Hiccup was in Aasgard… maybe. Did they have forges there? He didn't know, and he wasn't in any hurry to find out. I mean, drinking and feasting were fine, he wasn't much of a drinker anyway, but he would be just as happy working in a forge for his eternity. That would suit him just fine.
He'd been working there about a week now. All the shoes for the palace horses had been completed. Valdor had left the shop a little while ago to talk with the farriers, and some other business he'd had. The horses would be shoed in the next few days. Maybe he could talk them into letting him tag along. There were always adjustments to be made. He could sneak a look around the castle grounds for a little. But for now, there was other work to be done. That storm wasn't too kind to the flying gear. They'd been taking short flights after Hiccup reutrned from work, not wanting to tempt fate. There was also some minor repair work to be done on his left foot as well. The shop was closed for the day, and he had it all to himself.
He really liked Valdor. He wasn't Gobber, for sure. He was less round, and not as tall. They had hit it off on their first meeting. After the first two days, witnessing Hiccups' work, the deal was sealed. He was a shrewd businessman, but fair, with a big heart. They would banter constantly. Valdor would talk of his youth, and Hiccup would tell him of some of his travels. He didn't talk of the battles, even when prodded. He couldn't afford to let out he was a Viking chieftain, nor anything even remotely alluding to dragons. He was on vacation, after all. Their conversations were light and raucous.
He'd been working for over an hour. Hammering away at a stubborn connecting rod that wouldn't retain the shape or straightness he wanted. He wanted to get it right, nothing but the best for his best friend. Hiccup smiled to himself. Toothless seemed to be enjoying their little outing as well. The change of scenery was doing them both good. He still wasn't thrilled about his human leaving for most of the day. Hiccup would make up for it with some select fishes from the town. Followed by a flight, and a good old fashioned rubdown. He wished he could trade places with him sometimes. The big, spoiled reptile.
He was still pounding away when someone else entered the forge. He didn't notice as the intruder walked up slowly behind him. Not making their presence known. Hiccup turned to inspect his work-piece in the light, when he caught a glimpse of the dark hooded figure. He immediately started, dropping the tongs, his work-piece, and his hammer. It happened to land on his right foot. He yelped in surprise. He started to raise said foot to grab it in pain, when his metal prosthetic slipped on the stone-paved floor. Off balance, he spun the all the way around, flailing his arms to catch himself. He crashed into the intruder, sending them both to the floor. Hiccup managed to wrap an arm around the persons' head to shield it from the impact. He landed on top of the person as gently as he could. A muffled, and definitely feminine "HEY!" erupted from his chest. He straightened instantly, coming to his knees, and releasing his arm from around her head. GREAT! Fine way to introduce yourself! He thought. She sat up, and brought her arms up to his chest to push away. He was looking down, checking for injuries. She turned her head up to face him. What he saw stopped him.
The first thing he noticed were her eyes. Sparkling blue, there was fire there. Probably indignant from being crashed into by an idiot, but blue like the purest springs he'd seen in his travels, glowing slightly. Light complected, with a few strands of platinum blonde hair peeking out from under the hood of her cloak. A small, cute little nose, and high cheekbones with a hint of redness to them. Thin pink lips, and a smallish, but strong chin. A fair beauty, for sure. She was pushing against his chest firmly, but as they were looking upon each other, her pushing ceased. the planet seemed to stop. He didn't know how long they stayed there gazing. An hour, a day, a month, but she blinked, and the moment was broken. He realized to his horror that he was straddling her legs. He Immediately got to his feet, and offered her a hand up which she accepted. He pulled her up, then lightly grasped her elbow to steady her. They both looked down, checking the state of their clothing and any physical damage. They then looked upon each others' faces again. His brain switched off that second. She was beautiful, but there was something else there. Some kind of connection he couldn't put his finger on. He blinked, and the moment was lost. They both started backing out of each others'personal space ' so… close '. What happened next was more proof that the Gods did indeed hate Hiccup Horrendous Haddock the Third.
