Lady-von-Bielefeld: (Comes out of an old door and starts brushing away cobwebs) Helloooo! Anybody still there? HuhuhuHahaha! (Scratches head sheepishly) Sorry it took longer than expected but big fat life got in the way and I couldn't escape that alternate universe even if I want to. (Sighs) ANYWAYS; I know you guys were expecting the LAST CHAPTER, well it is (1 out of 2 anyway), I hope you don't mind that I chopped it off into two, but you see, it already reached 16,000 words and NO! I'm not going to torture your eyes with that much! (Even I'd die reading that much in one blow). The next chapter will be updated on Sunday, it's already typed, edited and ready to launch, just tweaking it some more for more….uhhh feels (fingers crossed), but it's already 90% done, so expect that on SUNDAY! ;)
Fair warning to everyone; this is going to be a weird, random paced, half chapter. But if you feel like you can handle it, then by all means, READ ON!
This Chapter is dedicated to: Guest1, hpnarutardsjedipirate1234 , GwuncanGirl0203, Somebody105, A Simple Cup, FireyIceGirl, a random person, DarkKingM, Q-A the Authoress, Mikowmer, century99, AllyDarkKISS, Jack, Heylin, Flybykid, jacobblu2000, Guest 2, Thorongil82, InfinitiumAce, mikotomisaka1422, Another Guest, m4yui, Hiccstrid4eva, JustTheViking, Guest3 and FAMEous21
To my dearest, clueless friends who never comes here and keeps on pestering me to stop typing on my ipad or stop writing on my notepad every chance I get; Digna, Francel Klaudine, Edwoell Jude, Eiya Marie Joy, Shiela Mae, Ryan, Daniel Kristoffer, Chrisselle Marie, Pamela Kae, Dana Bettina, Honey Mae, Amadeo Jose, Lawrence Gerard, Jeffrey…. Still love you guys! :D
To Dearest Lady, who inspires me with no end! The rendition of "Do You Wanna Build A Snowman" was EPIC beyond belief! It's actually thanks to you that updated today, I saw it today and I was like….meh! What the hell! :D (Though I doubt you'll get anything out of this one, wait for the second half)
To Warrior of Spectra who's as delightful as a basket of sweet butter biscuits. :)
To SapphiresAndPineapples my forever, Fendassa! :) TUFFendassa is LOVE! Hahahaha
To InfinitiumAce, taking your advice, brother! I'm chopping it off! ;) NO MORE ONIONS FOR YOU! BOOOOO!
Disclaimer: I simply do not own Dreamwrorks' How To train Your Dragon and any other DreamWorks characters as well. But that doesn't stop my freaking imagination to go wild on them, so yeah. :D
To Be With You
By: Lady-von-Bielefeld
Chapter 21: To Be With You (1/2)
It happened again. After two years of waking up to a lovely, long stemmed, weird looking rose, outside her bedroom balcony, Astrid shouldn't be surpirsed by now. But she always was especially when the peculiar looking roses would come in a variety of exquisite colors; one that she has never seen before. She peeked outside her window, seeing the flower at the rim. Yesterday it was charlois lavender; today it was a mixture of sea blue and green. Huh, weird. Not exactly the ideal flower color but it was beautifully weird all the same.
She immediately opened the door that connected her room to her veranda, feeling the cold, almost-winter breeze. She shuddered as she made her way out, tiptoeing lightly towards the edge. She smiled, picking up the budding, bizarre looking rose. It was a rose, wasn't it? It looked like a rose, it had that form, that many petals….only, the petals were… differently shaped to make it look like a dragon's wing, it made it look like it was alive and dancing even without its roots, even without the wind. She had always loved these budding flowers, regardless of its eccentricity.
The first time she got a rose, it happened a month after the war. The flower was placed under her axe, outside her balcony. She was throwing a temper tantrum, the previous night, pressures of ruling, not to mention nursing a broken heart, not to mention the relentless pestering of suitors; both foreign and native, got to her. She threw her axe within the branches of the nearby tree in her terrace with a hard thump. She wanted to get it herself, but her frustration towards everything else made her extremely too tired and too drained already. In the end, she opted to let the guards get it the next day.
And the next day, the strangest thing happened. Even before waking up to give orders, she found her axe, outside her balcony, on top of a long stemmed, weird looking rose. And that was that. She got one, every morning. She told Ruffnut about it and the Thorston girl laughed and teased her of having an ugly looking suitor. Ruffnut described the ugliest, most gruesome, weird looking man she can think of. And when Astrid raised a questioning brow at her, she clarified that whoever was sending them, must look weird to be afraid to come out of the open and give it himself. Either that or he was just weirdly shy. And Astrid wanted to think the latter.
Finally, curiosity got the best of her. She finally decided to wait for the said admirer. And she was relieved and amazed at the same time, to find not a person, but a dragon with no rider, bringing in the delicate blossoms.
Their first meeting was so surreal. She had always known that dragons liked her but this beast nuzzled against her the moment she appeared. As if he knew her, as if he knew her completely. Huh, really weird! And to top it all off, she felt a hint of familiarity with the beast, that perhaps maybe, she did knew this stormcutter. But she couldn't remember. Where have I seen you before?
She asked Fishlegs about it, and he gave her the simplest explanation, saying that most storm cutters are just loyal like that; when they feel an utter connection to a human, they'd shower them with sweet gestures of gifts and love. That's just how they are. Just like how a stormcutter in one of the tales of Lady Bielefeld would bring gold to her master every single day, to make him fall in love with her, but that's another story. ;)
She smiled, shaking her head. Wherever Cloudjumper gets this odd blossoms was still a mystery to her but she didn't pushed the subject, especially not to the dragon that snorted and grunted every time she asked.
