44 Things Any Shieldmaiden Would Die For

by EquinoxKnight01

"So?" Hiccup held a hand over his quivering mouth. "You just felt like flying backwards at the moment?" "Hilarious. This book just decided to ram into my skull." "What's the title?" "You've got to be kidding me. 'The Book of Love'." Not from the American Pie movie. No connection. Hiccup and Fishlegs with Astrid and Ruffnut, respectively. Most likely going to be a two-shot.

2. Part I of the Final Chapter

I am the person that brings food to feed an army to a small intimate gathering.

I am the one that makes sure to go above and beyond in my part for a simple project.

I jump higher, run faster, and participate as if my life depends on it for a state fair event where the adults are supposed to let the kids win.

I will be the person to take a simple romance genre FanFiction and blow it out to epic proportions with more depth, twice the amount of characters, and bigger background settings necessary to finish this story.

I am that person! And proud of it!

And these people don't seem to mind, so I'll openly thank them for it!

Thank you, The Burning Pillar, NascarFTW, CartoonChick15, AquamarinePisces, and HiccupHaddockIII.

Here is Part I of the two part finale to 44 Things That Any Shieldmaiden Would Die For-

OXOX

HiccupXAstrid

It's been a week since the campfire and Hiccup found himself punished for his absence in helping his father with the treaties. Running straight home from the forge must've slipped his mind when he was with Astrid.

"Stupid paperwork…" Hiccup grumbled on as he turned another page and skimmed through it. His father would have his hide if he skipped through and signed every document. Stoick found out Hiccup's method when his son signed a petition to enslave the dragons of Berk (a document Mildew sent in every week) and confronted Hiccup with it. Stoick lectured at the importance of the responsibilities of chiefdom while Toothless felt betrayed by the lack of care the Dragon Rider had for his kind. Hiccup got himself on Stoick and Toothless' bad side that morning.

But the paperwork punishment wasn't the worst news Hiccup received that morning. Oh no, his father just had to remind him that it was Treaty Week. Treaty Week meant that Berk would hold the heirs from Amazon Tribe, Outcast Tribe, and the Berserk Tribe for a week of displaying the unity the Hairy Hooligans Tribe has with their dragons and to promote dragon riding over dragon slaying. Before Hiccup could ask what was going on in his father's head to even invite those lunatics to Berk, Stoick dumped a whole 'nother beast of paperwork in front of his son.

Why do we keep accepting these dragon-slaying centric petitions from Mildew every week?! Hiccup ripped the eighteenth sheet demanding that dragons be used a target practice for the younger generation on Berk. Hiccup made a note to pay a visit to Mildew to propose a compromise (blow the ignorant Neanderthal's house to smithereens) to cease the ridiculous requests. "Oh my Gods!" Hiccup groaned loudly when his father dropped off another workload.

"Why aren't you doing any papers?! … Sir?" Hiccup added at the end when his father sent a stern glare his way. Well, you're not…

"Humph, we'll be taking a break now. I'll inform you that we need to greet our visitors at the docks tomorrow morning. Get ready to shake some hands for the sake of Treaty Week." Stoick announced, beginning to lay down the traditional bear fur capes for such an occasion. From the looks of it and the bad attitude he started the day with, Stoick wasn't much happier with the set-up either. But if he wanted his son to take over after he passed, Stoick knew he had to break ground now while there was peace.

At this rate, I'm gonna end up like Gobber… Hiccup thought to himself, worried that his hand was gonna fall off from all the signing and hand-shaking. Thumping his head to the desk, Hiccup wonder how long he would survive in the scorching weather while wearing one of the heavy capes he would be forced to wear. With the direction this day was taking, Hiccup knew that his time would be taken up all day. He might not be able to see Astrid today-

"Wait!" Hiccup's head flew up, a few documents stuck to his sweaty forehead. "Can I bring Astrid along?"

"Why?"

Think, think, think… Ah! "To, uh, show the might and power of the Hairy Hooligan Tribe!"

"…The might?" What was Hiccup getting at? Trying to belittle me with the mood I'm in this morning… "You think Astrid would better display the power and might of the Hairy Hooligans even more than its own Chief?"

