The Great Hall the largest building on Berk aside from the Mead hall was further up the hill. The path was muddy from the heavy rains. As Hiccup pushed into the warm chamber with an enormous table in the center he noticed the smell first. Wet people, only slightly better than wet yak grimacing he elbowed his way through the dense crowd. Bobbing and weaving at the open meeting being held for everyone of age on Berk that could attend.

Which technically, missing a Rite of Passage he wasn't supposed to attend. Thankfully everyone more or less let him alone, though Mildew sometimes threw a fit when the old ass got bored. He always went anyways more as a habit from when Stoick was trying to shape Hiccup into a halfway reasonable Chief.

Hiccup whipped his sweaty palms off on his tunic. Taking a deep breath he marched up to Olaf Hofferson. Astrid was right he didn't have time anymore he needed to take action.

"Sir?" Hiccup spoke bringing out every ounce of chief he could muster as he looked the man in the eye, "I would like to speak to you."

A knowing look crossed Olaf Hofferson's face. Nodding he agreed, "Yes I suspected you would; after the meeting then?"

Nodding Hiccup scooted off to the side where he could clearly see the main table but was not close enough that anyone could really see him. Berk's official counsel was gathered around the massive table with Stoick standing at the head of it.

His ex-father was standing at the front of the table with Snotlout on his left hand side. Beside Snotlout sat Fishlegs with the laws of Berk carefully piled before him. While Hiccup was on his journey Snotlout had taken to inviting the smarter Viking to these meetings. A little while later Fishlegs was welcomed with an official position as the Master Scribe earning his epithet. While Snotlout hardly listened to Fishlegs it showed that the moron was at least trying to be more strategic. Either way Snotlout's new position as heir also seemed to end his cousin's bullying. Hiccup decided to see that as a good sign for Berk.

On Stoic's other side sat the familiar group of all the generals and further down the line the heads of all the families

Privately he loved watching his father work. As much loathing had bubbled from being disowned he couldn't help but match it inch for inch with admiration and love.

Once upon a time his father had meant the world to Hiccup, he was everything Hiccup had aspired so hard to be and the majority of his childhood prayers. It was bitter truth; he would forever wish his father loved him more. No matter how much his heart ached to be noticed and listened to some things couldn't change. And Hiccup knew at a young age that he had to earn his father's love, and had never measured up just enough to make the mark. Sometimes parents just don't love their children like they are supposed to. And no matter how hard he tried it wouldn't change. Another thing the epics Hiccup loved as a child lied about.

His father's voice commanded silence ringing over the low murmuring of the villagers. His massive bear cloak swinging as he stood clasping his hands together rubbing them. His eyes briefly met Hiccup's and lingered for a few heart beats before moving on leaving both of them wondering when the last time they saw each other face to face.

Sure they saw each other sometimes in passing, but rarely. With Hiccup not inventing he stopped causing problems. No problems, no need for the chief to go seek his ex-son out.

"As you know the Thing will upon us in a fortnight. Most of the hostels are up, but we need to hurry to make sure all accommodations are up and sealed for the winter. Unfortunately this winter looks to be early so I want to start storing food and preparing for the winter now. Let's get this done efficiently, grains in nice and dry area. This harvest season was not a bountiful as we have had before, everyone will have to tighten their belts a bit."

A chorus of groans rose from the hall.

"Aye I'm not pissing the pot for joy either. This means we fight harder and put every ounce of stubbornness to use. No dragons make off with our food and this winter will be manageable. There is less to go around so I want every single one of you to test your metal against these beasts."

Hiccup chuckled at the unintended pun. Around him Vikings guff and throaty cheers of agreement filled the room as if the dragons where there to hear their determination.

"More importantly, we are well fed to all the other tribes. We are host the first Thing in 5 years because of the dragon raids. We need to show our allies we are strong and sure, we need to remain ideal allies especially with this new threat."

The hall fell silent aside from the crackling, as Stoick slumped over the table slamming his hands on the solid wood "As you all surely have heard that Berserkers did not renew their treaty with us. They have done nothing as of yet to be openly aggressive. I have not heard anything about the affairs of the other tribes."

The news was troublesome. Leaning back Hiccup bit his lip his hand fiddling with the edge of his tunic as his mind raced. He listened carefully at his chiefs next words.

"Furthermore, the rumour that the Berserkers have allied with the Outcasts is still rumours. However I have good evidence to suggest they have been working with the dragon hunters of the far north. This means they may be allies."

