A Son of Ice and Fire

A/N: Last Hiccup/Astrid chapter for a while. I think this will leave it at a point where I can focus on the rest and push the story forward. Hope you enjoy :)

Guest: While I have played through the telltale game of thrones series, I think it might get a bit confusing to add that in as well. I already have a lot to plan and I think that would only complicate it too much. Stoick is a character I'll make sure we have more time with, don't worry about that. We definitely haven't seen the last of him.

Sam Hill: Thanks for the support :)

n5agam: Not going to lie, it will still be a little while before i introduce the dragons. Please understand that there will be a good reason why I chosen to add them where i have later down the line.

Chapter 33: Barely just begun

Astrid

Unbelievable warmth struck me instantly, as the door to the forge opened and a pulse of heat burst out into the courtyard. Like a warm bath after a midnight dip in the lake, the sweltering heat welcomed me in its embrace. As the steam parted, the sound of hammering echoed through the walls. Gobber stumbled in first, using his hand to waft the vapour away, as he traversed the maze of tables and benches to reach the source of the humming metal.

"Do yer ever rest, lad?" Gobber boomed loudly, somehow managing to drown the banging out.

"Hey, you know me, I can't finish one job without two more popping right back up in its place." A voice retorted back from a shadowed corner. As I delved deeper into the wooden furnace, the blurred outline of the man cleared to show Hiccup hunched over a desk, tool in his hand. Out of his armour, and biting his lip in concentration, he gazed up momentarily from the sword in his other hand. "I did kinda ruin Mulch's sword, so it's only right I fix it." Hiccup said quickly, before diverting back to the weapon and continuing to hammer out the dents. He ran his right hand across the blade smoothly, tilting it ever so acutely and timing the blows perfectly with his left to hit key points in the metal.

"You're still healing Hiccup, don't push yourself too far." Gobber said in a serious tone, walking forward towards him.

"Look, I'm using my left. No harm is being done here." Hiccup chuckled back lightheartedly. "I'm glad you've come to check in on me, but I'm fine. Honestly." Once more he looked up from the metal to see Gobber standing opposite him, a serious look on the older man's face. With a grin on his face, Hiccup smiled encouragingly towards him, as he continued to pound the metal calmly. Flicking his view down once more, he accidentally locked eyes with me, as I stepped further from the entrance towards Gobber's side. "Oh, Hey Astrid. Hey Astrid. I didn't expect to see out this early. I…. OWWWWW!" With one unfortunate swing, metal struck against skin and bone rather than the blade of the sword. Hiccup dived backwards, instantly screaming, before he shoved his fingers into his mouth and rocked back and forth with his eyes closed. I suppressed the giggle in my throat by slapping my hands across my lips, while Gobber just acted as the epitome of empathy, by bursting out into gut-bouncing laughter.

"I'm sorry." I muttered apologetically, still wincing as Hiccup squirmed in pain. As his eyes opened, they were clearly watering, but he managed to utter something under his breath. He pulled his bulging fingers free, holding them gently is his other palm.

"I'm fine." He voiced louder this time. "I didn't need this hand anyway." He quipped, though his gritted teeth expressed the hidden hurt he was trying to conceal.

"I don't even know how yer still in one piece, if yer had my luck you wouldn't even have any limbs left about now." Gobber teased, walking over, and putting his arm around Hiccup. "Come on, let's go get you fixed up. I'm sure the lass can wait a few minutes." He looked back to me and proceeded to help Hiccup through a small door at the back of the room after I nodded to him. I waited in almost silence for a few minutes, before Gobber squeezed back through the doorway and limped towards me.

"Is he okay?" I asked softly.

"Oh, he'll be fine. There might be a bit of a delay on your axe being made, but Hiccup won't let you down." He said cheerily.

"My axe? What does this have to… Are you saying Hiccup's actually your assistant here?" I asked, a bit taken back.

"Best assistant I've ever had." The man beamed happily. "Anything you think of, he can make. When I'm gone, he might have to take over this place as well." Gobber looked around fondly, running his hand slowly over a workbench. "I should get going, the lad's expecting yer." He finished briskly, before departing, and leaving me stood there in the middle of the forge. A few seconds passed, but I carefully maneuvered through the room towards the far door. As I reached the entrance I slowed. Why am I this nervous? I pushed the feeling aside and knocked gently, with Hiccup's welcoming smile leading me in.

"I really am happy you're feeling better. I didn't expect to see you earlier." He said optimistically from his seat facing me.