She walked out of the palace in the early evening. She wanted to leave earlier, but work wouldn't let her. A few meetings had taken longer than expected. The council meeting had been contentious as well. More reports of Arendellian merchant ships being attacked. Most surely by pirates. She would get to the bottom of this soon. Nobody messes with the Snow Queen! She stopped by the barracks to get a couple of guards to escort her on her mission. Probably un-necessary, but with recent reports, maybe. She did not fear her own people, but Arendelle was a port city, with all sorts of folks passing through. She wanted to be discreet, but she couldn't risk it. She should be careful.
She walked through the streets, with people greeting her and bowing respectfully. There weren't many out at this time of day. Many having their evening meals, or finishing their work day. She hoped Master Bregemanns' shop wasn't closed. She needed to keep this a secret. She couldn't summon him to the castle. Besides, she wanted to do this herself.
After about ten minutes of walking, she found the shop. It seemed to be closed, but she could hear ringing from inside. The clang of metal being worked. She didn't know why, but the smell of the forge seemed to calm her. She enjoyed it for reasons she couldn't possibly fathom. One of the guards opened the door for her so nice, he'll get some time off for that gesture . There was no one in the selling portion of the shop, but she could hear the racket coming from the forge. She left the guards at the door and let herself in.
The heat was stifling. And the smell, well it did something to her insides. Hmmm, that thought will have to be investigated later… strange she thought. There was a shadowed figure on the other side of the room. Hammering away at a piece of glowing metal. He looked to be a young man. She could see he was rather thin for being a blacksmith, but she could tell from the sound that there was strength there. She had a little trouble navigating to where he was working. There were several worktables arranged around the room, and anvils of all sorts of weird shapes. He had his back to her, so he didn't notice her arrival. As she got closer, she noticed his clothing. He was wearing a heavy leather apron with leather gloves on his hands. Underneath, a long sleeved green woolen tunic with gold embroidery near the cuffs. Dark brown pants, and one heavy leather boot ' only one? ' She gasped to herself. His other leg ended just past his left knee. It ended in a wood and metal prosthetic, the likes of which, she'd never seen.
He stopped hammering on the piece he was working on and held it up to inspect it. he turned a little, and that's when he noticed her standing there. He gave a yelp of surprise, his eyes went as big as saucers. He promptly dropped everything, his work, and his hammer, which landed on his good foot. He let out another undignified yelp, and raised his foot. Elsa winced internally, it looked like it hurt. The next thing she knew, he slipped on the floor off balance. He then started falling towards her, arms flailing. He crashed into her and had the presence of mind to wrap an arm protectively around her head. He landed somewhat gently… right on top of her. All she could get out was "HEY!" Half startled, half scared. She wasn't positive she wasn't being attacked.
She caught his scent and it seemed to calm her for a moment. He smelled of leather and the forge, also of the wind and sea Mmmm -she thought to herself nice . She was broken out of her reverie when he pulled her to a sitting position, with her head cradled to his chest. She then raised her hands up to push him away. He released her head from its shielded position, then stripped off his gloves. He then placed his hand on her shoulder. The other gently caught her upper arm. His hands were calloused, but soft as well. And from where he was touching her, a soothing warmth started to spread through her body. She never really allowed anyone to touch her, much less a man. With Anna,… well, she was her sister, and that was different. But this man touching her, it was something else entirely . She pushed herself away slightly and tilted her head up to see his face. That's when it stopped.
He had green eyes, vibrant dazzling green. And a mop of dark auburn hair. Not unkempt, probably mussed from working all day. There was a scar on the left side of his face, running from his temple to his cheek. Freckles dusted the bridge of his nose and carried over to his cheeks. He had a strong jaw, which ended in an equally strong chin. Full lips, that were drawn tight with concern at first.