Cloudjumper, the stormcutter dragon didn't like people much. He'd never let anyone see him, which was strange because he always showed himself to Astrid, carrying these flowers that were so unknown yet so hauntingly familiar to her. He never came out in the morning. He was just, always there at night, at Astrid's balcony, and then gone before the sun rises to go where no one goes. He would disappear into the clouds, as if jumping motionlessly, effortlessly, gracefully until he eventually became one with the cottons of the sky. And that gave her the idea for the name Cloudjumper.
She always said that she would follow him on Stormfly one of these days to find out where exactly they are coming from. But she never could for two particularly good reasons; too busy and too tired. Being the queen of a rising kingdom is definitely a taxing job.
She fiddled the rose on her fingers, surprisingly, there were no thorns. She's always wondered whether Cloudjumper took care of the thorns or there were no thorns to begin with. Her mind was just wandering to the beautiful place filled with these bizarre roses, a place she had dreamed of before, a place that was so eloquently familiar when a knock on her door dragged her back to reality.
"Wake up, sunshine! Today is a big day!" Ruffnut sang, coming in, not even bothering to wait for a response. Astrid winced at her shrieking voice. The girl could not sing! Bless her heart for trying but dear Odin, take out her vocal chords, please! She had thought.
She winced more when she saw two of her ladies in waiting come in, carrying an assorted set of fine-looking colorful gowns and jewelries beyond the richest of the world, mocking her to get dress. It was that time of the year, again.
"Just because you have a date to the festival doesn't mean you should be cheery and sing-y about it." She rolled her eyes, crossing her arms on her chest.
"Just because you don't doesn't mean you should be grumpy about it." Ruffnut answered, deadpan.
She laughed at Ruffnut's smug expression. "You're lucky. Fishlegs is the sweetest!" She meant it, because, he really was.
"I know." She said nonchalantly, eyes flickering with a hint of doubt.
"First you were all sing-y and happy and now your monotonous?" She asked raising a brow.
Ruffnut sighed and jumped on Astrid's too soft bed. "It's nothing." She said looking anywhere else but her.
"Really?" Astrid glared at her. "I think I know you better than that." She motioned her ladies in waiting to go and when they did, she plopped down beside her best friend.
"Okay, spill."
"It's nothing."
"Spill or I'll pummel the information out of you!"
"As if you can." Ruffnut rolled her eyes.
"RUFF-NUT!" Astrid warned.
She sighed again, remembering her woes. "It's been two years." She said looking up at the ceiling. It's been two years since she and Fishlegs started dating.
"You're lucky. Most don't have that privilege." She smiled. Because she knew it's true. She never did, but she's not complaining. It's a choice. Really. It's her choice.
"I'm not finished!" Ruffnut snapped.
"Go on then."
"It's been two years and he hasn't popped the question yet."She started, a little embarrassed that this was bothering her. But why shouldn't she be bothered? Most men don't take that long and she can't exactly find a reason why he was delaying it; as much as power or riches or political positions were concern, they were both from noble families, after all. So why was he postponing it? Unless he doesn't particularly like the idea of marrying her which only gave Ruffnut an even harder time deciding whether this relationship will work out or not. Because most couples in this era would only take a few months before they decide to take it to that level, and for them it's been years and yet…
Oh screw this! Even Tuffnut is engaged to that daredevil Fendassa and they've only been a couple of months in dating!
She grunted at the thought and continued. "I mean, what is he waiting for, an invitation? We're both past the marrying age; you know that, I know that, he knows that, the freaking kingdom knows that!" She motioned to her hands in irritation. "Is he expecting me to do it myself? Ugh! Men of this generation, honestly! What a bunch of-" She stopped; coming to hear Astrid's loud laughs.
"I'm so glad you're amused." Ruffnut said in sarcasm.
"I can't believe you're worrying about that! Fishlegs loves you! It's as plain as day! Everyone knows that! Don't tell me you don't feel that?"
"I do. It's just-"
"It's just that you're pissed off that Tuffnut is getting married first and it's always a competition between you two about whose winning." Astrid explained rolling her eyes.
"In my defense, Legs and I have been together way longer than they have!"
Astrid glared at her. Don't give me that sheep of an explanation.
"Fine! But it's not just about that!" She grunted. "I'm a little pissed that my idiot of a brother gets the idea of marriage and my supposed to be intelligent man doesn't!"
"Do you want to get married to 'Legs?"
"If I wouldn't, I wouldn't be mopping here now would I?" She pouted and Astrid laughed; a good hearty laugh.
"Again with the inappropriate laughing!"
"Funny how the tables have turned. I had boy problems, two festivals ago. Remember? Now it's your turn." Oh how the mighty have fallen! Who would have thought; Tough, rough, Ruffnut, worrying about a boy. Now I've seen everything!
"Ohhh yeah." Ruffnut remembered, blinking. "You were worrying about if Hic-errr, he was feeling the same way about you."
There was silence in the room. And Ruffnut couldn't distinguish if it's the good or bad kind, but judging from Astrid's calm smile, she hoped it was the latter. That didn't stop Ruffnut from feeling obliged to break it though.
"Never mind. That's stupid." She suddenly felt like an idiot naming he-who-must-not-be-named (Lord Voldemort? Hahaha)
"It's okay. You can say it. I don't mind."
"You don't?" She questioned.
"Not anymore." She smiled serenely, showing no hint of sarcasm. I'm okay, now.
"Okay then, Hiccup." She eyed Astrid thoughtfully.
