The Rider(HTTYD and Brave, 2012)

The Cure

(Astrid's POV)

Astrid stood in a mix of emotions as Setrina spoke. Shock, confusion, disbelief, surprise. Truth was, she didn't know what to think. She hadn't told the others Hiccup's secret, and she wanted to. But these people needed her to be silent. So what did she do? Choose to help these band of strangers, or to be loyal to her village? The answer was obvious to her, so...why didn't she feel sure. She decided to wait until they stopped talking to make her decision.

"Wait." The boy, Hogva, said. "If it was in Norse...how did you find the page?"

"He labeled the entries in English, for some reason. I don't know, I can never understand him." Setrina said. Astrid looked at her, and was reminded of an all-too familiar face. She looked like Heather. Although Heather had escaped the Vikings, she had suffered some...injuries at the hand of Astrid. Although the resemblance was scary, this girl...she had a confidence to her, an inner strength. It both intrigued and repulsed Astrid.

"That's not the point." Festa said. "We have someone who can read it, so we should be able to find whatever we need."

"That...may be problem." Hogva said. Everyone looked at him simultaneously. "I only learned about twenty characters in Norse. There are some I'm shaky on, and some I don't even recognize."

"...So...you can't read this?" Setrina asked.

"Nope." He said. Setrina groaned in exasperation, throwing her head back.

"But this one can." Hogva said, pointing at Astrid. Astrid was filled with surprise, raising both eyebrows.

"Umm...what?" She asked.

"Hogva, don't be silly, there's no way she's going to help us." Setrina turned to her. "Don't you hate Hiccup?"

"Wait, I never said-" Astrid started, a little surprised they thought that, but not that much.

"Look, this is probably going to be a long trip, but you're the only one who can help us. Certainly the only one rational enough to listen to what we have to say." Festa said.

"...Well..."

"She doesn't have to come." Setrina said. Astrid looked at her confused. Why was she so persistent not letting her come?

"Look, Setrina, now is not the time to let your feelings cloud your judgement-" Hogva started.

"Excuse me?" She said in an almost whisper, shutting up Hogva quite efficiently.

"He's got a point, Setrina." Festa said. "Look, I know you're against it, but we can't afford to go without her. This is his life on the line."

"I know that! But if she comes, we'll just be slowed down." Setrina crossed her arms

"Setrina...is it more to it than that?" Festa said. Astrid found herself growing more uncomfortable as they spoke, feeling as she was witnessing something personal.

"...What are you talking about?"

"...Look, I know why you're against it, but she has to come. If we get lost, or miscalculate, or anything, she could be the difference between life and death. And not for us." Setrina looked at the ground.

"...Fine." She said in a low and defeated tone.

"Okay." Hogva said, turning to Astrid. "SO, do you need to do anything?"

"Wait, we're leaving now?" She asked incredulously. On Berk, it took at least half an hour to get ready for a trip, especially if it was going to be long. But then again, these were dragon riders, not Berkians. They didn't do things like she was used to.