Then it seemed something clicked inside him, and his mouth dropped open slightly gawking. She seemed to be dazed herself, but not from the collision, or the fall. Very… handsome, she thought to herself. She was just taking in his features with her eyes. Hair, eyes brilliant green, she thought. Nose, mouth, lips so -full, chin. The was a discoloration, no, that was another scar, from a burn, it seemed, on the right side of his neck.
Her eyes then settled on his chest, where her hands were still resting. She could feel his strong heartbeat, and his lithe muscles beneath his tunic. She looked at his face again and blinked, and the moment was lost. They both seemed to realize the awkward position they were in. He rose suddenly to his feet, offering a hand to help her up, which she accepted. He grasped her elbow to steady her. She immediately started checking her dress. I hope it's not stained too badly! she thought sheepishly. She began to brush the dirt off herself, checking her dress and cloak for damage. She turned her gaze towards him again, just as he was and they locked eyes, and there it was again.
She was floating. As if nothing else on the planet existed but them. Vibrant green eyes she saw. There was kindness, and strength. Maybe there was laughter there as well, a little mischief, and… longing? She wasn't sure. She felt like she'd known him for a long time, but that was just silly, they just met. But still… Elsa could feel something stirring within her. She couldn't tell what, she couldn't exactly put her finger on it. It was something new, and strange. She would have to think about these… things later.
He seemed to snap out of whatever thoughts he was having. He blinked and that moment was over. He gave her a sheepish half-smile and a shrug of his shoulders. Mmmm-shoulders! shoulders too- NO ELSA! BAD! ' They released hands that they forgot they were holding, and Elsa slowly backed away out of his personal space.
"Ahh, er, uhmm, Sorry! Ahhh, you just, just… s - startled me!" He stammered. He reached up with his left hand, and started rubbing the back of his neck, looking very sheepish. And was he - blushing? No, probably just the heat of the forge, -maybe. Elsa though it was cute. And there was a certain quality to his voice… Her insides did a small skip.
"No, no! I… I, It's quite alright! That was rude of me! I, I… sh, should've announced my presence! I, it's my fault…" She felt badly, she'd done this. She needed to extract herself from this position, to save them both from further embarrassment…
She wasn't watching where she was going, unfortunately. What happened next, well… it wasn't pretty. She stepped right into a bucket laying on the floor next to one of the worktables, trapping her foot right then and there. She lifted it up, hopping on the other foot, trying to shake it off. She managed then to step on a piece of connecting rod that Hiccup had dropped on the floor. Her foot came out from under her, sending her barreling headlong into the unsuspecting man. She crashed right into his chest, sending both of them, again, to the floor… again. He managed to wrap both arms around her, bringing his left hand to the back of her head. She was shielded from the impact, but he landed flat on his back with an "OOooff!" knocking the air from his lungs. His head came to rest against a stump where one of the many anvils in the forge were mounted atop.
Elsa was a bit dazed. She forgot for a second where she was. She took a breath… and there was that smell, leather, ash, the forge…'OH! ooooh!- ' She snapped her head up, only to collide with his chin. Her hands were on his chest… again . 'How did they get there? Oooooh chest- BAD ELSA, BAD! ' She should have been completely mortified. After all, she was lying fully on top of a strange man she just met. But some part of her brain was betraying her. That part didn't object at all… 'mmmM.' She shook her head, stamping that part into submission. She was a queen after all, not some clumsy schoolgirl… but still…
Great! Just GREAT! Not only was his work being more difficult than it had to be. But he had just made the WORST first impression of his life. Two if you count both collisions, within five minutes. He just wanted to crawl into the nearest hole and curl up, for maybe, a thousand years or so… maybe he wouldn't feel embarrassed anymore… maybe.
