Coming down the stairs was always a bothersome ordeal in the morning. He was only partially awake and the steps were obviously made for someone much larger than himself, while he had grown over the years it still often felt like a treacherous decent. First thing he noticed when reaching the bottom of the flight that there was a fire lit. Having untended flame in a house compelled most of wood and stone was never the brightest idea- but then for whatever reason it also appeared to be an odd white color not common of the element. He reached for a bucket of water but before he could douse the fire there was a knock at the door.

The hour was still early so he was confused about the nature of the visitor. He set the bucket back down and went to open the door. “Astrid!” He gasped a bit surprised, vaguely remember taking off in hurry when she had been trying to get his attention yesterday. “What… are you doing here?…” Cold air was rushing in, winter having descended quickly upon Berk. The girl elbowed her way in.

“I want to know what that was about?” Before he could deny whatever she was accusing him of she went on. “You just… took off! And no one knew where you had gone.”

“You know Astrid.” He braved, “I can make my own decisions, I don’t have to always check in with someone.” 

She slugged him in the arm, hard, enough to stumble him back a step. “It started to storm and you were yet to come back. I had worried something had happened to you and Toothless.”