"No, Dad, of course not! But think of how frightened they would be if the famous Dragon Rider, fearsome Astrid Hofferson, and the all-mighty Gods-like Chief of Berk!" Hiccup stood up from his chair in a dramatic nature, spreading his arms wide. "Said Chief also known for his immense handsomeness and ability to outdrink anyone who dares challenge him!" Hiccup added in that last part to further stroke his father's ego. And from the glorious twinkle in his dad's eyes, Hiccup already knew the answer. "Dad?"

Brought out of his reverie of being a hero-God, Stoick cleared his throat and took the stance he usually had when he made an important decision. "Well, I suppose Astrid could tag along. If only to, ahem, accompany the intimidation of the Hairy Hooligans Tribe that I already possess."

Yes! Hiccup managed to get Astrid to come along, thus putting his plan to motion! And his dad was in a much better mood.

OoO

At the docks, several ships of three clans sailed into the bay of Berk. While it should've only taken three ships for each heir, it appeared that Stoick and Hiccup weren't the only ones thinking of unnecessary intimidation. It was Treaty Week, for Gods' sake, keyword; peace! Hiccup

Camicazi the Great of the Amazon Tribe. But to be perfectly honest, Hiccup didn't know what was so great about the spitfire midget. It wasn't her first visit to Berk; she had disobeyed her mother countless times and sailed to the neighboring island to rebel. Camicazi often claimed Berk as her secret island and would bury treasure in various locations on Berk. Most of the Hairy Hooligans completely ignored her while the sentries got their work cut out for them trying to catch the little demon and detain Camicazi until her mother arrived to pick her up. Her visits had lessened over the last couple of months since Bertha kept her daughter on a tighter lease; the day Camicazi was supposed to succeed her was creeping up so Camicazi had to "knock it off the shenanigans" or "get knocked out". "Repeatedly", Bertha threatened. Back before Hiccup was in a relationship with Astrid, Camicazi would be the one punching him for no absolute reason. What was with blondes and punching people to display their feelings? …Did Camicazi have feelings for me…?

Dagur the Deranged of the Berserker Tribe; the eldest of Hiccup's generation had already ascended to the Chiefdom. Dagur wasn't very open-minded to the newfound unison Berk had with their ex-sworn reptile enemies and he didn't seem interested with the idea of introducing the concept back home. Hiccup needed to keep his eyes on the unpredictable young Chief.

Heather the Unworthy of the Outcast Tribe; apparently, she displayed a show of mercy at her tribe's rite of passage ritual and was immediately shunned from her tribe. From afar, Heather didn't seem suspicious, insane, of boastful, but Hiccup had to keep his doubts about her. She was an outsider and whether or not she could end relating to Hiccup-sharing stories of being the pariah of the village- was still up for debate. But for now, Hiccup would greet and watch her like the rest of them. The nickname 'Hiccup the Useless' reared its ugly head and Hiccup hoped Heather was harmless.

Stoick greeted the younger generation as their servants tied down their ships. "Welcome to Berk! I am Stoick the Vast, Chief of the Hairy Hooligans…"

Astrid leaned over to Hiccup, careful to whisper so she didn't appear to be disrespectful to Stoick. "So why am I here again?"

"You don't want to be here?"

"No, it's not that. But for these types of occasions, your Dad is sort of strict on who is allowed to represent Berk. …This is my first time at an important event so I'm kind of nervous." Astrid admitted after messing with her hair for the umpteenth time in the last minute. It probably didn't help Astrid's confidence that her mother had her up all night fussing about her hair and now Astrid had bags under her eyes. She looked more weary than fearsome like she was supposed to be. But, Hel, at least her hair was intimidatingly fabulous.

