1. Of vikings and dragons
Running away from your past isn't a leisurely stroll; it's more like a high-speed chase with memories hot on your heels. Running away from your home? Even crazier.
It's not like you just decide one day that you're fine with leaving everything you've ever known behind and want a life of adventure ahead. Your old life is full of memories. The houses. The people. The moments. Good or bad, happy or painful. They're all important in their own way. And will pull you back like the Jormungandr, gripping you tightly, not letting you go.
No. It doesn't happen overnight.
It takes months. Years. Decades, sometimes.
Years of restrained rage. Fear. Hatred. Annoyance as well. There are always reasons.
Maybe the place makes you feel worthless. Or it's associated with things you'd rather forget. Sometimes, its the people. A lot of times its the people, really. You don't often leave a place because the rain is a bit too cold for your liking or the sun is shining to bright. It's the people that cause the pain. The hurt.
Either way, Hiccup had all those reasons, and more. If you asked him, he could probably oblige you with a list. In chronological or alphabetical order, whichever you preferred.
It would probably begin with his father, the Chief. Stoick the Vast was a man as well known for his quick temper as he was for his able leadership. His dad wasn't horrible by any means. Heck, Hiccup had to give him some credit. He had tried. But, like all vikings in Berk, when faced with something he didn't understand, he preferred to shout at it and ignore it, rather than figure it out. And when the Chief did something, the village followed it. Which why why Hiccup spent nearly all his life alone, in the forests surrounding the village, only occasionally retreating to the Great Hall during meals. And even then he was shunned by his own people. The very tribe that was supposed to look up to him and support him as chief in the future treated him like an outcast.
Hiccup was definitely something Berk didn't understand. Or someone, rather. When your village was filled with oversized humans whose lives revolved around eating, sleeping and killing the dragons that terrorized the local fauna, you didn't really have time for much else. Smithing was frowned upon, mostly the task of the otherwise disabled. Breadmaking was a disgrace. And fishing was for peasants.
In short, Hiccup was passably good at everything a Viking Chief was not supposed to do. Unless you counted strategy, which was the one trait his father respected in him. But then again, spend enough years avoiding bullies and you end up a master of deception and attack. To bad it wasn't enough.
It wasn't for lack of trying on Hiccup's part. But then again, maybe it was.
He wasn't sure. All he was sure about was the one fact he knew: he wouldn't kill dragons. Especially not after meeting Toothless, pretty much his only friend in this gods-damned archipelago. And he just had to be a Night Fury, the most deadly dragon in existence.
Well, that would give the tribe a field day if they found out. They were already trying to shove him any chance the got. In fact, the last time Hiccup had felt even remotely at ease anywhere in the village outside of the forges with Gobber would probably be back when he was little. Well, littler.
And he wasn't just unviking-like in behavior alone. While most of his friends were already built like portable war machines, Hiccup was still stuck in that awkward teenage phase of gangly limbs and freckles. Sure, he had some muscles from working at the forge, but what with the chronic under nutrition and lack of a balanced diet (no one other than him seemed to care about that, really) he figured he'd probably never really have the build to fill out his frame. While his friends were quickly growing towards strong and powerful warriors, he was still this fairly short, wiry boy with skinny limbs and brown hair.
The fact that Toothless was the opposite to him in pretty much every way was hilarious if you thought about it. Not that he tried to think about it a lot. He had other things on his mind.
He hadn't really had to pack. But he'd kept a short mental checklist anyway.
Vikings are a hardy group. And unlike most in his village, Hiccup know how to survive in the wilderness. He'd probably outlast even his dad, should Berk suddenly disappear today and the island suddenly turn into a huge forest. Mostly because he'd spent his childhood in the woods, avoiding the bullies in the town. Looking back, he was surprised he hadn't been killed or eaten already by a rogue dragon or a particularly hungry bear, but hey, it was about time he had some luck. It was just as well though, because Hiccup knew he wouldn't really struggle with food, not that he was planning to live in the wild. He was a human being, after all.
He'd written a quick letter to his dad. All formal and chief-like. He told him why he was leaving, and that he resigned his rights to the Chiefdom.
He wondered if Snotlout would actually become chief. If he did, well, Hiccup was sure no matter where he was he'd hear about it. His short tempered cousin was outstanding…in all the wrong ways. Including the inability to come up with innovative ways to bully his pipsqueak cousin. The monotony was tiresome, at best, and painful at worst.
Until now, Hiccup had patiently endured it. Mostly because there was nothing else to do. Sarcastic retorts mostly ended up with him being punched, so he'd realized a long time ago that staying silent and waiting for the others to get bored of teasing him was the best bet. Besides, half his jokes went over their heads anyway.
It wasn't as easy as he thought though. His mouth really did have a mind of its own, he'd probably have to have it examined some time.
Entering the Cove he'd called home so far, the boy gave it a quick final glance, surprised that his eyes were turning moist. The fact that none of the other vikings had bothered really exploring Raven's Point was honestly a huge blessing in disguise. Hiccup couldn't bear the thought of anyone else visiting this place. It was almost-sacred, to him.
Cliffs rose majestically from the sparkling sea, their rocky faces adorned with vibrant greenery and cascading waterfalls. Seabirds circled overhead, their cries mingling with the gentle lapping of the waves against the shore, creating a symphony of sound that echoed through the air.