"I wouldn't hold too much hope with a chief whose name is Deranged" Spitelout spoke up scoffing with Gobber snorting from beside Spitelout.

Hiccup silently agreed his mind racing through what he knew about the man. He caught Heather growling from beside her husband, Fishlegs rubbing soothing circles over his wife's back. He pillaged her island and killed her foster parents. Hiccup himself knew the man to be volatile and had the worse mood swings. He had a horrible temper. Hiccup had been on the receiving end of that temper enough times to know. Worse was Dagur was unpredictable. For all the time Hiccup had been forced to spend with Dagur Hiccup still wasn't sure if Dagur wanted to kill him or befriends. Hiccup decided for Dagur the deranged rejecting all offers of friendship.

Besides he wasn't Heir, he didn't have to deal with Dagur anymore it was one of the things Hiccup actually enjoyed about being dishonoured.

The chief began to divide up the duties to prep for winter and the Thing across the village naming a leader as the Vikings passed around lots to divide up the work.

Hiccup grabbed one of the blue painted sticks that was passed to him fiddling with it, he was on harvesting duty. Cleaning the fields for winter and getting all the food to the people on preserving duty before any of it rot.

They all waited for all the lots to be passed around. Hiccup wasn't paying much attention his mind whirling about the implications of the Berserker and Outcasts allying. Together they would have a massive armada and insider knowledge of the island. Alvin may have not ever lived on Berk during Hiccup's life time but he had once lived on the island.

Hiccup rubbed his hair catching Astrid's curious gaze. Shaking his head slightly he ducked his head leaning against the cold wall scowling his fingers twitching and twirling his charcoal pencil.

If they were allies they would have a massive fleet easily enough to split the fleet at least by three. Berk is protected by the west from the cliffs and massive sea stacks that made sailing nearly impossible because of the winds and waves.

The south by Thor's beach was open. With a few fishermen having summer homes there. During the winter the winters where horrible and blizzards and storms wreckage the beaches followed by flooding in early spring. During the summer and autumn it was fairly easy to navigate.

Meaning the most logical attacking point would be to divide the fleet and attack during the autumn or mid-spring. Autumn wouldn't work because of the Viking tribes that where on their way. Berserker would know not to attack while alliances are being redrawn, Dagur wasn't stupid enough to tempt that, though Alvin probably was. Flooding would let the boats hid better in the foliage if it was a smaller fleet. The prefect job for Outcasts who were already familiar with the island, made even better by the Berserkers with the larger fleet splitting in half taking the left and right of the village.

Jerked back into the conversation he realised he had missed a good half hour of discussion. They were back to discussing when the probable attack would happen.

"We are weakest at autumn that would be the best time for them to strike. They may attack before the Thing." Spitelout was arguing.

"Spring" The words slipped out before Hiccup could stop, "They will attack in spring, and probably in 3 directions."

The hall fell silent. Blushing Hiccup pushed his way to the map pointing out his thoughts.

"Dagur isn't stupid. Alvin would attack but Dagur knows that an attack before the Thing would strengthen alliances between tribes." Hiccup argued ignoring the scowls he was receiving, "But if he quit alliances with some of our allied tribes but not all would drive a wedge between our tribes; particularly these ones."

He circled around berk crossing off some tribes, "These ones he would keep an alliance with, either because they are close or have a large enough fleet to aid us."

Hiccup tapped his pencil skimming over the map, "Outcasts have the smaller fleet; but, Alvin and Savage where from Berk; they know the island. The best place to land in on the south eastern side of the island."

He skimmed around with the charcoal pencil drawing arrows, "The flooding of Thor's Beach in spring brings the water line up to the trees, but the storms are calmer than winter. Smaller sailing boats could easily paddle into the foliage dock and bring a force through the southern half of the island."

Hiccup peered at the counsel many where scoffing. Frustration burned through his chest.

"What would you know about war boy?" Hoark scoffed but Fishlegs stood shaking his head.

"You are over estimating Dagur Hiccup." Gobber said dismissing, "Alvin and Dagur wouldn't think to do a plan like that."

"Dagur isn't stupid." Hiccup snapped back, "He's clever but proud, he wouldn't do the sneaking himself but even he knows to cover his ass. The Berserker have the larger fleet they can take a frontal assault. If they are allied with the Outcast Dagur is going to take advantage of what strengths he can."

