Finding Astrid

Punished

I was laying in my bed, when I felt the bright sun shine through my window. I let out a content and happy sigh, even though I was tired and could pass out at any minute. I didn't get any sleep last night. I was too busy spending the whole night thinking about Hiccup. Today, he was going to face the Monsterous Nightmare, and show everyone dragons, aren't as bad as we thought they were. He'll be a hero, and everyone in the village will love him. My parents might even let me marry him... I blushed at the thought.

Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III. I would never think of him as a husband, I don't think anyone in the village can, but hes different from all the men in the village. I sighed. He would be worth it...

"Astrid!" Standing in my doorway was Ruffnut. She frowned when she saw me still laying in my bed. "You're still not up yet? You're missing out."

I burst out of bed. "How?" I asked a little too quickly. "Did something happen?"

Ruffnut nodded, and in a soft voice, said, "Yeah."

I started to worry. "Did something happen to Hiccup?"

Ruffnut just sat on the foot on my bed and stayed silent. I stared at her, desperately waiting for her answer. I went over to her and sat down beside her. I wasn't close to Ruffnut, but we were friends since she was the only girl my age in the village. I could tell something was bothering her. I was very rare to see the loud and aggressive girl so quiet.

"Ruffnut... What happened to Hiccup?" I couldn't stop my voice from shaking.

Ruffnut turned to me and said. "Hiccup killed a gaurd last night and ranaway..."

I didn't know what to say, I mean what was I suppose to say. If Hiccup wouldn't kill a dragon, how could he kill someone who belonged to the village, his tribe to boot! I held back some tears that threatened to escape. It was the truth, though. Ruffnut wouldn't be this upset if it wasn't.

"Whats going to happen to Hiccup?"

"Hes banished, Astrid... Forever... Stoick says if Hiccup comes back... He'll be executed..."

I could feel my heart practically shatter. Hiccup was gone forever, so was Toothless. I brought myself to love him after that amazing night. I wish he came and saw me one last time. I wish he spent the night with me. If I didn't runaway from him, we could've gone back to the cove and spent the night together. He could leave in the morning, and wouldn't have to kill the gaurd.

I buried my face in my hands and burst into tears. I felt Ruffnut pull me into a tight, loving hug.

"I miss him too, Astrid," Ruffnut said. "We'll make it through this. All of us will." She held me tighter. "If it makes you feel better, you get to kill the Nightmare."

I cried harder. No... No... That did not make me feel better... Hiccup wouldn't want me to kill a dragon, and for that reason, I can't do it. "I can't do it, Ruff, I just can't!"

"You can," Ruffnut said reassuringly. "You're just really sad about Hiccup. Don't think about him too much. Like I said, we'll all make it through this." She let me go. "I'll be watching in the stands. Get ready, they'll be starting in a couple of minutes." Ruffnut gave me a hug before smiling and walking out of my room.

I put on some new clothes and picked up my newly sharpened battle ax. I sighed sadly. I didn't want to kill the Nightmare. After that flight last night with Hiccup and Toothless, I don't think I can kill any dragon. I tightened my grip on my ax. I know what I have to do now... I have to do what Hiccup wanted to do... I have to show Stoick and all the viking that dragons weren't bad and that we made a big mistake.

Easier said than done, I thought going down the stairs of my house and out the front door. When I stepped outside,many vikings came up to me, congratulating and wishing me good luck in the match. The same thing happened while on my way to the arena. When I came to the competitor's entrance, I saw Ruffnut standing there grinning proudly.