Chapter 6

The Icelandic language fascinated Stephanie and Sportacus loved the idea that she wanted to learn it. They were so busy that they didn't notice they were approaching Iceland until the Auto-pilot announced,

"Now approaching Iceland air space. Waiting for permission to enter." Sportacus got up and went over to the control center and regained control of the airship. Grabbing his radio headset, Sportacus contacted the nearest air traffic control tower.

"This Airship 10 requesting permission to enter Icelandic air space, over."

"Airship 10, this is air traffic control. Permission granted. Proceed on a heading of one niner zero. Do you copy? Over." Came a thickly accented voice over the radio.

"Roger that, will head one niner zero. Over." Sportacus replied

"You have permission to dock at bay six. Follow the red lights. Over." The control man told him.

"Copy that. Airship 10 over and out." Sportacus cut the connection with the air tower. Stephanie stood up and stretched her legs. They had grown stiff from sitting and she had an urge to dance. Then Sportacus told her that they would be docking in about five minutes. Stephanie nodded and went into the bathroom to freshen up.

Soon they exited the airship and caught a taxi to Sportacus' father's house. Stephanie realized that Sportacus had grown very quiet and seemed to be lost in thought. He's probably nervous about talking with his dad, she thought. Taking his hand, she smiled at him. Sportacus looked at her and brought his arm around her, pulling her close. He was nervous but he didn't want to show it. The cabbie announced, in Icelandic, that they had met their destination. Sportacus said something to him back but Stephanie could only translate a little of it. Then Sportacus thanked the cabbie and he helped Stephanie out of the cab. She decided to try out her new found language and said,

"Þakka þú." (Thank you) The cabbie smiled at her attempt and responded in his broken English,

"You're welcome." Sportacus smiled and laughed. Then he looked up the walk and sighed heavily.

"You ready?" Stephanie asked.

"As ready as I'll ever be." Sportacus made a face. The two walked up to the front of the house and rang the doorbell.

At first no one answered and Stephanie noticed that Sportacus was trying to turn away. She stood her ground and her surprisingly strong grip managed to keep Sportacus from moving. Then the door slowly opened and a tall, silver-haired man appeared before them. He was only slightly taller than Sportacus but he had the same moustache. It was obvious that he had kept in shape, even though he was wearing a sweater. Sportacus stared at him and the man stared back. Neither one said a word to each other. Stephanie wasn't sure if she should say something. But before she got the chance, the man spoke.

"Dear Odin in Valhalla, is it really you?"

"Yes, it is. I… I…" Sportacus didn't get to finish. His father wrapped his massive arms around him and hugged him.

"I thought I'd never see you again. Where have you been? What have you been doing? Who is this lovely woman you're with?" Sportacus' father asked.

"I'll explain everything. But can we come in?" Sportacus asked, noticing that Stephanie was shivering in the cool breeze. It was warm for Icelandic standards but she wasn't used to it.

"Of course. Where are my manners?" his father replied as he let them in. He brought them into the living room and they sat down.

"Dad, I'd like to introduce you to Stephanie. I've been living in LazyTown and for the past five summers, Stephanie and I have been dating." Sportacus stopped. He was unsure of how to continue.

"By the looks of things, you didn't just bring her to introduce her did you?" His father asked.

"Not exactly, sir. We wanted to invite you back to LazyTown to…" Sportacus didn't let her finish.

"Dad, Stephanie and I are engaged and we want you to come with us and be a part of everything. Will you come with us?"

To Be Continued…