Chapter 2, Welcome to Berk
"Hiccup! Hiccup!" I woke up by the sound of a large thump coming from the other side of my chamber door.
"Ye-, yea dad give me a sec." I said falling out of my bed. Quickly I put on my prosthetic leg on my left, and quickly ran to my door to see my dad greeting me with his usual morning stern face.
"Umm good, good morning dad how can or what is it that you need." I said still trying to wake up and forcing a professional look.
"By the Gods Hiccup why are you not ready yet?" Said Stoick walking in uninvited.
"Umm, maybe because I was asleep," I said with my cheeks puffed out.
"Have you forgotten we will be having a guest over today?"
"Guest no, no I do not believe I was told about it, wait who?"
"Sandy and North's son prince Jack Frost from the Northern Kingdom, I told you three days ago over at the dinner table." He said turning around tossing clothes out of my dresser and closet.
"Here wear this." He said giving me a loose light green silk pants, with a white shirt and a brown button up vest with gold buttons, the vest is out lined a dark shade of green and the top left of the vest has a night fury stitched on.
"O common dad I can't wear this, I look ridiculous."
"Well its better than dressing in that stable boys rags that you wear every day."
"I help Gobber at the forge everyday dad I really do not think that fine fabrics are the appropriate attire."
"And yet every day at the forge is cutting time with your training with your sword." I know too well that arguing with my dad will not get me anywhere and the only way to work with his orders is to accept it and do the work in a way that is not too miserable.
"Now go to the bathhouse and clean yourself." Said Stoick leaving the room. I walked out of my room with the clothes under my left armpit making a clicking noise echo through the hall with my prosthetic leg. I took a right passing rooms and portraits of my father and my decease mother. I brush the idea of my mom out of my head and focus on the paintings of champions dueling each other and dragon riders that have fought battles or posing with their armored dragon. Most of the frames are handmade wood from far out lands that is outlined gold and silver and some that are embroider with the combination of silver and sapphires or gold and rubies. As I entered the royal bathhouse I looked up to the ceiling and see the light seeping through the rectangular windows on the side of the triangular ceiling walls and six tall windows, three on each side of the room, to me it looks to be about eleven feet high and I'm guessing seventy inches wide? It really does not matter too many besides to those that constructed the royal bathhouse and the main reason I took upon learning such trifles is just a mere sense of boredom. My favorite part of this room is the waterfall that is connected to the right side of the room; I walked towards the fall and sat down on one of the rocks that have been carved to a shape of a chair that was inside a "C" shape cave that the waterfall. Looking through the side of the cave where the water from the fall does not wish to conceal there was a circular hole on the side. I looked through the hole and set my gaze pass the eleven feet window where I can see the docks, and patches of snow here and there. I closed my eyes for a bit to the sound of the falls and the gulls outside screeching at the annoyed angler for their daily catch.
"You look at peace Hic,"
"Ahh Astrid what, what are you doing in here?" I said covering myself.
"Just like you Haddock I was sadly dragged by my father about this congregation of the berserkers. Apparently from what Fishlegs has told me all the Jarls are starting to fear the berserkers and their rise of power over the land and has decided to converse with Stoick and other outland ambassadors. In fact the berserkers wrath has spread throughout the land of Thadus that the kingdom of Thanes have sent about four representatives' to some bearing news that the berserkers have gain some sort of new weapon. As well I heard king North has sent his son Jack with Sandy on the unprecedented matter of refugees that are forced into the Northern Kingdom."
"Well that's nice and all but what about Val De Lion?"
"Nah those snobs are too busy with their civil war that they see the berserkers as nothing but just a group of bandits trying to better themselves from a common barbaric horde," She said looking at me through the circular hole on the side of the cave.
"So are you ready to see the young prince Jack from the Northern Kingdom?" she said sarcastically in a regal tone.
"Sure it's not like I'll have to give him the tour of the castle or anything, I mean as long he is not in my way then all is good with me." I said closing my eyes and laying my head back on the stone chair.
"Yea about that….you kinda have to."
"Say what?" I said opening one of my eye.
"Stoick wanted me to let you know that you will be giving a tour of the castle and maybe the land to Jack, apparently it's his first time leaving the boundaries of the Northern Kingdom or castle Hailstrom in general."
"Ugg…well at least I have a bit of time for myself."
"Yea their ship had already arrived."
