Alright, I had a few ask that wanted some more insight on this AU. So here is a glimpse into how the beginning started. I think I will write out the whole beginning as a chapter cause why not. Adding another fic to my list can’t hurt. Right?
Enjoy a quick summary of how things begin.
At age twelve, Hiccup Haddock is brought up to the council. Some elders are also present. Hiccup is brought upon the council from another incident of one of his inventions going off and destroy property/section of Berk. It was bound to happen, Hiccup knew. He knew he didn’t possess many Viking qualities but then again his father never took the time to teach him many Viking things. So what else was a boy to do then try and help the best way he knew how. Flinching at every hurtful words shouted by the council, some from his own father, the council vote to exile Hiccup off of Berk. All in agreement that Berk will have a higher chance of survival without a spawn of Loki about.
As if the punishment couldn’t get any worse, all citizens of Berk were gathered and word of his exile is announced. Seeing the glee in majority of the village stung Hiccup even further. It shouldn’t be a big deal with how he was viewed among the village, but it still hurt to see people happy about it. After the announcement, Hiccup was informed he had till the next morning to leave. With that, Hiccup runs off into the forest to separate himself from the village where he takes the chance to break down and cry. After a few minutes, Hiccup wasn’t prepared to hear footsteps approaching him. He didn’t think anyone would find him in an unknown part of the forest.
Turning around, Hiccup wasn’t expecting to see Astrid come through the bushes, each finding the other’s gaze quickly. He mumbled a greeting and turned away hoping Astrid would leave him alone. Hiccup didn’t expect for Astrid to ask how he was and if he was okay. Didn’t expect her to have a small glimpse of worry as she looked at him.
“Why does it matter? The village will finally get rid of Hiccup the Useless.”
“You’re not useless, Hiccup. Someone useless couldn’t create all the things you do.”
“Not to be rude, Astrid, but why do you care?”
“Because...I can’t stand seeing someone of value be ridiculed and shunned for something they couldn’t control.”
Seeing the lost and hurt in her eyes made him recall the incident two years prior with her Uncle Finn being shunned from the village after the night of the Frightmare.
“You think I have value?”
“Everyone is of value, Hiccup. You just have to figure out how to use your gifts.”
Hiccup and Astrid stay in the forest a bit longer before heading back to the village. As they walk back, they could see in the distance by the pier of Stoick and other council members packing some supplies on a small boat that Hiccup could manage on his own. While his father was busy, Hiccup disappeared into his house, Astrid following along to offer assistance. Hiccup wanted to escape during the night while the village would be busy with their own things and at home. He’d like to leave without a village cheering at his departure.
With Astrid’s help, they exit the home without being seen and quietly make their way to the dock once it was clear and the others were gone. Hiccup and Astrid place the small sacks of his belongings into the boat, the moonlight being the only light source.
Before Hiccup hops on the boat and leaves, Astrid hands Hiccup one of her best daggers. He takes the dagger and looks at Astrid, surprised but curious.
“For protection or anything that might require a cut or two.”
Hiccup smiles as he tucks her dagger into his belt and gives her smile, thanking her for the small moments of support and care before leaving. He becomes shocked when Astrid pulls him into a hug which he gladly returns after shaking the shock away.
“Promise me nothing will go wrong?”
He looks at her stunned.
“Promise me you’ll be safe?”
Hiccup gives her a smile and promises he’ll do his best to be safe. Astrid looks away, a small blush on her cheeks.
“Will we ever see each other again?”
“Would you like to see me again?” He asked.
“Yes.”
Hiccup gives Astrid a smile and tells her he’ll make sure they see each other again. They give each other another hug before Hiccup jumps aboard the small boat. If there was one thing he was thankful that his father taught him before they grew apart was how to sail. As the boat sailed out to sea, Astrid stood there watching and smiled when Hiccup looked back as he gave her one last Hiccup smile before disappearing into the night, and then returning home.
The next day, Astrid and her family are in the Great Hall the next morning for breakfast along with other villagers. Stoick and the council stand before the villagers and announce that they have decided on a new heir. At the sound of her name being chosen as the new heir, the village roars in excitement and clap for the new heir, cheers of “Chieftess Astrid” ringing through the Great Hall. For her family, it was a start at a new beginning to bringing honor to their name after the Frightmare incident.
Yet, at that moment, with the announcement, Astrid wished she had Hiccup there to help her through this. If there was anyone she valued for assistance and help, it was him. She hoped that wherever he was, Hiccup was okay and safe.
