Chapter Thirty-Nine: Would you have mind?

"Trader Johann! He's here!" "What do you think he brings?" "I need new ink!" "Do you think he has my order?"

Astrid watched from the top of the landing base the gathering Vikings down by the ships.

Her legs dangled over the edge and a low breeze played with her hair.

It felt strange wearing it open but she would adjust to it.

She stared blankly at the clouds hen suddenly someone sat down next to her.

"Hey Astrid." "Hello Snotlout."

For a few minutes they sat together in silence.

"So…you and Tarin…" he said after a while. She nodded. "Yep."

He nodded too.

Then he laughed silently.

"To be honest I always thought I would marry you. Or…or that you would marry Hiccup." She looked down.

"Me too." She hesitated. "But things changed. Nothing is carved into stone."

"Yeah. We'll be…distant cousins?" "Something like that." "Welcome to the family. It's weird but you get used to it."

Astrid laughed softly. "Thanks."

Again they were silent.

"So, when's the date?" "Not until spring. First we have to get through winter."

"Can I see it?"

She held out her left hand.

The ring was simple but beautiful. A silver and golden band and a blue crystal with grey dots.

It rested perfectly on her ring-finger.

"It's perfect. It suits you perfectly." "Thanks. So, did you find anyone?" Snotlout shook his head. "No, but my father suggested Camicazi."

Astrid laughed loudly.

"Oh, I'd like to see the outcome of that!" she smiled.

She looked at him. "You've always been a good friend to me. Thanks Snotlout."

He got up. "Well, I'll have a look on what Johann brings. You coming?" She shook her head.

"I just keep sitting here. And keep watching."

Snotlout nodded.

But a few feet away he stopped and turned around.

"Would you have minded marrying me?" She looked down. "Probably." He nodded.

"Would you have minded marrying Hiccup?" She remained silent. "Probably not." She said silently. He nodded.

"Are you happy?" "Happier than I ever thought I'd be." "Then I'm happy too."

With that he jumped down his way to the boat.

"If you would have asked nice, I probably would have taken you too." She whispered with a smile.

"Hey beautiful." She smiled at the sound of his voice. "Hey." "You alright?" "Sure. Why shouldn't I?" "You look…strange. Not in a bad way of course but…different." "Just thinking." "Care to share?" "Maybe another time." He smiled and pulled her into a gentle kiss. "I can wait."

Astrid smiled. Yeah, she was pretty happy.