Prologue, "Oops"
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Tuffnut had been sneaking around the village, dodging his sister as best he could, Ruffnut couldn't find out his plan. Trader Johann was at the docks, it would be his last visit until after summer. During his winter visit he had said that he was venturing far east to a strange land. Tuffnut hadn't been very interested until two simple words came out of Trader Johanns mouth 'Love charms' he had his eye on a beserker girl and the Beserkers would be returning soon. Trader Johanns visit couldn't have come at a better time.
He had a dagger on his hip, it was a fine piece of metalwork. Hiccup had made it for his 18th birthday. He felt bad for giving it up, but no one need be the wiser.
Finally, he reached the docks. The sun was falling and Trader Johann was setting up to close for the night. "Hey wait!" Tuffnut called.
"There's trouble." Trader Johann laughed.
"Do you have time to make a last minute trade?"
"Why wouldn't I?"
Tuffnut smiled widely. He tromped on board. "What are you looking for?" Johann asked.
"Last time you came by you mentioned... Love charms." His last two words were a whisper.
Johanns laughter was loud and brash. "Love charms eh? Whos the lass?"
"Keep it down!"
"Ah a secret affliction of your heart?"
"She's beautiful! Just leave it at that." Tuffnut didnt like feeling embarrassed like this but still. "I want the charm and a few decoys just in case. I have this dagger to trade."
Johann took the blade and inspected it. A razor sharp leaf shaped blade held runic etchings on one side "pride" the other; "honor". Its guard arced forward and its handle was simple with a dyed shark skin grip, the pommel was wide, making for a firm hand hold. "Its a fine blade, you'll sorely regret this trade."
"I know that, but I know what I want more." He gazed at the wares before him. "I guess I'll look while you get the charm?"
"Alright." Trader Johann climbed below deck.
Tuffnut picked up a sturdy steel axe, it was nowhere near the quality of the dagger, but it was well made. And his own axe was getting worn. Trader Johann spoke up behind him. "If you want that it will be the only decoy you can afford."
"That works, I need a new axe anyway."
Johann held out his hand with a flat square piece of rock. It had a strange marking etched into it. "Once you take this our trade is complete."
Tuffnut took it without hesitation. "How does it work?"
"Just keep it on you and the one you desire will find you irresistible."
Tuffnut grinned wide. "Thanks Johann."
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It wasnt long before Tuffnut was intercepted by Ruffnut. "You went to Johanns awful late." She said accusingly.
"I just wanted to go after the main group."
"But what if he had traded away what you wanted."
Tuffnut rolled his eyes and shoved his sister. "I got a new axe. He had like, forty more."
"Your axe is perfectly fine though."
"Its getting old."
"Uh-huh. If you say so."
Tuffnut walked back to his house alongside his sister. The duo was unusually calm.
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Johann frantically searched his ship. "Where did I put the damn thing!? Cursed charm and I lose it on my first trade..." He looked up, mild surprise twisting his face. "Oh... Well this will be interesting... Oops I guess." He climbed back up to the top deck. "A trades a trade I suppose."
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AN- This is going to be a very lighthearted story running parallel to Cotton Armor and Lead Wings, why? Because drama and sad shit gets very dull and boring to write.
I would like to make people aware that I have allowed the two tribes to renounce their warring in this particular AU.