"You're not even supposed to be at these meetings" Snotlout grumbled "Let alone raving on at them with your stupid ideas."

"Have you ever even had an idea Snotlout? Or is that too much for your pebble brain to handle?" Hiccup snarled back before he could catch his tongue.

"HEY!"

"Lad!" Gobber hollered over Snotlout's outrage. Hiccup rolled his eyes putting the charcoal pencil on the map throwing his hands up.

"Ok got the memo." Hiccup backed off turning to go back to his corner. His eyes caught Fishlegs' careful form studying the map he turned and slowly flipped through his papers.

Hiccup only half listened to the rest of the meeting out of spite. As the meeting was called he found Olaf Hofferson waiting for him. He followed the man out into the cold night air into the light drizzle and heavy mist.

Hiccup's heart was pounding against his chest. He was sure Olaf could hear it. Quickly they descended into the Hofferson home. A small fire was burning with a chair nearby. Olaf pulled a barrel up for Hiccup to sit.

Younger brother Hansen scurried by and handed both Hiccup and Olaf a mug of ale.

"To Frigga may she grant us joy and the wealth of love" Olaf toasted

"Frigga"

Hiccup took a generous swing feeling his left leg begin to jitter with his nervous energy. Whipping a sweaty palm on his trousers he began.

"Thank you sir" He swallowed. Taking a deep breath he envisioned his father's strength and focused on emulating that. Gathering he courage he spoke evenly meeting Olaf's gaze evenly, "I asked to speak with you because I would like to marry your daughter Astrid. Sir, I know I do not have much in the way of wealth or title; but I love your daughter with everything in my soul. I would make sure she is always fed and happy. I will care for her, give my whole arm, heart and brain to see her happy. I have her betrothal gift nearly ready I need another night before I'm finished."

Hiccup fell silent as he finished. He heard the door creak closed and hushed whispers of the rest of the Hofferson household ushering each other back outside waiting for the men to finish their discussion.

"I like you quite a bit Hiccup. You're an honest sort, and I respect you for that." Olaf began slowly, "I will ask you to not interrupt me."

His heart plummeted into the pit of his stomach. A cold began to crawl through his chest constricting his breathing.

"I know you would make my Astrid happy, I don't doubt it. You two have been discrete but only a moron would miss how much you two love each other." Olaf sighed heavily then, "I love my daughter, she and all my children and wife, man to man you understand there is little we wouldn't do to protect them."

Hiccup nodded in agreement unable to shake off the cold dread rolling through his stomach as Olaf continued, "And you understand for the sake of my family who my daughters marry is very important as it reflects on the rest of the Hofferson family name. We Hofferson's are 'fearless' proud and respected.

"Or were. After my brother froze meeting the Nightflare we have all struggled to regain that respect. And for a family as large and poor as we are, in this village we rely on that respect. I do not have the Haddock wealth or status. If you were still a Haddock I'd pushed the marriage long before now. I won't lie because you deserve the truth: I'd like you as my son-in-law especially for Astrid."

Hiccup felt the confusion take over and he must have shown it because Olaf cut straight to the point.

"Unfortunately it's a moron I'm giving her to. I have already agreed on Astrid's marriage to Snotlout. I knew you would eventually ask son, and I want you to know this decision is political." Olaf words cut straight into his aching chest. All the breath left Hiccup his throat turning into ash in mouth, "You have lost your honour, and your name is tarnished. You are not included in the Haddock family name. But more importantly Snotlout Jorgenson is heir."

Hiccup just managed to blink back the tears he could feel swelling behind his eyes.

"This means that Chiefdom goes to the Jorgenson family after Stoic the Vast; if Astrid marries Snotlout then their first born will be heir. For my family that places my family into wealth and respect, for every one of my children and grandchildren. "

Hiccup was sure his heart was torn to shreds lying at his feet. He almost wanted to look down to see if it was actually as it felt. Worse was Olaf Hofferson was right. It made sense.

Snotlout by rights was the better match, especially for Astrid. And she cared about her family, he knew she did. Astrid liked boasting about her older brothers and younger brother and little cousins. To be able to put them in a better standing would mean so much for the many mouths to feed and thin and worn hand-me-downs that everyone in her family wore. All things Hiccup couldn't give her no matter how much he would love to.

All because he couldn't, he wouldn't kill dragons. He was a coward, weak, failure of a Viking.

And he could never prove he was right. No one had to kill dragons, he knew that, but had no way of proving he was right. Not like he could come swaggering into Berk riding on the back of a dragon.

