“York is envied by the Vikings and during the battle, Ivar sees a Saxon girl fight with one of his warriors. The protagonist has a brother with the same disease as Ivar.”
Part One - Part Two - Part Three - Part Four - Part Five - Part Six - Part Seven - Part Eight - Part Nine - Part Ten - Part Eleven - Part Twelve - Part Thirteen - Part Fourteen - Part Fifteen - Part Sixteen - Part Seventeen - Part Eighteen - Part Nineteen -
" Ça vous arrive aussi de prendre votre douche ou d'être assit entouré de gens ou non, et de voir votre vie dans votre tête ? Et de vous dire que vous méritez mieux ?
Personnellement oui. Surtout ce qui est négatif. Je fais un point sur tout et je me dis : mais comment j'ai pu en arriver là ? Comment j'ai pu laisser tout ça se produire?
Je ressens du regret même si je n'aime pas avoir du regret, je me dis juste : j'aurais pu avoir évité cette situation, j'avais déjà des indices. Puis, je me dis, ça me servira de leçon. Pas de regrets mais seulement des leçons apprises.
Et quand je suis dans ce mood, dans mon auto-évaluation, je me fais une scène de cinéma dans ma tête. Comme ci j'avais besoin d'utiliser une version plus cinématographique imaginaire pour exprimer ce que je ressens.
Je m'imagine assise sur mon canapé, un plan caméra juste en face de moi, le regard droit, absent, triste. Puis regardant autour de moi, la personne avec qui je vie et je me dis : Qu'est-ce que je ne t'ai pas apporté ? Qu'est-ce que j'ai fais pour mériter une vie pareil ?
Ce qui me gonfle c'est que je suis trop "lucide", consciente des choses qui se passe et si c'est bien ou pas. Surtout ce qui est pas bien.
comme jai dis au début, je me dis que je mérite mieux, je sais ce que je dois faire, mais j'ai peur de faire le saut, je ne sais pas pourquoi. Je sais qu'elle est ma porte de sortie : partir. Mais pour l'instant je n'arrive pas mais l'idée tourne dans ma tête.
L'idée de ma liberté, de mon indépendance et surtout, de ma reconstruction personnelle et apprendre à me connaître vraiment. "
I dont know if you can or will but Could you do one where the reader is lagtha sister( younger half sister different dads ) she ends up being raised my her sister she 1 day younger then ivar and is raised with them develops feeling for ivar ( she always on his side ) they end up in a relationship
Hello!
I am sorry I don't do requests because I prefer to take my time with my writing and not put pressure on myself...
But if I can, I can keep the idea and give it a shot for later ☺️
“York is envied by the Vikings and during the battle, Ivar sees a Saxon girl fight with one of his warriors. The protagonist has a brother with the same disease as Ivar.”
NA : Well hello! I know it's been a while, I am so sorry... It's just my life was so hectic a couple times and I was lacking inspiration too. I also didn't get the time to correct the finished chapters so that is why I post all of them tonight. Hope you will still like my story! For the next chapter, it is a little bit spicy and I'm not gonna lie I block... I have difficulties writing what I imagine in my head... So I'll do my best to post it! Thank you so much for your support everyone, it means a lot to me! xo
Ligeia leaves the great hall. “You look like you were holding your breath.” She jumps scared, putting a hand on her chest. “Damn it Pollo !” He laughs before standing up. “You’ve never been so easy to scare Lili. You seem tense since …” Worries can be read on Apollo’s face, but Ligeia was quick to reassure him. “I’m fine ! You don’t need to worry about me, okay ?” She said with a smile trying to convince him. He scanned her face not believing her and hums away her lie. “Would you walk with me?” He asks, offering his arm. She can’t contain her smile at the word walk. “Of course!” She nods and links her arm with his. “I wanted to talk to you, about something.” He starts a little bit nervous. Sensing his nervousness, she frowns. “You can talk to me about anything freely. So, what do you want to tell me?” Ligeia demands softly.
“Well… Tida and I, have known each other since day one! And our relationship has evolved since then as you know. And I want to take it a step further but I want your approval.” She froze making them stop walking. She looks at him speechless. “Are you telling me you want to propose to her?” She questioned. “Yes.” He turns red, shy. “And you want my benediction?” She added. “Exactly.” Little by little, a smile cracks her face. “Of course, you got my benediction! You don’t even need to ask me this question!” She said with excitement. Apollo breathes out, the stress leaving his shoulders. “If you really love her and this is what you want, I have no right to be against it.” She said truly happy that her little brother has found his significant other. “Thank you so much, for everything you do for us.” He said looking at his big sister with unbelievable respect. “I have to take care of you, no need to thank me.” She said humbly.
Selfless. That’s the thing that annoyed Apollo the most, about Ligeia. Her selflessness. She always put Rosalia, him, and others first, neglecting herself. She deserves to be happy, to be loved, to be taken care of. She deserves to be treated like a woman. He knows there’s something between Ivar and her, but she doesn’t see it or doesn’t want to see it. Everybody sees it but not them. Ivar is totally transparent when he comes to Ligeia, but she seems oblivious about it.
Later in the evening, during supper, everyone sits at the table, but there is only one person missing. Ligeia. Ulla tries to convince her to get out of her hiding place. “Li’ you look gorgeous, come out now!” She said slightly annoyed. “Can’t I just wear my usual clothes? Pants?” Ligeia tries to negotiate. “No! It’s Apollo’s special day, so no pants!” Scold Ulla standing up, starting to pace in the room. Ligeia finally comes out of her hiding place. “Look at me, Ulla!” She says opening her arms. “The dress is too… tight! Everything is out!” Ulla looks at her with a jaded look. Ligeia has the body that every woman wants. Boobs, hips, thighs, all of them harmonious and healthy.
“Listen carefully to what I am going to say… Your body is literally sculpted by the gods! I wish I got one bit of your body! Look at me, I look like a witch’s tit! Your boobs, Gods, I am envious of your breast!” Ligeia, blushing hard, stays silent listening to her friend completely latching out on her. “So, stop talking bullshit, and let’s go!” The Saxon woman simply nods and follows her friend.
Meanwhile, in the Great Hall, Apollo was worried about not seeing his older sister and he was extremely nervous. Ivar was playing with his knife, looking at everyone around the table. The door opens, and Ligeia appears. Ulla helps her take off her cloak. Ivar’s eyes block on the Saxon. He tried to keep his face as neutral as possible. She is wearing a black dress, simple without embroideries, the most simple dress it can exist. It was so well-fitted, that it was almost indecent to look at her. Ivar gives a circle and looks around the room, and every man present looks at her in awe. One of the servants guides her to her seat, which is right next to Ivar. Her hair is loose. The turtleneck dress, adds elegance and power, even though she doesn’t know that. She sits without looking at him. “Ivar.” She salutes. “Ligeia.” He returns, before bringing his cup to his lips.
“What an entrance!” Said Apollo arriving behind her. She looked behind her shoulder, and find her little brother all clean and with a shine in his eyes. He is happy. Happy to be here with his family, and the woman he loves. “You look magnificent.” He said and kissed her cheek. “Thank you, and so are you.” She smiles back, caressing his cheek. He straightens himself and grabs a cup. “On this lovely evening, I got a very important question for Tida.” He faces the red hair lady. “Would you give me the honor to be your husband?” He finally asks, his heart beating fast. Tida’s eyes are watery, she stands up and runs into his arms. “Yes! I want to be your wife too!” She said happily. They kissed each other and everyone screams for the future union.
Ligeia looks at them with love and sadness. Ivar enjoy her head turned, giving him the opportunity for gazing at her. He felt something on his right cheek. He turns his head in that direction and finds Hvitserk with a saucy grin. Bjorn is amused by the behavior of the last one. Ubbe, smiling in silence. “You know, brother, your eyes tell a lot.” Started Ubbe. “So, what do my eyes say?” Ivar asks with sarcasm. “That you want her.” Stated Ubbe. “But for that, he needs to make a move.” Continued Bjorn. Flashbacks of this night in his tent when they kissed, and the feeling of her body against his, appeared in his mind. He can suppress his smirk. Hvitserk saw his smile and he lit up and leaned on the table. “Unless something has already happened.” Acknowledge Hvitserk. Bjorn and Ubbe turn to Ivar, surprised by Hvitserk’s words.
Ivar gives him a death glare. Thankfully, the music and the people talking were loud. “This is not of your business brother.” He says sharply. “It is since you look at her like she is the most beautiful thing in the world, or like you’re going to eat her.” Protested Hvitserk, with mischief in his eyes. The two oldest are enjoying what is unfolding in front of them. Ivar breathes out by his nose. “We just kissed, when she has come back from the battlefield. She was furious with me. I don’t know, it just happened.” He explained quickly feeling embarrassed. “Did you like it?” Asks Hvitserk curious. Bjorn gives him a slap behind his head. “Of course he liked it! Why would he look at her like this, if he didn’t like it, uh?” Declare Bjorn with his strong accent. Hvitserk grumbled something in his beard and rubs the back of his head, where Bjorn has hit him.
They stop talking about it, and the festivities continued. Ivar’s hand was resting on the table. She looked at it and her brother’s words echoed in her mind. “You deserve to be happy Lili.” Without question, she put her hand next to his and slightly touches it with her pinky finger. Ivar looks down at his hand, then at Ligeia. They stayed like this for a moment. Ivar suddenly gets closer to her, leaning on the table trying to grab the jug of ale. Her heart rate goes crazy, making her hold her breath. His smell was alluring, and his body heat radiated on her.
He is pressing his body gently against hers, his free hand on her back. She straightens her back at the contact. When he backs off, with the pitcher in his hand, his other hand slide to the bottom of her back. Ligeia blushes violently. Apollo and Ulla, watch quietly in the distance. They glance at each other with an accomplice smile. She doesn’t know what she was doing, but she was doing it. Every time she locks eyes with Ivar she can see the fire in his eyes, sending shivers down her spine. Nobody has looked at her with such intensity and unspoken promises.
Hours later, the Great Hall begins to empty. Ligeia helps the slave clean the place. Ivar still sitting, looking at her come and go. They end up alone. She was nervous. “Do you need help with them?” She says, pointing at his braces. “A slave can do it.” He answers his deep and raspy. “I know, but I don’t mind helping you.” She says softly. He stands up, with the help of the table and his crutch. He walks in the direction of his bedroom. Ligeia follows him, she stops at the entrance. Ivar stops in the middle of the room and turns around to face her. She knows that if she entered, there will be no going back. The memories of their kiss, the sensations, the emotions, her physical reaction to his touch. All of this is graved in her brain. She was scared of herself, scared of her feeling, scared of him.