He had shut his eyes during the fall. He was dazed, and breathless. As he gathered his wits, he wondered if it was from the fall, or the sight of woman. She was still laying on top of him. He could smell her hair, which was tickling his nose a little. It smelt of lavender and honey, also another smell he couldn't identify. It was wonderful. ' mmmm-NO HICCUP! ' He opened his eyes, and all he could see was her platinum blonde hair. It was gathered in a single braid, which was wrapped around her head.
He could feel her tense, at which point she made to raise her head. He released her from his arms about the time the top of her head collided with his chin. He let out a small grunt from the pain, and closed his eyes against it. He felt her push herself off his chest with her hands. She stopped before she was fully upright. He opened his eyes, and glanced up at her through his bangs. She was staring at him, considering. Seemingly lost in thought. Her mouth was half-open, gawping. such nice lips-stop, Hiccup! He let his gaze travel over her face once more. Her nose, her eyes 'beautiful, blue eyes- focus! '. After locking eyes with her for a moment, his gaze continued to travel up her face. Her hair lovely blonde - HICCUP! ' and was that a… ah… a circlet on her head?
And a moment was broken once more. They both realized the awkward situation. The woman immediately gathered herself, and got on her feet. "Oh! I am so, so sorry!" She apologized. She offered her hand to help him up. "Oh GOD! I'm SO-so sorry, I, I'm-not usually this clumsy-" she was saying.
"Don't worry, it's all a part of your charm." He didn't know why he said that, it just came out…
He was on his feet again, feeling a little whoosey. He reached up to the back of his head, feeling for the lump that would surely form. Also because he was feeling a little sheepish. GODS! you would think after twenty-something years, he would've lost at least some of the clumsiness… apparently not. She had reached up as well, checking for injuries. Their fingers brushed ever so slightly. He looked at her again. Seeing mild shock in her expression. They both started laughing. Her laugh was melodious, bringing a warmth he hadn't felt in…' Stop… the circlet? ' She appeared to gather herself, but only slightly, dropping her hand to her side. "Nonsense, the fault is mine-entirely!" she said.
"Well, our first meeting was mine…" He told her, then added "Err, ah, your Highness?" 'That's it, recognize her status' he thought. He then brought his arm across his waist, and bowed respectfully. She let a small titter escape her at his definition of their first collision. Maybe he could salvage this…
"Again, nonsense, Master-ahhh?" She asked leadingly.
"Ahh, Haddock! Hiccup Haddock the Third, at your service, My Lady!" ' Better ' he thought.
"Very well, Master Haddock, please accept my apologies for my clumsiness. I am Elsa Ellesmyre, Queen of Arendelle" She said.
Oh, great! So not only did he fully embarrass himself in front of a woman, said woman was also the QUEEN! The whole tribe was going to be merciless when, or if, they heard this! It was then he realized, he was still holding the hand she offered to help him up. He bent again respectfully at the waist, bringing her hand to him 'so soft… FOCUS! '. He lightly brushed his lips on her knuckle. He thought he detected a slight shiver run up her arm at the act. He dismissed it, he had to salvage this. While he was a Chieftain of his tribe, and on equal footing with her, he was not here on official business. Just a tourist, really… it was his duty to leave a good impression.
"My Lady…" he said while releasing her hand. "Absolutely none needed…" he was feeling a little… bold? giddy… like he was fourteen again? 'where'd that come from?' He would have to think about… that… later. "… unless this is how you conduct greetings of foreigners" He quipped. He straightened, and caught the look on her face ' priceless -' half shocked, and… amused?
He didn't have to wait for his answer. He saw the smile form slowly across her face, and she started laughing again. It was like music, music that went straight to his heart…'wait… Wha?' Her eyes were shining too, completely drawing him in. She then committed the crime of covering her mouth with her hand. Her laughing slowly subsided, he thought he caught a flash of something in her eyes. A glint of mischief, perhaps? She opened her mouth, then closed it again, Then cleared her throat.
" Ahem, Master Haddock, is Master Bregemann here? I wish to speak with him." She finally said.
