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[Hiccup's much in the same boat. His smiles aren't as bright as usual, don't quite reach his eyes. There are dark circles under them. He normally doesn't have trouble with sleep, and can get a solid 8 hours crashed out whenever he pleases, but it's been much harder lately - evidently, it hasn't been easy for Newt either.] No, it's okay, things have been... Things have been. [He trails off, and then finishes the sentence kind of flatly, not sure how else to describe how things have been.

He hesitates for barely a second before he comes in, when invited, idly rubbing at the side of his arm with his opposite hand. Toothless and Greg will be fine unsupervised - there isn't much out here to break and they've already determined that they get along just fine.] Yeah. I... I was kind of starting to go crazy, up in the forge by myself for so long. Thanks for humoring me, things are just...

Things are weird right now.

[Newt closes the door after Hiccup before busying himself with getting tea made. A wave of his wand and the little kitchenette comes to life as a tea set floats itself onto a tray and a kettle moves onto the stove to start boiling water. Newt has certainly gotten very used to using magic at this point. His more combative spells are lackluster in comparison, but he had become particularly adept with magic for everyday. That, and teleportation.

He stares at the kitchenware floating about and almost seems rather spacy before suddenly snapping out of it and returning his attention to the other. He has been rather spacy as of late, and he can't quite figure out why. He knows there's a lot on his mind, but the spaciness, he thinks, is from something else. A realization hasn't dawned on him that it's from all the teleporting practice and expansion charms manifesting in some way.] You're always free to visit. I- [He seems to trying to consider what he wants to say.] I enjoy your company, Hiccup.

[Once the kettle starts to whistle, he shuffles about to get tea made.] Do you want to talk about it, perhaps? [Newt sounds concerned for the other.]

[It's fascinating to watch how at ease with basic daily magic Newt is. Not surprising, really, he's already said he did this kind of thing all the time at home. Hiccup's tried it, enchanting his tape measure to take measurements for people's armor fittings, enchanting tools to help him out on continued construction at the Edge, that sort of thing - but he's still not as good with it as Newt.

He is a little concerned when he seems to space out, for just a few moments, though he doesn't really draw those conclusions. He assumes he's got a lot on his mind. Still, he manages a little smile.] I like yours too. It's... nice to have a friend. [That's sincere right there. It is nice. Hiccup wouldn't trade his easy friendship with Newt for anything.]

It's... a lot of things right now, honestly. I'm not sure where to start. I- what did you think of Miss Nessie's announcement?

[Newt brings the tray over and sets it on the small table and gestures at the other to take a seat with him. The furniture in the place was sparse at best. Newt hadn't cared much for furnishing his abode, though Theseus has most definitely chided him about it. He has yet to really rectify the lack of. The dining table was comfortable enough for two people though. It made sense, with Theseus and Newt now living together.] I always had quite a bit of trouble. [He smiles a little sadly.] Making friends, that is. [And maybe he has been starting to feel lonely or that being stuck in his thoughts has done nothing to help him at the very least.]

I'm not one for diplomacy, if that's what you're wondering. I- [He sighs as he busies pouring tea into the tea cups. There's a bowl filled with sugar cubes, a creamer filled with milk, a bowl and spoon with honey, and a plate of biscuits. Anything you could ever need to accompany a good cup of tea.] I understand that it is in their best interest to do this. I believe it to be ideal even. I, however, cannot say that I am fond of it...all.

[He pushes one of the teacup and saucer to Hiccup.] Chamomile tea. It's supposed to relieve anxiety and help with sleep. [An indication that he was sure that perhaps Hiccup could use some of it. He, himself, could do with some. His nerves were far from calm.] It isn't exactly our place, at the moment, to do anything out of line that will endanger the people here. [Because they are outsiders in the grand scheme of things. While there was no knowing when they'll leave, they were temporary inhabitants and that meant that they may not see the repercussions of their actions.] I suppose we may have done just that, but... [He spoons a gratuitous amount of honey into his tea before stirring it.] I don't particularly find that place to be pleasant. I am not one for this idea that witches have supremacy. [Newt says it in a surprisingly harsh tone. As though there was more to how he felt that went well beyond Dorchacht.]

