Stoick's Decision
Later that night after the victory celebrations were over, Lenora was in her bedroom, brushing Toothless' scales while softly singing to him. The Night Fury had his head in her lap and was purring under her touch.
For over five years, despite their rocky first meeting—when Lenora had unintentionally crippled him—Toothless had been Lenora's most trusted and loyal friend, her protector and confidante. As Lenora had continued to help Toothless fly with a prosthetic tailfin she'd made herself, their friendship had strengthened and they considered each other family, and as such, Toothless was never very far from Lenora. They both preferred it that way. But it was amazing to see such a fierce and mighty creature sometimes bearing great resemblance to a fat, contented housecat like he was now.
"You and me together, we'll be forever you'll see. We'll always be good company, you and me. Just wait and see…" she sang, as she ran the brush over Toothless' head for the last time that night. "There. All done, buddy."
Toothless whined in displeasure. "No. Just a little more, please?" Toothless loved being groomed as Lenora knew exactly how he liked it and it always made him feel happy and safe, and sometimes he fell asleep underneath her soothing touch.
Lenora chuckled at her friend and shook her head. "No. That's enough for one night. We wouldn't want to over brush you and damage those pretty scales of yours, now would we?"
Toothless' ears drooped as he shook his head. For a moment, it seemed as though, he was going to be sulking the rest of the night but then he perked up when he saw a large chest in the corner of the room, a chest that had not been there before the race that morning.
Eagerly, he bound over to it and sniffed it like an eager puppy. Toothless didn't know what was in the chest, but the fact that it was new to him made him very excited. He let out an excited noise as he wagged his tail.
"Toothless, what's gotten into—oh, great. It arrived," said Lenora. She sighed in relief. She'd been expecting the chest to arrive and had almost begun to fear that it wouldn't. It contained items very dear to her and were invaluable to her future plans.
"What's in it?" asked Toothless, impatiently.
"This is what I'm wearing for my wedding. I had it brought out of storage. Do you want to want to see it, Toothless?"
Toothless purred and eagerly nodded as Lenora bent down, unlocked and opened the chest.
Inside the chest was her mother's white silk wedding dress, beautifully embroidered with pearls and diamonds in an elegant pattern. Inside three smaller boxes in the chest was a silver diadem with shining flowers and leaves, a pair of pearl earrings and a diamond necklace that had been handed down from mother to daughter in Lenora's family for generations.
Unable to help herself, Lenora undressed and then carefully put on her mother's wedding dress and jewelry. Lenora let her hair out of its braid, allowing it to fall into beautiful, silky brown waves that reached her waist. When Lenora looked at herself in the full-length mirror hanging on her wall, she barely recognized herself, and for a moment she swore she felt her mother's presence beside her.
Five years ago, if you'd asked, Lenora never would've thought herself as beautiful. She used to be an unconfident, skinny, gangly young girl with dull brown hair, but that was not so now. Now, it seemed something magical had happened. Lenora's hair had taken on a reddish shine and was softer and silkier, her features stood out more and often complimented on; and while she was still slender, she wasn't quite the human twig she used to be, she'd filled out more and nor was she unconfident. She'd even grown a few inches more. It was as though once Lenora no longer confined by the restrictions of her old life, she emerged from her cocoon and became a beautiful butterfly. Either way, it was working Lenora's favor and she liked what she'd become over the last five years.
"What do you think, bud? Do I look beautiful?" she asked.
Toothless purred and nodded. He thought she looked perfect.
"Thanks, buddy," said Lenora. She smiled as she rubbed the underside of his chin. A knock on the door caused her to look up. "Who is it?"
"It's me," said Stoick. "Can I come in?"
"Sure, Dad. Door's open," said Lenora.
The door swung open and Stoick came in. "Lenora, I need to talk to you. It's—Odin's beard!" Stoick looked at Lenora as though he'd seen a ghost and then his eyes filled with tears that he quickly wiped away with the back of his hand.
"Daddy, what's wrong?" asked Lenora, concerned.
Though Stoick was a loving father, he rarely cried, and for him to do so now meant either he was very happy or very sad.
"Nothing. Nothing. It's just…for a moment I thought I was looking at your mother," said Stoick, his voice raw with emotion. "You look just like she did on our wedding day in that dress."
