, affectionate yet a powerful force of a beast of fire and blood. The She-dragon spend most of her time in isolation after the death of her previous riders yet her presence is a force of unimaginable majesty.
In similarity, Queen Elsa spend most of her childhood in isolation too in which the combination of fire and ice would be a powerful mutual bond that reflected the late rider ( Queen Alysanne) to Silverwing. Additionally, Silverwing refused to cross the wall due to the freezing temperatures and I think with Elsa having her rider, she will eventually adapt to the temperatures. They would be one of the most divine beings of Queen Energy. “A literal song of fire and ice”
𝐇𝐢𝐜𝐜𝐮𝐩 𝐇𝐚𝐝𝐝𝐨𝐜𝐤 - 𝐒𝐡𝐞𝐞𝐩𝐒𝐭𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐫
ᴛʜᴇ ᴜɴᴅᴇʀᴅᴏɢ ᴅᴜᴏ
I would like to preserve the canon HTTYD arc of Hiccup in which he would definitely claim a wild dragon that is feared and misunderstood. Both Toothless and Sheepstealer were treated as notorious and a plague with suffering injuries or wounds, I like to think in an Hotd au, Hiccup is a half-blood Targaryen who always deemed to have dragon just to prove himself (much like Rhaena though) but he choose the wild dragon in the Vale. (Much like how he and Toothless met) Or just an au that Hiccup is like a common smith at the vale who happen to have a dragon via years of mutual respect and bond (much like Nettles).
Additionally, their bond is very inspirational rather than a sheer force , proving Hiccup’s philosophy that dragons are just misunderstood creatures and his principles are effective just like in Toothless
Both SheepStealer and Hiccup have been misunderstood in their wholelife, I think he can pick a fit to unintentionally ride the dragon in the vale.
𝐑𝐚𝐩𝐮𝐧𝐳𝐞𝐥 - 𝐒𝐮𝐧𝐟𝐲𝐫𝐞
Tʜᴇ Lᴏsᴛ Pʀɪɴᴄᴇss ᴀɴᴅ ᴛʜᴇ Gᴏʟᴅᴇɴ Dʀᴀɢᴏɴ
Well I think the reason is very obvious though because Rapunzel have a sun sigil. Sunfyre is the most beautiful dragon in HOTD that they named him after the sun plus he remains extremely loyal and devoted to Aegon ll despite already dying at the end. Rapunzel would have made dragon-painted accessories such as a decorated saddle for the dragon. She would have made him her most trusted friend and always spoiling him with food and took her to fly above the lanterns of Corona.
𝐀𝐧𝐧𝐚 - 𝐒𝐲𝐫𝐚𝐱
Tʜᴇ Lᴏᴠᴀʙʟᴇ Pʀɪɴᴄᴇss ᴀɴᴅ ᴛʜᴇ Sᴘᴏɪʟᴇᴅ Dʀᴀɢᴏɴ
Anna would’ve spoiled this dragon too much more than Rhaenyra did. She would’ve gave this she-dragon more heart shaped necklaces and accessories too in which she and Rapunzel would have loved. Syrax is the “royal cat” of hotd dragons that Caraxes have to hunt for her though, Imagine if Anna is her rider then she is totally being pampered in exchange for flights at the skies of Arendelle. Anna would have demand the maids to make a delicacy just for this dragon. Plus Anna would be so sweet and caring for the hatchlings.
Additionally, Syrax is a protective and devoted dragon to Rhaenyra Targaryen despite being known to have lesser battle experience, her loyalty and nature is similar to what Anna is to be known (a sunshine yet protective when the time is right).
𝐄𝐮𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐞 𝐅𝐢𝐭𝐳𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐛𝐞𝐫𝐭 - 𝐒𝐞𝐚𝐒𝐦𝐨𝐤𝐞
ᴛʜᴇ ᴛʜᴇɪꜰ ᴀɴᴅ ᴛʜᴇ ᴅʀᴀɢᴏɴ
SeaSmoke has his own preferences because he claims his own rider. If Flynn was only walking down a forest minding his own business, imagine if this dragon would have chased and trampled the poor ex thief around. He’s already done with Pascal and Maximus, a dragon would be his nightmare though, he might call it “A Giant Frog”. In the other hand, this dragon is stubborn but extremely devoted with a ride or die attitude, the first flights would have been comedic as he toys Flynn around the skies.
Flynn would have whined about it telling everyone that he was literally kidnapped by a “Giant Frog”.
𝐀𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐝 𝐇𝐨𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐨𝐧 - 𝐌𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐲𝐬
ᴛʜᴇ sʜɪᴇʟᴅ ᴍᴀɪᴅᴇɴ ᴀɴᴅ ᴛʜᴇ ʀᴇᴅ ǫᴜᴇᴇɴ
Astrid with Meleys is an absolute battle tank. Meleys is a cunning force driven by battle experiences with sheer ferocious loyalty to Princess Rhaenys until death. Astrid embody a warrior spirit that top amongst the levels from Berk. Their bond is going to be a lethal force of destruction at war that can probably save a lot of problems, plus this duo is far worse deadly than Stormfly. To the point that snotlout and the twins would never dare to threw a prank on her less they will hear “Dracarys”.
𝐉𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐅𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐭 - 𝐓𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐨𝐧
ꜰʀᴏsᴛ ʙᴏʏ ᴀɴᴅ ᴛʜᴇ ʙʟᴜᴇ ǫᴜᴇᴇɴ
Blue Ice meets Blue Flame, unlike Elsa having a regal elegant energy with SilverWing, this bond is opposite. Despite Jack can literally fly on his own, he would probably ride Tessarion for some thrills and fun rides at the sky. Despite being bred for war, Jack would likely have Tessarion cause harmless pranks and pure chaos rather than warfare. He would have let some kids take rides that was much more fun than a “rollercoaster” and blasting fumes at the open sky. Tessarion would be puzzled at first at her new rider but she’s will he protective of him just like to Daeron Targaryen and would sense if anyone have an attempt on Jack, even if it’s just a harmless prank. It’s like having an overprotective sister pet with a carefree mischievous rider.
𝐌𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐬 𝐃𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐚 - 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐛𝐚𝐥
Tʜᴇ Vᴀᴍᴘʏ Pʀɪɴᴄᴇss ᴀɴᴅ ʜᴇʀ Cᴜᴛᴇ Pᴇᴛ
Despite being one of the most well-known feared monsters of dragons, with only a small difference of colossalness from Vhagar or Vermithor, Mavis would see this beast as a cute lost puppy and pampered it. She would named the beast “Candy” though and be like every pet owner who say “their dog won’t bite “. Yet what they say is giant beast with some “ vampy accessories”.