“What are you doing to me?” She whispered weakly. Ivar watches her standing at his door, her arms against her body. “Because I don’t like it, it terrifies me.” Finally, the truth comes out. Ivar welcomes the information like a breath of fresh air. They both feel the same, they were scared. “You scare me too.” She was looking to the side, but the sudden confidence makes her lock eyes with him. She takes the time to observe him, and scan him. He was nervous, his hand holding his crutch with a certain grip. “Is the threat of killing me still on the table?” She asks with a light tone and a shy smile, trying to soften the atmosphere. Ivar chuckles, making him relax. “I never meant to actually kill you.” He confessed non the less with confidence, burning her with his piercing blue eyes. She flushed, he delights in the pink shades of her cheeks. Without controlling his tongue, he says: “I like when you blush because of me.” He immediately punches himself in the head.
She steps in, slowly, keeping a respectable distance between them. “You are the only one to make me blush.” She admitted with a nervous laugh.
“Since we are speaking our minds, I like when you looked at me when you think I don’t know.” Ivar looks away. “How did you find out?” He questioned. “When you look at someone or something, you look with too much intensity Ivar.” She teases him. “Sleep well, Ivar.” She pivots going to leave, but he grabs her wrist. “Ligeia… stay, please.” He begs, for the first time.
“York is envied by the vikings and during the battle Ivar see a Saxon girl fight with one of his warriors. The protagonist has a brother with the same desease as Ivar.”
The next week, Ligeia is not sick anymore. She was working on her farm, shaking her crops. She straightens herself, put one hand on her hip and wipes her forehead with her sleeve. She saw movement in the corner of her eye. Ivar was approaching her. She rubbed her hands to remove the excess soil. “Come with me.” He said harshly. “I’m busy.” She answered on the same tone. He sighs at her stubbornness. “I have a surprise for you.” He stated with confidence, but inside he was nervous. She makes him nervous. She doesn’t move at first, observing him in the distance. “Fine.” She capitulates walking in his direction. “Close your eyes.” Seeing that she was going to ask something he cuts her out. “Don’t ask, just trust me.” She nods and close her eyes. He makes her turn, facing her back. He gets a ruban of cloth out of his pocket and put it on her eyes. “What are you doing?” She says, trying to get the thing off. “Stop moving, I just don’t want you to see anything that can ruin the surprise.” She stops and hold the cloth on her eyes, letting him attach it behind her head.
The walk to the Great Hall was in silence. He stays behind her, her facing the entrance. “Can I take this off?” She asks, annoyed not being able to see. “Yes.” He simply answers. “Why all this? I have things to do.” She complained not wanting to be near him, her body immediately reacts when she is close to him. “Can you be patient for five fucking minutes!” He commented with his deep voice and his strong accent. Shivers covered her skin, feeling his breath against her neck. Then the sound of metal can be heard. Apollo appeared, standing, walking. Ligeia’s mouth opened from surprise. Stunned, she steps back, and collide against Ivar’s chest. He got the reflex to put his free hand on her belly, holding her. His hand was so big, covering almost all of it. He swallows with difficulty feeling her body against him.
Ligeia’s eyes were blocked on her little brother. The smile on his face was huge. “Surprise!” He said brightly. “I.. You… You are so tall!” She said with a giggle, with watery eyes. “It’s weird to see the world up there.” He jokes. “But how did you…?” She asks, knowing that they don’t have a lot of money. “Ivar made them for me.” He said looking at Ivar, smiling gratefully for the gift. She looks behind her shoulder, Ivar tries to keep a straight face. She approached Apollo and hug him. “You deserved it. I am so happy.” She mumbled against his chest. Apollo put his arm around her and kiss the top of her head. “You too, you deserve to be happy, Lili.” He said softly.
She shows him a little smile and turns to Ivar. Ivar straighten himself when she faces him. Apollo glances at the prince with a cheeky grin, before leaving the room. She clears her throat and walk a few steps closer. “Why did you do this?” She asks softly, not sure of his real intentions behind it. He is not surprised by the question, he starts to know her now. “Why shouldn’t I?” Answering a question by a question, typically Ivar. “Stop playing Ivar!” She scolds him. He walks to a bench and sits. “I find the possibility to walk, and I wanted him to know that too.” Right now he was the most sincere that he has ever been for a long time. She stays quiet and stare at him. Bjorn enters the room and froze when he sees them, looking at each other with some kind of tension. “Everything’s fine?” He asks with furrowed eyebrows. Ligeia breaks the eye contact and smile to the big bald man that just arrived. “Yeah, we were just talking!” She says before walking to the door. Bjorn watches her leave and when she disappears, he turns to Ivar.
“So, you were just talking?” He asks teasingly, eating his apple. Ivar rolled his eyes, annoyed by his step-brother. “You heard the woman.” He answers standing up ready to leave. “You know brother, even a blind person can see that there is something between the two of you.” Joked the giant man. “Insinuate something like that again, I promise I’ll kill you!” Growl Ivar trying to intimidate him. “Of course!” Whispers Bjorn with a smirk.
“York is envied by the vikings and during the battle Ivar see a Saxon girl fight with one of his warriors. The protagonist has a brother with the same desease as Ivar.”
Ligeia stays in bed for three days. And during this day, Ulla asks Tida for help, taking care of the domestic chores of Ligeia. Tida asked little about Ligeia's condition, and Ulla was grateful for it. Ivar notices the two ladies come and go, and no sign of Ligeia, not even in the blacksmith shop. On the fourth day, there were some festivities. Ligeia, feeling a lot better thanks to Ingebord medicine, wanted to go enjoy some time with her sibling and eat something other than plants. Ingebord and Ulla weren't really sure about it, she was tired and still weak. So, Ingebord had a solution for her. “If I let you go to the festivities tonight, you stay in bed all day until then?” She proposed her hands on her hips. Ligeia smiles, happy to go out. “I can do that!” She answers with joy. “Great! And if you feel bad or anything you come back here, understand?” The old woman pointed at her with her finger. “Loud and clear!” Stated Ligeia. “Ulla will be there, so you don't need to worry.” She said looking at her friend sitting next to her.
The night has come, Ulla helped her get dressed. And for the first time, she will wear a dress. Ingebord made her a dress with a lot of underskirts, in case she bleeds. And warm one for the cold temperature. The dress was not tight and she feels comfortable in it. Her skin tone is pale because of the lack of sun, sleep, and food in her system. Ingebord gives Ulla, a small grant, with medicine for the pain. “I got something for you.” Announced Ulla, excited to give the present she got for her. She takes something wrapped in tissue and holds it to her. “You didn’t have to, you should keep your money for you.” Said Ligeia shyly. “Don’t worry, the person owes me a favor. Now open it!” She said enthusiastically. Ligeia opens her gift, and her mouth opened. With the tip of her finger, she touches the delicately worked wood. It was a stunning cane, sculpted in a block of black wood, and the handle was a wolf head. “I choose a wolf because of your mother’s family name, so I thought that was a good idea.” Explain Ulla scared of her reaction. Ligeia raises her head and looked at her, her eyes shining. “This is perfect Ulla. I am speechless, this is the most beautiful gift that I ever had! Thank you so much.” She stands and hugs her tightly. “We should go.” Declared Ulla, offering her arm to Ligeia. She takes the cane in her right hand and links her left arm with Ulla’s. “Let’s go!”.
The sound of the door opening gets Ivar’s attention. He looked up and find, Ligeia with a woman he don’t know. It’s been a couple days since he didn’t see her and he starts to worry about her. Seeing that his brother doesn’t listen to him, Hvitserk looks in the same direction. Astrid happy to see her friend, she stands up and runs to her, and crashes into her. Ligeia groans in pain, but she was happy to see her and hug her back. Astrid worried about her reaction step back. “Are you okay? We didn’t see you for days.” The dark hair woman asks. “I feel better, but I have to be careful and not make a lot of effort.” Explain Ligeia without giving the details. “I’m glad you are here tonight! I hope you will be recovered soon.”
Astrid guides them to their seats and goes back to her seat. Her brother and sister on her left, Ulla on her right, and an unknown woman in front of her. Apollo happy to see her grabs her hand and kiss the top of her hand. “I am happy to see you, I missed you.” She offers him a tender smile. “I am happy to see you too, I missed both of you so much. I am sorry that I have to let you alone.” Apollo looks at her sister’s face with attention. She was tired and in pain. “That’s okay, I don’t know what you have because you don’t want to tell me, but I know that you are in pain sometimes and you need help. You need to be taken care of. I just want you to be well.” She caresses his cheek and kisses it and hugs him.
The evening goes pretty good, there is music, people laughing, dancing, drinking, talking loud. That was nice to see people live, enjoy the moment. Later in the night pain comes back, but she tries to hide it. “You, Christian!” Said the woman in front of her. She seems intoxicated, but lucid. Ligeia raises her eyebrows not sure if she was talking to her. “Yeah, you! Aren’t you married?” She asks bluntly, making the room goes silent. “No, I am not.” She answered blankly. “I thought that Christians were supposed to marry and have children!” She said loudly, laughing. Ivar was listening and observing the Saxon behavior. Ligeia lowers her head and her hands turned into fists under the table. “I can’t have kids.” She murmured. The woman in front of her frown not sure of what she said. “What did you say?” She asks. Ligeia looks up and looked at her right in the eyes. “I can’t have kids.” Snapped Ligeia. The woman froze uneasily. Nobody dares to move. Apollo was shocked by the news, he wasn’t expecting that.
“I will never have kids, so I will never get married. Because it isn’t what women are supposed to do? Getting married and having kids? It’s what society asks us. Obviously, it seems that marriage and parenting, are not part of my fate.” She helps herself to stand up by pushing with her hands on the table and when she looks on the bench, she saw blood. She froze, feeling of getting punched in her lower belly, eyes getting watery. Ulla who has stood up in the same takes a glance at what she is looking at. Realizing she takes her shawl off her shoulder and hides the red spot on her dress. “It’s okay, let’s go home.” Said Ulla softly trying to get her attention away from the blood. Ligeia simply nods not here mentally. Ulla gives her, her cane and guides her to the exit covering the back of her dress.
Ivar watches them leave. He can’t believe what he just heard. So he stands up and takes the same way as the two women. Arriving at Ingebord's house, Ligeia burst into tears. “I will never have kids!” She cries breaking the healer and the slave's heart. Ligeia keeps repeating the sentence like a litany. She has never taken to the time to proceed with the information since she finds out. Ingebord approaches her and grabs her by the arms and prompts her to stand up. Ligeia lets herself guide. Ulla helps her take her clothes off and stays only in her undergarment. Ligeia goes to the rest restroom in the backyard, before cleaning her; then she puts her to bed.
A knock on the door makes the ladies freeze and looked at each other in nervousness. With a movement of the head, Ingebord signals Ulla to go see who is it. Ulla grabs the handle and opens slightly the door, just to let the side of her face be visible. Her eyes got big. “It’s Prince Ivar.” She said looking at the two women. “Open the door.” He ordered. Ulla hesitates, Ligeia nods her head. She opened the door and Ivar walks in. Ligeia was sweating and the pain as comes back, making her wince. “What is happening to her?” He asks observing Ligeia, who prefers to look away. “You know what is happening to me.” She said in a breathy tone. “You said that you can’t have children.”
