The Blacksmith's Apprentice

Eight: Reversal

Eight: Reversal

His eyelids fluttered and wearily cracked open in response the the insistent shaking.

"Wake up, Hiccup! You need to wake up now..."

His brow furrowed and as consciousness began to properly kick in, so did the pain: his head was still pounding, his face was stiff and sore, his body hurt, his ribs jagged pain every time he took a breath. Unthinkingly, he whined in pain, curling up and resting his hands hard against his battered body.

"Wake up, Hiccup," Astrid insisted and her hand gently rested against his head. He painfully forced his eyes open again, gritting his teeth and looking up into her concerned face.

"Astrid...?" he gasped and she gently stroked his face.

"Who else?" she smiled. "Are you okay?" He tried to move but everything was hurting and the bits that weren't, were aching.

"Never better..." he lied. She read his discomfort and sighed.

"Liar," she murmured gently, seeing him cringe as he slowly levered himself upright. "The Chief wants you. The Meatheads are leaving..." Hiccup grimaced and slowly got up, legs unsteady and he sighed, then realised he was still in the leather vest Gobber had made him.

"Astrid-what happened?" he murmured.

"You won," she reminded him, a hint of pride in her voice. "You defeated Thuggory and defended Berk's honour." He blinked and a frown furrowed his brow.

"Which is why I feel that a dozen Vikings have trampled on me?" he checked. She nodded.

"You were amazing," she reminded him cheerfully. "Now let's head down for the harbour and see them safely off the island." He nodded and staggered. Instantly, she was at his side, steadying him and helping him down the village, through the Plaza and down the ramps to the docks. The Meathead ship was preparing to set sail and Stoick and the rest of the welcoming party were standing ready to see them off. Hiccup was astonished to see Stoick's face light up as he limped up-and even more as the Chief rested his arm proudly across Hiccup's shoulders.

"Here he is," he boomed. "The Hero of the hour. The Pride of Berk!" Mogadon's expression was sour enough to curdle milk as Hiccup shuffled his feet.

"Um, thanks," he said self-consciously. "I...um...I just did what was needed to protect our own." Stoick stared at him in shock and then grinned.

"There's the rest of the ceremony to complete," Mogadon growled bad-temperedly and his son walked up, his chin black and swollen from the punch. Hiccup guessed he still looked worse, even though he was the winner of the fight. Thuggory was in his black leather armour, a black bearskin cloak falling from his shoulders as he faced his conquerer. But his eyes flicked to the blonde standing by Hiccup and bowed.

"I acknowledge my defeat and the courage and skill of Berk's Heir, Hiccup Haddock, and his prior claim to the hand of the Shield Maiden, Astrid Hofferson," he announced. "The better man won." He bowed and backed away as Hiccup took a shuddering breath and looked embarrassed. Stoick looked at the young woman and Astrid lifted her chin.

"I acknowledge the results of the disagreement and accept the verdict," she announced clearly. "And I choose Hiccup. He is my only choice." He blushed and dipped his head. The Chief felt a small tug of amusement at the embarrassed response but noted Snotlout's eyes narrow in obvious jealousy. No matter how well Hiccup had behaved and conducted himself as Heir, Snotlout would be determined to make his life miserable once things reverted to normal. And while his choices had limited what he could now do for the young man, the least he could do was prevent the backlash harming Astrid...or trapping her in any sort of unwanted arrangement. Hiccup had risked his life to protect her from Thuggory: Stoick would protect her from Snotlout as well.