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A Viking's Tale (Charon & ScarletAngel)

She gazed down at the food; it was so similar to what the cooks normally made. If not for the noise she could close her eyes and imagine that she was merely eating with her father. However she found she had a lack of appetite brought on by the lose of her father and exhaustion. After all she’d hardly gotten any sleep the previous night having not gone to sleep until quite late. Emotionally she was drained but the strain did not yet show on her lovely face, her eyes merely seemed listless and uninterested….at least until he began to speak and which point her posture stiffened noticeably and her eyes hardened.

“I should think…Jarl that agreeing to come out of my hiding place was proof enough of my loyalty and willingness to cooperate. Yet you ask me to humiliate myself in front of my people by kissing your hand like some blindly loyal sycophant?” her green eyes seemed to turn to ice as she gazed at him. “I am a woman, I have not been trained to fight and am no threat to you. Nor will my people be as long as they do not see me kneeling at your feet like some well bred dog.” She was trying to explain that as long as it seemed she wasn’t a prisoner and she was being cared for her people would likely be content with a new ruler. Being forced to submit would only anger them and cause more harm then good.

“If you’ll excuse me, I seem to have lost my appetite and wish to retire to my rooms. Good day Jarl.” And she stood preparing to depart the dining room that had suddenly become eerily silent. Many of the men who served under Orm were in shock a woman would speak so disrespectfully to a man who could easily bend her to his whim. Her people merely rejoiced that their lady was not as willing to give in as her father had been despite having died with some semblance of honor. It was likely they would sneak her food later on in the evening.
 
Orm felt his hand ball into a fist as the anger rose in him. He was also acutely aware that all eyes were on him and what he would do next. Well done my clever little fox. His men expected he would make an example of Aingeal for all to see that he would not be questioned. But there was some truth in her words and it angered him all the more. Had she been a commoner she would have tasted the back of his hand for her insolence. But there were greater interests at stake and a peasent revolt was something he did not relish. He forced down his anger and played off her words.

He suddenly laughed, breaking the silence of the Hall. "Your tongue is sharper then many a man's sword my good Lady." A broad smile crossed his face and as his demeanor drastically changed, many of the other Vikings joined in his laugh; breaking the tension. However his eyes which stayed fixed on hers, told an entirely different story. "There has been enough fighting and quarelling for one day. You have spoken true and that shall suffice." He turned slightly to address the crowd in Danish. "Eat and drink your fill my good men. Soon we will find even greater plunder!" They cheered at his words and returned to their feast as Orm's attention returned to Aingeal.

"A shame you have no appetite, but it has been quite the day... hasn't it? Of course you may take your leave." The smile left him. "I shall walk with you." He raised an arm for her to take and his voice indicated it wasn't a request. Orm's tone bristled, just loud enough for her ears. "Refuse me and I will make an example of you here and now. Peasants be damned."
 
Aingeal had assumed he'd be more inclined to just let her go after such blatant denial. Or perhaps he'd be too shocked to muster up a response quick enough, but it turned out she was wrong. There was a brief moment of surprise when he laughed off her statement as though it had been nothing. He certainly knew how to put his men at ease and still keep the respect his station deserved. After a moment she continued on her way only to be stopped by the Jarl.

Sighing softly she accepted his arm if only to keep the appearance up that both were willing to try and respect one another. He was angry and she could understand why to some extent. However she was not willing to give away her moral beliefs just because he demanded it. Of course she doubted he knew the way to her rooms so she had to lead him while still making it seem like he was in control.

Gracefully she headed up the grand staircase keeping her head facing foreword. "I somehow doubt you wished to accompany me out of the goodness of your heart Jarl. What is it you wish to speak about?" she stopped in a small sitting room on the second floor unwilling to show him where she slept, though he'd figure it out soon enough. Anything for a little peace no matter how brief it was.
 
By the time they reached the sitting room the anger had nearly left him. "In truth Lady Aingeal, I have very little to speak with you about at the moment." His ice blue eyes nearly shone in the dim light of the sitting room. "In time you will learn that I am a fair lord and master- not entirely the barbarian you think me now. But that will take time." For the first time since she had come out of hiding he truly looked at her and appreciated her beauty. All in time.

