Chapter 15
Plans and Celebrations
Hi everybody! I'm back with a new chapter! I advise you to read the little memo right below, since it takes time for me to update, you might have forgotten some of those elements.
In chapter 7, spies were caught and one of them spoke about Drago preparing a new attack with a secret weapon. Also, in chapter 9, Astrid meet some women who became their friends, and I'd rather remind you their name: Vami, Wollmi, Llewellyn, Cryda and of course Belda, who are Heather and Kalisha's friends as well. And Astrid is still helping with the training of the future warriors of Endris along with Belda, Heather and Fishlegs.
O o O
A major change happened for both Astrid and Fury after the victory against Krogan: a new guest was in their home. The little red-head Astrid saved was still following her around and when they had tried to find her some people to take care of her, she had clutched to Astrid badly. She seemed intimidated by Fury, but she was willing to tolerate him.
"We could keep her for some times if you're willing to take care of her," Fury had suggested. "When she'll be less scared, you could still give her to a new family if that's your wish."
Astrid had accepted. She had taken care of her little sister in the past, she could watch that kid for some times. At least she couldn't say that the girl was difficult, not only she couldn't speak, but she would obey nicely. Yet that was maybe not such a good thing, as it was probably the result of previous mistreatment. The child had scars on her back; Astrid had seen that the first time she gave the kid a bath. It made her even angrier when she thought of Viggo telling her that they should go on with slavery.
She had asked the other slaves what the kid's name was, but they explained she had been born in slavery and that on the island they came from, slaves had no names. She had lost her mother, she had simply been taken care of by the adults slaves around along with other children. No name, no mother…No wonder why the little girl was clutching to her.
One morning, she woke up to find Fury waiting for her at the table. The red-head was still sleeping. "You have to meet Viggo again if I presume?"
"Yeah, during sunset, as usual."
She had met the man again, as he wished, and she had told him about the library, just as Astrid asked. She hoped Fury knew what he was doing.
"He'll just want me to report things, I guess."
"Well, you'll have to tell him that chief Mala is visiting."
"Oh, I almost forgot that!"
"It's okay. She'll be here for the annual Autumn's feast and for Eret's marriage as well. There will be a lot of celebration going on soon, we'll have to be even more careful."
They prepared together what she would tell Viggo before leaving to go to the dragon arena. They took the little girl with them, although the kid was still shy around dragons. Heather and Fishlegs were here as well. Fury had allowed the Hooligan boy to keep the Gronkle and Astrid had been surprised by the way Fury had smiled. It wasn't just a polite smile, but a genuine one, as if he had been truly touched that Fishlegs wanted a dragon. But now, maybe it was simply because he was happy to see people understanding his love for those animals.
The four of them flew together, Fury and Heather could do complicated figures while the Hooligans were just happy to keep balance.
"Do you think they are trying to impress us by doing that?" Asked she to Fishlegs while flying at his side.
"Heather doesn't need to do anything…"
His face turned red and Astrid laughed: "I guess you're already very impressed with her."
"Come on, Don't tease. Meatlug doesn't tease me," he murmured while looking at his Gronkle.
"That's why I have to do it for her," Astrid joked again.
After the training, she went to the well where her friends would gather, she would do that almost every morning. Fury left her to attend to his chief duty and Fishlegs went to do some daily chores. Sometimes, Stormfly would come along with her or she would fly alone. The little red-head would come with her and play below the well along with Cryda and Vami's children who would stay close enough for their mother to watch them. Since Kalisha's attack by three spies, people were way more careful with their kids, and would be more hesitant to let them roam freely around. In another tribe, children might have bullied a mute girl, but on this island, a child rendered silent because of a trauma wasn't an uncommon thing, and therefore Vami and Cryda's kids didn't mind much.
"Cryda, I was wondering if you could make the girl a dress for Eret and Kalisha's wedding, and maybe some other things" Astrid asked the older woman. "We had been given a few clothes for her, but she doesn't have much and more of all, she has nothing for a feast."
"I can do that," replied the seamstress. "I have a lot of work lately, but my daughter is able to help me a bit more now, and I have a new apprentice as well."
"You still didn't give her a name?" Asked Kalisha. "You should, we can't call her girl all the time."
"I'm not her mother, I can't name her."
"You take care of her. You're her mother a little," Llewelyn clumsily declared, still a bit clumsy with Norse language.
"Yeah, I thought you had adopted her already," Wollmi pointed out.