Lenora's heart swelled with joy and she smiled. "I wanted to wear something of hers for the wedding. I thought it would be like having her there." Being the Chief's daughter, Lenora could've had her pick of the finest wedding gown and jewels in the archipelago, but she'd chosen that which had worth beyond measure because of what it meant to her. "And I wanted to be as beautiful as she was on her wedding day."
It had been seventeen years and there still wasn't a day that'd gone by when Val, Lenora's late mother and Stoick's wife, wasn't missed. Lenora wished Val was there, now more than ever, for her upcoming wedding. She longed to have Val there to help her prepare and shower her with love and one day spoil Lenora's children as a proud grandmother.
Stoick looked visibly touched, which was quite a feat. "Well, if your mother were here, she would be as proud of you as I am. This is what she always wanted for you, Nora, to be accomplished and happy with someone you love. And if she were here, she'd say you were one of the most beautiful brides she'd ever seen and I would agree with her, because you are. Aster is so lucky to have you by his side as his wife."
"Thanks, Dad," said Lenora. It touched her heart in more ways in one to hear Stoick say that, for it meant everything to her. She felt ready to burst with excitement. All her life, she'd dreamed of being someone her family could be proud of; she'd dreamt of her wedding day, dreamt of marrying Aster and soon her dream would come true. It hardly seemed real. "Sometimes, it still feels like a dream and I'm about to wake up."
"I know the feeling," said Stoick. His eyes filled with tears again and he sniffled. "Oh, Thor. Look at me, crying like a wee baby, and who can blame me? My baby girl's all grown up and leaving the nest. Thor Almighty…"
"Oh, Daddy…" Lenora took her father's hand into hers and gently touched his cheek with the other. Stoick's reaction was only to be expected as no father truly wanted to give away his daughter to a young man, no matter how worthy that young man may be. "I'm not getting married until springtime. And besides, I'm not leaving you. Not really. Aster and I will only be gone on our honeymoon for two weeks. And even afterwards when Aster's moved in, I'm still going to be living on Berk, and I'll still be living here and see you all the time. Besides, you should know that no matter how much I grow up, I will always be your baby girl. Nothing will ever change that, I promise."
Stoick smiled at Lenora's attempts to cheer him up and he kissed her head. "I know. It just seems like it was only yesterday that you were a wee babe and now here you are, about to marry Aster. I can't believe it."
"Time's flown rather quickly," said Lenora, as Toothless crooned in agreement. The last few years had gone by in the blink of an eye, it seemed. An idea then struck her. "Hey, my dancing still needs some work. Would you like to help me practice for our dance?"
Traditionally after a wedding ceremony, there was a party to celebrate and at the party, the bride shared a special dance with her father. It was a precious moment between father and daughter, a non-verbal way of saying how much they loved each other and how proud the father was of his daughter before he let her go spread her wings and live a new life with her intended. Lenora loved those dances and she knew that the best way to make Stoick happy was to have him help her.
"I would love to," said Stoick.
He took Lenora's right hand in his, placed her left one on his shoulder and placed his left hand on her waist before taking a step backwards as she stepped forward. As they continued making a serious of dance steps around the room, Stoick surprised Lenora by picking her up and twirling her around, and Toothless watched and purred at their antics. Most of Stoick and Lenora's "dancing," for the next half an hour was just them being silly and having fun, but since it was making Stoick happy and Lenora was also enjoying herself, she had no complaints. Being in her father's arms made her feel safe and happy and their dancing made her feel like a carefree child again. It was wonderful.
When their dancing was done, they were both out of breath but pleased, and then Lenora took the chest and went behind her dressing screen to change into her pajamas. When she emerged, her wedding attire was safely locked up again and she was in her nightgown with her hair back in its usual long braid.
"So, anyway, what did you want to talk to me about, Dad?" she asked.
Stoick looked puzzled for a moment before he remembered. "What? Oh, yes." Stoick quickly regained his usual stoic composure and cleared his throat. "Lenora, we need to talk. Perhaps you'd better sit down."
Lenora raised an eyebrow but knew better than to question her father when he was like that, so she did as she was told. She sat down on the bed and Toothless curled up beside her as Stoick sat across from them on Lenora's desk chair.
Stoick cleared his throat once again, took a deep breath and then said, "Lenora, you're the pride of Berk and I couldn't be prouder. You're all grown up. These last five years, you have really stepped up and become the most amazing woman I've ever known. Now, lately, I've been doing some thinking and I've decided that on your wedding day, once the ceremony is completed, I will step down and declare you Chieftess of Berk."
