I really like this chapter. I feel like I'm back on my game. Enjoy!

Astrid had never been the type of girl to dream about her wedding day. She'd never been the fantasizing type, instead preferring the comfort of reality. But, even as a young girl, she'd always known she would someday wed. It was just that, she never would have guessed she would spend the day like this.

Kneeling on the floor in the most secluded bathroom in the reception hall, trying to keep the vomit off her wedding gown.

She coughed a couple times more, tears leaking to her eyes. Her throat was completely raw, and even swallowing her own spit hurt. She leaned against the stall door and took a deep breath, trying to compose herself again. She didn't want anyone to worry- especially not Hiccup. This was the first time she'd seen him so full of life since he'd lost his father. If he knew she was unwell, it would ruin his night.

She'd bare this on her own.

But when she stood, brushed herself off, and opened the door, she was shocked to see she was not as alone as she had hoped.

"Puking your guts out on your wedding day. How magical."

Ruffnut watched her friend squirm under her gaze and raised an eyebrow.

The bride shrugged slowly. "Must be the nervous jitters."

"You're already married, duh." Ruff scrunched up her nose. "You can't be nervous for the wedding AFTER the wedding."

Astrid flinched internally. Yeah, that was a good point. "Then I must have had too much to drink."

"You haven't had a single glass of anything besides water," the maiden of honor said with a scoff. "I know- I've been watching."

Astrid forced down a nervous giggle and instead put on a tough face. She was out of excuses, so intimidation was the next best option. Trying to come across as angry, she spit out, "Well stop. Maybe I don't like being watched."

The other girl was not concerned in the least. "Too bad." Ruff stood and gently slugged the bride in the shoulder. "It's my job to watch you when I'm worried. That's what friends are for."

A slight frown pulled at the corner of Astrid's lips, and the tough demeanor fell away. "You've been worried? Why?"

Ruff shrugged. "You've been weird lately. And Stormfly has been more than weird. She's been crazy. Like... Craaaaaaaazy." When Astrid looked down, Ruff continued nonchalantly. "I'm not going to make you say anything, but if you ever want to talk, I'm here for you, okay?"

"Yeah," the girl said, relieved for the escape. But then she really thought it over.

The twin before her was her maid of honor. She'd known that Astrid was without a mother to present her, and instead of making her feel dejected and alone, she'd helped her pick out a dress and made her wedding day nearly perfect. She'd taken over the familiar position, and not even raised a single complaint about it. Ruff had even trusted her enough to share how serious she and Eret had become. Wouldn't it be best if Astrid shared her secret with her friend as well? Didn't she owe Ruff that trust?

With a soft smile, Astrid nodded to herself and said, "Well, actually, I guess I should probably tell you-"

Wooden beams and thatched roofing crashed in around the girls, as a frantic screeching rang into their ears. Suddenly, debris and smoke flooded her vision, and Astrid didn't know which way was up anymore. There was a sharp tug on her shoulder, and before she realized it, the bride was a mile up in the air, dangling from Stormfly's claw.

"Ruffnut! Hiccup!" Astrid screamed down towards the earth. But all she received as a reply was a wisp of smoke from the now flaming great hall, as it became engulfed by a raging fire's all consuming maw.

"HICCUP!"