At the heart of The Cove around him lay a tranquil lagoon, its waters a brilliant shade of turquoise that shimmered in the sunlight. As he stepped onto the soft grass, he felt a sense of peace wash over him, as if he had stumbled upon a paradise hidden away from the cares of the world. The water lapped at his feet, cool and inviting, beckoning him to dive in and explore its depths.
But today, he had other plans.
"Hey Toothless!" he called out, allowing himself a small smile as he noticed his best friend waddle up to him. The dragon was the only other creature he shared the Cove with, and more than happy to.
"You and I," the viking continued, sighing, "are taking a vacation. Forever."
Sure, leaving a village full of people, some of whom were related to him by blood, was fine. But this cove? It was different.
It had seen all sides of him. He'd accidentally found it when he was five. The stumbling little child wiping snot and tears off of his face had been awestruck by the quiet beauty it held. Quiet. Mystical. And non-judgmental.
Ever since then, he'd snuck out here every chance he got. Sometimes he brought food. Most of the time he'd just sit here and sketch or think till he ran out of time and had to run back to the village for dinner.
In a way, the cove was the closest thing he had to a home.
He'd planned to walk around a bit, but Toothless had other ideas. The dragon quickly tackled Hiccup, covering him with slobber.
"Hey!" Hiccup protested. "How many times have I-" he scoffed. "Never mind."
He quickly shoved the black mass off of him, before drying his hands on his shirt.
He really needed some new clothes. His jerkin wasn't going to last him another winter.
"Shall we?" he asked Toothless, who simply warbled and quickly trotted up to him, shaking his tail like an excited puppy. And honestly, a part of Hiccup agreed with that sentiment.
Toothless didn't care where he was going or how long it would take. He was just glad his human was alongside him
Hiccup quickly wrapped his arms around his friend's neck, feeling the warmth around his shoulders.
"I'm glad you're with me in this, bud."
Toothless rumbled deep in his throat, before nudging Hiccup with his snout. The viking laughed.
"Alright, I get the idea, you're can't wait to leave!"
Hiccup was nothing if methodical.
He quickly went through his belongings. A decent amount of money he'd saved, a few small daggers, and several of his notebooks were all attached to small leather pouches around the saddle. He'd been careful to avoid bringing anything heavier than a few pounds, because considering the distance he was planning to fly, Toothless would probably feel the difference in weight with every mile.
"I think we're good, bud," he said, absently running a hand through his hair. Was he really going to do this?
Toothless rolled his eyes, and Hiccup snorted, quickly jumping on his saddle.
"Sure, whatever you say."
No turning back now.
With a powerful jump and a flap of his wings, the viking and his dragon were quickly airborne.
Hiccup hazarded a final glance at the village behind him. Cozily settled against the mountains and sheltered by rocks and stones, it looked like it was ready for anything that came its way. And for that, he was grateful. Even if he left, he knew his tribe could take care of themselves.
Probably.
As the clouds slowly began to close in on the Isle of Berk, obscuring it from his view, Hiccup felt a weight drop off his shoulders. Sure, he'd miss some of the people back there, but it wasn't like he could never come back and visit…right?
Unless he was outlawed for cowardice. Which, considering his village, was a real possibility. Oh well.
Charting his path using a crude compass he'd bought off one of the traders a few summers back, Hiccup set course due south. West and East would just bring him in contact with other tribes he'd rather not meet at the moment. Going up further North would get you killed, either by the cold or by dragonfire. Everyone knew that.
South it was.
Besides, the South hadn't really been explored by the Berkians. The ocean stretched for miles around, and since Vikings weren't really interested in water because you could neither conquer it nor fight well in it, save for the traders it wasn't often you saw a group of Berkians head down south.
Of course, Hiccup knew there were islands far south. But he'd never really gotten to learn more about them. Maybe some of them were inhabited. With his luck though, it would probably end up being filled with tribes just like his.
"We might have to fly for quite a while, bud," he said, reaching down and patting Toothless, who sighed in response.
"I know, I'm sorry, but I don't really know what's down South or how long it will be before we reach another island we can settle at."
Toothless narrowed his eyes and dove down, slicing the air and picking up speed.
"Attaboy!," Hiccup said, grinning. "The faster we do this the better."
The first few hours were great. The next…not so much.
Night fell quickly, and the dying rays of the sun illuminated the boundless sea below them. Hiccup had fallen asleep on his saddle more than once, and this time he was rudely jerked awake by Toothless just before he fell off.
"Yup, I'm awake," he remarked, giving the dragon a quick rub. He yawned, rubbing his eyes. The water below them glittered like a jewel at dusk, warm and cold at the same time.
"We're way beyond any map now, bud," Hiccup added, looking around and seeing nothing but blue. "You're a hundred times faster than the fastest trading ship."
Toothless snorted, and Hiccup chuckled.
"Of course, I'm sure you knew that."
Spotting a solitary sea-stack up ahead, the duo headed towards the lone rock formation sprouting out of the sea. It would be a good moment of respite, at least for today.
The miniature islands had always intrigued Hiccup. How did they form? Why were they there? Why weren't they as big as an island? Why didn't they fall over?
So many questions he'd figured he'd never really find the answer to.
"Yep, this works as long as we don't fall off, right bud?" Hiccup asked, as Toothless landed on the sea stack. The dragon warbled tiredly, too worked out to argue, and promptly fell asleep.
