"We'll head on," Astrid heard Gyda say. "Sage and Blue and Star are expecting us."
Astrid then heard the mage and dragon head deeper into the forest. Soon only the sounds of small animals remained. Astrid grunted, turning and walking over to retrieve her axe from the tree. She heard footsteps and knew Hiccup had followed her slowly.
"You didn't show at the Academy," Hiccup said softly.
"I had to practice."
"You've been practicing since…"
Astrid faced him as his voice trailed off. He looked up then back down and tilted his head.
"Are you practicing to fight the Flightmare?"
Astrid's eyes narrowed. "I will restore my family's honor."
Hiccup's brow furrowed. "Do you trust me?"
"What kind of question is that?! You know I do!"
Hiccup stepped closer and gently gripped her upper arms. "Sage found Toothless and I before we found you," he began. "The dragons call Aurvandil's Fire the Ancestors' Skyfire. The Flightmare that comes with it is hunting its food during the event. The dragons call it the Glow-eater because its food is algae that the Fire awakens in different rivers all over the Archipelago. The algae glows." He paused. "Because this is now a nest, Sage said the Flightmare must speak with me before it can hunt on the island. I want you with me when we meet it, but I have to give it a chance to speak. Will you let me?"
Astrid froze, a small war raging within her. She had given her word to restore her family's honor. She trained every day for it. She had also given her word to stand with and support Hiccup in everything. As his betrothed, she knew she was expected to be with him when he did chiefing things his father tasked him and alpha duties the dragons expected him to perform. How did one fulfill two differing vows?
"No matter what, Astrid," Hiccup said softy, "we will learn what happened to your uncle and I will restore your family's honor."
Astrid's eyes narrowed. "That's my job."
Hiccup caressed her cheek with his left hand. "We're a team, Astrid. You stand with me and I will stand with you." He paused and took a deep breath. "Sage warned me the Flightmare she had seen before used a paralyzing mist upon a rival for its glowing water. I am going to ask this one if it used that same mist on your uncle before I decide whether or not to let it hunt on the island. If it did, I will tell everyone in the village that your uncle did not hesitate. I know the village probably won't take my word on most things, but they seem to look to me with anything dragon related now. I will make them listen to the truth of what happened."
Astrid took a deep breath. If what Sage said was true and the Flightmare did say it had spit upon her uncle that would clear him and restore her family name. Now she saw why Hiccup asked her to let him speak to the Flightmare instead of just attacking it.
"Okay, Hiccup," she said. "But the village takes your word for things besides dragons," she added knowing Hiccup still did not always notice the deference and trust the village gave him now.
Hiccup rubbed the back of his neck then looked over to Toothless. "Would you like a flight, Milady?" he asked, turning back to her.
Astrid frowned, knowing he was diverting the topic because he still did not always see that the tribe accepted him. His past was not easily cast aside but he was trying. She decided to give him the out he wanted. It would not do to push him to receive what was true now.
"Sure Hiccup." She paused, tilting her head. "Um, may I operate the tailfin?" she asked, softly.
She had wanted to learn since they finally told each other their feelings. With Stormfly still off with Windwalker, she and Hiccup often flew together upon Toothless' back. If she learned to operate the tailfin then she could sit in front and Hiccup could hold her, instead of the usual, her holding him. It surprised her how much she enjoyed it the first time he ever held her and now she sought ways to make him hold her again. She was also practical. If something should ever happen to Hiccup, her knowing would benefit things.
Hiccup smiled. "Of course, Milady."
[Oh, sure, don't ask the dragon the tailfin is attached to.]
Both Hiccup and Astrid snorted. They moved over to Toothless and Astrid ran her fingertips along the top of the Night Fury's head.
"Can I operate your tailfin?" she asked, grinning.
Toothless chuckled. [Sure, sister,] he said then nuzzled against her. [I know humans view things differently than us dragons but every dragon in the nest knows you are honorable and brave.]
"Thank you, Toothless."
Hiccup titled his head. "I'll secure your axe to Toothless' under strap," he said.
Astrid frowned. "Your shield's there," she said though she hoped the reason for the switch had to do with their switching places in the saddle.
"I'll strap that to my back. That way you can sit in front and reach the pedal better."
Toothless snorted. [You just want to hold her, brother.]
"And if I do?" Hiccup asked, staring at his brother with a lifted eyebrow.
Toothless grunted. [Just don't do that suffocating lip thing on my back, that's all I ask.]
Astrid titled her head. "That sounds like a challenge."
[Ugh, please, I think I'll go remove my breakfast from my belly now.]
Astrid giggled but handed Hiccup her axe. Toothless sat up, allowing Hiccup to access the under strap of his saddle rig. Hiccup unhooked the shield. Astrid took it while Hiccup secured her axe then helped him secure the shield to a series of straps she had suggested he add to his harness so that Sharpshot had clawholds. Toothless dropped back to all fours and Astrid climbed into the saddle. Hiccup climbed on behind her, reaching to either side of her and securing the tether lines. He then encircled her waist. She resisted the gentle pull so that she could remove her left spaulder. Hiccup placed his chin on that shoulder and pulled her against his chest. He then began whispering instructions into her ear. She felt tingles cascade throughout her body but listened and soon Toothless was airborne and banking towards the village.