Forging A Heart (Ivar the Boneless)

21- The Seer

A new thrall bounces quietly about the room, lighting all the candles in the chambers now that darkness has descended over Kattegat.

Her name was Geirdis, a frightened little thing, possibly a few years younger than Artemis herself. Geirdis was dutiful, doing what was expected of her, except, Artemis felt she was in no position to be giving the poor girl orders. Even now she felt a slight discomfort at the girls presence, knowing she could do all these simple tasks herself.

Artemis was once in her place, serving a haughty prince, but somehow, that all felt so long ago. As far as she was concerned, she was just Kattegat's blacksmith, second only to Arvid's father and his young apprentice. She preferred it that way as it resembled the simple life she once had. Her only privilege was that she slept beside the king, nothing out of the ordinary here in Kattegat, but something shameful where she was from.

There was a chill in the air that night, the signs of winter rearing its head. Clusters of ravens cawed loudly into the night sky, and Artemis pulled at the furs draped over the window for a glance. The dark creatures circled about the trees and were hard to make out in the darkness. The more intently she stared, the closer they seemed to be, until suddenly one appeared opposite of the glass, its large wings flapping wildly as it cawed, its beady black eyes looking straight at her.

Artemis let's out a yelp, stepping back while placing a hand to her chest in attempt to calm her beating heart.

"My lady," Geirdis calls out to her. Artemis turns her attention away from the window in favor of looking at the blonde girl, her chest slightly heaving. Geirdis eyes her for a moment, a look of confusion clouding her face. Did she not hear the cawing of the raven?

"Please, there is no need to address me in such a way," Artemis says to her with a sigh, shaking her head to dispel the sudden shock that ran through her bones. Such titles were a nuisance, why should she be regarded in such a way? She was no lady.

Her eyes land on Geirdis's hands, in which she held two luxurious garments, one a rich red, the other a deep blue. Two very bold colors.

"You are the kings intended, my lady, I must," Geirdis says, walking over to place the dresses upon the bed, "The seamstress has made these for you upon the kings orders."

Both dresses were exceptional in design, beautifully crafted. Made of wool, they were meant to fight the chill that would soon take over Kattegat. Embroidered in a delicate way, with precious stones stitched within, they were fit for a woman of noble birth. Artemis runs her hands down the blue dress, admiring the small sea pearls and the delicate silver stitching that she could never have mastered herself. The wool was soft, much softer and prettier than anything she'd ever owned.

"When did he request these?"

"About a fortnight ago, my lady."

"My lady!" Aria's familiar voice calls from behind the leather curtain. The red head peaks her head in, waiting for permission to enter.

"Aria, it is far too late," Artemis rolls her eyes but motions for her to come in, "How did you manage to slip away under Erik's nose? And don't call me that!" Aria laughs, quickly glancing at Geirdis's nervous form before answering.

"He is asleep, quite exhausted from certain activities," The younger thrall blushes but says nothing while Artemis shakes her head,"And Dafi let me in, of course. I like him by the way, the king has given you a handsome guard." Artemis snorts at Aria's obvious promiscuity.

"I only wanted to let you know, the Jarl intends to go back to his lands after your wedding ceremony." Aria says with a sad smile. Artemis frowns, but nods in understanding. She hadn't had the luck of making many friends, and Aria was the best of them, besides Helga.