"You deserve it, you've definitely done the heavy lifting," he muttered, quietly.
He lay back on the grass, staring up at the sky above. The sea stack was barely large enough for the two of them, but not so small that he didn't have a few feet of his own.
A cool night breeze caressed his hair and Hiccup felt at ease, for what felt like the first time in forever.
Back home, he figured they'd probably sent search parties out. Of course, they couldn't imagine him getting off the island so easily. The traders would probably be interrogated down to their last tear. Their ships would be searched too. For a few days, at least.
But now, all that felt so far away. Like a distant dream he'd never be able to fully remember. And one he was partly happy to forget.
He smiled and closed his eyes.
They'd flown for pretty much an entire day now, and though he was surprised at the feeling, Hiccup had actually begun to loathe flying to a degree. He'd never ever thought that the idea of stretching his legs would ever be more appealing to him than flying, but when the ocean finally gave way to land below, it took all of his restraint to not have Toothless land immediately so that he could have a quick walk.
His calves were cramped, and although honeyed water helped mitigate the pain, Hiccup knew that the flight had taken a toll both on him and Toothless. While they would probably build endurance with time, this was the first time the two of them had ventured so far, and it definitely had its effects.
"You holding up alright there, Toothless?"
His companion chuffed, choosing to reply by diving forward even faster. Hiccup shut his eyes as the screaming wind tore at his face, allowing the cold air to hit him for a few seconds, before pulling the saddle backwards to slow down the dragon.
"I get the idea!" he shouted over the wind. "You're this huge and powerful beast that will never be tired!"
Toothless gave him a sarcastic grin and Hiccup rolled his eyes.
The land below them was beautiful.
It was what Berk would look like, if it wasn't stuck in eternal winter.
Miles and miles of forests, with grand trees that rose from the ground like groups of soldiers. Fir trees, pines and conifers. Smaller plants dotted the soil, scurrying below the canopy. Deer and other creatures sprang to and fro below the foliage, and Hiccup even spotted a few wolves.
Up ahead, a broad river separated the forest from the vast grassland further beyond, dotted with a few trees and lots of flowers. Rolling hills undulated the surface, and the occasional dirt track broke the tranquility of nature here and there. Scattered throughout the forest were the remnants of ancient ruins, their weathered stones bearing silent witness to the passage of time. Crumbling archways and fallen columns stood as testament to a forgotten era, their secrets buried beneath layers of history and legend. But there was no sign of any living person other than the tracks that wound their way through the edge of the forest like little brown snakes.
He had wondered when he'd come across civilization again. The last signs he'd seen were the Southern trading posts, which he'd avoided. Even though he'd never been that far south, he knew a dragon-hunter trade post when he saw one. That had been just hours ago, but it already seemed like days to him.
Beyond the plains, the land suddenly rose up to tall, snow capped mountains, forming a wall at the horizon. Large and ominous, the sky beyond was cold, and Hiccup felt the atmosphere change the closer he got.
"We'll check out the mountains, alright?" he spoke to Toothless, quickly checking with him. "If there are people on the other side we'll probably stop there. Otherwise we can camp out on the plains."
The dragon nodded, before flapping its wings vigorously to gain altitude. The entry through the mountains was not going to be easy.
As they soared towards the towering mountain range Hiccup couldn't help but feel a sense of awe wash over him. The peaks rose majestically from the earth, their jagged edges piercing the sky like ancient sentinels guarding the secrets hidden beyond.
Cloaked in mist and shrouded in mystery, the mountains loomed large before him, their sheer size and rugged beauty a testament to the raw power of nature. Crags and crevices scarred their surfaces, carved over millennia by the relentless forces of wind and weather. As they flew closer, he spotted small waterfalls cascading down the mountainsides, their crystalline waters sparkling in the sunlight. Snow-capped peaks glistened in the distance, their icy slopes gleaming like diamonds against the azure sky. Hiccup had never seen Jotun before, but he figured if they did exist, they'd probably live in places like this.
As Toothless banked right and circled above one of the lower peaks, the Hiccup steeled himself for what lay ahead. Taking deep breaths and preparing himself both for the lack of heat and lack of oxygen he would probably experience soon, he worked on steadying his breathing to conserve his energy.
"Okay. Take us up."
The dragon darted upwards, and Hiccup felt his throat tighten with the increase in altitude.
As the air thinned, and grew colder, Hiccup could feel his lungs protest. The cold wind chilled his bones, and his nose began to hurt. A fog covered the top of the mountains, like a wet blanket, and Hiccup had to give up on getting his bearings and just trusting his scaled friend to get him through the mountains.
"We've got to get past this as fast as we can!"
The air around was light and wet, interspersed by hail and falling snow. The winds buffeted around, ricocheting off the mighty rocky formations, but Toothless maneuvered around them, managing to avoid the worst of them. Still, it was all Hiccup could do to hold on and not get thrown off. The cold was getting to him, and the lack of oxygen meant that he was gasping and fighting for every breath.
Dark spots dotted his vision, as the cold ahead of him seemed to never end. Mile after mile of mist obscured the view ahead, and it was only because of Toothless that Hiccup had any hope of survival. Right now, he had no idea where they were. The fog covered everything.
"I-I don't know how much longer I can do this"
Hiccup's teeth were chattering, and his muscles were shivering with the cold.