"I don't except the marriage will last after the required time of 5 years." Olaf said, "I know Astrid will divorce Snotlout, but even if she does the family would be secure in standing. After that, if you still love her then by the grace of Frigga you are welcome to share the remainder of your lives for as long as you wish."

Hiccup couldn't speak if he tired he only croaked, "Five years will not change how much I love her sir."

"I know." He frowned, "I know Astrid would never divorce you. And please believe me that I really wish I was sitting here getting to know my son-in-law."

Hiccup felt anger burn through the cold in his chest, "What if I regained my honour?"
"What?"
"What if I killed a dragon and was allowed to reclaim the Haddock family name, who you reconsider?"

It went against everything he believed in.

"Hiccup I've waited these past years for you to do that." Olaf sighed rubbing his face in exhaustion "Astrid is getting too old to wait any longer."

Hiccup pleaded, "Please sir, give me a chance."

"You've had five years for a chance." Olaf scowled, "We all do things in the name of duty. And you will have five more years before you get that chance."

"Until the wedding then" Hiccup interrupted

"Be reasonable."

"I won't give up." Hiccup said riding on the desperate determination, "You said yourself Astrid won't be happy. So give me one more chance to have a chance to make her happy."

"And if you fail?"
Hiccup looked at his hands rubbed his thumb across the scars and burns on his knuckles, "Good enough excuse to go on another voyage."

Olaf took a deep swig of the ale before nodded, "Alright then Hiccup you have till the wedding to win my approval back."

A brand new determination spurred on by the gaping hole that ravaged his heart filled him. Shaking hands with Olaf he turned and marched feeling his frame tremble.

Gods, He was losing her.

He opened the door to see Heather and Astrid standing beside her mother and two older brothers both. They all looked stricken. Heather was rubbing Astrid's back her mother hugging her daughter.

Astrid was crying. It was something Hiccup never thought he would see, and never wanted to again.

Tears slipped down the young man's cheeks. Meekly nodding politely he hurried away with long strides up the dark hill. In the quiet of his own hut Hiccup allowed the dam to break and cried curled in his dirty furs until dawn broke the next morning.

Hiccup was exhausted. His face was swollen and red and no matter how much he washed his face his eyes stayed puffy.

He tuned Gobber out completely and skipped on lunch on the off chance that he saw any of the Hoffersons or Snotlout.

Instead he tuned out his racing mind and let himself numbly do his tasks. Pausing when he heard heavy footsteps stop outside the forge.

"Hiccup?"
Sighing he scowled at Fishlegs. His friend flinched, "Heather told me what happened."

"I'm sure the whole village knows." Hiccup retorted dryly, "Let's think! Three guesses what does it mean when Hiccup the Useless leaves after the meeting with Olaf Hofferson?"

Fishlegs didn't reply visibly cringing at the biting sarcasm as Hiccup spat out his punch line, "Only that Hiccup the Disaster of Berk strikes again!"

Whirling Hiccup chuckled bitterly smacking his forehead, "Whoops almost forgot my place! Can't have that now can we?"

He rounded on his friend unable to stop, "you know I actually thought it would happen? We could be happy together have a little family. But I am deluded as well as Useless! I can't even get permission to marry the woman I have loved for nearly ten years! And you know who I lose her to? My ASS of a cousin!"

Hiccup scoffed loudly stopping around and taking the hammer started pounding on the sword he was straightening with everything he had. He switched to his left hand just so he could hit slam the hammer down harder on the hot metal.

"The worst? He doesn't care about her! He likes her cause she's beautiful!" Hiccup seethed not realizing he was shouting over the clanging of metal. "But nooo! That moron who seems determined to steal everything, EVERYTHING, I love! Well that's just little ol' Hiccup the Useless that strikes again. God damn typical ol' Hiccup thinking he can actually DO something to help, Do something that for once in my GOD damn life that goes RIGHT!"

The sword he was working on shattered as he slammed the hammer down sending deadly shards flying. Diving out of the way Hiccup whirled around roaring in rage flinging his hammer. He didn't hear the yelp and dive for cover Fishlegs Gobber and Ack all did as the hammer went flying towards them. Hiccup was already storming away deep into the forest.

The three men looked at each other and the ruined remains of Ack's sword.

"He's Valka and Stoick's son alright." Ack said slowly as Fishlegs picked up the hammer handing it back to Gobber. Picking up the remainder of his sword Ack chuckled, "That's some rage."

