xenization
noun
To walk as a stranger, or to exist as a stranger
{Game of Thrones/Vikings}
{Robb Stark x OC}
(Season 1 - Season ??, Season 4 - Season ??}
The sun was up far sooner than the girl could have wished, shining bright rays through the crack in her tent flap. From the sounds of hustling and clashing swords, it seemed others had already been up and preparing for the upcoming travel.
Letting out a soft groan, Else sat up in her cot, stretching out her stiff muscles as she swung her legs over the edge. Her bare feet were placed on the dead grass, scratching hopelessly as she got herself ready for the day ahead of her.
The sun was much brighter outside then it was in her tent, causing the girl to squint from its harshness as she pushed past the doorway and made her way through the camp. She nodded politely to the warriors she passed, making her way to where her brothers were huddled around a small fire.
"Greetings, family," She said in a chipper tone as she plopped herself down on a log, sitting between her two oldest brothers. The younger of the two boys was quick to pass her a stick adorned with some kind of meat.
She accepted it with a smile, taking a bite of the small, light colored chunks. Rabbit, she deduced, chewing slowly as she listened to her brothers discuss the war. They spoke of their numbers and other topics of the sort, but soon the conversation drifted to the Stark boy. This is when she really started paying attention.
"-for his father." Bjorn scoffed softly, shaking his head slightly. "He has a death wish, and he's going to drag us all down with him."
"It's brave. Even you have to admit that, Ironside." Floki piped up, not having said a word until now.
"It's not brave. It's stupid."
As the boys bickered amongst themselves, Else took a moment to look around them at the camp. Men and women alike—though mostly men—were sat around their own fires, enjoying their breakfast. Some intermingled with soldiers from different houses, while some were sparing with their friends.
And a boy, with a head of curly hair, was making his way towards the Crowl family. The head of their household followed close behind him.
"Nādhir," The girl snapped when she saw the lords, effectively silencing the groups and they turned to look at where her gaze was.
None made a move to get up at the boy's arrival, unlike anyone else who he had greeted before. As the young Stark looked at the siblings, only the girl seemed to really care that he was here.
Her light colored eyes shined with curiosity, her fingers absentmindedly twiddling with a small blade in her lap. She was beautiful, no doubt, but there was an aggressive edge to her that made Robb nervous.
He finally looked away from her, looking around the group of unamused Crowl children before he spoke. "I simply wanted to thank you all once again for joining us; I know the travel was long, but I really do appreciate your help."
Sighing, the oldest Crowl set down his meal—or more so chucked it to the side—and stood to face the lord. His shoulders were squared and his back was straight, causing his form to tower at least half a foot over the young man.
"No, you appreciate our men," The blonde said, his head tilted slightly to the side, analyzing Robb. "And you really do need us. Don't you, mögr?"
Bjorn didn't say anything else as he knocked his shoulder against the young lord's harshly, marching away. The Stark watched his back as he retreated, lifting a hand to rub the spot where he was knocked.
"Don't worry about him," A gentle voice said from in front of him, causing the boy to whip his head around. He hadn't even realized that she had gotten up for her place and approached him, but he was glad she had.
From up close, he could see her features more. Her eyes, that he had taken notice to even before, we're a crystal blue. They were much liked his, but had a ring of grey in them that dulled the sky color.
Her hair had been done back from her face, the usual braids her people wore woven in on each side of her head. The features of her face were defined, yet held a gentle nature to them, though he knew she was anything but.
She was Skagosi, after all.
"He's as gentle as a sword." The girl continued, looking past the boy to where her brother had disappeared to before looking back to the lord. "He takes a while to get used to new people, I'm afraid."
Robb sighed softly, dropping his hand from his shoulder. "It's no matter, my lady. We need people like him in battle."
The Crowl girl nodded, not speaking for a moment. "I admire what you are doing." She said, her smile lowering slightly as she looked at him. "I would do the same if it were my own father."
"I'm glad you think that way. I've had doubts ever since I had those ravens sent."
"You shouldn't." Else shook her head. "You should fight tooth and nail for your father's freedom; defend his honor when he is not able to."
The boy nodded grimly, but didn't get to speak before a shouting was heard from nearby. Both of the young highborns turned, seeing one of the Crowl brothers waving his sister over.
"Come, Dar." He called with a cheeky smile. "You must show Sigurd that he is all balls and no brains."
The girl laughed, shaking her head and turning to Robb as her brother ran off. "It seems as if I am needed elsewhere, my lord."
Bowing her head, she turned and made to leave. But as the Stark watched her go, he had one last thought cross his mind that had him calling out to the girl. She turned, looking at him curiously.
"What is your name, my lady?" He shouted.
A small smile made its way to the maidens face as she began to walk away, backwards, from the boy. "Else."
