Astrid started her day like any other. Wake up with the sun, left over stew for breakfast, and out the door before her parents even wake up. Usually she would meet with the Chief for the morning inspection around the island, but she knew she wouldn't see him today. It was the anniversary of Hiccup's death. Five years since the Chief's son was taken away by a dragon, just like his mother. They have an unspoken agreement, every year on the anniversary of his death Stoic would spend the day at the cove while she looked after the tribe. After dinner they would switch so she could mourn Hiccup too. Stoic was the only person who understood her guilt, though he never blamed her.

She made her way through the village, checking their weak points, getting the guard's reports of that night, and making sure their defenses were in working condition. Like always, Astrid would be stopped by people who had questions or wanted an explanation for something. Lately it was to ask about the new addition to the arena that she was planning. The last big dragon raid was about four years ago, now they would only get the occasional dragons passing by, maybe picking a sheep or two. With so much free time the Hooligan tribe has started to upgrade their village. They had so much lumbar saved up since they haven't had to rebuild the village in years and now they wanted to show off what they could do when they weren't constantly at war.

"Astrid! Over here!" Called a familiar voice as she walked through the harbor. Astrid turned around to see Fishlegs waving to her.

"What are you doing up so early? Going fishing?" Astrid asked, walking over to him.

"Yeah, my dad needs help after hurting his back on his last outing. Won't be back for a day or two. You gonna be okay on your own tomorrow?"

Fishlegs had become a very close friend over the past five years, helping her out with her training when he could. He was the best person, besides Gobber, to bounce ideas off of. They even teach dragon training together, she teaches the fighting parts while he teaches the dragon parts. Even if the dragons haven't raided in four years it's better to be prepared.

"I'm sure I can handle the kids. I'll just do strength training or something." She shrugged. They said their goodbyes as Astrid got called over to solve some other fishermen's problems.

"Finally! We've been waiting for you!" Ruffnut practically jumped Astrid as she walked into the Great Hall after checking over the island. It was now lunch time and as usually Ruffnut had saved her some food. Ruff pulled her over to their seats where Tuffnut and Snotlout were waiting.

"Sorry, sorry. Two carts crashed into each other and I had to figure out who was at fault and how much they owed."

"Pfff, they're both at fault. Should of watch where they were going and not waste the beautiful Astrid's time." Snotlout smugly leaned back, only he leaned too far and fell over.

Astrid only rolled her eyes in response. Snot has been doing this since he was replaced as Heir. He would give his opinion on any matter he overheard, belittling her judgement on everything, and in the same breath try and compliment her. It's annoying but it's better than the tantrum he threw after getting removed as Heir. Snotlout calmed down once he realized he didn't have to get up early anymore, or listen to people complain to him, and that he could spend his days doing whatever he wanted instead of following Stoic around. Still he was constantly sticking his nose in her training, which usually led to some kind of mess, to try and show her up.

Once Tuff and Ruff stopped laughing at Snotlout they filled her in on their plans for the day. The twins usually honor Hiccup's death by blowing something up, it was impossible to stop them so she made the twins a deal. They were free to blow something up as long as she gave her approval, with their destructive tendencies somewhat under control more people started looking forward the twins antics. Since then the twins became the party planners of the island, preparing festivals and celebrations of all kinds for the Hooligan tribe. It took a lot of work off her and Stoic, letting them both enjoy the parties instead of running around solving problems.

"We're gonna make a giant pyre, place a bunch of gifts for Hiccup and the others and burn them!" Tuffnut went on with their plan as they ate, most of which sounded safe. With the twins honoring Hiccup's death every year it eventually became a tradition honoring not just Hiccup, but those who died in a way that left no body to burn. People would burn gifts and notes to loved ones, hoping it would reach them in the afterlife.

"It's a bummer you're not gonna be there." Ruffnut said while chewing her salmon. "Both you and Fish aren't coming, leaving me with these two." She pointed to Snot and Tuff who were currently sticking food up their noses then trying to blow it out at the other.

"You've been hanging out with Fishlegs a lot, haven't you?" Astrid smirked at the girl next to her. "If I didn't know any better-"

"Can it Astrid!" Ruffnut yelled, smacking her hand over Astrid's mouth to quiet her. Astrid only had to give her a look before Ruffnut snatched her hand back in fear.

"I'm just saying, he's been flirting with you an awful lot lately." Astrid hummed. It was true, Fishlegs had slowly been growing a crush on the Thorston girl ever since they finished their own dragon training. And, to everyone's surprise, Ruffnut seemed okay with his slow advances. Most thought Ruff didn't understand that Fishlegs was flirting with her, but Astrid knew the girl well enough to know Ruffnut liked his attention.

"He's not so bad once you get past the boring dragon facts he's always spewing." Ruffnut admitted, looking a bit embarrassed. "Plus, my only other option at the moment is…" She pointed her fork over to Snotlout who had Tuffnut in a head lock. "And apparently he's already taken!" Ruffnut laughed, elbowing Astrid in the side.

