(Sophia's p.o.v)
I opened up my eyes to a room that wasn't my own, with a few slow blinks I glanced around the room and the adventures of the previous night came flooding back to my head. Right, I was on a boat. The gentle rocking of the floors confirmed my suspicions. I rubbed my eyes and sat up, the air smelled of salt. The sound of birds echoed through the sky, and the air of the ship had a cold misty feeling to it. I brought my hands above my head to give a big stretch when pain shot through my right shoulder; I groaned loudly and grabbed the scarred flesh.
"Odin's bread" I growl and freeze until the pain subsides.
6 years had gone by and I still couldn't remember to watch my shoulder. A small chuckle had me looking at the now open doorway; my body went into fighting mode which was even worse because I put more strain on my sore shoulder. I grimaced in pain and glanced to see my ladies-maid.
"Need some help with that?" Cara asks, she was leaning against the doorway with her arms crossed at her chest.
Cara walks across the room and gently sits beside me; a small relaxed sigh escapes my lips as she rubs my tense and sore shoulders with her skilled fingers. I roll my head to the left and she pulls and squeezes the scarred flesh, her thumb digging into the tense muscles and forcing them to release and relax. I groan and she pushes against a practically painful knot and roll my head the other direction. Her thumbs start drawing large swirls down my spine, her fingers relaxing the muscles and easing pressure off my partly twisted spine. The pressure eases in her hands as she reaches the base off my spine -the source of my injury- and instead slides her thumbs out along the base of my hips and back up to make a square before repeating.
"Where are we?" I ask and stand up with a light wince, Cara clenches and un-clenches her fingers.
I stand up and stretch my arms to the ceiling of the ship before carefully bending over to grab my toes, I let out a small groan and Cara gently applies pressure to my hips again before sliding her thumbs up along the sides of my spine. After repeating this a few times the pain leaves and I slowly lift my torso back up.
"About half way there" she grins and walks across the room to get the wraps
"Half-way!" I yell and spin around; only to cry out in pain as I yet again threw my arm around my body.
Cara shakes her head with a smile and pulls out a chair, I sit down and using my good hand (the left) I pull my hair to the side. She gently lifts up my arm and starts to wrap the thick gauze around my elbow and up my arm.
"Yeah, were actually making really good time with this wind. It's been no stop sense we lift" she giggles. I wince slightly as she wraps the wrap around my chest and up over my shoulder "Sorry" she frowns "I told them you needed a stronger bed but they didn't listen"
"It's fine" I sigh as she wraps it a few more times over my shoulder, across my chest and ties it off.
Reaching for the second one she begins to roll it around my chest once, under my shoulder and then started wrapping it down around my stomach. Inch by inch the long jagged scars were covered until she ties it around the bottom of my stomach. Reaching for the brace I lift up my arms and gently slid it over my shoulders (it looks like a life-jacket for swimming but a bit thinner and it opens and ties at the sides of the ribs not the front) and watch as she carefully does up the buckles. I gently pull on my slip; add a few pieces of armor. One for my shoulder of course, slipped on my black gloves and added metal bracelets. After all this was done I rolled my shoulders gently and worked out the kinks in my back and neck. Cara throws me a pair of pants and sets my boots by my bed; I roll my eyes at her babying me but quietly get dressed. After I'm done she grabs a brush, sets it down on the counter and using her fingers she gently starts fixing the tangled mess on my head.
"Gods, I will never understand how you mess up your hair this much by sleeping." she lifts up the large tangled mess to prove her point "You hardly move at all" she giggles and works out a few knots.
"I don't know" I say with a blush, my head jerks back a tiny bit as she works through a few by the top of my head.
"Sorry" she whispers and gently pulls the knot apart.
I close my eyes and lean back in the chair, the feeling of her warm fingers running through my scalp was very relaxing. I imaged her standing behind me as I felt her fingers work through different parts of my head. Her long brown hair braided to the side and her bangs resting gently on her fore-head. Her tongue stuck out the side of her mouth as a look of pure determination held her lips, the gentle squint of her eyes as she worked out the knots as easily as possible. Truthfully I couldn't care if she was gentle or not, I have been through much worse than this.
(Cara's p.o.v)
I smiled as the soft silky strand s of Sophia's hair ran through my fingertips, up, over, under, around, repeat. The voices in my head said this over and over as I concentrated on finishing this complicated braid. Soon after I finished Sophia let out a low sigh and I could help but giggle as she opens her eyes to send me a small grin.
"Welcome back" I giggle, Sophia rolls her eyes
"It's not like I was sleeping" she blushes and stands up, grabbing her shield she examines her reflection I the mirror before sending me a smile "It's perfect, thank-you Cara" I blush and nod back.