Toothless gave him an anxious cry and he petted the dragon's scaly head.
"I c-can hold on a bit more. I'm a Viking!" he half told his friend and half shouted to the winds in defiance. He closed his eyes, clenched his teeth and steeled himself for however long he had left in this dreadful abyss-like place.
After what felt like forever, Hiccup could finally see the sky clear ahead above him, and wondering if that indicated an end to the range, he urged Toothless ahead, the dragon more than happy to comply.
As if they'd entered a portal to another world, the mist suddenly gave way to a clear sky, and Hiccup gasped.
The land below him was like nothing he'd ever seen before, stretching out in front like a patchwork of vibrant greens and earthy browns.
Below, a large pine forest eventually gave way to sprawling plains dotted with occasional fields of crops, their verdant hues contrasting sharply with the darker tones of the surrounding forest. Dirt tracks wound their way through the landscape like ribbons, snaking their way around waterways and through patches of woodland, leading towards a bustling city that bordered the sea, which sparkled in the sunlight beyond, its azure waters stretching out to the horizon.
But for now, they remained far off, hidden amidst the canopy of trees that blanketed the forest below. The cold pine and fir trees provided cover and concealment, allowing the duo to approach their destination undetected by the people of the land.
Then there was the city itself.
It was huge. Easily the largest he'd ever seen, it lay right below him, nestled at the foot of the mountains. Far enough that he doubted its inhabitants would notice them, but close enough for Hiccup to take in the magnificent view that was before him.
Columns gleamed in hues of white and green, a harmonious blend that seemed to dance in the sunlight. Towering spires of ivory rose proudly against the backdrop of the rugged mountains, their tips reaching towards the heavens as if striving to touch the sky itself.
In the heart of the city was a magnificent palace, adorned with intricate carvings and delicate frost motifs, reflecting the beauty of the surrounding landscape. From his vantage point, Hiccup could see expansive gardens all around the city, lush and verdant even in the midst of winter.
But it was not just the palace that caught his eye. Walls of stone stretched along the city's perimeter, snaking their way through the landscape and disappearing into the distant mountains.
At the far edge of the city, just beyond what he could make out clearly, the young viking could see sprawling ports that bustled with activity. Colossal ships docked along the icy shores, their hulls painted in vibrant shades of green and white and blue and several other colors he'd not seen before.
Whatever this place was, it was probably eons ahead of Berk.
That put Hiccup at unease. He knew that if he ever got to a city, he'd have to hide Toothless, but honestly, coming to a city so advanced just made the chances of soldiers discovering the dragon even higher. He'd have to be careful.
While he was debating just flying past the city, he noticed Toothless's ragged breaths and huffs. Although he was trying his best to hide it, the Night Fury was tired, even though he was too proud to admit it. And besides, who knew what kind of advanced technology they had here? He'd definitely be able to learn from them.
"Let's land, a few miles north. See if we can set up Camp. I'll go check out the village tomorrow."
Toothless tucked his wings and Hiccup felt the familiar feeling of winds hitting his face at a hundred miles an hour as they dove headfirst towards the land.
With the sun began to dip below the horizon, casting long shadows through the forest, the pair found themselves in a secluded part of the woods, far from the prying eyes of civilization. The air was crisp and cool, tinged with the scent of pine and earth, as they landed in a tranquil clearing nestled amidst the towering trees.
With practiced ease, Hiccup dismounted from Toothless's back, his feet sinking into the soft carpet of pine needles that blanketed the forest floor. The dragon stretched his wings, letting out a contented rumble as he settled onto the ground beside his rider.
As the last rays of sunlight filtered through the dense canopy overhead, casting dappled shadows on the forest floor, Hiccup quickly set about making camp. Gathering firewood from the forest floor, the crackling of branches and the scent of pine filled the air as he built a small fire in the center of the clearing.
Unlike the quiet desolation back at Berk, birds chirped in the treetops, their melodic songs filling the air with music. The gentle rustle of leaves whispered through the branches, as if the forest itself was welcoming them into its embrace.
Above them, the stars began to twinkle into existence, casting a silver glow over the canopy of trees. As they nestled into their makeshift camp, Hiccup couldn't help but feel a sense of peace settle over him. As he drifted off to sleep beneath the canopy of stars, he knew that tomorrow would bring new adventures and new challenges, but for now, he was content to simply be in this moment of quiet serenity.
"Alright, bud. Let's see what this place is like, yeah?"
Toothless grumbled, before quickly bounding up to a nearby tree and hanging upside-down like he usually did when he liked to sleep alone. To be fair, Hiccup had woken up rather early, and his companion was still a fair bit tired. While he wished he could catch up on sleep too, the path to the city was still a fair distance, and unless he started now he figured he wouldn't be able to make it before the general public began to throng the place. A city this size had to have lots of people, right? Again, not something Toothless really enjoyed.
Hiccup sighed. It wasn't like he was going to bring his friend to the city anyway. They would probably be attacked before the two of them would have even figured what was going on or tried to introduce themselves in peace.
"I'm going to see if I can find work there, alright?" Hiccup called out, as he jogged down a gentle slope. The treeline disappeared a few yards ahead, beyond which a few yards of frost-covered plain led up to the city gates. "Don't burn down the forest while I'm gone!"
