Hiccup wasn't sure if his hand falling off or his face perminaly freezing in a smile would happen first. He had greeted all of the chiefs and leaders that were invited to the wedding. Dagger and Vala were there, as happy as ever. They had ruled Defenders of the Wing together for 3 years now, while Heather had taken on Beserker Island. He spied her talking with Eret next to the big fire in the great hall. Alvin and Atali were chatting in a corner by the front doors, which to be honest made Hiccup a little uneasy. Throk, Minden, the twins and Snotlout were laughing in the back of the hall. The only people he hadn't seen were Fishlegs, Gobber and his mother. He knew his mother had gone to see Astrid. "If only it was tomorrow." He thought. No, because then he'd miss out on everything else. She was the missing piece and without her, he didn't think he could make it as tonight they would be together and alone. Trying not to go down that thought process while so many people were around, he tried to remember where Gobber and Fishlegs were.
Right they had been enlisted by Gothi to make sure the ceremony space was ready and properly blessed. The ceremony would be outside the back of the great hall with the sunsetting behind them. Gothi had blessed them in a smaller ceremony last night so they wouldn't have freshly slaughtered cow around the dragons. The dowry and other matters had also been done last night so that today would feel more like a celebration, instead of business.
Seeing his mother enter, Hiccup rushed over to her. "Hey mom."
"How are you doing?"
"To be honest, I just want to see Astrid."
"Good thing it's time," Valka turned and raised her voice. "As my last duty as Great Lady, I'd like to invite everyone to the ceremony space. Sunset is upon us and the bride is ready. May the Gods bless this union, as it has blessed us all already."
"Thanks mom." Hiccup whispered as they walked outside. All the dragons besides Stormfly were there, with Toothless sitting by where Hiccup would stand. Gothi was there with Gobber, who Astrid had gotten to bathe and wear clean clothes.
The horn sounded. Hiccups cue to look out to the sea. He saw her standing on Stormfly's back as they flew closer. She was the most beautiful thing he had ever seen. She looked like a Queen. Stormfly landed at the back of the group and Astrid slid down her with grace. He saw her take a deep breath and start walking to him. The heart in his chest was hammering against his chest plate. Once she reached him he breathed, "You look amazing."
Blushing she replied, "Don't get used to it." It made them both laugh and relax. "You look very handsome."
When the vows were over. Hiccup and presented each other rings on the flat of the blades they wore. Hiccup giving her his family sword to symbolize her keeping the family name strong for the son she would bear. Her giving him a new blade to show them fighting together as one now. The rings were simple gold except hers had a little night fury scale and his a Nadder. Once the rings were on Hiccup placed his cloak over her shoulders and kissed her. Never had they shared a kiss like this. It was beyond anything they had ever dreamed.
Before Hiccup's head had stopped spinning from the kiss Astrid was pulling him back to the great hall. Once to the door Hiccup picked her up and carried her through the door. With everyone inside Hiccup threw his new sword into the main beam of the great hall, were it sank to the blade. "A long and strong marriage!" Yelled Gobber.
"You figure out the soft spot didn't you" Astrid whispered in his ear on the way up to the main table.
"Of course I did." He smiled at her, "I had to give us the best luck possible."
"Why is that?"
"Because you are could have done more amazing things with your life but you choose to be here. By my side. I know I can be difficult but you are loving me anyway."
"You are everything I never thought to ask for and exactly what I need. What I want everyday for the rest of my life."
"I love you," he said before giving her his, here we go look. "People of Berk and honored guests. My wife and I are go greatful you all could be here for this day. This long awaited day that is a little bittersweet because it isn't what we had planned. We planned on my father being the one to be gloating about what a wonderful, strong and beautiful new daughter-in-law he had. Now my mother gets to."
"I'd shout it from the rooftops!" Valka shouted.
Smiling Hiccup continued, " You all have seen what our partnership has done over the years for Berk. But now as your Chief and Great Lady, things can only get better. To our new Great Lady! Astrid Haddock!"
The shouts were deafening.
Astrid stepped beside Hiccup taking his hand," Thank you everyone. Our amazing cooks have created an amazing feast. So let us begin!"
Many hours of drinking, eating and several embarrassing speeches later It was at last time for Hiccup and Astrid to go home.
"Think we could sneak out?"
"Not even with how drunk almost everyone is. Not to mention it would be against protocol. Which Milady is one of our duties to uphold."
"Fine," she sighed. "Then let's get this over with."
"Just remember, it's only to the door." He gave her a quick kiss before standing, "Everyone thank you again, but I believe it is time for us to depart."