"No. We're keeping her for now…I don't know if I…"
She interrupted her and looked at the red-head who was running around with the kids. Adopting her? She had first thought of giving her temporary shelter…
When she went to train the kids with Belda and Fishlegs, she left the little red-head with Kalisha. Although the young woman still had to prepare a few things for her wedding which would take place in some days, she didn't mind having the little girl around.
"Most of them have good basis now," commented Belda while going to the training grounds. "They would need to practice outside of the training ground from time to time, maybe in the forest, you know?"
"That's would be good, indeed, it would teach them to adapt to different environment."
The training started as usual, until Astrid had the surprise to see Kalisha rushing in the arena. Then she realized she was actually following the little red-head. Belda also interrupted herself when she saw the girl and the woman coming in.
"I'm sorry, I called her to come back but she wouldn't. Little girl, you must not run away like that!"
She said that while taking her gently by the shoulders and the kid just lowered her head. Astrid went to her friend and the girl hugged her when she saw her. The blond huffed in amusement: "It's alright, Kalisha…Maybe I could actually keep her with me, now that I think about it."
"You sure?"
"Yes."
"Alright then, I'll go back home, I have to take care of the animals. Don't hesitate if you need me again."
She deposed a kiss on the little girl's forehead and left. The child waved shyly at her. She seemed to like Kalisha, but she obviously wanted to be with Astrid. The blond woman kneeled to be at her level.
"Do you know what we are doing here? That's where we train the beginners to fight. There are weapons which are especially made for the training, those can't really hurt anyone."
The child looked at the other kids fighting, still silent but Astrid could see this sight was interesting her. She gently grabbed her shoulders to have the girl looked at her.
"Do you want me to train you to be a warrior? I could help you become strong, fierce, you could defend yourself and your loved ones. Now you won't have to live like a warrior if that's not your wish, but even a peaceful farmer girl has to defend herself at times. So, do you want me to train you?"
The girl nodded, she was intimidated obviously but it could be worth a try. The warrior smiled at her and spoke again: "Good. But first you need a name, Kalisha is right; we can't call you 'girl' all the time…I could suggest you one."
Once again, the child nodded but with more enthusiasm that time. Astrid looked at her and wondered. A little girl would want a pretty name, yet that wasn't the most important. Astrid wanted a name which would make her feel strong.
"Rona. Your name could be Rona."
Mighty Power. That name wasn't ugly at all and more importantly, it would remind the girl she wouldn't be a victim anymore.
"This is the name for fighting. It sounds like 'roar'. Do you want it?"
The red-head nodded and grinned slightly.
"Rona, then. Stand up, you will choose your first weapon, I will teach you how to use several of those, and with time you'll choose which one you'll favorite."
The girl did as she was told and Astrid gave her the choice between a small spear and a small axe. She was satisfied when she saw the girl taking the axe. It was really not a heavy one, nothing in fact compared to what Astrid was fighting with, but for a girl of her age, it would be good enough. She also gave her a light training shield.
"Come with me, I'll train you along with the others. Most of them will be bigger than you, taller as well. But that's for the best. Learn one important thing, Rona: there is no merit beating someone smaller or weaker. The greatest victory you can obtain is by beating someone mightier, and you'll become a good warrior by sparing against bigger partners. Second lesson I have to teach you: straighten your stance!"
She put a hand over the girl's back which was slightly hunched and also raised her chin a bit.
"A warrior stands straight. Look right ahead of you, don't fear people's stare. The nameless slave did that, but you're not a nameless slave anymore."
The training was finished after a few hours, Astrid was pretty satisfied with it. Rona was still not speaking she was smiling and sprinting around. Although she had been a bit afraid of the others at first, she had grown more confident on the end. She mostly learned some moves and stances, the few blows she exchanged with other kids had been merely practice and not actual spare.
She suddenly realized it would be sunset soon. Viggo!
She found Heather and asked her to keep Rona for a bit. "You have to…"
Astrid only nodded. Heather kept the child indeed and the blond rushed toward the forest. She allowed Stormfly to follow her, it wasn't as if her dragon could be threatened by one man alone. She found him standing under a tree, vigilant as always.
"Good evening," he said gallantly.
"Good evening. So? I guess you didn't manage to enter the library?"
"No. It's guarded, it will take some preparation to do what I want."
"And what is it you wanna do?"
"I don't want to just get in and read a few lines before sneaking away. I want to steal everything that is in there."
This made her eyes widen slightly: "That's pretty bold! It won't be easy to take books away and transport them without being noticed."
"I'm aware of that. But Drago will send some help. Yet I will need someone from the inside to help me, it will be absolutely vital."
"What will I have to do?"