Toothless made a rude sound from beneath the cover of his wings while the young viking laughed and made his way down the slope with caution.
The early morning air invigorated him. It was cold; his breath fogged ahead of him. Although the weather quickly tempered down from the mountains towards the valley, it was still a fairly chilly morning, and Hiccup's thin jerkin was not doing him any favors. Suppressing the involuntary sneeze, he figured he could run towards the city. At least, until he got in sight of the guards. The last thing he needed was for them to get suspicious.
"Alright then, time to pick up the pace."
Settling into a well-trodden path he eventually found, Hiccup got into the pace for a quick jog until he felt warm enough to slow down back to a walk.
The climate around him grew warmer the closer he got to the city, almost in a magical sort of sense. The air was more full, and smelt of ear and salt. Far in the east, large ships docked in the harbor, and Hiccup could hear the creaking of timber, splashing of waves and the distant cries of gulls in the air.
Approaching the city gates, manned by vigilant guards clad in armor, Hiccup could fell a sense of anticipation building within him. His throat felt tight, and he hoped the guards would just let him pass through.
All around him, people began to pile up. There were several dirt roads and tracks that converged onto a single bridge that spanned a winding river of water that surrounded the city, acting as a natural moat. The river on either side led into the sea, cutting into the land in a crescentric shape.
Hiccup was surrounded by people on all sides. To his left were a group of farmers, riding a cart drawn by oxen. On his right, several men with fur caps and jerkins led reindeer drawing carts carrying ice. Children ran to and fro everywhere, ducking under the carts and jumping from stone to stone. Sometimes, they would manage to upset one of the tradesmen, though Hiccup smirked as he noticed them quickly run away and disappear into the crowd before they could get yelled at.
Safety in numbers, that was the quote, yes?
If he could just blend in with these people, he supposed he could evade detection. Not that he was going to spy out the land or anything. He just preferred to avoid the awkward questions that accompanied one finding a random sixteen-year old all alone, in a city. True, he was a little small for his age, but that was based off of Viking standards. Here, he was close to as tall as the tallest men around, and that was without even hitting his growth spurt.
At least, he hoped he hadn't hit it yet. Statically speaking, he'd probably still grow a few inches taller.
Further thought was cut off as he finally entered the city.
The gates, adorned with intricate carvings and reinforced with sturdy iron, stood tall and imposing, welcoming those who sought entry into the bustling heart of the city.
"Welcome! Merchants this way!"
"Hey Jeff! How's the winnowing going?"
"Martha! Give me those!"
"Watch the chickens!"
The gates were a portal to the vibrant atmosphere of the city. The air was alive with the sounds of merchants hawking their wares, children playing in the cobblestone streets, and the chatter of townsfolk going about their daily lives. The bustling markets, overflowing with goods from lands near and far, offered a feast for the senses as vendors vied for the attention. It was insane, but something about it appealed to Hiccup.
Navigating through the crowded streets, where people bustled about, occasionally bumping into each other in their haste, he marveled at the diversity and energy of the people around him.
"Sorry!" he called out to a couple of people who he'd bumped into. But nearly all of them laughed and waved him off.
Despite the chaos of the city, there was a sense of harmony in the air, a shared sense of purpose that bound its inhabitants together. They were easily the most cheerful folk Hiccup had ever seen, nothing like the cold and rough tempered Berkians who were, undoubtedly, kind in their own way. But this country had it's own charm, something he'd never seen before.
Drawing closer to the heart of the city, his gaze was drawn to a colossal forge that dominated the clearing ahead.
Hiccup grinned. Perfect.
Its roaring fires and billowing smoke served as a beacon, guiding him towards the center of where amidst the clang of hammer on anvil and the hiss of cooling metal, the heartbeat of the city could be felt most strongly. He thought a fair bit about where he should check first. Coming into a city so big meant there were a lot of possible jobs he could employ. Metalwork was his favorite. He'd only try something like farming or cattle-rearing if this didn't work out. Besides, it wasn't like he was an expert weaver or buff enough to be a guard. The forge was where he could offer the best services.
His footsteps echoing against the cobblestone as he approached, Hiccup heard the familiar rhythmic clang of metal on metal fill the air, accompanied by the steady roar of the forge's fires. Smoke billowed from its chimneys, swirling and dancing in the crisp winter breeze. The inside of the forge was dark, illuminated by the light of fires and lanterns scattered around. Dark wooden beams supported the structure, and the dull gleam of metal was dotted around the structure.
The forge itself was a marvel of craftsmanship, its towering structure built from rough-hewn stone and wood that was reinforced with iron bands. Enormous bellows stood at each corner, their wheezing breaths supplying the flames with the oxygen they craved. Sparks flew from the forge's open mouth, casting a warm glow that illuminated the surrounding area.
Hiccup could see a few figures moving about within the forge, their silhouettes dancing in the flickering light. A single blacksmith toiled tirelessly, his muscles straining as he worked the bellows and shaped molten metal. The air was thick with the smell of smoke and sweat, mingling with the tang of heated iron.
Finally, something he could get behind. It was almost too familiar.
Summoning his resolve, he quickly peeked into the dark forge, and yelled a "Hey!"
Waiting for a few minutes, and not getting a response, he tried again, louder.
And again.
"HEY!" he practically screamed, ignoring the looks he got from the people shopping around him.
Finally, the blacksmith turned around, regarding him for a few seconds with beady eyes, before nodding.