The energy and bond would a cute vampire princess x a giant monster that would make everyone question her taste on “cute” but no one can blame her though. Dracula would have pamper the Cannibal more too.
𝐌𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐚 - 𝐌𝐨𝐨𝐧𝐃𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐫
Tʜᴇ Aʀᴄʜᴇʀ ᴀɴᴅ ᴛʜᴇ Sᴡɪꜰᴛ
This would be a swifty yet free spirited bond as Merida have with Angus. MoonDancer is one of the fastest dragons aside from Meleys, her physique is perfect for air combats and bizarre speed with quick reflexes. Merida can be a literal sniper in the sky if she have this dragon , shooting arrows on dragonback would be her past time sport. And may have times use this dragon just to scare her brothers though a bit but sometimes can take for reckless flight, enough to give Elinor a heart attack with the suitors.
Elsa: If I fall…
Pitch: I’ll be there to catch you.
Hiccup: *looks to Anna* What if I fall?
Anna: Then I’ll fall with you, never leaving your side.
Jack, watches these two interactions: And if I fall?
Merida: I’ll be the one who pushed you.
Felt like sharing some of my favorite crossover pairings!
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Danny Fenton/Phantom x Human Fluttershy
My OTP! I've shipped these two for a while now, and I just love them together! Danny's protective but still gives Fluttershy the space and encouragement to come out of her shell. And Fluttershy would love and appreciate both his human and ghost sides, as well as be there to remind Danny that he doesn't have to carry the weight of being Danny Phantom alone. They would take time to learn about and support each other's passions, with Fluttershy admiring how invested Danny is in space, and Danny learning to appreciate animals after seeing how much Fluttershy cares for them. I think her kindness would rub off on him over time as well, leading him to be a little less vindictive. He'll give a fair chance, but that doesn't mean that he won't go full Phantom on his foes, especially if they threaten his girlfriend!
2. Jack Frost x Elsa
One of, if not the OG Crossover ship! They were my first introduction to shipping in general, and there's so much more to them than just the ice powers! Both of them could relate to each other's personal struggles with fear and isolation, finding comfort and companionship in one another. They both care deeply about their loved ones and don't hesitate to protect them. Jack's fun-loving, mischievous nature helps Elsa loosen up, letting him see her more playful side. And Elsa's devotion to her kingdom and people helps Jack mature, helping him find a balance between when to have fun and when he needs to be more serious. Plus, there's the whole Snow Queen/Winter Spirit, fifth spirit/fifth guardian thing they've got going on!
3. Hiccup Haddock x Princess Anna
Another one of my favorite pairings! I love the ROTBTFD/Big Four/Big Six crossover, in case it wasn't obvious! Anyway, I love these two as a crossover couple for multiple reasons. The two complement each other, with Hiccup being more grounded and levelheaded, balancing out Anna's more spontaneous and feisty nature. They're both a little awkward, but it makes them more endearing to me. Anna would provide a steady source of encouragement to Hiccup, and her quirks would bounce easily off his more sarcastic sense of humor. And Hiccup would be a constant for Anna, letting her see that he'll always be honest and transparent with her, in contrast to her experience with being shut out and kept from knowing things. Plus, Anna would LOVE Toothless!
4. Hiccup Haddock x Mirabel Madrigal
To be honest, I did not come up with this pairing myself, nor had I ever considered it until recently, when I read this fanfic:
The Dragon and The Butterfly by HotPatooty on AO3 - The Dragon and the Butterfly - Chapter 1 - HotPatooty - Encanto (2021), How to Train Your Dragon (Movies) [Archive of Our Own]
(This fic is honestly so good, you guys! If you don't ship Hiccup and Mirabel, you will after reading this!)
Anyway, I actually really like these two together! They'd definitely bond over their experiences of being ostracized and overlooked by their respective communities and would see that there's more to the other person than everyone else thinks. While Hiccup would be curious about the magic and how the Madrigal family's gifts work, he would also see the ways that Mirabel stands out, regardless of not having a gift. Mirabel would also encourage Hiccup, listening earnestly and encouraging him when he doubts himself or his leadership. And Mirabel would also be very endeared to Toothless once she gets to know him!
5. Jim Hawkins x Princess Ariel
Another OG crossover pairing I love! I know a lot of people prefer to ship Jim with Melody, but I've personally always liked Jim with Ariel a lot more. Jim and Ariel are both adventurous thrill-seekers and ready to discover new places and experiences. Whether Jim winds up exploring Ariel's underwater world or Ariel discovers him and explores the human world that way. They'd relate to each other's parental issues, and both would understand the desire to explore and discover what more is out there. Ariel's curious and open personality would balance Jim's more guarded, wary one. I think Jim would be drawn to Ariel's daring nature and appreciate her wonder and compassion for her friends. Ariel would fall for Jim's rebellious yet caring self. And they'd have a blast navigating each other's worlds. Like, imagine Jim learning to swim with a tail, or Ariel having the time of her life on Jim's solar surfer! Plus, they'd both have fun escaping from Sebastian!
6. King Peter Pevensie x Sansa Stark
I'll admit, I saw an edit of these two once, and it got me hooked! Peter is the prince Sansa always dreamed of, and he'd treat her infinitely better than Joffrey or any other man in Westeros ever could! While I do think Peter would be a little put off by Sansa's character in the beginning, he'd grow to care for her, especially after learning about everything she's been through. I think Sansa would be wary of Peter at first. After all, she thought that Joffrey was her true love at first, and look how that turned out. But her feelings would change once she sees his noble, protective, and chivalrous nature shine through. Whether they're ruling Narnia together or navigating the Game of Thrones in Westeros, Peter would stay by Sansa's side. And while I do think Peter's nature would get him into trouble in Westeros, Sansa would be there to help him learn how to balance it. Plus, if all four Pevensie siblings are present, Edmund and Susan would probably catch on the quickest, further aiding Peter with staying safe and smart in the Seven Kingdoms.