Ligeia sniffs with anger in her eyes. “I am getting infertile every time I got my cycle, happy?” He didn’t say anything, feeling bad for her. “You see, you are not the only cripple here. So now that you have fed your curiosity, please get out.” He doesn’t argue and leaves the little house. Ready to go to bed, he lays in his bed, staring at the ceiling. She can’t have children. He can’t have children.
“York is envied by the Vikings and during the battle, Ivar sees a Saxon girl fight with one of his warriors. The protagonist has a brother with the same disease as Ivar.”
Years later
Kattegat is now famous for its diversity of trade, from all around the world. People come and go, making deals, and enjoying life. The Lothbrok, has made compromises and its benefit to the people and the city. Even Lagertha is here. Ligeia was working in the blacksmith’s shop, Apollo was dealing with the traders and Rosalia, was being Rosalia. They live under the same roof as the royal family. Ligeia made sure to not stay too long in the same room as Ivar. She can immediately sense when he looked at her. It’s like his eyes are burning her skin.
Sitting on her stool, she takes a break from what she was doing and watches the movement of the city. She finds Apollo and the red hair young lady, her name is Tida. She is a sweetheart, and she got quite a lot of affection for her little brother. Apollo deserved to be loved by someone else’s than Rosalia and her. Rosalia was playing with kids, laughing and running. They are happy here, and it’s all it matters, their happiness. Compared to them Ligeia has difficulty settling, adapting herself to the culture. Her every move is constantly spied on. Not to mention the jealousy of the women and the perverse looks of some men. So, she stays by herself, in the great hall, her room, or the little farm, she has built-in a remote corner of the city. The day goes by, every day the three Shewolf goes to the beach and watch the sun setting, then they go to the Great Hall to have dinner with everyone else.
In the middle of the night, Ligeia wakes up sweating, with pain in her lower belly. She raises the sheet and sees big blood spatter and on her nightdress. She gets out of her bed with difficulties and terrible pain. She hold herself to anything she could. One hand on her belly, she hisses in pain in silence. She immediately goes to the slave house. The only person she can trust is Ulla, a very nice woman, she has always been kind to her. “Ulla!” She called in a whisper, trying not to wake the other slaves. “Ulla…” She holds herself to the well, blood flowing along her legs. “Ligeia?” A whisper said, then Ulla appeared in front of her, squinting her eyes, but when she saw the blood she woke up quickly. “You are bleeding!” She scream-whispered in shock. “Do you know where is the healer?” Asks Ligeia her breath short, her face pale.
Ulla nods pinching her lips. “Can you take me there? I don’t want Apollo and Rosalia to see me like this…” Ulla doesn’t hesitate and holds her by her waist and puts Ligeia’s arm on her shoulder. The way to the healer was a nightmare. They have to stop every five minutes, because of the pain. When they arrived at the destination, Ulla enters the little house without announcing herself, with a half passed out Ligeia. “Ingebord!” Screams Ulla, in pure panic, feeling her friend’s body going heavy. “Ingebord!” She lays Ligeia on the bed, approaches her ear to her mouth to check if she’s still breathing. An old lady arrived. “Who is bothering me at this hour?!” She said, but when she sees Ulla and the unconscious woman on her bed, she rushes towards them.
“What happened to her?” She asks, putting her hands on Ligeia’s forehead taking her temperature. “I don’t know, she finds me like this, and asks me to bring her here! Is she dying?” Demands Ulla tears in her eyes. “I don’t know.” Answer the old lady, looking at Ligeia's body, when she spots the blood she might have an idea. “Help me take her clothes off.” Ulla nods and delicately takes the dress off. “Clean the blood off and I am going to prepare something for her pain in the meantime.” Declared Ingebord. Ulla nods, put water to boil and grabs a clean cloth.
During that time, Ingebord prepared something with plants, that will ease the pain of the poor girl. Then she takes a ladle of water and mixes it to make it liquid. She kneeled down next to Ligeia and raises her head and help her drink. She let the bowl aside and put her hand flat on her lower belly. She massages it softly, wearing a frown. Ulla looked at her worriedly, holding Ligeia's hand and caressing her hair.
Ingebord was going to say something, but, Ligeia try to speak. “My bed… blood…” she said in a fry voice. “I’ll go clean it, don’t worry.” Said Ulla, smiling softly. “Don’t tell them what I got, please.” She almost begs, crying. “Promise.” “Thank you.” She breathes out with relief. “Dear, do you know what you have?” Asks Ingebord. “I… I can’t have kids.” Ulla doesn’t understand what she meant by that. “What does that mean?”
Ingebord, lower her face with sadness, she hoped that she was wrong, but no. She looked up at Ulla. “What she is saying, is that she is getting infertile. She can’t have babies.” Ulla looked at Ligeia and hold her tight, she grabs a fur and cover Ligeia’s body. “You are not going through this alone, you got us now.” Ligeia silently nods, thankful to not go through this alone for the first time.
“York is envied by the Vikings and during the battle, Ivar sees a Saxon girl fight with one of his warriors. The protagonist has a brother with the same disease as Ivar.”
The next morning, Ligeia was empty of any kind of emotions and feelings. Her dark circles, speaking for her. Ivar has thought about her words, all night, depriving him of sleep. Ligeia’s stomach hurt. The thought to kill more people made her sick. Feeling nauseous, she didn’t eat when she wakes up. She is also very quiet. Ivar announced to his army to get prepared, that it was time. At the announcement, her shoulders are sagging. Why is he so damned stubborn?! Secretly, she has always thought that he was smart, but right now, he was stupid. All this is for something that happened in the past. Something that technically Lagertha has the right to do. Also, Aslaug wasn’t a saint, her attention was clear because she is a volva. And has a mother, she wasn’t great either. That’s good that she takes care of Ivar, but not at the expense of the other boys.
Ligeia was putting on her armor with a heavy heart, deadly silent. Apollo watches her quietly but terrified inside. He realized that if something happened to her if she… dies on the battlefield today… he pushed away his negative thoughts. Rosalia was playing with her chessboard. “Ligeia?” Someone called her behind the curtain. “You can come in.” She answers. Harald appeared ready to battle. “Are you ready?” He questioned. “I am.”
No, she is not. She gives a last glance at her brother and sister and leaves. The lump in her throat intensified with every step she takes. She arrived next to Ivar’s chariot, not even looking at him once. Harald and Hvitserk updated her on the plan when a scream gets their attention. She looked behind her and saw Rosalia running in her direction. Apollo is struggling to follow her, calling her name. “Lili!” She cries. Ligeia knelt down and reception her baby sister jumping into her arms. “Lili, where are you going? Pollo said, that you are leaving.” She said, grabbing with her little hand the collar of her clothing. “I have to go somewhere…” she starts trying to find the best words. “With Ivar, for protecting you.” She continues looking at Ivar for the first time this day.
“I think you are big enough to know that, I probably not coming back.” Ligeia has her heart in her throat and clears it out. The big blue eyes of her little princess, full of tears, break her heart. Because she knows what “not coming back” means. “Are you going to see Mom and Dad?” Tears falling down her rosy cheeks, Ligeia swipes them off with her thumbs. “Maybe. But I will try my best to come back to you. To both of you.” She stated, looking at Apollo who was behind Rosalia. “I love you so much, you are my everything.” She takes Rosalia in a tight hug, then she kissed her all over her face, and did the same for Apollo. “Promise me to be strong for both of you if I don’t come back.” She begged in Apollo’s ear during the hug. “You are coming back.” He said. “I need to hear you! Please, promise me!” She was now holding his face in her hands. “I promise to be strong and take care of both of us.” She sighs in relief, closing her eyes, a solitary tear falling down, she kissed him on the forehead, stands, dries her tear away.
When putting some distance between them, she can still hear Rosalia cry, cracking her heart even more. Men moving, she pushes herself through the crowd. Ivar gives a glance in Apollo and Rosalia’s direction and met Apollo’s eyes. A strange feeling in his chest, guilt. Ivar gives the signal and the army walks to their battlefield. Astrid glances at Ligeia from time to time, more concerned than usual about her quiet behavior. She looks tense. All the warriors are in place, Harald, Astrid, Heahmund, and Ligeia make their way into the first line.
Heahmund speaks up in old Saxon “I can’t wait!” He said, with adrenaline rushing through his veins. “Why, does that beautiful sword of yours thirst for blood?” Asks Ivar in the bishop’s language. Heahmund takes his sword out and touches the blade tenderly. “Perhaps my God intended it to slake its thirst upon pagan blood… that’s why I’m here; to do the Lord’s bidding.” “And mine, bishop Heahmund. And mine.” Ivar makes sure that he remembers that he is also following his orders. Ligeia rolled her eyes, to the bishops rambling. Looking straight to the horizon and cross Bjorn's eyes. Through her eyes, she speaks to him, and he understands.
Harald turns to Ivar. “What do you think?” Asks the tattooed man. “I have a feeling that Bjorn is playing a game.” Stated Ivar was suspicious. “What kind of game?” Wants to know King Harald. “Well, what if he is keeping a lot of his army in reserve? What if this battle is just a feint? What if his real plan is to outflank us and drive on and try to destroy our boats?” The possibility of being defeated bloomed in Harald’s mind, so at the moment in decided to trust the young Viking. “What should we do?” He demands. “I'll pull back a third of our army to protect our ships. It is a risk. But it would be far worse to lose our entire fleet.” Harald sighs deeply, looking at Astrid. “So, I think we should send Hvitserk with some men into the woods over there, and try and outflank them, dividing Bjorn's forces.” Proposed Ivar. “I agree. If you take Astrid back with you. I don't want her to die.” Added Harald, taking Astrid by surprise. “No.” Objected Astrid. “Yes.” “I am fighting!” “Not today.” Insists Harald. “Astrid, go with Ivar.” Recommend Ligeia calmly. “I want to fight by your side!” Protest Astrid. “We will have another occasion for that.” Promised Ligeia, smiling at her friend. Two men grab Astrid and put her on Ivar’s chariot. “Ha!”
The chariot move away and Ligeia follows it with her eyes and Astrid looked behind her shoulder. Ligeia slightly lowers her head, telling her that it will be fine. She was left with the King and the bishop. Getting her sword out, holding her shield in the other, she starts to think what the hell she was doing here?! The opposing side launched the attack. Then Harald followed. The first wave with Bishop Heahmund. Ligeia was going to follow him, but Harald stops her with his sword, so she steps back. Watching the battle unfold in front of her eyes, she has a bad feeling. Something was wrong and they were going to fail. The second wave. The fight was fierce, men and women fighting with rage, not scared to die. In the third wave, Harald and she enter the arena.
She fights with strength, blood all over her face and hands. Her breathing was chaotic, screams of warrior and pain, ringing in her head. Her tight hurt. Everything went in slow motion. She looks around her, terrified and sad to see all this life taken. The movement on her right brings her back to reality. She didn’t hesitate and sank her sword in the body in front of her. Lagertha and her troop ran to them. Bjorn and his soldier coming front. They are surrounded. Harald seeing this doesn’t hesitate. “Blow the horns! Summon Ivar !” The poor man blows the horn twice before being killed. Ligeia starts to feel exhausted and overwhelmed, and scared. She was fighting with the blond woman she has seen on the hill. She was stronger than her, much stronger, she avoids the attacks with difficulty. Her shield was broken, only her sword was left. She stumbles back, knowing that it was the end. “Retreat! Retreat!” Screams Harald leaving the battlefield.