He was suddenly aware of how grimy he was in comparison to the well dressed lady before him. He was no doubt in need of a wash and a change of clothing. He had been up now for nearly 30 hours and he was more then ready for a decent rest. He motioned to Aingeal with a hand.

"I hardly believe this is your chamber. Please, lead the way. And should you ask politely I will have your handmaidens sent for and food brought as well if you'd like. The matters I wish to discuss can wait until the morrow."
 
"Why Jarl I've been nothing but polite." she responded innocently enough. She could have been much more abrupt with him in front of his men. Turning on her heel she headed down the hall to her room. "These are my quarters." she announced after a moment. "I would be grateful if you allowed my ladies in waiting to come join me. I need to bath and change. Good Evening sir." and she opened the doors before shutting them with a soft click.

Her room was of course in quite a state, it look as though it had been ransacked. Thankfully several of her more intricate dresses were still in her closet as was her mother's jewelry. She sighed softly and began the task of tidying up, turning out to be quite apt at it despite her noble station. The bed linens needed to be changed as well and that was one thing she did not know how to do.

That was why after fixing her vanity she grabbed one of her favorite novels off the shelf and curled up by the window seat to read. It was not the same though, she kept expecting to hear her father's voice leading the militia through there training exercises or laughing with the gardener as he enjoyed a glass of whiskey. Unbidden a tear trickled down her cheek and hit the fragile pages of her book with a wet splash smearing the ink.
 
He simply smiled at her comment and the innocence in which she spoke the words and followed her to her chambers. "Good night Lady. I shall haved your ladies in waiting sent to assist you and food brought up as well." He gave a short nod as she closed the door and he heard the lock turn. The Jarl finally allowed himself a moment to relax. The keep was his, the skirmish with Lady Aingeal was, for the moment at an end and the local populace would most likely accept him. Not a bad days graft all in all. Orm turned and headed back down the stairs to where the few men who were still concious continued their revelries.

"Ulf, fetch the Lady's hand maids and see that they are delivered to her unmolested. And take a plate of food to her as well. I wouldn't want to be an ungracious host." The Viking rose from the table to do Orm's bidding at once. The Jarl looked around for a moment, the weight of the day hung heavy on his shoulders. He called to another man. "Fetch water and a bath, I need to wash and have Grund bring me fresh clothes and some shears. I think I will find the Earl's chamber and get some rest. Keep men on the walls, I do not want any surprises in the night." More nods of agreement. Orm was too tired to think about a woman, but the truth of it was he already had one in mind.

He found the Earl's chamber, just down the hall from Lady Aingeal's and pushed his way through. It too had been ransacked, but the bed was intact and frankly that was all he cared of at the moment. He unbuckled his sword belt and shrugged off the chain armor he'd been wearing since the single combat with St. Rose. It hit the floor with a dull thud and he rubbed his shield arm and looked at the angry purple bruise for the first time.

He could barely stay awake as the bath was brought in and filled with hot water. Orm quickly shed his small clothes and stepped into the tub. His body, firm and sinewy was a tapestry of scars which told the tale of a life filled with violence. As the hot water engulfed him he scrubed away the dirt, sweat and blood from the previous day before unbraiding his hair and washing it. Lastly he took the shears and trimmed his beard close as was his practice after letting it grow all winter long. He climbed from the bath and carefully tossed the cut hair into the fire, careful not to miss any. He was still superstious and kept to the old ways.

He fell asleep quickly after three days on the ocean and little sleep and before long he dreamt of happier times.
 
It seemed his men listened well because all three of the young women were perfectly fine if not a bit frazzled about the entire situation. They seemed glad to be able to do something like their regular evening routine. Aingeal was washed and her hair brushed and braided. She was dried off with a fluffy towel and dressed in a long white nightgown. The four women ate in silence mourning the death of their lady’s father the only way they could. Once her sheets were changed she allowed them to go to their own rooms, reminding them to lock the doors from the inside. She had, once they left of course.

