A Son of Ice and Fire
A/N: Wow this chapter went on far longer than I thought. I thought I could be done with the council scene in a page, but it turned out to be the majority of the chapter. Oops. Anyway, looks like I'm doing three Hiccup/Astrid chapters in a row, so I hope you enjoy that :)
Chapter 30: Ruling my way
Hiccup
"HICCUP! HICCUP! Where are yer lad?" I heard Gobber yell from the hallway. I rubbed my eyes, expecting to see the looming shadow of the hefty blacksmith over me any minute. Yet, as the daze cleared, looking up I instantly realised this wasn't my room. Where the hell am I? I tried to sit up, but then I noticed something locked across my chest. What happened last night? Who am I in bed with? The questions soon got answered, as I turned my head to see a still very fast asleep Astrid purring gently in her sleep as she cuddled up to my shoulder. What do I do now? I slowly tried easing out of the side of bed, but somehow, she managed to grip even tighter. I began to peel her arm away again, when I suddenly felt myself being stared at from the doorway. I gingerly raised my head, to see a very confused looking Gobber looking in from the doorway, with crossed arms and his eyebrows raised.
Carefully, I slipped out, and silently creeped to the door. Once the door was closed behind me, I closed my eyes before turning to face the man. I can already guess the expression on his face. And there it is. Like a dog with a bone, he just looked at me with a sprightly grin, before bursting into laughter.
"That didn't take long lad, I'm proud of yer." He teased merrily.
"Gobber! Nothing happened. I wasn't even on the same side of the sheets. Look, fully dressed here. Don't you start blabbing our mouth off. Again." I stated as calmly a I could manage, as he just continuously nodded disbelievingly. "Seriously. Nothing happened."
"I know that Hiccup. I'm just messing with yer. But yer might want to at least explain a bit. Best not to leave me to my imagination." He chuckled.
"Okay. Fine." I replied begrudgingly. "After I showed Heather and mum to their rooms, I checked in on her like I promised them I would do. She was having a nightmare, nearly hurt herself further, so I managed to go in and calm her down. I went to leave, but she asked me to stay until she fell asleep. I stayed with her until then, and after that, I don't know, I must have fell asleep as well." I admitted.
"Always the gentleman, eh lad?" He laughed as I just shrugged my shoulders. "Anyways I'm proud of yer." He beamed, stepping forward and giving me a good old-fashioned shove to the shoulder. Not usually a gesture associated with feelings of happiness and love, but a jab in the shoulder from Gobber is something better than almost anything if you know what it means.
"Thanks, Gobber, I think." I replied, as our eyes met, and I donned a huge smile. "Please don't go sending a raven to father telling him about my first night sleeping with a girl. I know that's the exact thing that you'd do."
"What? Me?" The smith sniggered, feigning a look of hurt at the thought. "I would never do something like that to you Hiccup."
"If you say so old man," I teased. "So, what was it you wanted to see me about this early?"
"Ummm, good question lad." He squinted, with a puzzled look.
"Come on Gobber, it's like seven in the morning. There must be some good reason behind this." I replied, with a hint of annoyance. I'd much rather be back in that bed than stood out here and cold in the corridor. I nervously looked towards the door that I had come out of behind me, then snapped myself out of it back to Gobber. My own bed. Hiccup. Be back in my own bed. I mentally corrected myself. Or lied to myself, that's the best way to put it.
"Oh yeah, I nearly forgot." He finally piped up. "That meeting you asked me to help set up last week, it's happening now. You know, the 'talk plans for the castle moving forward' type meeting. Yer need to be there. It's urgent!"
"WHAT'S URGENT?" Heather asked alarmingly. I quickly span around, to see her and mother walking quickly towards us. Heather was dressed in a green night gown, with deep blue ruffles and collar. Her hair wasn't braided, and her eyes were still half closed. Mum was wearing an all purple dress and silver shoes, and unlike Heather, she looked to have been awake for hours. "ASTRID'S OKAY RIGHT?" I nodded, instantly relaxing her. "I hated leaving her all alone all night." she added regretfully.
"She's fine lass." Gobber stated loudly, clearly not seeing my prompt to zip it. "But she wasn't as alone as you think." He finished with a grin. I sighed heavily, shooting him a glare that told him all he needed to know.
"What's that supposed to…" Heather began to ask, a look of confusion plastered on her face, as I just looked to the sky. Kill me now.
"Hic-cup. Hic-cup." A timid voice sounded in the room behind me. Without hesitation, I turned and pushed the door open. Sat up, and holding the blanket tight to her, Astrid was looking around nervously. Her hair was disheveled, and she had her knees pulled up to her chest, and yet there was a sparkle in her eyes as she met mine that made look her look completely angelic.
"Hey, I'm here. How are you feeling?" I asked softly, sitting on the edge of the bed.
"Better now, everything is still a bit sore. I should be able to get up and moving today." She said optimistically, smiling all the while.