"Yeah, I'm sorry about that, probably wasn't helpful to have me distracting you." I admitted apologetically. "Is your hand okay?" I stepped a few feet further into the room, taking time to take in everyone I was seeing. This is incredible. Designs and prototypes like I've never seen before.

"No, it was my fault. I probably should have focused more on my work than you." He chuckled. "At least it was a hammer and not something with a point."

"Do you seriously make everything into a joke?" I questioned lightly.

"What else am I going to do. Sit and cry." He said nonchalantly, while rising to his feet. "I'm not gonna lie, this came close." He smiled, while emphasizing his multicoloured hand, black and yellow from bruises, as well as red from the inflammation and swelling. I couldn't help pulling my lips tight as the looking at it made me wince once more. "It's fine, it'll be good as new in a week or two."

"If you say so." I replied disbelievingly, bobbing my chin up and down and giving him a comical pout. He sulkily sank back into the chair, crossing his arms in defiance.

"That is, unless you decide to injure me again." He flipped back, mockingly stroking his injured hand.

"Excuse me, you were the one that said it was your fault for staring at me." I teased back.

"I didn't say that… did I?" He shot back, his eyes widening as he realised what he said. "I blame exhaustion, it's been a long day. You suffer Mildew for six hours, then fight a duel." He excused lightheartedly.

"I suppose I can accept that. Just don't expect to share my bed again tonight." I teased. He soon blushed bright scarlet, probably as much as me. What the fuck did I just say? Oh, my Gods, who am I? Where has Astrid Hofferson gone? This is ridiculous.

"If I recall correctly, it was my lady's decision." He bantered back.

"Always the gentleman, eh?" I chuckled, stealing Gobber's line. Throwing his hands up in resignation, he forced himself back to his feet and then turned towards the desk, digging through a drawer. Quickly pulling something out, and closing the drawer gently, he turned back to face me, holding whatever he had chosen behind his back suspiciously.

"Hiccup, come on, what are you hiding?" I asked rather curiously.

"Gobber mentioned you requested me to build you an axe. Well… here it is." He said gleefully, starting to pull the weapon out.

'What? When? How did you manage to…?" I exploded happily, reaching my arms out. Yet before my hand had touched the handle, I retracted my arms and folded them across my chest. "What is that?" I asked sulkily.

"Erm, it's an axe. Your axe." He said nervously, holding out the handle towards me. I reluctantly reached out, to hold it within my grasp. He was shifting a little uncomfortably as he released his hold on it, and as soon as I took full control I could see why. The weapon is almost perfect, a divine curved blade, and a perfectly weighted creation. Yet despite that, it is far too small, a weapon perfect for a child. "Do you remember it?" He asked uneasily, stepping forward towards me. The more I looked over it, the more I was taken back to a moment just like this, over a decade previous.

"I asked you to make it for me, didn't I?" I asked ashamedly, and he nodded. "It was the last time I was here, you promised me you'd bring it when you next visited. But you never did."

"I've kept it in here, polishing and sharpening it so it hasn't rusted to oblivion. Just one of many things I couldn't let fade away." He said with a smile, opening the drawer again and rummaging through. I slowly made my way to his side, brushing his shoulder as I could see him smiling down at the bunch of trinkets and weapons.

"May I?" I asked cautiously, reaching my hand out. He reluctantly nodded, but soon his eyes lit up when I carefully picked up the silver ring and turned towards him. "Has this been left in here to collect dust all these years?" I asked sincerely. Hiccup reached out, gently taking it off of me, before he smiled down at it affectionately.

"Truthfully, yes." He said bluntly, which hit me on some deep level. Wait… Why does that upset me? I didn't even know the significance of this until an hour ago. "But, I didn't need it. You already gave me something a lot more permanent to remember you by." He smiled cheekily, as he raised his other hand to his chin, pointing prominently to the small horizontal scar. I tilted my head to the side, quizzically staring at the mark.

"You can't be serious." I chuckled outright. All I got as a response was telltale nodding, as he laughed back at me. "I don't believe you."

"Yes, you do." He grinned at me, leaning forward until he was close. "See, whenever you're near me I get hurt, you're like a curse."

"A curse?" I sniggered back, before jabbing him in the arm. "I can see that."

"I shouldn't have given you an axe." He admitted sheepishly, holding his arms in the air.

"Hmmm mmmm," I nodded in agreement. "So, how did exactly did I give you that scar?"

"You're rememberingbits and pieces already, when you remember that, I think I'd like to be a bit further away from you. And have my sword at hand." He backtracked slowly, making for the exit.