Despite everything she drifted off to sleep quickly and slept throughout the night. Perhaps it was because of the Jarl’s utter lack of interest in her. She did not fear him coming into her room this particular night. He probably didn’t find headstrong women attractive which may have guaranteed safety at least for the moment. Aingeal ended up sleeping far later then normal, not woken by her father calling her down to the morning meal. Half of the Jarl’s men were probably passed out drunk in the great hall.

Still she did wake eventually and her ladies came right away to help her prepare for the morning. She was dressed in a light blue gown with a tightly cinched corset. As much as she did not wish to display her body but this was one of the only gowns that survived the attempt at hiding her existence. Not wishing to leave her room and risk the attention of one of her guests she curled up by the window seat and began to read while her ladies retreated back to their own rooms.
 
The early morning sun streamed through the east facing window and cast its light across the face of the sleeping Viking. Vainly he fought the urge to wake, but it was useless as the persistant rays of light illuminated his face. Slowly he rose and dressed in his leather breaches, a linen shirt and brown leather jerkin. He pulled his hair back and tied it with a strip of cloth before buckling on his sword and dagger before heading down to the Great Hall. The Jarl had finally enjoyed a decent night's sleep and felt more himself then he had in days.

Many of the crew were still passed out from the feasting and Orm moved through them until he found where Thorgrim and Jorund lay. He kicked the two of them lightly with his boot, waking them. "Time to rise you lazy oafs." He joked. The two men moved even slower then their Jarl as they rose and found their feet.

"Morning nephew" Grubbi offered. Thorgrim simply nodded and gave a grunt.

"Get the men up and have someone see to the cooks." He paused for a moment allowing their clouded minds to comprehend before heading outside to check the men on the walls. He returned after half an hour or so, content with their defenses. Porridge had been prepared and cold cuts of meats, cheeses and fruits were being set out on the table for men to break fast. Finally when he had his fill Orm pushed away from the table. It was midmorning by now and he had yet to see the Lady. Picking up a trencher he filled it with thick slices of cheese and fruits and headed back up the stairs to her chamber.

Reaching her door he knocked firmly on the oak. "Lady Aingeal, I would speak with you." He called and waited for her reply.
 
Aingeal, for the most part, had every intention of staying in her room. The cooks would gladly bring her food, even if it was against the Jarl's orders. Needless to say she was surprised when there came a knock on her door and a male voice spoke. Finding herself curiously she shut the book she'd been in the process of reading and set it on her bedside table.

"One moment." she called out knowing that he'd probably break down the door if she didn't answer it. Grabbing a black mourning shawl from her closet she wrapped it around her shoulders before answering the door. It was not in her nature to be outright rude to anyone even if that anyone had taken her home by force.

The door opened soundlessly and she stood before him. "How can I help you today Jarl?" she questioned formally adjusting the shawl so it covered her enhanced bust just a bit more. "I half expected you to be out inspecting the lands. I have every intention of staying in my room until my father is buried this afternoon." the food in his hand looked tempting but she could not bring herself to ask if that was for her.

Their customs dictated she cover all the mirrors in the house but she doubted the Jarl would understand. So instead she'd merely covered her own mirror out of respect. Still she did not seem to show her sorrow on the outside, but there was a sadness in her eyes.
 
As she shifted her shawl, he could not help but glance at it and the treasures she wished to better conceal beneath it. He attempted to pass it off, simply nodding his head slightly acknowledging her, before stepping into the room- not waiting to be invited in. "I thought you might keep to your quarters and expected you might be hungry. It is probably best that you did." The room was large and bright and as he looked around he thought it strange that there was a fabric covered picture or something hanging on the wall. He walked to the small table in the room and placed the plate on it before taking a seat and motioned that she should join him.

"Inspecting the lands?" He shrugged. "In time. For now I wish to know where outlying villages are." He was certain she wouldn't understand his rationale, but explained himself anyhow. "I must allow my men to seek plunder or they will take it from this village, which I should prefer to avoid." He watched Aingeal as he spoke, she was strong willed and he wondered how firm he would have to be. "So tell me where they are and if there is a garrison. I'm sure a lady as clever as you knew much of your father's dealings."
 
