-Chapter 13-

Joy and Hardship

Astrid woke early the next morning. She had slept soundly there in Hiccups arms, but once she began to stir and the excitement of her wedding started to set in, she couldn't be still any longer.

She lifted herself from Hiccups chest where she had been nestled, the arm that was loosely placed over her shoulder falling in his sleeping state.

"I'm going home." She whispered, kissing his forehead sweetly.

He grumbled and twitched his nose as she began to remove herself from him further. Rolling onto his side and giving her his freckled back instead. She leaned up against him to whisper in his ear.

"You know, to get ready for our wedding." She grinned as she watched the corner of his mouth tug up in a smile. "Love you." She whispered having to tear herself from him in that moment.

He mumbled his response before promptly falling back into a deep sleep.

Astrid took a deep breath as she walked out into the cold morning, the sun having not yet risen, the calm before the storm.

But by Odin would it be a fantastic storm.

They had set up the ceremony on the cliff side of Berk. Family, friends, and dragons gathered for the event. Smiling and crying, but mostly smiling, faces ready to welcome the couple.

Astrid's heart thundered as she approached the congregation, all eyes turning to face her as she walked forward. Hiccup was there just before the crowd waiting to walk his bride up to where Gothi would officiate the ceremony. Astrid admired Hiccup in his white tunic with gold accents, and chiefs furs, the gold cuffs around his wrists clanked against the ones around her own as he took her hand.

Hiccup took note of the fur coat over her own shoulders, white, with depictions of a nadder on the medallions that held it in place. But what really took his breath away was that her hair was down and dawned with a crown of flowers much like his own.

"You look... " He was at a loss for words as they walked towards Gothi.

"You too." She smiled and nudged him.

They stood and faced each other, the fond smiles they shared obvious to everyone.

At Gothi's silent request, they joined hands letting the elder place the marital tapestry over their joined hands wrapping them twice.

Astrid and Hiccup both took in a deep breath, gazing at each other. Gothi used her staff and tapped the couples hands thrice, officiating their union.

Their family and friends cheered, dragons roared, and Hiccup couldn't help himself but to disconnect their hands and pull her into a chaste kiss.

Astrid and Hiccup both smiled vibrantly as they gazed upon their people. As Chief and Cheiftess.

The village was buzzing with excitement as they ushered into the great hall. A feast had been prepared to celebrate the union, Hiccup and Astrid sat at the head of the Chiefs table, their hands never leaving each other.

Sitting with their joined family, Valka and Gobber at Hiccup's left and Brenna with Dustin at Astrid's right, she felt her heart swell. She squeezed Hiccups hand tighter and touched their shoulders together.

An area had been cleared at the forefront of the hall for dancing, and a band had been playing throughout the night. But only once the mead and ale was flowing did anyone actually begin to dance. Smiling and laughing joyously, letting out shouts when the music peaked. It was fun to watch, and Hiccup would have been content to do so and just sit with his wife, but it seemed she had other plans.

Astrid had to drag Hiccup to join in but once he was there they danced well into the night. Their feet were sore before either was even beginning to think of sitting down. However, they remained there instead slowly swaying as drunken Vikings danced circles around them.

"Well Milady, how is married life treating you?" He smiled holding onto her waist as they continued to dance.

"So far?" Her cheeks were rosy from mead and the heat, they had both long since abandoned their coats. "Wonderfully." She swooned, Astrid Hofferson- no Haddock, swooned. Melting into her husbands chest.

"Is that the mead talking?" He teased receiving a lighthearted punch to his shoulder.

"Yes. No, just a little bit. But more so it's the love my husband has shown me every moment since we married." She spoke honestly, making the tips of Hiccups ears go red.

"Sounds like a great guy." He joked swaying her a little farther to one side and then the other.

"He is, he really is- Hiccup-" She cut herself off by kissing him repeatedly over the cheeks, lips, and chin.

"Hiccup! Astrid!"

Astrid turned her head lazily at hearing their names and so did Hiccup. Smiling when they saw Eret coming their way. He placed a hand to Hiccups shoulder when he reached them looking between the two of them seriously.

"It's Heather, for real this time." He told them his words eliciting brighter smiles from the both of them. "She went into labor shortly after the ceremony." He informed them.

Five hours ago, Hiccup voices mentally, not really sure where that stood on the normality of labor.

"Astrid, she's not doing well." That thought sobered her.

"What?" Astrid's smile fell and she relinquished her grip on Hiccups sleeve.

"She asked not to interrupt your evening, but it's not getting any better and she's struggling." There was sympathy in his voice clearly not wanting to interrupt them either, but acknowledging the need to.

"She's at my moms?" Astrid confirmed and when Eret confirmed the three of them were hastily making their way out the door.

Hiccup watched his wife disappear up the stairs, her wedding gown flowing after her and his heart clenched in anticipation. He could only stand by and watch, pray to Frigga that she would spare his friend.

Astrid was at Heathers side promptly along with Eret.

"W-why are you here?" Heather questioned through her pain, then looked to Eret. "I told you-" A scream tore through her as another contraction hit. She was left panting helplessly weakly accepting Astrid's hand on hers.

"Why wouldn't I be here? I want to meet my niece or nephew." Astrid hazily smiled.

"Have you been drinking?" Heather questioned smelling her breath.

"Only a little, it is my wedding." Astrid smiled as Heather sighed.

"Gods I wish I could drink right now." She moaned as a smaller contraction seized her.

"Push this baby out. Then we'll talk." Brenna told her from her spot between Heather's Legs.

Heather nodded weakly, looking like death once more. Eret and Astrid assisted in leaning her forward so she could bear down better. Another contraction seemed to be coming.

"Alright. 1. 2. 3. Push!"

Heather delivered the baby a few hours later looking worse for wear.

"It's a girl." Brenna announced after cleaning the baby off and wrapping her in a blanket.

She handed her to Eret who gaped at the little girl in his arms. Heather smiled weakly and peered at her daughter over Eret's arm.

"Erika." Heather croaked and Eret smiled.

"Erika, daughter of Eret, granddaughter of Eret." He whispered quietly and Astrid smiled through misty eyes at the sight.

She wanted to go tell Hiccup the news, but didn't want to leave Heather's side just yet. She looked so vulnerable and weak.

"Eret?" Heather spoke raising her arms for her baby.

Eret placed the babe into her arms and tears prickled on the surface of her eyes.

"My beautiful baby... Erika." She cooed letting the baby's tiny hand grasp her shaky finger.

Heather let out a deep breath and her breath eyes closed. They let her have her peace, holding her baby snuggly. It wasn't until Eret went to remove the baby from her arms that he realized something wasn't right. Astrid wasn't far behind.

"Heather?" Eret called, lifting Erika to his chest.

Astrid's eyes were glued on her chest. Which refused to rise with her breathing.

"Heather!" Eret yelled, startling Erika and causing her to begin wailing.

Brenna pushed her daughter aside and laid her head on Heather's chest listening for a heart beat.

There was none. Heather was gone.