Hiccup

astronomer with an interest in watching for threats from above. he'll let others handle the threats from below, others stronger than him and far more capable in a fight. instead, he studies the skies and keeps an eye out for anything out of the ordinary. the shade did come from the stars, after all, and not even the aethers know of any more detailed origins. who's to say there isn't more of the shade out there; waiting. or something else entirely.

even when not devoting his time to his work, hiccup's love for the skies never allows him to stray far. whether it's watching the clouds or testing the furthest heights he can fly, he knows where his heart lies, and it's not anything he can reach with his feet on the earth.

the aether's return to earth is a bittersweet topic for him. it's amazing to be able to immerse himself in other dragonkind and their cultures. there are things in sornieth that he couldn't even imagine while in orbit. however, it's put him further from the stars than ever. not only does that alter how he approaches his research, for better or worse, but it leaves an ache in his chest that builds when his wings fail to take him as high as he wishes to go.

still, he's a bubbly character, always happy to swap stories with anyone willing. though tread carefully if his work is brought up, he can ramble for hours even after one's eyes have started to glaze over.