"So, your life was not the best?" Valka asked hesitantly.
     "Yeah, but then, they listened," Hiccup explained. "Soon all of Berk loved dragons. We all ride them. We even made a team, Astrid, Snotlout, Fishlegs and the twins, Ruffnut and Tuffnut."
     "I remember Astrid," Valka said thoughtfully. "Ingrid and I were quite close. How is she?"
     "Herbert is fine, but Ingrid passed this last year." Hiccup said. "But, Astrid is doing well too. She's the strongest on Berk, and the best warrior."
     Valka smiled. "Your eyes lit up when you talked of her, I take it she's close?"
     "Oh, hehe, well, um," Hiccup stammered, rubbing the back of his neck, "I-I guess yeah, she's really close."
     "Fiancé?" Valka asked.
     "Well, kind of, yes," Hiccup said hesitantly.
     Valka smiled, her eyes brimming with tears. She brought a hand to cup Hiccup's cheek. "I'm so proud of you, but I missed so much. I'm so sorry Hiccup."
     Hiccup leaned into her embrace and smiled. "We'll just have to make up for lost time, and you have to meet Astrid."
     "What is she like?" Valka asked.
     "O-Oh ho ho! That's a story," Hiccup chuckled.

     Valka watched a young blonde comfort Hiccup. The blonde's hand ran up Hiccup's back in a soothing motion. Valka and her made eye contact and nodded their hello. Valka leaned to Hiccup also, comforting him.
     Valka remembered a time when Ingrid and her would let Astrid and Hiccup have play dates. Valka saw the long blonde hair and blue eyes remained the same of the young woman. Astrid leaned against Hiccup, doing her best to comfort him. Valka and Astrid stayed with him until Drago flew off. Valka held Hiccup back, while Astrid watched in pain. All the dragons were gone. Valka and Astrid's dragons were gone.
     As Hiccup and Gobber prepared Stoick's ship, Valka walked over to Astrid. Astrid's lost gaze watched Hiccup and Gobber haul Stoick's body into a ship. Valka reached and gently placed a hand on Astrid's shoulder. Astrid jumped and looked at her.
     "You're Hiccup's mother," Astrid said softly.
     "Valka," Valka introduced. "Your mother and I were quite close."
     "Oh," Astrid said, her gaze down. "I don't know if Hiccup mentioned-"
     "He did," Valka interrupted. She held Astrid's shoulders. "You look just like her. I'm sure you miss her."
     "I do, but I can only imagine the way Hiccup feels," Astrid pointed out. "He got his whole family back, but then," Astrid paused, gesturing to the boat. "That happened."
     "Hiccup told me about you two, congratulations," Valka said.
     "Oh well, we aren't exactly, but um, thanks," Astrid stammered.
     Valka wrapped a gentle arm around Astrid's shoulders. She and Astrid watched Gobber push the boat out to sea. The smog and gloomy clouds only added to the sorrow. Astrid and Valka picked up a bow and lit their arrows. Valka and Astrid exchanged glances of sorrow and sympathy. Valka became one of the couples biggest help.