Lenora's breath caught in her throat and she was rendered speechless. Chieftess of Berk? Did I hear that right? For a moment, she couldn't believe what she'd heard, but then she couldn't deny it. Stoick had just announced his intentions to retire and pass on his crown to Lenora. She'd always known the time would come when she would take her rightful place as leader of Berk, but she'd never once imagined it would be so soon or like this.
"Dad…" she said, when she'd found her voice. "Are you sure about this?" She wasn't asking because she intended to refuse. No. She needed to make sure Stoick was certain of his choice and wouldn't regret it later. She knew how much leadership of Berk meant to him and despite the grey hairs woven into his red beard, he was still the greatest fighter Berk had ever known.
Stoick nodded. There was no hint of hesitation in his eyes. "I'm positive. I'm getting old, Nora. Now, I'll always be there if you or Berk needs me, but I'm ready to step down. I want to spend my golden years spoiling my grandchildren."
Lenora's face turned a shade of pink at the mention of grandchildren. She and Aster had talked about their future together as parents one day. Lenora had a duty to continue her bloodline, but more importantly, she and Aster longed to be parents of children of their own. Privately, in addition to a son like Aster, Lenora hoped for a little daughter she could name Val, for her mother.
"Okay, Dad," said Lenora. Ultimately, the title of tribe leader was in Stoick's hands and if retiring in the springtime was what he wanted, then Lenora would see his wish fulfilled. It was her duty as his daughter to accept the great honor and responsibility he was giving her. "If this is what you want, then I'll do it. But can I tell Aster about it first before you make the announcement?"
Stoick nodded. It was a perfectly reasonable request. After all, Stoick's future son-in-law had a right to know how much his life was going to change when the wedding day came.
"Of course," said Stoick. "I'm sure he'll be excited."
Excited is one way to put it.
Aster was going to be in for a big shock.
XXX
The following day, after Toothless woke Lenora up at dawn's early light by his favorite method—stomping on the rooftop of her house—Lenora checked her schedule and realized that she had the day off from her job as Head Dragon Instructor and Trainer. She was glad of it as it meant she had more time than usual to go out with Toothless for their morning flight and even test out her equipment, as she hoped it would help clear her head and give her the courage to tell Aster of Stoick's decision.
Toothless was more than happy to oblige with Lenora's wishes. Naturally, being the fastest dragon in the world, Toothless loved to fly, but he loved doing it with Lenora even more. One Snoggletog, Lenora had enabled him to fly on his own without her help, but Toothless had rejected it in favor of only ever flying with Lenora—further strengthening their bond.
The day was brisk and sunny, perfect flying weather.
There was a sharp whooshing sound as Toothless sped across the seemingly endless sea. Lenora lay on her stomach on Toothless' back, dressed in her new aerodynamic suit and helmet she'd designed. Changed hadn't just occurred in Berk's daily life, but also in her flying routine with Toothless. Over the years, Lenora had not only better upgraded Toothless' prosthetic tailfin and flying system, but her own prosthetic leg. Now her leg had different extensions for different situations and environments depending on what Lenora needed, which worked out marvelously.
As they swerved and flew around surfacing blue Thunderdrum dragons, Lenora sat up and pushed the stirrup, allowing Toothless to spin and dive under a Thunderdrum's wing as the sea dragon leapt up and dove back into the water. Toothless then went straight up into the skies and bellowed as they soared above, around and under the clouds. He rolled onto his back for a moment before nosediving downwards and then he spread his wings and gently glided for a few moment. Toothless then flew upwards and spun around for several moments before relaxing and falling backwards into the giant white clouds, soaking both him and Lenora, but neither of them took much notice or cared.
When Toothless ceased his dramatic fall, he performed a series of impressive aerodynamics as Lenora sat up straighter and extended her arms. She inhaled deeply as feelings of utter bliss and freedom washed over her.
My life in Berk is wonderful and I wouldn't change a thing, but this…this is true living. Flying with Toothless like this was exhilarating, breathtaking and wonderful. Being out there alone with Toothless made her feel carefree and happy beyond words. When they were out there together, they were more than just a dragon and rider, they were one and little else mattered in the world. Not for the first time, Lenora wondered how she'd managed to live her life before Toothless became a part of it and she silently thanked the gods for the blessing that was the Night Fury.
