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The northern island near to Hunter territory was deemed neutral grounds while he and Viggo negotiated. Which meant that neither of them was to bring their weapons. Hiccup would come in on Toothless and Viggo could bring one of his men if he wished. No more than that could come up to the meeting site. Both leaders had to be on equal ground.
Hiccup pulled his hood and mask down when he and Toothless landed. The Nightfury was tense and kept his senses peeled. He didn't trust the hunters and was ready to launch the pair into the air should anything happen. In truth, Hiccup was worried too. He'd taken a chance with giving one of his favorite Terrible Terrors to Aiden. The boy sent him bi-weekly letters talking about how training was going and giving him updates of what he was working on. Most of it was innocent but the kid had a good heart.
Viggo and Ryker climbed the hill before reaching the top they took off their weapons. Then the two approached him and the Nightfury. Toothless gave a low growl in warning. Hiccup rubbed his friend's nose gently in a reassuring gesture.
'Give them a chance,' he murmured in Dragonese.
Toothless eyed the two suspiciously. Then snorted and laid down as Hiccup approached the table. Ryker hung back as Viggo approached the table as well. For a long moment the two studied each other. Then Hiccup made the first move to sit down. The younger had to admit that the Hunters were taking their end of the bargain seriously. At the start of the second month, the hunting raids had slowed. They hadn't fully stopped but it was progress.
"Good afternoon, Dragon Master," greeted Viggo, his gaze sweeping over Hiccup, "You are looking well. The Wet Lung hasn't affected long term as it can do occasionally?"
"A mild cough still lingers," he said with a shrug but its mostly behind me, "Has Aiden been well?"
"He has," confirmed the older hunter, his posture relaxing a little, "The Terror that you gave him lives up to i... her name."
He almost said it instead of her. Still, that was a big change. Viggo was trying and it was more effort than he expected. So he didn't mention the slipup. Instead, he smiled softly. Mayhem was a sweetheart. It was good to hear that she was being taken care of and having a good time. It seemed choosing her to be Aiden's friend was a good idea.
"Good," replied Hiccup, his tone softening, "I'm happy to hear that. Have your people taken to the changes, okay?"
"For the most part yes," answered the leader, "Though the older ones are reluctant to stop hunting all together. Everyone has lost a few family members to the dragons and the hunts. The possibility of less bloodshed and losing fewer members of the Tribe allows for more open minds. Every life counts."
He didn't realize how much Viggo actually cared for his people. To consider every member's life to matter. That was something that he hadn't seen in his own village. Outside of their direct family, Berk villagers wouldn't care if another died. They would mourn and pay respects. But the loss wouldn't hurt them personally. Here, the way that the older man was speaking of his people was different.
"If only there were more who believed that lives count," muttered Hiccup, his mind turning to his birth home, "Not everyone thinks the same."
That earned him a side long look. The Hunter was studying him again. It was a little unnerving. Those dark eyes didn't miss a thing. Hiccup shifted a little under the scrutiny. Then the leader was leaning back and a thoughtful expression was on his face. As if the man was puzzling something out. Had he given more information out than he intended?
"Your old village was that bad?" questioned the other quietly, his brows furrowed, "They did not value the young?"
"Its not that exactly," vaguely replied Hiccup, "It was more that they didn't value me. We aren't here to discuss that though."
"Indeed," agreed the older, his tone was considering, "We are not but I am curious. I cannot understand why a village would not appreciate someone of your caliber and intellect."
Hiccup refused to take the bait instead changed the subject, "Have you decided if you'll stop hunting dragons completely?"
"We have," confirmed the man and then sighed, "My people are willing to cease the hunt of the dragons. However, we will need an alternate income. Our tribe depends on the sale of dragons to keep afloat. With that income gone, our people will suffer and die."
"Then I have a suggestion," responded Hiccup, "Working with dragons to improve trades. Transportation, protection, and farming. There are several ways to use their help. I can teach your people how to train and bond with a dragon. If they are willing to learn, that is. It won't fix everything immediately but it will be a start."