Astrid gave Ruffnut a murderous look before throwing her full mug at Snotlout, who was egging other people into fighting him. It landed right in his face, causing him to fall to the floor spilling her drink all over him. Astrid went back to work, leaving her friends to their crazy antics. She always knew Snotlout liked her, but it was only for her looks and she never found him attractive in any way, shape, or form. After Snotlout made it clear he would force her into marriage if he became Chief, she really hated when anyone implied her being with him. She had never felt so weak and vulnerable before, knowing there would be nothing she could do to escape if he was made Chief. He hasn't stopped going after her, going back to his less aggressive, more annoying attempts.

Astrid left the Great Hall and made her way over to the forge to check on Gobber. He had been an invaluable help during her first two years as Heir. Stoic, though an amazing and skilled leader, was a terrible teacher. It seemed like he expected Astrid to already know everything, and she was struggling under the pressure. She didn't want to disappoint her Chief or her tribe, but there was so much she didn't know or understand. She ended up running to Gobber's one night on the verge of tears. He was the only one she could think to ask, so she begged him for help. She would spend the mornings training with Stoic then reviewing everything with Gobber at night. It was no wonder Hiccup spent so much time with the blacksmith, he was practically a Gods send! His knowledge, not only of Berk but of Stoic, helped her understand all of the Chief's teachings. She no longer meet with Gobber every night, but she would still sit with him and keep him company every now and then.

"Hi ya, lassie!" Gobber called out as she made her way into the searing hot forge. "Be with ya in a bit, those twin sure made a mess of this here bolo launcher."

Astrid made her way to the back corner of the shop where Hiccup's workshop was hidden. With her coming by the forge so much Gobber would let her sit at Hiccup's desk to work, or to be alone. She was the only other person Gobber allowed back there, not even Stoic could get through. It was there Astrid found Hiccup's drawings and blueprints. Sure, some were as insane as she thought they would be, but others seemed like good ideas. The bolo launcher in particular seemed handy and after Gobber and Stoic looked it over they decided to try it out. Not only did it work, it made capturing the few dragons hanging around so much easier. She was actually impressed with Hiccup's work once she actually looked it over. They really should have taken the time to listen to him.

"Hey ya toots!"

The squeaky voice startled her. She looked over from her work to see Gustav leaning against the entrance of Hiccups workshop. He'd never dare come in, Gobber had chased him out of the forge with a red hot sword last time he tried.

"Call me that again and I'll tell Gobber you were snooping thru Hiccup's stuff." Astrid said tiredly, going back to her work. Gustav was obsessed with Snotlout and, only being 16, believing all his made up tales. Since Snotlout was into Astrid so was Gustav.

Gustav, terrified of her threat, backed up but continued with his flirtation anyway.

"So, am I going to be seeing you around the Pyre tonight?"

"Not today, not ever. Go away." She didn't even spare him a glance.

"Awe come on! Don't be like that - Oww!" Something hit Gustav in the head, then Gobber came over and shoved him away.

"Out! Get out! If you're not workin' then there's no point in ya being here taking up space!" Gobber shooed his current apprentice away.

He had refused to get another apprentice for a long time before he had to cave. There was too much work for one man on his own, so Gobber took in Gustav as an apprentice and taught the boy all he could. Once again the tribe didn't realize what they had till he was gone. Gobber had started pointing out which weapons had been made or fixed by Hiccup, surprising everyone with just how talented Hiccup had been at blacksmithing. Astrid herself was surprised to find out her beloved axe was made entirely by Hiccup. It might have been her imagination, but Gobber could never seem to get it sharp enough or balance it as perfectly as it had been when she was a kid. When Hiccup was still here.

"Stupid kid! Burns more things than he fixes! But I can't find anyone else willin' to learn." Gobber pushed a chair into the entrance way and sat down. "So what do ya need missy?"

"I just want to go over the new training area with you, make sure we haven't forgetting anything." She passed him the blueprints for the addition to the arena.

"Ahh, yes! I already looked it over this morning. It looks good, you should be proud of yourself for putting this together." He put the papers back on the desk. "Now, what are ya really here for?"

Astrid groaned in annoyance. How is it Gobber can always see right thru her?

"I know Stoic doesn't believe it, but Johann said he meet a few! If he say's he's seen people riding dragons don't you think that's something we should be worried about?"

Gobber nodded in agreement. "Ay, I believe Johann, and I think Stoic does too. It's just not worth trackin' em down, lass. They haven't bothered us so far, no reason to go after them to ask why."

"The dragon I saw that day must have been a Nightfury, and the leader of the riders has a Nightfury! What if it's the same one!"

"So you're just gonna go around seekin' vengeance on the most powerful dragon, that might not even be the same one who took Hiccup, and start a war with bunch of dragon ridin' maniacs?"

"No!" Astrid sighed. "I just feel like I'm missing something! Like Stoic isn't telling me everything!"

