*****Stoick's POV*****
I got up earlier than normal, even before the sun. I decided that I would do my chiefly duties early. At least the ones that I could alone. So after getting dressed, I headed out to the forest.
Now I know what you're thinking, But, you said no one is allowed out there. But let me explain, I only go to make sure that there aren't any dragons getting ready to storm into the village. Usually there aren't but you never know. So I do it just in case. Anyways as I was walking through the village, I noticed that a light was on in the forges. What is Gobber doing up this early?
I changed my destination towards the forges. As I got closer, I heard Gobber singing badly. As I peered through the forge window, I saw him in the back room, hammering away and singing waaaay of tune. Like you can't even imagine how bad he was, that bad.
Uhhh… not that I would know anything about that, of course.
"Ummm…. Gobber." Clang, crash, groan.
"Geez Stoick you should never sneak up on a viking like that, especially when he's so lost in his work, that he's singing. Oh what did you think of my song? Wrote it myself."
"It was…. great."
"Thank you! Oh by the way we have to talk."
A long silence settled between them as I waited for Gobber to explain. Eventually Gobber went back to work, causing me to sigh.
"...About?"
"Oh right I was talking. About Hicca."
"Why what's wrong with Hicca? What did she do?"
"It's not what she did, it's what you don't do." What the hell is he talking about?
"Stop speaking in riddles Gobber, what are you talking about?"
"Stoick, she feels neglected by you." That one sentence caused me to feel as if I was shocked by a million eels at the same time.
"What are you talking about? I don't negle-"
"When was the last time you actually spent time with her, or had an actual conversation with her?- "Hey! We talk" "- and I mean without it becoming a yelling match." Oh.
"Uhhhhh…"
"Exactly, can't remember can you? She told me that she feels that I am more of a father figure to her than you are."
"What? Why? I'm her father, not you!"
"No duh Stoick. But I can see why she thinks that, and really, it's understandable."
"How?" Now I was getting annoyed.
"Well for one I talk to hear without screaming, second I actually spend time with her, third I-" With each word, more and more guilt filled me.
Finally the guilt was too much so I interrupted him
"Okay I get it!"
Gobber smirked at me when I did this. He planned this!
"Now do you want my advice on how to fix this or are you going to let this continue, eventually ruining all chances you have with your daughter?"
"I want to fix this." I stated firmly.
"Great! Here's what you have to do." As he said this he was getting a piece of charcoal and paper to write on. I looked over his shoulder and saw he was making a list. It was:
1. Be patient with her: That means no yelling matches
2. Listen: If she wants to talk, don't interrupt or deny anything. Wait until she's done, then speak.
3. Do things she likes: Let her do things she likes don't push weapons onto her and make her fight you. It won't work or help you.
4. Spend time with her: If you get bored, deal. You don't have to do anything just sit there and watch.
"And that's all I can think of right now."
"You're sure this will work?" I asked as I took the paper with the list on it that he was holding out for me to take.
"Oh, yea. I know Hicca, if she knows you want to listen to her, she will appreciate your effort."
"Thanks, Gobber, now I have to go. Chiefly duties and such."
"Right. Bye Stoick." As he said this he turned back to his work and continued hammering.
I ran off with a confident air to me, even more than usual, knowing that I had a chance to fix my relationship with Hicca and act like the father I was supposed to be.
****Gobber's POV****
I turned back around and smiled as I saw Stoick with a happy smile walking towards the village.
Hopefully, he'll take my advice and become the father he should be.
With that thought in mind, I began hammering away and singing my beautiful song once more.
Don't forget to review please :)
~Night Fury's Avenger
