Just Siggy

Siggy Bjornsdottir - born of Thorunn and Bjorn Ragnarsson. Princess of Kattegat. Semi-selective blog for Non-canon Siggy from History's Vikings.

[justsiggy]

crowsandmurder‌:

He couldn’t help but smile at her. She was perfect in every single way.  She had so much of Siggy in her, and a bit of her father too, but he was concentrating on the Siggy part. He laughed when she shouted, and so did her father. He couldn’t help but notice how the English King seemed to adore his daughter and granddaughter.  

Bjorn was glad that the little girl seemed to be taking to him, and he was ignoring all the people. He knew that they likely were confused by the  Christian’s ship and his men he brought but they’d discuss that.  He carried her and pointed when he saw a raven.  “Look, it’s another bird.”

Alfred glanced at Siggy. “On the beach?” 

Aethelflaed gasped softly, spotting the raven that Bjorn pointed out, “Big bird!” She breathed, watching as the black bird swooped above them. She let out a ‘Caw’ noise and after a few beats the raven returned it - causing another bubble of giggles. 

“Yes.” Siggy replied with a nod, “Kattegat was much smaller then. A ring was made and they fought till Jarl Heraldson was struck down. My father was there....and the slave Athelstan watched.” Siggy noted as they continued to walk, “All built to the west of the longhouse and past those walls were built after Ragnar became jarl and king.” 

[justsiggy]

aelfred‌:

He smiled at her, biting down on his lip.  “I would welcome you to do so. It is often tedious, hearing people tell me what I should be doing and then listening to the problems of people, and them wanting me to solve all their disputes.  It gets ridiculous, really. I cannot promise that I wouldn’t try to distract you, if you would allow me, between boring meetings.”

He would welcome her company and as much as he would miss his mother, maybe it was time for things to change.  “What would you think about taking a more active role in what I do, now that she is gone? I still want you to have time here, but I mean, as my wife, as my Queen.”  He knew that wasn’t her official title but she was his Queen.

Siggy looked up to meet his gaze, “You wish for me to be queen?” She asked curiously, wondering if she had heard him correctly. They had been told rather plainly that she was not to be queen. His mother had been adamant. She was the wife of the king. 

And despite having seen her grandmothers both act as queen, she was not entirely confident in herself to do the same. She was not as bold as them. And they were queens of their own people, not another’s. “If you would wish for me to try, I might...but will it be allowed?” She was still not used to how the saxons did things and Alfred did not seem to do much as they did. She was never sure which way was correct.

[justsiggy]

crowsandmurder‌:

Bjorn liked to get reactions out of the Saxon King, especially since he knew that the Saxon King did not like him very much, but they would always be tied, because of Siggy and now because of his granddaughter and any other children the two of them may have.  He definitely thought the amount of people with them was ridiculous.

He looked at Aethelflaed and smiled, when she looked up at him, wondering what she was thinking.  Then she said bird and he laughed.  Alfred couldnt help but laugh too.

Bjorn looked at his granddaughter. “Do you like birds?” 

Aethelflaed gave a nod, her blue eyes still on the figure in the sky. “Bird!” She shouted a bit louder this time, she could hear her voice echo in the Fjord much more than it ever did in England and it amused her. When the bird above let out a call she squealed in delight, hands clasping together. 

Siggy laughed watching, relief washing from her as her daughter took to her father and her old home. She stepped down from the boardwalk to the wet sand of the shore and took a deep breath - now she was officially back. Most of the crowd was lingering about, Siggy forced herself to not turn from their gaze - she was the daughter of a king, and the wife of a king. Neither of her grandmothers would want her to bow her head to them. 

“That is wear Ragnar defeated Jarl Haraldson to become jarl of Kattegat.” She whispered to Alfred, nodding down the beach to where her father had told her the duel had happened decades ago. 

[justsiggy]

aelfred‌:

Alfred had always asked a million questions. His Grandfather taught him that.  But, he was endlessly intrigued by her, all the time. She was beautiful, and she was carrying his child. She was his family, what he had left now.  “My day is too busy and I would much rather spend my day doing what you do.”  He raised his eyebrow. “Check for eggs?” 

