Vikings Imagines

The Quiet One-Part 3

Summary: After her outburst at Halfdan, (Y/N) decides to turn things around. She won't stand for anymore embarrassment.

Characters: Halfdan The Black x Reader

Meanings: (Y/N)= Your name
(Y/F/N)= Your friends name

Warnings: Shouting, arguing

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

The sun was just rising as I made my way up the hill, (Y/F/N) further ahead. She was much stronger than I, her stamina was amazing. As she waited for me, I wondered if this was really a good idea.

"(Y/N), are you sure you want to do this?" she asked as we made our way to a clearing atop the hill.

"Yes. I need to learn at some point." I breathed out, slightly worn out after the trek.

"Won't Halfdan be worried about where you are? Does he know you're going to start training?"

"I don't care what he thinks. Let's start."

After realising that Halfdan wouldn't be taking me seriously anytime soon, I had decided to enlist the help of (Y/F/N), one of the greatest shieldmaidens I knew (no, I was not biased). I didn't want to go into battle, I just wanted to show that I could defend myself. Halfdan could see I was weak, that needed to change. No one knew I was out here, it was going to be a surprise to everyone.

"This isn't going to be easy." (Y/F/N) admitted as she handed me a sword.

My hand bent at the weight, not expecting it to be that heavy."I know. But I need to do this."

We were up there for hours, as we finished the sun was now high in the sky, though no where near noon. I was sweating profusely, as was my trainer. After taking a few moments to rest, I reflected on what I had achieved that morning; I was beginning to grasp the basic blocks and attacks but had received quite a few scrapes along the way.

"You did well today (Y/N)." (Y/F/N) wrapped an arm around my shoulder, smiling at me.

"Thank you. You make it seem so easy." I laughed.

"I've trained since I was a little girl. No one becomes a great fighter in a day."

We parted ways outside my house, hugging one last time before I hesitantly went inside. I couldn't be sure if Halfdan was still there. As I shut the door behind me, I heard heavy footsteps quickly approaching me; I had only just turned around when Halfdan was in my face.

"Where have you been?!" he demanded to know.

"Good morning Halfdan. I trust you slept well?" I said, trying to put on a confident act as he trapped me between him and the door.

"Do not joke with me woman. Where were you?"

"I was out with a friend, is that a crime now?"

"Then why are you covered in sweat? Does it have something to do with this so called friend?"

I knew what he was implying."Yes, it does actually."

I left it at that, walking away to our bedroom. Once I shut the door, I felt my breathing get out of control suddenly, as if I had been holding it all in. Taking a moment to calm down, I realised that I had to stop acting and become confident in front of my husband. It was going to take time, just like the training. When I walked back out to gather water for my bath, Halfdan was no where to be seen. This relaxed me and I began to run my bath.

It was peaceful for a moment. The warm waters felt good on my aching muscles. As I settled deeper into the water, I heard the front door open, my good mood instantly leaving. Just as I tried to focus on how soothing the bath was, Halfdan burst into the room, causing me to face away from him as I tried to cover my body.