7. Danny Fenton/Phantom x Kim Possible
Now, I don't ship these two with each other as romantically as I do with Fluttershy and Ron, respectively, but I do think they could work pretty well together. They both understand what it's like to lead a double life, even though Kim's is known and Danny's is a secret. Danny knows that KP is more than capable of handling herself out in the field, but where he does look out for her more is in her civilian life. Kim gets stressed out when it comes to boy issues and high school drama, so I think Danny would help calm a lot of those worries. And Kim wouldn't see Danny as weird or strange due to his powers or ghost side. She'd see him as Danny. Similarly, Danny could be Kim's safe place, where she doesn't have to be "the girl who can do anything". Kim's intelligence and resourcefulness could also help Danny when it comes to ghost fighting, giving him ideas on how to use his powers more creatively and effectively. And Danny's ghostly side could help Kim on lots of her missions as well. Plus, I think Danny would get a kick out of messing with Bonnie, Drakken, and Shego, while Kim would definitely enjoy riling up Vlad, the A-listers, the GIW, and the ghosts!
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And there you have it! Just to be clear, I have nothing against the canon pairings that these characters are in! This is all just for fun! These are just my thoughts and opinions on some of my favorite crossover pairings! If you like them, great! If not, that's okay, too! That's the fun of shipping and fandom! There's almost always something for everyone!
*kicks down door of this account* HICCANNA NATION I LIVE
After a long Depression Hiatus™️, Hiccanna Month has made a triumphant return at last!!! I got really embarrassed about getting behind on everything back in 2024, so I kinda hid under a rock in shame for all of 2025 ^^; And that's my bad!!! BUT I decided this year fuck it, I'm getting my life together and showing up for my children like they DESERVE!!! So I threw together some last-minute prompts for Hiccanna Month 2026, and we are having a PROPER event again, Hiccanna Nation 💚🧡💚🧡
First of all: My sincerest apologies for not giving yall basically...like any advanced notice D: (Unless anyone's in discord servers with me, which tbh I think is the majority of people who do this event lol). I've been meaning to post this for like a week now (it was VERY last-minute, so I wasn't anywhere near ready a month in advance like I have been in past years, RIP), BUT I just got back from vacation and had to go right back to work and have been So Tired.
But as y'all probably know, I am 100000% okay with late submissions!!! I don't want to discourage anyone from participating if they don't think they'll be done by a certain prompt's week, or even by the end of July! Tbh it's fully on me for just springing this on everyone, so please don't feel the need to rush. If you submit something weeks or even months after July, just tag me here at @fuckyeahhiccannamonth and I will reblog it and gush about it ASAP!
And sorry again for dropping off the planet--I was kind of Going Through It, but I'm a bit better now. I doubt I'll have the spoons to actually participate in Hiccanna Month this year, since my mental health has been kinda ass and I've barely had the bandwidth to create (long story), BUT I will happily run the event as best I can.
So, without further ado: THE PROMPTS!!!
This year, I decided to do a one-word short prompt + short phrase prompt + text prompt combo for each week. It gives enough variety to put your own spin on things without overwhelming yall with too many options, I think! Logistically, yall can combine all 3, your favorite 2, or just pick your fave and make something with that!
WEEK 1: JULY 1 - JULY 7
Restless / Seeking a Co-Pilot / “You’re always getting philosophical when you’re drunk.”
WEEK 2: JULY 8 - JULY 14
Performance / Derailed Road Trip / “I like you, but your ideas are frightening me.”
WEEK 3: JULY 15 - JULY 21
Sanctuary / Sketching from Memory / “You want to explain to me why there’s chocolate everywhere?”
WEEK 4: JULY 22 - JULY 28
Pictures / Stuck in the Treehouse / “I had a nightmare about you.” “Did I look hot in it?”
BONUS WEEK: JULY 29 - AUGUST 4
Neon Signs / Iced Latte with Extra Whipped Cream / “There are worse ways to die.”
OR pick your favorite prompt/prompts from Hiccanna Month ‘22, Hiccanna Month ‘23, or Hiccanna Month ‘24 that you didn’t get to, and make something with that!
Special thanks to @creativepromptsforwriting, who I got the text prompts (or variants of them) from :3 And a tag for @ghostingharudraws, @lovestrucklyuniverse, and @lilandraws, my most faithful participants 💚🧡💚🧡
I might go back and add more about the prompts like I have in past years, but for now, I just want to get them out there. Tag those posts with hiccannamonth2026 or hiccannamonth26 so I can see them and reblog! Happy Hiccanna month-ing through July and beyond!!! I'm very excited to see what yall cook up for our ship :3
As far as content goes, literally anything is welcome--edits, art, drabbles/fanfic, videos, interpretive dance you record yourself doing that has Hiccanna motifs, it is all fair game as long as it’s Hiccanna-related!
Daughter of Oswald the Agreeable, brother of Dagur the Deranged, and one of the Berserker's rulers alongside Queen Mala, whose Defenders live alongside the Berserkers. Having known Hiccup and the Dragon Riders as a girl, Heather is close with them all, especially Hiccup and Astrid, who are her lovers.
As one who specializes in spying and being behind enemy lines, notably during the war with Dragon Hunters, Heather has gathered some of the best Vikings who specialize in stealth and infiltration to form a coalition of those who can get behind enemy lines and report back to Hiccup—The Shadow Walkers. Serving as spies, assassins, and informants, this coalition, under Heather's leadership has become a force to be reckoned with. In times of war, one needs every advantage they could get, and Heather's Shadow Walkers are able to provide the King and Queen of Vikings with the advantages they need to combat those who oppose them, whether they be foreign or domestic threats.
Camicazi Nimble-Fingered:
Having been childhood friends with Hiccup, Camicazi is not only one of the king's closest allies, but also one of the best raiders in his entire kingdom. Being able to steal people blind, Camicazi teaches a new generation of Bog Burglars how to use their looks, bodies, and even sexual appetites to their advantage by stealing not only vital information, but also the art of raiding like true Vikings. Women in Hiccup's kingdom are well respected and are given ample opportunity to rise above their stations to become warriors, earls, or jarls in service to the King and Queen of Vikings. Camicazi, despite being one of the many Fair Queens, ensures the lowly women in Hiccup and Astrid's kingdom become true Vikings, and use their natural gifts to their advantage.
Not only is Camicazi afraid to use whatever she has at her disposal to serve Hiccup and Astrid, but she also seeks to propel the people of her birth to the height of power. The Bog Burglars, under the rule of her mother, Big-Boobied Bertha, choose suitable men to breed with and produce a new generation of shield maidens and women who will grow up to live and die on behalf of the Haddock bloodline and the gods.
Anna, Autumn's Dawn:
Like her older sister, Elsa, Anna was from the Viking trade kingdom of Arendelle, but their people became Hiccup's people as they, among with countless others joined the King of Vikings when he and the other inhabitants of Scandinavia had to leave their homelands thanks to famine and disease.