"I would know of the villages." she admitted. "If not for the fact, as you said, I am a lady. My father never let me sit in on his dealings with the outer lands, they're dreadfully boring. However." she stood from where she'd been sitting at his invitation and walked to her vanity. A quick tap exposed a secret panel and within that panel there was a map.

Now it seemed for the moment she was going along with him, if only to protect their main village from the horde of men downstairs. "This map is several years old and I cannot make heads nor tails of it. Perhaps you will have better luck?" she handed the rolled up parchment to him. It listed the six or seven of the smallest settlements while neglecting to mention the larger ones. That way they panic would not be so widespread and some people would remain ignorant of the trouble at the time.

"Father burned all the recent ones when he you attacked, this is the only one that remains." and she sat back down and began to nibble daintily at the food he set before her. "This is by far the largest village in our lands the rest are small farming communities. I can't imagine they'll find much to plunder but if it keeps them from attacking this village I will not argue with you."
 
'Will not argue'...indeed. The Jarl thought before thanking her for the map and her cooperation. He stood, obstensibly to take his leave then stopped. "You will be needing some things to take with you after you bury your father this afternoon. I would recommend warm clothes, the ocean spray is still cold, even this late in the season. We will be returning to Ivarsgard and I will be taking you with me.

Orm opened the door and two viking warriors were standing outside. "My men will prevent you from being disturbed. Should you try to escape Aingeal, you will force me to punish you for your impudence." He stepped from her room into the corridor. "If there are things which you may yet need, let me know nd I will have them obtained for you." With that the door closed leaving Lady Aingeal to her thoughts.
 
Lady Aingeal didn’t even get to object to his sudden order that she was going to be going with him back to his home land. The door shut and she stood before it her eyes wide and confused. Of course he’d want her go to back with him. She was technically a prisoner and he needed leverage to keep the villagers in order. But so soon? Turning away from the door knowing she had no way out she went about her daily tasks with as much efficiency as she could muster. It was hard though, her mind kept wandering back to what he said to her. So far away from home and for what purpose?

The priest came in the early afternoon hours a pale slender man dressed in heavy robes. Behind him three men held a sturdy casket. It was taken to wear her father’s body lay in the basement of the house on a table. The two assistants placed him within and sealed it before carrying out to the family graveyard. Aingeal was there along with several other members of the household that cared a great deal for the once proud lord. Words were said and tears shed on the freshly made grave, he was then lowered in a plot beside her mother’s.

The entire affair took a little over three hours and once it was done she was escorted back to her rooms by the men who’d been guarding her since Orm left. They watched as she picked out her warmest, most modest dress to wear for when she bordered their ship and practically drooled as she placed her mother’s jewelry into a small pouch. It seemed they were indeed eager to plunder but hopefully they wouldn’t touch that which was most valuable to Aingeal. Sighing softly she called for Orm once she was done wondering when they were going to be leaving. It was likely her ladies in waiting would not be coming with her. She was probably going to be a household servant or something once she arrived on his home soil.
 
The men were restless and Orm knew he would need to let them find their release before they turned on the village. The pyres of the dead were burning brightly and the few of his men who had fallen were in Valhalla now feasting alongside Odin and their bretheren of warriors.

He called his captains together around the large feasting table in the Great Hall. They were sensitive to the horde's mood as well and the tension in the air hung between them. The Jarl produced the map and unrolled it on the table. "I've spoken with the girl and she tells of small villages, crofts and little else in the area." He shook his head in frustration.

"You may gather your men, all but 15 per ship and find what plunder you may, either inland or down the coast. The men who remain will be under the command of Ulf, who I am naming Captain of the garrison here. "The kitchen staff and the old gardener who wouldn't likely survive a voyage will remain. The rest we will split among the ships and once you've found your riches, bring them to Ivarsgard where they can be put to use." as they finished one of Aingeal's guards approached.

"She has asked for you my lord." Orm nodded, excused the Captains then headed to her room with the guard in tow. He knocked once and announced himself to her.
 
She opened the door almost right away still dressed with her mourning shawl draped around her shoulders. “You came far quicker than I expected.” She admitted softly. “I was merely wondering when we were going to be leaving. I would like to say goodbye to my servants and friends before we leave.” That was all she asked for it wasn’t really all that demanding but she didn’t want to suddenly vanish and leave her people wondering what became of her. The truth was she didn’t want to go at all but being the smart woman she was she was aware she had no choice and figured it would be best to keep some manner of grace an balance while she was practically being kidnapped and sentenced to slavery.

