=Normal POV=
(Odinsdagr, Einmanudur; Dusk)
(Berk; The Village-Haddock Hut)
Officially; it was two weeks until the wedding between Hiccup Haddock and Brenna Grayson. The Chieftains and their Heirs were still present on the island since it was easier than everyone sailing home, which could take a week or longer to reach, and then have to come all the way back to Berk for the union. So Stoick said they were all welcome to stay, and it allowed them time to observe Drage Riddari together and have discussions regarding him. It was hard for Hiccup to sneak off to the cove to change into the Drage Riddari outfit, because during raids; Stoick expected Hiccup to be in the village and help defend it, or part of meetings.
However, Hiccup managed to sneak off and handle his other job of keeping the peace. It was easy to do when he could deal with raids on other islands, but doing them on Berk was tough. All eyes were on him when he was taking care of a raid on Berk. Another tough situation was trying to found the source of the raids in general because Hiccup wasn't banished anymore; he couldn't just disappear with Toothless for days on end to follow the dragons. Hiccup had to send Sharpshot to follow the groups of dragons that Hiccup stopped from raiding. Hiccup also got some other Terrible Terrors to help out as well.
Something that kept Hiccup busy was wedding plans, which his father wanted him part of. Cuyler, Brenna, and Mildri also took part in this venture. Hiccup finished his betrothal gift for Brenna, and he was planning to work on the rings next, which he promised that Brenna could watch him do since she found it interesting. Hiccup still wasn't at all looking forward to getting married; he was only eighteen and while he knew that was the standard time a Viking would marry, if not earlier, Hiccup also had to worry about becoming Chief when his training was complete. Hiccup suspected by the time he was nineteen, he would be married, Chief, and likely have a child on the way. Hiccup knew that was another ridiculous tradition.
Brenna had been checked over by Gothi, part of the wedding things to make sure Brenna was healthy and could bear children. If a woman turned our barren; it was grounds for divorce, so that Hiccup could find a woman who could give him children, which would be his Heirs. However, Hiccup was entirely grateful that he didn't have to do the public consummation part; it would be a simple witnessing of Brenna taking his sword, and him removing her bridal crown, also known as a kransen. Both objects would be put away for the first son and first daughter to inherit later on in life. After that, the witnesses would leave, but Hiccup and Brenna would still have to have done their part of consummation. And then they would have to wait and see if she conceived based on if she started bleeding or not for her cycle.
That's why all these checks were necessary, to watch the cycle and know when Brenna would be fertile. There was no crime if she didn't conceive on the first try; Hiccup had until a year after he became Chief to give an Heir. Not a year after marriage, after becoming Chief, so he had some time yet.
"Hiccup!" heard his voice get called and snapped out of it, shaking his head.
"Hm?" Hiccup looked around.
"Son, did you hear a word I said?" Stoick sighed.
"Not really, no," Hiccup shrugged. "Sorry, Dad. Guess I'm not all here right now," he admitted afterward.
"Why is that? Something on your mind, lad?" Gobber inquired.
"No, just out of it. I didn't sleep well last night," Hiccup informed.
"Well, we did have the raid. Did that keep you up?" Brenna asked.
Hiccup nodded to her; they'd been trying to get to know one another better, but Stoick always had Hiccup during the day for Chieftain training, and during the nights; there were raids to handle. Last night, there was a raid on Berk, Hysteria, and Peaceable. Hiccup was up all night flying around to each place, and stopping the attacks. The night before had been Murderous Mountains, and Waterlands; two places that were hours away from one another in opposite directions. And the night before that involved Dragon Hunter, Bashem, and Visithug. It had been back to back for three nights; Hiccup was exhausted from everything.