Hiccup really didn't want Astrid to be as nervous as he was at the moment. His script on what to do the next few minutes had him on edge. "Well, don't be nervous. All we have to do is shake hands and walk them through the market street up to the Great Hall. My dad will take over from there if he's in a good mood." Hopefully Hiccup's actions wouldn't upset his father. Hiccup knew how fickle his father was when it came to traditional mannerisms around outsiders. 'If you show weakness, and the enemy catches it, prepare to fight to prove yourself'. Hiccup would rather it didn't come to an outright brawl to prove himself. Who knows how the dragons on the island would react to his person getting attacked by strangers. Three words; burnt sinking ships.

"Gods-willing he's in a good mood. I need a nap…" Astrid stifled a yawn as the heirs shook Stoick's hand and moved to shake her and Hiccup's. "Astrid Hofferson, Shieldmaiden of the Hairy Hooligans."

"Heather, um, Tinkerer of the Outcast Tribe?" The introduction didn't sound very convincing, Heather wasn't sure herself. Those accompanying her on the voyage scowled and shook their heads at her introduction. She gave them all an apologetic look before offering her hand to Astrid.

Astrid was surprised by the firm handshake from the frail girl. "No last name?"

"Uh, no, I don't have a last name. No one acknowledges my existence on my island so I'm an orphan…"

Hiccup heard a snippet of the conversation as he flexed his hand after Camicazi practically squeezed the feeling out of it. Peering over, Hiccup's eyes widened as he took in Heather's appearance. If Hiccup didn't know any better, he would've guessed that Heather was Astrid's sister. Her black-haired sister. The resemblance the two had been uncanny. Probably due to Astrid's hair unbraided and put into a fishtail style. Hiccup was torn from his thoughts when his father slapped his back, bringing him to attention that Dagur was waiting for his hand to be shaken.

"Oh, hey, Hiccup Haddock III. I'm the first Dragon rider of Berk." Hiccup felt unnerved when he stared into Dagur's eyes. It was like Dagur would jump out and attack at any moment.

"Dragon rider, eh? So that's what they're calling dragon-slaying pacifists these days. Just like Aunt Valka, right Uncle Stoick?" Nodding at Stoick, Dagur tapped his chin in thought as he sized Hiccup up and down. "I guess that title was too long and you parodied it to that accomplishment." Dagur muttered before sporting a wicked grin when he turned to Astrid. "Ah, I know a warrior when I see one. Astrid of the fearsome Hofferson clan. It's an honor to meet a relative of 'Fearsome' Finn Hofferson." Dagur was unfazed by the well-met grip he received from Astrid. "You know, your uncle helped my dad take down an Alpha-class dragon back in the day. Damn bastard took three whole days to track and kill…"

"An Alpha-class dragon hunt? Uncle Phineas never mention anything like that before." Astrid perked up in interest of a tale she hasn't heard before. Her curiosity got the better of her at the mention of an Alpha-class dragon. She knew she shouldn't be excited about hearing a story of dragon-slaying, being as she was reformed from the violence against them. Astrid could feel Hiccup's eyes and attention on how she was going to respond. "I guess he forgot to tell me that before he passed."

"What a shame…" Dagur moved aside so Camicazi could greet Astrid. He didn't take his eyes off of her even as Stoick spoke of what their tour would entail.

The Haddock men refused to show it, but the pair was beginning to get annoyed with Dagur. Not only was the rude teenager openly insulting Hiccup's reputation but he had yet to identify Stoick by his title of Chief. As far as Stoick was concerned, Dagur wasn't blood-related and it wasn't either 'Chief Stoick' or 'get ready for war if you call me Uncle again…'. Hiccup's eye twitched when Dagur didn't recognize him as a warrior in front of his girlfriend. There was a silent prayer that Dagur would run into another Alpha on his way back home with a smirk.

"Are you and Astrid together?" Camicazi directed her question to Hiccup as she shook Astrid's hand.

"Hmm?" Hiccup was daydreaming of the plot of setting Dagur up with a play date with Mildew and thinking of ways to rig the meeting spot to explode while making it look like an incident. Like packing a few dragon eggs in their picnic basket.

"You know, courting?"

"Yes, you could say that. We've been dating for about three months now. Astrid refusing to let me wear the pants in the relationship, though." Referring to the night at the lake a week ago. Hiccup gave Astrid one of his goofy grins to which she returned with a more graceful smile.