"Give me a few seconds lad! I'll be right with ya!"
Hiccup nodded, stepping back into the harsh sunlight.
The forge was located in the middle of the markets, with several stalls forming a semi-circle around it. All around, Hiccup could hear the people in the market busy wagering and buying and selling. It was nothing like Berk, and he loved it.
"Alrighty laddie!" Hiccup whirled around to see the blacksmith leave the forge, wiping his hands on a greasy cloth. "Name's Thorvald Ironforge, but everyone calls me Thor. How can I help ye today?"
Hiccup swallowed quickly, trying to ignore the sudden pangs that gripped him.
The blacksmith bore an eerie resemblance to Gobber, something he didn't know how much he liked.
He was an imposing figure, his frame hulking and powerful despite the years that weighed upon him. One of the few people Hiccup realized was still a good head taller than him, Thor probably would have fit right in in Berk. His face, weathered by time and marked with scars, was framed by a gray beard that cascaded down from his chin like a waterfall of silver.
His eyes, sharp and piercing, looked like they held the knowledge of a thousand lifetimes, their depths reflecting the flickering flames of the forge. He wore nothing but a blackened leather apron and dirty pants tucked into sturdy boots, meaning Hiccup could see the muscles ripple beneath his skin.
"I, er," he swallowed, looking up at the man. "I have two questions—"
"Speak up boy," the man replied, gruffly. "I don't got time to waste in gossip!"
"Right!" Hiccup said, raising his voice. He couldn't afford a bad impression. "One : where are we?"
The blacksmith raised a suspicious brow.
"You do not know of Arendelle?"
Hiccup shook his head.
"I'm from the north. Far North," he added, when the blacksmith looked confused.
"Ahh!" he yelled, slapping his thigh. "The land of the Vikings and the dragons, yes?"
Hiccup nodded, his ears red. "Something like that."
The blacksmith narrowed his eyes, leaning down and whispering conspiratorially.
"Say lad, you ever seen a dragon? I doubt they exist- they're probably old wives fairy tales aye? But you never know-"
The viking in question chuckled nervously.
"Definitely. Anyway, you were saying this is…?"
"Arendelle, my lad. Finest city this side of the mountains, and the other as well."
Hiccup nodded. "I'm sure it is."
"But surely you didn't disturb me just to ask me for a location, did ye?"
He shook his head.
"I'm…looking for work," he admitted, scratching his neck nervously. "And working at the forge is something I'm good at."
"Good at, ya say?" Thor asked, scratching his beard as he took in the boys small (well, smaller) frame. "And how long have you worked?"
"It's the only thing I've ever known," Hiccup answered, resolutely. "Granted, I may not look like much, but I can guarantee I'll learn anything you ask me to. I'm good with metal."
Thor nodded slowly, stroking his beard in thought.
"Well, I won't lie to you. Besides the metal workers here we have no blacksmith, so training you would definitely be good. None of the lads these days have a heart for this sorta work. They're all into fighting with swords and the like, to impress the fair princesses. Pah!" he spat, and Hiccup jumped back. "As if they could fight without swords! No," he shook his head, grabbing Hiccup's shoulders and steering him towards the forge. "You've got the right idea, boyo. Now, grab an apron and show me what you can do!"
Hiccup stared, stumbling to a stop.
"You're…accepting my proposal?" he asked, eyes wide in disbelief. He hadn't expected it to be this easy.
Thor laughed.
"HA! Not yet. I wish to see ye at work first. I'll give you a week and the best metal here. Make me a weapon, and we'll see how good you are."
"An entire week?" Hiccup asked, confused.
"Yes. Is that not enough?" Thor asked, his bushy eye brows raised. Back in the forge, his bald head caught the gleam of the fires around, glowing with sweat.
Hiccup shook his head. Back in Berk, with the threat of war looming on the horizon pretty much every day, not having weapons was not an option. He'd learned how to forge weapons from scrap in less than a day. He definitely didn't require a week! Maybe two days—
"Give me two days," he said, confidently.
"Are you sure, boy?" Thor asked, doubtfully. "Even I take three days to form a good sword."
"Er," Hiccup colored. "It doesn't have to be a sword, right? Any weapon?"
Thor nodded thoughtfully.
"Yes, as long as it'd deadly sharp and can kill people."
Hiccup winced inwardly as he considered the weapon he had in mind. He could probably make it in less than a day, and spend the other sharpening and balancing it out.
He nodded. Yep, that would work.
"Two days is all I need Sir. Oh, and the tools—"
Thor laughed and hit his back, which send the young boy almost headfirst into the bellows.
"I like your confidence. The forge is yours to use, but," he added, an edge of steel in his voice, "I better not be disappointed."
Hiccup swallowed, hard.
"You won't be," he promised.
The two days passed by quicker that Hiccup had expected. The good news: he had finished his weapon, though he was careful to hide it from the sight of Thor. He preferred to show the old blacksmith the finished result, rather than the entire process. Some of his methods were rather unorthodox, especially considering how the Vikings used different metals and methods to achieve the sharpest weaponry, which he was now an expert in.
Most of the tools here were much more advanced than the ones he'd used at Berk, but Hiccup had been able to figure out how they worked. The smelters and molds were different as well, but he figured he'd get used to them with time. Thor had more than once remarked on the strange methods the young man had employed to forge his weapon, and eventually he had decided to just shift his workshop to one of the more deserted parts at the back of the forge, which nearly everyone avoided due to the extreme heat.
