To Freak Out A Viking Chief

Well, Happy New Year everyone!

I can't believe it's 2011 already!

I know, right 'Mouse? It's SO weird.

What's that supposed to mean?

Anyway, today's chapter is very special for a couple of reasons. A#1, it's the first day in a new year…

And because this is the last meet-a-character chapter.

Yes. So sad. *wipes a fake tear from eye. Nevertheless, it is time to begin, so, please have the pleasure of cheering for our next character to the story,

(S&M) Stoic the Vast!

Oh Hear His Name And Tremble, Ugh, Ugh!

*in sarcastic tone* Oh goody.

*looks at 'Mouse* Ooook then. Ignoring that, let's get on with the chapter!

Mary and Silkmouse walked through the village, listening to their stomachs grumble. Back in the real world, it would have been supper time about now, but looking at the villagers, it looked like dinner wouldn't be happening anytime soon.

Or so they thought.

Just a second after Silkmouse told Mary this, a large bell sounded, and the villagers around them grumbled appreciatively.

"Finally." One grumbled.

"I could really use some grub!" Another said. They all began walking towards the Mead Hall.

"Excuse me," Mary said, running up to a Viking woman. "But, where is everyone going?"

"The Mead Hall! What'd you expect? It's Hiccup's birthday dinner, after all." She told them in a large, booming voice.

"Really?" Silkmouse ran over to them. "It's Hiccup's birthday?"

"No!" The she scoffed. "His birthday was last week. We're just having the dinner tonight. Toothless insisted."

Mary and Silkmouse exchanged a look. "A dragon insisted that the dinner be held tonight?" Silkmouse laughed.

"You bet." The woman told them. "Guess he figured something would happen."

"Maybe." Mary said, looking nervously at the person across from them. "But, we really gotta go, so, if you'll excuse us…."

"That woman scares me!" Silkmouse hissed as soon as they were out of earshot. "I mean, Toothless is a dragon! Yes, he's a completely intelligent being, but that doesn't change the fact that he's a dragon! Dragons can't talk human!"

"I dunno, Silkmouse." Mary chuckled. "You know Hiccup. If there's a barrier, he'll get around it!"

Silkmouse shrugged. "Touché."

They walked in the direction of the Mead Hall, hoping to see what was going on. They didn't have the nerve to actually go in the building, but they could always look around. Outside the Hall, they surveyed the Vikings that passed. They all seemed quite cheery.

"And why wouldn't they be?" Silkmouse asked Mary when she mentioned this. "It is Hiccup's b-day dinner after all. And you know, maybe its fate that we're here the same day that the dinner's being held. That lady did say that Toothless insisted on holding it tonight. Maybe he sensed we were coming!"

"And maybe I'm a Deadly Nadder." Mary retorted. "It's just a coincidence, 'Mouse. And that lady was a loon."

"Hey, look who's here!" Silkmouse told her, obviously having not just listened to a word Mary had said. "Looks like the guest of honour has arrived."

"Seriously!" Mary says. "Hiccup's here?"

"Yes!" Silkmouse told her happily. "And he brought Toothless! Oh My Gosh, I've never been this nervous in my entire life! What if he sees us? And talks to us? Or – "

Silkmouse was cut off by the voice of a young man yelling, "Hey, Mary! Who's your friend?"

The two exchanged glances of total excitement. They walked down to Hiccup and Toothless.

"Hey Hiccup!" Mary greeted him. "This is my friend Silkmouse. She arrived not long after I spoke with you."

"Hi." Silkmouse said nervously. "I'm Silkmouse."

"No?" Hiccup said. "I thought it was some other girl hanging out with Mary, which I've never seen before." It sounded a little rude, but Mary and Silkmouse knew all about Hiccup and his quirky comedy.

"So, big night, huh?" Mary asked, grinning as she saw Silkmouse slowly turning pink after Hiccup's comment.

