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

tage

This is a longer chapter but things are kicking in. Here we go.

 TW; Assault 

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I've searched everywhere for Thorfinn, trying my best to be discreet about it, but he's nowhere to be found. I cannot allow this fear to consume me, think rationally. No one in this camp has seen him since morning, and especially amongst Askeladd's men, no one seems to keep track of Thorfinn's movements. How the hell does he do that? He disappears so easily. He's like a wild animal who returns to be fed then runs off on his own again.

The day turns to dusk, I report to Leif for my evening duty which so far just seems to be accompanying him to meals. He speaks to me this time, only just;

"You've been gone a while." He mutters in English. "Where did you go?"

I stay focused on my plate as I answer, mouth full as I speak. "A walk. I needed time to think."

 "About what?" He asks with a tinge of concern.

I chew and swallow.. "Everything."

That was the end of our dinner conversation.. let the punishment fit the crime I guess. A whole day of isolation for back-sassing the General.. could've been so much worse. The pure gluttony seems to be catching up to the men as each of them retire far earlier than usual, many of them unable to reach their beds and falling asleep where they eat.

"May I be excused, General Leif?" I ask after downing my drink, which by now I have discovered is called 'mead'.. a type of alcohol made by fermenting honey.

"Yes. Tomorrow we begin training. I expect you to join us." I nod in response and turn to walk back to my hut. I'm too tired to question or argue back.

"Goodnight (y/n)..." Leif offers quietly in English.

"Goodnight General." I offer formally in Norse as I walk away.

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A few hours have passed since the last fire was put out in the camp. Snores and groans of different volumes rumble around the village. I can't sleep as I try to unravel the complexities of the events which have unfolded in only a matter of days. I breathe in cycles to ease the knots in my stomach as small tears flow naturally down my cheeks.

Grandma.. I need you. Now more than ever.

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I don't know when I fell asleep, but I'm awoken by a sudden clattering sound. My reflexes reach for my dagger under my bed. My sore, sleep filled eyes focus onto a blurry figure standing in my room.. wait... 2 blurry figures. Neither of which look familiar at first glance. "Well he isn't here now!" a Norse voice chuckles- Wake up! This isn't a dream!

I unsheathe my dagger in time to slash at an arm coming towards me, I feel the blade slide across what feels like a palm, the resistance of the blade tells me it isn't a deep cut, but enough to make the brute grunt and recoil in pain. I hear them stumble back and spit "Fucking bitch!" The adrenaline pierces through my tired state and I leap up, crouched completely upright on my bed ready to jump and run should I have to. My eyes adjust and I can finally make out the 3 figures in my hut. One near the door who appears to be on the look-out and the other 2 further in, barely a few feet away from me. The one whose hand I've slit I recognise as one Askeladd's men, the one from earlier who was shouting about the kind of women he liked, the look-out also one of Askeladd's men, whereas the other a bigger man, one of Leif's men. Fuck!