At the moment; Hiccup was sitting with the Chieftains and their Heirs; it was a customary thing when everyone was together. Hiccup felt tired, sore, and of course; he didn't escape all the raids unscathed. Honestly, Hiccup felt sick too, which would be bad two weeks before his wedding, and while all this was going on. Hiccup only prayed things would go smoothly. Currently, aside from extreme tiredness, Hiccup's head was throbbing; his stomach was in knots, and as it just happened; he wasn't able to focus at all.
"You haven't touched your food, Hiccup," Mildri stated. Hiccup laid his head on his arms, closing his eyes.
"Not hungry," Hiccup mumbled. The hall doors opened as Stoick looked over to see Trader Johann.
"Johann, what brings you to Berk? Not used to nightly visits," Stoick stood.
"My apologies, Chief Stoick. I'm not here for you," Johann smiled gently. "Master Hiccup, good to see you back in the village," he stated as Hiccup got up and went over to shake his hand.
"I still live in the cove for now," Hiccup chuckled. "You have what I asked for during our last meeting?" he wondered.
"Always right to business as usual; that's why you're one of my favorite customers," Johann laughed a bit as he took the bag off his back and handed it to Hiccup, who opened it up and found two identical single-head axes. "Took a bit of searching, but I came through as always," he added as Hiccup lifted both.
"Perfect size and weight. Love the designs too. You never disappoint," Hiccup smiled. "Bring my sparring buddy for me?"
"Every time I deliver weapons to you. Krogan!" Johann called. A man with dark skin, short black hair, and brown eyes stepped into the hall next to Johann.
"Hey, Kro," Hiccup greeted.
"Good to see you again, Hiccup," Krogan bowed his head a bit. "Right into it then? I'm sure you're anxious to test those out," the man chuckled.
"Oh, you know it," Hiccup twirled both axes and held one in each hand.
"Johann, what is this?" Stoick asked, confused.
"Hiccup saw me sailing in one morning two years ago before the sun rose. He signaled me from the beach and me sailed over. We've had many dealings since his temporary banishment. Seeds, ink, paper, nets, leathers, armor, tools, weapons even. I tend to see him before arriving to see all of you, and if Hiccup needs anything specific; I set out to find it for him and bring it in once obtained. He's my best customer, and pays well," Johann informed.
"So this is how you survived," Gobber chucked a bit.
"Hey, I didn't step foot in the village, did I?" Hiccup shrugged.
"I suppose not, but still. There's no way all this came from Johann," Stoick stated.
"Odin no. Sometimes I took Hiccup with me off the island, and into the trade ports. We've been on many expeditions together," Johann smiled proudly.
"Hang on; you never said you left Berk!" Stoick glared.
"You never said I couldn't either," Hiccup said calmly. "You said to stay out of the village, so I did. I left many times with Johann, been outside the Archipelago, and seen the world beyond what you know. I told you I picked up a lot in two years; it's not like anyone noticed I was gone," he chuckled.
"Ready to go, Hiccup?" Krogan inquired.
"As I'll ever be," Hiccup nodded as both males took a stance. Krogan charged first with his sword as Hiccup blocked with his axes; this went on for a little bit before the males split apart, panting.
"You're good, kid," Krogan remarked. "You've improved since the last match," he laughed a little. "Practicing?"
"Every day," Hiccup nodded.
"Feel like kicking it up a notch?" Krogan arched a brow.
"Bring it," Hiccup grinned.
"Johann," Krogan nodded his head a bit. "Let's see how you do two on one," he offered.
"Ready when you are," Hiccup replied as Krogan and Johann both positioned themselves apart from one another but across from Hiccup. Suddenly. Krogan and Johann charged at the same time; Hiccup grabbed his shield off his back, the middle piece opened as a bola launched to stop Krogan's attack first, making the man fall flat on his face. Johann turned to avoid Hiccup's strike at him, getting behind and locking Hiccup's arms at his sides.