Soon after she straps on her weapons and slides both of her swords into their sheaths, grabs her shield and walks up stairs. I couldn't help but smile as we walked into the light of the morning skies. It was a perfect baby blue, the clouds were an amazing crystal white and the air was a gentle warm breeze. We walk across the deck and Sophia quickly spins out of the way of running work-men. Busy men were running this way and that. Others were shouting orders. Sophia turns back and flashes me an annoyed smile and rolls her eyes. I glance around the ship and I finally spot Sophia's father standing at the Wheel. Sophia fallows my gaze before carefully making her way to him. She stands in front of her father and gives him a polite smile, I bring one leg back and give him a respectful bow.
"Father" Sophia says
"Chief" I add
He nods at both of us before turning back to the front of the ship. I turn my head when I feel Sophia tap me on the shoulder.
"I'm going to get some food, I'll be back in a few minutes" I roll my eyes as she quickly adds "If someone tries to kill you just scream, and I'll come running"
I let out a sad laugh as a blush comes quickly to my cheeks, Sophia pinches my sides and I let out an embarrassing squeak. Before I could retaliate she was gone and I notice all the crew glancing at me oddly.
"That was one time…" I whine, Sophia's father chuckles and I duck my head as the blush darkens dramatically.
(Hiccup's p.o.v)
I woke up with a soft groan and glanced around in confusion until I realized we were still in the great hall. I glanced around the room and smiled at everyone. i glanced down at Astrid's sleeping form.
"What the...?" I whisper gently when I notice the blanket draped over her shoulders, with a quick glance around I notice everyone else has them.
My mind drifts back to last night and I send a small grateful smile to my father's sleeping frame. Astrid lets out a small groan and blinks up at me; I give her a small smile and chuckle as she stretches out her arms.
"Oh, good morning" she says with a sleepy smile
"Morning" I say and without thinking I lean down and kiss her.
"Seriously" fish-legs voice echoes through the room "You can't give us 10 minutes to wake up without snogging each other"
Astrid snorts loudly and gently rolls off my lap; I groan and let out a low stretch. Somewhere in the middle of the night my ass fell asleep so I cautiously sit up as my rear fills with annoying and painful tingles.
"Okay, note to self" I groan "Do not fall asleep in the great hall"
Everyone else stretched and let out an agreeing groan, well except Astrid of course- Who had been using me as a pillow- who had spent many nights in here for studying purposes. She let out a small giggle and rolled her eyes.
"Come on guys, let's find something to eat. I'm starving" she says and walks over to fish-legs.
She uses a piece of ripped curtain and gently wraps his arm in a sling. Fish-legs winces a bit but send her a small smile.
"Thank-you Astrid" he says with a smile and stand up.
The twins let out two really loud yawn and stretch, some how during the night they had switched around on the bench some many times and were now wrapped in a complicated heap of limbs. So when the other stretched their arms collided and they landed on the floor with a groan.
"Would you watch were you're going?" Ruff growls and punches her brother
"Well that's not my fault you like cuddling" Tuff growls back and goes to kick her.
I roll my eyes and Ruff jumps onto Tuff and they begin to roll around the room in a heap of flying punches and yelling. Snout-lout -who I'm guessing was still sleeping- jerked awake with a loud screaming, un-fortunately it jerked him right out of the chair and he managed to fall right on top of Ruff and Tuff. The twins -who were not expecting this- let out low groans as they lay squashed under Snout-louts semi-bulking frame. Astrid snorts loudly and drags a hand down her face.
"Can we eat now?" she sighs
(Dagger's p.o.v)
I stood in my dark room. The skulls of my latest kills where hung from the end of ropes, skinned and were drying. Weapons of all shapes and sizes littered the floor. My sweaty clothes were hanging from my bed post, i stood here in my underwear as i glanced out the open window. the cold breeze sent an involuntary shiver coursing through my body and little goose-bumps jump into my skin. I took my hand and using a clean shirt wiped some sweat off my face and neck. I know I was the heir but that doesn't mean I had to be clean, besides i would mostly wear it tomorrow anyways.
My fingers brushed against the bone of a monstrous nightmare, gently sliding across the sharp points of its horns. My eyes slid shut as I remembered the gruesome way I killed this beast. Its beautiful cries of pain and its oh so helpless eyes as it gave its final breathe and died. It was times like that, that I truly loved these creatures! They were so much fun to kill, I could-
"Um…. Master Dagur?" a shy voice echoes from the door.