He had to say that it seemed like she stayed fairly busy.  His day tended to involve lots of talking to people or signing things, writing things down. he always had written everything done. He was obsessive over it, really.  “Maybe one day, I’ll spend the day out here, with you.” 

“And perhaps one day I might spend the day with you.” Siggy suggested before she could stop herself. She had been curious about it for a time. She knew he met with advisers and listened to complaints from those who traveled to speak with him. In her mind it was like what her grandfather, father, and grandmothers had done. They had not been so private about it though. 

She had started to mention this to Judith before, who quickly explained to her that it was king business, she need not worry about it. But she had been curious, if more of an observer than questioner, like Alfred. “If you’d...allow me.” She added, dropping her gaze.

[justsiggy]

aelfred‌:

The thought of other women just did not appeal to him.  He tried to take in the places she was saying.  They seemed to make it all really complicated.  “They have specific places for people who die at sea? Why? I mean, I would think that makes sense, since your people are so passionate about the water.”  He really found the whole thing confusing.  “What if you die on land, but not in battle?”  

He looked around and smiled. He liked this area.  it was relaxing.  It also seemed to have a touch of Siggy to it and he liked that. He smiled at her, squeezing her hand.  “I want to hear what your day is like out here. Tell me?”

Sometimes she lost track of all the questions he asked her. She had realized if he was truly curious he’d ask her more than once if she didn’t answer every question he posed. She smiled at his reaction and looked about, “Likely not as busy as your day.” She noted, “I typically let the animals out first and feed them, check for eggs....and then tend to the garden.” She explained.

She looked about again, trying to think of more to tell him, “Then I weave...or dye or clean the wool, whatever needs doing, over there.” She told him, motioning to the plot with the seating. “That is all...sometimes I eat out here if you already have.” She explained, there were days Alfred woke up so early to start his day that he ended up breaking his morning fast without her so she had taken to eating out in her garden rather alone in their chambers. 

[justsiggy]

crowsandmurder‌:

Bjorn had dealt with children before. He’d had children, had brothers, but there was something about having a granddaughter that was different. She was born from his own daughter…and a Christian, but he’d ignore that, for now. He had questions if she and the child were truly Christians as well, but he knew now was not the time, to bring that one up.  He moved to pull her little hood up.  “Right, that sounds like a good plan and you can do that.”  He turned to Alfred.  “Kattegat is much different than Wessex.” 

Bjorn looked around at everyone basically staring and he kind of waved them off, telling them all to go about their day.  “They are easily entertained.  Let’s get you all inside, get her and you warm.”  He cleared his throat, glancing at Alfred. “You look as though you may need to sit as well, after your difficult boat ride.” He was trying not to laugh.  He’d not nown that many who got sick on the water.

Siggy gave her father a look as if to say ‘play nice’ before giving an Alfred an encouraging smile. She wrapped her other arm around his, leaning into him before he could address his men with instructions on what to do while they went with Bjorn. Once done she took his hand again and followed after her father down the docks. 

When they turned Aethelflaed turned to look back over Bjorn’s shoulder - checking again that her mother and father were still there. When she heard Bjorn talking she tilted her head back to look up at him curiously - his voice was louder than she was used to. She looked towards where he was, still taking in everything. That was until she heard the caw of a bird fly over head. She tilted her head back looking for it and called out “bird!” 

“Yes it is.” Siggy replied to her, she had taken to encouraging her daughter when she named things. It seemed a good way to learn and encouraged her to speak more. 

[justsiggy]

crowsandmurder‌:

He could see the pride in his daughter’s eyes and he’d made mistakes with Siggy, made real mistakes with her, but still remembered the first times he held her and when he’d finally started spending real time with her.  He’d always talked to her like she was a person, even when she was too young to understand and how was she old enough to have her own child? He knew how and he hoped that he treated her well and not just boring, like he’d heard Christians could be.  

Alfred noticed her let go of Siggy’s fingers and he took his wife’s hand. He was less relaxed than his daughter, but he managed to watch.  Bjorn saw her hood come off her head, and he looked at Siggy.

“Should I put this back up? I wouldn’t want her to catch a cold or become sick while you are here.”

