VIKINGS || GYDA

𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝟏𝟔

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In no time at all the docks were crowded. The arrival of ships peaking everyone's excitement and curiosity.

Myself and Bjorn stand waiting together. The strong winds of the seas flow across the great lake, pushing the ships faster to us.

Shouts and cheers sound when the people see who has arrived. She is once again perched at the front of her ship. Behind her many other ships follow, the blue sails and shields signifying their leader and their allegiance.

Mother makes it to the dock, She steps off her ship. She first walks to Bjorn, taking his arms and then embracing him. She then comes to me, wrapping her arms around me, tucking my head in her shoulder.

She regards both of us for a second, her eyes boring into us, with a smile on her face. Turning, she starts to walk off, her many shieldmaiden's following suit.

My fathers warriors, the kings and now my mothers are all gathered. They all sit and take the water bowls that the slaves offer. First snorting, then spitting in the water, they then gather the water in their hands and wash their faces and hair with it. Strange tradition—but a tradition nonetheless.

Bjorn and myself make our way off the docks. parting through the grand crowd of people. Bjorn then stiffens next to me and then begins to sprint off in front.

Before I am able to utter his name, he takes the hand of one of the slaves that carries the water bowls. Next thing I know, he embraces her whilst hungrily pushing his lips upon hers.

Looking to the groups of warriors who stare, mother meets my eyes, she holds a very wary look as she watches her son.

Shaking my head I smile and continue onward, walking to Eira who huddles with other shieldmaidens who spray themselves with the water on the sand. Eira pats me on the shoulder as I come to her side. Then she takes the bowl and hands it to me.

Tucking my hair behind my ears, I first blow content through my nose into the water, spit in it. Then using my hands, let it cascade across my face and hair. It is then passed onto the next woman.

As I continue to wipe the water off my face, I come to notice a man walking towards us. Dressed in oversized clothes. I take a few steps away from the shield maidens. I aim to avoid causing a scene like Bjorn just did.

"I have come to wish you a safe journey."

"I thank you."

I don't even make the effort to look to him. Instead I look to the sand, whilst I wring my hands, as an unsettling feeling boiled in the pit of my stomach.

He seemed a nice boy, I didn't want to be cruel but his attachment to me was becoming a problem. Plus, after seeing the disapproving look mother shared about Bjorns actions with his slave girl I didn't want to give others any reason to think of me the same way. Looking to the ground still, I watch as his feet move closer. If I were to look up, we could almost be touching.

"I'd like to apologise for storming off on you the other day. Even though I am free, many here insist I still belong in chains, that I belong away from you. And when you said what you did the other day I started to think maybe it would be better if I leave you be."

There is sorrow laced through his words, yet I still do not look to him. I was scared of what more he was going to say.

"Gyda. I know I should not be here with you—many do not wish it. But In any case, what they say does not matter. There is a chance that you could die in battle. So I need you to know."

I gulp, suddenly the eyes of everyone seemed as if they are burning through my skin.

"Know what?" I whisper cautiously.

I look up now, his blue eyes are transfixed on me, a tormented look conveys within them. I'm taken by surprise when he pushes his lips against mine.

My arms find his chest. The appropriate thing to do was to push him away, so I do. I seperate our bodies swiftly. Not too hard as to hurt him.

His eyes search my own in question. I felt an anger start to burn in me. Why did he think he could just do that? It was obvious I was uncomfortable and he still threw himself on me.

I refrain from losing my temper as thoughts of our time together from the feast fill my mind. I didn't push him away then, he believes that there is something between us. I had lead him on in a way.

"Izoc, I'm sorry but I don't know you." I try to explain myself. He looks me up and down as I go on. "We only met a few days ago and shared fewer conversation. I meant what I said the other day, it is safer if we remain as strangers. You may be free but my family would never accept anything between us."

He digests on my words. After some time he nods his head, "As you wish." He spits the words quick before he turns and takes his leave. I believe he would leave me alone now. There was a fiery in him then that had to be confirmation of no more contact.

I turn away and walked back to Eira, not being able to bare another second thinking about a man.

A horn sounds and all the warriors on the shore gather together, ready to board their ships.

I found it rather interesting that no one deemed so much as a cheer or a even a glance when King Horik and his son walk out onto the docks in a glorious manner. A king and a prince, yet no cheers, only indifference.

But when my father and mother emerge on the dock, how the people cheered. The warriors on both ship and shore bore him admiration.

Myself and Bjorn joined alongside them. Axes and swords sharpened, shields hanging from our backs. We were ready for the journey, whether we were ready for our first real raid in England? Only time would tell.