Fighting, Honour and Valhalla || Vikings x The Originals x TVD

The Thing

The tension in the air is almost palpable as Thorfinn and Magnus look at each other. Both their hands are on their weapons as they face off, the crowd around them holding their breath. Eventually, Thorfinn decides to turn away, not wanting to escalate the confrontation further.

"Just like I thought, a coward!" Magnus shouted, his friends joining in with laughter.

Thorfinn felt his blood boil. He immediately turned back around, his eyes blazing with anger. "Am I the coward?" he shouted loudly, making sure everyone watching could hear. "Because I am not the one who hides behind his father's title."

The crowd chuckled, the laughter causing the smile on Magnus' face to drop. "What did you say!" Magnus said, moving forward and getting in Thorfinn's face, putting his hand on his chest. Thorfinn shoved his hand away, not backing up an inch. "You think you're a warrior? Name a single man here who would risk hurting you!"

"They wouldn't be able to touch me. I'm the best warrior in this place!" Magnus laughed with contempt.

"You fool," Thorfinn said, his voice dripping with disdain. "They're afraid of your father, not you. If I were to fight you now, I'd put you on your back today and be buried in the ground tomorrow."

The crowd's chuckles grew louder, and Magnus' anger began to boil over as he looked around, seeing the amusement on people's faces. His fists clenched in fury, but his bravado was faltering. One of his companions put a hand on his shoulder, sensing the tension. "Leave it, Magnus. Let's go," he said, trying to defuse the situation.

Magnus hesitated, his pride wounded, but the growing realization that Thorfinn was right gnawed at him. The fear of his father's retribution was all that kept the crowd from acting, not respect or fear of Magnus himself. He knew he couldn't afford to lose face any more than he already had. With a final glare at Thorfinn, Magnus turned on his heel and walked away, his friends following. Perhaps Thorfinn was right now but that would change, Magnus would make sure of it. Thorfinn watched them leave, his anger slowly subsiding. The crowd began to disperse, the tension easing but leaving behind a sense of unease. Rollo stepped up beside Thorfinn, placing a hand on his shoulder.

"Well handled," Rollo said quietly. "But we should be careful. Magnus won't forget this."

Thorfinn nodded, his eyes still locked on the retreating figures. "Good."

Rollo chuckled as he shook his head he turned to Thorfinn, "I'm heading back to the house now. Are you coming?"

Thorfinn shook his head. "I'll come back later. I want to look around some more."

Rollo nodded and squeezed Thorfinn's shoulder. "Be careful. They will be watching your movements."

Thorfinn chuckled. "None of these fools could touch me," he said, making Rollo laugh. They parted ways, Rollo heading back to the house while Thorfinn continued his exploration of Kattegat.

Thorfinn walked through the town, his mood souring as he observed the once lively place reduced to a shadow of its former self. The streets, which used to be filled with laughter and bustling activity, now echoed with an eerie silence. People went about their business, avoiding eye contact, their faces etched with fear and despair. He couldn't imagine allowing his own people to live like this. His thoughts drifted to his own farmstead, where loyalty and support were mutual. The contrast was stark.

As he moved through the town, he saw the effects of the Jarl's tyranny everywhere. The Jarl had the loyalty of his people, but this was how he repaid them – with fear, threats of harm, and hunger. Thorfinn's frown deepened as he continued his walk, eventually reaching the edge of the town. Over his shoulder, he noticed a few people trailing him, but they didn't dare continue as they'd undoubtedly be seen.