[He smiles a little wryly at that, taking a seat.] You and me both. I didn't used to be very popular in the village. [At least before Toothless. Before he lost a leg battling the Red Death and ending the dragon war. Before everyone realized that he was on to something.

He takes the tea offered, curling his fingers around the cup, sipping it straight. It doesn't feel that hot to his heated skin, just pleasant; fire magic has started to seep into his being, along with enchantments. He probably relies too heavily on it. The corners of his lips turn up at the veiled accusation that he hasn't been sleeping, and he replies,] Good for both of us, then, I'd imagine? [Just so Newt doesn't go away from this thinking that Hiccup hasn't noticed his current state of being.

After a moment, he sighs.] I know we shouldn't do anything to- to endanger anyone here. But she wants Mirrorbound to come with her for a reason, I think. I'm not, uh, not the most experienced diplomat but... I think I'm going to go. [His tone is matter of fact, leveling no judgement on Newt for not wanting to go.] I want to help, participate in the talks. There has to be some way to make them see reason. I stopped a 300 year war between humans and dragons. Maybe I can be... useful.

[He frowns down at his tea.] It was pretty horrible, wasn't it?

You can say I've become somewhat of a celebrity, but... [He shakes his head a little.] I can't say I've made many more friends through it.

[Newt pours some milk into his cup before finally sipping his tea.] If only. My brother snores. [He's mostly joking this time. There has been a lot on his mind.] The events of that dream haven't been the only things on my mind. [Hiccup probably recalls the other being rather tired when he was collecting the pygmy jacks. Of course, being injured hadn't helped. If only that were the only reason why.]

When people see themselves as better than others. When they feel their blood puts them above others in anyway. It makes things...difficult. [Newt's expression becomes more distant. More troubled.] It is likely that witches there believe it to be their birthright, and it is a mindset that doesn't just exist there. It is more subtle here, but it isn't to say that it doesn't exist.

It is not a mindset that can be swayed easily. [It reminds him much of how pureblood wizards and witches feel back home. How they are upset that it is them who have to hide away. That they are above muggles and that they feel that it is unfair that they must hide. That what was happening in Dorchacht was very much what Grindelwald wanted. A life where they reigned above muggles.

Newt hasn't realized his tea cup shaking in his hands.]

[The joke about Theseus gets a little snorting laugh out of Hiccup, that he mostly tries to hide in his cup. It comes and goes quickly, though, as the topic grows more serious. He had guessed earlier in the month that Newt had a lot on his mind, and he only seems more worn down since then. It's concerning. He doesn't know exactly how to get him to talk about it, to share his concerns, but he wants to try. They're friends, they should be able to.]

Even here, there are people who think that- that monsters are lesser, somehow, but... I know that sort of mindset doesn't change overnight, not really, and some people will never think differently, but, um. If we can just show them, how much better things could be- [He trails off, frowning down at the table when he realizes how naive that must sound.] I don't know. I want to- to try, at least. If no one tries, nothing ever changes.

[When he looks up, he sees the cup in Newt's hand, shaking, and he reaches out, places a hand over one of his to steady it. His expression is nothing but sincere concern.] Hey. What's wrong?

Well, I never said anything about not trying. [His mouth quirks up a little.] But I will say that your work certainly is cut out for you. Those people. I don't think the masses are so terrible, but that they have been lead to believe something. Influenced. [Obviously, there are resistance members. But he can see why the majority would be of the mindset they were given the heavy handed way of convincing people that the cruel way of thinking is the right way.

The lengths that had been made for him to get re-educated-

He doesn't startle when he feels Hiccup's hand over his own, but the other can probably feel the way he completely tenses up. He relaxes a smidge and places his cup down.] I have told you that wizards and witches have gone underground. Well, purebloods are unhappy by this. They truly believe it is their birthright to be superior. Many think of themselves as better. Purity of blood is very important.