"There's no way a strong Hofferson woman would be caught seen with a Haddock. No offense, Chief Stoick" Camicazi added.

In what way was that not offensive? Stoick thought, his brows twitching in annoyance. What's worse was that Camicazi wasn't even a Berkian, so not only was she an outsider, but she was making snarky comments without knowing the respect of power the two clans have for one another.

"I'll believe that when I see it…" Dagur scoffed as if Hiccup was lying to save face.

Astrid looked apprehensive at the accusations. But then she became angry with Camicazi and Dagur. How dare they demand proof of their relationship? They were there to sign a treaty not lord over with someone else's business. The nerve-

Hiccup registered that Astrid was two seconds away from attacking the blunt pair. Grabbing hold of her hand, turning her head towards him with his other hand, Hiccup leaned down and pressed his lips to Astrid's. It brought great ease to the both of them when Astrid got over her anger and surprise to lean into the kiss as well. No longer nervous, irritated, or just about ready to declare a war, Hiccup and Astrid had apparently proved not only were they a couple but they didn't give a damn about what anyone who thought otherwise.

Camicazi scrunched up her face and turned away with a look of disgust. "Gods, you two do know that we're standing right here, right?"

Glaring at the back of Hiccup's head, Dagur's jaw set as he stalked away into the market street. But when he became aware that he had no idea where the Great Hall, Dagur crossed his arms and huffed in annoyance. Unfortunately, the closest servant to him received Dagur's indirect anger to the face.

Breaking away from Astrid, the both of them now glowing in confidence, Hiccup had a greater respect for the book that he and Fishlegs found last week. He supposed that he fulfilled the step pertaining to kissing your significant other in front of other girls. Even if Hiccup just met Heather and Camicazi moments ago.

Stoick, oddly, didn't reprimand the two. He simply led Heather, Camicazi, and the irked Dagur towards the Great Hall. But not before winking at Hiccup over his shoulder.

It seemed Hiccup had his father's blessing to mess with Dagur that week.

XOXO

FishlegsXRuffnut

Fishlegs held the bow just how Ruffnut instructed beforehand and took aim for the apple. It was their final round of hitting a dozen apples straight into the centers. Surprisingly, Fishlegs had a talent for archery (at the very least hitting some part of the apple instead of completely missing his target) and he was one point away from winning their little game. Well, more like ending with a tie. Fishlegs steadied his breathing and continued to wait.

Ruffnut was off to the sidelines, not making a peep as she watched him. It would be poor sportsmanship to try to seduce him to win in her favor. That, and the fact that Ruffnut really wanted to win fair and square when there was an awesome first place prize. The one who shot the most apples in the center would prepare and bring dinner to yet another secret island Fishlegs discovered on his research ventures. If Ruffnut won, she'd not only be served dinner in a whole new island filled with magical forestation- as Fishlegs dreamingly described to her, but she would get to see it before her birthday. But if Fishlegs won, Ruffnut would have to painstakingly wait until her birthday to see the fairy tale island and would have to settle for dinner somewhere on Berk, probably the Great Hall. She didn't want to pray against Fishlegs winning, but Ruffnut was not about to wait another four months. Her respect for him resonated with her as she sat waiting.

Just about to fall… Fishlegs' eyes were locked onto the apple. The stem was still peeling of the branch, taking its time to further put Fishlegs on edge- Fishlegs took a deep breath and released the arrow, he watched as it flew toward the apple, plucking it out of the air before sending it all into the lake. Breathing out, Fishlegs could relax his tense arms and shoulders, he was glad he at least hit the apple. But the worst isn't over yet, he had to retrieve the apple and check the marker he painted onto it. Gods-willing, the arrowhead was near its intended target. It's not like that he didn't want Ruffnut to see it, but his father couldn't give him the boat tonight, Meatlug was too sick to fly, and Fishlegs was terrified of Burp and Belch (Ruffnut and Tuffnut shared Zippleback). Fishlegs weighed a little too much for their sinewy necks and the dragons' knew and made sure Fishlegs knew it as well. They'd growl and hiss if Fishlegs got near them with the intention of riding them (practically break their necks).