"Hiccup." Astrid nodded. She didn't even flinch.
"Hiccup." Ruff said again, looking at her.
"Hiccup." She answered without missing a beat.
"Wow! You have mastered the art of pretending!" Ruffnut said, staring at her eyes.
"The art of forgiving and forgetting, more like it." She said with a frown. She had heard news about Hiccup, no doubt about that. He was the almighty king after all, of the ever powerful kingdom. Rumors, news about him was only normal. Just as how rumors or news about Astrid was normal to other kingdoms. She heard about the facts that his condition stayed unchanged, that he never did recover his loss of memories, but despite the lack of recollections, he was able to lead Norranian into the light in a way that only Hiccup can. And she was proud of that. She was proud of him and that made her easily forgive him for everything; for every hurt, every sorrow, every heart shattering achethat he caused. And forgiving him made it easier to forget about him… eventually. It was the best, after all. She still thought about him once in a while and she was pompous that when she did it wouldn't hurt as much as before, that the pain was starting to become bearable until eventually she could think of him without feeling anything at all. Forgiving and forgetting him was the best decision.
"I was only kidding!" Ruffnut defended, coming to hug the queen of the small yet proudly strong kingdom. Astrid was taken aback. She was not used to Ruffnut being all this affectionate towards her. But she hugged her back anyway. Because…just because she was really okay now.
"I'm happy for you, As." Ruffnut really was; all those months pretending not to see her cry or struggle were heart breaking even for her, as the best friend. What more for Astrid who was actually going through it. She was glad, extremely happy for her that she has recovered from all this. "You deserve to be happy."
"You too." Astrid smiled, tightening the hug. "And I'm happy for you and 'Legs."
"Don't be happy for me! I'm not engaged yet!" She said plopping back down the bed.
"Then, should I tell Fishlegs to-" Sometimes, men need a good push to realize what women want, and she was willing to push Fishlegs all the way for Ruffnut.
"Don't even dare! Let him figure that out on his own!" She hissed.
"Okay then, but don't be surprised if I get married first." Astrid warned. She stuck out her tongue.
"Oh, real mature, Astrid." Ruffnut rolled her eyes, sticking out her tongue lower than Astrid's. They laughed. It was only through closed doors that they acted childish and goofy, and only with each other. Now that Astrid was queen and Ruffnut has taken charge of the War Tactics Academy (Being the bearer of light of Wisdom as instructed in Old Lady Gothi's will), they never really have time for that. On special, joyous occasions like this, however, they can. Even just for a little while, they can.
"I'll never forgive you if you and Tuffnut get married before me! That's just insane!" She waved her hands in frantic speed. Tuffnut's getting married in the spring and if Astrid gets married after that, before her, than the whole world will be a mess.
"Besides, you can't get married first. You don't even have a potential lover." She rolled her eyes.
"Who says I don't?" Astrid looked at her with plate-like innocent eyes. Too innocent if you ask me.
"Oh my gods. I know that look!" She accused as if it was a crime. "You're in love!"
"Maybe." Astrid winked.
"Who?!" She demanded, shaking the queen's shoulder to spill.
Astrid shrugged, not answering. A smile, tugging her lips in a teasing, tricking matter. A smile just like his.
"Oh my gods. It's Prince Jack, isn't it!"
The music sounded magical; calming even the stormiest thoughts or emotions. The smell of delicious delicacies tainted the air, alluring the people to have a taste. The gigantic bond fire, in the middle of the dance floor provided warmth from the almost winter breeze. The town's square was enchanting. The thousand lights sparkled in the night, making Ingeborg glimmer like a precious gem that was filled with flowers and lights and lanterns, all picturesque; greeting and impressing the people, (both Ingeborgnians and their guests) a happy Ingeborg Festival. It's there 177th celebration and Astrid couldn't be prouder.
She was proud of Ingeborg, all it has achieved in just a couple of years. She was proud of her people, how they managed to pull it through, and even though it sounds a little selfish, she was proud of herself too.
She was okay, now. It might not be that happiness yet.
Automatically she looked at Ruffnut and Fishlegs on the dance floor, swaying to the music, radiating that glow of happiness. Ruffnut looked at her and waved her hand, the one that Fishlegs put a ring on, just a few moments ago.
Turns out, he didn't need a push, he was just waiting for the right timing and when he proposed to her the exact moment the bonfire was being lit, even Astrid was mesmerized. No one could have time that more perfectly; no one except Fishlegs.
And now, as she was smiling at the newly engaged couple, she can say truly say she was happy for them. I'm happy for you, Ruff.
She might not have that happiness, yet. Not yet that sunshine eyed, world spinning, and heart's colliding kind of happiness that she sees in her friends and the many couples on the dance floor. But she was okay. And being okay was better compared to that heart wrenching, world crushing feeling before. She was okay, now. And that's what matters. Sooner or later, she will get there. Soon. She promised her heart.
She felt a tap on her shoulder.
"You're looking ravishing tonight, your majesty." Little Gustav Larson cleared his throat. "May I have this dance?"
"Little Gustav!" He wasn't that little anymore but he was still two heads shorter than her. But what did you expect from a ten year old?
"Don't you look, dashing?" She beamed, giving him a once over, noting the golden sword, carefully tucked at his side. She smiled at the familiarity, heart twitching slightly as she missed her good friend. Snotlout would have wanted him to have it. Of course he did. He was his 'mini me' after all.
"So-" He stopped, adjusting his Viking Helmet that was still too big for him. "Dance?"
She smiled at him knowingly and hunkered down so they could meet at eye level. "I would but I wouldn't want to keep you away from your adoring fans now, would I?" She grinned at the group of girls that was huddled behind him, giggling.