Anger fills me instantly to the brim, the skull in my hands is crushed from my grip and I spin around to see Chris. A tall, buff man standing at my door way. His brown hair was tied off in braids and pulled behind his head. By his hands were various weapons. His hands looked like they could crush a man's skull with ease, and he had a long scar running from his left eye down to his chin. A loving reminder from me to keep his distance. He towered me by a few inches but that couldn't hide the way he was shaking in his boots. This fear calmed me down a little but not as much as the interruption angered me!
"WHAT?!" I yelled loudly, the man paled slightly.
"Um…., I-I" he tried to say
"WELL SPIT IT OUT ALREADY MAN, OR I SWEAR ON ODEN'S GRAVE I'LL RUN YOU THOUGH!" I yell and reach for my sword.
His eyes widen at my tone, It was like the man suddenly found his voice. It comes out crackly so he's forced to clear his throat and try again.
"I'm sorry for the interruption sir, but you're father has requested your presence in the great hall" he mumbles and ducks his head.
My people had learned to not look me in the eye, those who have –other than my father of course- have been known to be walking around without a head. I let out a low sigh and roll my eyes.
"What the hell could my father want now?"
(Sophia's p.o.v)
I walked down to the kitchen thingy, I'm not sure what its really counted as here so I call it a kitchen thingy. Cara loves to tease me about that… I roll my shoulders a bit as I head down the steps. Crew men would stop and give me a respectful bow before moving aside so I could pass. A few people later I ran into Marcus.
"Good morning Sophia" he says in his usual gruff voice.
"Morning Marcus" I say sweetly and go to pass him when he places a hand on the side of the wall "Did you need something Marcus?" I ask.
The weapons strapped to my back burned slightly, being a reminder that they were there and ready to use if needed.
"I just wanted to make sure that everything was okay?" he says.
My eye brows raise a bit as I eye him up and down. This was odd behavior even for him.
"Of course" I say slowly before he lets me pass.
"I just was wondering because you made such a deal about heading to Berk" he says and I'm guessing he fallows me.
I don't turn around but cringe slightly at the mention of Berk. I had almost forgotten that we were heading there…
"Yes" I say "I just don't like leaving Seaaira that's all"
He nods and we go a few seconds in silence before he speaks again.
"How's Cara?" I roll my eyes in annoyance.
"She's fine, as usual." I say "She's on the deck with my father if you want to speak to her"
"No outbreaks... for her?" he asks, I could feel my blood start to boil.
"No" I say as my teeth clench together "And she's allowed to have outbursts if she want to Marcus" I practically growl.
"Yes, well as long as there controlled" he says "I just don't want people to get-"
My heel slams down against the wood of the ship; Marcus instantly stops talking as the sound echoes around the room. I had quickly spun around to face him. A deathly glare held my face as he shut his mouth, my knife was in my hands as I had him pinned against the wall of the ship with the blade at his throat.
"Hand-maiden or not, she is still a lady!" I growl and push the blade harder against his flesh "So I demand you treat her like one! Got it!"
His eyes widen for a second before his face returns to normal.
"I meant no offence my lady, I assure you" he says, I force myself to loosen the blade a smidge "I am only concerned for your safety."
"I think I can take care of myself" I growl
"Of course but I'm concerned no the less" he says, I glare at him for a second "She killed twelve men Sophia, and she has no memory of it."
"Yes, twelve men sent to kill me" I growl but pull my blade from his neck. Marcus gently touches the red flesh for cuts; I get a sense of pride as he does an obviously painful swallow "And might I remind you she saved my life more than once."
I push open the door to the kitchen and look around. It was filled with different fruits and breads; some fish was drying in the corner. Marcus stood behind me as I grabbed two apples and some bread, using my thumbs I hook to empty mugs and started making my way upstairs. Marcus glances at me but I refuse to look him in the eye.
"And Marcus?" I say before I start up the steps "I am the chief's daughter, so it would do you well to remember you're place"
(Cara's p.o.v)
I had been glancing out at the waves when Sophia's father turned to me. He had said that I shouldn't let Sophia tease me so much. That I had earned a place in the tribe so I shouldn't be afraid to defend myself against her. Clearly he hasn't seen her sparing with her dummy. I shiver at the thought before pulling myself back into the conversation we were having.
"Yes but she is still my mistress chief" I sigh and pull a piece of loose hair out of my eyes "so I should show her respect not attitude"
"No, you have given Sophia and I far more than your job has ever required of you." he smiles and gently grips my shoulder "You put up with her moods, find her when she gets lost." I smile and glance at the ground with a blush "You may have started out as a hands-maid but I hope you know she loves you like a sister Caraeasia, your family" he says, I glance up at the chief and see the look of pride in his eyes "And why not" he adds after as second "she gives me attitude all the time"
I chuckle at that but glance out at the water.