Being one of the first women Hiccup claimed as a Fair Queen, Anna embraces him not only as her king but also as her lover wholeheartedly, especially since he had been one she was very fond of growing up during occasions such as the Thing, going to Uppsala to pay homage to the gods, or celebrating special occasions. Anna, despite being a woman who favors ladyship a great deal, is no stranger to shedding blood, she's Viking, after all, and has been training as a shield maiden since she could walk.
Anna is a capable ruler, and having come from a trading kingdom, she and Elsa both help ensure trade and commerce flow through the kingdom that Hiccup envisions. Clients and merchants from far away lands have come to pay tribute and win the King and Queen of Vikings favor, with goods traveling along the legendary Silk Road and beyond. Business between those who would deal with the Vikings has flourished, and oceans of coin have crashed into the royal treasury, thanks to Anna and Elsa's efforts.
With her son, Aven, Anna seeks to not only teach him the value of being a great warrior, but also dealing in trade as well. At the end of the day, the Vikings seek to amass wealth and fortune, not just fight countless wars without any reward to gain for their efforts.
...hey so I heard last month was RotBTD month. I, uh...decided to finally finish this submission for ship week a whole ass month late D: I owe you one for giving me the final push I needed to finish this literally also months late submission for Hiccanna Month XD Y'know. My own event that I fell half a year behind on. Whoops ^^;
Can you tell I'm a hot mess akjdhksuydfu
Fairly long fic, so it's under the cut!!! As always, moodboard pic credits available upon request :3
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Truth be told, Sir Goffridus was having a very dull day until he heard a young lady's scream from the cliffside cave.
Sure, he'd saved a village from a nasty bridge troll that morning. And sure, just after lunchtime he'd jarred up a few pixies before they caused too much trouble on a local farmstead. But what, pray tell, was the use of being the bravest, noblest, and most skilled knight in all the realm if there were no fair maidens swooning at his feet?
Indeed, the rest of his company were wondering how he had not yet impressed a noblewoman most beautiful. He was, after all, very handsome, and had slain many a monster! His mother was especially displeased, stating over and over that she and his father simply did not know what to spend their glut of funds on if not a wedding.
No, truly, this was embarrassing. Sir Goffridus needed to find a respectable bride, and fast, if he was to save his great position and spotless reputation.
He urged his steed forth and arrived at a craggy slope. There was a flash of movement on a far-up ledge, and the brave and handsome knight drew his sword.
Sir Goffridus dismounted, creeping toward the rock face. Well...as much as one could creep, wearing dozens of pounds of rattling metal armor. Still, whatever loathsome creature he needed to battle probably wouldn't notice--why, Sir Goffridus had only had ten or so close calls in his career! It was a far greater number for the other knights, he was sure.
Puffs of flame and smoke billowed from the mountainside, accompanied by a fearsome growl. The woman's cry sounded again, this time with distinguishable words.
"Oh, please, someone help me! This terrible dragon wants to have me for lunch and my entire kingdom for dessert!"
A ginger-haired head stuck out over the ledge, gazing down at him pleadingly. The maiden was fair indeed, clad in a dark green gown befitting of any royalty. She pressed the back of her hand to her forehead in distress, looking utterly pitiful.
She's perfect.
"Fear not, beautiful lady!" Sir Goffridus stepped forward, holding his blade high and trying to look as majestic as possible. "I will save you from this despicable beast!"
"Oh, thank goodness!" She batted her eyelashes down at him, and Sir Goffridus straightened proudly. "I knew a brave, brave warrior would come for me someday!"
"Someday, My Lady?" The knight cocked a brow, confused. "If you were concerned about being dragon lunch, be it not today the creature stole you from your kingdom?"
For a moment, the maiden hesitated.
"Well, he's been holding me prisoner and force-feeding me all manner of hearty food to fatten me up for the slaughter!" she finally wailed. "Pastries and fine bread and and sweets galore--and I fear today is the day my meat is tender enough for dining!"
As if right on cue, a wicked laugh rang out behind her. "My fresh entree, your time is up at last! Too long I've looked forward to gobbling you up and spitting forth your pretty little princess bones."
Curious--the beast had a rather nasally and high-pitched voice for a dragon. Not the deep, reverberating snarls of the dragons he normally fought.
But Sir Goffridus's mind was as keen as his reflexes. He knew this was no reason to underestimate the foul creature in battle.
And regardless, this was a princess--it was his lucky day!
"Don't worry, Your Majesty!" he called out courageously. "Not one dragon has faced my mighty sword and lived to tell the tale."
"My hero!" The princess scooted closer to the edge of the cliff. "Come, brave sir knight--I will jump down to escape this wretched place, and you may catch me in your big strong arms!"
"Jump down...?"
Sir Goffridus barely had time to collect his thoughts before the princess was scaling down the cliff face with surprising skill. Her hands and feet went into thin gaps as deftly as a lizard's, going with the speed of someone who has done this climb many a time before.
That was strange. Sir Goffridus had never known princesses to be very competent.
Before he had too much time to ponder, a massive black dragon's head stuck out over the ledge, glowering. "No! She's getting away! My wicked plans are foiled!"
The dragon must have been just as shocked as Sir Goffridus by this turn of events, considering several moments passed and the great beast did not fly down to collect his fleeing bounty.
After a pause, the dragon's presence seemed to register with the princess. She looked up, gasping in horror.
"Oh, no! I've been caught!"
Now that made more sense. Princesses were not often quick on the uptake.
"Quick, sir knight! Catch me!"
And just like that, the princess threw herself from the rock wall. As she sailed down through the air, Sir Goffridus rushed to position himself beneath her.
Curious indeed--the princess was falling slower than what Sir Goffridus would expect, especially one who had been plumped for the slaughter. The dragon only watched, making no move to catch her.
It would seem both princess and dragon were sluggish beings--in every facet of life. Oh well--that would make Sir Goffridus's quest much easier.
The princess landed in Sir Goffridus's arms with a thud, albeit one not as heavy as he'd braced himself for. She giggled, looping her arms around his neck and looking up at him adoringly.
"Oh, my!" she cooed. "How can I ever repay you?"
Sir Goffridus was thinking on an answer when he felt the great swish of wings about them. The ground shook as the dragon landed, glaring at both knight and princess.
"Not so fast, you walking sack of noisy kitchenware! The princess is mine!"
Why, he never...! The quality of his armor was far superior to the pots and pans any run-of-the-mill peasant could use!
Sir Goffridus set the princess down, lightly grabbing her arms and turning her around. "Look away, Your Highness. Bloodshed is something far too ugly to soil your innocent eyes."