"An intriguing proposal," admitted Viggo, "And you are certain that the dragons would accept the arrangement. Many of them have not had a positive experience with humans. They may refuse to allow the bonding to occur."
"I know," agreed the rider, his gaze flickering to Toothless, "But I believe in the ability of both sides to adapt. Not everyone will get along perfectly. And its doubtful that all of the dragons will want to bond with a human. The ones that don't will have their choice of nests away from Vikings. Most of those who follow me have already made their decision."
"And what would that decision be, Dragon Master?" inquired the older curiously, his dark eyes fixed on him, "What is the desire of the dragons?"
"Peace," breathed the younger, "That is their wish. Just as we are tired of fighting them, they are tired of fighting us. Many of them, especially those who were closest to the raids on Berk attacked under the control of another dragon. One that would kill them for not bringing enough food. They had no choice."
"I see. This is a lot to take in," commented the older, his expression thoughtful, "Still, thank you. I will have to think on this further. Would next month at the same time work?"
"It should," agreed Hiccup, "If something changes I'll send a letter through Terrors."
With that, the meeting came to a close. Hiccup was a little surprised when Viggo offered his hand to Hiccup. A peace offering and sign of trust. Slowly, he reached out and shook the man's hand. Then he returned to Toothless. After they took off Hiccup looked down to find both Hunters watching them.
...
The next day was spent in the village council room. Sat at the table were six elders, four hunters who were trusted by the main fighters, Viggo, and Ryker. Standing at the wall were the next generation who had the potential to one day take a seat at the table. They were allowed to attend almost any meeting they wished. The only ones that were forbidden were the meetings of punishments. This was their education and training to take their place. The mix of people on the council allowed for a well-rounded view on the decisions that were made and gave a voice to the concerns of the different groups.
At that moment the council was debating the proposition of the Dragon Master. It was an important topic and would decide the future of the tribe. On one side was the fact that the young man was willing to help. He could help to save many lives and the village would not have to rely so much on the hunting. It would open the way to trade and the possibility of alliances. Many of the elders were uncertain of his intentions.
On the other side of the debate was the knowledge that they would have to give up the hunt. To put down the weapons and stop killing dragons. Some of the warriors were concerned about their usefulness. What if the Dragon Master was lying? They didn't even know his name. How could they trust him?
"The boy is a mystery," argued the eldest, "How can we be sure that he is not plotting to betray us?"
"He has had the opportunity to do that and didn't," countered Viggo, his tone was thoughtful, "He had my nephew in his clutches and didn't use the boy against us. He has snuck into the village at least once and the only reason we know he was here was because he left a dragon and a letter. He has yet to ask for a ransom or threaten harm. He has not shown the violence that was not first started by us. Even when he stole dragons from us it was done in the night with no injuries to the men other than a headache."
"But what of the times that the dragons killed our people?" demanded another, his voice hard and his face set, "That cannot go without payment. Blood for blood, life for a life!"
"Blood has been paid," reminded the second oldest female, her expression stern, "They have killed many of us but how many of them have we killed? If we continue as we are it would end in the extinction of one of us. If this Dragon Master can show us a better way, then I say we give him the chance."
"Not all of our people can tame a dragon," warned one of the hunters, his posture relaxed despite the words, "What of the ones that are rejected or unable to form a bond?"
"We will figure out a compromise," assured Viggo, his gaze sliding to his brother, "Ryker, you have not spoken. What are your thoughts on the matter?"
Ryker was silent for several long moments. All gazes were turned to the hunter. Finally, the large man sighed and stood. For a moment his gaze slid to his children.
Then he began to speak, "We cannot continue on the path that we have. We must change or be swept aside. Too many lives have been lost. We were already considering other options before the Dragon Master showed up. I don't trust the beasts anymore than any hunter at this table. I do however trust my brother's judgement. The Dragon Master showed that he could tame a Monstrous Nightmare in front of an entire crew of hunters when he capture the man. Not only that he got the beast to allow Viggo a Chief of Dragon Hunters to allow him to touch it willingly. When we thought the dragons were nothing more than dumb animals, we had the upper hand. Now...now, things are not the same. We need a new plan. And the Dragon Master is offering that."
