With Ne'er a Fear

The remains of the fires had smoldered to embers, gradually drawing over the Great Hall a cool layer of dimness as soft as the falling snow outside. Hours before, the place was brimming over with the boisterous chaos of a Viking community, laughter and music floating between the pillars like smoke above the happy hum.

All was quiet now. The very last of the dragons and human merrymakers had finally staggered home to bed, leaving the cavernous space in peace.

One individual, however, remained to savor it. The last burning fire-cauldron illuminated the edges of his shape, leaving the rest a silhouette. He sat on an empty table top, one leg drawn up into his circling arms, the other resting on the bench below the table.

Lost in thought and the hypnotizing comfort of flickering flames, he hummed quietly to himself, gaze wandering to the last of a row of painted shields on the far wall. He had viewed it from this vantage point many times before now, carefully soaking in every line, every color of the painting covering the wood.

The painting of a much younger version of himself standing beside his father.

I'll swim and sail on savage seas,

With ne'er a fear of drowning…

The responsibility of Chief had fallen to him suddenly and heavily several months ago. The seas of life had indeed been savage as of late and he certainly feared he would drown. Accepting his father's passing as well as taking up leadership of an entire tribe was proving to be quite a personal battle. The path was filled with hills and valleys of every kind, all of which made him feel less capable, more prone to slipping. The villagers were supportive, showering him with condolences or compliments and offering advice or encouragement, but these did little to fill the gaping hole in his heart or ease the growing ache. Stoick the Vast had left such a void for him to fill, so many questions unanswered and only the ones he knew and loved to piece together answers.

And gladly ride the waves of life

If you will—

Approaching footsteps gently pulled him into the present. He knew who it was—it could be no other—but remained still as she walked around the table to sit beside him and lay a hand on his shoulder.

"Hiccup," her voice was little more than a whisper in his ear, "it's very late."

This perch had become a regular haunt for him over the last few weeks, his visits increasing as the coming winter quickly drove everyone indoors. It was a place of comfort and solace, a place to ponder the many weights on his mind, a place to reflect. There was no need for Astrid to ask why she'd yet again discovered him here.

He hesitated, then uttered in hushed tones his foremost concern.

"Astrid, I…I can't do this. I can't be the Chief. I'm not like my dad…"

She put a hand under his chin and turned his face until her eyes, bright and blue, pierced his. No matter how dark, no matter how bleak the days may be, he knew he could always find light in her. The words of the song flashed through his mind agian, making something perfectly clear to him. Something he should have realized months ago…

"You don't have to be," she said. "You can do this. You may not think so, but I know there's a chief inside you somewhere. You just have to find him, coax him into the daylight, believe in him."

He swallowed, closing his eyes which caused a single tear to overflow and slip down his cheek.

"I c-can't…I can't do this alone. I need…I need someone there to keep me afloat through the waves of life, even when they turn savage. I someone to keep me from drowning. Astrid I…I need you. I need you to help me find that chief."

Astrid's winning smile appeared beneath tear-moistened cheeks, and she arose to stand before him. Her presence commanded attention, even without armor, axe and her fierce warrior demeanor. However, there was a sweetness about her in this moment, dressed in a simple wool tunic and leggings, her hair loose and glowing in the firelight like a halo. This was the side of her only he had the privilege of seeing up close.

"I'll be here, Hiccup. Always. You have my promise."

"With…with ne'er a fear?"

Astrid offered a light laugh. "Yes, with ne'er a fear. Someone has to keep you in line, after all."

The new chief caught up the contagious smile, felt it raise his spirits and spread its warmth throughout his weary soul. Again he closed his eyes, breathing deeply before beginning to sing. Though no one remained in the Great Hall to witness, his voice was low and soft, making certain that only she would hear.

I'll swim and sail on savage seas,

With ne'er a fear of drowning.

And gladly ride the waves of life,

If you will…if you will marry me.

Her hands slid into his and he felt her lean inward, pulling him closer until their lips brushed.

"Yes, Hiccup," she whispered. "I will."