"Sorry about your sword Ack. I'll make yeh a new one free of cost."

Ack chuckled, "Well a deal like that how can a Viking say no?"
"I take it the talk didn't go well?" Gobber said turning to Fishlegs as he started to sweep up the shards

Fishlegs shook his head, "Not at all. Turns out Hiccup had been courting Astrid in secret for about a year now."

"That little twerp never told meh?" Gobber scoffed putting on the heavy apron.

"And last night he asked Olaf Hofferson for her hand and he said no. In the spring Astrid is getting married to Snotlout."

Both of the older Viking winced, "That's must be rough for the lad."

"According to Heather after the required time of the marriage has passed and Astrid is free to divorce Olaf has given Hiccup his permission to marry her then."

Gobber turned around waving his hand hammer, "Oi! That's hardly fair on the lad."

"Or Astrid" Ack added, "I don't think I've even seen a Hofferson hate a Jorgenson more. That wouldn't be a good house for any family."

"Political union" Fishlegs said leaning in, "Heather also said that if Hiccup could return honour to his name before the wedding then Olaf would reconsidered her engagement to Snotlout. The wedding is in spring, so he has around 8 moons to kill a dragon."

Gobber frowned rubbing his moustache as Ack spoke, "Someone ought to give the poor lad a break. He's a good sort, just a shoddy Viking."

"And lass, Astrid more than covers him in that area" Gobber chuckled, "But I agree. Wonder if we can't help?"
"No, that wouldn't gain his honour back; he's on his own for this one." Ack shook his head, "Though I won't be seeing any of those contraptions of his…"

Tapping on his head and winking at Gobber the blacksmith suddenly beamed, "Oh of course Ack, nothing to bother Stoic about at any rate, what's a few harmless dragon killing machines lying about gonna do?"

Ack nodded then, "Well I'll go let some of the folks know there is nothing to see."

"Aye, and I let the man himself know."

Grinning the two older Vikings set off about their various tasks. Smiling Fishlegs left to go let his fiancée know the good news.

The next day Hiccup managed to go back to work in the forge though he was still in a foul mood. Gobber had tried to talk to Hiccup, but the young man just shrugged off any chance of talking. It was uncomfortable and a cold mid-afternoon even the tiny sun peeking through the clouds did nothing to cheer Hiccup up.

He had his head down focused on sharpening Ack's new sword that came out of his paycheck. He heard Snotlout's obnoxious laughter coming down the hill from the chief's house.

He prayed to Odin that Snotlout would keep walking but the crunch of stones stopped right in front of Hiccup. Sighing he looked up putting on his best blank expression.

"What do you want Snotlout?"

His cousin sneered puffing out his chest, "Oh I'm just inviting everyone to my wedding!"

"Yeah heard" Hiccup replied tonelessly, "Congratulations."

"But I also wanted to speak to you about my betrothal gift."

The gods really did hate him. Sighing Hiccup put down the new sword in the done pile turning back to his cousin. Snotlout's tunic looked new and tailored showing off his physic. Short but stout, a solid man, maybe not the best looking but Hiccup wasn't sure how much Viking woman cared about looks anyways. He even had on a black bear skin to show his status within the village, especially with the beautiful silver broach holding the heavy skin over his shoulders. Hiccup hoped that broach tarnished by the end of the day.

Snotlout rubbed his fuzz slowly growing out into a beard sighing dramatically.

"I was thinking something Astrid would like, like an axe or a dagger." Snotlout said, "I mean girls like girly things but this is Astrid, she's almost as cool as me which means a weapon."

"Yeah?" Hiccup raised an eyebrow at his cousin.

Snotlout rolled his eyes, "I wasn't going to ask you, gods above you are an idiot. You know what Astrid likes 'cause your friends and stuff."

Hiccup raised an eyebrow folding his arms, "Oh yeah? Noticed that did you?"

"Hey." Snotlout growled, "I don't need to invite you to my wedding."

"And miss the worse day of my life?" Hiccup replied sarcastically, "Oh Heaven forbid! How will I ever survive!"

"I hate you."

"Come up with that one on your own or did you need help?" Hiccup turned away picking up an axe that needed to be rebalanced badly twirling it in his hands feeling the weight.

"Come on! Man to man I have no idea what to get her!"

"You're on your own Snot." He turned back to the forge beginning to gather the tools he would need, "And don't ask again."