"What?! Already? What in the name of oblivion."
"Yep, their ship is right there," she said pointing out the window to a galleon. Its main sail embroidered a big moon, and snowflake right under the moon and the sails of the ship is in deep blue, the ship appears to be made of ironwood and blood oak, understanding ironwood trees that only grow in cold desert regions but the blood oak is of unfamiliarity.
"Yep, that my friend is the S.S. Sleigh, the fastest ship the Northern Kingdom has ever made and they just docked so you have enough time to get ready." She said leaving the royal bathhouse.
"O and another thing the other Jarls are here and yes Snotlout, Fishlegs, and the twins are here as well." Said Astrid sticking her head out the door, she left closing the big wooden door behind her. I slowly dunked my body to the cool water trying to fathom the idea that not only I have the Prince to entertain but Snotlout and the twins as well. At least Fishlegs will behave himself, he's usually at the library or lab trying to learn more on well anything let alone Snotlout wanting to go out to the woods and trap some wild dragons and game. I hurried and finish my soak and gotten dress with the clothes my dad has given me, I left the room in a fast walk doing my best of not wrinkling my clothes or sweat under the idea of all the things I will have to put up with. Passing the dining hall my stomach rumbles to the smell of fresh bread, cheese and wine, which gave me the incentive to grab a small chunk of cheese from a servant girl without her knowing. As I quicken my pace, I took one big bite of the cheese, placing the bitten cheese on a silver platter that carries silver goblets full of elderberry wine that one of the servants is carrying. I picked up one of the goblet and taken in one mouthful of wine and chewed on a complementary mint leaf that was right next to the wine, I quicken my walk towards the great doors of the castle where my dad was patiently waiting for me.
"I see that everything is in order here," said my dad smiling at me. The great doors opened and there entered five royal guards in armor carrying a spear a spear by their side. I glance to their sword by their side as well their silver shields with the imprint of the Northern Kingdom on the front. The knights drags along their deep blue cape that was outlined with gold silk and once they were in line one of the knight enchanters walked in wielding a spear and has a rapier on both left and right side of her waste. The knight was in heavy steel like silver armor with an ice wyvern like helmet and a deep blue cape that is outline with silver silk, behind the knight was a short man with frizzled golden hair and another man in a nice uniform. I recognize Sandy in past when he came over visiting and negotiating supplies with my dad as well his handler. Behind Sandy was a boy about my age that I do not recognize and standing behind him is another knight enchanter. The boy was just a bit taller than me with white hair and pale slim skin, his attire is the same as mine besides the dark blue pants and his button up jacket that was also dark blue but has a bit of a sparkling look to it like the gods have embroidered the nebulas on his attire. The buttons on his jacket was onyx black and he carries his ruff wooden staff in one hand and rest his other hand on the satchel, my father raised both arms up high in a very greeting and enthusiastic manner.
"Ahh my dear friend Sandy it's been awhile," Sandy did a bit of sign language and the translator responds.
"It's good to see you to my old friend we have a lot to talk about but first let me introduce you to Prince Jack Frost son of King North,"
"So you are Jack Frost, it is a pleasure seeing you," said my dad grasping his oversize harry hand on the prince and shaking the boy's hand vigorously.
"Nice to see you to my lord."
"Nonsense you can call me Stoick, O and this is my son Hiccup Horrendous Haddock the third," said my dad pulling me towards him, and holding both of my shoulders behind me.
"Umm how, how you do?"
"Good, it's nice to see you lord Hiccup," said Jack lowering his head with a friendly smile.
"Hiccup here will give you a tour of the castle and if you want the island, o, and the servants will carry your luggage to your rooms and as for you my good friend let's go to my chambers we have a lot to talk about," Sandy replied in sign
"Indeed we do my good friend," replies the translator followed by three royal knights and knight enchanter followed both my dad and Sandy to the meeting room upstairs.
"So um this way to the tour I guess," I said very sheepishly. We both walk out of the main chamber followed by the two royal knights and the knight enchanter, we followed a cobble stone pathway to a big gate that is guarded by two champions in steel plated armors and scale like chainmail, looking up top of the gate bore a sign "The Dragons Den." Once we pass the gate and other dragon riders, we made our way into the cave that lead down a wide spiraling staircase. The closer we've gotten the louder the roars of the dragons of both small and large grew, once we have reach the ground flour the flour was starts to turn from stone to dirt as we headed closer to the dens.