"Hiccup? Tell me!" I demanded. I don't know why this is so important all of a sudden, but damn me if I don't get the answer.

"Sorry. What was that? I couldn't hear you." He said mockingly, slipping out and away. I huffed in frustration, before blindly following. He looked back at me, grinning as he made for the main forge entrance. He dashed out the door, but only a second later he was stopped in his tracks. I didn't see the collision, but a high-pitched scream and a loud thud later told me all I needed to hear…

Hiccup

And once again, Astrid has left me aching and in pain. I looked over, to see Heather lying flat out on her back. As I sat back up, a loud crack sounded as my spine popped back into place. Heather was just looking up at me, a bewildered expression across her face.

"I guess that's one way to hug your sister." Astrid jeered, while leaning on the forge entrance.

"OW! Hiccup why?" Heather wheezed.

"Hey, don't blame me, it's your psychotic axe-wielding sister-by-law I was running from." I pleaded, as she raised her arm to jab me. She gave me a long look with squinted eyes, before sitting up abruptly to face Astrid's direction.

"Really, Astrid. After last night I thought it would be all hand-holding and kissing by candlelight." Heather teased loudly. Oh great, now the entire castle knows, thank you so much sister. I simply groaned, as I slammed my head back down to the ground. Not a second later had passed, when a short squeal sounded next to me. I looked over and Astrid's axe had landed inches from Heather's head. "Okay. Okay." She reasoned. "I could have done that just a tad more subtly." One more deep breath and I pulled myself up, before turning to her and pulling her to her feet.

"So, what's up Heather? I doubt you came this far just to spy on us." I asked calmly. She started to smirk, before I'm pretty sure Astrid gave her a death glare, as her grin soon subsided.

"Gobber told me to bring you. We've had a raven. It's from father." She said worryingly. I quickly moved until I was directly in front of her, placing both hands on her shoulders as she looked up at me.

"What does it say?" I said unnervingly, staring into her eyes.

"I don't know." She replied, looking away. "They wanted you to open it. Can we go now. Please." She begged. I quickly nodded, motioning for Astrid to follow us, and we rushed through to the old meeting chambers where Gobber and mum were waiting.

"What does it say, lad?" Gobber asked slowly, after I had taken time to process the words on the scroll.

"Dad said he is sorry for not writing sooner. The war has already stated to take its toll on the men, and the North has suffered a lot of casualties. For whatever reason, Robb has been named King in The North and apparently they have already achieved multiple successive victories." I recalled.

"Well that's good, isn't it?" Heather asked hopefully.

"Better than defeats, yes, but, by the sounds of this, the war will not end soon. The entire continent is at odds, and dad and Robb are going farther and farther towards the lion's den." I said angrily. Gobber stepped forward, seeing the look in my eyes, and grabbing my shoulders.

"No, Hiccup. No. I know what you're thinking. It's not happening." He said in a deep, serious tone I've only rarely heard him use. "Your place is here. You can't go."

"WHY NOT GOBBER?" I exploded loudly. He didn't even flinch, seeming to already expect the outburst. "All this training. All these inventions. What has it done. TELL ME!"

"You are making a difference here. You're making life better for…" He countered.

"… FOR WHO? For my friends and father, that I likely will never see again. All these speeches, meetings, and planning. This is not me. I need to go and help. Let me go!" I fought back.

"And what about your family here." Gobber argued. Low blow Gobber. Low blow. I dropped my head, running my hand through my hair and sighing heavily.

"They are safe. That's all that matters. Mum can take charge here while I'm gone. I can't be useless anymore." I said, nearly fully disheartened. Gobber stepped back, as mum moved forward, placing a hand on my cheek as she smiled at me.

"Please son, I know how hard it is to leave your family. I did it for over eighteen years. You will never forgive yourself. It will tear you apart. I can't let you go. I won't lose you again." She said sorrowfully, a tear trickling down her cheek as she spoke.

"I don't want to go. I have to go. They need me." I protested.

"THEN GO!" Heather bellowed loudly, causing everyone to immediately turn to face her. She stormed forward, almost pushing mum out of the way, until she was barely an inch in front of me. "After all mum has sacrificed. After everything she has suffered to make sure you lived, you are just going to bail on us."

"Heather!" Astrid interjected, a look of shock and confusion across her face. "Just give him some time. It's a lot to take in." I smiled at her, nodding thanks for understanding.