"Who, them? No! Girls are gross. I want a woman." He said wiggling his eyebrows cutely. He was beginning to act more and more like Snotlout every day. Astrid stifled a laugh.
"What? Is it because of my height?" He asked too innocent. "Because I am going to grow more."
"No." She was trying her best not to laugh.
"Am I not muscular enough for you?" He inquired. "Because I'm working on it. I uh-I'm working out. You should see me sometimes to work out, because you look like you work out, but not that much. You know the perfect amount."
"No. It's not because of the height or the muscles." She said patting his head like the kid that he is. Gods, she misses Snotlout. She could have sworn that that was him talking right there.
"Then what is it?" Little Gustav asked genuinely hurt. She swore that pouting face is the cutest thing she's seen all night.
"It's because-"How could she put this bluntly? Uhhh, I'm twice your age? Or is he going to come up with a counter argument for that?
"It's because she's with me." Snow white, grayish hair and icy blue eyes met hers. And instantly she smiled and nodded.
Maybe, sooner than you think. Her mind whisperd to her heart.
Little Gustav looked from Astrid to Jack, to Astrid and back to Jack again.
"Prince Jack Frost! A worthy competitor!" He said stepping over to shake his hand. Jack took it all too willingly.
"Little Gustav Larson." He beamed.
"It's Gustav! I'm not little anymore." The younger one defended, heading back to his swarm of girls.
"Right."
"I will come back for her, you know." He said not looking back.
"Of course, you will. See you, Gustav!" Jack waved animatedly earning a laugh from the queen.
"I swear, I could have sworn that was Snotlout!" Jack shook his head remembering the late noble. He doesn't know how much effect he has on everybody. How much they still miss him, until now.
"My thoughts exactly." Astrid said hooking her hands on Jack's. "So…dance?"
"Dance." He nodded.
She let Jack led her to the dance floor and they swayed with the rhythm of the song.
"I thought I had to beg you or something, seeing your sudden horde of fans." He winked towards the line of men grunting and wailing, some probably cursing at him. Not one of them were brave enough to ask for her first dance that evening.
She laughed. "You know I always dance with you, first. I have no choice. It's tradition." She shrugged, recalling all the years she had danced with him, in every Ingeborg festival for the past 17 years. He was always the dance partner she never rejected. And probably the life partner you'll never reject as well, she had thought to herself but shook it off as quickly as it came.
"No choice, really? Jeez thanks." He rolled his eyes playfully, causing Astrid to laugh. See there, no one can make you laugh like he does! She shook her head again. What is wrong with her trail of thoughts lately?
"You okay?" He asked checking her forehead. "You're all red."
"It's nothing." She willed herself to stay calm. "Just tired, I guess."
He looked at her suspiciously but he let it go. He had more important things to think about, not that her health isn't important to him, it is. Very important, especially now that Jack was planning… Jack is planning…Why is it so hard? You've done it before. You told her before! Come on, out with it! Jack cleared his throat, remembering what he came here to tell her.
But he couldn't. He just couldn't, yet. So he opted for another topic.
"How's your dad?"
"He's okay. He's still receiving treatment. Most days he just wanders around the castle."
"Still not speaking?"
She shook her head. It's been two years and her dad still not uttered a single word to anyone, not even her. "The healers say its selective muteness, post trauma."
"I never thought I'd miss hearing his snarky comments about me not wanting to dance with anyone else at this particular festival." He laughed. She did too.
"He likes that you're always the first to ask me to dance though, because after you, other men would be brave enough to ask." She gestured towards the crowd of men now starting to form a line, arranging themselves in order of who came first to who came in last.
"What is up with the growing number of suitors?" He tried to ask casually, abruptly. "I mean, they're more than last year."
She cocked her head to the side and glared at the swarm of princes and knights and other nobles from other kingdoms, all hoping to woo her. She hated the attention.
"I think it has something to do with me, doubling my kingdom's population in less than two years. I mean, come on, Jack! Who doubles their population in the midst of war? It's only been two years and we've already gained more political alliance than we had hoped for." She chimed, happily. "Now, that, my friend, is power!" She raised her fist proudly.
"And the fact that Vikings are here has nothing to do with it?" He raised his brow. Truth be told, people though it was wise to form an allegiance with the Kingdom who still had Vikings. And the only Kingdom that had their trust was Ingeborg.
"Oh…you know. They came for the Vikings but they stayed for my charms."
"Astrid Hofferson, are you bragging to me?" He sounded shocked but a trace of a smile can be seen on his face. He always did enjoy teasing her, especially when she reacts so-
WHACK! Yup. He loves that.
"Shut up, you know I was only kidding!" She glared, her cheeks turning red. She didn't want people to hear that all the glory and success so far has already gone to her head. Because it hasn't. Her feet were still solely on the ground. And she just didn't what to think of what will happen if the people hear such comments; that she's an arrogant, know-it-all-
"You don't need to. What you've done is... It's worth bragging about. You're worth bragging about." He smiled, running a hand on the shoulder she just hit. Damn, this girl can hit!
"Thanks." She kept her chin up. Maybe it was okay to brag after all.
"Seriously though, I'm amused to know that despite being queen you still find it, in you to punch so hard!"
"Queen or no queen, I can still take you on." She glowed with pride. And he loved it. He loves her. He couldn't contain himself, he pinched her cheeks.
"I know! You're so adorable! And to think, after all these years I'm only letting you hit me!"
She glared at him, slapping his hands away. What do you mean you're letting me?
