Where I Belong
Author: Nightstar Fury
Rating: M
Pairing: Hiccup/Astrid
Disclaimer: I don't own the HTTYD movies, or any of the HTTYD series such as Riders of Berk, Defenders of Berk, or Race To The Edge.
The Determined
It was finally time for the chief ceremony, all week had been filled with preparations leading up to this day for Hiccup's rule over Berk would begin since Stoick's announcement when they returned to Berk from the nest. Valka was officially living with Stoick again, it did take her a little time to readjust to being among humans again just like it took Hiccup some time when he first crashed there and began living among the Hooligans. Stoick, Hiccup, Spitelout, and Gobber were all busy and often seen together as the days leading up to today passed by. But the hall was completely decorated from top to bottom, the benches and tables had been adjusted so that Hiccup would have a clear path to walk down to take the throne of Berk before his father, uncle, the elder, his mother, Astrid and all of the members to the Hooligan tribe.
Hiccup took a deep breath closing his eyes, he was ready. Within the hall, Stoick stood before everyone who was awaiting for the ceremony to begin. Stoick looked around, then raised his hands to quiet the crowd down. When they were quiet, Stoick could see their smiling faces looking at him. "I never thought this day would be possible, the day I could pass the position of chiefdom to my only son. But after a long, confusing journey...Here we are and no one is more surprised or proud than I am. Today, my boy becomes a man and joins the Haddock chain of rulers. Today, my only son becomes chief of Berk and the Hairy Hooligan tribe residing here. So without a wasted moment more...I give you my son. Hiccup Horrendous Haddock the Third!" Stoick announced, the two Vikings by the doors opened them wide as everyone turned to see Hiccup standing there with his hands at his sides, a firm but calm look on his face.
Hiccup took another deep breath as he began his walk down the isle towards his father standing center with a sword pointed down to the floor, a shield over it and a helmet resting on the sword's hilt. Spitelout was holding a scroll of vows for me swear too on the right, Gothi holding a small gold bowl of ash on the left. The walk wasn't long but Hiccup could feel every set of eyes watching his every step as he reached his father. Stoick smiled wide at him as Hiccup smiled a little bit in return. Hiccup had seen Astrid and his mother sitting off to the left at the table closest to where he was standing, then along with them were Fishlegs, Snotlout, Ruffnut, and Tuffnut. Of course Toothless was sitting back on his hind legs next to Astrid watching with his signature gummy smile.
"Are you ready son?" Stoick asked.
"I'm ready, Dad." Hiccup gave a short nod to his father. Stoick turned his head to Spitelout to begin the vows and he did so after unrolling the scroll and clearing his throat.
"Hiccup Horrendous Haddock the Third. You've been brought before the chief, his second in command, and elder of the tribe to take on a the highest authority than can be bestowed upon the heir. Chiefdom. In this, you will take vows to protect this tribe and the island we reside on. By becoming the chief of Berk and the Hairy Hooligan tribe, you will vow to stand with, lead, guide, and protect them. Are you ready to take the vows of chiefdom?" Spitelout read off the scroll.
"I am." Hiccup replied firmly. The room fell dead silent now.
"Do you swear by Odin the all father to lead these people into a better future? Do you swear when faced with a problem to think tactfully, quickly to find a solution? Do you swear to listen to your people and always be fair? Do you swear to protect them and the island when in the face of danger even at the cost of your own life? Do you swear to do these things, Hiccup Horrendous Haddock the Third?" Spitelout asked.
"I, Hiccup Horrendous Haddock the Third, do solemnly swear to do these things and uphold my vows taken today." Hiccup stated in a serious tone, his eyes never leaving his father's who honestly looked as if were about to cry but kept himself together. Spitelout gave a nod as he stepped back again rolling the scroll up.
"Take a knee before the elder." Spitelout said to Hiccup who did as he was told, placing his left leg up and right knee to the hall floor while his hands resting on his left knee. The elder stepped forward as she dipped two fingers into the pot of ash before handing it to Stoick, then she rubbed it around and moved Hiccup's auburn bangs out of the way while she drew the symbol of chief in the center of his forehead. Hiccup closed his eyes while this was done and then when he felt Gothi put her hand on his shoulder he opened his eyes to see her smile and offer a bow to him before she stepped back and took the pot of ash again. Stoick now took the helmet and placed it on his head.