"No, Astrid. He needs to hear this." Heather continued, with anger in her eyes. "You think running off to war makes you a hero. NO! It makes you a selfish, arrogant, self-righteous cunt."

"HEATHER! ENOUGH!" Mum shouted loudly, with a crack in her voice as she started to cry. She pleaded further, grabbing Heather's arm, and trying to drag her away.

"NO! If he wants to leave, let him go. Clearly we mean nothing to him." She ended ruthlessly, a scowl etched across her lips, as she stared me down.

"If that's what you think of me, then FINE! Farewell, sister, it's been nice knowing you." I finished coldly, blocking out the dismayed looks from everyone else, as I turned and slammed the door shut as I stormed out. I could already hear mum crying as I walked away. I can't do this. I can't leave them to suffer, can I? Why is my family so fucked up? But if she wants me to go, then I should go. Just pack up and leave. Hopefully one day I'll see them again. No. I definitely can't do this. No. Not yet. But I need to leave to think this through. Just some space, and some silence. Please forgive me. Until my return.

Astrid

As the door slammed, a powerful gust of wind swept through the room, extinguishing the flames on the candles. Darkness overtook the room, as the four of just stood there in silence. What in seven hells has just happened. One minute the two of us were laughing and joking, now he could have left for good. No. This is why I don't let my guard down. This is why I don't let them in. "WHAT WAS THAT?" I yelled at Heather. "WHAT HAVE YOU DONE?"

"I… I… I…" She stuttered, before collapsing to her knees and breaking down into a fit of tears. "No, he hasn't gone. He hasn't…"

"Well he certainly has now!" I bellowed, before turning and trying to storm off. She clambered across the floor, hugging my leg.

"Please Astrid, I can't lose you too." She wept heavily. I could feel the tears coming, but I held them back, as I looked down at the curled-up figure clutching at me.

"You did this Heather. What did you expect him to do when you literally yelled in his face that he should leave? He just needed some time. That's it. Now look what you've done. Your mother is crying. Gobber is heartbroken. You're a mess. And me, honestly, I have no clue what's going on with me, but now I'll never get the chance to find out. I'm sorry Heather, you may not be able to fix this." I said honestly, underpinned with a layer of anger.

"No, no, no, sister don't say that. We can sort this. Together. All of us. Right mother?" She asked pleadingly. Valka just stood there frozen, shaking through and through, avoiding Heather's pleas. Gobber stepped forward, allowing the now shattered woman to cry into his chest. No. I can't watch her cry. Please Hiccup, please don't make me watch this.

"Don't worry Val." He comforted, as she sobbed against him. "Hiccup just needs some space. He might be angry for a few days, but he won't leave for good. I know he won't leave. No matter what, he will do what is right, I just hope that means he'll come home." As he spoke, I could feel my lip twitching in frustration.

"I'm going to find him. Stop him from leaving." I stated boldly.

"I'll come with…" Heather begged, trying to salvage the situation.

"…No Heather, you've done enough, stay with your mother." I asserted, shrugging off the girl's attempts to clutch onto me, as I headed out of the room after him. Furious. I didn't know I could feel this angry. After all I've done to get here. Having to kill, having been stabbed, having to lay unconscious for days on the verge of death. All for nothing. With no reason to remain here, we'll have to go home. Cross a raging warzone, just to get back. I don't actually want to leave. I wanted to make the most of this opportunity. Now that chance may be gone.

It took longer than it should have, but I managed to find my way back to the room I had slept in last night. I headed for the room opposite, knocking gently before entering. "Hiccup? Are you in here?" I asked hopefully. No response. The door creaked open, showing nothing but a barren room. Everything was so neat, so tidy. Apart from the beautiful sketches on the walls, that were visible immediately, there was nothing else to suggest anyone lived in here. The drawers and cupboards all open, most empty. The table clear, the bed made, and the curtains closed. I have a bad feeling about this. I rushed across, slinging them open, to allow the light to wash into the room. Only then did I see it. Placed on the ridge between the two pillows laid the metal ring, just like mine. I picked it up, clutching it against my own on around my neck. I closed my eyes, ducking my head and breathing out heavily. Upon opening them, I noticed a small sheet of folded paper that had fallen down the valley. I eagerly reached my hand down, plucking it out and quickly opening it up. No. Please no. A breathtaking sketched drawing of me, rested in my palm. On a sheet no larger than a slice of bread, the beautiful ink portrait seemed to come alive in the light, the ink almost glowing as the sun skimmed across it. A single tear dropped and splattered onto the centre, as I read the two words wrote in the top corner… I'm sorry.