Saturday 27 December 2014

I was Right

I'm so mad I can't see straight. The fact that I'm even able to type this without murdering my poor keyboard is an enormous point for my control. Here's why I'm so mad: Hiccup looks like Hel warmed over then beaten with fifty Gronckles after reliving Dad's death ten times. When I find the poor unfortunate soul who did this, I'm going to MURDER them! Not even the gods would be able or dumb enough to stop me! I have some info from a young Skrill who Astrid is looking after that it was a Mindrake by the name of Lunar. Apparently he's a Night Fury, one of the last ones. I still feel no sympathy toward him. Anyone, and I mean ANYONE who messes with my brother and expects to live without regrets, will rue the day they decided to hurt my family. I'll bide my time, though, and wait for my opportunity. In the meantime we need to get Hiccup out of danger. We'll hide him at my treelab until that (pardon my language) thrice damned beast is taken care of. Worst case scenario: Hiccup stays there until Toothless and the other Hero level dragons are back from wherever they went off on vacation to. Oh! That's another thing I forgot to mention: Toothless is missing, apparently cheated out of his ranking which, by the way, still makes him Alpha.

Friday 26 December 2014

Homeward Bound!

I'm heading home in the morning, as soon as we have everything packed. I've never wanted to stay away from home before, but this time I'm kinda wanting to stay for a few more days. We've been here almost a month, and I need to get home to my family. I miss them, so it'll be good to see them again. Even though I know everything's fine, I can't help feeling like something's...wrong at home. Like someone I know and love is in danger. It's probably just my anxiety about being away this long, but Darrien and I agreed to fly the remaining stretch in one go, even though his wings will be killing him by the time we land. I've charted fourteen different species of dragon living in this area, and even a couple new ones. I've drawn them and written everything I've learned about them in my field journal for Hiccup to take a look at. There it is again! My twinge of worry announcing itself again.

Wednesday 24 December 2014

Happy Snoggletog!

Well, tomorrow is, as my friend on the Mainland says, "Christmas." Sorry for not posting lately. I've been busy preparing, smoking, and salting meat as I'm still away hunting, so I won't be home for the holiday. Darrien refused to leave my side even after all the other dragons left the area. He says it's to keep a sharp eye on me because I'm in a new environment, and surrounded by animals I've never seen before, but I know it's just because he hasn't found a female that he wants to be mated to for life. It's touching, but at the same time kind of heartbreaking. Hiccup, Dad, and Mom all keep asking me why I haven't started dating anyone, and it's because many of them are uncultured fools who would only hold me back from my future endeavors, and freedom.

Saturday 20 December 2014

Encounters with New Friends

Well, I met the locals of a nearby village after helping a young girl who was lost. The villagers, it turns out, are, cautiously optimistic about dragons. I introduced them to Herby and Darrien, and they were awestruck. Darrien practically glowed under the admiration, but I nudged him in the side, since I was still on his back, and he laid down so I could dismount. I showed everyone how to approach him in a non-threatening way since many of them had swords or other weapons at their hips. The first to go on a flight with him was an elderly woman by the name of Rositta. When she dismounted she asked me to show her how to train a dragon. I explained as best I could that I couldn't really speak English as well as it seemed. I showed them how I had taught Herby, then he acted as translator for me.

Friday 19 December 2014

New Discoveries

Wow! It's been a long time since I posted! Sorry for the delay, everyone. I've been hunting, discovering, and learning all about this new land I found. Herby told me that it's called "Scotland" and the main language here is "English," a strange language that sounds like a harsh song sung by a very drunken Gobber (Trust me, don't ask him to sing when he's so drunk he can barely stand up). So far I've brought down an enormous animal called a "Moose" whose antlers are the size of my father's belly. The meat, when cooked, is tasty, delicious in fact! I'm already starting to think up the recipes I could create with this delicacy, and can't wait to try making the dishes I've come up with. Here is the recipe so far:
Moose Meat over Mashed Potatoes (serves four)
1 pound of moose meat, diced to bite sized pieces.
1 tablespoon minced wild garlic
4 wild onions, diced (*NOTE: This recipe calls for wild onions, but regular onions can be substituted.*)
Salt and pepper to taste
Preparation
Cook the meat until it's well-done, then add the onions and garlic until both are browned and softened. Salt and pepper to taste. Serve over mashed potatoes.
Let me know what you guys think of it, and give suggestions for recipes, please!

Tuesday 16 December 2014

A New Chapter

(I'm copying this from a journal because I didn't bring my computer with me, and don't know how I would pack it anyways.)
Well, that send off was unusually uproarious, even for a Viking send-off. Darrien and I ceremoniously circle twice before flying off toward the Mainland. As we fly away I can't help but feel like something was...wrong with leaving. If anything happens, I reason, Hiccup will be completely defenseless. I shake my head to clear such sad thoughts from my head. Hiccup has Toothless, and as long as the Alpha is with his best friend, my brother, everything will be alright.
((For those who wish to get an inside look at what's going on both from Toothless' point of view, check out this link to an excellent fan fiction called "Toothless' Kingdom," written by a very good friend of mine, Dragonmic14. Toothless' Kingdom Fan Fiction ))

Off on an Adventure!