"Yeah right. And I'm betrothed to Prince Hans of the Southern Isles over there." She gestured to the tall, charming prince up in front of the line, wearing white with copper red hair. Hans noticed her looking and he kneeled down, asking for a dance. She frowned at him and then rolled her eyes.
"You are?" Jack sounded more alarmed than he let on. He glared at the Prince. "No, Astrid! Anyone but him! I know him! He's just looking for a way to marry into the throne, being the thirteenth in line in the Southern Isles kingdom." He said exasperated, waving his arms around; a gesture too familiar for Astrid. A gesture someone else is good at it. She shook the thought off immediately.
"So says the prince who is the fourth in line to the kingdom of Iceton." She smiled, genuinely pleased at his concern.
Jack snorted. "Between you and me, fourth is a lot better than thirteenth! I mean, hello! Unlucky number." He rolled his eyes. "Besides, 'Hans' what kind of stupid name is that. It's like they can't think of anything besides a part of the bod-"
"Jack!" She cut her off. "What's this about?"
"I-its just that, you're perfect! And he's not!" She smiled at the compliment but she shook her head.
"You and I both know, I'm not."
"Shut up. You're freaking perfect!" He said, straight on without hesitation. Because for him, she is perfect. Everything about her; from the roots of her hair to the nails of her toes screams perfection. And don't let him get started on her characteristics traits that scream bloody perfect! And he was so utterly fascinated that she didn't see that.
She shook her head, lightheaded. She tugged him lower in a tight embrace. Only Jack made her feel more than the sum of her parts. Only Jack made her feel flawless, perfect, the best. And she was grateful.
"Thank you, Jack. You're perfect too." And she meant it. Because despite every trickery ways, every cruel joke, she knows that he is. For her, he is.
"Hey, Astrid. Do you love me?" He asked in between the hug.
"You know I do."
"Will you do something for me?"
"Anything." She hummed with the music. This is what it feels like to have an amazing friend.
"Will you marry me?" He whispered but she heard. Immediately she pulled out from the hug and stared at him.
"Are you proposing to me, again?" She eyed him suspiciously. Jack had always joked about the matter time and time again. But when Astrid looked at him, for the first time, she saw no hints of tricks or jokes or puns. She looked at his icy bluish eyes that somehow glowed in the twinkling lights of the festival. And for the first time since she knew him, for the first time in the past 17 years, she felt her heart skipping a beat for Jack.
"You don't get it, do you? I have always loved you." He said, smiling sheepishly. He knows that she knows that, but he still felt that he needed to say it.
"I love you now, Astrid. And I know you do too. And I know that what we're feeling for each other is not that kind of love yet... And I'm not promising we'll get there soon, because it's going to take time. It's going to take much effort from the both of us. But I'm willing... I'm willing to start. Heck, I'll court you, forever if you want. And I promise you, As long as you're trying, I'm staying."
She felt her eyes tearing up. Suddenly, she knew what she needed to do. Jack, of course it should be Jack! Of course he's not kidding (well this time, he's not). They made a promise, didn't they? Last two festivals ago that when they turned twenty-two and they were both still unmarried, they'd have each other; to have and to hold, for always. They always said they have each other's back. They always said they'll be forever and what could be more 'forever' than marriage? It was the perfect set-up for two imperfect souls who brought out the perfection in each other.
Sure they don't love each other like that but they'll get there. Most Eros kind of love does have the tendency to turn into Philos overtime, especially after marriage. What's to say their Philos won't turn to Eros after they married? They will get there; she was so sure of it. Eventually they will, and something told Astrid that Jack, being who he is, all charming and kind and sweet and brave, and loving will make it easier for her. Jack will make it easier for her to love him. Jack was never hard to love. Never.
She held up her hand and touched both sides of his face. "If anyone' going to marry me, I want someone who loves me for all the right reasons." Jack loves everything about her even if he does without that love.
His face fell. "So... No?" He asked, looking down.
WHACK! "No one loves me more than you, Jack Frost, prince of Iceton" She smiled, smoothing the now reddening forearm she just punched. That's it, right? No one loves her more. It's always been Jack. "Yes." She whispered. No one else but Jack.
Jack let go of the breath he had been holding. He grinned at Astrid, kissed her forehead and unhooked her golden necklace at the back. The golden lace held the ring he had given her, two years ago; the ring that he had asked her to keep until he found the most important woman in his life. Turns out, it was her all along. Who's more important than your best friend?
So with a swift movement of his fingers, he took the ring, propped down on one leg, kneeling right there and then, in the middle of the dance floor, for all the spectators to see. The music quiet down and the people stared at the two for a moment before Jack spoke.
"Fearless Astrid Hofferson, Queen of Ingeborg, ruler of Vikings, my best friend. " He paused for effect. "Will you marry me?"
The crowds gasped in their feet. There came uproar of protests from the swarm of suitors as they waited for the queen's response, eagerly. Even Tuffnut, who was dancing with his fiancee Fendassa waited in expectancy.
"You're just showing off!" She whispered so only he could hear but she was smiling while she said it. Her smile widened and with a few shakes of her head, she said. "YES!"
The crowd erupted with cheers, of course there were a few mournful roars and Jack couldn't help but hug his now fiancee, facing the mournful of suitors and raising his thumb up at them. "Now that's showing off!" He winked at Astrid and she laughed.
It took two weeks for the preparation to be completed. Two weeks of flying around from kingdom to kingdom, preparing documents, flowers, forging traditions. It took two weeks to conceptualize a theme, to prepare the list of food and special celebratory drinks and guests. It took two weeks to send out invitations, to make the gown, the dresses, to ready the two kingdoms that will now be joined through marriage. Iceton has always, always been an alliance of the Ingeborg kingdom; the marriage that will happen will only formalize that unspoken agreement.
