THE GHOST OF WARBOROUGH HALL
"Hold out your hands to feel the luxury of sunbeams. Press the soft blossoms against your cheek, and finger their graces of form, their delicate mutability of shape, their pliancy and freshness. Expose your face to the aerial floods that sweep the heavens, inhale great draughts of space, wonder, wonder at the wind's unwearied activity."
– Helen Keller, 1880 - 1968
CHAPTER NINE:
"True to his word, Hiccup stood below Astrid's window late the following evening and threw pebbles at the glass. He had not seen her all day, which was rather odd. And she did not immediately climb down in a bundle of excitement, which was also odd. Still, he waited, and he was just wondering if she had forgotten about their arrangement and had drifted off to sleep when her window finally opened and she cautiously peeked out.
"Hiccup?
"Down here.
"Alright, I'm climbing down. Don't you dare look up my dress.
"Of course I won't! Hiccup hissed, affronted that she thought him so un-gentlemanly as to look up a lady's skirt. He puffed his cheeks out and stared in the direction of the woods while she climbed down quickly.
"Astrid jumped the last couple of metres and landed next to Hiccup with practiced ease. Hiccup was relieved to see her wearing something more decent than a nightgown this time, though he wished he had the foresight to have told her to wear something warmer. She had a thoughtful, distracted look on her face, and he could not help but wonder why.
"What took you? He asked as they walked in the direction of the park.
"I didn't take that long!
"Yes you did.
"Well… I was delayed.
"By what?
"Never you mind, she snipped. She seemed to be in a bad mood, so Hiccup decided to let it go.
"You know, I'm a little hurt that you didn't visit me this morning, he said, trying to lighten her mood. If he was going to introduce her to Toothless again she was going to have to be in a calm state of mind. Even your governess paid me a visit.
"Miss Sawyer? She exclaimed, surprised. What did she want?
"She wanted me to keep away from you.
"Astrid laughed with derision. I see.
"She said that I was a bad influence on you.
"Hmm...
"Wait, you're not going to explode into a fit of rage on my behalf?
"No.
"Wow, some friend.
"Astrid chuckled as she punched him in the shoulder. You silly boy. You are a bad influence on me.
"How am I a bad influence?
"Well, let's see, she quirked an eyebrow at him. In the past, I was content to follow the rules, because that's what's expected of me, that's how things always are. I was even somewhat resigned to the fate that every lord's daughter is cursed with, though I may have the upper hand than most, as my father equipped me with skills that only gentlemen are allowed to possess, thus making me somewhat their equal. But now I am starting to question things, and everyone knows how dangerous a woman is when she starts to actually think for herself.
"So sarcastic, Hiccup remarked.
"I believe I have you to thank for that.
"Er… you're welcome?
"She punched him again.
"And the punching?
"Oh no, that's all me.
"So ladylike.
"You have no idea.
"The further they walked from the house, the calmer Astrid appeared to get. By the time they arrived at the edge of the park, the pair was back to their old selves, laughing and teasing each other. Astrid was about to walk further when Hiccup grabbed her hand.
"We're not going there.
"Why? It was then when Astrid realised what he had not brought with him. You did not bring a lamp? She exclaimed. Why were you not prepared?
"Because I have Toothless, he replied matter-of-factly. Why would you need a lamp when you already have a lamp of a dragon right next to you.
"Except we don't have a lamp of a dragon right next to us.
"Astrid, right next to you.
"Astrid froze, and it was then when she finally noticed a presence. There was a dry snort behind her which blew hair into her face. She slowly turned around and was met with a pair of green, cat-like eyes glowing in the dark.
"… Hiccup?
"Ssh, it's okay. He moved to stand next to her, completely relaxed. Toothless, meet Astrid. Astrid, meet Toothless. He's a Night Fury: The unholy offspring of lightning and death itse -
"That's not helping! Astrid hissed.
"Just relax, he can sense your fear.
"Astrid straightened her shoulders. I am not afraid, she said loudly, though her eyes said otherwise. She could only see those narrow green eyes, unblinking, fixed intently on her. Where was the rest of the dragon?
"Toothless, come out of the woods buddy. We can't see very well in the dark.