The knight held his sword in front of him, gathering every bit of courage he had in his noble heart. "Begone, foul monster! The likes of horrible beasts such as yourself are not welcome among the good people of the human realm!"
Sir Goffridus was, in his heart of hearts, tired of dealing with these nasty reptiles. They had a great propensity for getting in the way, and seemed to believe they had as much right to the land and its spoils as humans--who, unlike dragons, could think and feel and love and build great creations and societies.
The dragon, however, did not seem to realize this. He bared his teeth and charged.
And Sir Goffridus met the beast, unleashing all his training from the glorious royal academy. He swang! He shouted intimidatingly! He advanced and retreated! He hopped to and fro! The dragon hissed in frustration, backing farther and farther away the more Sir Goffridus attacked.
Fortunately for the knight, this monster had horrendous aim. The dragon sent out smoke and fire and plasma balls aplenty--but somehow, none seemed to land on Sir Goffridus, save to graze his armor. Curious, considering he was right in the dragon's line of sight...
He wasn't even landing many hits of his own, yet he still had the beast scurrying in terror. How remarkable indeed!
Well, Sir Goffridus was not one to question easy victories! The princess would likely dote on his valor either way.
"AUGH!" The dragon let out a roar, sending a tongue of flame into the sky. "Foiled again! I've got to hand it to you, sir knight--you have bested me. The princess is yours."
With a mighty leap, the dragon took to the air and returned to his clifftop lair. The princess cheered.
"You've done it, my brave, brave knight! You've won!"
He sure had! Sir Goffridus swelled with pride as he returned to the fair maiden.
"Let us get you from this horrid place, Your Highness." He scooped the giggling princess into a bridal carry, helping her onto his steed. "What kingdom do you hail from?"
For a moment she only fixed him with a doe-eyed gaze, as though trying to gather her thoughts.
"Fair Andaloria, my lord," she said.
"Andaloria?" Despite himself, Sir Goffridus raised an eyebrow as they began to ride off into the forest. "That's quite far from here--a trip across the vast seas and a trek over many a dangerous mountain. That loathsome dragon took you all this way?"
"Yes." The princess looked at him sadly. "The dragon wanted to make it very, very hard for me to get home should I ever escape. Foul beast has a taste for naught but princesses--he'd kidnap a more local one, but he told me every time he's tried, they're rescued but a day later!"
"Not a very good dragon, then, is he?"
The maiden chortled, heartily slapping his chest. The force of it jostled him a tad more than he was expecting.
"Oh, you are so funny, my lord!"
Truly, Sir Goffridus could not find a more perfect lady if he tried.
"Pray tell, fair maiden. Whom do I have the pleasure of rescuing today?"
"Princess Annette, brave sir knight, of the northern lands of Avadoria."
"Annette!" Sir Goffridus threw his hands up in delight. "What a beautiful name! We shall be married in the morning!"
"Oh! my lord!" Princess Annette swooned so hard she nearly falls off the steed. Sir Goffridus nobly caught her just in time.
"Yes!" he confirmed. "I wish you to be my beautiful bride, Your Highness! I will get my finest smiths to craft you a ring of pure gold and priceless ruby. I will shower you with finery and treasure and riches beyond your wildest dreams. The family jewels that have been passed down for generations will now be yours--yours and my children's."
"Oh? I'd...I'd like that very much, sir!"
Princess Annette's lovely aqua-blue eyes shone strangely--a glint Sir Goffridus didn't usually see in proper young ladies. Most likely but an overwhelming of true love in the beautiful damsel!
"You shall have everything your heart desires, and more! A lavish feast? A fortune beyond measure? Wares of unspeakable value? An estate in the country? A garden sprawling leagues upon leagues? All can be yours!"
Princess Annette giggled, kicking her feet as they rode. What a fine day indeed, and what a fine happily ever after they would have!
*
Perhaps Sir Goffridus had had one mead too many, but he was beginning to feel like something was amiss at his wedding.
The festivities were merry and jovial as ever. The decorations were elegant, the dancing was lively, the performing bards were sweet and melodious, the roast boar was superb. The pudding was nothing short of divine. Everyone, from fellow knights to commoners to the higher gentry and royalty themselves, were congratulating Sir Goffridus on his splendid marriage. A princess, they all said! How excellent! How divine! He was to have some of the most fine-bred children in all the land--strength and valor and noble blood and everything in between!
And yet, Sir Goffridus found himself approaching one of his comrades with his spirits quite down.
"Say, Sir Thurlow," he said. "Perchance have you seen my blushing bride? I fear I've picked up naught a trace of her since I gifted her my family's jeweled heirlooms at the ceremony. 'Tis odd to me she'd slip away into recluse after my generosity made her ever so happy. She was quite taken with the emerald necklaces!"
Sir Thurlow belched.
"Well, you can't go around spoiling a maiden like that," he slurred wisely. "Now she'll only ask for more and more jewelry, and throw a mighty fit when you can't give her any more! You've gone and set her standards far too high."
"Oh dear." Sir Goffridus frowned as it occurred to him that his friend made a fine point. "She did seem awfully fond of those topaz bracelets as well. I suppose as a princess, though, it only makes sense she'd be drawn to finery."
"Maybe it's worth more in..." Sir Thurlow scrunched his nose as he swayed against the banquet table. "Aragonia? Andalonia? Where did you say she was from?"
"Fair Andaloria."
"Andaloria!" Sir Thurlow suddenly doubled over in laughter. "Why, they have some of the finest ore in all the world! Legend says gems are so easy to find that they treat them as common copper, trading a fistful of garnets for a good meal. If anything, your new wife should turn her nose up at something so commonplace."
"Surely the legends exaggerate!"
"Even provided they do." Despite Sir Thurlow's continued swaying, he fixed his comrade with a thoughtful gaze. "Would not Princess Annette be more taken with something novel to her? A herbal tea or meat spice made from a plant she's never encountered? A dish prepared in manners which she's never tasted? The elegant peacocks and swans of the gardens, surely so different from the creatures of her mountainous home? Why!" Sir Thurlow brightened. "She might well be exploring the courtyards or attempting to get seconds in the kitchen as we speak!"
"But I looked in the gardens," Sir Goffridus argued. "And the kitchen as well, even at the great disgrace of having to speak to the peasantry. Not a soul has seen my bride, and despite myself, I grow uneasy.
"What of the bedrooms? Perhaps the lady is impatient!"
And that was when it finally dawned on Sir Goffridus.
"Why, Sir Thurlow, you are a genius! The lady could barely resist me ever since we met. Of course that would be her first desire after our marriage!"