"You'll have to open the path and create a distraction. And more importantly, you have to get the key."
She nodded at that. "I know dragons are important in that war, but…Can't you do something else? Like planning a surprise attack, or something?"
"You're too impatient; my brother can be like that too. But Drago is preparing something, and something we need could be in those books."
"What?"
He didn't answer immediately. "I'd rather not tell you too much. It's risky, you'll understand everything at the right moment, though, I can assure you that."
"Alright. It will be difficult for me to go see you, though. There will be some celebration. Also, another chief is coming to visit."
"I know, Mala is her name, right?"
She nodded, not even asking how he knew that already. They didn't stay together for long, there was always a risk to be surprised by someone. Astrid went toward the Great Hall and saw Heather talking with Camicazi while Rona was playing near them.
"Thanks for watching over her." Then she turned to the red-head: "Rona! Come in the Great Hall!"
The girl went in obediently and Astrid led her to the tables where children and teenager would eat. "Stay with them for now, I'm eating with our chief. You'll come back to me when you're done." Seeing the girl didn't want to stay here, she insisted: "You need to eat with the other kids, you can't spend all your time with me. That's how you and make friend and become part of this island, do you understand?"
The girl nodded and Astrid gave her a little proud smile. Once at the table with Fury, she told him what happened today. She had rescued the child a few days ago, and it was strange to think she would adopt her. Yet she was starting to feel attached to the child, the way she seemed so happy around her, and how she was slowly getting out of her shell…Anyway a decision had to be taken, they couldn't wait forever to decide what would become of her. At this, Fury seemed thoughtful through his mask. "Do you want to keep her?"
"Hum, I think I would like that. But what about you? Once we'll marry, she'll be your daughter as well."
"I know. She could never be my heiress, but she could be my daughter indeed. I'll have children one day, I know it, because I'm a chief and because I want some. So I could take that one, I have enough good to raise her, and I wouldn't be alone. And she is pretty cute, even if she as a bit scared of me. How did you say you named her?"
"Rona."
"That's a fine name."
To tell the truth, Hiccup was a bit scared to take that child, a part of him wanted to be alone with Astrid. Anyway he wouldn't have been able to refuse to give that girl home, and how could he pretend to ever be a father if he couldn't take care of one child? Eret arrived along with Heather and Camicazi as the dishes were served.
"My Tann, I got a letter from Mala this afternoon," the man said while sitting at the chief's side. "She should be there in two days, she said she would be happy to attend my marriage as well."
"That's good, I must say this is no surprise."
Hiccup liked Mala, although at first she had been against the dragon training thing, they had came along when she realized that dragons were well-treated by the tribe. At times, Hiccup had relied on her advices, as she was more experienced than he was. She was also making him feel like his tribe was less alone, because they weren't the only ones respecting dragons. He kinda hoped she would like Astrid.
O o O
When he was at home with his fiancée and Rona into her bed, Astrid told him about Viggo's plan. That was dangerous, but it could also be an opportunity…
"Okay…You'll tell him that I'm very careful with the key and that it will take time for you to get it. I think I know what I want to do. In the meantime, try to get as much information possible while you can."
"I don't think I did much."
"You did. I suspected the kind of problems they could encounter with dragons and you confirmed it. Also, he told you once how tribes who sell slaves are getting more and more out of money. That's important: Drago is losing his biggest support, and with one of his best slave trader away, things will hardly get better. More of all, he told you Drago had a plan."
"Yeah, he said he could need something from those books."
Fury shifted closer to her.
"You remember when you left Berk, I wasn't with you and I explained you that urgent matters had called me back."
"Yeah, I remember that."
"Well, spies had been caught. One of them told us that Drago planned to use a special weapon. Now, with what you told me, that weapon could be a dragon, a peculiar one."
"That's why he would need your books, he doesn't know how to use that dragon well," she summed up.
"I don't want you to ask too many questions though, it could be dangerous, but if we could know what his next plan is, it could really give us a great advantage"
Yeah, that was a good thing, except he was even more scared to see Astrid on the front line. If Viggo had any doubt… "Always take Stormfly with you, please. I would be much more reassured to know she is with you."
It was somehow frustrating to know he couldn't be there to protect her in case of danger. He knew, oh he knew very well that Astrid was able to defend herself. Yet, even if she had been strong enough to bring all Helheim down, he would still worry about her.