The sweat meant that he too, quickly ditched his shirt and jerkin in favor of a small apron he'd found at one of the stalls, with his brown pants and boots with padded edges, courtesy of the metalworkers around. They'd taken pity on his bare feet, since he really couldn't wear deerskin boots into the forge. The last thing anyone wanted was molten metal falling on unprotected toes.
The bad news?
Since he was still…figuring out things, he wasn't being paid. At all. Try as he might, Hiccup couldn't muster the courage to ask the old blacksmith for wages, especially before he'd even been selected to work. For the moment though, he was fine. Toothless was still an apex predator and the two of them survived off the wild, though there was only so many times you could eat smoked salmon for three meals a week without wanting to throw up.
Hopefully, he'd be able to get a job here. Unless his luck got in the way again.
Today was strangely humid, and a thin fog veiled most of the city he passed by. The crowd had considerably thinned as well, most choosing to stay at home and away from the markets, but Hiccup felt it was just as well. The constant noise around him had been delightful, at first, but Hiccup had quickly come to understand why most of the people around him wore earmuffs at work. Smithing was dangerous work that required focus and attention, and getting distracted while at work meant you could lose a finger or a toe, or both, if you were unlucky.
"Hey, Hiccup!"
He quickly turned and smiled at one of the metal workers, who resolutely walked up to him, ignoring the grunt of disapproval from one of the older workers behind.
Ingrid Aldona was a woman whose beauty was as striking as the metal she worked with. She looked as out of place in the forge as a bull in a china shop, covered in grease and her hair pulled back and tied with ribbons, but as far as Hiccup could tell she was easily one of the most skilled metalworkers he had ever seen. And by far the prettiest.
Ingrid definitely attracted a lot of attention, unlike Bjorn Hammerforge, who was content nestled in the background. His voice was rough and gravelly, his words few and far between as he communicated mostly in grunts and nods. Mostly of disapproval.
"Did you finally finish it?" Ingrid asked, and Hiccup nodded, his ears red. In the corner, Olaf Bjorgessen, another metalworker a few years older, winked as Hiccup rolled his eyes. Olaf was kind and cheery, but he really was annoying at times.
"Can I see?" she asked, quickly trying to reach in.
Hiccup shook his head, quickly side-stepping the eager woman and heading to his station with a nervous chuckle.
"It's not that I don't trust you," he said, "But I'd like to keep it at my, erm, station first," he said, wincing and hoping he didn't sound rude. The last thing he needed was his weapon falling and possibly getting chipped right before Thor inspected it.
A faint flush covered Ingrid's cheeks as she realized she'd forgotten about the fact.
"Ah, yeah, sure. That makes sense."
The young apprentice internally sighed in relief.
"Yep. So we are going there or-?"
Ingrid nodded, before quickly jogging ahead of him towards the smelter, where his station was. As the two of them headed deeper into the forge, the conversation behind them was deafened by the steady murmur of the forge, dying down until nothing but the steady thrum of the forge permeated the air.
"I really can't see why you like to work here," Ingrid complained, climbing up his desk and wiping sweat off of her brow. "It's, like, a thousand degrees in here!"
Hiccup panted, heaving the bundle up and sighing in relief. He'd made it in one piece.
"Yeah well, you know me. Always like to be unpredictable."
"Sure," she said, rolling her eyes. "Now show me!"
"Always so demanding," Hiccup shook his head.
He quietly unveiled the bundle, all the while looking at Ingrid to gauge her reaction. Although he tried to act nonchalant, he'd put a lot of work into the weapon in front of him, and he really hoped it was worth it.
"Holy mother of-Hiccup! This is incredible!"
Hiccup flushed, his entire face turning red.
"It's nothing," he mumbled. "I'm sure Thor could do way better."
"Maybe in swords and spears but definitely not axes! I've never seen an axe like this before! What is it?"
Hiccup carefully pried the weapon from Ingrid's hands before she felt the need to swing it, and putting it on his table, allowed a small smile.
"It's a viking battle axe. Usually, only the fiercest warriors have it. It's strong, and unyielding, just like the best warriors."
He felt an ache in his chest as his mind produced images of a certain woman who wielded a signature battleaxe, but he managed to brush the thoughts away.
"Hey!"
Hiccup blinked, and noticed Ingrid waving at him.
"You were zoned out for a second. You alright, freckles?"
Hiccup wrinkled his nose.
"What kind of nickname is freckles?"
"Yours," Ingrid decided, before stepping off his table. "Amazing work, by the way. I'm sure you'll get picked."
"For real?" Hiccup asked, hoping he didn't sound too eager.
She nodded. "Definitely. Oh and if you're not busy," she added, quickly looking down at the floor, "we guys are, um, going out for drinks tonight. You can come celebrate. Only if you want to!" she quickly added.
Their eyes met, and quickly separated. Hiccup coughed, rubbing the back of his neck.
"Maybe another time?" he said, wincing. "I've already got…commitments for tonight."
A lot of commitments, his mind told him. Most of them involving a scaly black beast.
"Ah," Ingrid nodded. A fleeting shadow crossed her features before she composed herself, not wanting to reveal her disappointment. "Some other time then?"