"The creature emitted a low growl from deep within its throat, the vibration rattling Astrid to her bones. And then the eyes moved.
"Sleek, black, cautious, cat-like. More solid than the shadow she had seen two weeks ago. It slunk around the pair and sat on its haunches, its eyes still trained on Astrid.
"It was real. It was right in front of her. Dragons were real.
"Hiccup was smiling widely as he stepped forward, and only then did the black dragon look away from Astrid. It crooned as the boy threw his arms around its short neck, murmuring words of praise. Hiccup looked back at Astrid, who stood rooted to the spot.
"Well?
"Well what?
"Well what do you think?
"My mind is still trying to comprehend what I am seeing.
"Hiccup rolled his eyes. Give me your hand.
"Why? So that you can feed it to him?
"No! Just give me – oh for the love of Pete. Without much ceremony, Hiccup took her hand and slowly held it up to the dragon, palm first. Remember our deal, he hissed through the side of mouth.
"Toothless sniffed her hand and turned his head to one side to examine it, and for one heartbeat Hiccup thought that he was going to reject her. But Toothless' hesitation passed, and he pressed his snout against her palm.
"Astrid choked back her delight as she rubbed the dry, rough skin. The dragon seemed to be purring, the ear plates around its head quivering. She remembered that her father's hunting dogs loved being scratched behind the ears, and so stepped closer and moved her hand to the back of his head to scratch a spot.
"Toothless' eyes rolled to the back of his head, his mouth parting to reveal a gummy grin, and he leaned into Astrid's hand. She bit her lip and smiled back at Hiccup, who was just about to burst with happiness at the sight of his closest human friend and his closest dragon friend interacting with each other.
"Scratch him under the chin, he suggested.
"Why?
"Do it, he ceases being a dragon when his chin gets scratched.
"Astrid did as he asked, and Toothless froze for a second before he collapsed in a boneless heap. He puffed out a contented sigh, blowing dust in Hiccup's direction. Astrid giggled.
"So what do you think now Astrid?
"I think it's amazing. Astrid crouched down and patted Toothless' head fondly. He's amazing.
"That he is, Hiccup walked over to them, Hey, fancy a flight? Toothless was immediately on his feet at the mention of 'flight', his tail swinging wildly, his tongue lolling out. And it was only then that Astrid noticed a saddle of sorts on the back of the black dragon. Hiccup swung a leg over Toothless and offered her a hand.
"Coming?
"Er… Astrid hesitated. Is it safe?
"Hiccup rolled his eyes. Of course it's safe. Come on.
"Astrid stared at the dragon.
"Trust and belief.
"She hesitate for a second…
"Alright. Astrid pushed his hand away and got on the saddle by herself. However, once seated, she did not quite know where to put her hands, and she was definitely not going to hold on to Hiccup like some pansy.
"Hold on, Hiccup called over his shoulder. Toothless crouched, his rump wriggling in anticipation.
"Hold on to whaaaaat! Astrid shrieked as the dragon suddenly launched itself into a nearly vertical flight. She clutched fistfuls of Hiccup's shirt until she had her arms secured around him. It was like galloping upwards on an over-eager horse, and she had absolutely no control over it. The dragon twisted and twirled mid-air, rising and diving as Toothless tried to catch a draught in the windless night. She gripped Hiccup tighter and screamed in terror, squeezing her eyes shut to avoid having to look down at the quickly retreating earth.
"Finally, they broke through the clouds and out into a sea of stars. As Toothless levelled out, Astrid slowly opened one eye and gasped as the constellations around her filled her eyes. She looked down and saw the curve of the world, the lights at the village, her house - all of the world's glory, before a cloud obscured it all from view.
"A movement in the vast skies caught her eye, and she gasped when she saw a pair of dragons flying in the distance.
"Can't breathe, Hiccup wheezed.
"It took a moment for Astrid to realise that Hiccup had spoken. What?
"Arm… neck… can't breathe…
"Oh! Astrid quickly unwrapped her arm from his neck and moved her hands to grip his shoulders instead. Hiccup gasped in air and massaged his throat.
"You definitely don't know your own strength, he rasped, and Astrid smirked.