"You're my cousin!"

Hiccup shot Snotlout a dirty look, "Never stopped you from using me as your punching bag before."

"I could always start up again." Snotlout growled, "Look just help me!"

Hiccup briefly considered sabotaging Snotlout with his advice then dismissed it. As much as he would like to, it was still a gift for Astrid and she didn't need his help to hate Snotlout.

"She does like axes and weapons but she also likes pretty things." Hiccup sighed scowling at his cousin, "Nothing sappy but thoughtful. Think you can handle that?"
"Of course I can! I can fake thoughtful!"

"Uh-huh."

Snotlout scowled frowning into his hand, "So… like a golden axe? Weapons are cool and gold is pretty and shit."

Hiccup snorted quickly disguising it as a violent round of coughing. He struggled hard to keep from laughing.

"lt's everything she's ever dreamed of" Hiccup retorted sarcastically, "Who doesn't love an axe that can't hold an edge?"

"Sweet!" Snotlout pumped the air, "Snotlout!Snotlout! OIOIOI!"

When he was a safe distance away Hiccup snorted laughing at his cousin's stupidity. He couldn't wait to tell Astrid Snotlout had gone with the stupid gold axe.

Hiccup froze realising that she was now an engaged woman and he needed to back off for her sake now. If he was seen talking with her too much people might start to question her honour and some villagers would be looking for a bit of gossip. Suddenly all the humour crumbled and scowling bitterly Hiccup went back to beating the shit out the poor unsuspecting axe.

Gobber came out of the back and gave the lad a look before shaking his head and heading back into the back room of the forge.

Hiccup left to have lunch soon after taking his time on the way back. When he got back Gobber was just coming out of the back room dumping a pile of scrap metal on the ground.

The odds and ends clattered. Blinking Hiccup pulled his thick leather apron on tying the strings.

"What's that for Gobber?"
"Odds and ends" Gobber grinned, "I don't have any ideas for it yet, figured between the two of us one of us will find a use for it."

Suspicion crawled over Hiccup and he pointed at the man, "That's funny because I could have sworn I'm not allowed to tinker around."

Gobber shrugged waving with his hammer hand, "Who's to say what I see and don't see? I could have sworn I left my ale somewhere…"

Hiccup didn't say anything. Stupefied he watched his boss fumble around the forge looking for his mug of ale.

"You've been thinking about your dragon problem?" Gobber asked suddenly belching in delight at finding his ale.

He had, actually, since he was 12. To solve his problem though anything less than a Zippleback probably wouldn't work.

Nadders, quick-agile, poisonous spikes but a huge blind spot that made them an easier dragon to take down if you were quiet enough. It'd be enough to clear his name and maybe move back into his father's house but not enough to get any respect for it.

Gronkles, tough-hardy their incredible jaw strength tore apart rock. That would get him for sure back into the village's good graces and defiantly back into his father's house. But Hiccup doubted it would be enough to sway Olaf Hofferson's decision.

Zippleback two-head and exotic was a better chance, harder to take down but had the benefit of having a weaker head that was easier to attack. Though Hiccup doubted his was an aware enough warrior to stay focused on two heads, they tended to need two people to take out and hiccup had to do this alone.

Only the best Vikings went after the Monstrous Nightmare: extremely dangerous, with a nasty habit of setting themselves on fire. If Hiccup could take out one of those alone that would solve so many of his problems; and maybe be enough to win Astrid back.

Snotlout had killed a Monstrous Nightmare during his Rite of Passage; a fact that he certainly hadn't forgotten or let anyone else. But the prestige followed him. That was something Hiccup knew he could only top by killing the one dragon no one had ever seen. The same dragon Hiccup used to be obsessed with killing.

The Night Fury.

That would allow Astrid to marry him no questions, and it may even be enough to make his father proud of him.

It really wasn't a question. He had to kill the Night Fury his conscious be damned. Hiccup was pretty sure he was preventing a homicide anyway. There was no way Astrid wouldn't lose her head and attack Snotlout with her axe. She chased him around waving her axe like a madman a few times before, and she didn't even live with him yet.

Looking at the scrap metal his mind started whirling remembering one of his last inventions something that might just be enough to get the Night Fury in range to kill it. And this time it he would have the right calibration.

"Yeah I've got an idea." Hiccup replied crouching by the scrap metal shifting through it.

His heart drummed and pounded. From the pit of his stomach joy crept up bursting through his rib cage. His mind whirled with an avalanche of repressed ideas.