Now- [He finds himself struggling to talk about the recent events of his life.] I suppose I wasn't completely honest of how I was feeling when you assisted me with the pygmy jacks. It's been a troubling month.

Yeah, it's- it won't be easy, and I know it'll be dangerous to go back there, or- go there for the first time? But I don't think I'm the only one who feels this way. We'll just have to- to do something about it. [Do something, take a risk, whatever. He's willing to throw himself into the line of fire for this cause - almost literally did, in the dream. Hiccup has to stubbornly push that thought out of his head.

Once he's gotten Newt's attention, though, with a hand on his, he lets his fingers fall away, remaining close, arm stretched over the table. He is present, he is worried, he wants to listen; his outstretched hand is a physical indicator of his emotional out-reaching.] So purebloods think like those Dorchacht witches. [He says grimly, frowning.]

What happened? I knew you weren't you usual self that day. I just- I didn't want to push. But I'm here to listen if you- if you want to talk.

Yes. Though, I'll be honest that I won't be going. I find myself to be a bit of a stubborn sort and I- [He can't help but laugh.] I was never suited for talking and politics at any capacity, which is possibly hilarious to say given that I work a government position back home. Of course, dealing with people was never something that my position was well known for.

[He knows that he would be no help in these particulars. He wasn't one for compromising, nor was he very good at holding his tongue at the best of times.] Not all, but many. I will say that I do understand though. To not be able to just merely be ourselves and to live hidden. [That's really the extent though. This notion that they are superior. Absolute rubbish.

He offers the other a strained smile.] I would prefer not to at this point, I'm sorry. [At least he's being honest. The look in his eyes though. Hiccup is probably familiar with it. Someone who was experiencing a loss.] At least some particulars. I will say that what is happening in Dorchacht is a looming possibility back home. If something isn't done, I fear for what is to come.

I know the feeling. [He smiles ruefully.] I'm, uh, I've only been chief back home for a year, and I'm not... very experienced with this stuff. I'll keep you updated, though. On how things are going. [It's understandable that he might not want to do this. Hiccup doesn't judge him for it.

Just like he doesn't judge him for not wanting to talk about whatever he's going through. Hiccup's nod is empathetic.] The offer's always on the table, if you ever do. [And he'll leave it at that, because he knows better than anyone that you can't force someone to talk about whatever's bothering them. He's the same way, sometimes; it took him a while to really sit down with Astrid to talk about how his father's loss made him feel.]

Gods. I'm sorry to hear that. That's... That's awful. [His frown deepens, and he stares down at the table, features taking on a slightly more haunted look.] Thinking that it could happen in your world too... Dorchacht was one of the worst things I've ever seen.

Do please. I would appreciate it greatly. [While he has decided that he had no intention about going for diplomatic reasons, he still wants to be informed.

His smile softens. A little more genuine.] Yes, I know. It's just- I wish to work things out with my brother first. I feel as though it would be a disservice not to talk to him more on it while disclosing certain things to someone less acquainted. [His brother and him had a lot to work through.]

We are on the cusp of a potential war. [The visions that Grindelwald had shown. He didn't know how real they were or if they were just potential, much like these dreams, or what.] The last war I participated in; millions died. If we were to see another one, the casualties would be much higher. [And Newt wasn't exactly what someone would consider old for wizards when they can live passed 100. He would, however, be considered middle aged for an average muggle.

For Newt to already experience one war and potentially be involved in a second at his age...]

I should explain why this is coming up now though. Last month, I experienced half a year of my life in a blink of an eye through the mirrors.

Of course, yeah. I understand. [He does, especially now knowing that he needs to work it out with Theseus first.] Family comes first. It's good that you guys have each other. [Hiccup isn't sure if he should be, but he is glad that Newt's got his brother here and he's not on his own. It gives him hope that one of his friends may show up one of these months.