Strange. When he had gifted her the jewels in his bedroom earlier, she hadn't seemed interested then. She'd been all too eager to return to the bustling ballroom, only to get lost in the crowd.
Mayhaps she had changed her mind?
Filled with eagerness, Sir Goffridus hurried to his chamber. Oh, but what a glorious night this was to be! For the rest of his days, this would be remembered as the eve his beautiful wife would be laden with his beautiful son.
He hoped, anyways. But why not, if all his dreams and wishes were coming true already? Sir Goffridus thrust the chamber door open, overcome with anticipation.
There was no sign of Princess Annette. Rather, he was greeted with the sight of a mattress stripped bare and a chest of drawers deprived of the fine golden bust that usually sat atop it.
Alas, it only made sense his things would have been taken for a washing and a polishing on such a big day. Nonetheless, it made the room feel even more empty.
Sighing, Sir Goffridus closed the door and continued his search.
*
Daegal was getting ready to close up shop when the hunchbacked hag in a hooded black cloak came in.
There was a great deal of clanking and clattering as she made her way over, and Daegal nervously checked the trinket-filled shelves to make sure the lady wasn't knocking them about. But his merchandise all remained still and untouched as far as he could tell.
When she drew close enough for one of the sconces to light her face, Daegal gave a start of surprise. It appeared she wasn't a hag at all, but rather a pretty young maiden with freckles and lively blue eyes.
Why, then, did she conceal herself so?
"I'd like to make a trade," she declared. "The sign says you're some kinda curio trading post, right?"
"That's right," he said, slightly taken aback by her casual tone. "This is later than I usually do sales, though."
"Sorry!" She laughed awkwardly. "Sort of an emergency. Hopefully it'll be worth it."
The damsel reached into her cloak, shuffling around until she pulled out something long and white. Daegal suddenly realized she was no hunchback at all--the bulky presence beneath the cape was naught but a profusion of carrying bags!
She must be mighty indeed to shoulder such a load.
Perhaps she wore that cloak so as not to draw attention to her great strength. After all, many of the knights who sought to woo her kind found hardiness unbecoming in ladies.
"I'd like to trade this for safe passage through this town." She slapped the item she'd retrieved down on the table. "And a horse. Preferably one with big saddle bags. And also, uh...if you could not mention to anyone that I came through here, that would be great."
Daegal looked down and gasped.
Laid out before him was a diamond-studded white gown. Easily worth a thousand gold pieces, if not more.
The shopkeeper sucked in his breath. "This is...this is the finest wedding dress I've ever seen. What cause could there possibly be to get rid of it? I imagine it's every little girl's dream to wear this."
The maiden paused, and Daegal could have sworn he saw gears turning behind those pretty eyes.
"It was my sister's." She let out an exaggerated-sounding sniffle. "She was to be married, but then on her very wedding day, she was snatched from the changing room by an ogre and--"
"You jilted someone at the altar, didn't you?"
"I did not!" she said, a tad defensively.
Daegal eyed the dress, wondering if it could buy him a personal carriage and a chauffeur.
"It's okay, you know. My family tried to sell my brother off into this marriage with a noblewoman, but she was an insufferable snob. Last I heard, he ran off with the milkmaid."
"Oh, good." The young maiden slacked with relief. "Well...does it technically count as jilting if you fly the coop after you've said your vows?"
"So you can sell the ring?" Daegal smirked. "Clever. I have to respect that."
He picked up the long dress, inspecting it again.
"At least let me pay you what it's worth. You can have safe passage and a horse, but you can grab a couple of our pricier curios too. Looks like you have plenty of room in your bags."
"Really?" She brightened. "You're too kind, sir!"
And before poor Daegal could process what was occurring, the young maiden slapped a gold necklace full of the fattest, shiniest emeralds he'd ever seen on top of the dress.
"For your troubles!" she chirped.
He hadn't a moment to protest before she skittered off, making a beeline for a nearby cabinet she'd been eyeing. She returned almost immediately with a jarful of glowing goo and a self-sustaining terrarium filled with (as far as Daegal could tell) authentic shrunken ducks.
"Miss, you don't have to--"
"How often do I feed the ducks?" she interrupted.
"Um...just sprinkle some oats in there once a day and you should be fine," Daegal answered numbly.
Well. Apparently Daegal was about to get two new private carriages, plus velvet seat covers.
Far be it from him to look a gift weird-young-lady-advertently-or-inadvetertently-disguised-as-a-hunchbacked-old-lady in the mouth.
"Pin this to your cloak while you ride out." Daegal reached into a drawer and retrieved an important-looking emblem. "People won't ask questions. The stables are just past the grocer, so...help yourself."
"Lovely! You're the best!"
She snatched the pin and clattered her way out the door, probably never to be seen again. Daegal looked down at his newfound belongings, wondering how his wife would feel about commissioning a silken tapestry for their bedroom.
*
"I can manage from here!"
Anna dismounted her steed, giving the handsome palomino and appreciative pat on the neck. He nickered questioningly as she gathered her things.
"Yes, yes, I know we're in the middle of the forest," she conceded. "It's all by design, I promise. It's not too far to the road, though! Here's a snack to tide you over, okay?"
She handed the patient horse a couple of carrots. He took them gingerly, regarding her curiously for a few moments.
Then he was gone, galloping off into the ether to claim his freedom. Or a spot at a nearby village's stables. Whichever he preferred.
It didn't take Anna long to trek to the familiar cliffside--an isolated little sanctuary where no human being could bother her.
Or at least no full human being.
"BABE!" she shouted, rapping on the rock. "I'm home!"
A swishing and flapping of massive wings filled the air, and Anna couldn't hold back a giddy giggle. It really had been too long.
Darkness swam over her, a great shape blocking out the sun. A gust of wind caught her hair as the dragon swooped down, landing on the grass with an earth-shaking thump.
"What superb luck," he said, tone deadpan. "My escaped quarry has accidentally wandered back to my lair again."
"Oh noooo." Anna let out a mock gasp of horror as she began loading her stuffed saddle bags onto the beast's back. "How does this keep happening?"
"You are exceptionally easy to kidnap, my lady."
The dragon used a wing to hoist her onto his back, and she held tight to his neck as he flew back to their lair. After doing this song and dance a few times, she'd learned how to lay on his back in such a way that she avoided the rows of poisonous barbs.
She'd come to love the feeling of his cool, smooth scales against her skin. They felt like comfort. Like peace.
Like home.
Some said love was a wild, neverending journey full of ups and downs, and a simple "happily ever after" was a silly hope. Anna was rather enjoying hers, though.
