Astrid Hofferson, A 15-year-old girl with a chip on her shoulder. First born of a warrior clan on the island of Berk, she should be a strapping young Viking. Her mother even jested she looked more like a princess with her platinum blond hair and sapphire eyes. Astrid's lean body from long and hard combat training told another story. No matter what anyone said she was a warrior, she was a protector, she was a Viking. Her striking appearance and prodigal axe skills made her stand out from other Berkian children. Of course, if it was just that villagers wouldn't adore her the way they do. As she made her way home from a mid day training session. Every sure footed step was accompanied by a smile or wave from passing villagers.
"Valkyrie"
"Savior"
"Hero"
These are all things Astrid has grown used to being called. Even when her name is used it's twisted with reverence. Despite that, Astrid loves her name. The name her best friends call her, well one of them at least. "Astrid" reminds her of simpler times. 5 years ago, things started changing. She gradually became something other than a girl to the people of Berk. Even her own father calls her "little hero" now.
Raids happen regularly on Berk. The dragons will swoop down from on high to steal their livestock and barrels of water. If left unchecked dragons would see Berk starve, to prevent that for 300 years Vikings have fought them tooth and nail. Every raid the villagers expect her axe to turn crimson. On Berk if you were strong and you were honorable you were a dragon slayer. As their greatest prodigy Astrid was expected to continue this tradition. And she would. Not because she believed herself a hero but because-.
Astrid lost her train of thought when she saw two people collide in the corner of her eye. She Prayed it wasn't who she thought but a scream that came right after made her eye twitch. Astrid was moving before Snotlout reeled back his fist, but she wouldn't make it in time. Just when she was sure Hiccup would be hit, his hand blurred and Snotlout reached for his eyes. While his aggressor was preoccupied Hiccup made his getaway and Astrid couldn't help but smile. He might not be the strongest but only an idiot would mess with Hiccup. When she got over to him Snotlout was trying to get the dirt out with his dirt-stained fingers. A giggle almost left her lips, but she had a reputation to maintain. After waving over a villager to get snotlout some water she got back on her merry way.
As she marched over a very familiar dirt road there was just a bit more pep in Astrid's step. It was time for lunch so as she walked into her family's hut she wasn't surprised by the delicious smell wafting over from the kitchen. Astrid made her way over to a woman with similarly golden tresses. She stopped for a moment and watched a master at work. With one hand she tended to a pan of lamb chops being cooked with butter and parsley. All the while stirring a pot of vegetable soup with her other hand. After a full minute Astrid's envious gaze took on a more mischievous glint. Just as she let go of her ladle Astrid seized the opportunity to wrap her mother in a tight hug.
"Oh! Baby your home."
"Yeah and i'm starving"
"Perfect, i'm just about done, call your father would you he should be out back"
Astrid did not respond with words, instead opting to give her mother a quick kiss. As she made her way through the back door Astrid schooled her features. It was towards the end of mid-day training, so the smell of sweat and airborne dirt didn't surprise her. Once again, she paused and gazed upon a master at work. With both arms he led his axe in strong arcs that cut the air. His legs kept him stable and carried him momentum as he moved in a circular pattern. That is what Astrid saw as she stood behind her house with a perfectly blank face. Then she spoke with a strong voice fitting for a warrior.
"Father."
His axe finally stopped in a diagonal cutting motion. Astrid's father sheathed his axe on his back and marched in her direction. Astrid didn't move an inch. Her father reached just beside her before swiveling on his feet. Astrid mirrored his movement. Sapphire met cobalt, Father and daughter faced off... once again. Without warning Astrid's father drew back his right arm to let loose a punch. This one easily put snotlout's to shame, but as it came ever closer Astrid didn't flinch. Her bandaged left hand shot up to stop his fist midair and tightened like a vice. For a tense moment neither of them moved. Then her father's lips twitched upwards, and her grip loosened.
"Not bad little hero"
With that he walked into their hut, and she swiftly followed. Dinner was good if you ignored the chilling silence. Not a question was spoken. Not a joke told. No one even spoke a word. The clanging of cutlery was all that could be heard in the Hofferson hut per usual. It was suffocating as a child, but over the years Astrid had grown accustomed to it. After her hefty meal of 3 lamb chops and a bowl of soup she would continue her practice. Tomorrow she could finally take a break though she'd still need to be wary of tails. Once she finished her meal Astrid prepared for the usual.
"Are you ready to fight?"
"No"
"Will you tell me your method?"
"No"
"Will you train with me today?"
"No"
Every day he asked the same questions in the same order. Fight, method, train. Every single day in order of importance. Like a storm he never relented. His tone never wavered. No sign of irritation ever showed. They had literally fought over these questions multiple times. Astrid refused to fight dragons yet, Astrid refused to tell him how she's saving Berk, and Astrid refused to spend the whole day in his company. Honestly Astrid dreaded the months between expeditions. Months where she had no choice but to endure her father's presence. Oddly enough this was usually the time he would send her off with a "you're dismissed" but he said nothing. While Astrid's mother took the dishes away, Astrid took the initiative.
"May I go?"
"No"
Astrid's father had never done this before. Though every minute she sat here was a waste of time Astrid decided to grit her teeth and bear it. Even more minutes ticked by like that. Her mother hadn't returned, instead choosing to visitthe great hall where she often cooked for hungry Vikings. Just when Astrid's patience was beginning to wear thin a knock rang out from their hut's door, her father must've invited someone over.
"Come in"
At her father's behest a very familiar burly man made his way inside their hut.
"Ah! I'm a bit late because of a council meeting."
As he spoke Stoick took a seat at the Hofferson dining table. With its rectangular shape both men could seat themselves at the sat in the middle, her eyes on the entrance and her eyes trained on her chief.
