The village stood below, peering up, watery-eyed, at the lovely couple before them. A once young, clumsy and infantile boy, transformed before their eyes into a broad shouldered, self assured, young man. They had seen him take on more as each year had passed, yet it shocked most of them to see him now, with the lovely Astrid. How she had grown as well. Once rather tall and thin, now seemed womanly and tender eyed, outgrowing her Tomboyish attitude.It was the end of winter, with sunny days and a swift warm breeze promising spring. The snow was melting, but still on the ground.

The couple stood, hands clasped, the ceremonial cloth wrapped around their hands, joined in union. Tears would flow from each strong and beaming face, even the reluctant and strong willed.Hiccup tenderly kissed his sweet love, embracing her afterward, kissing her quickly on the nape of her neck. The crowd below bellowed with joy, as the couple bowed and parted through the crowd.The dancing and music, continued long into the night. Astrid and Hiccup snuck away from the group, the music carrying into the night over the cliffs. Shouts of laughter and egging on burst intermittently.