Siggy laughed softly. Countless men were frightened of her father, Bjorn Ironside - and here he was confused as to what to do about an infant’s hood. “I think she’d like that.” Siggy assured him with a nod. Aethelflaed turned her head a bit, realizing her hood was down but not entirely understanding, just feeling it. “Although, perhaps it would be better to go inside. I am sure the men would like a chance to sit on stable land by a fire, not many have ever made a journey so far.” 

“And I have told Alfred much of Kattegat and wish to show him while we’re here. Perhaps we can start in the longhouse.” Siggy suggested with a small smile, trying to steer her father’s thoughts in the way she was going. She still was not a fan of being the center of attention and she had realized the crowd would not disperse until Bjorn told them to.

[justsiggy]

crowsandmurder‌:

Bjorn had to admit that he was finding it amusing, trying to make Alfred as uncomfortable as possible. He knew that he was a Christian King, and that was not accepted in this area, but he would be allowed, because he was married to his daughter. But, he’d have his fun.

Alfred was probably more nervous about their child going to Bjorn than the small girl was, but he would stay right there.  He locked eyes on his daughter and tried to make it exciting like Siggy was, and Bjorn almost started laughing. They were completely ridiculous, but it was obvious that he was a good father and probably a good husband, albeit an overprotective one, that was evident.  

He was finally holding his granddaughter and she was so small and still so strong.  He saw Alfred tense the second she whimpered, and he moved to make a rocking  gesture almost, to soothe her.  When she looked to her father,  Bjorn was glad that he seemed to reassure her as well, that he was right there, as well, even if he wasn’t trying to intervene, too much.  He laughed when she touched his beard.

“Yes, that is a beard. I bet you don’t see many that big at home in England.”  He lifted her up a bit higher.  “She is magnificent.”

“Yes, she is.” Siggy replied, a bit of pride in her voice. She wasn’t afraid of her father holding Aethel - she was proof he could hold a child and not drop it. She was more afraid that Aethelflaed wouldn’t take to him. Siggy wouldn’t know what to do if she threw a fit just because he was a stranger. She didn’t want her father offended. 

Aethelflaed was relaxing faster than her parents. She stopped looking to them as much, and eventually even let go of Siggy’s fingers. Her little hand pressed against Bjorn’s chest as she let his movement lull her. Siggy smiled to herself, seeming to relax after Aethel let go of her fingers. She reached back, filling her now empty hand with Alfred’s - and perhaps to give him a little support. He was doing much better than she was expecting. 

Now relaxed, Aethelflaed started looking about her. She turned her head, looking over Bjorn’s shoulder towards the shoreline. There was still a group of people watching them. A gust of wind blew along the shore, pushing Aethelflaed’s hood back off her head.

[justsiggy]

crowsandmurder‌:

Bjorn was captivated by the young child. She was so small, and looked like Siggy, but not like Siggy, at the same time.  She was mesmerizing.  The fact that his daughter and a Christian, one related to King Ecbert at that, could make such a beautiful child boggled his mind.  He was trying not to scare her, when he talked to her, at his level.

He smiled at her, when she said hello.  “Hello there. You were very brave, but Thor kept you and your mother and father safe.  I’m glad you did well.”  Alfred had nearly choked when he mentioned Thor, but had simply pointed out, “Yeah, she did far better than I did, on the ship.”  

Bjorn looked at them both.  “Can I hold her?”  He turned to Alfred. “I’m not going to eat her. I just would like to hold my granddaughter, if she doesn’t mind of course.” 

Siggy gave Alfred a small encouraging smile when she heard his reaction to her father. She had warned him that was going to happen. It wouldn’t surprise her if her father discussed the gods more than normal just because Alfred was around. She looked back to her father and smiled, “Of course.” She told him with a nod.

She looked down at Aethel and shifted her a bit higher up on her hip, “Would you like to go to Afi?” She asked her, speaking the saxon tongue - aethelflaed understood a few words in norse, but they primarily spoke to her in saxon. “Mama and papa will stay right here, but you’ll get to go very high up.” She told her, her tone making it sound more exciting than it was. Siggy held her up so her back was to Bjorn and she could see Siggy and Alfred clearly weren’t going anywhere. 