It took two weeks but they finally got it all ready. Everything is ready. Everything is perfect. Just one more night, and tomorrow their forever starts.
On the night before the wedding, Astrid couldn't sleep despite the numerous attempts to. She embraced the uncertain feeling as something normal, something all brides must have gone through before the day of their wedding. Cold feet? Yes, that was absolutely normal. Its normal, Astrid. Calm down.
She grunted beneath her furs, feeling her eyelids heavy. She really needed to get some rest. They can't have a sleep deprived bride on her wedding day! She needed to relax. She attempted to close her eyes shut, but just like hours before she just couldn't reach that sweet, sweet place where dreams await.
She sighed, sitting up. She pulled on her robe and started towards the door hoping that maybe, just maybe a night walk would do her some good.
She roamed inside the castle aimlessly, walking and walking and walking, having no idea where to go. She originally planned to take a stroll outside the palace walls but the air was far too cold already. And unlike the Frosty Prince Jack of Iceton, the cold did bother her. Not because she was vulnerable in it, but mostly because she didn't want to go around, catching a cold. She had to be responsible. She had to take care of herself, for Ingeborg, for her people. She thought it funny that even at the night of her wedding, she was still thinking about her people. Rulers are like that, she muses, always prioritizing for the sake of others.
She found solace in the corners of the halls. There was something about the quiet of the night that gave her peace. Yes, she found peace of mind, even just for a little bit, even just for a while.
She stopped mid tracks, in front of her father's bedroom. Her feet had taken her there without her realizing it. She blinked several times, contemplating on whether to come in or not. She hesitated for a moment but felt that it was only right to check up on him.
When she peeked into the room, panic rushed through her as she noted that her father was not in his bed, again. She almost ran to tell the guards to prepare a frantic search party, when she heard a cough inside the room. She adjusted her eyes to the dark and saw King Gustav the Great, sitting by the window, in the far end corner of the room. He looked so much older, so much weaker, and so much inferior to the good old king that Astrid grew up with. His hair had more grey than brown now, his eyes was dull and lost its usual sparkle. His face remained passive, remained stoic, remained undeniably handsome, despite his condition.
He sat there, looking outside his window, covered in moonlight as he stared blankly into the night sky.
"Great Odin's Beard, dad! You scared me!" Astrid sat beside him, holding his too big callous hands. "I thought you went missing again." She tried to laugh but failed miserably.
"How are you, dad?" She asked searching his face. He locked his eyes with her for a moment and Astrid swore she saw his eyes twinkle. But his eyes drifted back into the starry night.
He'd been that way ever since he woke up from his coma. He barely makes eye contact anymore, he barely speaks, barely shows any signs of emotion. He's just there, physically there. But his senses, his thoughts, his words, everything that made him who he is, was gone. He became idle, unresponsive, like a body without a soul. They always said that he wouldn't make it, that he was a goner, and that there was nothing for him to come back to, that it was hopeless. There was nothing or no one that can pull him back from the abyss of his thoughts.
But Astrid remained Thor headed and stubborn. She was her father's daughter after all, and if there was someone who said that there's no hope for King Gustav the Great. It should be her. But she never lost hope. How could she, when at times that she thought she loss herself, her dad had been there to help her. Her dad trusted her, believed in her and she saw it fit and right to do the same. If King Gustav is dead (mentally, emotionally dead) like they said he was, he shouldn't be here now would he. Astrid believed that he stayed for a reason, he could have easily gone to Valhalla if he wanted, he's lived a good life, his wife was waiting there but why didn't he go? Why didn't he? Astrid believed he choose to stay. That it's his choice. Because, maybe because, he was still needed here, for times unfathomable, for times uncertain, for times like this one.
"I couldn't sleep, dad." She started gazing at the stars as well. "I wonder, are all brides like this on the night before their wedding?"
Silence. "Oh, you know! The thrill, the excitement, the happiness! The overflowing feeling of...love." Her voice fell flat in the last word. She felt her throat getting dry.
She sighed, feeling solely, utterly, empty. She looked at King Gustav and for the first time since his accident, for the first time since his coma, Astrid felt her father's attention focused on her.
"Jack's going to be the best husband!" She tried to sound excited but failed despondently! What was wrong with her, this wedding jitters were getting more out of hand. Just a few moments ago, she was so excited about the wedding. And now, she was just uncertain. She shook her head. Don't even go there, Astrid!
"He's charming and sweet. And he's caring, kind-hearted and he's my best friend!" She felt her heart sank with her words. What in Thor's name?!
He continued looking at her. His gaze, steady and unwavering. As if he knows something she doesn't. Or maybe he knows something she does, but is just too stubborn, too hardheaded or too hurt before to admit. NO! Snap out of it!
"Don't look at me like that, dad!" She felt defensive.
"You know choosing Jack is what's best. You know who he is, and you know how he is. He's so easy to love, dad. And I... I'm so lucky! I'm so lucky to have him!" She almost shouted, hoping her words will wake her up from the chasm that she is now entering. A feeling she swore, on her life that will never haunt her again. She felt her heart twitching. Even just slightly, her heart was shuddering.
She shifted uncomfortably under his scrutinizing gaze, his expression changing from stoic to unbelieving. She looked at him for a moment, searching him, begging for a sign... Anything.
"I know you're there, dad. Tell me what to do. Go on, I'm listening." She whispered, wiping her face with the heels of her hands. She waited for a few moments but he just stayed there, silent as a rock.
