I'm halfway down the stairs when Hiccup catches up with me. For a scrawny, one legged kid, he actually moves really fast. "I was wondering if you have any place to stay for the night?"
I raise a brow in contemplation. Is he seriously trying to ask if I want to stay with him. Tempting. I could get close to the son of the Chief and it might make retrieving the book that much easier. However, I remember the lie I told Astrid, and I know I had better follow through. She's too smart. "Actually I'm looking for my dragon, Windshear. I need to be on my way to Outcast Island."
"Oh," said Hiccup disappointed. Wait. Why is he disappointed? I raise my eyebrows higher if that's possible. He doesn't notice. "Well, I believe she's at the academy. If you will, please follow me."
As he leads me through the village square, I'm able to take it in better than I was the previous night. I'm so used to the grey, deafness of Outcast that I can't help but marvel at the simple aesthetics of the architecture. And everything is just so bright in the sun.
When Hiccup and I arrive at the academy, Windshear runs up to greet me. "I missed you too girl," I say as she nuzzles my palm. "Thank you, Hiccup," I say sincerely.
"No problem. I know you didn't do anything."
"Yeah, not yet," Astrid snarkily responds as she and the other riders enter the academy. Before I can shoot something back, shockingly Snotlout beats me to it.
"Lighten up Astrid. So you were wrong. I'm wrong all the time."
"Me too!" shouts the male twin in agreement. (Tuffnut I think?)
"Ain't that the truth," Astrid says dryly.
If anything else is said after that, I'm not paying attention. I'm focusing on the book that Fishlegs is still scribbling in. Snotlout has lost interest in it in favor of gawking at me.
I decide if I'm going to bring that book to Alvin at all, I'll have to hang out with this crazy group. I need them to trust me.