Even when she was in Bjorn’s hands Siggy raised her hand and let the little girl wrap her hand around her mama’s fingers. “See, look how tall you are now.” She smiled, remembering how she used to love for her father to carry her around above the heads of Kattegat. Aethelflaed’s brow creased in concern, not completely convinced. She whimpered softly and looked from Siggy to Bjorn - studying him a moment before looking back to Siggy to make sure she was still there. Bjorn received another glance before she looked back to check on Alfred, as well, and finally looked back to Bjorn. She kept a hold of Siggy’s fingers but as she studied Bjorn she reached out her other hand, fingers tentatively brushing his beard. She opened her mouth, as if confirming in her mind that this was where his mouth was supposed to be, even if she couldn’t see it very well.  

[justsiggy]

crowsandmurder‌:

“I don’t even want to imagine how many he wanted to bring. He seems a bit protective and ridiculous.”  Bjorn was ridiculous so the way he saw it, he could call people as ridiculous, as he wished.  He watched her walk back towards the ship. All of this was so sudden.  He had thought about visiting Wessex, but he knew that this was not a time for him to leave, with everything happening soon with Harald.  

Alfred was still suspicious of everything Bjorn did and if it wasn’t his daughter, he would not be being so complacent about everything, but he didn’t have a choice, about anything, it seemed.  He especially didn’t want his daughter in the wrong hands.  It was why he was glad that they were more hands on with her, and less with the nurse.  But, he simply gave Siggy a look, trusting her.  But, the look was evident that he trusted her and not her father.  He followed her though. But, he was quiet. for now.

Bjorn saw the child and she was young.  But, it was no mistaken that she was Siggy’s daughter. Her hair was the same color as her mother’s but their was her father there too.  He smiled at her and leaned down to look in her eyes. “Well, it is nice to meet you.  I hope you were not too cold on the ship.” 

Siggy had been worried how Aethelflaed would react to her father. It wasn’t that her father was particularly scary looking. Well, to some he might be. She thought to a baby he might look a little scary at least. He was just more scraggly than the men Aethelflaed was used to looking at. “This is your Afi, Aethelflaed.” Siggy told her, watching carefully, “Can you say hello?” 

Aethelflaed looked up at Bjorn curiously, her gaze looking him over intently. She leaned her cheek against Siggy, making her worried that she was going to start crying or turn away from him. Thankfully, with the added closeness to her mother Aethel picked up some courage. “Hello.” She spoke softly, her fingers playing with the tie of Siggy’s cloak. 

“She did very well, on the ship.” Siggy told her father proudly. They had been worried; Alfred didn’t do well on ships and they were already so concerned with spotting signs that Aethelflaed would develop her father’s issues. It had been a relief when she didn’t seem anymore upset than a normal babe would. 

[justsiggy]

crowsandmurder‌:

He was pleased to hear that.  England hadn’t changed her that much. She sounded like his mother and that made him smile.  “Something tells me, he would wait for you though.”  He hadn’t missed the other King’s looks from afar.  He seemed taken with his daughter and as much as they may never agree, he hoped she was happy.

He nodded. “Where you’re needed? I am fine, Siggy. I am King, or at least King of here. Harald is King of all Norway, and he will be coming. War is coming and I am not sure that I want you caught up in all of tht.”  He sighed, when she pressed her forehead to his, and he sighed. He had missed that. She was his first born.  Truly, he wondered if the Gods saw him as a man who was blessed more with daughters.  

“Another reason? What other reason would you  come so far and with all those extra guards and some soldiers I assume? He is not subtle.” 

“Would you believe I talked him down to this amount?” Siggy teased, exaggerating a bit. “And stop pretending that I do not know you, father.” She added, stepping away from him and walking back towards the ship. She felt confident now that she had been correct - Freyja had appeared to her, Lagertha wished for her to be here for her father. He needed her - and not for war.

She reached her hand out and used Alfred’s assistance to climb back up the ladder to the edge of the ship. She reached down and took Aethelflaed from her nurse. She made her way back down the ladder and made her way across the dock back to her father, along the way she touched Alfred’s arm so he knew he could follow.

“Father, this is my daughter, Aethelflaed.” She told him with a smile. Aethelflaed was not yet two years old. She had her mother’s golden hair, but it fell in ringlets, like her father’s, to her shoulders. She wore a dress similar to the ones Bjorn had bought for Siggy after he reclaimed her, complete with a cloak whose hood was pulled up to protect her from the fjord’s wind. The little girl’s eyes were as blue as her parents’, and just as serious. Already one could see the gears turning as she looked about her. 