"I hope so. I'll let you rest, but if you are feeling up for it, just let me know and I'll give you the famous Dragon's edge welcome tour." I replied gleefully.
"I'll hold you to that." She teased playfully.
"Any time, my lady." I smirked. "Unfortunately, I have something I have to deal with right now. I'll be back in a few hours when you're ready." I gave her a final smile, but as I turned she grabbed my hand.
"Thank you, for last night. It meant a lot." She said with a wide smile. I nodded to her, as she released my hand.
"I'm just happy you're okay. I think someone else is too." I chuckled, as I looked towards the door to see Heather just stood there looking completely dumbfounded. "I'll check in with you later." I concluded, as I walked back towards the door and turned to face the group stood there watching on in a state of confusion. "I think she wants to speak to you." I smiled, looking at Heather. She gave me a strange look momentarily, but quickly stepped past and sat at Astrid's side. I hadn't even left the room before I could hear the two of them whispering and sniggering under their breath. Oh Gods, what am I get myself into? I took mother's hand, as the three of exited the room and closed the door behind us. "If I'm going to this meeting, mum's coming too." I stated to Gobber, "she must have been at his side through plenty of these, is that alright mum?" I asked her and she nodded, mouthing 'of course' back to me.
"Well y'see lad…" he stammered nervously.
"I don't care what the council says, it's my decision. We should be going, we're already far overdue." I confidently proclaimed. He reluctantly nodded, and the three of us headed down the hallway in the direction of the Dome. This was to be the first trial run of something I had been working on since dad had gone. Let's just hope it all goes smoothly.
A few minutes later, we had crossed to the far side of the castle. Down the final long corridor, the door opened, and the great expanse shone in front of us. The room was large and circular, shaped like half of a sphere. The curved roof made almost entirely out of glass, allowing the full morning light to beam throughout the space. Spread from near the middle of the room towards the walls were rows and rows of brown troughs. Little green sprouts shooting out of the dirt all around. In the very centre of the room stood one large circular oak table, gleaming in the sunlight, with ten seats placed equally around it. Sat down already, were five men and two women. I walked through one of the three straight, clear passageways through the rings of clay and pot towards the centre. Everyone, but one, stood and offered bows and curtsey's respectfully as I stepped into view.
"What is all this about? Why do I have to be here this early?" Mildew snarled from his seat on the far end of the table. I chose to ignore his comment, and just preceded to step closer to the table. I pulled out a seat for mum, who thanked me and sat down. I sat down next to her, with Gobber sat at my left.
"While my father is away, my mother, Valka Haddock, will take his place on the council. Is there anyone who is in dispute with this decision?" I asked firmly.
"No, Lord Hiccup. Of course, we are all overjoyed she has returned to us." Sir Mulch spoke confidently. Everyone seemed to nod in agreement, even Mildew didn't put up any resistance for once.
"Good. Right, let's get introductions out of the way so we can get down to business." I announced. "Welcome to the Dragon's edge council, those who have not attended previously, I am Lord Hiccup Haddock and I will be in charge of proceedings until my father, Stoick Haddock, returns. Any questions you have, go through me, is that clear?" I looked around, as everyone nodded for me to continue. "You have all been brought together here for one purpose. To improve things for everyone living under the protection of House Haddock. That is our one aim, and all ideas on how to complete that aim will be considered here. Starting from the left and working around, tell us why you have been chosen to be seated on the council." I finished, nodding to Gobber to start.
"Right lad, I'll give you lot the short version. The name I go by is Gobber. I am head blacksmith at Dragon's edge and second in command to Lord Stoick Haddock. I have lived my whole life within these walls, and I will do whatever it takes to improve the lives for both the nobles and the workers in this castle. Nothing gets past Ol' Gobber." He spoke proudly.
Almost half an hour had passed by the time everyone had spoken. My eyes were slowly closing listening to it, but I forced myself to remain awake. Mulch is the master-at-arms at the castle and has been on dad's council for years. Alvin used to be one of dad's best friends, but disagreements took them down different paths. He is still both the kennel and stablemaster for the castle, so I overturned dad's decision and reappointed him to the council. Bertha is head baker, and also in charge of food storage, so it would be especially important for her to have a say come Winter. Somehow Mildew managed to come up with a valid reason for keeping him on the council; in truth I just hoped it would appease him to allow him to keep the position. The other three spots are new additions. Thuggory, Camicazi and Mogadon are representatives from the three major surrounding villages. While dad didn't give these a vote, I think it's important we know what is happening, so we can fully serve all our people, even those who aren't safe within the castle's walls. Including mum, that makes ten total for the council. With introductions over, we could finally get started.
"I don't see what we're doing in here. Aren't the old council chambers adequate enough for you, my Lord?" Mildew asked condescendingly. I'm already regretting giving him the privilege of being here. I sighed but smiled confidently as I stared at the man sat directly opposite me.
"I believe the old council chambers weren't suitable for…" I started.
"…They were suitable enough for your father, boy." Mildew rudely interjected.