Opening the door a bit more she stepped aside in case he wished to speak privately. Aingeal was trying very hard to remain respectable but it was difficult and she was struggling with herself. As the door shut behind him she spoke once more. “I must admit I was surprised when you said I would be returning to your homeland with you. I thought I’d be more use here making it seem like everything was fine, you’re going to be causing a panic when they discover I’m leaving my homeland. They all know I’ll be reduced to a slave or brothel worker. We’re not as ignorant as you seem to think we are.” She raised a brow. Her rebellious nature was finally making an appearance.
 
Orm listened as she asked her question. "Soon," he answered politely, not fully trusting that these Irish might not still have something up their sleeves. but as he said the words he realized that he truly had little to fear and hers was an innocent question and so corrected himself.

"Lady Aingeal, we will leave on the morning tide tomorrow and I don't see any reason why you shouldn't say your farewells to those you'd like." He smiled and nodded when she swung the door fully open and allowed him in. She continued and Orm thought perhaps she was attempting to make a case for why she should remain.

"More use here?" He asked slightly surprised by her rationale. "No." He corrected her when she'd finished. "Here," his finger pointed towards the ground, "you are a constant reminder to the people that you are kept just out of reach, and in so being, build resentment in them against my men until eventually they will rise up in an attempt to free you and drive us back into the sea." He scratched his eyebrow when he finished, a slight smile still on his lips. "Instead, I remove you to Ivarsgard and the people are upset about that for a short while. Then their attentions turn back to more pressing matters...lambing...their crops and the harvest. On occassion they remember what has happened here , about how you were taken over the seas and may even grow angry about it, but then they will think on how little their lives have changed and they go back to their mugs of ale and warm hearths."

The Jarl laughed, despite himself, when she put on airs and told him what 'they all' knew about what was to be her future. He ran his hand through his beard. "Sell you into slavery? Make you a whore?" He laughed again, this time openly. "If that is what you truly think, then you are wrong Aingeal. You Irish are more ignorant then I thought." He sat down on a nearby chair as he gauged her reaction.
 
“More you say? Yet I can’t imagine that your people would allow an outsider to live a comfortable life. Especially a female outsider. Even if it’s not slavery or a whore house my station is going to be nonexistent. Am I to be a servant of a household then? Maybe a cook or maid? What are your plans for me Jarl?” she crossed her arms over her chest and gazed at him steadily. “I may not be as spoilt as other Irish nobles but I do take pride in my place here.” Truthfully she was not objecting to what was going to become of her. She was not throwing a fit or crying. There was just a very formal interest and a bit of anger in her tone and eyes.

He was right though the Irish knew next to nothing about their visitors from across the sea. Most did not wish to, instead clinging to stories those in England told. About hordes of great bearded giants burning down villages and kill all the men and keeping the women and children. Most of the women ended up serving these large men and most were not willing. Who knew what they did to the children? Did they allow them peace or condemn them to slavery? This was what she knew, and while most of it was not true or blown out of proportions that was all she had to go by. It was not as though they were on good terms with the English as it was.

Aingeal wanted to believe she’d merely be made a maid, she could handle cleaning. It was how the people in whatever household she worked for were going to treat her. No one had ever struck her or locked her away without a meal. She was only scolded whenever she stepped out of turn and occasionally denied outside activity. Archery was one of her favorite past times and she knew she wasn’t going to be able to practice that when they arrived in his home country.
 
"What is going to become of you indeed?" Orm stood again and crossed the room to where she stood. He looked her over as she stood with arms crossed and the look of anger in her eyes. "I know your station well enough Lady...would you rather the duties of a servant, maid or cook? I would happily oblige you if that is your desire. I thank the gods I chose this keep to conquer as an example, I could hardly imagine how I would receive a more spoilt Irish noblewoman." The sarcasm hung thick through his accented Gaelic. He stared her down, his ice blue eyes drilling into hers, almost challenging her to object.