She shook her head and smiled. Really? All her crying was not going to make her dad feel better. All her crying won't make her feel relieved. She knows that. And she made her decision weeks ago, and right now, that was all that matters. She, Jack and their future together.
"Don't worry about it, dad. Just a normal case of cold feet." She stifles a laugh. "Go to sleep. Don't worry about me." She said squeezing his hand and hugging him.
"I'll be alright because... I...I... I love him. I love Jack" She felt tears streaming down her eyes, tears she never thought would come again. She hiccupped in between her words.
I love Jack and everything is going to be alright. I love Jack and everything is going to be alright. She repeated in her head like a mantra.
She stayed in her father's chest, breathing heavily. Instantly she stiffened as she felt him hug her back. Dad? She felt him sighed.
"Stop convincing me, Astrid." She pulled out of the hug and gazed at his loving auburn eyes. He carried the certainty, the wisdom, the strength that she thought she'll never see in him again. "And start convincing yourself."
"D... Dad!"
The cold never bothered Jack, never. Even when most people would be complaining about frostbites, or snow days he loved them. He'd go outside, barely even dressed and just stay there out in the wintry scene, embracing it, feeling the numbness that the cold brought along; the numbness that he so solely needs, the numbness that made him strong.
He sat at the edge of his balcony in his room at the Ingeborg palace, soon, all of this, too, will be his home. He sat there, listening to the quiet night, and waiting. Just there, sitting and waiting. Sitting and waiting for something to happen. Anything.
He heard the wind howl and the leaves rustle around the branches of the trees.
He looked up at the full moon and smirked.
"I'm marrying her tomorrow, you know." He smiled, shaking his head. He rolled his sleeves upwards, letting the cold penetrate his skin.
"Of course you know. You know everything, don't you? " The wind blew to his face, freezing him slightly but he liked it.
"I just don't get why you're not doing anything about it. I mean, I always thought you were the stubborn type." If people were to hear him right now, talking to no one in particular, he swore they'd think him mad. But he knows he's not. He knows what he's doing. He knows who he's talking too. He knows he's there. He's always there.
"You had two years to fix this but you didn't. Nope, you didn't even try." He shook his head in disappointment. "So…don't I at least deserve an explanation? And don't pretend you're not there because I know you are."
Silence.
"Why didn't you?" He asked to the moon, waiting for something, anything but nothing came. Why didn't you save her from all that suffering, all that pain, all that sadness. He remembered Astrid's shattered face years ago and he clenched his fist instinctively, feeling the need to protect his best friend.
"I guess you're just a pathetic piece of -"He sighed, louder than he expected. There's no point in this! "Whatever! Come tomorrow she's mine and once she officially is, I better not see your stupid face lurking around the shadows or else." He challenged to the cold air. He sneered one last time and headed towards his room.
He heard a rustling noise from behind him and he stopped in midtrack, not bothering to look back.
"Or else what?" Came the challenger's audible voice.
Jack smirked all too knowingly. "Or else I'm going to kill you. And that's a promise." He said, steeping inside his warm room and bashing the door behind him.
Astrid had always, always been graceful. She was born a princess, after all, and trained to be a queen; she knows how to sit, stand, eat, think, walk and talk in a way that was not only proper but necessary for royalty. And running is not normally one of those traits. Especially stumbling, several times while running. That wasn't normal for Astrid. Not normal at all. But then again, when was Astrid ever normal?
She ran across the palace halls with the speed of light. There was no more time. She has to hurry; she has to move fast, she has to tell him.
"Jack!" She stumbled towards his room in the West Wing where all of Jack's family and guests from Iceton were, not even bothering to knock. She has no time for that!
"Jack!" She hissed, adjusting her vision. She scanned the room and found him crouched down in a corner. She raised a questioning brow noting his untouched bed. Either Jack woke up early or he didn't sleep at all.
"Hey." He smiled lightly, bags underneath his beautiful eyes. Astrid guessed the latter.
"Why are you here? Isn't it bad luck to see the bride before the wedding?" He inquired rubbing his temple.
"We need to talk." She said, her eyes burning with the now rising sun.
Jack grinned all knowingly. He knew that face. Her jaw was clenched, her eyes determined, her face immaculately beautiful. Took you long enough. Of course he knew. Why hasn't he slept at all if he hadn't? He's been with her long enough. He knows her; every tick, every angle, every emotion her face makes. He just does. He understands her. He loves her, all his life he has, and there is no doubt in his mind about that look she's giving him.
"I figured we did." He said, standing up, dusting the invisible dusts off his night clothes. He held out his hand towards her, pulling her towards the door.
"Let's go get Ruffnut." He said as they ran across the hall.
Astrid made her way towards the aisle leading to the cliff where the Legendary Firefly Tree of Ingeborg was; there was no place more idealistic to get married than there, she muses how the tree was decorated with artificial lights. Not like the legend but still so beautiful. The charming view of the ocean was romantic and having a handsome looking Jack and Fishlegs wait for you at the end of the aisle is just every girl's dream.
She fidgeted in her white dress, as she walked towards them. Earning nods and bows from the guests and the people of Ingeborg. Her gown was big and puffy and the adornments of flowers in the waistline did nothing to help her feel better. This dress was looser on her, in all the wrong places, and she just knows she looks odd. Even though that Jack assured her she looks beautiful in everything.
She grunted for the nth time that morning. The crown of flowers on her head made her feel worse. She thought it would be funny to see Ruffnut in these flower crowns knowing too well that the Thorston girl detested it, but now that the tables have been turned (abruptly she might add), she was starting to think that it was not, at all, a good idea. Karma! It must be karma!