"Unfortunately I'm not like you guys though..." I say and blush a bit as he eyes me up and down "I mean in the fighting sense"
"You shouldn't put yourself down Cara" he says, I shake my head
"But it's true" I say and glance at my fingers.
He chuckles at my shyness before leaning against the side of the ship before turning to look at me.
"You don't do bad on your own Cara" he smiles "When you want to be you're the 5th best fighter on the island." I cringed as I remember all the bloody bodies and sounds of breaking bones.
I'm not sure what it was but something in me just snapped and it's like I became a totally different person.
"I should have gotten help" I say with a blush
"No, you should have done exactly what you did" he says "If it wasn't for you Sophia would be dead…"A few years ago Sophia and I had been exploring the island, up on the mountain tops. Her father had been threatened by a rival village and was being pressured to sign a deal of surrender. Sophia's father refused and they said they would go after his daughter. A few weeks had passed and nothing so we mostly pushed it to the back of our minds. Anyway, when we went out we were attacked by a group of men. Sophia being Sophia attacked them head on; she held her own pretty good but was eventually over powered and knocked unconscious "That's one of the reasons I like having you with Sophia"
I make a small face and look out at the water, my hands burned slightly as I thought about that day. It was like there was a darkness of my own begging to be let out.
"Yes, but I'm never one to start a fight"
"One should never start a fight Cara. That is one of Sophia's bad habits" he sighs "She is an amazing offensive fighter; you are defence so you shouldn't want to start a fight." I blushed at that but it was still hard to believe it was true.
"Oh daddy, stop spoiling her" Sophia's laughing voice says, I spin around to see Sophia with a handful of bread and fruit. With a smirk she hands me a bit of both before she gently punches her father in the arm "Jeez, I'm gone for 5 minutes and your trying to steal my hand maid" I laugh at the small pouting face she makes, he smirks and gently pats her on the head.
(Hiccup's p.o.v)
It had been two days sense we learned of Sophia's impending arrival, father said the boats should be here any time now. Everyone was excited, each in our own ways of course. Astrid had been practising a bunch of new moves she's learned. Fish-legs was double checking the book of dragons. The twins were doing gods knows what-though they swore to not blow up or break anything until after Sophia's arrival. Snot-lout was lifting weights and I was checking the metal on Toothless's tail. I found that it was a bit off when we tried to make sharp left turns.
"Hiccup?" my father's voices echoes in the room, I stop turning the little bolt and glance in his direction.
"Oh, hey dad!" I says and turn back to the tail "What's up? Is everything okay?"
I hear his heavy foot-steps as he shoves himself through the door and into my small work-shop, my hand absent mindedly grabbing the rolling pencil before it can hit the ground. I stick it behind my ear and continue working.
"Yes hiccup, everything's fine." He says and sits down on a pile of leather and hay "What are you doing?" he asks.
I move the lantern a bit closer to toothless and show him my handy work.
"Just fixing Toothless's tail, it's hard to make left turns without crashing" Toothless lets out a low annoyed whine, which I took as "Well it's not my fault you can't drive"
Dad checks it out and makes a low whistle of approval. I'm not sure if he was just humoring me or not but it did put a small smile on my face.
"Wow, that's nice handy work son" he says and gently rubs my head.
I shake my head to knock of his hand but can't Soph the blush that comes from him doing that. It makes me feel like a child.
"I can't wait to show her everything we've done dad. Sophia will be blown away!" I say and blush a bit at how big my smile is.
It fades just a bit as he lets out a low sigh.
"hiccup, that is actually what I wanted to talk to you about." He says and takes the screw driver from my hands before motioning me to sit.
"What do you mean "that what you want to talk about?" I ask, he send me a small but sad smile.
"You can't tell her about your dragons hiccup"
"Why not?" I ask
"Because they would never understand hiccup, Sophia might but Fredrick…" he shakes his head
"Dad, if I can change your mind about dragons than I can change his" I say but my father puts on a stern face.
"NO HICCUP!" he growls angrily, I jump at his volume "This is not up for discussion!" He must have seen my fear because he pinches the bridge of his nose and sighs. A few seconds later he glances back at me and says more quietly "I know you love them and I know you changed my mind but some people can't be reasoned with." He takes off his helmet and runs a hand through his hair "It's not just understanding with Fredrick it's a matter of pride."
Alright you know the deal, read and review people! and I'll try to update more often, Peace out peeps!
xxxxTheJonesStoriesxxxx