Well, after much debating with Hiccup and Mom, it was decided that Darrien and I would go hunting on the Mainland to prepare for the storms that are coming. I'll be gone for about a month, but I might stay longer if the hunting is good. Herby is coming with me to teach me the native languages he knows. I promised Hiccup I'd look for another Night Fury as well, and send it back to Berk if I find one. I head out at noon today, so I won't be writing as much. Sorry everyone!

Sunday 14 December 2014

Winter Storms on the Horizon

Herby and the Terrors have been acting restless lately. I think it's because there's a storm coming and they want to be as prepared as possible for a vicious winter. Why my ancestors chose to settle here completely baffles me, but if they'd gone a bit further South, I could see why. I'm going to talk to Hiccup about Darrien and I going to the Mainland for a month to hunt. I would stick around and hunt here, but I need to be responsible, and cut back on the hunting, which I can do by hunting elsewhere. The wildlife here on Berk is in a delicate balance. I can't disturb it too much or I'll lose the blessings the gods bestow upon me. I still have Dad's bow, and I've broke it in by bringing down a bear I spotted which also posed a threat to another hunter. The strength and power in the bow meant I didn't have to waste four arrows on the bear, I only needed one, and a clean shot. I don't know who was more surprised, the hunter who the bear was stalking or me.

Saturday 13 December 2014

Update

Well, Hiccup and I are back home safely. Mom had to come drop us a rope. How fun... When we climbed out of the ravine, Darrien and Toothless nuzzled us and licked us within inches of our lives, and eventually we all agreed to head back home. There was a big party celebrating our safe return, but I politely excused myself to write this post. Parties have never been my thing. I'd rather spend four hours alone in a room with Dagur and Drago than ten seconds in a party.

Friday 12 December 2014

Good News/Bad News

Hey everyone! I am currently sitting here writing this with Hiccup beside me. He's trying to read this over my shoulder, but I'm not letting him. (Stop it! Quit being so nosy!) The good news is that Darrien brought back help. The bad news: Hiccup forgot some rope and, again, the passage is too narrow for a dragon to climb down. Well, at least we're not alone?

Thursday 11 December 2014

Completely Forgot!

I completely forgot the most basic of survival skills: spear fishing. I got stranded while out hunting, and Darrien went off for help. He promised he'd be back, but that was twenty-four hours ago. I got stuck at the bottom of a deep ravine and the only way out is either climbing up a sheer cliff with no hand holds and the walls just too narrow to chimney-crawl up. I've got no choice but to wait for help, or try to swim out through a tunnel in a salty pond I discovered. It should, theoretically, connect to the ocean. I'll go exploring and see if I can get to the sea. If I can, I'll blow a hunting horn I always have on me, and bring Darrien speeding back to me. I hope he isn't out of hearing range.
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Well that was pointless. I swam as far out as I could underwater, but I saw no hint of sunlight. The tunnel is too long for me to swim. However, there are fish swimming around, so I know there must be a hole big enough for them to get to. I have a rod and reel, but my bait is in Darrien's saddle.

Wednesday 10 December 2014

A Gift From a Friend

Hey guys. Look what a friend of mine drew for us! She's from the Mainland, so it's written in a strange language called "English" so please let me know what you think of it so I can write her a letter.

She used her School of Dragons forum account name for her signature.

Tuesday 9 December 2014

End of a Weapon

Well, my bow broke yesterday. It was the bow I had when I became a Haddock, so I guess it's fitting that I lose it after a few years. It'll take me a month to make another one. Until then, I won't be hunting excepting my traps. I'll put up several snares and a few pit-fall traps. I have perfected them, so Berk won't have as much meat for the winter. I can only hope we have enough to survive the winter. Unless someone gives me a new one and I break it in relatively quickly.
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I know it's a sad day for me. I'm forgetful, I know that. But I didn't think it was possible for me to forget my own birthday! Hiccup and Mom surprised me with a party. My brother then brought out a gift Dad had made for me before his death. It's made of a beautiful, dark mahogany with gold and silver inlays and a silver handle that was so intricately carved tears sprang to my eyes. I managed to keep them at bay until I read the inscription in the handle itself:
"To Nina, Love always, Dad."
Hiccup, Mom, and I hugged, comforting each other. I miss him so much. The bow itself is taller than my old one, but it's stronger than my other one. I can pull it back and actually feel resistance. Who knew breaking something could open a door to new opportunities?

Sunday 7 December 2014

Snoggletog is Almost Here!

Hey everyone! Well, it's that time of year again. Berk is covered in a blanket of snow about four feet deep in some places! Brrr! Bundle up, everyone, you'll regret it if you don't. I have my thick fuzzy pants and fluffy boots ready and I've actually got them on to go hunting today. If there's any animals, I'll take it down and Darrien will fly it back to the village. In a couple days the dragons will start their yearly migration to the nesting grounds. Herby hasn't gone since his mate died, and since dragons mate for life, he's vowed to love no other as he loved her.
I know Hiccup and Mom will love their presents I made them. Hiccup is getting an ax he can actually lift while still looking fierce, while Mom is getting a painting Herby did of Hiccup, Toothless, Darrien, Cloudjumper, and I. He's an incredible artist, so I hope she loves it. In case I don't get a chance to get on between now and Snoggletog, have a Happy one!