"They flew around for what felt like hours, the dragon dipping through clouds and doing loops in the air. But, too soon, she felt Hiccup's foot twist forward on his stirrup. Toothless responded by banking left, back to Warborough Hall. Astrid wrapped her arms around his waist and rested her chin upon his shoulders, her blue eyes reflecting the thousands of galaxies in the night sky.
"Hiccup?
"Hmm?
"I have a question. If there was somebody – an outsider – looking up at the sky right now, will they see us?
"Hiccup shrugged. People see what they want to see. If they do not want to see dragons, then they do not see them. They do not see us.
"Astrid hummed, and they flew in silence for a while.
"Where are we now Hiccup? She finally breathed in his ear. Are we in their world or ours?
"She felt him shrug. Neither, and both.
"We are in between?
"We are in between.
"Toothless circled the estate once before landing beside the lake. The pair dismounted, and the dragon immediately dipped its head in the water to drink.
"Astrid brushed her fringe away from her eyes as she watched Toothless. I can't wait to bond with my own dragon, she murmured.
"I can't wait to see what dragon you'll bond with, was Hiccup's reply.
"How many types of dragons are there?
"There aren't really that many here: you encounter more dragons the further up north you go. But yeah, there are many types of dragons, though there used to be more. Dragons are unfortunately dying out, there are fewer eggs being laid each year, and fewer still that hatch.
"Why?
"We don't know. It's terrible, he gritted his teeth in anger. We've been trying to figure out why for centuries, and now even grown dragons are dying! He paused when he realised that he had been shouting. Forgive me, I did not mean to shout.
"Astrid tucked her hair behind an ear and shrugged. I understand why you are upset. But I'll help you. I'll help all of you if I could: Just let me know what I can do, and I'll do it.
"Hiccup raised an eyebrow, but Astrid was determined.
"I'm serious Hiccup.
"Truly m'lady?
"Yes, truly, Astrid hissed at him before she deviously grinned. Without warning, Astrid pushed him hard, and he yelped as he fell into the lake. Hiccup sputtered to the surface, the rippling water echoing loudly in the silence of the night.
"Toothless gave them both a wry look before he trotted away.
"Useless reptile! Hiccup hissed through chattering teeth.
"When Astrid was safely back in her bedroom, the exhilaration of flight was still rushing through her body. She could not sleep, she could not even lie still. She could still feel the adrenaline of flight and the wind in her hair. She could still see the endless sapphire dome above her and hear Toothless' powerful wing beats.
"She could still feel Hiccup's heartbeat beneath her hands.
"She kicked herself out of her bed and sat down in front of her writing desk. She began to write, and once she started she could not stem the tide of words that poured from her pen. She wrote and wrote, and wrote all night until she heard the servants moving about.
"She wrote until there was nothing left to write, and only then did she fall asleep."
"A few days later, as Astrid was doing her embroidery by a window in the drawing room, she caught a movement in the corner of her eye. She looked outside and saw Toothless land right in front of the pavilion in the garden. She saw Hiccup dismount and scan the windows and, once he spotted her, gestured her to meet him outside.
"Astrid shot up from her seat, and her governess looked up at her from her book.
"I… Oh, the sun has finally come out. I think I shall take a turn about the gardens and enjoy the sunshine while I still can.
"I will walk with you, Miss Sawyer said, putting her book down, but Astrid shook her head.
"That is very kind of you, Miss Sawyer, thank you. But I shall walk alone. She strode quickly to the door. I will not be long, I just need some fresh air.
"Her governess sat back down with a disapproving look. Please take care, Astrid. That boy is trouble.
"Who is?
"You know who.
"What nonsense, Astrid said cheerfully. She grabbed her hat and nearly ran outside where she found the boy in question waiting for her at the pavilion.
"Where's Toothless? Are we flying again? She asked, but drew back when she saw the solemn look on his face. Hiccup, what's wrong?
"Toothless and I were flying this morning, and we found an injured Nadder. Just at the coast, but it's not far as the dragon flies. I need help, but unfortunately Gobber needs to stay at the smithy, and you said you wanted to help, so I thought that m-
"Wait, wait, Hiccup, please slow down.