And sure, their love hadn't been an easy one. One of the least easy in all the land, in fact. But the worst seemed, at last, to be behind them.
The dragon landed in the entrance to the mountain cave. Anna dismounted, slinging her bags over her shoulder.
She could barely wait until the sitting room--an alcove consisting of neatly-arranged furniture stolen from palace parties across the realm--to admire her newest spoils. At last, she dumped her prizes across a magenta velvet couch and rifled through them.
Thin arms circled her waist, pulling her back. Anna twisted around, finding herself looking into the very pretty eyes of the disgraced Prince Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III.
"Hi." She wrapped her arms around his neck, pressing their foreheads together. As much as she liked his dragon form, she also very much liked when his body was small enough to fit in her hold.
"And how's my favorite grifter? This one didn't give you too much trouble, I hope?"
"Oh, far from it. It just gets easier and easier, I swear."
"You really think they'd catch on by now."
"Please." Anna snorted. "No one can resist a good damsel in distress, let alone one who's stroking your ego more than like...the world's fluffiest cat."
"You're amazing." He stole a quick kiss, making her giggle. "I haven't the faintest idea how every single time you manage to pinpoint what these idiots want. But we haven't had a bad run yet."
"Mmmm." Anna slid a hand down, grabbing his hand and interlacing their fingers. She led him over to a fluffy chaise, pulling him down onto her lap.
"Remember when we were kids I had that phase where I kept saying I was gonna 'quit princessing' and run away to become a bard?"
"Oh, sure. You always insisted I critique your singing voice by belting the same ballad over and over."
She flushed with embarrassment as he snickered. Of course she was more obnoxious about the whole thing than she recalled.
"Well, uh...I actually got pretty far into secretly training with a local troupe before I gave up on the whole thing. Learned all about reading your audience!"
"Oh yeah? And what did you read on this guy?"
"The usual. 'I'm the finest knight in all the kingdom, and thus must I protect all the poor, helpless maidens from the many monsters of these lands!'"
"And how's that working out for him?"
"Never for too long." She sighed pityingly. "I fucked up and said I was from Andaloria again. This guy didn't even notice."
"So you told him you were from Mining Central," Hiccup said flatly. "And he gave you...more things commonly found in mines."
Anna only gestured to the sparkling mound on the velvet couch.
"So how long did it take for him to fork over the family jewels?"
"Oh, you know. Maybe an hour."
Hiccup raised his eyebrows. "That's about twice as fast as the last two."
"He had to do it before his brain caught up."
"And what brain are you referring to?"
They both sniggered.
"Speaking of, though. I should put these away before I accidentally sit on them."
Anna untangled herself from Hiccup, who grunted in protest as she stood up. While memory served, she picked out which gemstones Sir Geoffrey (or whatever his name was) had said were priceless heirlooms, and tossed them into the Family Jewels Heap.
Almost lost to a crack in the sofa was the ring. It was a loud, insistent trinket. Showy strands of gold and silver wrapped around one of those dark blue diamonds that don't actually look that good--people mainly wear them to seem cultured. Nonetheless, it was one of the more expensive ones as of late. A good 300 gold: A few nights at a nice inn and several lavish meals. Perhaps even a couple souvenirs.
She tossed it in the Ring Bin. A truly boring number of them had the typical silvery diamonds, so the blue at least added some variety.
"We should go into town soon," Anna said absentmindedly. "We're running out of stuff to read. And that wedding feast reminded me how much I miss real food. Or...food cooked by someone else, at least."
"Why stop there?"Hiccup tipped his head playfully. "Last few scams made us a fortune. We could grab a carriage, go to the seaside. Get some of that authentic sea salt caramel chocolate you like."
"And go to the beach?" Anna clapped her hands in delight.
"Absolutely. Swim in the ocean, build sand palaces, the whole nine yards. And if any sea monsters trifle with us, well...we're a pretty formidable army all on our own. But man..." He yawned. "All this conning takes it out of you. I think we've earned a vacation, don't you?"
"Well, duh." Anna stared dreamily at the cave wall, the gears of trip-planning already turning in her head. "Oh, man. With all this treasure and crap, we could get, like, the best meals the coast has to offer. Buttered oysters and honey-baked salmon and crayfish with herbs..." She sauntered back to the chaise, sprawling herself on top of Hiccup.
"And crabcakes," she murmured coyly in his ear.
She leaned back, grinning proudly as he brightened.
"And crabcakes."
He pulled her in, and she kissed him hard.
How many times had they done this now? No matter. It was always just as magical as...well, the rest of their relationship.
They hadn't gotten far into their fit of passion when the sound of what seemed to be tiny yet insistent quacks filled the dragon lair. Hiccup pulled away to give Anna a quizzical look.
"Oh, you know." She waved a hand dismissively. "It was one of those wedding dresses."
"The sell-it-get-weird-items-free variety?"
"Come on. Someone offers you some cool collectible just for throwing a few extra diamonds at them, what are you gonna do? Say no?"
The quacking grew steadily ruder, challenging this.
Anna made her way to their grain collection, lugging a bag of oats over to the terrarium. She sliced it open with her dagger, dumping a handful into the glass.
There was a flurry of tiny bodies and a rustling of many a pair of inch-long wings as her palm was swarmed. She pulled it away just in time to avoid her hand being munched off by an armada of beaks.
Somewhere behind her, Hiccup laughed. She turned to glare, but the stern look melted away as quickly as it came.
He was watching her with a dreamy, far-off expression, chin in his hand. Something that could only be described as adoring.
"What?" She blushed, suddenly self-conscious.
"Nothing. Just..." The dopey grin widened. "Thank you. I don't say it enough, I'm sure."
"Thank you for what?"
"Everything. But special mention goes to living in a damp, drafty hole in the rock for me when you could have a palace."
"You don't need to thank me." Anna shrugged. "I wouldn't have it any other way."
And it was the truth.
Funny, she thought, that her fiance being cursed into a monstrous dragon form turned out to be the best thing that ever happened to them. They'd taken something fated to seal a terrible doom and they'd made it work.
Perhaps the greatest irony was that in the beginning, before everything went sideways, their romance had been one that seemed cut out for smooth sailing. Betrothed since the day they were born and best friends since they could walk, the Prince of Berk and the Princess of Arendelle were rarely apart. They hardly minded the idea of marriage, especially considering it meant they could spend even more time together. Many a childhood afternoon was spent planning their wedding, both prince and princess adding more and more outlandish things to an already very extravagant ceremony.
And then the Dragon Wars happened.