Saturday 6 December 2014

Strange Occurrences

This might seem common to you, but I have been having strange dreams. Mostly things that seem impossible but later come true. For example: a week ago I dreamed that the moon would go dark, almost like it was being eaten by the night. It did that last night. Hiccup, Mom, Astrid and I were out for a night flight when our dragons suddenly landed and stared up at the moon, growling slightly. When the moon went dark, Toothless did what Darrien did: howled and screamed at the night sky, demanding it "spit the moon out!"

Friday 5 December 2014

I Might Have Been a Bit Rushed

Sorry about yesterday if I seemed to be rushing things, everyone. I was just in shock a bit.

Thursday 4 December 2014

Two Revelations

I am currently unable to type this. Herby is acting as my secretary-dragon because my hands are shaking so badly I can't even begin to do much more than pace and talk. When we were attacked last night, Thorjul the Newcomer went to the front lines without any weapons or armor. He almost died when a strange new weapon began attacking us, killing a young girl whom Herby had taken a keen liking to.
 Nothing we did could destroy it. He threw himself in front of the creature and said something like, "Brother, your quarrel is with me. Leave these mortals alone." I wasn't close enough to hear everything, but when it clubbed him square in the chest I heard my own scream before I launched myself at the metal beast. I shot an arrow into a chink in its armor, but it didn't do much good. It shrugged its massive shoulders and the arrow fell through to its feet, which seemed to be completely hollow.
Here's where things get really weird: After batting me aside, and stalking toward Thorjul, a rumbling was heard, almost like distant thunder. Suddenly he sat up, pushed Hiccup aside and held a hand out. The hammer that had been resting in my fields flew to his hand, coating him instantly in armor, the likes of which no one had ever seen before.
That's when it hit me: The hammer is Thor's hammer, and the newcomer is Thor! I was almost too stunned to do anything but gawk. With a hefty swing like what Dad would have done, he dismantled the metal-man, reducing him to a pile of scraps. He extended a hand to me and helped me to my feet. Then he said this little tidbit: "You have shown remarkable bravery. Your name shall be sung in honor in Valhalla, something we almost never do when someone still lives."
I managed, somehow, to get out, "T-thank you, Thor."

Wednesday 3 December 2014

Making Progress

Well, I suppose I do have a few things to be grateful for. The first and foremost being that the newcomer has begun to learn that it's not okay to order people around, especially if it's not your job. Also, he's learned the basic table manners: saying please and thank you, using a knife and fork instead of his hands and fingers, wiping his mouth with a napkin instead of his forearm, and not breaking his dishes when he is finished with them.
Another thing I have to be grateful for is the fact that I have secondary and tertiary fields for my farm, otherwise we'd have a slim year this year. The frost is coming earlier than normal, or so the elders have declared, and all the food that I have that's ready for harvest is being stored for winter.

Continued Research

After my discovery yesterday, several people stepped up to try again, but aside from getting pulled muscles and strained backs, nothing happened to the hammer. I have yet to try to lift it, but I'm not sure if I want to. No one knows what happens to those who go to Valhalla or Asgard when they are not invited or killed. I, to be frank, do not with to find out.
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It's around midnight and I can't sleep. I can't help but go over the words I read on the hammer. You can only see the inscription if you look closely at certain angles. I think I'm going to wake Darrien up and go for a midnight flight to clear my head and think things over.
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We're under attack! Berserker sail! I have to warn Hiccup, immediately.

Tuesday 2 December 2014

A Ground-Shaking Discovery

I noticed some writing on the side of the object, pictured in the "Investigative Drawing" section of this blog. I translated as best I could.
"May he who has the might of Thor bear this weapon." This further supports my theory that the hammer itself is Thor's hammer! If I'm right, this could change the Viking world as we know it.

Monday 1 December 2014

A Theory

I've got a theory about both the strange object, and the strange newcomer. It's more of a hypothetical idea than anything else, but: What if the hammer is Thor's hammer, and the newcomer is Thor? What if he was just being taught a lesson that only the gods could provide? It would make sense, as he walks around like he has a stick up his - ow!- Herby just tail-whipped my knuckles for almost writing that. Anyways, let me explain:
He walks like he owns everything he sees, earning a few glares from the villagers, who are protective of their things, he orders people around like he's Chief, which earns him a glare from either Hiccup or me, and he smacks dragons aside when they're helping with something or other. Whenever he hits a dragon, even lightly, he gets a tail-whip from Herby, who follows him around regularly. He's in my tree-lab right now, and I'm trying, operative word being trying, to teach him manners. It's even harder than teaching Herby to speak Norse, which took me an entire year.
The villagers have taken to calling him Thorjul (Thor-yul), which is the only thing he responds to. And he just broke a prized invention, but Herby slapped him again so I feel a bit better.