As they came upon a flock of Timberjacks, Lenora pulled back on Toothless' saddle. "So, what do you think, buddy? You want to give this another shot?"
Knowing what Lenora was referring to, Toothless' pupils narrowed into tiny slits and his ears folded back as he let out a soft growl of displeasure.
Lenora laughed as she rubbed the Night Fury's ear. "Toothless! It'll be fine, trust me." In the event of an emergency, Lenora had invented away for her and Toothless to fly separately for a brief time and unfortunately, the previous test drives hadn't exactly been all that successful, hence Toothless' reluctance. But Lenora was sure she'd worked out the invention's issues and they were sure to have a successful test run this time.
"If I must," grumbled Toothless, good-naturedly.
Lenora shook her head as she pushed the stirrup, pulled on the steering lever, and unhooked herself from Toothless' flying gear.
"You ready?"
"As I'll ever be."
Lenora tilted to her right and slid off Toothless' back. As she dove down towards the sea, Toothless followed and the two encircled each other as Lenora cheered in delight. Toothless even made his signature toothless grin and stuck out his tongue.
As the sea came into view, Lenora slid her forearms through a pair of tucked leather flaps on her suit and yanked hard causing handcrafted leather wings to extend from under her arms and on the back of her suit. As Toothless extended his own wings and Lenora became used to the turbulence, she felt a wave of pride and a surge of adrenaline. Lenora glanced back at Toothless, who looked happy beyond measure that her flight suit was working and for the first time, they were almost exactly the same and they were able to fly together.
"This is amazing!" cried Lenora, excitedly. The sense of freedom it gave her was beyond words and she loved every moment of it. Being out there, defying gravity…if this was what was it was like to be a dragon, then Lenora secretly wished she could be one. The salt of the sea on her face, the brisk wind in her hair, the adrenaline pumping through her veins…it was incredible. "Whoo-hoo!"
Toothless bellowed in delight and let out a few blasts of fire in celebration of their victory.
Suddenly, the clouds dissipated and a large rock formation came into view. Lenora had no time to turn around.
"No longer amazing! Toothless!"
Toothless leapt into action. He blasted the rock, grabbed Lenora and protectively enfolded her into his wings as they collided with trees and rocks and tumbled down a steep hill until they finally landed in a patch of clover and grass.
Breathing hard and her heart pounding, Lenora switched the extension on her leg to the walking one and then slowly climbed out Toothless' protective embrace.
"Wow. That was exciting. That rock really came out of nowhere," said Lenora. She glanced behind her when she heard the sound of crumbling rocks and saw that the entire rock formation she'd almost collided with was crumbling into the sea.
Toothless, who'd been shaking his head to clear, let out a curious growl and gazed at the damage before giving Lenora an incredulous look for being unfazed by it all.
Lenora began stowing away the wings of her flight suit. "We really need to work on your solo-flying, Toothless." She folded the wings back up and reeled in the dorsal fin. "Your tailfin locking up won't do any good during an emergency, but we can fix it."
Once her gear was dealt with, Lenora took her helmet off and then stepped out onto the cliff's edge as gazed at the view before her. Out there, beyond the horizon among a massive cloud of silver mist, was another uncharted territory. Another thing Lenora had been doing had been exploring lands beyond the archipelago, marking them on her map and even discovering new dragon species and recording them in the Book of Dragons. Each exploration was a new and exciting adventure, no two the same. The territory that lay beyond her was beautiful.
"Wow. Looks like we found another one, bud," said Lenora. Although she knew she'd have to cut down on her explorations when she married and became Chieftess, Lenora had no intention of fully giving it up. There was still so much to explore, learn, see and do and so much knowledge out there that would greatly benefit her people and the dragons both now and in the future. "It's beautiful, isn't it?"
Toothless did not reply. He just let out an annoyed grunt before pelting the back of Lenora's head with a small pebble.
"Hey!" said Lenora, annoyed. She sighed in exasperation at the pouting look on the Night Fury's face and knew exactly what kind of mood he was in and why. I can't believe I put up with this! "Oh, do you want an apology? Is that why you're pouting, you big baby?"
Toothless snorted as he turned his back to her. "I'm not a big baby! But yes, I do want an apology. I want a hug."