"Things are different in the North, life is much harder, the winters colder and more savage. You are my hostage..." He reached up to touch her hair. "Insurance that other Irish nobles will not rise up against me or my men. You will continue to be treated as a noblewoman by my household and should have a life of relative comfort, so long as you continue to remember your place." He watched her carefully as he spoke again.

"But as I said, I am your new lord... I will be afforded the respect I am due. Last night in the Great Hall you tried to make me look the fool before my men and I should have punished you in that instant. Instead, considering the happenings of the day and the death of your father, I allowed your insolence." His voice became hard as steel. "But, I am now the lord of these lands and I will not be humiliated so in the future. You continue to hold your station because I allow it and I will have your obedience. Am I clear Lady Aingeal? I expect you to take a knee, kiss my hand and swear your fealty to me." He stood there, fully expecting her to refuse and pondering what he might do next.
 
“I could’ve stayed hidden you know.” She said. “My servants were willing to hide me in a small alcove and give themselves up. You would’ve never found me and by now several large towns would’ve been aware of what you did here. “She stepped back out of his reach. “I refuse to give up every little bit of pride I have just to stroke your ego Jarl. I can’t hurt you I’m not threat.” This was not going how she imagined it would.

Aingeal had honestly expected to be turned into a maid of some noble household, or as mentioned before sent to a brothel. That was what she’d heard they do to conquered women, if they didn’t take for themselves first. Why was he going to allow her to be treated as she had been here? He seemed almost kind and far more intelligent then she’d been led to believe. However she knew she was pushing him but there was no turning back now.

It could be that she was still angry with him for coming here and killing her father in the first place. Or the invasion itself. It didn’t seem fair to be punished when paying them would have bankrupted the entire area. Hundreds of people would’ve starved and lost their homes, they wouldn’t have been able to plant the crops for the coming season. After all even her father had to pay taxes to the higher ups.
 
"Perhaps you could have escaped." He agreed with her. "But that's irrelevant now, and I am quite sure the word has spread of what has happened. No doubt the story will be that I murdered your father in cold blood, pillaged and burned the town and put everyone to the sword, spit roasted children like chickens..." Orm's voice trailed off. "All the better the people think that and fear us." As she stepped back Orm stepped forward maintaining the distance between them. "Maybe I should do more to live up to the reputation which preceeds me?"

The powerful man's eyes burned into her as she spoke of losing all pride to salve his inflated ego and as he took another step towards her his hand shot from his side like an arrow grabbing her hair and holding her in place. "I have asked you twice, I will not ask a third time. I care little for your pride. You are no threat to me- that is true, but I will see you kneel before me, if for no other reason then you are loathe to do it."
 
((I'm so sorry I thought I responded to this. I guess I forgot.))

If it was possible her eyes burned with a great amount of dislike for the large man as she stood held in place by his hand in her hair. "You're a horrible man, threatening me in such a manner all because your ego can't take me not bending to your whim like some brothel harlot!" despite that she knew this was not going to end until she knelt, perhaps she could get her body to do but keep her heart free? It wasn't as though this man was demanding she do something abhorrent, he just wanted a sign of respect, though in her eyes he did not deserve it.

"However I do not wish to stand here and play your game any longer. Release me so I may kneel and get this over with." she couldn't do a thing until he let go. It was rather obvious that she was furious, but a well mannered lady did not let such a strong emotion show. It was there though, still lingering in her eyes and her stiff posture. An angry passionate young woman who's entire life had been turned upside down all because her father didn't pay the man befor her.
 
((No worries- it's been really hectic for me and I'm sorry it's taken me so long to respond!))

The woman infuriated Orm and he had half a mind to force her to her knees. His voice was hard. "Take care lady. Your insolence may yet earn you that brothel bed you seem to covet!" He released her hair and took a step back. The Jarl's posture was stiff as he fought down the rage building within him. Inside he seethed and drew a long breath in through his nostrils and released it slowly. Many thoughts ran through his mind and he realized that he was allowing her to get his blood up. He had taken everything from the girl, her home, her father... everything. He took a second deep breath and forced the rage down and stood there waiting for her to comply.
 
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