'Fire In Your Eyes' (Thorfinn x Reader) - Vinland Saga

kæmpe

*If you're not up to date this chapter contains a small spoiler*

"Everyone is staring" I mutter in my hybrid Norse/English code. This was a terrible idea indeed. Walking next to Leif has undoubtedly drawn more attention to me than when I used to walk around alone.

Leif is more stern with me than a few minutes ago "Stop. This is what you wanted. Use this opportunity. Own it or they really will eat you alive. I won't be able to protect you from that."

The knot was back, bigger and heavier than ever, itching for me to shoot off in the other direction. Leif was at least 2 feet taller than me, one of his steps being 4 of mine. He told me to keep my sword at home but my daggers would pass. I need my sword. No. No we don't. Just keep calm (y/n)!  

I keep my composure by breathing deep and matching my pace with Leif's. Shooting looks at the men who are watching us it dawns on me that my mind making me feel worse than the situation actually was.

Lief was right, the reactions to me were the same, the comments and whispering. I was used to that. But striding next the General gave me more control, more status. Rather than having to force my way past, bobbing and weaving through the crowds, the crowds split open with the men pulling their heavily inebriated friends out of the way and apologising to the General. Is this the way men feel all the time?

It's not long before we reach the bonfire, roaring flames with such intensity you could feel it standing 20 meters away. There is singing and everyone has horns and flagons of ale, and in two separate corners individual fires were started for the use of spit roasting what looked like 6 huge boars. Some of the men were tasked with preparing vegetables, stewing them to accompany the meat and someone had used the Saran family's old mill to bake bread. It really was a huge occasion, the men all mixed amongst each other, two armies becoming one. Playing games with throwing daggers at targets or shooting apples off some sleeping fellow's head. It was of course a celebration, but I can't unsee the flames and demons feeding off the fruits of my land. It hurts to watch.

Leif was greeted by many as we approached and a horn thrust into his hand. "Drink'up Genreeal! We'r-you're goin' t'a ge'drunk wi'ff uz toniight!" This unsteady brute who went by the name of Toke was too far gone, it was quite entertaining watching him trying to embrace Leif and Leif gently pushing Toke aside by his right cheek causing him to completely crumple to the ground. 

I smirk at Leif who shrugs and takes a drink "He always takes it too far that boy." He casually remarks although I don't think Leif is much older than Toke.

Looking around I clock Gorm who is sat on a flat tree trunk with Askeladd, and next to him a stocky, dark haired man who until now I've only seen with his helmet on.

"Who's that?" I ask Leif.

"That is Bjorn. Askeladd's right hand man. He'd follow Askeladd through Ragnarok and back, he wouldn't even have to ask." Leif chuckles

"Rag-er-what?"

"The end of the world" Well just say that then.

"He has been with Askeladd since the beginning, I don't think there's anyone who knows him better."

"Would you do the same for Gorm?" I prod. By the sounds of it Leif doesn't agree with Gorm's way of doing things, but he has yet to challenge him. He clearly has some strange level of loyalty to him.

Leif is surveying the area and I know he hears me because he glances down at me for a second before avoiding my gaze. He takes another drink and waves at another passing soldier. "Come, you should stay with me for a while longer. Askeladd has yet to see us, he is crucial in all this. We'll go greet them-"