Lenora face palmed. "Oh, for the love of—! Well, try this on!" She dropped her helmet to the ground and wrapped her arms around Toothless' neck in an attempt to tackle and headlock him, but the dragon just gave her a bored look and paid her little mind. "Is this what you wanted? Is this a good enough hug for you?"
Toothless ignored her as he stood up and began walking on his back legs towards the cliff's edge.
"Yeah, that's what I thought. You wouldn't really hurt a one-legged—ACK!" Lenora clung to Toothless for dear life when she happened to look down below.
Toothless chortled.
"Yeah, yeah, very funny you overgrown lizard!" said Lenora. But there was no real heat in Lenora's tone. She knew Toothless just kidding and would never let anything happen to her. "You win. Okay? You win. You happy now?"
"Very," said Toothless. He took a few steps backwards and then rolled over onto his belly,
"She's down and it's ugly! Dragons and Vikings enemies again!" said Lenora, dramatically as she pretended to punch Toothless and the Night Fury playfully patted her with his front paw. "Locked in combat to the bitter end!" Lenora groaned dramatically when Toothless plonked his head down onto her chest.
And just like that, their little squabble was forgiven and forgotten. Lenora and Toothless could never stay angry with each other for long. They were too close for that. And then because Toothless considered Lenora his baby sister and treated her like such, he decided she needed a good grooming and began licking her.
"Yuck! Toothless, cut it out!" said Lenora, laughing. "That tickles! Okay, okay, I surrender!"
Toothless ceased licking Lenora and let her up as he purred and nuzzled her. "I love you."
Lenora gave Toothless a proper hug. "I love you too, buddy."
Toothless purred again and then turned his attention to grooming himself. He licked his left front paw and then rubbed it over his face to clean it.
While Toothless was busy, Lenora took out her map from her pocket and expanded it. She then took out a spare piece of parchment, applied an adhesive to it and attached it to her rather large map, which was illustrated with images of places she'd been and dragons she'd encountered. Lenora then took out her charcoal pencil and sharpened it before adjusting the compass attached to her wrist.
"So, what should we name it, do you think?" she asked. She glanced at Toothless, who was busy with an itch under his arm. "Itchy Armpit it is." She began drawing on the parchment as Toothless sniffed it. "What do you reckon we'll find out there, Toothless? A couple of Snaptrappers or some Typhoomerangs in the woods? Maybe a Whispering or Screaming Death in the rocks? Who knows, maybe we'll find you a lady Night Fury."
While the odds of finding another Night Fury were slim, Lenora never gave up hope that someday, she would find others like Toothless so he wouldn't be alone.
Toothless playfully patted Lenora's shoulder and then he shrugged. He didn't mind too much not having other Night Furies around. As far as Toothless was concerned, he had all the family he needed with Lenora.
"Well, regardless, do you want to just keep going? No one's expecting us back until dark. We could be out all day if we wanted," said Lenora.
"Well…" Toothless was cut off when the sound of a Deadly Nadder's screech hit their ears.
Lenora's head perked up and she turned see Aster flying in on Brightscales. Once he descended from his dragon's back, Toothless ran up to Brightscales to play with her. They mimicked each other's expressions and speech before taking off to play a rambunctious game of tag.
"Afternoon, milady," said Aster.
"Hey, Aster," said Lenora, smiling. She didn't even ask how Aster had tracked her down. He always knew where to find her. "What've you been up today?"
"Trying to escape my crazy mother and her insane attempts to plan our wedding," said Aster, shuddering.
Ever since their engagement had been announced, Aster's mother had gone crazy trying to take over the wedding planning. She felt it was her duty as Lenora was the closest thing to a daughter she was ever going to have and Lenora had no mother. Mrs. Hofferson's efforts were appreciated but at the same time, everyone wished that she would slow down a little and remember it wasn't Mrs. Hofferson'swedding. More than once, Stoick had had to speak with her on the subject to get her to back off a little.
Lenora just shook her head. What am I going to do with my future mother-in-law?
"And what about you? You've been gone all morning. Where've you been?" asked Aster.
"I needed to test my gear and clear my head. My dad decided to spring a little surprise on me last night," said Lenora. Oh, Thor, please let him take this well! She was terrified over Aster's reaction. "And it's one that I really need to talk to you about. It's about us, our future."
Aster's brow wrinkled with worry. "That doesn't sound good. Don't tell he decided we can't get married after all?"
