Dragons: The New Chief

Chapter 17: Filing it Down

The night of the dragon race dragged on slowly. With two cups of mead down, and one for Astrid, it took all of Hiccups power not to slur in front of Loke and his daughter, Eir. But they soon left, to the chiefs relief, and Eret was placed in there presence. They talked for hours, trying to help out their friend. Astrid and Hiccup both knew that Ruffnut still liked him, although she did not show it anymore, they knew she was just holding a tiff between them because he was playing hard to get. He admitted it as well, that, at first, he was wary of the obsessive girl, but then came to like the attention. So he kept on playing hard to get, which in turn irritated Ruff into not running after him anymore. So, they made an elaborate plan that he would carry out in two days time. It would take all of tomorrow to prepare, but Eret was willing.

After their planning, all had gone home, to jump into their warm beds on the cold winter night. The consumption of alcohol had lowered their body temperatures, thus make them crave the warmth of the furs. Hiccup had bid his girlfriend a good night and wobbled up to his house and into his bed. Once they had gotten in, they promptly fell asleep and welcomed the morning a few hours later.

Hiccup woke late once again, with yet another pounding headache and regret that had plagued him a week ago. With his hand pressed to his temple, he snapped on his prosthetic and wandered down stairs to grab a quick breakfast and find Gobber. The two legged viking was waiting for him at the forge as usual.

"Mornin' chief." He greeted. "Got an easy one today."

He handed Hiccup the small list. It wasn't much, a few skirmishes and helping Gobber catch up on saddles. Hiccup knew that he would have time later to work on the grindstone and to help Eret if need be. Hiccup thanked him and went on with Toothless. The two walked around the village, checking off everything in order. Once it came to be midday he had already finished everything, except for one.

"Have lunch with Astrid..." He read.
He smiled. "What has she done now."

Hiccup mounted Toothless, who then took off to the mead hall. The two entered and looked around, but no sign of the chiefs girlfriend.

Hiccup pulled aside a viking. "Have you seen Astrid?" He asked.

The viking shook his head. "No, havn' seen 'er all day."

Hiccup pursed his lips and walked away. "Come' on Toothless."

The dragon abandoned the man he was sniffing and followed his rider. They walked out and looked out across the frozen village, looking for the blonde and Deadly Nadder.

"Go check the stables bud, i'll go see if she's at home."

The dragon nodded and ran off to the stables while Hiccup ran off to the Hofferson household. Toothless found nothing, no trace of Stormfly or her rider. Hiccup, on the other hand, found a clue rather than nothing.

"Hello Finn." Hiccup greeted as he was let inside by his girlfriends uncle.

"Hello Hiccup, what brings you here?" He asked.

Hiccup ran his hand through his hair nervously. "I was, ugh, wondering if you have seen Astrid. I can't find her and nobody has seen her all day."

"Ha ha," Finn laughed. "Astrid was right, ya are one ta worry."

"What..."Hiccup said in confusion.

Finn nodded his head towards the door. "She's in the cove."

Hiccup sighed in relief, "Thank you." he said before heading out.

Toothless met him there and his rider explained that Astrid was waiting for them at the cove. Hiccup mounted his dragon and they took off into the sky. They soared high into the clouds, covering the distance with great speed. Once clear of the village, Toothless lowered his altitude. He skimmed the trees, searching for the familiar clearing that he and his rider deemed their place.