The room fell quiet as everyone absorbed his words. Ryker spoke very little and when he did, everyone listened. Ryker preferred fighting to politics but his opinion was valued. Especially on matters that were personal to him. Like the safety of their village, his family, and the survival of the tribe.
"Very well. Let us vote on the decision," ordered the eldest, a hint of irritation in her voice, "All those in favor of allowing the Dragon Master to train a few of the villagers to work with the dragons, say aye. Those opposed, nay. Nay."
There were only two nays. A nearly unanonamus ayes filled the room. That was it. They'd come to a decision. Negotiations with the Dragon Master could continue.
...
A month passed and the next meeting came. Hiccup arrived a bit earlier than needed. Toothless landed on the hill and they were greeted by a surprising sight. Aiden was there with Mayhem on his shoulder. Upon seeing Hiccup and Toothless the child immediately perked up. Before the older could stop the kid, he'd raced over and threw his arms around him in a hug. Hiccup didn't know what to do with that reaction and he looked to Viggo for help.
The leader was looking at his nephew in amusement and didn't seem inclined to interfere. In fact, it seemed like Viggo was waiting to see how Hiccup would react to the younger's actions. With a sigh, the rider relaxed and awkwardly returned the hug. He couldn't remember the last time anyone hugged him. Hell he couldn't remember his father ever hugging him.
"I apologize for surprising you, Dragon Master," said Viggo once Aiden let him go, "He snuck on board when we left to meet you here. No one saw him until it was too late."
"Its okay," reassured the rider, his heart softening towards the youngest, "I was just caught off guard. Try not to do that again, Aiden. You could get hurt if someone were to decide to attack a lone Hunter ship."
"Yes sir," agreed the child, "But I wanted to thank you in person for the Terror. She's beautiful! And she's helped me make friends. So thanks."
That made Hiccup soften ever so slightly. He knew what it was like to be lonely. To have no friends. It was nice to hear that the child had a friend now. Perhaps the Terrible Terror would provide a listening ear. Just as Toothless did for him. He reached out to pet Mayhem's snout and the dragon crooned happily. She tilted her head so that he could get the spot under her chin.
"Your welcome," replied the masked rider, "You look after her and keep her away from trouble, okay?"
"I promise," vowed the boy, his tone serious, "I won't let anything happen to her. She's my best friend. Well besides Uncle Viggo."
Best friends huh? In a way it kind of reminded him of how he used to feel about Gobber. He actually missed Gobber but he knew that the old blacksmith would always choose his loyalty to Berk over Hiccup. It was why he left without saying a word to the man. Still, that was a long time ago. There was no point in thinking on the past.
"Go wait with your father, Aiden," ordered Viggo gently, his expression soft, "We have business to discuss."
"Yes, Uncle," agreed Aiden scurrying back to Ryker.
Hiccup and Viggo went to the table and the older man slid a paper to the younger. Curiously, the masked rider picked it up. Then a slight frown appeared on his face. This was a treaty agreement. One that would state that the Dragon Hunters would no longer hunt dragons and that the Dragon Master would teach them to bond with them.
Toothless came to look over his shoulder. The Nightfury was interested in the proceedings and was eager to find a way to live peacefully as well. So many of the dragons were tired of risking everything against the Hunters and tribes like them. Hiccup reached a hand back to rub over Toothless's snout. While he couldn't read, Toothless trusted his judgement if he signed it.
'Good?' asked Toothless.
'Its good,' he agreed, 'I'll sign. This is what we've been working towards.'
"Very well," sighed the young rider and he pulled a charcoal stick from his armor, "I'll do it."
Viggo smiled faintly as he watched Hiccup sign. Then he signed the bottom as well.