"I am not my father, maester. I have exercised restraint and have allowed you to maintain your position on the council. If you want any chance at seeing the next meeting, you will show some respect. I have not come here to argue, or to bicker like children. Either contribute something worthy to the discussion or be quiet. Am I understood?" I broadcasted loudly. I don't need this shit at eight in the morning. I really do not.
"Yes, my Lord." He grumbled.
"Good. But in answer to your question, I had this new meeting space built for two reasons." I started.
"What? So, you were the one who organized this to be built?" Gobber enquired. "When?"
"When dad left, you told me I needed to rule how I thought would be best. Almost immediately, I made sure the builders got to work on this. It didn't take too much to convert, I'm just happy it was ready in time to show you all today." I said proudly.
"It is fancy. I'll give ya that 'Iccup." Alvin responded. "But aren't there more important things than being able t'see sun in our meetings?" I could see a sense of defiance to change in his eyes. The man almost matches 'Stoick the vast' himself in terms of size. Alvin possesses an incredible thick black beard and a forest of hair, and his mouth seems to instinctively resort to a snarl, even in its resting position. But despite all that, I could see a curiousness in his eyes. If I could get him on side, it would make it far easier to convince the others this could work.
"I thought someone would ask that. What you are looking at here is a prototype Winter garden." I proclaimed proudly.
"A winter garden?" Bertha asked inquisitively. She was a vey large woman, with thick brown hair flowing wildly down to her hips. As the person who would probably have the most say in the future leadership of the project, I almost definitely have to get her on side. She was in charge of food storage for the last Winter, if she sees how this could change everything, she would make a valuable asset.
"Yes. As you can see all around. Something like we are sat in now is an ideal place to grow. The hot springs running underneath the castle provide the suitable warmth, even in the coldest Winter. The shape of the room allows all of the crops to get enough light to grow and the glass roof will give us the full ability to produce extra food throughout Winter. As you can see, results are already showing. Some of these vegetables have been planted since last month and are already spouting. Hopefully, we may be able to extend this place, or build another. It should help us last comfortably through until Spring." I pitched. I nervously looked around, this was one of my first ideas, I just hope it doesn't crash and burn.
"Lad. This is spectacular. If it works, this could change everything." Gobber exclaimed, looking at me with a proud smile as he patted me on the back. Next, I turned to Bertha, hoping she would follow suit.
"You don't know how many people died last Winter, my Lord." She said solemnly. "Starvation killed more people than the cold itself. I don't want to get people's hopes up, only to suffer worse." I nodded, but deep down it really hit hard. "However, if we can, and that's a big if, if we can get this to work." She stopped to pause, as I looked on longingly. "This will not only improve things for all of us here, but for the entirety of the North itself." I let out a deep breath I didn't know I was holding, letting a smile sweep across my face as she continued to speak. "Are you sure you can replicate this success?"
"Actually, I was hoping you could help me with that. I know you have a lot of duties within the castle, but I would like you to help oversee the project with me. Watch it progress. Track results. Find any flaws. Any improvements needed. So, come Winter we will be ready. Could you do that?" I asked hopefully.
"It would be my pleasure, my Lord," Bertha responded instantly. "I won't let you down."
"I don't doubt it." I smiled, nodding thanks to her, before turning to face the whole of the group. "Right, onto the next…"
"My Lord," Mildew piped up. "You said there were two reasons why this was built. That is just one." I was about to personally remove him from the building, but before I could yell at him for interrupting, I realised that for once he was right. Yet it still didn't sit well with me how he just looked at me with his arms crossed, that smug look permanently etched across his face.
"Thank you Mildew. I nearly forgot about the other point." I replied calmly. "I wanted to change location, as I feel that the previous venue doesn't suit how I intend to rule in my father's absence. I had this table built, as I think it best suits my beliefs in how to run a house. All our people will look up to me to look after them, to protect them. But when we sit here, I don't sit at the head of a table. I don't sit above you. Here we are all equals. We can work together as one, this will mean everyone can speak, and no one person has more power here than the others. That is how I want it to be when I actually have to fully rule this house." I beamed happily, brushing the wood of the table with the palm of my hand. Almost everyone was nodding in agreement and seemed to be satisfied with the new arrangements. All except one.
"Your dad won't like this when he comes home to find it all changed. What do we do when…"? He grunted distastefully. My tether was now almost certainly reaching its end with the pessimistic old man, but before I could once more shut him down, Gobber rose to his feet to face the maester.
"When Stoick gets back, he can do what he pleases." Gobber remarked coldly. "Hiccup has been left in charge of the castle, and I believe him to be doing a grand job so far. So, unless, as the lad stated earlier, you have anything useful to add, shut your mouth and show some respect." Gobber turned to me and gave me a nod to continue. Looking around, almost all the others were giving the despondent maester unfavourable looks. He just grumbled more under his breath, so I decided to ignore him and continue. This was going to be a very. Very. Very. Very. Very long morning.
"Right. Onto the next matter…"