Stoick didn't think much of the second series of contests. Each group toted their vast assortments of crops around the arena. Surpluses of fruits were cut up and stylishly arranged around bright green stalks of various vegitables. Several of these ensembles included flowers and stones that were in no way edible. "It's just for flare," one of the leaders commented, though her group had little proper food on its platters. Unsurprisingly, the tough and tasteless harvest from Berk only stood out due to its bland appearance. Suffice it to say they did not win that portion of the contests.
"We've never been much for farming. A viking needs more than a few leaves to feed themselves," the chief said bitterly. With some luck Berk would be able to show off in the next round.
Unfortunately, there were only so many cattle to tote around the arena. While tamed dragons didn't steal from them anymore, they still ate a fair share of the livestock. On top of that the people of Berk fished more than they raised farm animals. Stoick could still hold his head high with their presentation of meals with their surplus of fish the past were even some brightly colored fish from the more southern islands Hiccup had helped them explore. Still, this wasn't enough to win overall; but it was refreshing to not be in last place.
"I suppose the dragons ate the good stuff, ey Stoick?" a young chief teased after the rounds were over.
"They are hungry beasts," he said, hoping to keep a level head for this flashy event. "Of course feeding the village is hard enough without them."
That night he had a talk with his son. "I don't want to sink to their level, Hiccup, but I won't let them make fun of Berk."
"This is how things are now. Traditions have changed. But so have we," the boy replied, giving his father a knowing look.
"We'll just have to see how much they've changed by tomorrow," he said simply before heading up to bed.
Another day, another competition. The festivities were becoming tedious at this point. Another round of animal presentations were set up for today. Stoick was less prepared for this event than the others, not having many resources at his disposal.
Different groups included not only cattle and companions, but 'decorative' animals are like song birds were used to boost numbers. A group of dogs and sheep were followed up by robins! "For crying out loud!" Stoick protested.
More taunting comments were made against Berk after these disappointing rounds of contests. "Sure the island looks nice enough but they just can't compete!" one visitor proclaimed.
"Fishlegs, how's that special project coming along?" the chief asked, simply ignoring the remarks. A full report was given by the talkative lad, though key details were left out for the sake of secrecy.
Stoick might be stubborn, but he wasn't stupid.