The beasts were certainly causing a ruckus, roaming the land stealing livestock and other such inconveniences. Farmer and merchant alike had less of a haul to bring to market, and people were growing very, very cranky about it.
So, naturally, someone decided to take matters into his own hands.
On top of being an already brutal warlord, King Drago was a man trained in ancient dark magic. When he journeyed far and wide requesting allies to fight dragons, anyone would have been a fool to refuse.
And Hiccup's kingdom were not fools. Or so they liked to believe, anyhow.
They sent forth Berk's strongest warriors, ready to lay ruin to every dragon they found. The prince was set to train with the other aspiring soldiers, and was excited to protect the realm against such a menace.
His fiance, of course, was not far behind. Armed with a fair bit of swordswoman training and a will of steel, Anna wasn't about to let Hiccup charge into battle alone. Princess or not, she would not sit at home attending silly etiquette classes or whatever else was "proper" when there were lives at stake.
Then one day, Hiccup found out the real reason dragons had been antagonizing so many humans.
They were slaves to a tyrant queen, the livestock they stole the only way for them to not become her next meal themselves. What they did was not out of evil, but fear.
Hiccup speaking up for the enemy went...poorly, to put it lightly. King Drago was not one prone to changes of heart, especially when the battle-scarred warrior had lost an arm to the creatures in question.
"If you're so determined to throw your lot in with beasts, then you don't deserve to stand among humans!" he'd roared.
And then the battlefield was bathed in red light. It was only a few moments, but it felt like a long, horrible eternity.
There was growing and stretching and shrieking and thrashing and the dreadful sound of scales ripping free, and then an enormous black dragon stood in Hiccup's place.
"Anna. Hey." Rough-skinned hands cupping her face pulled her out of her head. "You froze up. What's going on?"
Hiccup was peering at her inquisitively, one eye human and one eye dragon. She felt the beginnings of claws on her cheeks.
The latest shift was wearing off.
She sighed. Leaning her head against his and wrapping her arms around his waist, she savored the contact.
"Ah, nothing, I was just thinking about when Drago...you know..."
Some king he was, cursing people who questioned him. He didn't deserve the title.
"It was the scariest moment of my life. I thought those soldiers were going to kill you."
"Ah, well. I guess you could say they weren't counting on me being so thick-skinned."
She snorted, flexing an arm to elbow him in the side. "How dare you make a bad pun when we're having a moment, Haddock."
"It's okay," he murmured into her hair, one hand sliding down to rub her back. "I'm okay now. You fixed all that, remember?"
Berk and Arendelle alike had expected Princess Anna to abandon her fiance, now a cursed, shameful traitor exiled to live among his fellow monsters. Instead, she opted to study witchcraft and become even more of a scandal than him.
It was only the basics at first. Creating bursts of light. Minor illusions. Air manipulation (although that was nothing to scoff at, seeing as increasing wind resistance came in handy when dramatically falling off cliffs for knights to catch).
The magic of changing forms was something that required a bit more practice.
Spells came more easily than Anna expected, what with her sister's natural affinity for magic. It was still exhausting work--going over an enchantment's exact wording over and over, doing practice runs on many an unlucky fern--but in the end, she got it right.
Or mostly right, anyways.
As a novice sorceress, Princess Anna could not reverse a transformation spell completely. But her meddling gave Hiccup a modicum of control of his shifts between human and dragon, and both of them decided that was good enough.
Besides, the dragon form came in handy.
"Best of both worlds," Hiccup hummed, voicing her thoughts. "Like Berk would want back a prince who spent upwards of two years as a giant, fire-breathing reptile."
"And like Arendelle would want back a princess who learned black magic so she could defy a king's wishes."
He snuck a kiss.
"Say..." Anna grinned slyly. "Why don't we eat out tonight? Word on the road was that the royals in that kingdom a few miles east are having a posh banquet tonight. Sure would be a shame if a fearsome dragon and his scary wizard girlfriend fucked that up, eh?"
Hiccup whistled. "Yes, my queen."
"Queen?" She snorted. "Gave up on that the second I told Drago he could shove his royal scepter up his behind."
"You know, we have plenty of crowns around here. Maybe you're overdue for a coronation." He gasped dramatically, spreading his hands out. "Queen of the Northern Cliffs!"
"I don't know if the mountain goats would be okay with the forced oligarchical takeover."
"Tell you what. If they come storming in and demanding a coup, we'll reevaluate."
"Then...sure! Let's have a coronation!"
Anna's stomach grunted.
"But dinner first."
"Okay, Your Majesty." He patted her arm affectionately. "But go put on one of the disguises, will you? Can't take any chances, in case any of the fine young gentlemen there are in want of a wife at some point."
***
BY THE POWER OF EVERY GOD, REAL OR IMAGINARY, I WILL FINISH MY HICCANNA MONTH SUBMISSIONS AND REBLOG ALL MY LOVELY PARTICIPANTS DAMMIT
I wish I was exaggerating, but literally every time I wanted to finish this bad boy up, my life turned into a shitshow ;______; It's been...a rough few months, but luckily finishing my WIPs helps distract me from some nasty personal shit and generally makes me feel like less of a garbage human, so! There's that!
I've missed writing for them ;_____; For whatever reason Dragon-Cursed-Hiccup x Overprotective Scary Sorceress Anna is something that can be so personal??? I've written it like 3 times now and it itches a scratch I didn't know I had EVERY. SINGLE. TIME.
Anyways!!! This particular fic is based off a plot bunny I got from this post (back during the FIRST Hiccanna month in 2022!) and was like "alas, but I'll never have time to write it, even though it IS their month :(" But I guess I found the time??? Months after their month but STILL. Don't give up on your dreams kids???
I think they'd be great scammers. It's also the exact kind of villain-adjacent bullshit that I feel like slightly-more-morally-flexible Hiccup and Anna would gladly do XD Like it might take a lot for them to feel compelled to do, say, mass murder, but grifting pompous rich assholes??? TELL me they wouldn't eat that shit UP.
Btw!!! Anna liking the beach is basically canon, like. Her complaining about Elsa not having tropical powers that covered everything in "white sand and warmth" is a liiiittle too specific for her to not like the beach XD
And Hiccup really does like crabcakes!!! At least that's some trivia I read on his dreamworks wiki page XD But hey!!! Anna has chocolate and sandwiches, Hiccup needs a food to get excited about, too!!!
Anyways hi I am Making Posts again!!! Sorry I was gone for so long but this account has promised hiccanna tidbits, and so hiccanna tidbits it must give!!!