The blond woman raised her arm in the air and prepared to shoot her with her blade. “Torvi, no!” The blond woman froze and looked behind her. “Don’t kill her!” Scream Lagertha. Ligeia looks at Lagertha confused. “Go.” She tells her with a movement of the head. Ligeia slowly steps back and takes the same direction, has the others retreating. Ivar was waiting for them, with Astrid. Harald arrived at him. Ivar looked at the soldier remaining. “Where’s Heahmund?” He asks. “Your Christian’s dead. Come.” He said frustrated. “Where’s Ligeia?” Asks Astrid not to see her friend. “I don’t know, probably dead too.” He said. “No, she can’t be! I gotta find her!” She stated, going in the direction of the battlefield, but Harald stops her. “If she is alive, she will come back to the settlement.” “But…” she tries to insist but Harald cuts her off. “No but. Let’s go.”
The night sets in, with no sign of Ligeia. Ivar was worried, he didn’t know what to say to Apollo and Rosalia. He was biting his fingers, mind working. Is she dead? Is she alive? Where is she? All those questions turned in a loop in his head. Ligeia was exhausted. Walking slowly, with her injured leg. Her eyes were blank. “Someone’s coming!” Scream one man, making Ivar lookup. “It’s the Christian woman!” He straightens up, grabs his crutch, and gets closer. He can see men making way, and she appeared. Limping, holding her leg to help her walk. “Ligeia!” Scream Apollo, but Ligeia doesn’t react and keeps walking passing next to him.
Apollo follows her with his eyes. He never sees his big sister like this. She looked so… scared. She was like in another world, not even blinking. Ivar swallowed with difficulty, he feels terrible but also relieved to see her alive. The night set in, Ivar decides to go to his tent, tired of this major defeat. He takes off his shirt and threw it somewhere in the area. When he turns around, he straightens quickly surprised to see Ligeia is standing at the entrance. Her hair untied, in her nightgown, and a shawl on her shoulders, covering her upper body. She looks so small like this, he thinks. Why was she in his tent? That was the real question.
She slowly gets closer and without letting him analyze the situation, slaps him real hard, making him turn his head to the side.
“You left me for dead.” She said with all the hatred she got. “You left me there to die!” Her voice goes up in volume. She pushes him on his chest, making him stumble a little to his surprise. “I thought I’d never see my brother and sister again!” She pushes a second time with all her strength, tears rolling down her face. “Men’s life wasted because of your selfishness!” A third time, and he fell on his bed. She puts herself above him and tries to hit him. She succeeds in giving a second slap but then he finally goes out of his lethargy and tries to stop her. “Enough!” He growls in a deep and warning tone. “I fucking hate you!” She cursed. He ends up locking her arms behind her back.
Him sitting, her on his lap, their faces close. Her hair was messy, and her nightgown has slightly dropped on one shoulder. “I am sorry.” He whispered. Ligeia Brest going up and down because of her breathing. “I am sorry, I should’ve not let you come with us.” He confessed. They just looked at each other. Ivar gazes slide to her lips and when he met her eyes, the atmosphere change. The tension was so thick that it can be seen by the eyes. Ligeia felt the atmosphere changing, and in Ivar’s eyes. There was something that she has never seen, something powerful. Their faces were inches away from each other.
Ivar’s grip loosened on her wrist, and without warning crashes his lips on hers. Surprisingly, she responded with fervor. Her hands now free, she supped his face, getting closer. His arms surrounded her waist, hands resting her other back. He made his hands travel her back, waist, ass, and thighs. He slides them under the tissue and squeezes the flesh, making her whimper. Something in his body was shaken, of the sound she just did. The kiss was angry, frustrated and a fight for dominance. Realizing what is happening, Ligeia’s eyes shot open and she pushed him away and get as far away as possible from his body. He falls on his back and didn’t move.
“Stop this nonsense! This war is stupid and I am sure in your heart you know it.” She said putting her finger in his direction. “You can live with your family, but you are willing to destroy it for something that even isn’t your concern. Be a man and take the right decision for goodness sake!” Then, she stormed out of the tent. What in the Hell has just happened? She shakes her shoulders and puts on her straight face and goes back to her tent. They both didn’t find sleep that night, too distraught about the feelings they felt during the kiss. Ligeia was feeling ashamed, to let him touch her like this, but at the same time, she liked it.
“York is envied by the vikings and during the battle Ivar sees a Saxon girl fight with one of his warriors. The protagonist has a brother with the same disease as Ivar.”
Ligeia arrived at their settlement. She looked around her, making sure that she knows her surroundings. She was technically on the enemy side, everything can happen. Especially because she is a foreigner. She hides her anxiety, with a confident walk and a neutral face. They bring her under a little tent and give her a cup of ale. She hesitates at first, but finally, grabs the drink. “You can sit.” Offers Lagertha sitting in front of her. She doesn’t argue and sits. “Why did you want to talk to me?” Questioned Ligeia straight forward. “I know Hedda Shewolf, your mother.”
Ligeia’s heart starts beating fast. She hopes for years to know more about her mother's history, but, that was too dangerous in England because of where she is from. “How can I believe you?” Even so, she was thrilled with excitement, she was also very suspicious, that can a ruse. “She was my best friend. I grew up with her.” Announced Lagertha, smiling at the memories. “She was a great warrior and very smart. But also very curious, putting herself in danger!” Ligeia smiles, remembering exactly these qualities of her mother. “My ex-husband, knows her too, Ragnar. We were inseparable.” She continued her story, taking a sip. “Then she met this priest Treader. Curious about his faith, she questioned him every day he was here.” Lagertha laughs, making Ligeia chuckle.
Bjorn, Ubbe, and Torvi were listening silently. Bjorn has the chance to meet the woman before she left. “Obviously, they fell in love, deeply. I never see a man looking at her like he was looking at her. And that was the same for her. So, it’s natural that when he has to leave, she has decided to go with him.” Knowing that her parents were deeply in love, and her mother having the courage to leave her country for a man, is beautiful. “She was an incredible shield-maiden. Fierce, brave, and wise. She prevents us to make a useless man loss. I can see that you have that of her.” The queen finishes, looking at the brown hair girl. “And I don’t understand, why you are fighting with Ivar.”
Ligeia looked at the liquid in her cup. She sighs and raises her head. “He invades York. I kill one of his men when I tried to run away with my little sister. He saw the fight and he sends men to find me. He takes my siblings and me as prisoners. I am just protecting my siblings, you need to understand that.” Acknowledged Ligeia looking at everyone. “They are all that I have, I can’t lose them. They are the reason I am still alive.” She vouched with emotions. Bjorn looked at her taking her fully. She was tired but deeply sad. She didn’t have the time of grief. She grew up too fast, taking responsibilities to a younger age. “You just want to protect them, that honorable.” He said softly, meeting her eyes for the first time. Intense and unique. Deep down, he knows that she will be the reason for their salvation. The end of this war.
The morning after, Bjorn brings her back to the field that they were yesterday. She slides down the horse and starts walking. “Ligeia.” He called her. She turns herself, waiting for him to continue. “Please, try to resonate with him.” He begged. She looked down a second, feeling the weight on her shoulder. “I see what I can do. But I can’t promise you anything.” She says. “I know, but that’s enough for me.” She said goodbye with a slight movement of the head and make her way to her settlement. A few meters away from the camp, the guards start screaming: “Someone approaching!” Men's starts to get agitated thinking this is an enemy. One of them alerts Ivar and Harald. Ivar grabs his crotch and gets out of his tent. He approaches the entrance of the settlement. He immediately recognizes her. The little, human sea, let her pass, she stands in the face of Ivar. “Where are they?” Demand Ligeia. He quickly analyses her face and body, to find no scratches. “In my tent.” He informed her. She bypasses him and goes straight to his tent.
Dinner time arrived, the night as settled, Ligeia has taken off, the heavy pieces of her armor. Rosalia on her lap, she tried to braid her hair. “Rosi stop moving! I can’t braid your hair if you are moving!” She giggles at her little sister. “But I want to hug you!” Cries blondie. “I know, but if you stop moving, I will be already done and you can hug me.” Rosalia stops moving and Ligeia can swiftly braid her hair. “Done!” She announced. Rosalia turns herself, encircles Ligeia's waist with her legs, and rests her head on Ligeia’s neck. Enveloping her little body with her arms, she strokes her back and puts a kiss on top of her hair.
Closing her eyes, she hums a lullaby. Apollo lays on the small bed, was holding hands with Ligeia. Relaxes, he closes his eyes too and falls asleep. Ivar walks in the direction of the three siblings' tent, he enters without announcing himself and froze when he sees the picture in front of him. The love between brother and sisters, true and pure love. Ligeia is still humming, didn’t hear him coming. He clears his throat. Ligeia opens her eyes and looks towards the entrance, and finds Ivar standing there. He doesn’t need to talk, that she understands that he wanted to talk to her. She puts Rosalia on the bed, next to Apollo and covers their bodies with a blanket. She goes out of the tent, followed by the Viking.
“Help me takes them off.” He says, sounding more like an order. She agrees and followed him. Walking next to him, she may observe that everyone was looking at her. She didn’t know if that was because she was walking with their leader or just because of her. Entering his tent, she realizes that she is in his intimacy. She felt trapped. He sits on the edge of his bed, looking at her. Hesitant she takes small steps. She kneeled and starts to undo his mental splints. A grimace of pain, twisted his face when her legs are free. Whiteout asking any questions, she starts massaging his legs, like she does for her brother. Ivar’s body tenses a little, not used by someone touching his legs.
“What did she tell you?” He couldn’t hold it anymore, he needs to know. “Nothing about you, sorry.” She said looking at him through her eyelashes. He grabs her by her shirt and pulls her violently towards him. His other hand holds her by the back of her neck, their noses brushing against each other. Holding herself on his shoulder, fear flashed in her eyes. “What did she tell you?” He separates every word harshly. “Answer me.” He groans, tightening his grip. “We talked about my mother.” She doesn’t control the tears that filled her eyes. Ivar’s face softens a second. “She knew my mother and wanted to talk about her. That’s all.” He releases her and she gets far away from him, massaging her neck.
The hatred in her eyes, break his heart. And he doesn’t know why, that bothers him that she looks at him like this. She turns her back and walks to the exit, but she froze. She decides to face him. “This is stupid!” She screams. “Your war is stupid! You are going to sacrifice a hundred of man’s life for something that happened years ago. They love you and you didn’t even see it, because you are stuck with your little person!”
“She killed my mother!” He responds raising his voice. “He killed my parents!” Now she is yelling, tears streaming down her face. She never cried this that day, she didn’t grief, she didn’t take the time to mourn. “He killed them, and I have to see him every day without being able to do anything! Your mother wasn’t a saint, she knows what she was doing when she seduces your dad. So, stop putting her on a pedestal.” She was furious that he was ready to lose his brothers, his family, for revenge. This is ludicrous. “What did you know about my mother, uh?” He added, annoyed that she dares talking about his mother. “People like to talk Ivar! But Hvitserk and I had a discussion about it.”
