Wings over Eternia
Part 2
Tarn 2013
To the two young vikings raised far away from the advancements of the rest of the world, entering the capitol city of Eternos was much like entering a wonderland. The architecture of the city alone had Hiccup's head spinning, wondering how anyone could have possibly managed to sculpt stone into such colossal forms.
Then as they walked the streets with their guard escort, the sights of people going on their daily lives unaware to how their mundane tasks and vehicles amazed their guests.
"Dear Thor, this is unreal!" Hiccup exclaimed as he saw two people fly by seated on a metal flying machine. Astrid hadn't spoken a word since they entered the city, and as her companion looked over to see her reaction it was clear they were both overwhelmed by everything they were seeing.
Their guide chuckled at the stunned reaction at the sight of the sky-sleds that filled the air. Clearly Berk was not as technologically advanced as Eternos. "Impressive isn't it?"
"I cant even... how are they flying?!" Hiccup exclaimed, looking to his dragon which was the only way he knew of to take to the skies. Toothless appeared just as stunned at the sight of the flying contraptions.
"I'm not exactly sure to be honest, you may want to speak with Man-At-Arms, most of these things came from his workshop." The guard admitted, getting the feeling the young man would get along well with the royal family's chief inventor.
"Astrid, we may have to spend an extra day or two here..." Hiccup muttered to his girlfriend, drawing her out of the daze she had been in at taking in the amazing sights of the city.
"I... think Berk might be okay without us for a couple extra days." Astrid admitted as she looked across the courtyard at what appeared to be a weapons training class underway. Hiccup couldn't help but notice the look of excitement on her face as their guide brought the two across the span towards the class.
What surprised the pair most as they headed towards the front of the class were the soldiers dueling using real weaponry and not the wooden mockups that they had used in early dragon combat training on Berk.
Astrid watched in awe as a young soldier equipped with a strange curved sword quickly deflected a blow from his adversary's short sword and mid tumble lashed out with a fast strike, which much to her surprise did not unleash a red mist of blood but a shimmering light that surrounded his opponent. The defeated individual bowed in respect and pressed his hand to something attached to his belt, which halted the strange light that radiated from where he had been struck.
"Why is he not dead... how is he not dead?" Astrid murmured to Hiccup as the guard gestured for them to stand to the side to wait for something. The Berkian travelers watched with interest as a copper haired young woman about their own age called out to the pair that had just completed their bout. "Nice work Jet, your speed and accuracy is improving in leaps and bounds, but remember what I told you about leaving your flanks undefended. Drak could have easily knocked that weapon away from you and that can change the entire flow of a combat."
Both men bowed in deference to the woman who appeared to be some sort of trainer and headed past the observers and their dragons for a long bench setup on the outer areas of the courtyard. They seemed surprised at the well behaved dragons accompanying the two outsiders watching the proceedings but carried on with only a nod to them both.
Returning to the front of the training, the woman turned immediately to them and approached confidently but with obvious extra attention paid to the two dragons behind them. "Greetings, you are the envoy from Berk I take it?"
Hiccup stepped forward, extending a hand in greeting before speaking, "Vestu heil ok sael, or hail and well met in the common tongue. I am Hiccup Horrendous Haddock the Third, son of Chief Stoick the Vast of Berk and this is my companion Astrid Hofferson, head trainer of the Berk Dragon Academy."
The young woman seemed to pause for a quick moment before returning the gesture with a sturdy handshake. "I am Teela, Captain of the Eternian Royal Guard. My superiors told me to anticipate your arrival, but while I knew of your dragon companions, I must say it is quite something to see them this closely. Please understand that the safety of the Royal Family and the people of Eternos is my highest concern and I need to assess any potential threats to the city."
"Guardsman Rath, you may return to your post." Captain Teela saluted to the guard that had escorted them to the courtyard. The man saluted his captain before turning to the visitors, bowing in respect and heading back towards the city walls.
Astrid took the opportunity as they spoke to take stock of this Teela, especially given that the young woman was not only likely well versed in combat but was also stunningly beautiful, a fact that did not sit well with her as she watched Hiccup play the diplomat. She also noted in the recesses of her mind that her introduction as simply a companion would be something to discuss with Hiccup later.
'You're just being insecure Astrid, like that whole mess with Heather' she scolded herself mentally before tuning back into the conversation with the captain.
"I give you my word that our dragons will behave fully, we have trained with them for over a year now and I have full confidence in that." Hiccup attempted to assure Captain Teela, who still appeared unsure.
"Very well, but understand that your dragons must be accompanied at all times and on the first sign of trouble, you will be asked to leave." Teela insisted to the group before seeming to soften having completed her official duty, "And now that the official inquiry is over, do these magnificent creatures have names?"
Hiccup smiled at this and nodded to his friend, "Astrid would you like to do the honors?"
"It would be my pleasure." Astrid replied with a grin as she put her hand reassuringly on her dragon's neck, "Captain Teela this is Stormfly, of a species we vikings call Nadder." she then gestured for Teela to stand next to her. "Most dragons that we are aware of like to be greeted with a hand out in an nonthreatening way, to allow them to place their snout in your hand."
The young trainer demonstrated the greeting before stepping aside to allow Teela to make the attempt to say hello. The captain did so fearlessly which Stormfly seemed to appreciate, recognizing similar strengths to those of her own rider and the Nadder easily put her snout into the outstretched hand with a friendly squawk.
"Hello Stormfly." Teela cooed to the Nadder before Astrid gestured over at the dragon lingering next to Hiccup. "And this little devil over here is Toothless, a Night Fury" She spoke with a chuckle which caught the quick attention of the obsidian dragon who knowing he was being razzed, stuck his tongue out at Astrid before warbling in a manner that to Teela's surprise sounded almost like laughter.
The captain was stunned at the human-like behaviors their dragons exhibited, but then thought about it more 'I suppose Cringer isn't that much different' and gave the travelers a grin, "Well, how about we head for the palace and get you all situated. The halls and quarters are large enough for the dragons to stay with you or we can arrange for a stable if you would prefer it. Once you settle in I will bring you to meet with Prince Adam."
Only after uttering Adam's name did she ponder to think 'If he's not out with Cringer slacking off or whatever he does'
"That sounds great Captain," Hiccup replied with some level of relief and surprise that they would be not only welcomed but accommodated given how some react to the dragons. With the man's agreement they began making their way through the streets again, staying close to Captain Teela to prevent any possible incidents with passerby's that might not be as understanding about their large and scaly companions.
Two heavily armored guards flanked a massive entryway, blocked by a massive door on par with the entrance to the visitors own Great Hall. At the groups approach, they saluted Teela and pulled the massive doors to allow them into the inner halls.
"Welcome to the Eternian Royal Palace."
To Be Continued...