Lenora laughed at the look on her fiancé's face. "No, no. It's nothing like that." But she wouldn't put it past her dad to find some way to make time stop and keep Lenora a little girl and by his side forever, just like any other loving and protective father.
Aster sighed in relief. "Thank Thor. So what'd he say to get you so worked up, then?"
Lenora sighed. "Well, last night before I went to bed, I was trying on my mother's wedding dress, my dad came in and we had a special moment together, and it felt like all was right with the world. But then he decided to spring a little surprise on me." She rose up and did one of her famous accurate Stoick impressions, voice and all. "Nora, we need to talk."
"Not now, Dad," said Aster, in a high-pitched voice as he wiggled his shoulders. "I've got a whole day of goofing off to get started on."
Lenora sniggered at her fiancé's teasing imitation of her. "Okay, first of all, I don't sound like that. And second, what is that thing you're doing with my shoulders?"
Aster just laughed as he did it again.
"Yeah, that's a real flattering imitation." But Lenora wasn't offended. She was still laughing. "Anyway, he goes…" Lenora made herself look all proud and did a little walk around Aster. "You're the pride of Berk, Lenora, and I couldn't be prouder."
"Thanks, Dad. I'm pretty impressed with myself too!" said Aster, still imitating his fiancé.
Lenora began laughing harder at Aster's antics. "When have I ever done that with my hands?" she asked, as she mimicked the movement that Aster just performed.
"You just did!" Aster said, as he kept laughing.
Lenora was finding it hard to breathe from all the laughter as she sat down beside Aster and grasped his arms. "Yeah, yeah very funny. But seriously, hold still." Her face lost its amused expression and she looked serious, causing Aster to do the same. Lenora sighed again. "Aster…my dad's decided that he wants to retire and have the succession ceremony performed after our wedding ceremony's completed. Meaning we'll be taking over as Chief and Chieftess after we've returned from our honeymoon."
Lenora then braced herself for Aster's reaction. She didn't have to wait long.
Aster's face brightened with excitement and he immediately stood up, causing Lenora to rise up with him. "Really? Lenora, this is fantastic!"
Lenora felt a wave of relief. Though she'd always known that Aster knew what he was getting himself into by dating and then marrying the Chief's daughter, part of her had been afraid he'd reject the idea of becoming Chief so soon and without warning and she was glad she was wrong.
Aster leaned in to kiss her, only to be accidentally knocked down by Toothless and Brightscales as they played tag. He landed on top of Lenora, who grabbed his face and kissed him fiercely for a few moments before he helped her sit up and dust herself off.
"I can see why you needed some time alone after that announcement. This is a great honor. You must be so excited!" said Aster, as he wrapped his arm around her.
"Honored? Yes. Excited? Not quite so much. Terrified? Absolutely," she admitted. Lenora bit her lip as she sighed yet again. "Aster…I've been preparing for this all my life. Why do I feel so afraid now that it's finally going to happen? You'd think I'd feel more ready for it."
For as long as she could remember, even though sometimes it had been questioned, Lenora had known she'd become Chieftess of Berk. She'd done everything she could to prepare for it. There had even been times over the last few years when Lenora had been Acting Chieftess when Stoick had to leave Berk for official business or when he'd been too ill to fulfill his duties, and she'd done a good job, but it'd never lasted longer than a couple of weeks at most. Knowing that this time when she took up her father's mantle, she'd keep it until she passed it on to her own heir or heiress was terrifying. It wasn't just the responsibility she was concerned about, it was also the shoes she'd have to fill.
"These last five years have been wonderful. Everything's changed for the better. Berk's changed, my dad's changed, I've changed…but is it enough? Becoming Chieftess isn't just a responsibility, it's a legacy that I'm honor-bound to uphold. Berk will look to me, not just as a source of help and advice for dragon problems, but to protect them and lead them and some of them will always compare me to my parents. My mother's remembered for her wisdom, selflessness and compassion. My father's known for his bravery, strength and honor.
"I have been and always will be proud to be the daughter of Stoick the Vast and Valka the Gentle, but sometimes, I don't feel like I can ever compare to them and how could I? They're them and I'm me. I have no regrets, but sometimes I wish that I had their ability to always know what to do and never doubt myself. And between you and me, Aster, part of me fears that the reason I don't feel ready for this is because I'm not. How do I know that I'm truly fit to be leader, that I can guide and protect our people for the rest of my life?"
