Hello Everyone! I am back to the world of Fanfiction. I wanted to publish sooner than I am, but marching band is life. And November was crazy, and December was tests and finals. But, that is all behind me and I am here with a holiday special. I came up with this idea in March before I got my wisdom teeth out. I hope you enjoy it! Merry Christmas!
"Come here, Astrid, I want to show you something," Hiccup said as he led Astrid through the town square to the blacksmith shop. It was nearing Snoggletog and Hiccup had an idea for something to put on the tree.
"What is it, Hiccup?" Astrid asked, trying to sound annoyed, but her curiosity was overpowering her. Snoggletog was the next day and they still haven't put the shields on the tree. Granted, it has been a rougher year than normal, but Astrid still wanted to get the tree decorated. As hard as it was, however, she did obey when Hiccup told her to stay in the main room of the forge as he went into his workshop.
She was trying to figure out why Hiccup was bringing out a stack of shields. Her face turned from one of confusion to one of awe and wonder when she saw the designs on the shields. Much like the ornate shield he had made for himself, these shields had silhouettes of the different types of dragons. The only difference were that these shields were made of wood instead of Gronckle Iron. The colors of the background of the shields matched the colors of the dragon's class in the Book of Dragons.
"Wow, Hiccup," Astrid began, still taking in the beauty that was these shields, "these are amazing. I love the fact that you put the different silhouettes on them, to make each one unique. What were you planning on using them for?"
"I was thinking we could put them on the tree in the square. It could be kind of a new tradition. This way the dragons can be on the tree as well, just without the risk of it breaking or being set on fire."
"That is a great idea. When did you get the time to make these?" Astrid asked. However, as soon as she looked at Hiccup, she realized her mistake.
"In the weeks after my dad died, I couldn't really sleep well. So I figured I might as well be productive and started making these shields."
Astrid set down the two shields she was holding and took the shields out of Hiccup's hands and put them on the ground as well. She then hugged him and said, "Happy Snoggletog, Hiccup." Before releasing from the hug, she gave him a kiss on the cheek. "Let's go get these on the tree while we still have light."
They walked out to the town square, each holding four shields, and started putting them on the tree. Astrid would toss one in the air and shout, "Stormfly, spine shot!" and Stormfly's barb would secure the shield on the tree. They had about three shields hung up when Snotlout walked over to them.
"What are those designs on the shields?" he asked.
"They are dragon silhouettes. Much like the one of Toothless on my shield, but these are made out of wood instead of Gronckle Iron," Hiccup responded.
"How did you get those?" Snotlout questioned.
"Hiccup made them and thought that it would be nice to include them on the tree," Astrid answered.
"Why aren't you guys putting the normal shields on the tree?" Snotlout asked.
"Because I thought it would be nice to try something new. A lot of changes have happened this year and I thought it would be nice to show it on the tree with different shields," Hiccup explained.
"Well," Snotlout began, "If I were chief, I would stick to traditions, especially in these changing times."
It was everything Hiccup could do to not just go up and punch him, similar to how he punched him on the Edge.
Keep an eye out for Chapter 2!
