The Midgard Serpent (Halfdan the Black x OC)

Chapter 2

As the years pass, Alca continued to grow into a vicious shield maiden. She fought and she killed many that stood in her way, but she never left Lagertha's side. She helped Lagertha emotionally and through hard times, especially when Kalf tried to take over and successfully did, made sure no one burned the city down when she left for Paris, took care of Torvi's child when she left with Bjorn, and now Alca wanted to do something for herself. She wanted to sail to Paris and to see the place Lagertha could never stop talking about. A place called Kattegat.

When Bjorn came from the mountains to claim Torvi, she met face to face with. Let's just say they hit it off right away and became friends. Bjorn invited her, as well, to come to Kattegat, but before she got to the chance to answer, Lagertha rejected the offer, and because she shall always remain loyal to her, she didn't disagree.

King Ragnar has decided he wanted to go back to Paris and try once again to reclaim it. Lagertha decided to go, but wanted to leave Alca behind, which did not settle well.

"Lagertha, I don't understand why I can't come. I have trained for many years, nights, and days, and yet you will never let me leave. I may have accepted the offer to stay, but I never accepted to be held here against my will." Alca was angered by the fact she couldn't go. She had thought that Lagertha would have trusted her by now.

" I need someone to stay and watch the place while both Kalf and I are gone. You are the only one I trust for the job, Alca." Lagertha hopped onto her horse, ready to take off, but Alca grabbed the rope before she left. " You need me Lagertha. He needs me. If king Ragnar couldn't succeed the first time, how will he now. I do not have to fight, but at least let me come as a planer or your guard." Lagertha looked at her and couldn't decide whether to leave or take her. "What about your name. I will not have people too scared to fight because you are there." Alca smirked, already knowing the answer to her question. " Then I shall go by a different name. People already know my tale, but they think of me as man. Tell Bjorn of my new name and no one will question. Lagertha I need to do this. I need to experience my love for war again. I will one day die and if I must, I will die on the battlefield as a viking." Lagertha looked at the girl and sighed. "Grab your horse and hurry, many have already left with Kalf." So Alca ran and grabbed the horse and the journey to Kattegat began.

As they arrived at Kattegat, Lagertha took her to a mountain cliff, that looked out over the entire place, with the port below. A smile appeared on her, but quickly left when She saw Lagertha's face. "What is wrong, is it not as beautiful as you remember?" " It's not that. You see the ships down there? They aren't ours or Ragnar's." Alca looked to the ships that had orange shields covering the boat. "Guess they are new friends. Come on the feast will start soon. We can not miss this one." Alca's smile returned once more, as they rode closer to the main hall. she jumped off her horse and so did Lagertha. She took both ropes and Lagertha walked inside, while she tied the horses to a poll.

She walked about to the doors and loud music, voices, and the sound of laughing were all that could be heard. Alca has never been to a feast with as many people. she was excited. As she walked in the smile only grew on her face. Fires were everywhere with many people talking. she rubbed her eyes, making sure she wasn't she seeing things, forgetting she had black eyeshadow on, spreading it everywhere on her eyes. She looked around hoping to see his familiar face and when she finally did, she pushed through the crowd. "Move out the way," she yelled catching his attention. Bjorn smiled and when she finally reached him, a big hug took place, making people turn their way. Bjorn picked her up with ease and twirled her around before letting go. "Al, it has been a while since We have seen each other." She was confused why she called her that, but soon figured out why.

"Lagertha told you to give me a new name." "Yes, but nothing really goes with Alca, so Al it is." "Well thank you for that. I am very thirsty as I have travelled for while and must get some ale." Alca walked away from Bjorn. With eyes following her every movement.

Halfdan P.O.V

"Brother we may have some conflict," Halfdan says, as he stands next to Harald. "Why would you think that?", he asked back. "That girl over there talking to Bjorn, there is something off about her." "Is that a good or bad thing, brother?" Halfdan thinks for the answer to that question, as the girl turns around. Her black eyeshadow surrounding her eyes, making her look older and mature then she usually does. She was pretty no doubt. "She interests me brother." "Then claim her before I do." Harald pats him on the shoulder and both men laugh. Halfdan walks away from Harald and starts following her.

Alca P.O.V

Alca grabs herself a cup of ale and sits down in front of the fire place. " You Know it's not nice to follow people." Halfdan comes around to face Alca and sits across from her. " Now are you going to explain yourself or will I have to pry the answers out of you?" she laughed a little and then continued to her ale. He replies back, " You come here with Bjorn's mother, Lagertha, and know both of them pretty well. I am Halfdan. Who are you?" Halfdan stared at her, the flames bouncing up and down in front of her face. " Wouldn't you like to know." "That's why I asked." Alca placed her cup down and leaned over the fire, getting closer to Halfdan. " Can I tell you a secret Halfdan?" it was his turned to lean closer, both of their faces close, but still separated by the fire. " You believe in the gods, correct? Well, I do. I believe they give us all reason to be here. so what if I told you, they sent me here to do their will." "Then what is there will then?" Alca stood straight up as well as Halfdan. "See you tomorrow Halfdan." Alca started to walk out of the main hall, but was stopped by Halfdan. "Do I at least get a name?" Alca turned back around and raised her cup, chugging the remaining the ale and dropping the cup. With the smirk still left on her face

"Goodnight Halfdan" and walked away.