"Yeah." Hiccup grinned. "Big birthday dinner. We were going to have it last week, but Toothless here insisted that we hold it today."

"Yeah, about that," Silkmouse cut in. "How exactly could you understand him?"

Hiccup just smiled. "I have my ways." He told them. Then he lit up. "Hey, do you guys want to come to the dinner?"

"Who, us?" Mary and Silkmouse looked at each other nervously.

"Well, are there any other girls talking to me right now?" Hiccup rolled his eyes. "Yeah you! You guys could meet my dad and my friends….."

"Oh, already done!" Mary told him.

"What?" Hiccup asked.

"Well, after I talked to you, I ran into a couple other people. I now know everyone from the mo – I mean, stories, heh, heh." Mary corrected herself after a meaningful look from Silkmouse.

"Well, mostly." Silkmouse reminded her. "We still haven't met Stoic."

"Dad?" Hiccup questioned. "Well, that's no problem. He's at the dinner. Why don't we go see him?"

"Do we really have to?" Silkmouse commented.

Hiccup, Toothless, and Mary just stared.

"I've heard stories." she explained.

Hiccup shrugged. "Understandable."

Toothless let a rumble of agreement.

"Well let's get on with it. Stoic or no Stoic, I'm still hungry." Mary said, as her stomach let out another growl.

Hiccup led the two girls inside the mead hall. It appeared that every Viking in the whole village was there, so it took a couple of minutes for the girls to find seats. They finally sat down next to Hiccup's friends, where Mary introduced Silkmouse to Astrid.

"I can't believe I'm finally meeting you!" Silkmouse told Astrid, eyes wide "Me and my sister think you're sooo cool!"

Astrid looked surprised "Wow, uh, thanks."

Silkmouse turned to Snotlout "I'm kinda sorry for beating you up earlier."

Mary gave Silkmouse a You Are? look.

"I get guilty really easily, alright?" she said, looking embarrassed.

The conversation was interrupted by the loud clearing of someone's throat that echoed across the hall. Everyone grew quiet, and Silkmouse and Mary looked to see Stoic the Vast, with Hiccup and Toothless at his side.

"Greetings, fellow Vikings!" The large man rumbled. There was a large cheer in agreement. Stoic motioned for them to settle down. "Now, as you all know, today we are honouring my only son, and heir, Hiccup Horrendous Haddock the Third!"

There were ever more cheers, as everyone in the large room turned to look at Hiccup, who was blushing as red as an apple. "It's nothing… really." He muttered as Astrid threw him an expectant look.

"He gets nervous easily." She informed the two visitors.

"Oh, believe me," Mary grinned at Silkmouse. "We know."

Stoic started talking again. "Now, originally, this dinner was to commence a week ago, on Hiccup's actual birthday. But a certain devil - " And at this, he looked pointedly at Toothless, who assumed his most innocent expression. " – insisted that it be held tonight. So, enjoy!"

The whole building cheered as Terrible Terrors flew above their heads, carrying baskets of food in their claws. Hiccup and his dad talked for a while before heading over to Mary, Silkmouse, and Hiccup's gang's table.

"Hey guys." Hiccup greeted them. "Hey Mary. Hey Silkmouse. You said you wanted to meet Dad, so, well, here he is."

"Yep." Mary and Silkmouse stared at the Viking in awe. Silkmouse leaned over to Astrid. "Um, he's not gonna….. start yelling, or anything like that, is he?"

"Who, Stoic?" Astrid asked. She shook her head. "Nah, he's a big pussycat these days. Something to do with Hiccup becoming a hero."

"Oh." Silkmouse nodded. "Great." She swallowed.

Alright everyone, I'm sorry to say that this is where we're leaving off today. I know we said that we'd meet Stoic and everything, but this chapter is already insanely long, so 'Mouse and I have decided to save it for next week.

Well as long as he doesn't start yelling, I guess it won't be so bad.

Sorry everyone! Happy New Year!

Don't forget to review!

Penelope, over and out!