"Astrid there's something me and your father have discussed for a few years now and before the announcement we- "
Having been indoors the smell of soot hadn't reached their noses yet. That wasn't necessary though as the screaming outside could only mean one thing. Raid.
In a flash all three Vikings were out the door. Her father and chief unsheathed the axes of their backs while Astrid made a beeline for a specific building near the middle of Berk. As she neared it Astrid saw the twins Ruffnut and Tuffnut Thorston along with Snotlout Jorgenson. They along with Fishlegs Ingerman made up Berks "Fire Brigade". The many fires dragons cause during a raid can be a hassle to deal with. To combat that the "Fire Brigade" was formed as a small team of potential dragon warriors tasked with defending Berk against rouge fires. In other words, every raid they run around with buckets of pre-prepared sea water to minimize damage. Astrid, as the strongest of them, naturally became leader.
"Fish legs should be on his way. Twins, target fires around the forge. Snotlout, protect our great hall."
"Sure thing boss lady"
The blond twins spoke in unison before running in the cellar to grab two buckets each. In no time they were both rushing off no doubt in the middle of another race. While the green clad twins sped off, Snotlout stayed back to watch Astrid carve something into the wall.
"Yes Snotlout"
"Oh-uh, just wanted to know what you're doing"
Astrid spared him a side glance as she finished her note.
"Leaving a reminder for Fishlegs. He should know by now, but he doesn't do well under pressure."
"Right."
Astrid checked her runes to make sure they were legible before turning to Snotlout. She made sure to put authority in her voice when she spoke.
"Well? I need someone to safe gaurd our food"
"Right"
That seemed to have knocked him out of it. He ran into the cellar and quickly came out with 2 buckets in each hand. Before he left Snotlout spared Astrid one last glance. That was strange. Usually, Snotlout would at least try to flirt with her. But today the look in his eyes was almost… sad. Astrid would have to look into that later. When Fishlegs finally got here the note should remind him to go help Gothi keep her medicine safe. For now, there were fires breaking out in less integral parts of the Village. That was Astrid's duty during raids. As the one with the most endurance, she would track down any rouge blazes and put them out. Carrying 3 buckets in each hand Astrid has a bit more energy than usual. Missing a session of grueling training will do that to anyone.
Astrid put out 3 fires, never slowing her run all the while. At one point she spied a blur dash by with very familiar hazel hair dashing faster than her towards the woods. Their eyes locked for a moment and she felt lighter knowing he was alright. He was moving towards the woods where the dragons wouldn't focus their efforts, and even if one did see him Astrid had confidence in his speed and endurance. With renewed vigor Astrid put out 3 more fires then circled back to the cellar for more. As the raid was coming to a close Astrid heard 6 consecutive explosions behind her. When she turned around, she saw all of Berk's watch towers were destroyed. Luckily the blasts were more explosive and less like actual fire. She wouldn't be fighting a night fury's fire tonight.
The Dragons had begun retreating and Astrid almost let her guard down. But then her worst fear raced by a few huts over from her. Hiccup was running for his life with a dragon on his heels.
"Hiccup!"
Once again before Astrid could think she was moving. Astrid couldn't catch up to Hiccup hell she couldn't catch up to the monstrous nightmare on his tail. Thank the gods Hiccup was so damn fast. As Hiccup ran and the dragon followed Astrid fell further and further behind until she was only following a path of destruction. That made her afraid. A fear far more potent than the one that always seemed to weigh her down. Astrid swore to herself that if hewasn't ok Astrid would kill a dragon no matter what.
Despite her muscles protests she kept pushing. Astrid was rewarded with the sight of the monstrous nightmare pinned and knocked out. That was good if they got to it quick enough everything would still be alright. When Astrid made her way around the dragon, she nearly fainted with relief. There Hiccup wassafe and sound. Though she would usually have to stop herself. Astrid slowly crept towards him. She needed to make sure he was alright. While Astrid moved, she heard Stoick's little speech to Hiccup, and she nearly screamed. How dare he! Hiccup is no coward. Hiccup is smart, kind, brave. He is amazing. When Stoick waved her over to him, she stiffly approached. The words that flowed from Stoick like a tsunami shook Astrid to her core. Her. heir? But that was Hiccups place. His birthright. When she saw Hiccups face twisted in despair, she had to bite her tongue. While Stoick sang her praises Astrids father made sure to stay in her line of sight. As she accepted her new position Astrid tried her damnedest to smile. to look like a hero. It took everything she had and then some. The Vikings around her cheered and she couldn't bear to look at Hiccup. As they started moving to the great hall for a feast Astrid made her move.
"Chief I'm prettyafter all this. I'd rather rest up for my trip tomorrow than party."
"Right, that is tomorrow. Well, I won't hold you every Viking does need her rest"
He had the nerve to be cheery at a time like this. She was disgusted. Not just with him but with herself. Just before her smile could crumble, she ran. Astrid ran with everything she had. She needed to be there for him. She needed to apologize. When she thought of where Hiccup could've gone only one place came to mind. Their place. Astrid made her way through dense woods with only starlight to guide her. All the while she prayed to the gods he was here. When she finally made it, her faith was rewarded. Hiccup, her hero was lye on the ground staring up at the heavens. Astrid steadfastly moved closer. Even if he lashed out, she would deserve it, so Astrid didn't shrink away. She sank down on her knees, lifted her spiked skirt and allowed him to rest his weary head. She was tired, Hiccupwas hurt and when she looked down at his dull emerald eyes, she knew she was done. Tomorrow things would change come dragon fire or Ragnarök but for now her brave little hero needed his rest.