Fishlegs ran/stumbled towards the lake and reached in for his own uniquely painted fruit. His were branded with orange and green paint, like the Ingerman pattern, while Ruffnut's were turquoise and yellow. The pair had already gotten their previous apples from the other rounds so there were only two left in the water. Bringing up to his face, Fishlegs discovered that he missed his mark and Ruffnut hit hers right on. Images of screaming at the top of his lungs while riding a Zippleback came to mind. Fishlegs had a stray thought to pluck the arrow out and embed it closer to the centers mark. But he thought against it, he wouldn't cheat because he knew Ruffnut was the clear winner. Besides, Fishlegs had a small victory that the game they had hadn't ended up in Ruffnut's favor by a landslide. Leaving the apple as it was, Fishlegs figured he had to get over it and take Ruffnut out to Sea Dream Island.

"Well, looks like you won, Ruffnut- Whoa!" Fishlegs was turning around to congratulate Ruffnut on her victory, but Fishlegs flinched when he saw that she was watching from over his shoulder with a wide grin.

"Looks like I did." Ruffnut genuinely smiled up at Fishlegs. She was right to respect that Fishlegs would have the integrity not to cheat if she didn't either. "It was a good competition, Fishy. You've got a knack for archery."

"Who knew?" Fishlegs rubbed the back of his neck as he stood up.

Thank the Gods… Fishlegs knelt before Hiccup, grateful to his friend. "With the docks overrun from the visiting boats, my father had to beach his fishing boat for the week and with Meatlug sick there was no way I could even get off the island-"

"Fishlegs, relax. Just take our family war brig." Hiccup picked Fishlegs up off the ground. Hiccup had been pulled from the Great Hall by the frantic Fishlegs and was beginning to understand why the Ingerman was in a state of distress. Honestly, Hiccup was glad to be pulled away from the table and his obnoxious guests, but he needed to get back to mediate his father and Astrid from lashing out at the heirs, especially Dagur. "I'm sure my dad won't mind if you take it out. Especially since you've been the one restoring it every month."

"There has to be something I could do..." Fishlegs couldn't find it in himself to be as lax as Hiccup was making the favor out to be. Taking out Stoick's prized War Brig wasn't like borrowing a pound of flour.

Noticing that Fishlegs wouldn't relent unless the simple favor turned to a trade, Hiccup thought of a deal to put them both at ease. "If you tell me the coordinates for that new island you discovered, I'll take full responsibility if my dad ever gets mad that you borrowed the Brig, alright? What?" Hiccup asked.

Fishlegs was giving him a dull stare. "Yeah, I'll take that deal only because your silver tongue is known to sway someone like Chief Stoick…"

"I'll have you know that I got Astrid to come along to greet the heirs this morning, no problem. You know how my dad is when it comes to important events…" Hiccup felt indignant that Fishlegs had no confidence that he could sway Stoick. "Now go on your date, Fishlegs, and leave my dad to me if anything goes wrong." Hiccup grumbled as he walked back to the Great Hall.

With the permission to use the War Brig, Fishlegs traveled to the west shore and steered the massive ship around the island and into the main bay. The weather was fair that evening, no rushing wind or crashing waves, but Fishlegs knew he couldn't man the vessel alone. Especially if he didn't want it to get damaged and be at the receiving end of Stoick's wrath, no thank you. Although Ruffnut would be accompanying him to the Sea Dream Island, two people weren't nearly enough to unfurl the several sails and maintain a set course all at once. No, Fishlegs had to recruit some manpower for his and Ruffnut's private date. Unfortunately, the only skilled crewmen that were available were those that sailed back with Fishlegs and Ruffnut when they just left the Dragons' Nest. The very individuals that were shouting obscenities and lewd jokes when they saw Fishlegs sucking face with Ruffnut.

"So I need your help manning a ship to a private location. I know it's short notice, but it'll only be for tonight and we should be back a little past midnight. So what do you say?"

