#one of them is an elderly blind dog who keeps bumping into things and locking himself into rooms

[mxwhore]

my younger older brother and his gf dumped their dogs on us and chumpis is so visibly stressed, my sweet only child coded baby

[servingy-nneeds]

PLEASE DON’T NOTICE ME

WHAT KIND OF YANDERE ARE THEY?: KEIGO TAKAMI (HAWKS) PART 2

TRIGGER WARNING: MANIPULATIVE, Mentions of assault

COMBINATION:  MONOPOLY and REMOVAL TYPE

Monopoly type of Yandere tries to monopolize their lover in any way or form. Trying to get you to distrust people, in worse case scenarios wouldn’t let you socialize with other people. Their reasoning that ‘they may harm you’ and that you are far too naive for it to notice. Is extremely inquisitive on who you hang out with and where you are at a particular time.  

Removal type of Yandere go through great lengths in order to remove people whom they deemed isn’t worth your attention, everyone. This includes any forms of social interactions digital or physical. After all you have them in your life what more can you ask for.

You always considered yourself as a kind person, willing to always a lend a hand to others. But you never said you were oblivious.

You always took note his sudden shift in behavior whenever the situation involves you. The first time it happened was back when he saved you again for the second time when a drunk forced himself on you. Back when you first met you always thought he viewed you as an annoying person, the twitching polite smile he presented you gave himself away. And then the next thing you knew after politely caring for his non vital wound, he started sticking himself closer to you.

Initially he just wanted to get invited inside your home. After that he started walking you back home, he said “I just happened to be around this area”. And when he randomly showed up in your job one day claiming that your company sponsored one of his commercial, you knew something was up.

“Hey want to have a lunch together? I found this awesome place where they sell these mean ass bbq’d chicken ” an unknown number showed up on your phone one day. Ignoring the message you continued catching up on your report. That is until another message showed up “Sorry, this is Hawks got your number from one of your buddies, told em I know you and stuff, that good with you?”.

You would had simply ignored on how he got your number if not for the fact that you were new at your office, never had this so called “buddy” and worse you never told anyone your personal contact number you always used your company phone for communication.

The weeks after that he started invading your breaks pulling you away before your co-workers had a chance to invite you for lunch breaks. The result? they tend to shy away from you, finding it awkward being close to you when you obviously have a personal relationship with the no.2 pro Hero.

When you tried distancing yourself from him, finding a piss poor excuse on how you cannot accompany him for lunch or dinner, and even refusing to be accompanied on your way home, you openly voiced out your distaste at the idea of being flown back to your apartment. Not wanting your safety be fully in his hands.

“Hey y/n, darling I noticed you’re pretty distant this past days” he spoke to you when he caught you chilling at the company’s roof top one day, well you never thought he would be pretty upfront with your behavior.

“Yeah sorry ‘bout that, someone in my office said that I might be distracting you from hero work and all” you said lying, avoiding eye contact, you knew you were really scraping the bottom for excuse this time. Believing you easily, he never liked your co worker sticking close to you and now they instilled this idea on you now? Well he couldn’t have that. Deciding to prod again at your weakness, mainly that you were oozing with sympathy and easily guilt tripped.

“Well I am a pretty over bearing guy” he said softly looking down on his feet “I grew up pretty much alone in the commission and never really had someone to hang out with, so I just tend to be clingy, really wanted to try out this normalcy once in a while y’know? Sorry ‘bout all this” he said cracking his voice up a bit to further emphasize that he is showing his vulnerable side to cater to your empathetic side.

He really hope it works, otherwise he’d have to go plan B. Kidnapping you isn’t as much fun compared to the idea of you willingly submitting yourself to him.

“Maybe we can hang out at weekends” you said eyes full of sympathy.

Bingo.Next stop those nosy colleagues of yours.

“Hey y/n thank goodness are you ok?” one of your colleagues called out to you one day. Shocked by the sudden unusual approach from a total stranger you asked what the commotion is all about. “You know that guy that was interning for you? Well turns out he has numerous cases of assault, you can never trust anyone this days” she huffed before storming off.

The next was the same girl who approached you willingly trying to warn you. You found out a week later in a daily news that her body was found in the area where you usually commute and was burned to the point of unrecognizable. You voiced your concern to Hawks one day simply because there was no way he would be involved in any of these, after all he is a Hero and doesn’t quite have a quirk that allows him to burn others. He does know someone, but you don’t know that.