[justsiggy]

shieldmciden‌:

        THAT WAS DEFINITELY NOT THE ANSWER EXPECTED. Because that meant that it could always be better, that the King himself wanted to do better with his other lover. Lagertha, from her old age now, knew that you couldn’t just be happy without suffering at some point. If she asked her if she was happy, she knew the answer, but she didn’t seem unhappy either, which was already a relief. However, things wouldn’t go better.    “ I see. ”     She simply said with a light nod & a sigh.      “ You are not having it easy, but it could be worse. I am very glad you are well though, that is what matters. Hali & Asa wanted to see you, & I felt like taking a last journey far from home. I do not think I will come back, my bones are sore. ”

Siggy looked across to her grandmother, her brow creasing. She was not used to hearing such things from the great shieldmaiden - but she was proud she was one of the few who got to. To most she was Lagertha, the bravest shieldmaiden to fight in a shieldwall. To Siggy she was her amma; who had scared trolls away from her bed and pushed her down a snowy hill on her shield as a child. 

“You know, amma, there was a time when I was young...I cannot remember what was happening but I knew there was to be a battle and you were to be in it...I told my father I was scared and he told me...that he did not think you were to ever die...that you confounded the valkyries, they thought you were one of them and so would never come for you.” She smiled a bit at that, “But I am glad you came...I miss all of you...everyone...for a time I had forgotten my choice would leave me the last of us here.” 

She had the settlement and the people there were kind, but not her family.

[justsiggy]

crowsandmurder‌:

Bjorn was not good at not blurting things out. He had always just said them how they were were. That was how he did things.  He knew sometimes, the way he worded things could be a lot for some people to face, but he’d always been completely honest with Siggy. That was something that he hoped that she appreciated.  

He could tell that she was was silent and maybe, he’d been a bit too blunt about this,today.  he still felt so bad about Hali and they should have done something to protect him, But, he knew that his boy had been raised and he’d see him again.  He looked forward to it, even though he wasn’t ready to leave Midgard just yet.  

He nodded. “Hvitserk should have been helped. I failed him too.  It was time for the valkyries to come for her.  She was tired of fighting and ready to go be reunited with Ragnar. I am happy for her, even though I miss her tremendously”

He watched her look towards Alfred and he sighed. “That’s so long. Are you certain that your husband will not mind;

“If my husband minds he may take a ship and leave before me.” Siggy replied simply, not realizing how much like her grandmother she sounded. She smiled back up at her father, giving his arm a squeeze. 

“I remember when we traveled to the southern sea...when you and my uncles saw a vision of Odin who told you of the fate of Ragnar and to go to England to seek your revenge.” Siggy explained and then turned towards Bjorn again. She raised her hands to either side of her father’s face, just below his ears. “Freyja came to me. I knew in the moment I saw her what had happened to my grandmother and what she wished for me to do. She wished for me to return here, to my father, where I was needed.” Siggy explained, her voice lower just a bit. She brought him towards her and raised herself to press her forehead to his for a moment before tilting up and pressing her lips to his forehead. 

“Besides, I should have returned some time ago, there is another reason I wished to come.” She explained, stepping back and lowering her hands.

[saoirseronanworld]

[justsiggy]

aelfred‌:

He nodded, with a smile. “Well, that is a good thing. Did he have other women that were not his wife? Many kings, even Christian ones have women that are not their wives, even produce children with them.  I don’t have a desire to have another woman other than you. I’m happy with what we do, in my chambers. I fear I would pass out, if I had to feel comfortable enough, with anyone else.”  He smiled at her. “So, I know there’s Valhalla and you mentioned Hel, are there other…places, as well?”  He found himself wondering if his Mother was in Heaven or not. She’d killed his brother, had sex with other men than her husband.  But, he focused on the discussion. 

Siggy merely shook her head in response to his first question, smiling a little as he explained how he would react to another consort. She bit her lip and then reached down, taking his hand to lead him into the courtyard. “Yes, there is  Folkvangr...it is a bit like Valhalla but it is ruled by Freyja.” She told him, “And there is also the waters ruled by Ran...that is where you go if you die at sea.” 

