Learning to fly

Defenders of Berk

"Alright guys we are going to be doing some trust exercises today."

"Why are we doing on a cliff." asked Snotlout

"There will be times when we are seperated from our dragons and in order to escape we might need to jump. Trusting they will be there to catch us and then escape."

"So we get to jump off a cliff today?" Tuff asked excitedly.

"That's the idea. So who wants to go first?"

"I will." Astrid stepped up, signalling Stormfly to wait down the cliff. Stepping back she then ran and jumped off the cliff. Stormfly moved under her and Astrid landed in the saddle. Each rider took their turns, taking several jumps with different speeds. Snotlout missed on the last one and was caught a few feet from hitting the ocean.

Race to the edge

Astrid enjoyed the small aerial stunts she did with Stormfly, but she couldn't get her mind around Hiccup's new idea about flying without their dragons. Once the dragon fly 2 was operational, he even mentioned getting the gang some. He luckily was too busy to attempt it.

Post Httyd 2

Astrid was about ready to combust with curiosity. Hiccup had been spending a lot of his limited free time in his workshop. To make things weird he had asked her to collect Stormfly's scales for a few weeks. Just when she had had enough waiting Hiccup asked her to join him that evening for dinner. When she arrived Hiccup was putting dinner on the table. "Right on time. As usual." He walked over to her, pulling her into his arms and kissing her. "How was your day Milady?"

"It was busy. Helped my mother repair our roof, helped solve some problems down at the stables and broke up the twins a few times. What about you?" She let him lead her to the table. He was putting stew into her bowl when he answered, " The usual. Council wanting answers on things, fixing problems and my mom filling me in on things she has been doing for the dragons."

"Sounds interesting." She noticed his face change, "What's wrong?"

"I've been thinking about continuing to help the dragons."

"I figured. You know I don't like the thought of dragons being captured and hurt but you have to stay safe. Berk needs you in one piece or Snotlout will be chief. We know that would be a disaster."

"I know that's why I've been working on better armor. I only have ours ready."

"You made me new armor?"

"Yeah. Want to see?"

"Of course." She followed him into the spare room were there was a full set of black armor and a set of blue. Walking over to the blue she ran her hand over it. It was covered in in Stormfly's scales and the helmet had a crown of spikes just like Stormfly. It was designed like her normal wear. It had a shirt with her signature bird skulls and boots up to her knees. "It's beautiful." She breathed.

"Do you want to try it on?"

"Yeah." She turned to look at him still standing there. Lifting her eyebrow she watched him turn red and walk out. Putting it on was remarkably easy considering Hiccup always seemed to make things difficult. There was a layer of connecting yak hide under the suit that went up the her neck. The suit fit was perfectly. Grabbing her helmet, she walked back into the kitchen where Hiccup was cleaning up dinner. "So how does it look?"

He turned and his eyes got big. "Y y you look beautiful."

She blushed. "It's perfect. So break it down for me."

He walked over so he was close, "It's fireproof. As long as you have your helmet on and cover your eyes you could sit in fire and not burn. The spike on your left elbow I figured you would enjoy because you tend to use that one to ram into people. There is a raised gronckle iron piece on your back to act as a fin and protect your spine." She playfully hit his shoulder. "There is hidden dagger on your other arm. You also now have your very own flight suit just like my old one."

"Your old one?"

"Yeah I updated mine for better solo flight. I know you weren't thrilled about that. So i used my gliding design for you."

"You put a lot into this."

"Well I know you wouldn't want to stay here, so I'm going to do what I can to keep you safe." she caught the slight tremor in his voice.

"Hey your stuck with me." she pulled his face to look at her. "We have been fighting together for 5 years. Before you interrupt me, I know we have had close calls. But we have made it through." She kissed him. "I love you and this armor is great."

"I love you too. So much." He put his forehead on hers.

"So you want to put on yours and show me what to do? I don't think it'd be a good idea for my first flight to be when I need it."

He nodded, moving from her to go change. When he emerged, her breath caught. He looked every inch the warrior chief. The confident man she had always seen in him was now before her in his all black armor.

"You going to stare or are we going?" his smirk earned him a punch in the shoulder.

"Let's go." Stormfly clucked when Astrid emerged from the Haddock house. " What do you think girl?" Stormfly rubbed her head against Astrid. "Yeah I like it too. Lets go to the cliffs." Hopping on was as easy as ever.

Once at the cliffs Astrid hopped off of Stormfly. "Alright, you're the expert on falling off things." she laughed as Hiccup gave her a look, "What's the plan?"

"Take the wings out and jump. Toothless and Stormfly will be behind you." He locked Toothless's tail and opened his.

"Wow you really have wings."

"Yep. Trust me?" He put her hand out. She took his hand and they jumped together. "Open your wings." She stretched out her arms and soon the wind caught them. She was gliding but she couldn't control her movements. "Level out your hips."

"What?" She felt him let go of her hand and soon she felt them straighten her legs, putting them together. He then went past her, showing of a loop. "Show off!" she yelled as she laughed. The light was fading so she whistled for Stormfly, who swooped in and caught her. Soon Toothless was beside Stormfly.

"What did you think?"

"It was definitely a rush. Your still crazy for thinking this up though."

"I know. I'm glad you like it."

They landed in front of Hiccup's house. She went to grab her clothes and then came into the living room. "I should probably get home. Thank you for everything. I enjoyed spending time with you." Wrapping her arms around his neck to pull him down for a kiss. Hiccup tilted his head kissing her deeper.

"Stay a little longer." His voice had dropped a little.

"Hiccup."

"I know you can't stay. Just…..just stay with me a little longer. It's easier with you around."

"Ok"