Hiccup struggled to break free, and when he couldn't, Krogran was up and ready again. Hiccup kicked off the ground and forced Krogan back into the wall hard. Hiccup whipped his head backward into Johann's face, making the man loosen his arms. Hiccup broke free, turning and elbowing Johann in the stomach, uppercutting him in the chin, then crouching low and sweeping his feet out from under him. Johann landed on his back and coughed a few times.
"Marvelous, Master Hiccup!" Johann applauded.
Hiccup knew it was a rouse; he sensed Krogan coming from behind. Hiccup closed his eyes, waiting for his moment. When it came; Hiccup's eyes snapped open as he jumped up, kicked off of one of the Great Hall posts, and whipped around, side-kicking Krogan in the side, and the second leg around hit his head. With Krogan and Johann both down, side by side; Hiccup grabbed his axes and brought both down. One ax landed on the stone floor next to the left side of Johann's neck, and the other landed on the right side next to Krogan's neck. Neither of them could move without hurting themselves.
"Well done, Hiccup!" Krogan congratulated.
"Now, might you remove your ax so that my frightened soul may be granted safe passage back to my body?" Johann pleaded. Hiccup chuckled as he pulled both axes free and offered his hands to help the men up. "Sharp as ever, Master Hiccup,"
"Hey, couldn't have done it without your help, Johann. Or yours, Krogan," Hiccup shrugged, checking the blades on the weapons now. "These made of Gronckle Iron?" Hiccup asked.
"Ah, you noticed that, did you?" Krogan stated with a smile.
"Of course. It's the strongest, lightest metal in existence," Hiccup nodded.
"I'd say you've mastered duel wielding," Johann clapped.
"Oh, it feels good. I knew I just needed the right weapons to do it with," Hiccup said.
"And now you should be able to do it with any kind," Krogan informed. "Your hand combat is much better," he mentioned.
"You're a very talented young man, Hiccup. Inventive, smart, intuitive, strong, and fast. I'd fight beside you any day," Krogan bowed. "It would be an honor,"
"As would I, and I am not a fighter," Johann laughed.
"Good to know," Hiccup replied. "Oh, and don't think I forgot your payment, Johann," Hiccup went to his bag and pulled out a small pouch, tossing it to the man. "I believe that's the agreed-upon amount?"
"I trust you, Master Hiccup. Is there anything else you need from me while I travel?" Johann inquired.
"Nothing that I can think of at the moment…" Hiccup stated. "Unless you have any of my usual buys in stock on the ship?"
"Notebooks, writing implements, ink, leathers, and fabrics?" Johann asked as Hiccup nodded. "I always have them aboard just for you at this point," he laughed some.
"Perfect, mind if I grab them from you?" Hiccup questioned. "Oh, happen to have stuff got illnesses too?"
"Not at all, and yes, I do believe so," Johann said as he, Krogan, and Hiccup headed outside.
"Is…Anyone else as confused as I am?" Snotlout asked. Stoick was only staring, and Gobber chuckled, shaking his head.
"So the lad has some hidden talents, what's the big deal?" Gobber stated.
"Hidden talents?! He just duel-wielded ax's, and took on two adults by himself and barely broke a sweat!" Dagur stood up.
"I don't see the problem," Brenna said. "Hiccup knew he'd become Chief one day; perhaps he just wanted to be ready for the position of having to defend the Tribe,"
"In his defense, Hiccup mentioned that he was never given a chance to show you all what he had. Everyone shut him down or ignored him. Out on his own; no one could tell him what to do. He had time to work on things, master them. And it seems he had help from unlikely allies; Hiccup admitted that he left Berk to go out and travel, learn new things. As his father instructed; he learned to survive, and that will help him through the rest of his life. Hell, he even has dragon skills, without dragon training. Hiccup is different, he always has been and likely always will be, so if you haven't already, get used to it. Because I hope he never changes; it's what makes that boy himself and we should all learn to just accept him for who he is," Gobber remarked.
