~ end. She only knew because one of the girls were with child and suddenly she was missing never to be found again. It them know that would not happen with you. *She gave a look that could kill out of the side of her eye.* Was I right, Ragnar to ease their worry?
~ warrior. We are going to be proud of them, Ragnar.
*He asked about the hall. She paused.* Oh it was simply about the fact the slave girls were saying they were happy the Earl was dead. He as ab*sing them in more than just physical ways. I guess he was not paying Siggy enough attention at the ~
*Gyda was smiling and as they ran off she had grabbed the shield she made to defend herself from Bjorn. "I will fight beside you one day, Bjorn." He laughed. "I will not protect you. If we are to go to Valhalla, it is our time." She laughed watching them.* They are learning what it means to be a
~ be a Shield Maiden after all!" Their daughter was happy.*
~ your future husband proves himself worthy to your father, he will tell him you must train and become a Shield Maiden or he is no man at all. *She looked to Ragnar. And if he does not, I will. The greatest Shield Maiden of all. *Gyda smiled and ran to her father. "Did you hear that, Father? I will~
~ Lagertha smiled as Gyda ran to her and smoothed out her hair.* Look at you, my child. Almost grown to womanhood. You will give a man many children. *The young girl sighed. "I want to be a Shield Maiden like you. Not a mother. Lagertha looked about.* I am a mother as well. Am I not? When your ~
~ at the mere thought of a woman hitting a man. Lagertha stood, walked between them.* No, he will not take liberties with you or hit you. For if he does, you come to me, I will put an end to it. Do you understand? They courtesied as best they could and thanked her for it. When her family entered~
Lagertha remained in the Great Hall whilst the slaves cleared the tables and spoke of how they were glad the old Earl was dead. The all around a*use would end. Ragnar loved his wife. Yes they had heard of fights, yet she was a shield Maiden and did not allow him to push her around. They giggled ~
~ and Thor. And making us look good. *They all laughed.*
~ discord amongst the people, she knew he would put an end to it no matter the cost. Even if meant a life. She sat upon her throne as others cheered "SKOL!" She and the children did the same.* To those men who fought for this gold and went to Valhalla! May they be telling their stories to Odin ~
*She nodded at his departure. It's there was one thing she or the others thought was that Ragnar was weak. He was a just and fair man. He shared the wealth amongst the men who helped pillage the towns. The men saw him as a great leader. Could he be ruthless? Oh yes indeed he could. If there were to~
~ like all others, deserved to be in Valhalla. Especially the children. To drink with their parents and the All Father. Lagertha re-entered the hall and nodded to Ragnar. It was done. She sat on the throne beside him with Bjorn and Gyda at their feet. They ate in a joyous celebration.
*As they took Siggy and her children outside, she followed to ensure the task was done and they were not released on sympathy. Siggy begged for the life of her daughter Thryi and two sons. But alas, it would not be the case. Each one put to the sword. They would give them a Viking's funeral as they~
~ their oaths.* Is this not a celebration? Bring the food and mead! *The slaves brought out what was ordered. All were served. Siggy was in the back hurrying and gathering their things.*
~ back, she felt his lips upon his and smiled. Her hand upon his cheek.* You will rule well, my love. *She whispered. How could he not? Bjorn and Gyda were motioned to come up and sit with them. They were a true Viking family. The boys now of age would be receiving their arm rings and swearing ~
*As Siggy wailed, Lagertha was well aware it was known that the newly appointed Earl would kill the previous Earl's family so they could not rise against him. She sat upon her throne as he dealt out the appropriate gifts. Her smile crept across her lips. Ragnar would make a good Earl. As she sat ~
~ come at him and Ragnar shoved his sword upwards into his stomach. Which would cause a brutal and long agonizing death. Unless he felt it nice to end him quickly.
*As she watched them battle, she worried not about Ragnar dying. For all the training they did with others and one another compared to the Earl who sat on his rear in the Great Hall. She had never once seen him practicing. When Ragnar fell to the ground, she smiled. It was a ruse so the Earl would ~
They should. Sorry... not sorry.
~ share. But the raiders and even their widows would be cared for. How could they not? When Ragnar challenged him, she nodded and smiled. Siggy looked to her and Lagertha turned away as Siggraph wished her to beg Ragnar to reconsider his challenge.*
*The Earl gave but one item to each of the raiders. For all they did, the risk of their lives and his children did nothing but sit in their mother's arms and wail. She believed her husband would award their raiders with much more than he would Bjorn and Gyda. Yes they would receive their fair ~
~ brow and smiled.*
~ they ensured they had enough for themselves. She took a few of the grapes.* You will have to tell me how these grapes look in the soil so I know how to grow them. *She rolled her eyes.* He is in.* But I will take these in the event we can grow them. If not, I will eat them. *Lagertha arrched her ~
*She ate one of grapes from his fingers with seductive eyes.* It has seeds, we can grow them here on our land, Ragnar. *Their farmland had the best soil. And he knew that. Yet they would have to ask permission to grow it. How pathetic it was. They grew so much food for the people of Kattegat after ~
~ more money coming into Kattegat if we have bad winters or raids. It will help us get through it. So far we have fur traders, food, and others. Some of which we need at times. How was the raid?
*She finally saw Athelstan bow his head and leave. He was doing exactly what he was supposed to do. He was their slave and nothing more. Why her husband saw him as anything else she knew not. She wrapped herself tighter in her cloak.* I have been seeing that we are growing as a trading city. I want~
~ the priest Athelstan. Why he felt so close to the priest she didn't understand. Lagertha approached them and kissed her husband.* How are you today, Ragnar?
*She had come out of the main hall wrapped in her furs gazing along the 'streets' of Kattegat. Or what one could call streets. She saw the warriors training as well as the Shield Maidens. It was good to see. Being that they would be going on raid shortly. It was then she saw her husband with ~