"Are you free? Can you come with me right now?
"Astrid looked back towards the house, and wondered if the governess was spying from one of the windows.
"I… suppose. But why do you need me, you've managed to rescue dragons without me thus far.
"Hiccup sighed. Because… because the Nadder will not let me go near her. And I've read that, sometimes, female Nadders are prickly with the company they choose to surround themselves with. And I thought that maybe… maybe a female presence would calm her down.
"Oh, Astrid squared her shoulders. Well in that case, let's go. I'm sure I will find some excuse as to why it took me hours to walk around the gardens.
"Hiccup smiled gratefully at her. Thank you. He began to jog away from her. I'm going to get some supplies. Put on something warm and meet me by the woods in fifteen minutes."
"They flew east, towards the sea, covering vast distances in such a short amount of time that Astrid did not think she would be able to endure a carriage, train, or other means of modern transport ever again. Soon Toothless fluttered heavily to an isolated and rocky beach.
"Astrid jumped off before Hiccup had unstrapped the safety harness from Toothless. She reached a hand up to her head to readjust her hat, but was dismayed to find that it had fallen off sometime during flight.
"She would have to explain how she lost that one too.
"Over here, Hiccup said as he slung a bag over one shoulder. He led her in the direction of the cliffs, the sea-tossed wind tangling her hair out of her braids. She took a lock of hair out of her mouth, and froze when she heard a pitiful squawk. She looked up and spotted it.
"The dragon.
"Terrifying and beautiful. Majestic yet sorrowful. She imagined the scales would have been bright blue in health, though right now it was as grey as the pebbles around it.
"It lifted its head and fixed them a haughty stare, its pupils a narrow slit against a sea of yellow. Hiccup set down his bag and cautiously approached her, palm held up, but the spikes around the dragon's head suddenly rose like the hackles of a frightened dog.
"It was such a pitiful sight, Astrid felt her heart breaking in two.
"Ssh, it's okay girl, Hiccup was saying, I'm a friend – we're friends. We are not going to hurt you.
"She squawked at the boy harshly, the loud sound making both Hiccup and Astrid jump. She cocked her head and settled her eyes on Astrid, and suddenly her pupils widened.
"Hiccup held his breath. He knew what that look meant.
"Could the dragon already be…?
"Astrid… he murmured. Do you trust me?
"Of course.
"I need you to go to her, but slowly.
"Astrid whipped her head to him. What?
"Go. To. Her. Slowly.
"She blanched. But she's a wild dragon. Are… are you sure?
"Yes. Remember our agreement: you do as I say.
"Hiccup…
"You'll be safe. I promise.
"Astrid's wide eyes were fearful, but she steeled herself and nodded. Cautiously, she walked towards the skittish beast, one step at a time. She murmured assurances and praise, told her how beautiful she was, how Astrid would brush her scales down to shiny perfection if she would just allow them to touch her. She did not know half of the things that she was saying, did not know that Nadders loved being praised, vain creatures that they were. All she knew was that she had to keep talking to her, calm her down, get her to trust them.
"The Nadder suddenly stood up and drunkenly peered down at the girl.
"Er… Hiccup?
"Stand still, don't make any sudden movements.
"The dragon bent and sniffed around Astrid before she snuffled her hair. Astrid stood stock still, waiting for the dragon to finish whatever it was doing. The Nadder then crooned and started to butt her head against Astrid, forcing the young girl to step back to maintain her balance.
"Well, that was fast, Hiccup chuckled.
"What is? Astrid muttered, still frozen on the spot. The Nadder had started nipping at her hair once more.
"She seems to like you, Hiccup laughed. More specifically: she seems to be rather fond of your hair.
"My – my hair? Astrid suddenly staggered at the weight of the dragon's head when it started to rub its face on her head. What do you mean m-my hair?
"Aw, look Toothless, she's grooming her.
"Hiccup, Astrid hissed dangerously. If you're laughing at me I swear –
"Not laughing! Not laughing! Hiccup said quickly. But… not helping either.
"Hiccup!
"Not yet, anyway. Let me just enjoy this for a while longer.