"Ya need our help, Guppy? You were just fine with your father's ship last week…" The loudest of the group said. The crew was currently playing a card game they bought from Trader Johann a few weeks ago. They hadn't the slightest clue what the goal was or how to keep score, but the game itself was time-consuming. Johann mentioned that the game was named 'War', so naturally the crewmen bought it and reassured Johann that they didn't need instructions on how to play a game involving war and battles.

"Yes, but that was my father's boat. The boat I have tonight is-"

"Oi, how you doin' with that wild lass, Guppy? Did ya get to map out her nether regions?!" The lewdest of the group cackled along with the rest of the crew. They laughed harder when Fishlegs' face became red with embarrassment. The clumsiest of the group laughed right off his chair.

"The boat I need help sailing is the Gungnir!" Fishlegs yelled over their laughter, slightly irritated at their laughing at his embarrassment.

That sobered them up quickly. Even the clumsy crewman magically rose up from the ground with his chair. "The Gungnir? Stoick's war brig?"

"Yes," Fishlegs turned and pointed towards the massive ship anchored out in the bay. When he turned back to their card game table, Fishlegs was surprised to see that the table was cleared and its occupants had vanished. Hearing splashing noises, Fishlegs peered over his shoulder and saw the crewmen rowing a dinghy to the Gungnir, already stocked and ready to sail. When did they…?

"Are you ready to go, Fishy?"

Turning around once more, Fishlegs recognized Ruffnut's voice and started to greet her until he laid his eyes on her. "Uhh…"

Ruffnut had cut her hair short sometime during the day; most likely it happened after their archery session. "Uh, yeah. I had to cut my hair today because Tuffnut- Well, it doesn't matter anymore. I'm ready to go!" Ruffnut lifted up the food basket to Fishlegs. She didn't want Fishlegs to know that Tuffnut had caused her to cut her luxurious hair because Fishlegs would no doubt go over to the Thorston residence and knock his block off. No, she wanted to just go to the island and have a good time with Fishy.

Fishlegs noticed that Ruffnut stopped mid-sentence at the mention of her twin, but he didn't pry. Since she wasn't making a big deal of it, he wouldn't make it one.

Arriving at the Sea Dream Island, Fishlegs had little difficulty convincing the crewmen to stay on the brig to give him and Ruffnut privacy. Thankfully, the crewmen weren't too crude with their teasing on the trip there. They were too fascinated with Gungnir itself and their luck in being able to sail in it.

Gungnir was at least ten times larger than the usual warships that Stoick dispatched for the Dragon Nest hunting expeditions. The ship itself was as tall as the Red Death and was wide enough to comfortably hold half the population of Berk, Stoick prized Gungnir greatly. Fashioned from the trees that Johann revered as 'branches of the World Tree', Stoick hired the trader to completely furnish the vessel as a gift to Stoick's father, the past chief, Torrick Haddock. Naturally, when Torrick passed, Stoick not only became Chief but also acquired the vessel. Stoick has had the Ingerman family maintain the Gungnir since its creation.

The trip there wasn't perilous, but it was dangerous to navigate to if one didn't know the route away from the 'logging waters'. Logging waters were areas that fallen trees or branches would float aimlessly. The saturated logs had enough heft to breach the hull of any ship if the crew wasn't careful.

Dropping to the dinghy, Fishlegs asked that the crew keep the fog lights burning as a beacon before he started rowing Ruffnut towards the shore. Fishlegs almost repeated himself when the crew stood at the helm, astonished at the sight of the island before them. Fishlegs had seen the island more than times than he could count with his constant visits, but the view was always breathtaking.

During the day, it was nothing special, just another inhabited forested island. But at night, every half moon, as Fishlegs recorded, the base of the island would glow a brilliant blue and green. The charm of the island was the ice chunks and crystal formations that would appear to be dancing souls and flashy motions with the colorful lapping water surrounding the island. When a draft blew through the island, some objects, Fishlegs hadn't discovered them yet, would sound like laughter and singing. If Fishlegs had a right mind, he'd be cautious of the Siren-like Island. But when he was with Meatlug who didn't sense any immediate danger, Fishlegs landed onto the dream landmass without worry of getting lured by mythical creatures. But Fishlegs had a lingering theory that a few Alpha-class dragons had a role to play when it came to the mysterious island's features. The ice chunks supplied a hint.