O o O
Mala and the people with her arrived the very day of the autumn feast. The whole town was in a frenzy, not only because they had guests, but because this would be a big party, with meat on the menu. Usually, people would keep fishes and meat for the dragons mostly, so it was exceptional to have so much flesh in their plates. The boats arrived in the morning. Hiccup was happy to see Mala was still doing well in spite of the war. She was also freeing slaves and dragons and she also had to defend herself against Drago's attacks.
"Your city still looks amazing," Mala complimented while shaking Fury's hand in friendship. "I'm happy to see you, my friend."
"So am I, Mala. And I'm honored to introduce you to my betrothed, Astrid Hofferson from Berk."
Astrid shook Mala's hand, a bit surprised at her aspect. She didn't look like an usual Viking chief, in fact she didn't look like a Viking woman. But she still looked like a warrior queen, which was the most important. They exchanged polite words while going to the village and Mala admired the dragons around, the Night Furies in particular. She had always been fond of Toothless and Lady and it seemed reciprocate, even the female Night Fury allowed the woman to pet her.
The autumn feast had been a pretty traditional one, except maybe for the dragon flight. Several riders flew in the air doing complicated and impressive figures. The food had been good, the feast had been funny with a lot of alcohol. People just had time to sober up before the wedding to come.
The day before the his marriage, Eret showed Hiccup the morning gift he intended to offer Kalisha. Not only he intended to give her a small bag of gold (which was pretty usual) but there also was a set of jewels, necklaces, bracelets, rings, headbands all made of silver and gold adorned with games stones. It was probably worth a lot.
"During the last raids, I got a good amount of gold and silver," he told Hiccup. "There is some kind of irony when you think about it: slave traders sold her for gold when she was young, and now their gold paid this."
"It's a nice kind of irony; anyway this is really beautiful. I'll have to do my best to match with that during my own marriage!"
"You will, the best jewelers will work on your gift," Eret affirmed. "It seems like you and Astrid are getting closer?"
"…Seems so. She spoke with me about adopting Rona, the little girl. It does mean a lot."
"When a woman asks you to raise a child with her? Yeah, I would say it means quite a deal!"
Hiccup couldn't help but smile hugely at this and Eret took him by the shoulder in a brotherly way.
The next day, a ritual bath was taking place for both Kalisha and Eret. They were separated for now, Kalisha was with married women and Eret with married men, supposed to share their experience with the two betrothed. Astrid couldn't attend the ritual bath with the bride, she wasn't married yet. Vami and Cryda were both married, so the two were along with her.
Astrid prepared herself for the wedding, wearing the only dress she brought along with her, a light green one with some dark blue embroidery. She braided her hair in a simple but elegant way, and took care of Rona as well. Cryda had been able to make a dress for the girl in time. The little girl was wearing a simple dark green dress adorned with a yellow belt. Yet it seemed as if she was bewildered to be allowed to wear such clothes.
"You look pretty like that. Don't forget to behave during the wedding, it's an important day for Eret and Kalisha."
The child nodded and they went with Fury to attend the ceremony. The masked man looked at the child, Toothless was at his side. He suddenly took her in his arms: "Come here." Then, he put her on Toothless's back. Although she seemed a bit scared at first, Astrid gave her an encouraging nod.
"Here, you won't have to walk the entire way through," Fury gently murmured.
The girl shifted a bit and Toothless turned to her to give her a lick on the face. She winced but smiled nonetheless at this, and she visibly relaxed. Fury gave Astrid his arm, and for once she accepted it; it was a wedding and being a bit ceremonial was due. The wedding would take place on the wedding grove above the town, beneath a big oak tree under which a hörgr had been built. A lot of people were here, the bride may be a simple maid, but the groom was one of the most important figure of the island. Plus, Mala's presence was making the event even more important. A sacrificial goat was waiting there as well. Astrid took Rona off Toothless's back and into her arms to allow her to see well.
Kalisha advanced toward the hörgr, carrying a sword, the traditional wedding gift for her groom. She was beautiful, wearing a traditional flower crown, in her red and dark blue dress. The silver embroideries were shining under the sun, and her radiant smile lightened her face beautifully. Eret was carrying his old sword, trying to look formal and proud as it was expected for a groom. Fury advanced; he had to be the first witness while the shaman told them to exchange the swords:
"Eret, you give this woman your father's sword to pass to her firstborn, giving her your trust to be a good wife and mother and making her enter in a new life as married woman. Kalisha, you give this man a new sword to fight for his family, giving your trust to be a good husband and father, and making him enters his new life as a married man."
