The morning arrived crisp and cold, the sun rising over the hills of New Berk. A silence, heavy and unwelcome, lingered over the village. I had almost forgotten the sound of birdsong.
Frost coated the trees and grass, mimicking snow, though it was still too early for a true snowfall.
Emerging from my house, I instinctively reached for the axe strapped to my back. The hood of my shawl was pulled tight against the chill.
I jogged towards the village center, passing Chief Stoick’s house. A warm smile touched my lips.
The run to my forest clearing felt long, considering… I pushed away the thought, rejecting the tears that pricked my eyes.
I reached my designated trees, marked with streaks of paint.
I drew the axe from its mount, settling into a battle stance.
Taking a deep breath, I swung, the blade striking the tree trunk with a satisfying thud.
Slowly, I walked towards the impact point, assessing my work. It had been a while since I’d practiced, and the stretch of muscle felt good.
We had no need for our defenses for a long time now.
I examined the axe, pulling it free from the wood.
This axe had borne witness to years of war, battles, and memories, held within my hands.
My initials were faintly carved into the handle. I’d need to add a second “H” to it tomorrow.
Speaking of tomorrow…
“Good morning, M’lady,” Hiccup’s voice startled me. He’d emerged from the brush behind me.
“Morning, Knucklehead,” I replied, stepping into his embrace. He pulled me close, his lips meeting mine in a gentle kiss.
His eyes, deep pools of emotion, held grief, passion, and hope. They revealed the sleepless nights he’d endured.
His new role as chief had been challenging, but also a new beginning.
But the absence of the dragons, the void they’d left in Berk over the last six years, felt like a weight on his soul.
“How are you doing?” I asked, my voice soft.
His eyes shone in the sunrise.
“It’s been… harder than I thought. I know leading them to safety was the right thing to do, but… what do I do now? My life has been dedicated to dragons, to fighting for them…” He turned to gaze through the trees at the village.
He continued, his voice laced with frustration, “What do we fight *for* now? What’s my purpose? Being chief is my job, and I’m happy to do it… but I’m leading a new way of life again. It took so much to adjust to the last one…” His head bowed.
My heart ached for him. He wasn’t alone in this.
“I know, Hiccup. Like I said a couple of months ago, it’s going to be harder. But we need to take it one day at a time, as we have been. Now that the homes and the Great Hall are built, it will feel like home. But I am with you every step of the way. You are exactly what Berk needs, even after the dragons are gone.”
I wrapped my arms around his waist.
He’d been strong, stoic, since the beginning of this transition. But now, finally, the weight had broken him.
Reaching under my tunic, I drew the betrothal medallion. I held it tightly, then placed it in his hand.
“This is proof that I’ve always been with you, and always will be. I was the first to believe in you, followed you through dragon training, fought behind you against our enemies, followed you to the Edge, even defeated Drago and Grimmel. And I can’t wait to be by your side for the rest of our lives, to see where you lead us next.” I kissed his cheek, then rested my head on his shoulder.
“Thank you, Astrid. Having you with me has been such a gift all these years. For helping me see who I am. And now to have you as my wife and chieftess is an absolute dream.”
He squeezed me tightly.
“I love you.”
“I know,” I replied, echoing the tone he often used. “I love you too.”
We sat on the grass, overlooking the village. Vikings were stirring, starting their day.
We giggled as we saw Gobber wobbling around, likely searching for Hiccup.
“I told him I’m off for the wedding,” he said with a roll of his eyes.
“A chief can’t just take off,” I nudged him playfully.
“Sure I can! I can leave it to the next in charge and do whatever I want!” He grinned, the sarcasm clear in his voice.
“Hey! That means *I* have to do it while you goof off!” I punched him lightly.
“Ow! Well considering your reaction to my statement, I wouldn’s mind getting away from that,” he laughed, and I lunged, pinning his shoulders to the ground. He struggled, but I held firm.
“Okay… you win,” he conceded, and I eased my grip.
Suddenly, he threw me off balance, sending me tumbling to the ground. He stared into my eyes, a mischievous eyebrow raised.
He kissed me, sweet and unexpected.
I was prepared to tackle him again when…
“Oh um. I’m so sorry. Uh. This. Is awkward,” Fishlegs’ voice startled us.
We scrambled apart, standing a good five feet away from each other.
“Well no need to be so dramatic about it. We all know you’re getting married tomorrow, Hiccstrid,” Snotlout chimed in.
We both chuckled uncomfortably.
“What’s up, guys?” Hiccup asked, regaining composure.
“Well, it’s time to get everything set before the ceremony tomorrow. Astrid, your mother is almost done with your gown and needs you for a fitting. And Hiccup, you need to break up the twins from fighting over which head of Barf and Belch goes on top of the wood carving in the square. And your mother wants to see you afterwards,” Fishlegs stated.
Oh, the joys of a wedding… being practically a royal wedding didn’t help either. But as long as it ended with Hiccup and I married and on our way to our honeymoon, I didn’t care about the pressure.
“Alright, I’ll head back to my parents then,” I picked up my axe. I noticed a nervous glance from Hiccup.
“I’ll see you later today,” I winked, stepping past the others and heading back towards the village.