But then again, she was happy. She was surreally joyful and relieved beyond compare that it was Ruffnut that's getting married today. Yes, Ruffnut and Fishlegs. Not Astrid and Jack. Everyone was prepared for a wedding, everything was arranged to perfection, and everyone's already here so there's no point in cancelling a wedding celebration, especially if there's an already engaged couple who is willing to get them off the hook. Consider it as a wedding gift from the Queen of Ingeborg herself. The wedding will push through, but it wouldn't be hers.
And somehow, Astrid was grateful for that. She was grateful for Jack and his wide understanding (though she was sure that he was as happy as she is at the cancellation). She was grateful that she had a chance, now. They both have a chance to find that lingering happiness. Because they shouldn't settle for anything less, because even though they loved each other dearly, love is love. And they will find it, even if it's not with each other. They will. She knows they will.
She was almost at the end of the aisle, taking Jack's hand that will lead her beside him and Fishlegs as they wait for Ruffnut.
She thought to herself while walking. You're going to find love and it's going to be amazing, it's going to be remarkable, wonderful and everything- She stopped in mid track, heart clenching at the particular sound.
SCREEEEAAAAACH
"What was that?" The crowds erupted in whispers.
Astrid looked at the men in front of her in disbelief and they shared a knowing look. Only one creature in the world can make that sound; a sound of absolute speed of control; the unholy offspring of lightning and death.
She gripped Jack's arm tightly, her eyes panicking.
Jack smiled at her, holding her hand and loosening her grasp. "Perfect timing, really."
"Don't tell me-" Her eyes widen in recognition.
And in one swift move, the night fury she knows too well came down and literally sweeps her off her feet in such a alacrity that she becomes a blur to everyone else, as they disappeared into the blazing sun.
"THE QUEEN!" They all cried in unison, hastily running towards the dragon's square.
"We have to go after her!" They started to panic.
"No, we don't." Jack assured them that she will be alright and she's with a friend. He urged them to trust him.
"But Prince Jack-"
"Let her go." Everyone froze as king Gustav spoke, it's been two years but they recognize the strength, the wisdom, the authority in that voice. He stood up and patted Jack's back. He smiled all too knowingly. Win her back, Hiccup.
0-0-0
Sneak Peak for the second half:
And then it hits her, like a snowball on a hot sunny day, fear of the contrasting factors. What else could he want? It couldn't possibly be to woo her, for if that was the case, he should have done it years ago. Astrid shouldn't be flattering herself. She hasn't seen him, heard from him, in years! Why else would he come for her now? There are only four things that Hiccup remembers about them and that's 1st, they're a bunch of troublesome, savage misfits. 2nd, They kidnapped him on his wedding day. 3rd,they chopped off his leg and 4th, they attacked and murdered Heather (all except the fourth is true and she knows that, but does he believe it?)
"Oh my gods, I'm going to die, aren't I?" She announced, struggling even more. "You're kidnapping me on my supposed to be wedding…. You're going to chop of my leg and you're going to kill me!" She screamed and shouted and kicked and punched but it was to no avail. Toothless only held unto her tighter.
"HICCUP! Get me down from here!" She screamed at the top of her lungs but he continued to ignore her.
This is it. She's going to die. He's going to kill her! This is the revenge that he's planning all along, and what revenge could be sweeter than having the exact same thing happen to her.
0-0-0
AUTHOR'S NOTE:
Ahhhh the ever famous kidnap on a wedding day ending, I know, I know it's a cliché but meh! I LIKE IT! Hahaha. No more spoilers although I know most of you already know how this is going to end! Hihihi
Just a random outburst: OH MY HOLY NORSE GODS! Has anyone else seen The Rise of the Dragon Racers?! FANGIRL WITH ME PLEASE! HAHAHA It was freaking AWESOME! Where's the love for the acting chief, right….right? HICCUP is sooooo! Kyaaaa!I died watching him so…. (sighs dreamily.)
ANYWAYS, enough of my craziness! THANK YOU FOR THE LOVE AND SUPPORT AND EVERYTHING ELSE on this story! The readers, especially the reviewers are awesome and I am eternally grateful for the rush of happiness you guys keep making me feel! Love you, guys! :)
To the awesome GUEST REVIEWERS:
(*) Guest1: HAHAHA! WHY? NO! I like them and you guessed right, the ending has something to with them! ;)
(*) a random person: Ahhhhh! The pressure to top something that worked out great! (Well, at least for me it did. Hihihi) I'm in the process of writing a HeatherCup short fic in Astrid's POV so yeah, I'll try my best on that one too! Hehe. THANK YOU SO MUCH! You're an inspiration!
(*) Jack: I love you in this story, Jack! Hehe, showing some JASTRID LOVE!
(*) Heylin: Yes, I'd like to think that all nonsense dramas are necessary! Hahaha. But then again, that's just me! :D
(*) Guest2: Breathe in…. Breathe out ….BREATHE! You're going to make it! We're going to make it! :D
(*)Another Guest: Of course, it had to be Toothless! I can't imagine anyone else who'll fit better to help Hiccup get through being 'all this' than him. :) THANK YOU! Hoping for Thor's good grace to wrap this up! :D
(*)JustTheViking : OH MY SHEEP! Thank you! It means the world to me :') HAHAHA! At your service, your vikingness!
(*)Guest3: NO, DON'T! *Hugs* I shall do my best to put the pieces of your torn heart, back together (gets superglue). LOL
SEE YOU ON SUNDAY for the last half chapter update, guys! :) And watch out for the short EPILOGUE that will be coming after that! YEY!
All the love in the world,
Lady-Von-Bielefeld