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The whole town had been filled with music, laughter and torchlight as everyone celebrated their greatest victory yet. The main hall was busier than Asdis had ever seen it, filled with people drinking dancing and feasting. The table looked as if it was longer than a coastline, filled to the brim with food of all kinds and, of course, mead on every side of it.
On the head of the table sat the two rulers, cleared of the battle's burdens and pampered with freshly cleaned armor. Asdis's black headpiece rested beneath her hairline, taking some of the attention off the two of the many battlescars her father had given her.
Freder was sat on the side, wondering how they could celebrate their own king's death while across of him sat Hvitserk with a wolfish smile on his lips as he happily devoured the food on his plate. "Tell us again how you defeated him, Asdis!" the prince exclaimed excitedly, turning to look at the blonde woman as Ivar rolled his blue orbs.
"She's told you the damn story five times already!" one of the men sat further on the table exclaimed as the rest of the warriors muttered, unanimously agreeing.
A small smile reached Asdis's lips as she looked at her brother-in-law "Don't fret, Hvitserk. It was nothing you'll never see again" she reassured him as his face formed a frown like a sad puppy.
Ivar leaned back on his seat "Mm, I wouldn't say so" he said, his signature smirk taking place atop his lips as his fingers caressed the patterns around his goblet.
The woman scoffed slightly, the smile never leaving her face as she gave a small side glance on the man sat beside her before looking at the older ragnarsson "Regardless of what your brother says, there'll be many battles to come. You will not miss this one" she said her eyes meeting Ivar's again for a small moment.
The prince's eyes lit up "You mean Aether?" he asked leaning forward, excitement taking over his body.
The woman sighed, pressing her lips together as she shook her head "I'm afraid Aether will have to wait" she said, as the man's face fell "We have to sail to Alfheim tomorrow, to claim the throne officially" she said and the blonde man lowered his gaze and nodded.
"What are you so beat over brother?" Ivar voiced putting his goblet away and placing an arm around his wife's chair. The woman eyed his hand, surprise getting the best of her, but stayed silent. "It is just another christian city. We will take it after we return" he said, his eyes settling on his brother for his answer.
However, Asdis beat him to it as a smirk made its way to her mouth "We won't have to" she said, making both of the ragnarssons look at her with confusion "Tommorow, we will sail to Alfheim and Hvitserk will stay here with a force big enough to raid Aether. Then, he can join us" she explained, making the blonde man freeze from the sudden news. "What do you think?" she then asked, arching her eyebrows at the man, with the smirk still intact.
Hvitserk's surprise was written all over his expression as he stumbled over his words for a moment "I think yes!" He said, finally, earning a cheer from the people sat on the table.
Asdis leaned back, her elbows resting on each arm of her chair "Then, it is settled" she said while the oldest ragnarsson raised his cup at her direction, before dowing the bitter liquid.
Ivar slid his back against his chair to lean towards his wife "You gave him too much responsibility" he said without looking at her while she sipped on her own mead. "He will falter" he warned, his eyes landing on his already tipsy brother.
The blonde leaned towards her husband as well, lowering her cup and not bearing him a glance "He does not have your mind nor my leadership, but he'll manage" she stated with a small smile drifting on her lips.
YOU ARE READING
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Fanfic[completed] If you stood before the Gods at this very moment, would they name you worthy of their domain? Would they look upon the fear you've caused and admire it? Would they pick upon your power and name it almost divine? That was the very thing A...
