voice; un: hiccup haddock

[thisisamazing]

[That's a distinctive nasally tone coming in over the voice channel this fine morning.] Hi. Hey. It's Hiccup. I'm, uh- Hello to the newest arrivals. This is partly to uh- sometimes we don't always, show up with everything we'd like to have, so if you plan to go past the wall and don't have weapons or armor, I run the Forge just outside town with Percy. We're both smiths and we do commission work, so- you know. If you need anything. We also do enchantments! Mostly me.

But-! That's not, really what I'm here for today. [He has more important priorities right now than advertising the Forge.] I thought I'd try asking around, since- Well. I need to find a Bond, or potential Bond, for my friend. Preferably a Monster, but uh, at this point even a Witch would be better than nothing. My friend is- a little irritable sometimes, but he's a really good guy, and he's very talented and smart, and has some pretty neat hobbies. They should be patient and have a sense of humor, and be willing to keep him from working too hard once in a while. To- to be a friend.

So, um. Let me know, and I can set you up to see if things work out! [A pause.] This really is for a friend, by the way, not... not me. [Yeah that's convincing. He manages to tell the truth and still sound like he's being avoidant of the truth somehow.]

Comments

[thisisamazing]

Yeah, maybe, I'd have to- I'm not sure who else he knows. Percy's not the kind of guy who... who socializes much, I think. I'll keep trying, though. I'm not just going to let him- if I have to, I can try, I just think it wouldn't go well with us both being Witches and my other bond also being a Witch, you know? It could make things worse, or I would, in a heartbeat.

[And that's part of why Hiccup feels so helpless here. There isn't a good way for a Witch to help a Witch when it comes to Bonding, not unless it's their only Bond or someone else has a Monster Bond.]

Oh, no, I couldn't ask you to- The thing is, I don't know when he might be in danger. He's lasted a while so far, but... it just feels like it could go bad any time.

[freeing]

It is a difficult task. As much as they present a choice to us... it's thinly veiled. [ There is no choice. Bonding ensures safety and stability. A concept that was foreign to her. ] Ser Percy has been kind to me and I enjoy his company – if there is anything I can do to assist, please allow me to do so.

[ She takes care of her people!! ]

Pride and fear are dangerous things, do ensure he does not allow that to cloud his judgment at the risk of his own safety.

[thisisamazing]

It's not like they can help that, though. Bonding is safer for us. That's just how it is. [To Hiccup, whose bonds with a small b have always been important to him anyway, it's less of a major adjustment. He also got lucky to find a partner he's wholly comfortable with.] If it comes to that, I'll let you know. He's... he's gotten to be a really good friend of mine, so- I just want to help him.

[He lets out a humorless laugh.] I'm definitely trying. I've brought it up a few times now. He just keeps insisting he's fine.

[freeing]

He is quite closed off. [ She admits, without holding her tongue. There are definitely some thoughts on the Bonds with a capital B, but she had only just begun to understand their power. If this was the world's way of ensuring a balance between witches and monster – she'll play along, but she still misses such a freedom. To fight her own fates. ] And a bit stubborn.

[ However, there's a small worry in her voice. ]

But he is someone I worry about. We know not of each other's lives or the depths of our morals but I believe him to be a good man, one who is willing to fight. As such, I would find no shame in fighting for him as well. I value kindness, justice, and loyalty – he has only shown me such since we met.

[thisisamazing]

[His laugh here is undeniably fond.] 'A bit stubborn' is putting it lightly. He could have given my father a run for his money. [Hiccup knows stubborn. Hiccup is stubborn. That's the only reason he's giving this a try, to see if anybody who might eventually work out pops up.

And then his tone softens a little.] I believe you. He's- He is a good person. He's been a good friend to me too. If it gets worse, we can bring it up with him, even just as a temporary suggestion to buy him more time.