Nicko was more nervous than he had ever been. He had learned from Snorri's mother the traditions they used. He had reminded himself of all the traditions in the Castle, and had crafted a tradition of his own. He had asked the boatyard workers Snorri had introduced him to over the past few years, and who had become his good friends, for their advice.
In Nicko's pocket was a present for Snorri. He had kept it there since their reunion, and was finally ready to give it to her. He had been ready for some time, actually, but had wanted to make it special. Nicko had kept it for years already, what was a few more months?
Actually, those few more months had been excruciating, but Nicko wanted to do this right, and that meant planning.
When Snorri had been off learning new ways to trade, or simply on a walk, Nicko had snuck to her mother's house or went to talk to the dock workers, in order to plan the perfect moment. Snorri's father's ghost had been at the Castle when Nicko had left, and he had made sure to talk to him as well.
When he was finally sure that nothing would go wrong, Nicko managed to convince Snorri to go for a walk with him, so they could have some privacy when he gave her his gift. He planned for them to head towards the cliffs on the shoreline, where the sea would be at their backs and the cool ocean breeze would remind them both of their love for sailing.
When they arrived at Nicko's chosen spot, he tried to start subtly but got so nervous that his planned speech of adoration got all jumbled before it even left his mouth. Nicko had wanted to tell Snorri how much he admired her passion, her courage, her sense of adventure and strength, her knowledge, and her beauty. He tried to say these things, but all that came out were three simple words, and Nicko realized they summed up everything he felt rather nicely.
"I love you," Nicko exclaimed, and kissed Snorri, with bright smiles on both of their faces. "I love you Snorri, and," Nicko knelt, a Castle tradition, before starting to sing the old courting song her mother had told him about, and the dockworkers had taught him.
"I'll swim and sail on savage seas
With never a fear of drowning
And gladly ride the waves of life
If you would marry me
No scorching sun nor freezing cold
Will stop me on my journey,
If you will promise me your heart…."
Snorri chimed in, her expression one of shock and excitement, "And love me for eternity..."
Nicko was bolstered now. He sang with more courage now, and Snorri laughed, singing with him. When he reached the part about singing her poetry, he paused, and she looked down at him in interest. Nicko recited for her a poem he had painstakingly written, and when he finished, Snorri had tears in her eyes, but was laughing as she continued the song.
"I care not for your poetry, I only want your hand to hold," And he held it, allowing her to pull him up as they started dancing through the evening mist, with the sea and a glorious sunset at their backs.
The song finished, Nicko lowered himself to one knee again, and took out the box in which he had carried an engagement ring for three years now. He opened it, and presented the silver braided ring with small jewels embedded, so as to not catch when she was working with the rigging or sails.
"Snorri," Nicko whispered, "Will you marry me?"
Notes: This was the first scene I outlined, and I'm so glad I finally got to post it! That being said, the work is pretty much done now. I've taken care to keep it canon-compliant, so you can assume that they leave after a few months, and meet Tod on the way back. Thank you so much for reading this little story, and let me know what you liked about it! My favorite version of this song can be found here