"This here is the dragons den where the dragons rest, eat and well do their business while the dragon riders rest, congregate, and are entertained up stairs," I said holding my arms out to the multiple massive dens of dragons playing, sleeping, and roaring with one another.
"Wow, now you don't see dragons every day in the Northern Kingdom, I actually like the torches on the side of the cave, it feels natural," said Jack.
"You don't have torches in the Northern Kingdom?"
"We do but going into the populated areas requires a lot of torches and braziers, and well from what I can tell you the snow melts into water and puddles and when night comes with no snow fall water turns to ice and people well falls really hard. So we use enchanted lanterns that produce no heat,"
"Well at least you guess have light bu-." Out of no-where, a black dragon ran towards me and jumps on me knocking me of balance and licking my face while I am on the ground.
"Easy boy easy can you not see that we have a guess in the room? This is Toothless he is my personal dragon," I said trying to get up and petting Toothless head.
"Does everyone here in this kingdom have their own dragon?" said Jack.
"No only Jarls and their kids can have one, o and the dragon riders, making sure that the people don't own one just helps insure that people won't abuse the dragons or start a revolution using one them but people are allowed to have a small dragon like a house pet." Toothless hops his way to the entrance of the cave hoping that I will do his daily fly.
"Sorry boy we have to skip the flying for today," I said. Toothless face turned to a frown but I made it up by throwing a salmon that I gotten from a basket and throwing it on the floor where Toothless without hesitation ate the salmon with greed.
"Where does that door lead to?" Said Jack pointing to a wooden gate on the side of the wall.
"Well that is where the Jarls and their kids keep their dragons where they are personally taken care of by royal servants instead of the apprentice riders." Once we exit the dragons den, we continue the tour heading to the back of the castle where there was another dock with heavily armed ships.
"This is the emergency dock, in case we have to evacuate the island we take the people here and well set sail somewhere safer and behind that small wall is the training court where the champions train, and dragon riders duel or train." As we made our way into the empty court, I heard a familiar voice that has sucked the possible joy that I never even thought I had left in me.
"Well, well it's good to see you again Hiccup." I turned around to see Snotlout walking in the court carrying his sword.
"Ahh yes this is Snotlout one of the Jarls son," I said with a distasteful tone.
"So this is Prince Frost, you look less than a warrior and more of a peacock from Val De Lion, just like Hiccup here," said Snotlout nudging his sword at me.
"Snotlout just-." Before I could say anything Jack jumps-in.
"Well I may look like a peacock, but at least I don't look like some wild boar," said Jack smiling at Snotlout.
"O and what are you going to do beat me up with that hooked twig in your hand? You lanky bird shit. I mean that thing has not seen any battles." He said walking back and forth on the court.
"And you think you are any better?
"I have fought many battles against bandits and the berserkers I will not hesitate to cut you down Prince Frost," he said in a mocking tone, I was prepared to stop Jack and continue with this dreadful tour but Jacks guards slowly steps in preparing themselves to un-sheath their blades and spears on Snotlouts stupid comment.
"Well." Said Jack moving his hand in front of his guards. "At least my hooked twig has seen more battles with dames than you're rusted blade." I cup my hand over my mouth trying to contain my laughter to what Jack has just said.
"So that's how it's going to be, come on let's see what you got." Moreover, without hesitation Snotlout ran towards Jack, with his sword ready to make a strike. Jack calmly turns to his side and trips Snotlout with the curve part of his staff. Jack steps back a few steps and aims his staff at Snotlout. Slowly Snotlout gotten up and walks towards Jack but Jack's staff started to glow blue and a bolt of frost shot strait out of his staff and nocking his sword out of his hand causing the blade to be covered by frost on the stone court. Snotlout ran towards Jack, pulls out a curve dagger behind his back, and started thrashing towards Jack, Jack leaps back and starts to dodge and blocking Snotlouts attack. Snotlouts blade finally met Jacks staff and both eyes met in dead lock like hounds preparing to fight over food. Without hesitation, Jack kicked him in the stomach and hit the hooked part of his staff on his face knocking him to the ground, Snotlout stood up one last time to only to be interrupted by his father who is yelling out his name for his help.
"This is not over," said Snotlout walking back inside.
"Bye," said Jack waving his hand in the air. "Well he seems nice," he said turning to me with a smile.