And whatever it is that's bothering Newt, it's apparently big. 'Millions died' puts an alarmed look on Hiccup's face because for one, that's a lot of deaths, and for two, that's a lot of people in general??] That- That sounds like war on a scale I've never- [He trails off, frowning.

Hiccup looks up abruptly.] You- Through the mirrors? You saw... your future?

Well, I wouldn't say things are going so splendidly at the moment... [Things with Theseus are a little tense right now. Both were stubborn in their ways and it was leading to...well, he won't go into it at the moment.

He shakes his head.] We called it the Great War. It was a global war that basically involved many powerful nations. A lot of people were involved, basically. [Though, he gets the feeling the other hasn't seen a population anywhere close to that number to make a comparison in anyway.]

I experienced it. I cannot tell you how exactly. It wasn't that I saw my future, but it was as though it replayed in the reflection of the mirror and that I somehow had personally witnessed it. [It was strange. Watching so much of your life pass so quickly, but know that you had experienced it also.] I'm not sure how to explain it. Only that it did.

Yeah, well, that- you know, that happens. Family doesn't always get along all the time. [He smiles a little ruefully, remembering all the fights he used to have with his father.] They're still your family.

[The Great War. It sounds horrible to a degree he isn't sure he can really comprehend.] It sounds like. I- I didn't even know there were that many people in the world. War in the archipelago, it's- it's never anything that massive... [He trails off, then looks back up at Newt, expression sympathetic.] I'm- I'm sorry you went through that.

And... that. There's still so much we don't know about the mirrors, I guess. I never knew they could do that, make you- experience more of your life in a moment like that. It must have been disorienting.

Yes, I just- [Newt sighs softly.] I think I've only recently caused him unnecessary stress. [He obviously regrets it, but it was hard to not be stubborn and to try and not burden his brother with whatever he was struggling with at the moment.] He really has enough on his mind.

[Newt shakes his head a little.] It's nothing you have to apologize for. Sometimes, even if we wished otherwise, sometimes things don't get resolved peacefully. It's naive to think otherwise. We can surely try though. [Though he says that, what's to come really has him rather unsure.]

Yes. Quite. [He pauses. Maybe a little longer than necessary.] What is troubling you though? It seems I've gone on and on about my own troubles, but you surely have some of your own. Perhaps talking about it may help relieve some of your troubles?

No, I know. All you can do is try to make things better. Sometimes, it- it just doesn't work. [At the end of it, a year ago, Drago didn't really change, he was just defeated, and only after causing untold damage to Berk. He scratches a hand through his own hair idly, fingers catching in his braids.] Some people don't want peace.

[He cringes slightly when Newt asks about what's wrong with him.] It's fine, it's... It's nothing, really. I just haven't been sleeping well, since the dream. [There is clearly something more, something Hiccup isn't sure he wants to put into words. It seems kind of silly, with Newt facing a war, having to process a new six months of his life back home...] I've been having nightmares about Dorchacht. Regular ones, not- mm. And- a couple of witches at the Coven say me not being Bonded yet isn't helping.

Yes. [He can truly understand that. People don't want peace sometimes. They want to be superior.

Newt gives the other a lopsided smile.] I've spent my entire life observing all sorts of living things. That includes people too, Hiccup. Something happened during the dream for you. [Newt doesn't seem to push it too much though. He can't make the other talk about it if he doesn't want to.] If you don't want to talk about it, then I won't force it. I will say that it is better to talk about it than let it fester. As someone who, well, regrets not talking about certain things sooner. [Newt had been somewhat private about a lot of his affairs and he certainly regrets how he went about some of it now.

Though when the other mentions difficulties and not being Bonded.] Oh. Is that why... [Right. He had a temporary bond twice, but only because he had wanted to participate in some of the research on night creatures some time ago.] I hadn't really thought about the bonds at all, honestly speaking.

