Until They Can Return in Peace - How to Train Your Dragon

Chapter 4 - Hiccup

The aisle felt longer than I presumed as I made my way to the platform in front of the Stoick and dragon monument.

There Gothi stood with her staff and papers in hand.

My stomach felt like it was flipping inside of me. My heart beating so heavily that I could feel it in my throat. I can't believe this day has arrived. There were times I was certain it wouldn't come, but of course we made it.

It's Astrid and me. And that's how it always was and always will be.

I stand on the platform and face my people.

Cheers were heard all around me.

My best friends were in the front behind where Astrid's mother and my mother stood.

Snotlout clearly had an exasperated look on his face. I couldn't help but laugh to myself slightly.

Sure his feelings and intentions for Astrid are gone, but thinking about all those hits and misses he had with her, made me smile at the fact that the twig got her.

Me.

The twins were clapping and pushing each other. Fishlegs got irritated and stepped between them.

'Thank you' I mouth to him from the stage.

He nodded proudly.

Gothi then raised her staff and the crowd fell silent.

Here she comes.

A soft flute began to play from behind me.

Astrid is on her way.

The crowd parted down the middle as it did for me.

My heart rate increasing I look for her.

I see, practically like an angel, her clothed in white and her arm around her father's.

Her eyes meet mine and I almost stumble on my prosthetic leg.

She. Is. Absolutely. Beautiful.

I smile widely as my emotions and passion yank on my tear ducts.

She walks down through the village members proudly with shoulders back, but the softness in her eyes never ceased.

I step down one step and take her hands into mine.

I thank Mr. Hofferson and I help M'lady up the couple of steps.

We then turn to face each other.

Mrs. Hofferson fixes her train so it's spread out evenly.

Gobber welcomes everyone to the union of the Chief and Chieftess.

Gothi hands us our papers.

I see that Astrid has a few and I only have one front and back.

I feel a little guilty for not writing as much.

But my love for her is simple. Real.

She is first to make her vows. I listen intently, with my heart beat matching the rhythm of her words.

Then it's my turn.

I struggle to swallow the lump in my throat as I begin to read my words aloud.

I glance at Astrid every now and then. Her eyes never leave her gaze upon me.

As we finish the vows the crowd now has gone silent. A few sniffs here and there. Mostly from Fishlegs.