"The Nadder nudged Astrid's arm with her head and looked at her expectantly, a croon rumbling in her throat. Astrid's breath hitched and, remembering how Toothless accepted her, brought her hand up to the dragon's nose. The Nadder sniffed it, then gently pushed its beak against Astrid's hand.
"She's saying hello, Hiccup murmured. Astrid looked behind her and grinned excitedly at Hiccup before she turned her attention back at the dragon.
"Why hello to you too! She said as she rubbed her palms under the scaly head. She, however, forgot what Hiccup had said about dragons and chins, for the next moment the Nadder had melted at her feet in a contented puddle of blue. The dragon trilled happily, the spikes quivering with the sound. Astrid laughed and wrapped her arms around the large head, apologising softly.
"Hiccup smiled at the scene, and then blinked when he felt a strange… tug in his chest, as if his heart was bursting and falling from a cliff at the same time. Confused, he shook his head and looked at the Night Fury sitting next to him. He found the dragon giving him a sly look…
"As if the black reptile knew something he did not.
"Wh- what are you looking at? Hiccup barked. Toothless growled and rolled his eyes. You know, I sometimes question whether you're even a dragon or – ow!
"Astrid and the Nadder turned at the sound of Toothless' tailfin smacking Hiccup around the head. The Nadder stood shakily on her feet and cocked her head to one side.
"Don't worry, girl, Astrid whispered. That's how they say they care for each other."
"Hiccup rolled his eyes and approached the Nadder, and this time the dragon did not move away, though its tail spikes lifted slightly when he touched her. Astrid kept rubbing her head and whispered soothing words to her, keeping her mind away from the boy who steadily examined her body for injuries.
"Hiccup finally stepped away after a few minutes.
"Besides a few cuts and bruises, I can't find anything that may have injured her enough to crash land, he said, reaching inside his satchel and taking out a piece of roast chicken. Astrid raised an eyebrow at him. What? The boy exclaimed defensively. Nadders like chicken!
"Not that. How come you cannot find anything that may have injured her? She has a broken wing!
"Caused by the way she landed against the cliff face, Hiccup explained. I think that the reason why she fell was from exhaustion, though I'm not sure how she could have been exhausted. Nadders are coastal dragons… could she have been fleeing from something…? He trailed off, lost in thought.
"Well, whatever happened we cannot leave her here alone, at the mercy of the elements and who knows what else.
"I know, Hiccup walked over to Toothless and produced another harness of sorts from one of the bags. Which is why I brought this. We'll need to fly her back to your house.
"Both dragons perked up at the comment, and both growled in protest at the same time. Astrid and Hiccup jumped up and murmured assurances to them, promising both with abundant treats when they got back to the estate. The dragons were finally persuaded enough to calm down, though that did not stop them from loudly grumbling at each other.
"I bet the Nadder is saying she's too dignified to be carried around, Hiccup grinned, wiping his forehead as he carefully strapped the harness around the Nadder's body.
"And I bet Toothless is saying that he is no pack horse, Astrid replied as she checked the belts for tightness.
"The black dragon harrumphed in confirmation.
"Once the Nadder was secured, they flew back to Warborough Hall with Toothless clutching the harness between his claws. Hiccup and Astrid argued the entire journey, as they could not agree on where the injured dragon should stay. Astrid had wanted to keep her at the stables, but Hiccup argued the horses would sense the dragon and be spooked. He wanted to keep her at the garden shed, but Astrid argued that, since Toothless already slept there, it would be far too crowded at night.
"In the end, they both decided to shelter the dragon in the only place they knew was safe."
"Oh, no no no no! Gobber yelled in the boy's face. That dragon is not staying at the forge. It's already crowded as it is.
"But where do you propose I put her?
"I don't know. Somewhere other than the forge.
"There is no somewhere else, Gobber.
"Then outside!
"But -
"The answer's no, Hiccup, and that's final.
"Final? You are not my master!
"Gobber dropped his hammer and glared at Hiccup, and the blacksmith's apprentice cowered for a second before he jutted out a stubborn chin. The one-legged giant loomed over him. Are you really going to play that card on me, lad? He hissed dangerously.
"Y-yes.