Silenced fell inside the tent. Her chest rising up and down. Jesus, she wanted to smack his face to put his brain in place. “This war can be avoided and you know that! But, shit, you are so fucking stubborn!” Tight jaws, breathing from his nose, he tried to control himself and not hurt her. “You should be careful with your words! You seem to forget who you are talking to.” He threatens her with a hollow voice. She sees red, a cold air washing her body. She gets closer and almost collides her forehead against his. “Kill me then! I am not scared of you. Kill me! But let me tell you something, you will have to explain it to Apollo and Rosalia. And of course, you will have to take care of them, because this is your fault that they are far away from their home.” She quickly goes out and opens furiously the curtain.
Her words, turning in his mind. She was right, but he didn’t want to see it. To see that this war is ridiculous. That this was his anger speaking. Landing one foot outside, she empties the air from her lungs, then taking a deep breath. When she opens her eyes, she felts like she was observed. She turns her head to her right and finds Heahmund, looking at her. Her hands ball into fists and she leaves rapidly. She moves away from the camp, she finds a quiet place. Her hands start shaking, her eyes starting to get flooded with tears. She broke down and burst into tears. She fell on her knees in a dying cry. Painful to hear. Astrid looked at her from afar, it broke her heart to hear a cry.
“York is envied by the vikings and during the battle Ivar sees a Saxon girl fight with one of his warriors. The protagonist has a brother with the same disease as Ivar.”
Everyone getting agitated on the docks, horns blowing. Ivar crawls rapidly, sitting along the boat. Rush of excitement in his veins. “It’s time! How I've been impatient. Now I can finally fulfil my promise to the gods, and kill Lagertha.” He said to his brother, Hvitserk, who sigh after helping his little brother getting in the boat. “I'm ready to avenge our mother. Not because she was a good mother to me, but because Lagertha deserves it.” Confessed Hvitserk, one hand on the sleeve of his sword. “That’s good enough to me.” Sais Ivar chuckling and sniffing looking at his brother. “But are you ready to deal with Ubbe? Will you kill him if you have to? Even if he is your own flesh and blood?” Ivar spoke trying to hit on Hvitserk mind. Hvitserk carefully find his words. “If I kill Ubbe, won't my fame be assured?” He slaps Ivar on the shoulder and get out of the boat. Ivar laughs and pointed to the tip of his axe in Hvitserk direction. “That's the way to talk!”
“My love! What are you doing?” Said Harald is stopping what he was doing when he sees Astrid approach. “I'm coming with you.” She says like it was logical. “Not when you're carrying my child.” Worried about his wife and child getting hurt. But her mind was already made. “Even if I am carrying your child, I am still coming with you. I have already made up my mind.” He looks up and sigh, knowing that he will lose against her. “I should have known that the woman the gods chose for my wife would be very brave and courageous. Your wish is my command. You will sail with us, my love.” Happy, she gives him a little smile and goes on the boat. “Finish loading!” Scream one man. Ivar was sitting on the floor of the boat, one arm lets loose on the edge, twirling a small knife with his other looked around him, when he sees Heahmund.
“Your Grace!” His blue eyes teasing the christian in his black battle outfit and a hood on the head. Triggered by the title, the bishop squatted to get to Ivar’s level. “Don’t call me that. You think it's a joke, but you have no understanding of grace.” Ivar looks another way, arrogantly before stopping him. “Wait!” Heahmund turn back to Ivar. “I have something for you.” A sailor scream : “Ready the oars.” Ivar takes something next to him. “This sword only works its magic for its owner. So have it. Take it. It's yours.” He gives it to him and the bishop will quickly seize the good. He takes the sword out of her protection, looked at it a second et put it on his shoulder.
Ivar’s attention goes in front of him. The Saxon woman, walking straight in his direction, her sword on her back. Her black armour that he made her done, fits her perfectly, maybe a little too perfectly. The high turtle neck, let no place to show some skin. When she passes between the men, their eyes followed her steps. Her hair tied in a low bun on her neck. Unusual haircut for battle, but he like it, it’s different, she’s different. No war make up. She looked like one of his shield-maiden, fierce and strong. He blinks twice returning to reality.
“What did I tell you? You are going to fight for me that you like it or not.” He said looking at her with a grin. She shoots him with her darkest gaze. “You are wrong! It’s a kill or be killed situation, and unfortunately that’s what I gotta do for protecting my family.” Just the time to finish her sentence, that Apollo and Rosalia arrived. Suddenly a bright smile, illuminate Ivar’s face, taking Ligeia off guard. “My little rose! I was waiting for you!” He said, offering his hand to the little girl. Rosalia giggle to the nickname, grab his hand and enter the boat sitting on his lap. Apollo also goes on the boat. “Don’t you come?” He asks not seeing his sister going on board. “I am going with his majesty.” She said, showing the other boat with her head. “Look after her.” She said, making her way to her boat.
Bishop Heahmund and Ligeia’s eyes lock and battling each other silently. She jumps lazily in the boat and passed in front him without breaking the eye contact. Ivar and Harald who were in different directions, saw everything. Harald doubtful of the two Christians behaviour.
The travel was not very long, but the salt air making Ligeia sleepy. In the middle of a plain, Ivar and Harald on one side and Lagertha and Bjorn on the other, analysed each army. “This is not right!” Said Lagertha. “This is not right, that the sons of Ragnar, should try and slaughter each other!” She continued. “We will send emissaries.” She decides. Bjorn agreed, same for Ubbe. Bjorn and Halfdan by horse goes in the no man’s land. Ivar gives his accord and Harald bring Hvitserk with him. Words are exchanged, but Ligeia and the others cannot hear. They are too far. Standing straight on the right of Ivar’s chariot, he looked down at her in the corner of his eyes.
“This is madness.” Said Halfdan. “Is it?” Asks rhetorically Harald to his brother. “You are here where you belong. Don't deny it.” He tried to convinced him. “Why would you fight for Lagertha or Bjorn? They are not your folk.” He said really not understanding why his blood fighting with his enemy. “Bjorn saved my life. Isn't that reason enough?” Try to explain Halfdan.
“Not really.” Grimace Ivar. “We all choose to live a dangerous life. That is part of our way. So I think that you give what happened between you and Bjorn too much importance.” Ivar said, giving his back to the hostage. “Family has a greater claim. I don't want to fight against you. I don't want to have to kill you.” Halfdan sigh. “The world would make no sense.” Continued Harald. “I suppose none of this makes any sense to them anyway.” Declared Halfdan turning his head in the bishop’s and Ligeia’s direction. “They’re great warriors. They don't need anything to make sense.” He said, gritting his teeth, defending his two prisoners. Ligeia was surprised at his words, but let anything transparent on her face.
“By the gods, Ivar, you are just so cynical.” States Halfdan, making Ivar chuckles. “You just don't care, do you?” The blond man asks. “I care about winning this war. Halfdan, you have to choose between a friend or a brother.” Ivar finally presented the ultimatum of Halfdan. “To me, the answer is obvious.” He goes to take a sip, but retreat himself and throw the liquid on the floor, and crawl out. Heahmund looked at him leave and start to speak in Old-Saxon.
“The Lord hath said unto me, thou art my son ; This day I have begotten you. Appeal to me… and I shall grant nations into your own inheritance, and I shall extend your authority over the borders of nations. And I will make you control them with an iron rod, and you might break them as easily as… the potter… can break a pot.” Ligeia snigger rolling her eyes.
“You can say as many ridiculous metaphors as you want, but your God is not better than Theirs. If not worse. I can’t wait for Him…” She emphasise on the him. “To take you to Hell!” She said in Norse, with a smirk and clash her shoulder with him when leaving.
Crows are cawing. Ligeia stand next to Astrid, her head intentionally low, looking at the floor, but she listened very attentively. “We all know today we have so many shield-maidens and warriors-at-arms that we must decide whether we fight or we reach an accommodation allowing us to go live our lives with integrity and honour. I call upon my brothers, Ivar…” starts Bjorn, arms resting on his tights. “Hvitserk. Let's put aside our differences, for the sake of our father. A civil war can only bring tragedy, weaken our family, and set in train a lifetime of revenge obligations for those who manage to survive! Is that really what you all want?” Ivar content himself for now with just looking at Bjorn intensely, probably imagining how he would kill him.
“I want to speak up and support Bjorn, and his call for a peaceful resolution. It is true, I set my face against my brother. But if you can forgive me, Ivar, let us make an accord.” Continued Ubbe, who sounds truly sad to fight his brothers. “We are going to war for the Kingdom of Kattegat. The Kingdom of Kattegat was carved out by my husband Ragnar Lothbrok, and then by me. I am its rightful Queen.” Start Queen Lagertha. Ligeia’s neck was tickled to put a face on the said Lagertha.
“What we should be discussing is how we combine our great armies, and direct them out towards new lands, new conquests, new opportunities. What a... Terrible pity to kill our young men for a piece of land which is already ours.” Silence filled in, everyone looking at each other. “Astrid!” She called, making the dark hair women looked at her. “I am happy to see you again. Whatever has happened, I don't want to fight you.” Her ex-lover doesn’t answer anything, sad to not be able to be with the one she loved. “Astrid!” Lagertha called her for a second time, waiting for a reaction.
Astrid takes a breath and put a hand on Harald shoulder. “I am married now. I am King Harald's wife.” Astrid prefer to look in front of her and not look at the sadness in Lagertha’s eyes. Harald was jubilant. “Queen Astrid, I suppose!” Said the blond female warrior, trying to brush her feelings off. “Brother, let's not fight. What can we gain? Nothing.” Enter Halfdan in the conversation. “On the contrary. We will gain the world. Join us and I will share it with you.” Proposed Harald. “It is really up to you, Ivar. If you decide that you cannot fight, against your brothers... That you do not want to fight against your brothers... Then we can find an accord. And King Harald can't stop us.” Bjorn addresses himself directly to Ivar, his expression harden when he looks at Harald. Bjorn exhales waiting for Ivar’s decision.
“You have so much to lose, Ivar.” Said Lagertha getting closer to Ivar, who was astonishingly silent. “If you want war, then let's have a war.” She was standing up and looked down at him, who was sitting. “But win or lose... You lose. You gain victory over the other sons of Ragnar and people will say that you are an illegitimate ruler and a usurper. And if you lose, they will say it was by the will of the gods and the will of Ragnar, who now sups with them in Valhalla, and cries for us now.” She chanted. “Do not do this, Ivar. We are the sons of Ragnar. Is that not enough for any man?” Droned Ubbe.
Ligeia looks at Ivar discreetly. He looked at Harald next to him, thinking about everyone words. But she wasn’t stupid, she knows that he got something in his mind. He is just playing, she knows it deep down, he wants war and he will have it. It was just a matter of time. But she raises her head a little too much and grab Lagertha’s attention. The blond Queen approaches her, and stand right in front of her. Ligeia can see her feet. Lagertha grabs her chin and make her rise her head. Her eyes still looking down.