"He probably is hidin' somethin'." He continued as she looked on, displeased. "You may be the Heir but you're still in trainin'. He's not gonna tell ya everythin' all at once. Especially the more dangerous stuff. If he's not tellin' ya everythin' he probably has a reason. Probably." He shrugged the last part.

The rumors of people riding dragons had been spreading for the past few years. It is said the dragon riders came from the Wilderwest, and unknown land far past the dragons nest. The leader of the riders is said to be the king of Wilderwest which is why he can control a Nightfury. Some say the riders aren't fully human themselves, others claim the riders are under an unknown dragon's mind control. The weirdest one she hears was that the riders were good people who help others, as if anyone who aligns themselves with dragons could be good. Either way she had never believed them before but now they have a trusted witness.

"Let it go lass. If they ever look like they're gonna bother us, we'll send ya after them. Okay?"

"Ugh, fine." She'll let it go, for now. Only because she needs to go and help with the pyre prep. "I'll talk to you tomorrow about starting construction then." Astrid got up, putting her papers in a satchel and leaving it next to the desk.

"And don' you worry. I'll keep Stoic company during the festival. You take your time tonight." Gobber nodded to her. She nodded back, then went out to help with the preparations.

Astrid made her way through the darkening forest, following the now clear trail to the cove. Two smoked eels wrapped up in her arms along with some fruit and bread. One eel for her dinner, the other eel for Hiccup. She wasn't sure if he liked eel, but its one of her favorites. She enjoyed the silent walk to the cove, she didn't have to stop for someone, or answer any questions, or have explanations for anything. She just walked alone in complete quite as the sunset letting the moon illuminate the path.

"Hi Hiccup." She said sadly as she walked through the entrance to the cove, moving slowly over to his grave stone. She had to make room for her offerings as the grave was filled with gifts of food and mead, even some blacksmithing tools most likely left by Gobber. Astrid was able to make room for the eel and fruit, sending a prayer to Freya to watch over Hiccup and give him the attention and praise he should have gotten here. She sat down in front of the grave and started eating her meal.

"I never realized how hard it is to be the Heir, especially for Stoic. I didn't realize how much pressure you were under." Astrid talked in between bites.

"And you had a lot of tips and tricks in those journals. I don't know if I'd be doing as well as I am without your information." She had found three notebooks filled with all kinds of helpful hints and information about being Heir and all the things Stoic was training her in. He had such detailed notes on people, places, and even the other tribes. Those notes became her life line.

"We finally told the other tribes about your death, and about me becoming Heir as your fiancé. Stoic wanted to keep it hidden for as long as he could, wanted to give me time before I had to start impressing the other tribes."

Stoic introduced her at the Thing a month ago, a meeting of the tribe leaders and their Heirs that happen every five years. Most were nice and inviting, but some were suspicious about the events that led her to being the new Hooligan Heir. The Bog-Burglars and the Meathead tribe seemed very confused by the news of Hiccup's death. Stoic had told her the two Heirs had been very close to Hiccup, the three of them being the closest in age along with Dagur; who thankfully couldn't make it this year. Thuggary (the Meathead Heir) and Camicazi (the Bog-Burglar Heir) asked her a lot of questioned about his death, and with every answer they would look at each other as if communicating. It seems the Chiefs of the Bog-Burglars and Meathead were just as strange with Stoic. He concluded later they were probably hurt they weren't told sooner, as the three tribes were very close.

"I'm pleasantly surprised to say there were no dragon raids again this year. We've only been seeing a handful of dragons every year. It's a lot more peaceful. Gives me time to train to be chief. Is it weird to say I miss the raids? I'm a warrior in a time of peace. A strange time of peace, but still." She trailed off. Thinking about all the fights she never got to have, all the adventures she didn't get to go on.

"Stoic is still suspicious. He thinks the dragons will be back someday, and that there will be more of them. He's tried to get to the nest a couple of times, but you know how those trips always end." The woods around her was completely silent, it felt like Hiccup was listening to her.

"Get this! There's a rumor going around about a band of nomads who ride dragons! I didn't believe it at first but Johann claims to have meet a few of them before! How crazy is that? What kind of psycho do you have to be to ride a dragon?"

"I'm sorry I couldn't save you." She said, she couldn't say it enough. She really was sorry. Astrid often wondered what Berk would have been like had Hiccup been around. What kind of Chief he would have been?

Snap!

Her thoughts were broken by a twig snap. Astrid twisted around to see who snuck up on her, she hadn't fully turned around when she felt something stab her arm. A dart was lodged in her arm, obviously poisoned as she felt herself growing weak and sleepy. She forced herself to stay awake, opening her eyes. It was dark and everything was blurry. She was laying on the ground, but she didn't remember falling over. Several shadow surrounded her. They were talking in gruff voices she couldn't understand when she got one more dart in the chest. She struggled as much as she could, but she could tell the darts were made with a Poison Darters venom arrows and there was no way for her to fight this enough to get help. Astrid blacked out, unsure who attacked her or what would happen next.