"Really? And mind you think hard on your answer.
"Hiccup glowered, and then lowered his eyes. No sir.
"Astrid listened to this entire exchange outside the forge, and sighed when she realised that she would have to interfere. She brushed down her dress and casually walked into the smithy.
"Good afternoon Gobber, she said sweetly.
"Miss Hofferson! The giant beamed down at her. How may we be of service?
"She smiled back. I was standing outside and could not help but overhear your conversation…
"Astrid, he knows. Hiccup hissed.
"I'm sorry?
"He knows. He knows that you can interact with dragons now.
"Astrid blinked, and then scowled at Hiccup. You could have told me that earlier!
"Miss Hofferson, Gobber rubbed the back of his neck. With all due respect, that dragon cannot stay in here.
"And where do you propose we keep her? Astrid demanded.
"Already asked that, Hiccup muttered.
"Someplace else, was Gobber's reply.
"And where is that someplace else?
"I… well, outside.
"No, she must be kept inside! She paused as an idea hit her. I have it! What about one of our spare rooms?
"No! Hiccup and Gobber exclaimed at the same time.
"Hiccup, she rolled her eyes, I thought the dragons exist in a different world... Other side of the coin, right? Why should it matter if the dragon stays inside the house when the servants will not see her anyway?
"Because the laws of this world still exist, Hiccup hissed. If the dragon breaks a vase, or tears a carpet apart, or fires a hole through the wall – Astrid, I don't think you'll be able to explain how these 'accidents' came about to your father.
"Astrid smiled. Is that a challenge?
"No, Astrid, it's not a challenge.
"The Nadder will stay in the house, she said firmly. And that's final.
"You're not our mistress, Hiccup said hotly.
"Er, actually, she is, Gobber whispered. And what she's suggesting is not a bad idea, if you think about it.
"Gobber! Hiccup cried.
"So it's settled then! Astrid said cheerfully.
"How can you take her side? Hiccup angrily cried, but Gobber simply clapped a hand on the boy's shoulder, causing him to stumble.
"As I've said: It's not a bad idea."
"The pair nursed the blue Nadder back to health in a spare bedroom that was most stripped bare of furniture and fixings. Hiccup would visit whenever he could, usually at night when he would be able to sneak in through Astrid's window. He would teach her what Nadders liked best, and what dragons hated in general. He taught her what to do in the event of a hostile or sick dragon, and told her that dragons touched each other's noses as a form of greeting.
"She was often seen with that blacksmith's apprentice, and her governess did not at all approve that her charge was still spending a lot of time with the boy, and she was disappointed that her employer did not seem to care at all! In fact, she felt that Lord Hofferson approved it. It was odd, very odd.
"It was also odd to see Astrid loitering out in the sun with weapon in hand, or in the drawing room doing her embroidery, but then hear echoes of her voice whispering on the other side of the house. The housemaids soon took to walking the corridors in pairs or more, as if the presence of others would be enough to dissipate the ghostly whisperings in the house.
"On the third week, as the leaves were starting to turn, the air beginning to crisp, and Astrid's sixteenth birthday drew nearer, the pair decided that the Nadder was healthy enough to be let outside. In the dead of the night, Astrid led the Nadder outside where Hiccup stood waiting, stamping his boot on the ground to keep warm as Toothless sat next to him.
"What took you? Hiccup hissed.
"We had to walk slowly to keep her from knocking things over, Astrid whispered. The dragon behind her squawked loudly, and Astrid jumped, afraid that the household would wake.
"Don't worry, Hiccup said, they can't hear her. Come on, let's move to the lake where nobody can hear us.
"Astrid nodded, and began to lead the Nadder past the gardens and to more open space. Once there, the dragon shook her head and spread her wings, and then she started running. She flapped her wings desperately, and managed to lift up for a few seconds before dropping back down to the ground.
"Oh no! Astrid put a hand to her mouth.
"No, no, this is good! Hiccup moved next to her. She's making progress. Her wings are still too weak, but at least they are no longer broken. But she'll fly again, don't worry. She just needs more time.
"Astrid wrinkled her brows. Are you sure?
