You make way for Kattegat to fight alongside the Sons of Ragnar as they plan to avenge their late father's death.
You are known amongst your people as a fierce warrior and great beauty. Having fought for your earldom since your father's death, you...
You watched your crew load the last of the armor, weapons, and food into your ships. Scanning the dock and watching in awe as you began to grasp the sheer scale of the Great Army Ragnar Lodbrok's legacy had formed. Albeit to avenge his own death. It was magnificent. You had never seen so many of your people working alongside one another. Standing on the dock, your cape, and furs blowing in the gentle breeze, you hear footsteps approaching close behind you.
"Earl Sigrid the Haughty" you recognized the jolly tone of the man's voice and turned to face him with a warm smile.
"Floki..."
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"Hello my sweet Sigird, by the God's...how the years have flown by. When I first met your father you were only the size of a small goat." he giggled.
"My dear Floki, how are you...How is Helga?"
"We are well Princess we are well," he speaks soothingly to you grasping your shoulders.
"I am no longer a Princess, Floki...sometimes I wish I were." you look down, remembering a time before the responsibly of your Father's kingdom rested on your shoulders.
"You will always be a Princess in my eyes, as you would still be in your Fathers."
"Are you ready for the battle ahead?" looking into his eyes for reassurance. His wise words soothed you as if it were your Father speaking to you here in Midgard.
"I am ready to avenge Ragnar, yes. Do not fear Princess the Gods are with us. Odin watches over you and The Sons of Ragnar as he sits alongside your Father's in his hall." His finger guides a symbol of a rune over your forehead. One of protection. You feel its power seep through your skull.
"Thank you Floki..." you sigh "May I speak openly with you?" you question with pleading eyes.
"I am at your service, always Princess...what troubles you?"
"I fear that what I am about to tell, you will mistake for the words of a mad hag. But you understand the Gods far better than I ever hope to, even with you as my teacher for a portion of my life" you giggle looking to him with a smile.
"What is it Princess, you can speak openly with me...your will is similar to your Father's...far too strong, madness could not attempt to weaken it" he laughs in an attempt to reassure you.
You sign deeply..."I...I think I have been fated by the Gods to be here fighting with you and the Sons of Ragnar, I know this as I physically feel it when I see a certain person. It is a feeling that overpowers me and I cannot fully explain to you. It frightens me Floki. I have fought for control all my life, to be where I am today and this feeling is something...the only thing, I find myself unable to control. No matter how hard I try."
Floki smiles. "Princess the feeling you are describing is truly something you cannot control. It is one of the many gifts the Gods bestowed onto us to distract from all of life's hardships. You would do well to give in to it, instead of trying to fight it."
"What is it...tell me please, I must know!"
"First Princess, you must tell me who this person is, that manages to conjure up these feelings."
You hesitate. But you soon remember that Floki would never betray your trust. Besides the shield maidens you brought with you and your crew he is the only person who you trust in Kattegat. You lean towards his ear. You intended for no one else to hear what you were about to divulge. Floki leans in also...eager to know which Son of Ragnar you have fallen for.
"It...it is...Ivar" you whisper. Soon returning to your previous position. You did not want to draw anyone else's attention. You watched Floki's eyes grow wide. He then raises his eyes to meet yours, a smile taking control of his lips.
"The feeling, Princess. That has no doubt been keeping you up at night and growing every time you see young Ivar. Is love." he says plainly, but honestly.
You scoff, loudly at him. "I DO NOT LOVE HIM FLOKI!" you splurt, rather loudly. Drawing the attention of some of your crew to look up at you from the boats.
Floki giggles. "Granted Princess, he is not the most lovable of Ragnars Sons. I did not expect his name to leave your lips. Perhaps Ubbe or Hvitserk's. But if what you say is true...the Gods have decided your heart will belong to Ivar. You can choose to fight it, or you can choose to believe in what the Gods have in store for you both. He is, after all, like you in more ways than you care to believe."
His wise words ring true in your head. Floki was right. That feeling Ivar caused within you was something that could only be explained by what he had just told you. But you had more important things to worry about for a time. Your warriors, shield maidens, ships, and the great battle ahead.
"I will think on what you have told me, my dear Floki...thank you. I trust this will be kept between us?" you speak through a raised eyebrow.
"Of course Princess, you can trust me with this, and your life should it come to it in battle." he smiles warmly down at you.
You hug him tightly. He giggles as you do. You say your goodbyes as he is called away to board a ship with Björn and Ubbe aboard it.
You help your crew with a few items still waiting to be loaded on the wooden dock. Climbing aboard you vessel you smile to members of your crew as you make ready to set sail.
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A few moments later the horns sound, signaling for the first ships to filter out into Kattegat's lock and make way for England. The first ships to leave and lead the fleet are captained by the Sons of Ragnar, followed by King Harald and his ships. You nod across to your other three leading vessels, captained by Frigg, Saga, and Siv as you and your fleet are signaled to follow close behind.
