Ubbe chuckled softly, the sound a warm melody that reverberated through the stillness of the night. "Is that so?" he replied, his voice tinged with amusement.
With a mischievous smile, Valdis leaned in, pressing a feather-light kiss to Ubbe's lips...
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She watched with wide eyes as her father's warriors gathered at the gates, their weapons glinting in the fading light. Then, amidst the throng of armored men, he appeared.
Ragnar Lothbrok strode into the courtyard, his presence commanding and powerful. His piercing blue eyes seemed to pierce through the very soul of anyone who dared meet his gaze. Astrid felt a shiver run down her spine as she took in the sight of him.
She had heard tales of Ragnar—the fearless explorer who dared to sail beyond the known seas, the cunning strategist who outwitted his enemies with ease. But none of the stories had prepared her for the reality of his presence. As Ragnar approached her father, Astrid found herself drawn to him, unable to tear her gaze away. She marveled at the way he carried himself, with a confidence that bordered on arrogance yet held an undeniable allure.
But it was his eyes that captured her the most. Blue as the endless expanse of the sea, they seemed to hold a thousand secrets, each more tantalizing than the last. In them, Astrid saw a glimpse of worlds she had never known, adventures she could only dream of. He noticed the curious gaze of a young girl fixed upon him, and he noticed her.
Kneeling down beside her, Ragnar's towering figure became more approachable, his blue eyes sparkling with warmth as he spoke softly to the wide-eyed child. "Hello there, little one," he said, his voice a soothing rumble that seemed to calm the fluttering of her heart. "What is your name?"
"I'm Astrid, my lord."
"Astrid, what a beautiful name," he remarked. "You have the spirit of a true Viking maiden within you, I can see it in your eyes."
For in that moment, she knew that she was in the presence of greatness—a man whose courage and determination would inspire her for years to come.
"Would you like to marry a prince?" he asked, knowing very well that the deal between theirs families was already done. "I have a son. He's around your age as you. Would you like to marry my son?"
"Is he as handsome as you, my Lord?" she asked with big, curious eyes.
Ragnar's hearty laughter echoed through the hall, filling the air with warmth. He regarded the young Astrid with amusement twinkling in his blue eyes, a fond smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "Ah, little one," he replied with a playful grin, "you'll have to judge that for yourself when you meet him.
"So when will I meet him?"
She tugged at the hem of his tunic, her voice filled with curiosity. Ragnar chuckled softly as he looked at little Astrid, her bright eyes filled with excitement and anticipation.
"Not yet, little one," he replied with a warm smile. "You'll meet Ubbe when you're both older, once you've grown into the brave and beautiful woman I know you'll become."
Astrid's face fell at Ragnar's words, her bottom lip trembling with disappointment.
"Look at me," he said softly tilting her head up but her chin. Once again she looked into those beautiful eyes, sparkling with mischief, "You're ready, my dear Astrid, but Ubbe? He is not quite as handsome as he will be when he's grown. But give him time, and he'll catch up."
"Really?" she asked, her voice filled with wonder.
Ragnar nodded with a smile,"In time, Ubbe will grow into a strong and handsome man, just like his father."
Astrid's face brightened at Ragnar's words, her heart filled with hope and excitement for the future. "Then it's my dream to meet him," she exclaimed eagerly, her enthusiasm renewed.
"Never stop listening to your heart," he said. "Even the greatest journeys begin with a single step, but you must believe in yourself," he said.
The next morning, after evening filled with stories and songs, Ragnar stood on the deck of his ship, preparing to set sail once more. Astrid clung tightly to her father's hand, her heart heavy with the weight of their parting. It was hard to part ways with such a man, his presence was addictive - even for a little girl.
"May the gods watch over you on your journey," said Earl Erlik.
Ragnar clasped Astrid's father's forearm in a firm handshake, his gaze filled with gratitude and respect. "And may they watch over you and your family as well," he replied solemnly.
Ragnar knelt down before Astrid, his weathered hand resting gently on her shoulder. "Goodbye, Astrid," he said warmly, his voice filled with affection. "Don't forget about my son."
"I'll think about him and pray to gods for him every day."
With a gentle smile, Ragnar pressed a kiss to Astrid's forehead, his touch a balm to her soul in the midst of their parting. "May the gods watch over you, little one," he murmured, his voice heavy with emotion. "And may our paths cross again one day."
As Astrid stood on the shoreline, her small frame silhouetted against the backdrop of the vast ocean, she watched with a heavy heart as Ragnar's ship slowly disappeared into the horizon. "Please," she murmured, her words carried away by the gentle sea breeze, "let us meet again."
