Time for the next Astrid chapter! As much as I know how everyone hates when I say this…I think this is going to be a rather short chapter. Just a transition. I'm thinking that this current arc will be ending with the next Hiccup chapter. In the next arc, we'll see some character development for Valka…and some long-distance Hiccstrid (notice I said long-distance which is kinda hard to accomplish in the time period of Berk. You'll see what I mean).

Review Replies:

Forever Me (anonymous): Thanks. I prefer to write later at night, but that, sadly, doesn't happen often because I have two jobs. The Hiccup chapters are interesting now with the introduction of Valka.

Noctus Fury (anonymous): Ew…Star Wars. I hate Star Wars. Yes, I'll openly admit it. Haha. As for Hiccup's reaction, he did kinda get annoyed, but that was back in chapter 33. We'll learn more about this new heir in this chapter.


Chapter 36: No "Forever"

Astrid could not believe everything that had happened recently. It all felt like a whirlwind and she wasn't ready to deal with it. First, Chief Stoick had declared an end to the search for Hiccup and Berk had sent an empty ship to Valhalla for the missing heir. Then, Stoick had determined a new heir to lead Berk when he someday chose to pass on the title. It all just didn't seem fair. Astrid was certain that Hiccup was still alive out there somewhere, trying to find his way back home. Yet, all of Berk seemed to have given up way too early. They all thought it wasn't possible that Hiccup could have survived, but they all seemed to have forgotten that Hiccup wasn't the typical Berk Viking.

Now, Astrid was sitting on a hill overlooking the calm waters that surrounded Berk. Sure it was cold outside today, but Astrid just needed to be alone and think. She needed time to reflect back on all that had happened recently. Not only that but she wanted to avoid Snotlout. With Hiccup gone, he had made it his mission to take her to be his girlfriend. Even if Hiccup were dead, Astrid still would never take Snotlout, but there was just no telling him that.

It's only going to get worse now, though, Astrid told herself even though the realization did not help her to feel any better. Now that Snotlout's been named heir…now that he's been given Hiccup's former title, he's going to think he's invincible. He'll never win me, though…but Gods know that he'll keep trying. Burying her face in her hands, Astrid allowed herself to admit (just this time) that she felt overwhelmed. Trying to hold out hope was exhausting. Each day she'd wake with rejuvenated spirit that maybe Hiccup would return safely home that day, but she was always disappointed by nightfall.

The day was growing late again and the wind seemed to grow colder with each passing minute. Still, Astrid did not want to return back to the village just yet. She could only handle Snotlout's comments and attempts for so long. Honestly, avoiding Snotlout was almost as exhausting as holding out hope for Hiccup…but Astrid still preferred the later. Until there was solid evidence to prove that Hiccup was no longer of this world, Astrid would wait forever for his return.

Reaching under her shirt, Astrid clasped the gift that she held near and dear to her heart. Somehow, between packing and preparing for his travels, Hiccup had managed to find time to stop by the forge and design this golden necklace charm and chain. He had shaped the gold into a heart and then carefully engraved both of their names in script style writing. When he had given the necklace to Astrid, he had shown her that he had created an identical golden charm and chain for himself. On that day, they'd both agreed to wear their matching charms and chains for the duration of his mission. "That way, we'll always be close to each other's hearts," Hiccup had reasoned. Astrid had not argued.

Astrid tucked the necklace back under her shirt. It was the last reminder of Hiccup that she had left and she did not want to lose it. By now the sun was approaching the water and it cast a long line of light over the water. Another day was almost through and, like always, she felt let down by the lack of news on her boyfriend.

With a sigh, Astrid picked herself up to make her way back to the village. What was the chance that she could avoid another annoying encounter with Snotlout? Stealthily, Astrid made her way back into the village and walked toward her home near Gobber's forge. She had almost successfully made it into her house when she heard his voice, calling out to her. Gritting her teeth and rolling her eyes, Astrid turned, reminding herself not to punch Snotlout…at least, not yet. She would if he deserved it.

Snotlout strutted up to her and stopped in front of her, a little too close for Astrid's comfort. "Hey, you want to go work out or something? You look like you work out," Snotlout flirted and Astrid could already tell this was going to be yet another attempt to convince her of why she should be his girlfriend.

"No, Snotlout," Astrid answered immediately. "All I want to do is go home, eat dinner, and go to sleep. So, if you will kindly leave me alone, that would be great." She turned to leave, but Snotlout stopped her again with his next words.

"So, have you thought about what I said before? I mean…now that Hiccup's gone, there's nothing holding you back from choosing a…stronger and more suitable Viking."

Astrid did not turn to face Snotlout because she was certain that she would punch him right in his smug face if she did look at him. "I don't need to think about it at all. The answer is still no. Besides, even if I did believe that Hiccup was dead and I chose to move on, I still wouldn't choose you."

"I don't see how you can think that way. I'm the heir to the chiefdom of Berk. Do you know what you would be if you chose a life with me? You'd be the most powerful woman of Berk."

Finally turning back to face Snotlout, Astrid somehow remained calm as she told Snotlout, "Power isn't everything. The only way I would ever be chieftainess is if Hiccup were chief."

Snotlout clearly refused to just admit that Astrid would never change her mind. He tried a new approach. "What about the future of the village? I'm heir now, but I'll need an heir someday."

"Then you should go talk to the other girls. If you're that desperate, then you are wasting your time trying to convince me." Astrid turned and walked away before Snotlout could fully process what she had just said; she did not want to deal with another of Snotlout's smartass remarks.

Walking quickly into her house, Astrid shut the door and leaned her back against it. She felt tears of frustration prick at the corners of her eyes, but she resisted the urge to cry. Hadn't she already cried enough?

It still didn't feel right. How could all of Berk just give up? Why was she the only one who still held out hope for Hiccup's return? Then, Astrid thought about her most recent encounter with Snotlout and her hands balled into tight fists. Before today, Snotlout's goal had clearly just been to make her his girlfriend. However, tonight's conversation was different. Tonight, Snotlout was actually considering a future with her and that scared Astrid. It didn't scare her because it was Snotlout suggesting it. No, it scared her because it reminded Astrid that, if Hiccup truly was gone forever, she would be expected to move on and find someone else someday. She didn't want to find someone else. She loved Hiccup. Only Hiccup.

Wiping her arm across her eyes and over her face to catch the stray tears that managed to escape from her eyes, Astrid made a decision. I have no "forever" with anyone who isn't Hiccup. If Hiccup doesn't make it back to Berk…to me…then I will love no one. I will stay a shieldmaiden and live my life alone forever. They can't tell me who to love. They can't force me to marry.


Another one of those endings where I know exactly how I want it to end…and then I feel it falls short in delivery. I definitely had the ending written out in my head and then I came up to it in the "putting words to paper" stage and…yeah. Hopefully, the message still got across (and hopefully everyone enjoyed the chapter). Personally, I don't really like this chapter. I feel like Astrid slipped into OOC-ness and I apologize. I've just had a lot on my mind recently and I feel like it's negatively affecting my writing. *sadface*

I remember a reviewer mentioning that if Snotlout was chosen as heir, then he would be more eager to pursue Astrid. You are right! This was in the plans and you totally guessed correctly! Also, way back when Hiccup first left for his mission, I remember a reviewer mentioning that they'd wished Hiccup and Astrid had exchanged something to help them remember each other while he was away. I hope this identical necklace plot point is good enough!

Well, as I mentioned in the opening AN, one more chapter left in this arc. Hopefully, it was a more interesting arc than the first two!

Thank you all for reading and supporting Wheel in the Sky!

Posted: January 19, 2016