The Heart Of The Warrior (Rollo Lothbrok x OFC)

Chapter 22

(A/N Sorry in advance for any spelling mistakes or bad grammar, I haven't gone back over and proof read yet, I will do that tomorrow morning. I just wanna get this chapter to you guys quick as I can. 3500 words this time roughly, Let me know how you feel about this chapter size, do you think it drags on too long? or do you prefer the length of this chapter. Let me know if you can x c: )

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Kari saw the familiar shoreline of Wessex, there was uncertainty of what their arrival would bring. Ragnar and Lagertha took those closest to them to King Ecburt's villa, Kari road alongside Lagertha, Floki seemed visibly miffed at the idea of once again being in the home of Christian's whom he was not allowed to kill, which amused Kari.

Upon arrival King Ecburt greeted Ragnar, who was now a king, and his equal. The viking's were led into the villa and served a feast fit for a king, soon came discussion about the defeat of the warrior's who chose to fight for Kwenthrith. Kari was easily able to listen in as she spoke both Saxon and Norse, she was suspicious of Ecburt, his hospitality was overly gracious and unwarranted. Either way Ragnar had agreed to fight for Kwenthrith, Rollo speaking up soon after "If you fight, than so do I" he continued his meal. He wasn't as fussed as Floki, who obviously hated the idea, but of course, agreed either way. Bjorn would fight alongside his father, and so would his wife Porunn. Kari spoke up in Saxon "When I was last here I spoke with king Alle when he was at our camp. He informed me of the current state of Mercia. I know that it is one of the largest kingdoms in England and the holder of it's crown will... hold tremendous power" Kari's eyes locked with Ecburt's, hoping his front would fold and she could see his true intentions, but Ecburt did not let down his guard, he even smiled at Kari. "-I would hate to see that power fall into the hands of Brithwulf. A vile man" Kari earned a smile from Kwenthrith, "so I will fight." Kari concluded, she had earned an angry snarl from Floki whom detested when she spoke Saxon, the others seemed unphased, except Rollo, who seemed to always forget her past here, he watched her speak, saw how comfortable she was talking to them, how easily she fit their world. A new fear washed over his mind and he felt a pang in his heart. What if he drove her too far one day, what if he pushed her so far she came back here, returned to the shore they had taken her from and returned to her life before she knew him. Watching the way the King looked at Kari made him angry. Ecburt's eyes watched with fascination as Kari spoke to him, he was enthralled with her knowledge of England yet her Pagen ways. Even Ecburt's son Aethelwulf's eyes lit up at her voice, though he tried his best to conceal the way he felt, Rollo knew a man's mind well enough to know what he was thinking.

Kari saw Rollo looking at her, lost in his own thoughts, seeming slightly bothered. She could not help but roll her eyes and continue her feast. This kind of food was extravagant beyond anything she could eat back home, she could hardly finish her plateful being so used to having such small portions. The wine was delicious and danced on her tongue like no ale could, it's aroma flooded her senses and she could not help but over indulge. Floki saw her fascination and lifted his own cup to his lips, he sniffed, it smelled good, like fruit, he took a sip and spit it out. Rubbish. The bitter taste made him want to be sick. The nobles watched him like he was a savage, spitting at the table, but the northmen erupted in laughter, some even laughing with food in their mouths. Kari watched as the christians couldn't believe their eyes and couldn't help but laugh, almost choking on her wine.

The next day the ships were packed and those who chose to fight made their way up the river, toward Mercia, making camp when they were close by. Everyone was sat around drinking while they waited for word on the whereabouts of Kwenthrith's uncle and brother to arrive.
Kari was sitting and drinking with her friends when Kwenthrith approached her, her interest in pagen's wasn't just directed at men, Kari would sense Kwenthrith was flirting with her. Some of the other men had began to entertain themselves, playing music together. Kwenthrith smirked at Kari standing up she began to dance, motioning for Kari to join her. Having travelled the world with her father, Kari had seen many cultures and many kinds of art and dance. Towards the east her father had found a land of people who wore silks and and vails. They had golden tan skin and their music and dance was like nothing she had ever seen before. The women moved their bodies like snakes, their hips winding with the music. They had taught Kari how to dance and do makeup the way they did.