“Look at me.” She asks or ordered softly, but Ligeia didn’t want to look at her. She doesn’t want to see their faces, if she got to kill them after. “It’s better if I don’t look at you.” Said Ligeia with respect. “Do not worry, look at me.” She insisted with her strong accent. Ligeia looks up and her yellowish eyes meet blue eyes, surrounded in black. Lagertha’s eyes widened slightly. She looks like her dearest friend, that follow the love of her life. “What is your name?” She asks. “Ligeia.” She simply answers. “What was your mother’s name?” Lagertha heart beating fast. “Hedda Shewolf.”
Ivar doesn’t like the proximity of the two women, so he stands up quickly and takes a few steps. “Bring horns of mead. We should celebrate. There will be no battle today. Nor tomorrow.” He announced surprising Harald. “What are you talking about?” He said furious standing up. “You cannot decide this!” Harald was really angry. “I do not want to fight against my brothers. I still hate myself for killing Sigurd. This would be times worse. I… I can’t.” He said with teary eyes, but Ligeia felt something was off. “I renounce my promise to kill Lagertha. She can have Kattegat. I don't want it.” His voice faltered at the last word and he get closer to Ubbe, grunting in pain. “Ubbe, you're right. We are all sons of Ragnar. Forgive me.” Ubbe looked at his younger brother and lower his head in sign of forgiveness.
Now everyone was standing up, with a cup in the hand. “Skol!” Said Lagertha rising her cup in the air, and everyone else followed. “Skol!” When they are going to take a sip, Harald turn his cup upside down and empty it. Ivar Hide is mouth in his elbow looking at Ubbe. He smirk and throw his beverage on Ubbe’s face. “How blue are my eyes, huh?” Asks the boneless. “What?” “How blue are my eyes?” Shouts Ivar. “Your eyes are very blue.” Answered Ubbe. “Mmm. You remember I had to ask you every single morning how blue the whites of my eyes were? Because if they were very blue, I was in great danger of breaking a bone.” “Yes, I remember. It was a big part of my childhood, "How blue are Ivar's eyes today?”” Ubbe spoke with bitterness. “I might break a bone, but I can never break a promise. I can never forgive Lagertha for murdering our mother. How can you? Hmm?” Ivar furious. “How can you? Hmm?” He punches Ubbe in the back, and scream. “Our mother! Of course I'm going to kill her!” Ligeia jumps a little scared of his deep and raspy tone. Angry was to light for the state of mind of Ivar. And for the first time, Ligeia was afraid of him.
“You can try.” Says Lagertha after emptying her cup too. “Oh, I will.” He said smiling wickedly at her. “You said you wouldn't fight your brothers.” Told Ubbe, disappointed by Ivar behaviour. “You are no longer my brother. You were once my legs... But not anymore.” Harald suddenly starts laughing. “This was all a waste of time.” “No. Not at all. You can surrender Kattegat now. You've all been talking about how terrible the slaughter will be. How we will kill our nearest relations and members of our family.” He mutters. “I don't want to do that. Let us not do it. You. Bjorn. Lagertha. Just go away. Leave this place. Do not put your men to the test.” Ubbe who’s back was facing Ivar, looks up and meet Bjorn’s eyes. Silently they take their sword out and face them. “Not now.” Lagertha stops them, a hand on Ubbe’s chest. Ubbe turns back, Bjorn, Torvi and Guthrun follows him.
Astrid doesn’t move and stared at Lagertha. Harald looking at the silent exchange between the two women. “You’re sure? Are you going to deny your brother?” Questioned Harald. “Bjorn saved my life. I’m indebted.” Said Halfdan arms open. “You’re not his blood.” Harald tone was sad, Halfdan inhales before speaking. “Maybe we care too much for that.” “Maybe.” Harald agrees with reluctance. “Maybe.” He said approaching his brother for a hug, probably the last time. Forehead against forehead, they say their last goodbye to each other. “I’m sorry, brother. Truly.” Apologised Halfdan. “Don’t be sorry. No.” Harald mime that he leaves put quickly punch him in the face. “Halt!” Shout Lagertha. “Hold!” Said Ivar. “You know I'll kill you. You understand that? I will kill you.” Pledged Harald, turning away.
Ligeia slowly turns back. “Ivar! Can I talk to Ligeia?” Asks Lagertha, making Ligeia stops. She looked at him, waiting for his answer. There is no way, he let her go with the queen. Never. Ivar looked at Ligeia up and down, and in a movement of the head, he accepts. “Bring her back tomorrow.” He ordered before turning away. “Do anything to them during my absence and I kill you!” She shouts, making him look behind his shoulder smirking at the threat. Hvitserk realises something, she is the only one that threatens him without dealing with his anger over it. Then, she follows, Lagertha and the other part of the family.
Y/N got a nightmare. Takes the helmet and talked to the stars, then fluff.✨
The night is dark, the Razor Crest is silent. Garage sleeping in this little hammock above the Mandalorian’s bed. Y/N, who is sleeping in her little bunker not far away from the bounty hunter, is having an agitated sleep. Turning and turning in her bed, trying to escape a danger. She wakes abruptly, breathing as if she had been underwater for too long. Her eyes scanning the darkness frantically in front of her. Her heart beating fast and hard against her chest. She puts her hands on her face, calming herself. Finally calm, no longer finding sleep, and still feeling fear hovering in her mind, she decides to leave her bed. The weight of her pants falling at her feet, touching the floor. The long-sleeve t-shirt, too big for her, fell from one of her shoulders. She tiptoed to the ladder leading to the cockpit, arms straight forward for preventing her from bumping into something and occasionally her herself. Her right foot slams into something hard, holding back a cry of pain, she squeals. Jumping on one foot. She taps the floor searching what she bumps into, when she feels the gold of the metal, the beskar. His helmet. She grabbed it with both hands, watching blindly at it. She submerges from deep in her thoughts, keeps the helmet and climbs the ladder. The automatic doors closing after she enters the cockpit, she sits in Din’s seat, looking at the helmet in her hands shining with the light of the stars and the moon.
She has always been curious about his helmet. Not about what he looks like underneath, but what he sees behind it. What kind of feeling wearing this kind of helmet brings? If he sees clearly? Stuff like this. She brings up the helmet and gets it on her head. It secures in whoosh sound. She blinks multiple times, raising her hands in front of her face, and looking around her. That was weird, it looked like… droid vision, she thinks. “Does it change my voice too, or just his?” she asks herself. She clears her throat and says the only thing that comes to her mind. “This is the way!” the vocoder changing her voice to a robot one. She giggled at the sound, that was fun. She keeps the helmet on watching the stars and telling sentences that the Mandalorian have said.
“Now I know where his confidence comes from.” she says, curling herself on the chair. Knees against her chest, head resting on the headrest. She sighs, more relaxed now that her anxiety is gone. Watching the stars, her eyes teared up because of the flow of contradictory emotions and thinking about her family. Downstairs Mando wakes up, hearing noise upstairs. He got out of his bunk and checked on the child. Looking for his helmet on the floor, he starts to panic when he doesn't find it. He looked at Y/N's bed and found it empty. He climbs the ladder and enters the cockpit. She was so caught up in her emotions that she didn’t hear him behind her.
“I know you are watching over me up there. And I am grateful to be alive, but, sometimes I feel sad to be the only one, and… I don’t know how to explain it, but I can be surrounded by people and feel very alone. I am tired of that feeling actually! But then I meet this Mandalorian and strange green 50 years old child” she stops giggling at the image of the bounty hunter and the little green bean next to him. “So now, I don’t feel alone often around them, which is weird since Mando is not a really talkative person, but just their presence is comforting.”
Din is just leaning against the wall, arms crossed on his chest, smiling at her talking to the stars with his helmet on. He kinda likes the change the vocoder does with her voice, it’s more low range. He finds her cute with his helmet on, too big for her. “Grogu makes me feel like a mama!” she laughs, heating up Mando’s body. “I am getting old and I don’t have my own child, but it feels good to act motherly. And it breaks my heart that one day we will find the Jedi that will train him, because I know we will not see him anymore, I mean until he completes his training. That will be hard for me, but that will be harder for Mando. They both got this strong father and son bond, they are so cute together!” He can feel the smile under the helmet.
“Thanks for the compliment.” he finally says, scaring her, making her scream and jump. Panic filled her body and she immediately closed her eyes. “What are you doing here?” he asks, getting closer to the chair staying behind her. “Uh… Nightmare… not able to go to sleep.” she stutters shivers going down her spine hearing his real voice for the first time. He got a really manly deep, soothing voice. She grabs the armchair with force, nervous to know that he is behind her bare face. He turns the chair that she faces him. She kept her eyes closed that it hurt. “I have my eyes closed!” she said fast from the panic. “I know.” He laughed, taking her off guard. “I am going to take back my helmet and I want you to keep your eyes closed.” He said. “Okay...” She whispered. He put his two hands on each side of the boxcar hat and pulled it off. Hair falls on her shoulder, cheeks with a tint of pink. “Tell me when I can open my eyes.” “Hm hm” he answered, putting the helmet on the passenger seat. He takes a moment to look at her. He takes her hand and makes her stand up.
“Promise me, you keep your eyes shut.” He murmured in her ear, making her flinch and sending goosebumps on her skin. “I promise!” She never asks him why he doesn't take the helmet off or wishes to see his face. She is the only one actually. Her hands feel so tiny in his. She faces his chest not being very tall. She might be small, but she is the strongest and the fiercest person he has ever met. He started to have feelings for her a while ago. At first he didn’t know what he felt for her. He got his answer when he talked about it with Cara Dune, who was quite surprised about the outcome of their conversation. But this day he finds out that he has feelings for his companion. He grabs her wrists and brings her hands to his face. When her fingers touched his skin, she was surprised and tried to take them away. “You can touch.” He reassured her. She carefully flat her hands on his cheeks. He closes his eyes to the softness of her touch. From the tips of her fingers, she tries to memorise his face. A round face, some facial hair, a mustache, a prominent nose, large but thin eyebrows. Manly features. She slides them in hair, short, she concludes. “What color are your hair and eyes?” she asks shyly. “Both brown.” Her face heat up wasn’t expecting an answer, but also because she secretly hoped that he had dark hair and dark eyes in her imagination.
Still holding her wrist, he brought her closer to him. She takes a shaky breath because of the movement. She is a grown ass woman why does she feel like a teenager! He leans his face closer to hers and she can feel his breath on her lips. That was the first time she was that close from the opposite sexes, and she was intimidated. “Mando, what are you doing?” she asks in a whisper. “Something I want to do for a long time.” he answers, his voice deeper than before. She is opening her mouth to talk, but he crashes his lips on hers. It has been just lips to lips, the most innocent kiss. Y/N surprise bumps against the chair behind her, making her open her mouth slightly. He takes the opportunity to intensify the kiss. Taking her upper lip between his, he slid his hands against her body, then resting on her back, pressing her body against his.