Thor Almighty, look at me, she thought to herself. I've faced so many dangerous without fear or thought of the consequences, never questioning that I was doing the right thing. I've befriended and helped a Night Fury fly, vanquished the Red Death, protected Berk and the dragons from Alvin the Outcast and Dagur the Deranged, changed my village's entire way of life and led them through so much when I had to. I've always put my people and my loved ones first. Becoming Chieftess was always my future, but now that I know when exactly it'll happen, I don't feel prepared for it at all. Why? Why must I feel so afraid?
Aster hugged Lenora closer to him and gently caressed Lenora's cheek. "Lenora, listen to me. You're right, you have many of your parents' good qualities, but you're not Stoick or Val, and I'm glad of it because if you were, you wouldn't be the woman that I love. You shouldn't worry about that anyway. Lenora, you've come so far from what you used to be and I'm proud of you for it. These past five years, Berk's looked to and respected you for you, the first dragon rider and the woman who was unafraid to step out and change our way of life for the better and they'll continue to do no matter what. And with all due respect for your family, you are going to be the finest Chieftess that Berk has ever known."
Lenora relaxed as she lovingly covered Aster's hand with her own and kissed the inside of his palm. He always did know how to cheer her up and quell her fears. Aster was right about what he was saying. She thought back on the last five years. She wasn't the same rejected girl anymore. She was a strong young woman accepted and loved by her people. She'd cared for them, led them through difficult times, she'd changed their lives for the better and always done what she thought was right, regardless of the consequences and she would continue to do so for the rest of her life. Being Chieftess wouldn't change that. She had the qualities of a great leader, she just needed to cease doubting herself and trust in her ability to do what was best for Berk and for herself.
Why do I always worry so much? All it does is upset me. There's nothing to be afraid of. One way or another, everything's going to be fine.
Aster rested his forehead against Lenora's. "There's still plenty of time to get used to idea of Stoick's retirement, and when the time comes, you'll be ready and you'll know that you are. But more importantly, when we become Chief and Chieftess, we'll do it like we've done everything else these past five years and we'll do it like we will do everything else in the future, together. I'll be there with you every step of the way. And besides, your dad's still going to help you if you need it. Everything's going to be fine, I promise."
Lenora smiled and gently kissed her fiancé. "Thank you. I don't know what I'd do without you."
"Nor I you," admitted Aster. He couldn't fathom a world where Lenora wasn't there beside him. She was his heart, his soul and he never wanted to be without her. "But we'll never have to find out, I promise you."
Lenora squeezed his hand and turned the subject to more pleasant things. "So, anyway, my dad also mentioned he's looking forward to spoiling his grandkids and I've been thinking, when we have children…being an only child can get lonely, especially if they find it hard to make friends with the other kids in the village, so…"
"So, we'll have a large family," said Aster, as his face lit up. "I can see it now. We'll have four or five little munchkins running around." He had a hopeful, wistful look on his face. "You know, if we could choose, I'd have our first-born be a little girl with brown hair, green eyes and her mother's smile and she'd be a master inventor just like her mama. And I'd name her Valka Lenora Horrendous Haddock."
Lenora giggled and smiled as she rested her head in the crook of Aster's neck. "Well, I want our first-born to be a little blond, blue-eyed Viking gentleman like his father. I'd name him Finn Aster Hofferson." Finn had been the name of Aster's favorite uncle.
In all honesty, Lenora wouldn't mind if all their future children looked like their father. She knew she had no control over what happened with their future children, but it was a lovely dream. In Lenora's mind, she was already envisioning the children she and Aster would one day have. She could see Aster teaching them about courage and honor and how to be warriors and she saw herself passing down her knowledge of dragons while they played with Toothless.
"Whatever pleases you, will make me happy," said Aster. "As long as I'm with you, I'm complete." He placed a tender kiss on Lenora's lips that she returned. "I love you."
"I love you too," said Lenora.
For a moment, the young couple remained as they were, holding each other close and enjoying the moment, but then Lenora's brow wrinkled when she saw a large pillar of smoke in the distance, too large to be a campfire or kitchen stove fire, which mean only one thing—trouble.
"Aster…"
"I see it." Aster quickly rose to his feet and helped Lenora to stand. "Let's go."