The Valley Of Shadows - Ivar and Igor [Vikings]

Ragnar's sons

"He keeps watching me." Hushed the pagan, his cold pale eyes gesturing to his older brother and his king.

Ubbe only offered a gentle grunt in response while his eyes moved to Bjorn, meeting his gaze from across the fire.

Igor inched closer to the crippled Viking, snuggling up close while closing his eyes, allowing his head to come to rest on Ivar's shoulder.

"He doesn't trust the child." Ubbe whispered.

"What are you whispering about?" Asked Torvi gently, matching their tone.

"Nothing." Snarled the cripple. Averting his gaze while drawing his cup toward his lips.

Ragnar's sons feasted together on the beach, along with their wives and children. A fire roared between them to keep the brisk air at bay. The tide was low so the kids played amongst the shallow water after dinner. The events a few days ago were so fresh and Bjorn was not ready to let them go, so Ivar kept his distance and kept the child close.

"I didn't mean to pry.." Snarled the woman as her eyes met her husband.

"Don't worry, dearest. My brother is just in another one of his moods..Ivar, may I speak to you in private?"

Ivar pulled his gaze away from the child, who was still resting soundly on his lap. "Make it quick, hm." Snarled the cripple, refusing to leave this child alone with his brothers.

Torvi cleared her throat and stood to tend to her children.

Ubbe nodded and the cripple cocked his head toward some shroud of trees off the shore. Then stood with difficulty, pulling his limp legs under him, gently pushing Igor away. "I will be right back, stay close to Gunnhild." He kissed the boy on the top of his head then followed Ubbe toward the trees.

Once they were out of earshot from Bjorn, Ubbe turned to face his younger brother, his expression was stern. "Ivar, I see the way you are toward Igor, the way you look at him and care for him, the way you refuse to leave his side when things get tough, how gentle you are to him like no one else . I've seen that in you many times before. Tell me honestly, what is your relationship to this Christian?"

"What does it matter? He is an innocent child."

"It matters because I've seen you get hurt by a Christian before. Igor isn't your first, remember Bishop Heahmund? He left you broken hearted, no? "

Ivar's eyes flashed anger, being pulled into those memories. A bittersweet longing, a time so simple yet so complicated. The young cripple, barely grappling with life, the Bishop seemed so perfect at the time. A faint smile appeared on the pagan's lips, but it left as quick as it came and it was replaced with rage and sorrow.

"Why must you shove my past in my face, brother." Ivar's voice faded as he shrugged his shoulders, resting his weight on his crutch. "That was a long time ago, and Igor is different, and you know this.. And I am not.. I don't feel those things toward him..." He stammered, not believing his own words.

"Do you remember what Floki did to Athelstan? Ragnar loved him but Floki despised him. He was a Christian, who had no place with us. A lamb cannot live safely within the wolf pack, he will die. "

Ivar winced. "Yes, yes you have told the story many times.. But you forget, I am not Ragnar, and Igor is not Athelstan. I am more feared than our father ever was and you know this to be true. Igor is more powerful than that Christian, he is even starting to love our gods. Everybody here knows I am protecting this lamb, and I am a god, they cannot cross me."

"You are not a god, Ivar! And Athelstan converted yet he was still killed. That won't save him. You love Igor, I can see that. But for the love of the gods, do not let Bjorn find out. He isn't as understanding as I am."

"I appreciate your honesty. I already know that I cannot tell Bjorn, he would have both our heads, and I will NOT risk Igor's life for the sake of my heart. It was Floki who couldn't handle the Christian god, it was Floki who cold heartedly murdered Athelstan, Floki is not here.. I will not make the same mistakes that Ragnar did."

The two stood in silence for a moment, both pondering on their next words carefully.

Then the cripple broke the silence. Admitting and now proving the rumor only to another soul despite the gods who are watching. "I do love him. Nobody has ever made me feel the way that he does.."

"Hm." Ubbe remained silent for a moment longer before speaking again. "Bjorn suspects something is going on between you two, but he doesn't know what to call it yet. Or he is afraid.. I don't know. Just keep Igor close to you, little brother. I'd hate to see you get hurt again." His blue eyes were fixed on Ivar.

"I always do, brother." Ivar offered his subtle wink, then finally shifted his legs, groaning softly in discomfort. "He should be afraid, not of what we are, no, but of who we are."

Ubbe offered a subtle nod before returning back to the fire to sit next to his wife and children, trying not to meet Bjorn's confused gaze.

"Everything alright, little brother?" Bjorn asked softly.

"Everything is fine. I just needed to have words with Ivar."

"I hope that went well." Muttered the oldest sibling as his eyes shifted to Ivar.

The cripple ignored both his brothers and sat down next to Igor, offering him instead a warm smile while playfully leaning into him. "Are you alright?" He asked softly..

Igor smiled, his fearful eyes lightning up when he saw Ivar. He leaned into the older man as well. "Better now that you're back. What was that about?"

"Ubbe is concerned, but I handled it. Don't you worry my child."

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