Wanderlust

Chapter 1: Where No One Goes

Hiccup had lost count of how many candle's he'd used, having checked and then re-checked things again and again. It was sort of pointless - and he knew that- but it would'nt have been like the new chief of Berk to miss something. He sighed, knowing everything would need to be perfect. After all, this trip would be longer than just a few days of flying around for new lands, or searching for dragons.

No, this would be much, much longer. Almost a summer's worth of time. Hiccup couldn't help but cringe at the thought. "My first summer as chief, and I'm leaving Berk." He huffed, jotting things down in his small notebook as he moved through the room. Hiccup had spent the last few months gaining some practice as chief, but the very idea of being in charge still left him feeling hollow.

The room where Hiccup stood was small, and attached to the Mead Hall by a hallway and thin, crooked door. It looked more like a library than somewhere Stoick the Vast had once worked. Papers were thrown absent mindedly around the room, landing precariously close to many of the candles. Hiccup may have adjusted to having a chiefs roles on Berk, but he had yet to become as organized as the job required.

"Would you relax," Astrid scoffed as she brushed past him, and reached for a book sitting near one of the larger flames "for Vör's sake Hiccup, it's not an eternity." Passing him again she plucked the paper he'd been writing from the older boy's hand. "It's only Scotland."

Astrid saw a glimpse of fire flash through Hiccup's grassy eyes, causing a small smile to appear on her lips. "This'll be good for you, just wait." She stated, assuredly. Although by the time she turned to face him again, it was clear that the young chief's thoughts had drifted to how -less than a year ago- he had marveled at the idea of visiting somewhere so far south. Thinking of what it must've looked like, how warm it must've been. But things had changed since then.

"You don't have to go you know," Snotlout said, a small smirk showing through his shabby beard. He had stepped into the back room from the Mead Hall, but his steps had been muffled by the pair's conversation. "Besides, I'm not sure how well Berk will get along without you. I may be a great leader, but you're-"

"Berk will be fine Snotlout," Hiccup said, cutting him off. He was happy that his cousin - at least in his own, entirely-Snotlout-like way- was actually saying goodbye instead of drudging off like he would've usually done. "I just think this is something I need to do". Although meaning to sound passionate, Hiccup's words fumbled, showing his nervousness. He didn't look up at them, instead he'd began kneading his hands, but they all knew why this would be more than just safely returning Queen Elinor home.

"...So," Snotlout began after another long pause. "What are you going to tell her?" He leaned on the table, rather obviously straining to catch Hiccup's expression, and placed a hand on his shoulder. Hiccup shifted to disable his cousin's attempt.

"No idea." Hiccup sighed, bringing a hand to his temples -a habit he'd picked up from his father- as he tried to clear his thoughts.

"Good," Snotlout replied, sounding rather enthusiastic about it. Hiccup turned to his cousin in surprise, raising a brow.

"Good?" Hiccup repeated. "How exactly is having no idea good? Am I suppose to just waltz up to her with a 'hello princess, sorry I haven't spoken you to a while, but I'd love to pick up where we left off.' I don't think she'd be a big fan of that, Snotlout."

Astrid laughed, causing some strands of her blond hair to fall from her braid. Stepping forward, she slapped Snotlout's shoulder hard enough to jar him. "I think what Snotloud meant was; if you were able to convince her to like you before, I'm sure it can work out again."

"Thank's guys. Although, I'm not sure I want it to 'work out again'. I mean, she's a princess for Thor's sake. For all I know she could be married by now or-."

"-Oh please," Snotlout laughed. "Listen, if she's even remotely close to how she was back then you'll be fine." Realizing what he'd said Snotlout looked up, cringing slightly from Astrid's glare. "Anyway. I think you'll just have to wait and see."

"Speaking of waiting," Astrid said, "Don't you think it's a little late? You should get some sleep before you slow the rest of the journey down too. The Queen, for example? She's waited long enough to get back home." Astrid took a step closer to Hiccup, enclosing him in a tight hug. "Stop worrying, Berk'll be here when you get back." she sighed. Leaning up, she gave him a quick kiss on the cheeck before stepping back and walking back to the Mead Hall.

Hiccup smirk, grazing his cheek where her lip's had just been. He thought back to a few years ago, and how he and Astrid had once been more than just friends. The love he'd had then may have became grainy, but was still there. She was his closet friend, but sometime's he wondered if - in some ways - they were still more.

"Hiccup," Snotloud hollered shaking his cousin's shoulder to draw his attention. "Are you listening?"

"Yeah, absolutely," Hiccup turned to Snotlout, giving him a small smile. "What were you saying?"

"Just don't get killed, alright?" He replied, punching Hiccup's shoulder again. "Or I'll track you down in Valhalla, and you'll really be in trouble."

"This isn't that kind of mission Snotlout." Hiccup said plainly, raising a brow."You don't need to threaten me."

"Well it can't hurt."

"I'll miss you too." Hiccup sighed, leaving his cousin in the candle-filled room and exiting back into the darkened Berk. Taking in a large breath of air, Hiccup tried to focus on where he was. Closing his eyes, he etch Berk into his thoughts, just in case.

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Alright, First chapter is done! I'm calling this story "Wanderlust" for now, although I'm still not completely happy with it. It'll probably change soon, but I couldn't think of anything better.