Threaded Through Time|Vikings.

seven: to england.

"It's almost time for the great army to leave." Lagertha voiced while Astrid, Aela, and Torvi sat around near the fire where Lagertha sat. It had been about a month since Bjorn and the others arrived, just like her mother predicted she was expecting her second child with Halfdan, the man incredibly ecstatic with the news, Erik even more excited to have a younger sibling. Time was coming for them to leave and cross to England to take revenge for their father, Aela felt saddened by the fact by the time they'd probably reach Wessex and Ecbert, she wouldn't be able to partake in that battle as she would the battle against Aelle. She would be almost due to give birth by the time they'd reach Ecbert's villa or army. "We have to ask the gods for their help. We have to prepare sacrifices." She explained to them.

"What shall we sacrifice?" Astrid asks Lagertha.

"This will be the largest army we have ever sent out. If the army fails...if they are defeated by the Saxons, our peoples might never recover." Lagertha says grimly, Aela nodding and knowing her mother was right. This had to succeed just like the history books said they did, nothing could stray its course.

"It succeeds, I know this from the future, but we need to make sure it does. Nothing can stray." Aela speaks up and sides with her mother who nods to her. "Our sacrifice to the gods must be so great and true that they are so pleased and happy, they bless us with this victory." She continued, Lagertha glancing at her daughter and agreeing with her.

"Then I repeat, what shall we sacrifice?" Astrid replies firmly.

"I think Lagertha and Aela means, who shall we sacrifice?" Torvi corrects her friend and fellow shieldmaiden, Aela wasn't particularly fond of human sacrifice for luck. Only if the sacrifice was unwilling, which means they'd have to find a willing sacrifice and Aela believed that would help more anyway.

"I have to go, I promised Ubbe I would attend his wedding." Aela cleared her throat, standing from her chair and looking at Lagertha. "Do you mind if Erik stays with you until his father retires for the night?" She asks her mother who nods with a smile.

"Of course, sweet girl. Enjoy the wedding." Lagertha tells her before turning and leaving the hall. Aela made her way outside into the snowing outdoors and walked until she spotted Ubbe and Hvitserk walking side by side.

"Ah, of course, you'd be here. What are you doing? You have a wedding to prepare for you fool." Aela called out to Ubbe who chuckled and turned to her, the two embracing in a hug when she stepped over to him and Hvitserk.

"Always trust Aela to keep us on time." Hvitserk joked, Aela chuckling.

"Men are always terrible at time management, obviously." Aela quipped with a grin, Ubbe rolled his eyes but smiled while Hvitserk let out a small laugh. "Now I won't lie I'm not terribly fond of your future wife, but as long as she makes you happy. Does she make you happy?" She asked Ubbe seriously, this made his smile widen. This sounded like something his mother would ask him.

"She does Aela, I know she does." Ubbe nodded firmly.

"Good, that's what I wanted to hear. Nothing makes for a less amusing marriage than a loveless one." Aela spoke haughtily, Ubbe raised an eyebrow and Hvitserk scratched the back of his neck saying nothing. Though in essence, they knew she was referring to Torvi's second marriage and her mother's second marriage.

"What about you, Aela? And your marriage?" Hvitserk suddenly blurted out while they walked, Ubbe sighing and sending his brother a glare at his words. Sometimes he didn't shut his mouth and Ubbe was not dumb nor blind to how his brother felt towards Aela.

"Well, I call that complicated. I am not in love with Halfdan, I love him. He is my family through this marriage, he is in love with me and loves me." Aela began to explain to Hvitserk much to Ubbe's surprise, he honestly expected her to snap at his brother angrily or annoyed. Something of the likes. "He's of my dearest friends and that makes it hold."