By Thor he forgot how much he loved inventing. It slammed into him like a dam smashing apart. He had one last chance. He didn't think he could ever stand supressing his urge to invent now that he could feel how much he missed it. Now that the sensation was back he would never be able to forget it again.

Chuckling Hiccup paused rubbing his nose feeling the back of his throat hollow out with unshed tears of joy rippling through him.

He failed after all. He couldn't change who he was, not matter how hard he tried. The little things that made him Hiccup bleed out like a festering wound that couldn't heal.

If he failed he would leave, and this time he wasn't going to be coming back.

Cackles manically.

Some of you saw this coming, and gotta admit I laughed when I read HighKings-Ruin's review.

One of you also requested more information on the Viking culture-ish things that show up in the story. And if there is one thing I love it's being a smartass.

Viking Courting Rituals- According to my research when a man wanted to marry a woman in ancient Norse culture the man would go to the father and offer a bride price which would be the wife's. This bridal price would be hers and in the event they divorced, which was totally acceptable in their culture, she would be given her full bride price back. Also women where allowed to own land so if she bought land with her money she could.

Marriages where mostly political and marrying for passion was exceptionally rare and not really considered a good reason to marry. I'm going to be pretty liberal with this because the movies are. You cannot convince me that Stoick's marriage with Valka was not for love. He as a chief should have remarried after she was taken, and yet he never did. Also like many cultures the marriage could be agreed on without the bride's approval. Like Olaf Hofferson just did to Astrid.

Also I've added a courtship period before the offering of the betrothal gift. It's not actually a Viking custom. Hilariously Viking's didn't court because men where afraid if they tried the woman would turn out to be magic and ensnare their soul.

2) Rite of Passage- I did some research but I couldn't find much so I made up my own. At 15-16 years old the children take Dragon Training and then after they have a year to kill a dragon. This is when they get their epithets.

3) Chiefdom- The Viking's didn't have a feudal system. There was three classes, the lowest where thralls/slaves that where taken during the raids. I have completely excluded this class from Berk, my story argument being: Berk has so many raids that they can't afford to feed someone who is not a warrior in some way. But I also just don't want to write salves into the story.

Next where the working class people, these guys are your average joe. They are called Karls and inculde everyone who is a free-man. This is majority of Berk. These guys are divided by family clans and the big families all have a long house where they all live together. The Hoffersons, Ingerman, Eldrmann are the families I have mentioned that belong to this class.

Lastly there are the Jarls who are the noble class. These people had followers, wealth and land. On Berk this is the Haddock, Jorgensons, and everyone else on the Berk Counsel.

It was possible for people to move between these classes. Karls could become Jarls with enough money and a Jarl could fall if they lost respect.

Chiefs ruled by followers. People swore loyalty to who they wanted to follow. Usually it was hereditary but if someone was say... not all that promising *hiccup* they could look elsewhere for a chief or future chief.

4) Vikings frequently met with other tribes and Chiefs to discuss important things. This happened as often as annually. And yes it is call "Thing" because it is actually ðing, and 'ð' is a voiced 'th' sound.

Wow. That was honestly a lot more than I was expecting to explain. I'm really sorry if anything has been confusing. I will try to clarify things more within the story, I just don't want to break the flow of the writing. I hope this clarifies some of those details I have been neglecting. These are all aspects that will show up repeatedly within the story.

Because the scholar in me is dying here are the main sources I used. Please message me if you want the link to the websites.

1) The Viking Answer Lady, - phenomenal source. Great for students too. Incredibly detailed. This website gets SO much credit for the Viking-esk outline of my story. There is also a really great list of names somewhere on the website that I have used when I was geeking out writing about Tolkien's Dwarves.

2)Hurstwic, - a bit easier to read than Viking Lady. The articles are not as dense and less detail but has a solid description. I used this website for all the political shaping of this story, so I would recommend for that. It also uses the proper Norse spellings and a brief summery of their meanings which is really helpful. A good website and is easier to navigate. Again SUPER helpful! I recommend the article on Social Status because it has a funny story about how the Vikings responded when they where transferring over from Chiefs to Lords and Kings. The Vikings don't bow thing is true and suddenly changing that can be really funny with the right sense of humour!

Sorry for the long AN. I hope that clarifies things.

Thank you so, so much for all the follows and reviews! It's so awesome! you guys rock!

Hope you enjoyed the chapter till next time!