The emotions and feelings that fuel his body right now are strong, too strong for him, but he can’t stop. Her lips are so soft and sweet, that he gets immediately addicted to them. One hand behind her head, keeping her close. He holds her so tight that she has to stand on her toes, that she doesn’t break her neck. She carefully, almost too scared to touch him, landed her hands on his shoulders, making him shiver and let them glide on his chest to firmly grab his shirt by the collar. He turned still holding her and pressed her against the wall. “Mando…” She tries to call him in between the kisses. “Mando!” he stops reluctantly. “What?” he says with a voice full of desire and lust. “I need to breathe.” She laugh, eyes closed. Forehead against forehead, catching their breathes. “I love you Y/N.” He finally confessed. “I love you too, Din.” She murmurs with stars shining in her eyes.
His name coming out of her mouth sounds so exotic to his ears. So long that he didn’t hear someone calling his real name, that hearing the woman he loves calling his name almost like a murmur, did something in his stomach. “Say it again, please!” he almost begged. “I love you, Din Djarin!” She repeated, putting blindly her hands on his cheeks.
“York is envied by the vikings and during the battle Ivar sees a Saxon girl fight with one of his warriors. The protagonist has a brother with the same disease as Ivar.”
Author: Here is the eleven's part! I apologize for the wait... I've actually been suffering from writer's block lately for this story. Hope you will like it, and thank you so much for your support ! I really appreciate it! 🥰
Since the afternoon, Ligeia has been silent, and make herself small. Taking care of her siblings, staying in a dark corner of the room watching Rosalia was playing chess with Ivar when Apollo spend time with the little ginger-head. When Apollo was looking after his little sis, she was in the blacksmith shop working, keeping her mind busy. And when comes the night, moon high in the sky, she goes to the beach and looked at the lettering on her sword. She’s not only determined to be discreet because of the decision of the Bishop, but also because she was under surveillance.
Right now, she was in a dark Conor of the Great Hall, one leg on top of the other, hands resting on her thigh. Rosalia next to Ivar watching him and the bishop playing. Hvitserk was behind his brother drinking calmly. Some guards around the room. Ivar moves a pawn, take one of Bishop’s pawn, looked at him, smirk happily bringing his glass to his lips. Heahmund sitting his back straight, look straight to Ivar. “We will be fighting against your brothers. Yes?” “Perhaps even my brother Bjorn, if he returns from his travels.” “Do they frighten you, your brothers?” Ivar chuckles, shaking in small movement his head has a no. “No. Maybe Bjorn, just a little. I don't find him very smart, but he is a great warrior. They call him Bjorn Ironside.” Hvitserk was listening quietly chewing something. “And the woman, the one who killed your mother?” “Lagertha.” Pure bitterness and venom in Ivar’s voice. “Hmm.”
“I've sworn to kill her. And she knows that I'll do it. She just doesn't know how bad it's going to be.” He sounded out at the same time he was glancing over the game board, then move a pawn. “Where will you fight?” Continue asking Heahmund. “I don't know. Perhaps they'll blockade themselves in Kattegat. The main town.” Heahmund stretch his arm and take hold of his pawn and move it. “That would be foolish.” Ivar looked at the chess board and furrowed his brows, before straightening himself, his hands linked resting on the table. “Maybe you can help me think of a strategy.” Heahmund laugh. “You would trust me to do that? Even though I don't care which side wins?” Stated the man of God. “Ah, but you want to win. I see that. And I want to be around people who want to win. What they do afterwards, who cares?” “The fact is, I will only fight for you because I am certain, as certain as I can be, that God wishes me to do so. That I am part of some plan which I cannot comprehend.” The Viking man chuckles to the amusing words of his special guest. “Then you believe, like us, that you are fated, huh?” For the first time Hvitserk speaks. “No. I still believe I have free will. I choose to fight for you.” Hvitserk lower his eyes, thinking about what he just heard. “If you are fated, it doesn't matter if you choose or not. You simply have the illusion of being free to choose.” Explained Ivar. “I don't know.” Said Hvitserk more to himself. “Excuse me?” Ivar looked above his shoulder surprise by his brother’s words. “I just don't know if, when I joined your side, whether it was fate or free will.” Confessed Hvitserk. “What does it matter? Hmm?”
Heahmund enjoys secretly seeing the conflict between the two brother. Ligeia put this information on the side of her brain. Hvitserk confused about his decision to leap out the ship and joined Ivar. He wasn’t so sure anymore, and that was dangerous. Without a word, she stands up and approach the table. “Hvitserk can you look after Rosalia?” She demands. “She is in safe hands.” Answer Ivar, getting her attention. Ligeia looked at Ivar, her facial expression absolutely neutral. “Better be.” She warned, coming closer to Rosalia, putting one hand on her hair. “Be nice.” She said making Rosalia looked at her, holding her chin. “Promise!” Affirm Rosalia with her cute child smile. She kissed her forehead and leave the Great Hall.
She walked a little to get to the pier and see Astrid on the deck, looking at the ocean. And so, she threw up in the water. Harald joined her and they talk a little. Harald’s face light up and he hugs his wife. He let her go and she turns her back to him. She sees Ligeia standing, her arms behind her back. She stops at her side taking a deep breath. Ligeia looked straight ahead. “I catch you throwing up. Are you okay?” Queen Astrid eyes, were shinny. “Yes, perhaps, I don’t know…” Ligeia knows immediately that, she was not all right. “Do you want to talk about it?” Astrid nod her head, pressing her lips.
They walk along the beach and sits themselves on a rock. Ligeia observes silently the Queen in front of her. “I think I might be with child. I don’t want it. I don’t love Harald. All this I didn’t get a choice.” Her voice crack because of the emotions and the struggle to not cry. “You really love her, huh? This Lagertha?” Asks Ligeia. “Yes…” Ligeia gets closer on her side and caress her back. Astrid put her head on Ligeia’s shoulder.
Later that day, everyone assembled along the dock. Apollo was sitting next to Ivar and Ligeia was holding Rosalia’s hand. The scream of a horn can be heard. Ligeia’s mouth slowly opens and her eyes getting wide. Apollo turns himself and look at his big sister. They both looked at each other, and get their attention back on the sea. A fleet of maybe, hundred or more boats arriving. “It is beautiful!” Said King Harald.
IT DOES NOT MATTER WHAT KIND OF WRITER YOU ARE YOU CAN BE WRITING: POEMS, FANFICS, IDK NORMAL FICS, NOVELS, SHORT STORIES, IDK ANYTHING!! JUST REBLOG!!!
“York is envied by the vikings and during the battle Ivar sees a Saxon girl fight with one of his warriors. The protagonist has a brother with the same disease as Ivar.”
N/A : Hi everyone, the new part is here! So, in simply italics it's voice in the head or the character thinking, I just wanted to precise that you are not confuse about it. Hope you like it and thank you all so much for your support and appreciating my writing! xo
The next morning, Ligeia was going to the blacksmith. On her way she sees Queen Astrid talking to a man, probably a fisherman she thought. She sees her put gold in his hands. But then, the Queen’s face changes. Something was wrong and she will find out what is going on. Later in the morning, Ligeia goes back to the Great Hall, Rosalia was eating and Apollo was in front of her with the same ginger head lady of last night. On the side, Queen Astrid was sharpening a knife. Why would the Queen sharpen a knife ?
She sits next to her sister and to mess with her, take a little piece of chicken in her plate. Rosalia instantly reacts and whines about “her chicken”, making Apollo and Ligeia laugh. Ligeia is keeping an eye on Astrid, a few minutes later she leaves the room. Ligeia waited a little before following her. She secretly follows her behind, her sword on her back, a knife strap on her thigh. She sees Astrid entering a little fish house, closing the door behind her.
A young boy recognizing his Queen, quietly watches her, and gets closer to the house. He almost jumped back out of the door, panic in his eyes. Ligeia comes closer and puts a hand on his small shoulder. He looked at her, shooken. “What did you see?” she demands softly. “He’s hurting the Queen.” he responded sadly. “Go back home, I’ll take care of this.”
The boy literally ran off. Ligeia hides herself on the side of the shack, listening to the sound inside. “What are you doing?” the sound of the door open and closing was heard. “Who are these men?” Someone chuckling. “My crew. I told you, what man doesn't want to have sex with the queen?” he says with a predatory smile. “No.” “Ha!” exclaimed Hakon. “No.” She immediately recognized Astrid's voice, and some fighting noise. “If you don't submit, I'll tell King Harald how you plan to betray him.”
Without hesitation Ligeia opened the door with force, making it slam against the wall. Astrid was held against the table by three men and a fourth one, who she concluded was the captain, was standing back. Astrid was looking at her with joy and fear, asking her to help her but also to run away. Ligeia sweeps her eyes on everyone in the room. “Get the fuck away from her.” she swore her fingers tickling.
The captain laughed looking at her head to toe. Ligeia's face is cold as ice. “Or what?” teased the fisherman, his face close to her’s. She slowly smirks, raising one eye-brow. She gives him a head in the nose, making him groan of pain, holding his nose. The other men, let go of Astrid, now she got their attention. They approach her, and a fight starts. She defends herself, dodging the blows. The goes behind the back of one of them and places her knife against his throat, blocking one of his arms against his back. Standing in front of Astrid, her eyes darker than usual threatening them.
“Move further and I cut his throat !” hissed Ligeia. Hakon, who was under the control of the foreigner, winced in pain. One of his mates took a step forward, Ligeia put more pressure on his neck, and the blade made a small cut causing a little blood to flow. “Don’t move !” screams Hakon sensing is skin being cut. “Listen to me carefully, Hakon” she starts whispering in his ear. “You are going to do what the Queen demands of you, and you are not going to tell anything to King Harald. And if I see you land a hand on her, or talk to the King ; I promise you, that I will take care of you and your crew. Do I make myself clear ?”
Astrid doesn't move a finger, looking at the men in front of her. She can see that they are scared, which is understandable. Ligeia was brought back by Ivar, in some kind of way, she is a prisoner. She talks their language and the Saxon one, she knows how to fight and has quite a temper. They don’t really know what she’s capable of. So, nobody answered her question. “Am I clear ?!” barked Ligeia, making everyone flinch.
“Crystal clear” confirmed Hakon with difficulties speaking because of the pressure on his throat. “Now, everyone steps back.” She instructed, moving forward to the door. “Queen Astrid, stay here.” she says looking behind her shoulder. Astrid shook her head in approval. They all step back and when they are outside, she throws Hakon on the floor before spitting on him.
She goes back inside, putting her knife back in his holster. “Are you okay ?” she asks Astrid, who’s eyes were watery. Ligeia starts getting worried, when the Queen just stares at her without moving. “Queen As…” Ligeia didn’t finish her sentence, so Astrid jumped on her and hugged her tightly. “Thank you! Thank you so much!” she cried in Ligeia’s neck.