The two exchanged the swords and the shaman ordered Eret to sacrifice the goat with the new sword he had been given. The man executed him and killed the beast before the altar, as the tradition wanted. Then, the rings were exchanged between the two. They kissed each other, although that wasn't part of the ritual, they couldn't help it. The shaman slammed her stick against the ground and reminded them they had to exchange their vows. The two took their hands and spoke together the traditional vows.
Seeing all that reminded Astrid that it would be her turn soon.
Once it was over, Eret took Kalisha in his arms and made her mount his dragon. Skullcrusher carried the bride on his back while his usual rider walked at his side. They arrived at Eret's house where he had to perform the last part of the ritual for the day before they went to the Great Hall. After making Kalisha walk in, he chose one of the supporting pillars of the house, Eret gave it the traditional stab with his sword, supposed to test the luck and fertility of their marriage. Some people applauded at that. The stab was deep, and Eret gave a satisfied look when someone told him he would have many children. Kalisha smiled and blushed slightly at this. After this, people went eagerly in the Great Hall where they would drink, sing and dance together.
Ale, hydromel and wine were awaiting the attendees. The newly married couple was sitting with Fury, Mala and Astrid at the table of honor where the goat sacrificed earlier was served. The music was loud, people were eating, laughing and chattering, children were running around the table or playing with dragons. Rona was among them, although she still wasn't speaking, a few girls and boys had befriended her. The musicians soon yelled at the audience to dance along with their music, claiming that the feast was too calm. In a matter of seconds, people were gathering to dance.
Astrid wondered if she would find a dance partner. She knew Fury didn't like that, he told her once, so maybe she could find someone else to dance with, as friends only. She would probably be asked by someone anyway, dancing with different people during an event was almost a social expectation. Only Eret and Kalisha would strictly remain together, as it was the day of their marriage. Yet to enter among the dancers, she would need someone to take her and men were generally expected to make the first step. Maybe Fishlegs would ask her, they had already done that many times in the past.
She was thinking about that when Fury stood up. At her surprise, her future husband extended his hand to her and she took it with confusion. She followed him though; Eret asked Kalisha to dance with him of course, while Heather went to sit closer to Fishlegs, obviously waiting for him to invite her. Since the boy was so shy, she eventually asked him to be her partner and the boy accepted shyly.
Astrid could see her betrothed wasn't a great dancer indeed, but for a guy with one metallic foot, he wasn't doing well enough. It had been a long time since her last dance; it was actually nice to do it again.
"I thought you didn't like dancing?"
"Not much, but you do," he simply replied.
He made her swirl again and she murmured: "No need to force yourself."
"It's not bad, I don't hate this, it's just not my thing, usually. Anyway, I wanted to see what dancer you were."
"You could have let me dance with another partner."
"I prefer it that way," he answered with a slight grin. "I'll have to ask Mala for the next dance, though. She is my guest of honor, I can't do otherwise."
"Is it a bad thing?"
"No, but it's a bit too solemn in my opinion."
She had already understood that he had a thing for her, this confirmed it furthermore. The way he looked at her through the mask made her felt a bit shaky for an instant. This was a strange man…Yet she was starting feel something weird, his touch didn't repulse her anymore and being pressed against him…Well, that felt actually fine. He leaned down his head a bit and for a moment she thought he was going to kiss her. He didn't though; he simply murmured that she was beautiful. A strange shiver went through her. She had already experienced that, she knew what it was…Attraction.
The dancers exchanged their partners, and she found herself dancing with Fishlegs, then with an old blacksmith who reminded her a bit of Gobber, and with one of the men accompanying Mala before returning to Fury. She had to admit he wasn't a bad partner at all. Less nervous than Fishlegs, he also had more conversation than the man who came with Mala and he smelled better than the blacksmith! Also, even though it was making her a bit uncomfortable, there was also that strange feeling. She realized once again that he was tall, that he was lean and not in a bad way, that his chest was firm, and that his eyes were green. He stared at her intensely.
"I know I told you already, but you're beautiful."
"Thanks."
Something passed between them at this moment when they looked at each other. It felt like a caress with no need of hands to give it. The music changed and this time Astrid stopped dancing, and joined a few of her friends. Vami and Wollmi were laughing together and they explained Astrid why when she joined them. Fury looked at her, wondering if he had done something wrong. He showed nothing though, and went to Eret to congratulate him once more before spending time with Mala again.
I know we didn't see Mala a lot. We'll have more of her in the next chapter. I was pretty hyped to describe the wedding. I did some research about Norse marriage, and though I put some of it in there, I'm perfectly aware that my depiction is probably far from accurate. Especially the bride riding on a dragon; I'm pretty sure they weren't doing that back then.