"No, My lady, he said he was going to the royal stables to check on the shoeing of the horses tomorrow, then straight home, I'm sorry." She seemed a bit put out by his answer. Her brow furrowed in thought. It was cute he thought. She looked at him, considering. Her features softened a little.
After a short pause she said " C-could I, W-would you please tell him I have a commission for him? It, it's for m-my sister. S-something small, but I want it to be a sur-surprise!" Her features were one of happiness at first, having gotten her statement out. She then looked down and away, seemingly angry for a moment. He would save her.
"Of course, My Lady! For you, anything!" WOAH!… easy, big guy! "Actually, Valdor had been talking about going himself, to supervise. I was hoping to tag along to help, and maybe walk the castle grounds, if I may…" He was really wanting to go see the courtyard and the castle grounds. Going with the blacksmith as his assistant would give him a reason to be there. If he could finish early, there would be time. Now, he had an entirely different reason for going.
"You would of course, be welcome, Master Haddock." She said. "The gates to the courtyard are open to all my subjects, and visitors as well." He winced slightly at the use of his title. It grated against his nerves. On Berk, his title was more an endearment than anything else. Most folks would just call him by his name. He sighed to himself. It seemed the further south he traveled, the more important ranks and titles became. Humph, Southerners were weird.
"Perhaps, if the both of us are not busy, I could give you a tour - personally." She went on. He was taken aback by her bold statement. Apparently, she was too, as she looked away for a brief moment, then frowned. The damage was done.
"I am normally very busy, as you might guess." She recovered gracefully. "I usually get time in the afternoon, between lunch and court if at all. At any rate, I may see you at the stables?" She gave a small shrug of her shoulders, and tilted her head to one side, just so. Was that a request? A touch of hopefulness, that he would come?
"Please, Your Highness, I'm honored by your suggestion. I would consider it a great privilege to be shown about your magnificent palace! But please, do not put yourself out on my account." This was an… interesting turn of events. It was kind of obvious she hadn't meant to offer him a personal tour. She seemed to be at war with herself for some reason. But she had said the words, and she seemed like she was going to go through with it. Whether she liked it, or not. His opinion of her jumped a few points.
"Nonsense, Master Haddock! In fact, it would be my pleasure -" She stopped again, turning her head sideways a little, frowning. And was - was she blushing? Oh, it was so adorable!
"Please, My Lady…" He bowed, not as deeply, but just as respectfully. "Call me Hiccup…" As he straightened, he locked eyes with her. "And the pleasure would be entirely mine!" He couldn't help the small smirk forming on his face. This could turn out to be so much fun! She was in for some teasing if they did manage to meet tomorrow. It was beginning to dawn on him that maybe he was having the same effect on her as she was with him.
His reasoning was confirmed when she gave a sheepish shrug of her shoulders, then bit her bottom lip. Her cheeks reddened slightly. She then raised her right hand to her face, apparently to tuck some errant hair behind her ear. She used the gesture to start fumbling for the hood of her cloak. Just to keep her hands busy. It was not cooperating. She started backing away facing him.
"Well - ah, Mas - Master - er, Hiccup! I, I'd b-best be - ahh, GOING, yes! going now… and, well… still have work, at the umm, CASTLE! yes, castlework, and umm, DINNER!, FOOD! - yes, sooo hungry now… so, BYE!" She managed to bump into two worktables, and spill a bucket of nails on the floor in her retreat. By the time she reached the door, he could swear her face was glowing red. He bowed deeply on her exit.
"My Lady…" he said. Just before she threw herself out the door in her embarrassment, he called to her…"and Elsa?" It seemed to stop her cold. She turned her head to look at him, looking blushed and sheepish.
"Goodnight…" He said gently. His tone seemed to weaken her, as if from a physical blow.
"Yes, um, good - Goodnight… Hiccup…" She said, and opened the door and went through it, shutting it rather firmly.