The Saxon girl froze, arms straight against her body. She slowly raised her hands and put them on her back, patting it softly. “Alright, we should go.” Ligeia said breaking the embrace and taking one step back. “We are going to clean yourself, okay?” she continued carefully. “Okay.” agreed Astrid. After taking care of Astrid, Ligeia asks Rosalia to watch over the Queen. Rosalia was happy to have a mission. “Brother, I need to talk to you.” told Ligeia to Apollo. “Let’s go for a walk.” she smiles with a hint of sadness.
Ligeia walks and Apollo crept next to her. “Are you going to tell me what is going on with you?” begin Apollo looking briefly at his sister. “I know there is something that bothers and stresses you.” pointed out the young man. “I can’t hide you anything!” smile Ligeia. “I am a good observer.” joked Apollo proudly. “Anyways, what do you want to tell me?” curiosity shining in his eyes. “The person that killed our parents…” she stops her sentence midway struggling to tell the words, Apollo looking at her eager to know. “Is here.” she deeply sighted a weight leaving her chest. “Who is it?” he begged. “The bishop.”
Apollo’s mouth opened in the “o” shape. He wasn’t expecting this revelation. “Since this night, I promise myself to kill their murderer. But I will not be able to keep it.” confessed Ligeia clenching her fist. “Why?” questioned Apollo frowning. “Ivar has asked him to fight for him. If he decides to fight for him, I can’t do anything to him. Also, my priority now, is to protect Rosalia and you. We are in a place we don’t know, and we are not very much loved among them.” she affirmed amused.
People around them start to get agitated, and start clamoring. They decided to get close. “Why is he here, the Christian dog?” a man screamed in the crowd. “The heathen!” “Kill him! Kill him!” Heahmund was chained up and escorted to Ivar, who was eating peacefully a piece of chicken. One of the escorts threw in the mud the prisoner. People in the crowd were grunting and jerking. “That's right, die!” chant the vikings. “Die, die!” “You should be scared.”
Ligeia and Apollo get themself a way in this river of people to be in the front. The movement caught the attention of Ivar, who looked slightly in the direction. Heahmund slowly got on his knees, panting, dry blood on his lips. His eyes immediately landed on Ivar, who was standing above him on his stool, looking at him with an imperceptible arrogant smirk.
He stands up on his feet, hands still chained up, eyes focus on Ivar. He turns around looking at the crowd, King Harald taking place in front of him. A man snarling at his face. When he get back to his position, his eyes cross the amber ones for a split second. He wiped his mouth with his wrist and got closer to Ivar. the cripple man, silenced the people.
“Now we decide whether you'll fight with us... or whether I kill you.” announced Ivar, loud enough for everyone to hear. He let a little blank before continuing. Taking a breath, he slowly placed the tip of a knife against Heahmund abs. “Nothing is keeping you alive but me.” This time, he was only talking to him, almost like a whisper. Heahmund lowered his head and peered at the knife, and looked back to Ivar.
“Why don't you give me the knife?” He says with his deep raspy voice. Ivar’s face softens, a one-sided smile appearing, without a word, he turns the knife, holding it by the blade. Heahmund let a breathy chuckle by the action. He breathed heavily, took it and held it, the blade pointed at him, before facing the crowd. He get closer to the man who was standing there, insulting him.
Ligeia feels the air get stuck in her throat, when he get closer to the man. Her heart beating hard, that she can hear it in her ears, and her heads shaking. She kept repeating herself “What is he going to do? What is he going to do?” At this point she was scrutinizing every part of his body for any kind of message.
“Die! - Are you afraid?” The crowd galvanized by the man’s words. “Do it. Coward!” Bishop’s face changed and turned into a grimace of craziness. Trembling, eyes wide open, he held the back of the man’s neck and planted the weapon in the throat. The man screams of pain and Heahmund spits on his face. Ligeia holds her breath, her hands getting into a fist shape, anger taking place. Heahmund threw the knife with disdainful, smirking. Ivar, shocked for a couple of seconds, started to laugh and applause. “I think he will fight with us!” chanted the viking, opening his arm. The crowd started chanting the bishop’s name. “Heahmund! Heahmund! Heahmund! Heahmund! Heahmund!”
For Ligeia everything went silent, she froze here looking at Heahmund, Ivar sentence looping in her head. “He will fight with us!” thump thump. “If he accepts your offer, nothing will happen to him.” thump thump. “He will fight with us!” thump thump. “He will fight with us!” Thump thump. Thump thump. Thump thump. “HE WILL FIGHT WITH US!”
“Ligeia!” shouts someone. She takes a deep breath and searches for the voice who called her. Apollo pulled at her hand to get her attention. “Are you alright?” he asks with carefulness. She shook her head, trying to get away this feeling of oppression. “I need to get the fuck out of here!” croaked Ligeia, panic in her voice.
In her mind right now, a lot of different emotions were colliding each other : anger, bitterness, sadness, frustration, the urge to cry and surprisingly, fear. When she pivots to leave, her eyes froze on two icy pearls. She ends the eye-contact and pushes herself in the crowd still cheering for the bishop. Without knowing a lonely tear, slipped on her cheek.
“York is envied by the vikings and during the battle Ivar sees a Saxon girl fight with one of his warriors. The protagonist has a brother with the same disease as Ivar.”
N/A: Well, I have nothing to say... I am still surprise that I finish the part nine that fast, so I am happy ! ☺️ Hope you enjoy it ! 💕
The night as come, Ligeia did make everything possible to be as far as possible from Ivar or even King Harald. She doesn't trust him, and it seems that Ivar either doesn’t trust the King. The moon high in the sky, glowing on them, Ligeia carefully walks to the prison where Bishop Heahmund is detained, without being seen. There are no guards. Probably they were at the feast. The key was hanging on a hook next to the door, she took it and quietly entered the cell.
“Lord, deliver me in thy righteousness, and cause me to escape.” He kneeled, making his chains clanging. “Incline thine ear unto me and save me. Deliver me, O Lord, out of the hands of the wicked, out of the hands of the unrighteous and cruel man.” He joins his hands together in a prayer position. “For thou art... For thou art... For thou art my hope, O Lord.” He traces his face with his indexes, and lets them rest on his thighs.
Silence fills the room. Ligeia, who was hiding in the dark, stepped out in the light and clapped her hands. Heahmund raised his head, without showing his surprise to see her, alone.
“Well, well… You are pretty convincing, I almost felt pity for you. I was that close...” she says showing a little space between her thumb and her index. “...That close! To believe you!” exaggerate Ligeia. “What are you doing here?” He simply questioned. “I needed to know something.” she said leaning against the wall. “And what do you want to know?” he added. “I want to know what decision you are going to take.” she acknowledged. “Ivar the boneless and you, are difficult to…” she hesitates to what word she is going to use. “Read.”
“Why do you want to know the decision I will take ?” She looks away, playing with her hands. “If you choose to fight for him, you will be untouchable. Which, means that I can't take revenge on my family.”
For the second time the silence takes place. They just scan each other, trying to find their deepest and darkest secret. But the only thing that Heahmund it’s the crack sadness. She looks strong but she is broken inside. He broke her. Seeing the sadness taking his eyes, Ligeia ends the eye contact, breathes sharply and proceeds to leave the place furious. Furious against her, that she let him see her weakness.
When she arrived at the doors of the Great Hall, she took a deep breath, realizing that she was holding it all her way up here. She puts her hands on her face, breathing slowly, trying to calm her heartbeat. Her siblings don't need to know that she is struggling with the presence of the Bishop. They don’t know what happened that night, and who did it and why. And she thinks this is better that they don’t know the full story.
Ligeia pushes the door and enters the room crowded with people eating, drinking, laughing, and dancing. After just putting a foot in the room, Hvitserk stands up quite a bit drunk. “To the overthrow of the witch, Lagertha, and to the liberation of Kattegat!” All are cheering his words. “Skol!”
Astrid smiles immediately when she sees Ligeia and signs her to come next to her. When she sits down, the Queen serves her a drink. Rosalia instantly climbs on her laps. Ligeia kisses her on her rosy cheek and passes an arm around Apollo and also gives him a kiss. Holding them in her arms, she smiles looking at them. When they are all together she feels whole. Ivar looked at her speaking with Astrid over his glass of ale.
Her smile captivated him. She never smiles like this, since when they kidnapped them. A real true smile, that makes your eyes closed, raises your cheekbone and shows your teeth. He looked away and talked to Harald.
“So, when do we attack?” announced Ivar. “I will summon my jarls. And my ships still need to be repaired and made ready, as do yours. But when all this is done, we should have a fleet of at least ships.” wisely advised Harald. “There's a full moon tonight. Let us say that we will attack in two moons' time.” proposed Ivar. “I agree.” accept the King. “Skol.” cheers Ivar bringing his glass close to Harald’s. “Skol.”
Ivar, Harald and Astrid toast to this and take a sip. Harald leans closer to his wife, smiling. “It will be strange for you to return to Kattegat as a queen. Skol.” Ivar looked at the royal couple, the same as Ligeia, waiting for her reaction. She doesn’t answer, she just gives him a small smile and makes their cups clinking. “And here's to our sacred agreement.” he continued standing up getting everyone's attention. “Which if any man breaks, he will deserve to die. Skol!” Harald looks straight to Ivar pronouncing the sacred agreement. Ligeia looked at Ivar who didn't show anything, just looking back at the King. “Skol!” cheered the whole crowd. Harald starts singing and everyone knowing the lyrics follows. “♪ My mother told me ♪ ♪ Someday I would buy ♪ ♪ Galley with good oars sail to distant shores ♪”
Ligeia can feel tension between the King and Ivar, they seem to have been betrayed or betrayed. Which is not good at all. Ligeia sighs and decides that tonight she is enjoying herself and the moment with her siblings. Cheeks turning red because of alcohol. Alone, she is watching her brother talking with a young lady and at the same time she is keeping an eye on Rosalia who was dancing and giggling with Hvitserk. She looked at him and beamed proudly, seeing he isn’t aware of his charms.
Someone takes place next to her, but she doesn't care about keeping her eyes on Apollo and Rosalia. “If it’s to know if I participate in your war, the answer is still the same.” began Ligeia, sipping her cup. “Why not?” droned Ivar, tired of hearing her say the same thing. “First off, it is not my business. Secondly, I only fight for my family. And lastly, how am I supposed to protect my family on the battlefield, miles away from them?” spoke the Golden eyes lady finally looking at him. Ivar seems to be at a loss of word.
Ligeia brings back her attention to Apollo. The ginger head girl, lean closer to him and whisper something in his ear, making him blush lightly. She cracked a smile, the vision, lowering her head. Ivar, not having let go of his gaze, didn’t miss her smile. “It seems you know the Bishop?” he threw, waiting for her reaction behind his cup. “I wish I didn’t him…” she whispered more to herself. “How did you know him?” He interrogates her.
“He killed our parents.” She confesses without thinking twice. The viking wasn’t expecting this news. He was just sitting here, looking at her, not knowing what her next move will be. She stands up facing him. “Don’t worry, if he accepts your offer, nothing will happen to him.” she concludes before down in one of her drinks, sets down the cup on the table and leaves him alone.