"This helmet, to wear on your head and remind you of the vows you took today." Stoick handed him the sword and shield which Hiccup held the sword in his left, the shield in the right. "And those to defend this island, the people and dragons residing here. With all required steps for the passing of the position and title of chief completed...It is my esteemed pleasure to give you your chief," Hiccup already knew his job, to turn slowly and face everyone, "Hiccup the Determined Haddock! Stoick announced. The room burst into applause and cheering for their new chief. Hiccup finally let out the breath he'd been holding and smiled nodding his head to them slowly. He'd done it, he was chief of Berk and the Hairy Hooligan tribe. "Would you like to say a few words son, or wait until dinner?"
"I'll wait, Dad..." Hiccup said softly, his father nodded as Hiccup fixed the shield and sword on his person. Of course the shield was actually his own, he wouldn't of had it any other way and while he had Inferno he did like having an actual sword tied to his belt. Although, Hiccup's was a strap across his chest where the sheath sat and he put the sword in there then the shield strap hanging from the sheath. Astrid was first to rush over hug him tightly, the shared a small kiss before they separated and Hiccup hugged his mother, then father. He shook hands with Spitelout and Gobber and then finally the celebration began. A feast in the new chief's honor. There was a lot of talking, laughing, some dancing too. But when it came time for dinner, it was time for Hiccup to make his announcement about his council members, second in command, and emissaries. He'd finally decided while flying home from the ice nest but never told his father his decision.
Hiccup was sitting at a table with Spitelout, Gothi, his father, and his father's council which consisted of Colby, Bucket, Mulch, and Gobber. Also his mother was sitting beside his father as it should be in his eyes. Hiccup kept waiting for his father to settle everyone so he could talk until it smacked Hiccup in the face that he was the chief now and everyone waited on him. He made the first move now, taking a breath he stood up gaining the attention of the people sitting at his table then he tried to do what his father did with raising his hands. That didn't seem to work, Stoick was about to jump in but Valka stopped him as Hiccup gave a quick whistle to Toothless who lifted his head and sat back on his legs looking curiously. Hiccup smiled and snapped his fingers, in a moment Toothless had the room silenced with only a loud roar. "Thanks bud." Hiccup rubbed his head. "Well that's one way to do it..." He added with a chuckle afterwards.
"So true." Astrid giggled at him.
"Alright so I'm not sure there is much I can say that my father already has. That being known...I just want to thank all of you. Not just for...accepting me as your chief but also for a year or so ago when I crashed on Berk having no idea who I even was, nothing but a necklace as my clue or link to the past. You welcomed me, and my dragon and I couldn't be more grateful to you all for such hospitality to me, at the time who was complete stranger. So thank you for that, and everything since coming here, even after learning that I was the lost heir...And I promise on my life that I will do all I can to ensure the safety and happiness of this island and all it's inhabitants." Hiccup smiled wide, the room cheered again.
"Definitely couldn't of said that better myself son." Stoick chuckled sipping from his mug.
"While I've got everyone's attention...I'll announce to you the people I've chosen to help me out." Hiccup took a breath as everyone listened closely. "For my emissaries, I've chosen Snotlout Jorgenson and Ruffnut Thorston." Hiccup stated. The room clapped lightly and Hiccup settled them down again. "For my council members I selected Gobber, Colby Hofferson, Tuffnut Thorston, and Fishlegs Ingerman." There was pause now, the last thing for Hiccup to announce was who he chose as his second in command. Everyone leaned in a bit closer as Hiccup looked around. "And for my second in command I've chosen a man who not only gave me a chance, a home, and more but he also gave me life. I'm choosing my father, Stoick Haddock as my second in command."
The old man looked like he was about to cry as Hiccup hugged him and they shook hands before facing one another. "I won't let ya down son." He said.
"I don't think that is possible for you to do, Dad. I learned how to do this job from the best after all so I wouldn't want anyone else beside me." Hiccup replied. Stoick smiled at him as Hiccup returned it before the room cheered more at his choices. The celebration continued as they began to eat and drink, a lot more than they should have but who cared. This was the celebration of the year and it was also one of the best days in his entire life so far. He was sure there was more to come.