[Well. He can't really argue with that. Hiccup admits, with a rueful little smile that doesn't reach his eyes,] Yeah. Something happened in the dream. [He goes quiet, for a long moment, as if he's weighing the words in his head, trying to put it all together in a way that makes sense of the roiling feeling of anxiety in the pit of his stomach.] ...I got caught up in one of the protests. I, um. I was trying to hold the guards off, until the protesters could get away, and. [He swallows.]

They dragged me down a side street, and, and put their hands to my head- it was like being struck by lightning. [He died. He knows he died. They killed him without a hint of remorse.]

Mm. I guess. I hadn't, uh, thought about it either, I thought... Toothless would be enough. They, they call him my familiar here.

[Newt really can't hide how aghast he is. The other didn't have to say he outright died while in the dream, because it's easy to figure just on the details alone. How awful that is, even if it seems temporary at most.

He can't imagine the feeling of dying to be pleasant in anyway. Even if he didn't feel too much pain, dying was dying.] That's terrible...

Their way of doing things. It's quite barbaric. I really can't say that their methods if they decide not to kill you are any better either. [Newt's voice becomes quieter as he speaks.]

I- Well, it just never occurred to me really because I don't exactly easily make friends with most. I thought that as long as I actively pursue my magic, it would still be fine.

[Hiccup scrubs a hand over his eyes, falling quiet for a moment. He knows how bad it sounds. It was bad, honestly, and that's why he keeps having nightmares about it, why it almost seems better to just not sleep and spend all his hours in the forge.] It's- they're brutal. It's not right. [And then he looks up, frowning.] 'If they decide not to kill you'. What- what else do they do? [He's struck with the feeling that he wants to know, but he also desperately does not want to know at the same time.

He shakes his head, frowning.] I thought so too, but I guess- even that doesn't help after a while.

Some just believe to rule with an iron fist. [Not that he believes in such methods, obviously. It isn't unfamiliar to him though.

He chews at his bottom lip for a moment.] They consider it and call it reeducating. I can't say that I would call it such though, but it makes sense as to...as to why people think the way they do there. [He shakes his head.]

I'm not particularly, er, comfortable with most here. [And he thinks Theseus can agree that them bonding would be disastrous.

It does make him fret a bit though.]

"Re-educating." [He says it like the very word, and all that it implies, is one of the most disgusting things he's ever heard. It's ominous, and he doesn't exactly know the details, but he can guess.] They- they tried to brainwash you? [Do the horrors of Dorchacht ever end? It seems like he's hearing about something new they did in that Dream all the time.

Hiccup frowns slightly down at his hands, letting out a breath.] Yeah, it... it seems like a really personal thing to do with someone. Bonding. It... I'd want it to be a friend, at least.

[Newt doesn't reply. Doesn't even look at the other. His brows just furrow as he stares down and off to the side.] It- Well, I can't say it was particularly pleasant. [He's glad that Theseus didn't have to go through it, but it was hard on Newt; someone who was rather empathetic towards Monsters.]

I agree. I don't think I could consider someone I wasn't at least fond of at some capacity. [Newt was obviously far from being a social creature and his friendships weren't many.] Though, that's probably not many people and I have no intention of bonding with my brother. I can't say I'm very friendly with most others passed you, actually.

[Well, that's as good as a confirmation. It's nauseating, knowing what kinds of lengths they'll go to to silence dissent in the Black City. He scrubs a hand over his face, breathing out a quiet, disbelieving, humorless little laugh.] Master of understatement.

[And then he falls quiet for a few minutes, staring into his tea, listening to Newt. They have a similar problem here; Hiccup likes plenty of people, but he isn't... close, to many of them. Or they're already bonded. Or they've just never brought it up with him. But if he's feeling this way due to a lack of a bond, then Newt will eventually show symptoms too, won't he?

When he blurts it out, it's mostly due to lack of sleep and not much of a filter, but he isn't sure if he regrets it.] Maybe- Maybe we should, then. Just- It wouldn't have to be permanent, but as a- a stopgap measure, maybe it wouldn't... be so horrible...

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