Hiccup nodded vigorously.
"For sure! And thanks," he added, as the girl walked away, "for inviting me. I really appreciate it. A lot."
This time the smile was genuine.
"No problem. See you around, freckles!"
"And the horrible nicknames continue," Hiccup drawled, mostly to himself, before suddenly straightening up as none other than Thor stomped up. Evidently, the blacksmith had noticed him enter the forge and had decided it was time.
"So, laddie! Are ya ready?"
Hiccup nodded, before gesturing to the axe behind him, trying to ignore his heart threatening to burst out of his chest. He couldn't trust himself to speak at the moment.
Thor was quiet, saying nothing but simply walking up to the axe. Taking it in his hands, his gave it a once-over, before tapping on the metal and the wood here and there, swinging it a few times (Hiccup hit a quick tactical retreat) and muttering to himself.
Hiccup's mind was simply a single sentence right now : PleaselikeitPleaselikeitPleaselikeitPleaselikeit
The old blacksmith frowned thoughtfully. "How much metal did you use?"
"About one-fifth a tankard."
"Tempered?"
"Tempered and treated, yes sir," Hiccup affirmed.
Thor grasped the handle, noting how tough it was. Hiccup was glad he was still camping out, because with Toothless' help he'd managed to find one of the tougher trees. The wood he'd used in the handle was harder than anything he'd found when he tried looking around the city.
"You made the handle yourself?"
He nodded. "Got the wood from the forest," he added.
"All my years," Thor murmured, "and I've never seen anything like this."
Hiccup swallowed. Great. An open statement. It could mean it was either really good, or really bad. He had to ask. Of course he went with bad.
"So…it's bad?"
Thor guffawed, slapping the young viking on the back and nearly throwing him into a nearby furnace.
"Are ya kidding? This is the best gods-damned axe I've seen in years! You're a genius boyo. Definitely being my apprentice, once we get some more muscle on ya!"
Hiccup laughed in relief, pumping his fists upwards.
"Yes! Finally, thank Thor!"
Thor chuckled, placing the axe down and pulling a nearby barrel that creaked in protest as he sat down.
"Now, coming to terms. Wages- they'll be the standard as anywhere else, with three meals a day and stay. Fine?"
Hiccup had no idea what the standard was, but he figured if it was enough for the others it would probably be enough for him as well. But about the stay-
"Can I skip the stay and just be paid coins instead?"
Thor frowned.
"Not planning to stay in Arendelle? Well, if you're late the wages decrease."
"I won't be late, sir," Hiccup promised. "I stay nearby. Just…not in Arendelle."
"You're a weird one, Hiccup of the North," Thor noted. "But as long as you make axes like this here, that is acceptable. And speaking of which, you'll be here only in the autumn and winter months, which, fortunately for you, have just begun!"
Hiccup frowned.
"The rest of the year?"
Thor shrugged.
"Yer free. I don't really need help the rest of the year, the workload is pretty much absent, my lad. It's autumn and winter that these hooligans bring all the weapons and the like to be repaired."
"Right. That's…cool," he quickly replied, trying not to sound upset.
He'd probably need to find some work to do in the other months then. While that sucked, Hiccup was glad he had work of some nature, at least.
"Shall we shake hands on it then, son?"
Hiccup paused for a moment.
"Can I use some of the scrap metal back there," he said, gesturing to the back of the forge where he knew most of the pig iron and distressed leather ended up, "for my own personal projects from time to time?"
Thor paused for a moment, stroking his beard thoughtfully, a favorite habit of his.
"Not more than half the weight at any given time. Deal?"
Hiccup acquiesced.
"Deal."
He reached over and shook the huge man's hand, glad that something had finally begun to go his way. Something told him he had a long road ahead of him.
A/N:
Well, I just adore this couple, and this fandom is definitely unique. Just wanted to contribute something so here goes.
Kindly note the following:
1. Updates will be erratic and delayed, as generally they are in this fandom. But I definitely don't plan to abandon the story. I've already planned the full thing out, and will update as life lets me.
2. Hiccup runs away when he's 16. This occurs a two years before the shipwreck in Frozen, so Elsa and Hiccup are the same age (she's 18 when her parents are lost at sea). For the sake of harmonizing their ages, this works well.
3. The rough geography is this: the Viking tribes far North, further south are the isles we see in Race To the Edge, like Caldera Cay, the Edge and so forth. And then further down south are the larger kingdoms, of which the first one comes across is Arendelle.
4. I'll be utilizing a lot of time skips in the first few chapters to reduce the amount of writing, mostly because fortunately you all have some idea of what's going on.
5. The story will be in third person, but the narration will be centered around Hiccup. There won't be switching of narration from Hiccup to Elsa mostly because I don't have the time right now to right it from both angles, plus the focus will be from Hiccup's side of the story, which I'm more comfortable writing. Elsa is a complex character and I doubt my ability to do her justice. Of course, I'll ensure both their emotions and such are conveyed, but the narrative as a whole will tend to follow Hiccup.
As always, let me know what you think! Especially as it's my first time trying out third person POV
If you're interested in beta-ing this story feel free to reach out and share your beta-profile if possible. A proofreader would help eradicate most of the minor spelling errors that pop up from time to time, and would be much appreciated. Of course, if you become the beta-reader you'd obviously have access to each chapter maybe around a week before I publish it as well.