"What the hell was that?" I said looking at Jack.
"O, well I'm not much of the fighting type so I do my best to stun my opponents; I prefer not to kill but just harming them."
"No not that, starting fights."
"Well he insulted me and it was probably better for me to fight him instead of my guards, so shall we continue while the bore is licking his wound?"
"Well whatever that was," I said following Jack, "I truly enjoyed it," I said smiling at him. I show Jack the library, main hall, and talk about the royal bathhouse and how the nocturnal dragons would warm up the water at night and in the morning the water would be cool while the dragons sleep. I show him to his room in the guest wing where his clothes are neatly placed by the servants. In not long the bells rang five times indicating dinner, we both made our way to the dining hall and sat next to each other at the dining table. The long table was full of lamb, potatoes, meat on a spit, bread and cakes, servant's walks around the table carrying trays full of wine and ale. The twins are fighting each other as usual, Fishlegs was reading his book on grooming gronckles while Snotlout seems to have forgotten of what happen today and focusing his attention towards impressing Astrid with his tales of catching dragons and how his muscles would save his life in which Astrid who really was not impress nor cared. My dad and Sandy talks, while the other Jarls congregate one another about the crisis of a war between them and the massive berserker tribes that united together by some unknown new chieftain, after dinner Jack went back to his room while Jack's and Sandy's guards patrolled the guest hallway and court yard. A few hours pass and the whole castle was asleep, the sound of crickets fills the air while the docks echo by the sound of bells coming from the ships. I made my way to the bathhouse, slowly took off my towel and place it by the side of my clothes I went inside the cave of the waterfall and slowly daze off in the warm bubbling water, all was quiet and bliss until a familiar voice broken the stillness.
"Hiccup what are you doing here?" I turned my attention to the voice and to my surprise Jack, is there sticking his head out of the water.
"O huuh hi, hi Jack I should ask you the same thing?" I said blushing and covering my thin weak body.
"Well we don't exactly have bathhouses in the Northern Kingdom; we tend to have our own particular bathtubs in our room," said Jack. Jack slowly stood all the way, up to where the water level only covered his pelvis to his legs; he slowly walks towards the circular window in the cave and looks through the big windows.
"Man I'm not used to seeing all this lights at night, especially the night sky, full of stars and colors, I mean I can see a bit of red and purple and blue mixed up with the stars. Most of the time it's just snow, mountain and a dirty sky, if I look to the other side of my balcony window I can see the glaciers and the ocean unless the snow falling," Jack turns around and slowly sunk his body in the hot water only exposing his head. "So Hic, I suppose you're not as comfortable as I am taking public baths?" I blush to what he said; I mean it is true that I am a bit insecure of my body, even though the bathhouse separated between boys and girls.
"A bit I mean it's just that we Vikings tend to have strong bulky body and I'm just here with my weak frail body, that is how I got the name Hiccup,"
"O please you look perfectly fine to me I mean look at me,"
"O common Jack your body is not too weak or plain out muscle you have the perfect beautiful body," I quickly shut my mouth after realizing what I just said, a few awkward seconds pass that has encourage me to make my escape. "Alright guess it's getting late I better get to bed," I said quickly wrapping the towel around my body.
"Yea your right I was here for a while now," said Jack proceeding to wrapping the towel around himself. I got out leaving a wet trail behind me as Jack follows me out of the hot pool in the same general direction; Jack took a few more steps and ends up slipping and losing his grip on his towel, he falling on me I lose my grip and my towel slips off with all the excitement. We both laid on the floor naked when I turn myself around I saw Jack's face looking at me, we both stared at each other ignoring the fact that both of our naked body is touching each other, all I could do was stare at his beautiful blue eyes least of all getting up. When we both realize what happen both of us quickly gotten up. Jack quickly grabbed his clothes while I did the same in a hurry to hide my erection. "I better get going," said Jack fully clothed.
"Yea me to," I said hurrying to my clothes on. We both exit the bathhouse without looking each other directly in the eyes. When I entered the safe haven of my chambers, I laid flat on my bed.
"Why was my heart pounding so hard when I saw his blue eyes, and why am I hard?" I said looking at my erection. I can't get the idea out of my head that we fell on each other naked, I proceed by lifting up my night shorts to see my erection again at full, I grab my pillow and squish it to my face right after I had come to my most upsetting conclusion.
"O gods am I in love with him?"