VIKINGS || GYDA

𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝟐𝟔 *

The bonds between my family were finally set right this evening. Father and mother had accepted my decision, and with their help I had convinced Bjorn to make peace with it too.

The sun had finally drifted further below the horizon when the fire pits of the great hall were lit alight. Thralls busied themselves with platters upon platters of food and mead as the hall filled with people. Tales of our exploits in England were shared to the townsfolk by my father, but soon these stories drowned out as the thunderous anthems of musicians pulsated through the hall.

The feast had only just begun and already it was unravelling into something wild. Any other night, I would have gladly joined in, but I was weary from travel and needed time for myself. The evening rays of the sky had been overcome with the night as I stepped outside the hall, I am cautious to avoid the drunkards that wander the outer yard as I take the short walk to the bathhouse.

I ran my fingers through the baths clear water—warm. I thank the thrall for making the trips to fill the tub and decline her offer to wash me. With no chance to bathe safely on my travels, the smell of grime and blood had now become pungent, I would be too embarrassed for anyone but myself to scrub clean the filth.

My tunic and pants fall to a pile as I wasted no time in plunging my body into the water. The water rests at the start of my neck. Reaching to the side table, I grab a vile of essence. I pour its sweet oil into the water then grab the washer to scrub.

Winces hissed through my clenched teeth as I scrubbed over the various cuts I had collected. Tilting my head back, I pour another vile of oil upon my scalp. My fingers work in the oil to wring out the knots that clung to my length. Taking a deep breath, my head then ducks beneath the surface as my fingers continue to work into my scalp to rinse clean the strands. I emerge with a quiet gasp for air, a relaxed smile upon my lips as I allow my eyes to
Close. For some time I just lay there engulfed in the water, it was the most peaceful I had felt for a time.

After a long while I finally decide to step out. I stood by the tub wrapped in a drying rag, holding it close to my chest. My hair trails down, hitting the back of my thighs in a tangled, wet mess—times like these I wanted my mother. As a girl, she would help bathe my hair, and there was nothing more serene than when mother had me sit between her legs as she brushed and braided my hair.

I briefly walked through the cold night to make it to the back door of the great hall that led to the bedrooms, the rag still clutched tightly to my body.

By now it was late, but this deterred no one from the celebration of the night. The music still boomed and vibrated through the wood of the walls, accompanied by the shrieks and singing of my drunk countrymen.

On the way to my room, I stop to peek into the boys room. They are sprawled upon their beds, dead asleep. I give a nod to Aslaug as she sits in a chair by the corner, rocking Ivar to sleep, to which she extends a kind smile to me, her eyes half closed in sleep herself.

Now in my room, I release my grip and allow the rag to slowly slide down to the ground. looking into my mirror I speculate my figure. My body had become weaker—thinner. I release a tired breath as I pull my shift over my head, the hem falling around my thighs.

I pick up the rag again to run it along my hairs length, soaking up the dripping water. I use my comb to lightly detangle my hair through. It is half dry by the time I finish. I leave it unbound as I inspect my figure once more.

The voyage took more than time from me. The seas were harsh, my stomach could do nothing but empty itself through most of it and food wasn't plentiful when we did reach land. My ribs were beginning to bulge, my muscles were slimmer. I had to begin training again, I couldn't allow myself to lose what took so long to build.