Dragonborn

Flashback

" Marriage is this what this is about " Said the now fuming girl identified as berks greatest shield maiden said In outrage standing in front of her parents what led to this is a flashback for another time  .

The shield-maiden rarely jumped into such conversations without being well educating on the topic, but in this case she really couldn't care less. All Astrid's life, her parents had promised she would never be married off to someone without her approval. The Hoffersons were a wealthy family, with Frida and Horik Hofferson- Astrid's parents, both being talented warriors. This meant they would never marry off Astrid for financial reasons, and gave her a huge amount of relief.

"Astrid dear, please just sit down. I'll explain everything" Frida spoke softly, attempting to sooth her enraged daughter.

"I don't want to get married, mama. We talked about this so many times" she seemed unfazed by her mother, and continued to rant on. "We're well off, we don't need a dowry. I don't wanna be sold like a Yak" Astrid's anger soon turned to panic, as the thoughts of marriage assaulted her mind.

"-You're not being engaged, Astrid. Just sit down and listen to your mother" Horik interrupted, silencing both women. "Ruffnut likes to assume things. We mentioned that word once or twice, but that doesn't mean we're gonna 'sell you' to someone"

Relief flooded through Astrid, as she felt an enormous weight lift off her. If her parents were to marry her off to anyone, it would most likely be Snotlout. The thought of her being with him was one of the few things that rightly scared her. She took a seat by the table where her mother was, and shut her mouth as they explained to her.

"We made you a promise, and we won't back down from it" Frida continued, "You've always wanted to be a pure Shield-Maiden, and we'll keep it that way, no matter how great the offer"

"Even if the Jorgensen family offers?" she asked warily. Astrid knew how beneficial it would be to marry the future heir of Berk- in her parent's eyes, that is.

"Especially the Jorgensens" her father spat. Astrid's heart leapt, realizing that they were just as against marrying Snotlout as she was. "That Snotlout boy treats you like complete Yak-shit. I'd rather exile myself than see him with you"

"Language, Horik" his wife cut in firmly, before adopting her gentle tone once more. "Look honey, what we're trying to say is that we don't want you to marry anyone, unless it's with someone you love and care for"

Astrid's foul mood seemed to evaporate, leaving only a grin which was rarely seen those days.

"Then what was this about?" the question caused her parents to shuffle uncomfortably in their chairs. They were unsure if what they were about to say would spark any more outbursts.

"Okay Astrid, just please listen to us until we've finished" her father said, "We don't mind the idea of you not marrying, in fact we're proud of you. But that hasn't stopped us wondering about your future, and if you'll ever find someone to love" Astrid frowned at Horik's statement, having no clue what he could mean.

"Astrid, all we're asking is that you go to Gothi and have her predict your love life. Plenty of women have done it, me included" Frida jumped in, trying to reinforce her husband's idea. "It worked well for me, and it might work for you"

"I... I don't see why not" Frida and Horik both blinked in surprise and a smile etched its way across their lips. Astrid was reluctant to try Gothi's 'prophecies', she didn't consider herself to be very faithful. Despite that, she could see how much this meant to her parents, and she figured it would be easier to get it done and skip the arguments. "If it's that important to you, I'll do it. I'll head up after Nattmal and get it over and done with"