"Absolutely, he reassured her. She smiled at him, and he blushed. Er, Astrid… may I ask you something?
"Of course.
"About your birthday, I -
"Not looking forward to it, Astrid interrupted, gritting her teeth and looking away.
"What?
"Astrid put her hands on her hips and blew a stray strand of hair away from her eyes. My father is planning a ball.
"Oh. And that's bad?
"That's very bad. I know what my father is doing. She started pacing back and forth. I will be presented to society in two years, so why not start early right? She scoffed. Why not start parading me in front of other families as if I was some… some prized horse for them to bid on?
"I don't think that's what your father is trying to do, Hiccup said, but Astrid did not hear him.
"Then maybe, in two years' time, when I come of age, I will find one out of the dozens of sons they are trying to push my way tolerable enough to spend my whole life with.
"Well… maybe… maybe you will find one of these sons tolerable enough. Maybe - maybe you've already met him.
"Hiccup, please, she said drily. And even if I have already met him, then what? Will I just allow him to whisk me away into the sunset, and expect us both to live happily ever after? Do you expect me to live the rest of my life stuck in domesticity, knowing what I know now? Knowing that there is a whole different world beyond this one? Knowing that I have bonded with a dragon, and that I can now fly up to the skies and touch the clouds and just be… just be... She sighed. I just want to be free! She spread her arms and let her head fall back.
"Hiccup suddenly found that he could not keep his eyes away from her. You do not know what the future holds, he whispered.
"Hiccup… my father has been conspiring with the families and their sons ever since I was born, Astrid gritted her teeth. Trying to… to sell my good character, and good family name, and good wealth, and good breeding. Astrid spat the words out with as much venom as she could muster. And I don't understand why he's doing this.
"Your father is just trying to make sure you have a good life after you are married.
"I know Hiccup, I know. What I don't understand is why he is putting me forward as if I was some prize to be won, some stag to be hunted, some jewel to be possessed. I don't want to be somebody's prize! I don't want to be loved by somebody who I do not like, or to be loved by somebody because I am a Hofferson, because I am my father's daughter, and I do not want to be married to somebody who I do not love!
"You don't have to, though! Hiccup exclaimed. You do realise that the days of arranged marriages are long gone.
"Of course I know that! Astrid snapped. I know they cannot force me into marriage. I know that I can live the life of an old maid if I wanted to. But if my father suggests a husband to me, or even hint at a union between two families… I… I… She groaned up to the heavens in frustration. Do you not see Hiccup? I love my father too much to go against his wishes. My familial duty runs too deep.
"Hiccup blinked.
"Astrid sighed and sat down on the damp grass, hugging her knees to her chest as she watched the Nadder give up on flying and slide into the lake instead. Toothless stretched his neck out to the water and warbled an encouragement to the other dragon. The Nadder responded with a yellow-eyed glare.
"It is not fair, Astrid mumbled. She is free live an unrestrained life, to choose her own fate, yet I am stuck with mine.
"Hiccup crouched down next to her. She's a Nadder, a wild thing. You cannot compare her life to yours.
"Astrid pressed her lips together in a straight line. After her initial outburst, she was suddenly fearful of the words that threatened to tumble from her mouth, fearful of what she was in danger of saying next.
"Fortunately, Hiccup decided to change the subject.
"I have something that might cheer you up. He stood up. Come with me to the forge?
"Astrid looked up at him, and she was suddenly very grateful for his company, for allowing her to rant and get angry, and for being her anchor, for reminding her why her father was doing these things. She pushed herself off the grass and smiled faintly at him and, leaving the two dragons by the lake, they made their way across the grounds towards the dark forge. Once there, Hiccup handed her a piece of cloth and asked her to cover her eyes with it as he lit a few candles around the forge.
"Are you serious? Astrid held the cloth between her fingers and gave him an incredulous look.
"Just put it on, will you? I have a present for you.
"She gripped the cloth as a faint blush spread across her cheeks. Present?
"For your upcoming birthday. I thought I'd give it to you now, considering you were so glum and angry before.
"Why do I need to be blindfolded?
"Because! It's a surprise, so just… aurgh! Just put it on Astrid!
