The Dragon Lords' Sacrifice (Toothcup: don't worry he's human)

Choosing A Sacrifice

Stoick and Gobber were walking away from the Great Hall together feeling physically and emotionally exhausted. After traveling to Hel Heim's Gate to defeat the Red Death in battle, then returning to Berk on a long voyage, and now having the difficult decision of having to select a young person to be sent off as a sacrifice. Due to the stubbornness of their kind. It was enough to drive a man to drink. Which is why Stoick asked Gobber to stop by the Chief's house for a drop of mead after a long day.

Upon entering the house the conversation continued. Unbeknownst to either of them that Hiccupa was laying awake upstairs in bed.

"Gobber, I have to tell you of all the duties of being Chief this is by far the most difficult decision I will ever have to make." Stoick said while twisting the spout on the keg and filling his mug.

"Aye, but your not alone in this decision you have the tribal council to help ya' do realize, do ya'?" Gobber said filling a mug as well.

"Still I have to choose one of these young people to be sent off to their untimely death. Really I'd much rather be off in a battle. The stakes are easier on a battle field." Stoick said sitting in his chair by the fire and taking a pull on his mug.

"I agree with ya' thar Stoick still no less loss of life but at least the young'un has a fightin' chance on a battle field at least. Not like bein' sent off as a sacrifice to a dragon." Gobber said taking a gulp of his mug.

Upon hearing this discussion Hiccupa froze and held her breath so she could better hear what was being discussed. Often she had overheard discussions of village life and disputes but she often paid them no mind out of respect for her father, but then this scenario have serious consequences for her life.

"Gobber I have to protect Hiccupa she's my daughter as well as my heir. Also, I made a vow when Valka was taken I would always watch over her. I can't let this happen to her. I'd never forgive myself." Stoick said immediately over come with guilt and grief.

"I understand Stoick I've known the wee lass her whole life. She's my only apprentice why I think of her as the daughter I never had. I couldna' in good conscience vote for her as sacrifice that's fer sure." Gobber said feeling wistful at the thought of Hiccupa being chosen.

"So are you with me in this then to protect Hiccupa at least, Gobber?" Stoick asked his long time friend and advisor.

"Of course Stoick your my brother in arms." Gobber said clasping hands with Stoick.

Hiccupa held in a breath 'What were they talking about "sacrifice", "dragons", "having to choose" obviously it was a secret'. Hiccupa decided she would need to do some spying and learn more information

"Well Stoick I best be headin' off blacksmith-in' in the mornin' waits for no one." Gobber said downing his mug in one gulp and then standing up and stretching.

"Don't you worry lad I can't imagine the council would vote their own heir fer a sacrifice. You have a G'night." said Gobber patting his friend on the shoulder and hobbled out of the Chief's house towards the smithy where he worked and lived.

Stoick sighed setting his mug aside and then stood up and started up the stairs wanting to check up on Hiccupa which he hadn't done in years.

Hiccupa heard her father's heavy footsteps on the stairs and closed her eyes tight feigning as though she had been asleep the whole time.

Stoick opened the door as quietly as he could and peered in he saw Hiccupa asleep in bed and breathed a sigh of relief. He almost turned away when he thought better of it and walked inside pulling the covers over his daughter and kissing her forehead. Then he turned away closing the door quietly behind him and began his descent down the stairs.