The two plots of land on the left side of the courtyard were filled with plants, one with flowers and the other with herbs and vegetables. The goat was in a pin in the third plot with a few other plants that he could reach through the pin to munch on, and a basket of vegetables that for one reason or another Siggy had deemed unfit to take to the kitchens. The fourth plot had a bench and table that Siggy spent her time at with a bit more flowers about it - she also kept her gardening tools here in a pail. 

[justsiggy]

crowsandmurder‌:

Bjorn had noted the way that Alfred was staying back talking with some of the people that came with them. He did appreciate that.  He had not seen his daughter in some time and despite alliances and anything that had transpired in Wessex and what his recent behavior indicated, he was not looking to start a war with him. 

At her words, Bjorn’s shoulders slumped slightly, and he took a deep breath.  He knew that to most his face was full of so much anger of late, but he was not someone who expressed his emotions well, and the occasional tear fell in front of the right person.  He stopped it from happening, in front of his crowd.

“She has been reunited with my father. They are both in Valhalla now, so is my son. He was killed being brave, according to my wife.”  He paused and the anger flashed and he scowled. “Hvitserk killed your grandmother. He is a drug addict and thought she was Ivar. He is pathetic..” 

To someone not familiar with her family this would have seen like a lot. Well, in truth it likely was a lot - but Siggy had been handling situations with a lot since she was a child. Siggy, your mother is not going to return, this is your new step-mother Torvi and brother Guthrum. Siggy, your grandfather died, we must abandon this journey and return home to avenge him. Siggy, we won our battle against the king of Northumbria but your uncle Ivar killed your uncle Sigurd. Her family rarely allowed just one thing to happen.

She was silent, her gaze somewhere on her father’s chest as she absorbed it. The news of her grandmother she was prepared for. She had been so sure of the image she saw of Freyja, there was no other explanation for her. But the rest? Little Hali, and what of Hvitserk? He had not been in such a state the last she saw him. How could his brothers allow it to happen?

She gave a small nod to show her understanding. Her father was not the type to lie, even for a jape. She tilted her had back to look up at him, her gaze finding his before she raised her hand up and pressed it to his cheek. “I am sorry for Hali.” She told him, “And for Hvitserk.” She added, knowing what must be in her father’s mind about him but saying it anyways. “Of Amma Lagertha I knew...I wanted to hear it from you for truth.” She explained and lowered her hand to her father’s arm, turning to look at Alfred.

“We will stay until the summer months.” A bit longer than the spring they planned, but she was needed. She looked back to her father.

[justsiggy]

crowsandmurder‌:

It was easy for Bjorn to make his way through the crowds quickly. He was taller than most, and most tended to get out of the way for him. Finally, he reached the docks, and that’s when he saw the banner on the ship, and took a deep breath, looking around quicker, noticing Alfred before he noticed Siggy.  He wasn’t sure if he was trying to blend in, but it wasn’t overly working for him.  But, he didn’t care about talking with him. He would talk with him later. They technically had an alliance and as much as they did not trust each other, they had one important person in common: Siggy.

He spotted her finally and moved over to her, with finally probably the first smile he’d had in some time and it was genuine.  He stood in front of her and looked her over. She was taller and she looked different, but not unwell. At least her scrawny husband knew how to care for her.

Standing in front of her, he sighed. “Siggy, I did not think I would see you on this shore again. Is everything alright?”  Lately, he worried about his family, especially his children. He’d already lost one. He’d lost so much. He hoped they weren’t in danger, as well. 

Siggy watched as the crowd parted for her father. A swell of priding rising in her at the site. She reached out, giving Alfred’s hand a squeeze before letting go with a lingering touch. She smiled as he came upon her, the man who had ventured to greet them standing out of the way of his king. She noted she didn’t need to tilt her head back nearly as much now to see him. 

“I was hoping you would be able to tell me.” Siggy admitted, wondering at the fact it was her father asking for her well being and not the other way around. But he had beat her to it. “Freyja appeared to me...she gave me ill tidings and I came to see the truth of them.” She explained, her gaze not wavering from her father’s. There were greetings and introductions, but those could wait. This is why she had requested they travel here- she wanted answers. 

“How fares my grandmother?” She asked, feeling the truth in her gut, but wanting to hear her father speak the truth of it.