"She sucked in a breath. Fine, she hissed. She quickly tied it around her eyes and crossed her arms.
"So stubborn, Hiccup grumbled as he uncrossed her arms and led her somewhere by the elbow.
"I heard that!
"You were meant to. Okay, wait, stop here. Give me your hand.
"Astrid reached out blindly, and she felt his warm hands clasp it and slowly lead it down to something on the table. Something cool to the touch, and leathery, and curved and familiar and…
"You can take off your blindfold now.
"Astrid did, and her breath caught at the beautiful thing in front of her.
"A saddle? She breathed. And it wasn't just any saddle. You… you made my Nadder a saddle?
"Happy birthday, he grinned. Do you like it?
"She ran her fingers over the saddle, over the braided leather along the edges. The elegance in its simplicity. The power that it represented and the freedom of flight that it promised. She looked back at the boy and, before she could think twice, she threw her arms around him and embraced him tightly. It was not an awkward squeeze, or a delicate one-armed hug. She embraced him warmly, with all her heart and with all her soul.
"Hiccup rigidly patted her back, and she knew that he was blushing. I… uh… I take that you like it.
"I love it Hiccup. She pulled away. Thank you. For everything. How can I ever repay you?
"It's a gift, you do not owe me anything.
"It's not just the saddle Hiccup. You trusted me with your secret, showed me the joys of flight, taught me the basics of dragon training…
"And in return you have been a kind employer to Gobber and me. Ow! He chuckled as he rubbed a spot in his shoulder where she had punched him.
"I'm serious, she growled.
"Don't worry about it. It's what friends do… at least I think that's what friends do.
"Well… let me know if there's anything at all I can do for you. It will be poor of me if all I can give you in return is friendship. Perhaps… something for your blacksmithing career? If you ever need a good word put in my father and I will be more than happy to do so.
"Hiccup's smile faded and he turned away from her. Confused, Astrid bent to look up at his face.
"Hiccup, what's wrong?
"He smiled sadly. I... it's nothing.
"No, tell me. Please?
"He looked at her and held her gaze. Blue on green and green on blue, like the meeting of sky and earth on a clear day. And though he yearned to finally unburden his heart to her, he knew that now was not the time.
"I was just reminded that my time here is numbered, he mumbled instead. Gobber and I will eventually have to leave, go back north… I don't know when we'll see each other again, if ever.
"Astrid sighed. I know.
"Which is why your friendship is the only thing that I ask of you, while I am here. Your friendship, and that you will remember me kindly. These are more than enough. I will make a hundred saddles if it means that we can be friends.
"And I will always be your friend. But if there's anything at all that I can do for you, you will let me know, right?
"Hiccup looked at her. He felt warmer at her hopeful smile, felt his heart thrum at the way her eyes glittered in the candlelight. He wanted to remember this forever, to remember her like this. To remember her looking kindly at him, oblivious to who he really was. He wanted to finally tell her the truth, but he was afraid that she might run away. He wanted to take her in his arms, but knew that he could not. He wanted to stay in Warborough Hall for longer, and knew that he must not.
"He was in danger of falling in love with her.
"Hiccup?
"He held her gaze for a while longer before he squeezed her hand. I promise I will let you know."
AUTHOR'S NOTES:
I think I should note right here that Toothless' tailfin is not missing at this point in time.
Secondly, I was re-reading the Word document with the plot and half-baked chapters and other ideas for this fic and I just realised that I never mentioned the story arcs! So just a quick note that this fic will be told in four arcs. This first arc deals with destiny, and there's only one more chapter before it's complete! Hooray! A milestone will be reached!
Ferdoos: Thanks :) hope you enjoyed this one too!
LizzyLory: Thanks! Shouldn't be long now actually. My estimate is a few more chapters until she finally properly interacts with a dragon.
RedLavender08: Oh, so that's how people without FF accounts follow fics! I've always wondered XD You should definitely get an account! :)
hpnarutardsjedipirate1234: Thanks. You will find out what Fishlegs found out very, very soon ;)
Cat Eyed Blunder: Yeah me too. Me too :( Thanks for your review!
NEXT CHAPTER: In which Ruffnut is handed a very important letter.