Steering the dinghy into the shoreline, Fishlegs smiled as he heard the loud sailor songs from the ship. Anchoring the small skiff, Fishlegs helped Ruffnut out with the luggage and led her to his campsite. He had settled a disclosed spot on the beach on his second visit. That visit spanned out for a whole day as he made notes of the ecosystem. So far, he had only flown around the island, scaling the island's beaches. He flew over to try and get a sneak peek of any wildlife or rogue dragons in the area. But the formations and treetops were magically placed to tuck away any secrets from a bird's eye view.

"What did you pack for tonight?"

"Just some spiced venison, bread loaves, cheeses, and baked goods. I hope you brought the refreshments."

"Yeah. Couldn't snag any hard mead, though. Gobber has been eyeing them like a hawk nowadays. Are you good with Yak Nog?"

Ruffnut gave Fishlegs a look of horror before she dropped it when he started laughing at her expression. "Don't even joke about that nasty stuff, Fishlegs…" Ruffnut was still irked about the joke but started grinning when Fishlegs continued to bark with that contagious laugh of his.

"Could we go more inland? I think I saw a sunken area just like The Cove on Berk."

Fishlegs hadn't been any further inside of the island yet, and frankly, he didn't feel very adventurous when Meatlug or any dragon ally wasn't with him. There were still countless species yet to be discovered and classified. Who knew if some were on Sea Dream Island? Without the sense of awareness that a dragon had, Fishlegs was practically going into unknown territory blind. Peering down at Ruffnut, though, made him feel the need to man up and stop thinking of excuses. Despite his lack of warrior spirit, Fishlegs was still a Viking, a warrior of land and sea. Thor's mortal image!

Fishlegs came to the decision that he shouldn't rely on a dragon's senses instead of having confidence in his abilities to protect himself and others. He couldn't breathe fire, but he did have the blood and soul of Vikings. That is enough in itself.

Confidence welling inside him, Fishlegs tipped his helmet forward and hooked arms with Ruffnut. "Let's go."

Ruffnut had been silently watching Fishlegs' internal battle and was surprised when he finally came to a decision. Even more so when his voice had some bass in it. She was reminded of Chief Stoick and felt that Fishlegs' first priority was her safety over his own. It was a hint though; Fishlegs' knees were still shaking as they both marched forward.

OXOX

HiccupXAstrid

"Well, that went well…" Hiccup muttered.

Astrid shrugged her shoulders.

The dinner at the Great Hall was exhausting for the both of them. Astrid was constantly challenged a number of times by Camicazi to a duel and was asked insensitive questions by Dagur throughout the dinner.

Hiccup had to keep the peace and a conversation of interest with Heather. It turns out that Heather had a talent for inventing and alchemy. To which Hiccup was genuinely curious about. He had been hoping to buy more research books from Johann on further customizing his sword, but maybe Heather could weigh in her opinions.

Stoick had excused himself when a certain fool of the town whispered that Gungnir was stolen from its enclosed space at the west shore. That vindictive fool being none other than Mildew. Hiccup had dispatched Toothless to make their search for Gungnir as extended as possible. When Hiccup informed Astrid, she had Stormfly act as look-out for Fishlegs on the missing vessel. For now, the two of them had to entertain their guests.

The groups of teenagers had already finished their dinner and were booted from the Hall due to the infamous drinking hour creeping up and the thought of the visitors being inebriated with dragons walking around spelt disaster. So Hiccup and Astrid took them for a tour deeper into the forest. They'll visit The Cove where Hiccup first befriended Toothless, but the Haddock wouldn't them know that.

Right now, Hiccup and Astrid were waiting outside the Hall for their guests to relieve themselves in the latrines located at the back of the Great Hall.

"With the direction today is taking, I should probably apologize for bringing you into this…"

"How perceptive you are, Hiccup. I wish you had this foresight earlier."

Ugh… Hiccup groaned internally. Astrid was in that mood. "I won't be upset if you want to go home."

