Sunlight glistened overhead, golden light illuminating the cove. Below sat two figures, bathing in the light.
"You know, I could give you some pointers if you wanted, you know, if you want to fly well as toothless and me..." Hiccup said mischievously, the corner of his mouth going into a grin, his sharp green eyes glinting with laughter.
"Oh really? I'd love that, honestly! It would be so helpful!" This was a remark that Astrid made a little too sweetly. "Of course I couldn't possibly have you help me without something in return... oh, what to give you, what to give you..." Hiccup knew this would net end well for him. Suddenly, Astrid struck, slamming into his gut and forcing him off the smooth rock they had just been relaxing upon. Something that Astrid apparently never practiced. Pinning him to the ground, Astrid laughed and said,"I could teach you how to defend yourself in exchange?" Her icy blue eyes sparkled with mischief and she joked. Collapsing to the ground, Astrid snuggled closer to Hiccup.
"So, was that another suitor I saw at your hut this morning?" Hiccup asked, somewhat crestfallen.
"Was there? I wouldn't know, by the time the sun rose I was was out training with Stormfly. Besides, there's not many guys on Berk that catch my eye... except for one that is..." she said with a playful gleem in her eye.
"Wonder who could that be." Hiccup playfully and sarcastically remarked.
"Just some guy I've known for awhile. He kinda tall, scrawny..."
"Hey!" Hiccup exclaimed, rolling over to pin Astrid on the ground. Astrid tried to push him off her yet failed, not able to contain her laughter.
"I should go, my father doesn't like when I miss someone coming in for a meeting. See you tomorrow?"
"Bright and early." Hiccup bent down and gave Astrid a kiss before she left. Hiccup followed Astrid with his eyes until she disappeared over the treetops.
When Astrid returned to her hut, she was met with stony silence. The room filled with tension and fear, almost suffocating her where she stood. Sitting at the kitchen table was her father, looking resigned and mournful. Across from him say a man who looked victorious. Like he had just won a centuries old battle. He smirked when he saw her. And she scowled when she saw him.
This is my first story on fanfic so I really hope you like it! I got this idea from prodigal son. Please go check out that story, it's one of the best written fanfics I've ever read!
Ch. 2
"Colden Gounouf, what a surprise." Astrid said, voice dripping with venom. Before her sat a young, blond haired man with eyes blue as the deepest ocean. Shoulders broad as a mountain, and face as punchable as a crooks.
"Astrid Hofferson. A pleasure." Colden replied. He stood and offered her his chair, which she promptly refused.
"Astrid. The Gounouf's have come with a marriage proposal in hand." Astrid's father said. Astrid glared at Colden and his father. Why don't they ever give up! I'm never going to marry his Thor forsaken son! And nothing nor anyone can make me!
"They do so every other week father, why humor them by having a proper meeting. I'm never going to agree..."
"Don't be to sure about that now." Colden cut her off. "I believe we have made an offer you cannot refuse."
"As you know" Coldens father started. "The Gounouf clan owns much of the fertile land towards the center of the island, as well as many of the fishing boats. If you agree to marry my son, our clan is willing to distribute 1/3 of all of our land and boats to the people of berk."
Astrid stood there, staring in shock. She barely reacted when Colden flashed a triumphant smirk. She hardly noticed when his father brought out the contract. Made no move when the contract was signed by Colden, his father, and her father as well. She only stirred when the contract was placed in front of her. Dauntingly certain. Set in stone. Her life flashed before her eyes as if she were dying in the battle field. She remembered her childhood, playing in the woods and running through town. She remembered when her and Colden were friends, before his family took all the land and ships for themselves. She remembered dragon training, learning to fly. And she remembered Hiccup. She remembered her hand in his. His lips on hers. The pure joy and happiness she feels whenever she's with him. "I'm going to step outside for a moment" she said hastily.
Throwing the door open, she looked over the village. Cast in a blood red glow from the setting sun. It looked so peaceful, yet, no children played in the streets. Those whom Astrid did see walked around with no purpose now that their land had been taken by the Gounouf's. Hunger etched in every move they made. Their clothes were raged and dirty. There must be another way. Astrid thought to herself. They can't win... they just can't... A black shadow flew overhead. Hiccup was just returning from the cove. She caught a glimpse of his auburn hair flying in the wind. His emerald eyes shone. Wild and free. Not a care in the world. I have to do this. Astrid thought to herself. I'm sorry Hiccup.
Hiccup and Toothless flew past Astrid's hut. Stopping suddenly when they saw her. She looked so small against the giant wooden frame of the house behind her. Shoulders dropping as if they were carrying the weight of the world. Her icy blue eyes filled with pain and sorrow. She looked out across the village dutifully. Shoulders straightening and eyes determined, Astrid walked back to the house with confidence. Hiccup and Toothless spun in the air, turning to see her, but she was already gone. The door shutting firmly behind her.
"Should we wait and check on her bud?" Hiccup asked with worry laced in his voice. Toothless trilled deep in his throat. "I'll take that as a yes then." Hiccup said with a chuckle.
The sun slowly sunk below the horizon as the pair waited. "Maybe we should head..." Hiccup was cut off as two men walked noisily out of the house.
"Hiccup! So good to see you." The figure said with an evil grin.
"Colden, what brings you here? Begging for Astrid's hand again?"
"Colden Gounouf doesn't beg dear Hiccup. But he does get..." Colden trailed off slightly. Why not let Astrid tell you herself." Colden walked away with a devilish smirk. Staring after him, Hiccup almost missed a dark shadow against the sky, flying away from the hut.
"Come on bud, let's see what's going on."
I hope you guys like it so far! I'm trying to portray the characters as realistically as possible, if there's anything I can do better, please feel free to leave it in the comments! This is also going to be a short story.