Chapter 8 – Promises at Sunset
The cool afternoon breeze softly swept through the open fields of Berk, carrying with it the salty aroma of the sea and the distant sound of waves crashing against the steep cliffs. The sky was painted in golden and orange hues, heralding a breathtaking sunset that would soon stretch across the horizon.
Astrid walked through the village with the twins and Fishlegs, laughing at something Tuffnut had just said, when her eyes spotted a familiar figure standing near the Main Hall. He was talking to some villagers, his cape fluttering lightly in the wind, his stance as imposing as ever. Her heart skipped a beat.
Her eyes lit up and a smile formed on her lips. With confident steps, she approached him, her usual fierceness softened by the warmth in her gaze.
— "Well, well… if it isn't our mighty God of Thunder!" — she said playfully, giving Thor a light punch on the arm.
Thor turned, surprised for a moment, but his expression quickly turned into a wide, charming smile.
— And if it isn't Berk's greatest viking! How's training going? — he asked, crossing his arms as he admired her.
Astrid hesitated for a brief moment, lowering her eyes while her fingers moved subtly — a rare gesture for someone known for her fearless spirit.
— "I… was wondering if maybe you could help me with part of my training," — she said, her voice softer than usual, almost shy.
Thor observed her for a moment. She looked as strong as ever, but something in her expression — perhaps hope, perhaps nervousness — touched him. He smiled again, feeling a silent flutter in his chest.
— "Of course." — He turned to the others. — "Guys, I'm taking Astrid to train. We'll catch up later."
Thor then said, looking at Hiccup, the father is worried so come home soon.
— "Alright," replied Hiccup. — "I'll be helping Gobber with something. Then I'll head home."
Thor nodded. Then, without thinking twice, he took Astrid's hand — firm, yet gentle — and together they began walking toward the village's training fields. Some villagers watched them from afar, curiosity shining in their eyes.
Watching the two walk away, Tuffnut narrowed his eyes, his face full of mischief.
— "Snotlout doesn't stand a chance, huh?" — he said with a mischievous grin, imagining Snotlout's reaction later.
— "None," — Ruffnut replied categorically, without taking her eyes off the pair.
— "Chance for what?" — asked Fishlegs, frowning in confusion.
The training field was almost deserted at that time of day, bathed in the golden glow of the setting sun. The ground was packed dirt, still bearing the scars of previous training, and wooden stakes held various weapons arranged in neat rows.
Thor let go of Astrid's hand and walked to the center of the field. He picked up a training axe and spun it skillfully between his fingers before tossing it to her.
— "Let's start with the basics," — he said.
Astrid caught the weapon with ease, without taking her eyes off him. For the next few minutes, Thor demonstrated techniques — how to stand, how to move with agility even while holding a heavy weapon, how to draw strength from the whole body instead of relying solely on arm strength. Astrid watched him closely, trying to replicate each movement with precision.
— Keep your feet apart. Firm stance. Use your hips, not just your arms — he said, positioning himself behind her to adjust her posture. His hands gently touched her shoulders, guiding her movements.
They trained strikes, blocks, kicks, and counterattacks. Sweat began to glisten on their foreheads, but neither of them cared. The shared rhythm of training, the silent understanding between their bodies, created a rare kind of intimacy. They smiled often, even with labored breathing.
Finally, they both collapsed to the ground, sitting side by side on the dirt. Their bodies were tired, but their spirits were lighter. The whole field was wrapped in the warm, glowing hues of dusk. The sun, now half-hidden behind the mountains, cast long shadows and one last orange gleam in the sky.
Astrid took a deep breath and broke the silence.
— "Hey, Thor… do you still remember how we met?"
She rested her head on his shoulder, her gaze fixed on the sky, now tinged with faded purples and golds.
Thor smiled, turning his eyes to the horizon.
— How could I forget? I remember a stubborn little girl who followed me everywhere... just to learn how to master the power of thunder.
He laughed fondly, and the sound mixed with the soft whisper of the wind.
— "One day, I tried to sneak out of the village — and you followed me again. I almost got eaten by a bear."
Astrid laughed softly, her hair brushing against his arm.
— "Do you remember the promise we made that day?"
Thor briefly averted his gaze, a teasing smile on his lips.
— "What promise?"
Astrid poked his ribs with her elbow, just enough to make her point.
— "Don't play dumb, Thor…"
In one swift motion, he pulled her into his lap and wrapped his arms around her. The hug was firm, yet filled with a silent tenderness.
— Yeah… I remember. You promised you'd become the greatest viking of all. And I promised I'd marry you… when that happened.
Astrid said nothing for a while. She gently pressed her face against his chest, listening to the steady rhythm of his heart.
— "Yes…" — she finally whispered, her voice like a prayer carried by the wind.
Thor tightened his arms around her, and for a few precious seconds, time seemed to stop. The sky burned like fire, as if the very universe paused to witness the reunion of two long-entwined souls.
"I never thought I could be this happy," Thor thought, closing his eyes. "I have a family… and two women I love."
He took a deep breath, savoring the scent of her hair, the warmth of her presence, and the quiet peace that surrounded them. The worries of the world faded away, leaving only the beauty of the moment.
In that moment, nothing else mattered.
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