"My actions don't revolve around your emotions, Haddock. Not to mention that my retreat would send the wrong signals to those spoiled brats. That midget would think I'm intimidated by her. So, no, I'm not going to run away like an immature babe." Astrid huffed, wishing she had her axe on her person since they were going into the forest. She really felt like slashing at a few trees with it at the moment.

"You know I didn't mean it like that, A-, err, Astrid." Hiccup thought against using Astrid's middle name just then. He had a feeling Astrid would react more like a demon, with the way she's been acting during dinner, than an angel.

Before Astrid could answer, Heather rounded the corner and walked up to them. "So where are we going this time?"

"It better not be somewhere in my territory…" Camicazi growled.

Dagur gave Astrid a confused look at that. "Do Hooligans split the land of Berk with the Amazons?"

Astrid shook her head. "No, Camicazi is as delusional as she is short-statured." That comment earned a glare from the vertically-challenged heir. Astrid wasn't holding any ire back when it came to Camicazi. "Camicazi frequently visits Berk without official permission and claims certain locations. But don't take anything she says seriously, us Berkians don't."

Dagur chuckled at Camicazi sending Astrid a withering glare.

"We'll be going to different dragon stables and famous Berkian sites before retiring for the night." Hiccup announced to everyone. He thought he should give them all a clear layout instead of letting them wander and claim land for themselves.

(A/N) Admittedly, I had a hard time deciding if I should reverse the roles for the second part of this story. You know, I would have had Astrid and Ruffnut doing the last half of the instructions from the Book of Love (absolutely no reference to American Pie). Anyway, I probably could've plucked some steps out of order, but I think it came out okay since I went step by step in order. Tell me what you think...

Please don't label as a villain for putting Astrid and Ruffnut in such a position. But to keep the story realistic and stay true to the "44 Things…" steps, I had to add a mix of doubt and jealousy. Yes, even the hurt and distrust was necessary. BUT I hope you enjoyed this Part I of this story! I really hope you all did. It was my pleasure to continue this story. Thank you!

Laters.

P.S. Here's the list for you all to reference to.

25-Kiss her in front of other girls you know.

26-Don't lie to her.

27-Don't cheat on her.

28-Take her anywhere she wants.

29-Instant message or call her in the morning and tell her have a good day at school, and how much you miss her. (Equinox: How am I supposed to incorporate this into the HTTYD universe?! By having a letter sent by messenger falcon? Bah, this isn't a period drama story!) *SKIPPED*

30-Be there for her whenever she needs you, & even when she doesn't need you, just be there so she'll know that she can always count on you.

Are you still reading this? You better be, it's important.

31. Hold her close when she's cold so she can hold you too.

32. When you are alone hold her close and kiss her.

33. Kiss her on the cheek (it will give her the hint that you want to kiss her).

34. While in the movie, put your arm around her and then she will automatically put her head on your shoulder, then lean in and tilt her chin up and kiss her lightly.

35. Don't ever tell her to leave even jokingly or act like you're mad. If she's upset, comfort her. Remember this next time you are with her

36. When people make fun of her, stand up for her. Take her side no matter what.

37. Look deep into her eyes and tell her you love her. You better mean it!

38. Lay down under the stars and put her head on your chest so she can listen to the steady beat of your heart, Link your fingers together while you whisper to her as she rests her eyes and listens to you.

39. When walking next to each other grab her hand.

40. When you hug her hold her in your arms as long as possible

MAKE SURE SHE KNOWS SHES LOVED.

41. Call her at night to wish her sweet dreams. (Equinox: Aw, come on! Work with me here!)

42. Comfort her when she cries and wipe away her tears.

43. Take her for long walks at night. (She'll feel safe, if you put your arms around her.)

44. Always remind her how much you love her. You'll never know when she needs just a little more love.

^^Equinox: You know, I just noticed that some of these tips have repeated themselves near the end of the list. So instead of following them all in order, I finished the story with the train of thought I had when I first started. I stopped referencing to the list just after #30.

Again, thank you for supporting and reading this story. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.