With you ~ 𝔸𝕤𝕥𝕣𝕚𝕕 ℍ𝕠𝕗𝕗𝕖𝕣𝕤𝕠𝕟 𝕩 𝔽𝕖𝕞! 𝕠𝕔

43. An Interesting Reunition

Talulahh's POV:

"So, this hooded stranger, he risked his own life to save you?" Hiccup looked at Mala.

"If it weren't for him, who knows what would've happened?" Mala replied.

"And you've bought weapons on this island before?" Hiccup asked.

"Yes, for many years." Mala nodded.

"It never used to be like that." Heather spoke up.

"That island was always a peaceful place to trade." I nodded.

"Heather, Talulahh, we should go see what those Hunters are up to." Hiccup said before turning back to Mala. "Thank you for fillin' us in, Mala. It was good that you sent for us."

"Actually, I summoned you for another reason completely." Mala smile softly.

"Hiccup, you are not gonna believe this!" Tuff ran up, breathing heavily. "Hi, Queenie. Looking good. Black is definitely working for you." He looked at Mala.

"This may be the greatest day ever." Ruff grinned.

"No, it is the greatest day ever." Tuffnut corrected. "I mean, except for the first time I wrestled a boar. Woah! That was spectacular. Or the second time I wrestled a boar."

"Alright, out with it." Astrid rolled her eyes.

"Easy, A. This is too good to just blurt out." Tuff held up his hand. He took a deep breath. "The village is setting up for some big, crazy-looking to-do."

"So?" Astrid raised an eyebrow.

"We asked a couple of natives, 'What's the deal?' And do you know what they said?" Ruff asked, grinning.

"Probably something like, 'It's none of your business'." Hiccup replied.

"Many of them said that at first. But then, they said it was for...The Trails." Tuff said dramatically.

"The what?" Heather asked.

"Oh, come on. We have to explain everything?" Tuffnut groaned. "It's a series of tests to choose a new king. They are totally impossible, and they involve, fire, poisonous reptiles, volcanoes. Basically, any cool thing that causes a grisly, painful death."

"How lucky are we?" Ruff asked, shaking me.

"So, Mala, who is the sucker?" Tuffnut looked at the queen.

Suddenly, Snotlout ran out of the bushes. "Hiccup, we have to get out of here. Pronto...Oh!" He laughed nervously. "Hey, babe, how's it goin'?" He looked at Mala. "I was just thinking about you. Looking forwards to watching me die a horrible gruesome death? Did you know about this?"

"Mala, will you please excuse us?" Hiccup asked.

"Of course." Mala nodded, walking away.

"I'm not swimming across some lava pool just so I can become king." Snotlout decided.

"No, no, no. It's not a lava pool anymore." Tuff said.

"It's not?"

"No. It's way better." Tuffnut put a hand on Snotlout's shoulder. "You see, there's no way Snotlout could survive what they've got planned. He simply doesn't possess any of the physical or mental prowess to successfully complete these trials. In fact, I don't even think he knows what prowess means."

"Skill or expertise in a particular activity or field, or bravery in battle." I shrugged.

"What?" Astrid glanced at me.