"I think he's great," Brenna said. "I accept him; he'll make a wonderful Chief, husband, and father,"
"You're arranged to marry him; we all saw Hiccup wants no part of getting married," Astrid rolled her eyes. Brenna didn't like her for some reason; it seemed Astrid was almost jealous that Hiccup wasn't going to be marrying her. "It's not like you want to marry him either,"
"I'm honored to be marrying the future Chief of Berk," Brenna said.
"He doesn't love you, even like you," Astrid countered.
"These unions aren't set up out of love or like, Astrid. It's to ensure our futures for the positions we hold, continuing peace between families, and maintaining our allies for battle. If all that is achieved through marriage, then I'm happy to be the price for such. Hiccup and I may not love one another or even like, but we'll both do what's right for our families, and our Tribes," Brenna scoffed a bit.
"Astrid, leave her alone," Hiccup remarked, returning now. Hiccup could feel the jealousy radiating off of Astrid. "If I didn't know any better; I'd say you're jealous that you're not the one in Brenna's position to marry me. What honor it would bring to your family name if you were to marry the Heir and upcoming Chief," he added. There were only five others in the village who were his age; everyone else was three or more years younger. The first was Snotlout Jorgenson, the only son of Spitelout and Frieda Jorgenson. Next was Ruffnut and Tuffnut Thorston, identical twins and children of Buffnut and Hilde Thorston. There was Fishlegs Ingerman, son of Sharklegs, and Ingrida Ingerman. And finally, Astrid Hofferson, daughter of Calder and Alvina Hofferson.
"I haven't done anything; I'm just stating facts. No relationship lasts without love," Astrid crossed her arms over her chest. "And jealous...Yeah right..." she rolled her eyes.
"Stating facts, you say? Alright, I'll state a few for you then. One, you're jealous as hell because you're not the one in her position. You believed that just because you're a Shield Maiden of Berk; you should be the one marrying the next Chief, and you're bothered by the fact you were not chosen as my future bride. Secondly; the Heiress of another Tribe tops Shield Maiden status. Heir's and Heiresses are always first to be chosen from; that is tradition because the upcoming leader of the Tribe will typically marry someone with the same status as him or herself. Powerful houses are aligning for the greater good of the Tribes. If none of them are good matches, then the Heir or Heiress can choose someone from their island," Hiccup explained as Astrid bit back a little. She didn't like being scolded by Hiccup in front of everyone.
"Thirdly…Even if you were an Heiress, and I had my choice in who I marry between you and Brenna…I would still pick her because at least she understands what it is to do for your Tribe, instead of yourself," Hiccup continued. "And lastly, above all else…" Hiccup glared at Astrid now. "You will leave Brenna alone because I said so. And before you go spouting off that you don't have to listen to me, do try to keep in mind that I'm the future Chief of this Tribe. So as your future Chief, I demand that you respect my future wife because she will be your future Chieftess. Because so help you Odin, if you upset her; you and I will have a personal problem,"
"Whether I want this or not doesn't matter. It's still happening, and I will act accordingly to my titles as Chief and Husband. Am I in any way, shape, or form unclear?" Hiccup inquired in a stern tone.
"N-No, Hiccup. I-I understand. I'm sorry," Astrid bowed her head.
"It's not me you owe an apology to," Hiccup remarked coldly. Astrid looked at Brenna now, feeling guilty.
"I'm…Sorry for my words and actions, Brenna. I hope you can forgive me," Astrid stood before her.
"Forgiven," Brenna nodded.
"Now, off with you," Hiccup dismissed Astrid with a wave of his hand. Astrid quickly moved away.
"Thank you," Brenna gave a soft smile to Hiccup.
"You are welcome," Hiccup replied, offer a slight head bow to her. "I am going to get some sleep," he added.
"So early?" Stoick asked.
"Didn't sleep, and not feeling well," Hiccup stated as he ended up bending down to kiss Brenna's forehead. "Goodnight," he exited the Great Hall and started for the cove still leaving everyone shocked and surprised that he told Astrid off.