With a shaking hand you quickly dialing his phone number and meeting with him within a 10 minutes time frame. “I hate to be that kind of person, especially since I rejected your offer in the past but I really hope you can escort me back home, just this time I swear” you rambled as he hugged you tightly comforting you, giving you a shoulder to cry on for support. Shame you missed the way his eyes glint or the ever growing grin he sported

After courting you for couple of months, you noticed he wasn’t as clingy as before and was quite understanding when you set your boundaries. You thought he changed for you he didn’t.  It wasn’t a surprise when you accepted his proposal when he asked you out of blue one day presenting you a ruffled bouquet of flowers and a feather of his own, he claims it was to keep you safe. It’s a tracking device

Going out with him wasn’t as bad as you thought. He plays this boyfriend role perfectly. He had brought you two a matching phone when you accidentally dropped it at a lake during your date when an elderly bumped into you.Though sometimes you voiced out your concern for him that you weren’t accepting important messages at times.

After that he brought you a plush of a duck that looked strangely liked him which you thought was downright adorable and cuddly. Though sometimes when you sleep you feel as if the plush’s beady eye is steadily staring right back at you, but you chalked it up as being paranoid just like these past days whenever you go out without Hawks. 

Making you move in with him was next in his plan albeit he had some difficulty convincing you. He insisted it was for your safety. But really it was for his mental well being (1) his flat was considerably more secured, has a lot more advanced locks he’s got access to (2) He can now monitor you 24/7 even without that duck’s help (3) he’ll can finally record your voice whenever he wants, even without the bugged phone and best of all he’s got you all to himself, away from all those damn people that consumes your time.

So here you are now wearing one of his shirts, he pleas with puppy dog eyes that it looks adorable on you, spending another whole day in your shared living room, with nothing else to preoccupy your time. At this point you had no friends, only work buddies, your contact with your relatives even your parents and siblings were seldom to none, they insists it was you who cut them off saying you weren’t answering their calls or messages.

Hawks claimed that they were lying to you and that they didn’t wanted to come out as the bad guy for not talking to you.

Brushing your hands along his hair with a hum, while he lays his head on your lap, he insists it was relaxing therapeutic to him, while trying to watch some type of animated cartoon movie he insists was ‘safe for you to view’.

Moving around he grabbed your waist burying himself to your midsection then he said “You know hawks mate for life?” making you chuckle a bit thinking it was one of his bird jokes. “We’ll see about when you put a ring on this you simp” you said showing your ring finger.

He softly chuckled to himself thinking ‘Yeah you weren’t oblivious, you were dead blind’

Check out Part 1

[vhalyron]

Ivar x OFC Fanfic!

Pairing: Ivar x OFC (There is only a handful of characters that I own everything else belongs to History Channel)

Rating: Eventual Mature Rating (I like it slow burn)

Author’s Note: Alright, I’ll be honest with all of you...I’m very nervous about posting this Ivar x Oc fanfiction. But with the encouragement of a very special sister wife I’ve posted the very first chapter of this fanfic! I hope that everyone truly enjoys the story and can forgive the first chapter for being a bit slow. If anyone has any questions or comments please shoot me a message and I’ll get back at you as soon as possible. <3

Everything was different here. The air was crisp, the skies clear showcasing a soft blue and sporadic clouds with a gentle shine. The grass, though moist from the fresh rain that cascaded down only moments ago smelt of flowers and the blooming of spring. Quiet calls of birds to their mates and the soft steps of deer filled the air. Yes, things were very different here. There were no screams. No moaning of the dying and no one to watch as you slowly wither away in a cage with a twisted grin on their face. It was peaceful. Whatever this haven may be, she was glad to feel safe again. Everything was perfect, just perfect…

Hands. That was the first thing the girl felt, grazing her skin with a blazing path from shoulder to shoulder as if someone were gripping them. Then it was scent, the smell of sweat and pine filled her nostrils as the hands begun to shake her softly. Finally, her ears twitched to life, a voice. Whomever this deep voice belonged to called out a name, a name that held some type of spell on her, willing her out of the paradise that she previously found herself in.

“…wake up…”

She shifted slightly in the grass, arching her back to find some sort of comfort, only to have the soft blades of grass leave her sensitive skin. In its place, rough sturdy wood slapped against her back, making her hiss slightly from the contact. The hands shook her harder, the back of her head lightly smacking the floor giving the girl a slight headache. As she grumbled, slowly lifting her head to the side, she noticed a bright light forming behind her lidded eyes. The girl blinked once, then again. Her eyes focused on the bright light, now a hole in the ceiling which was the source of her earlier blindness. Her half lidded eyes slid to the man holding her shoulders, covered in grime and filth, the man sighed softly. His chapped lips curved into a soft smile as he rested his large hand on the back of her neck and pulled her close.

For some reason, the embrace comforted the girl, and she rested her tired head on his padded shoulder, letting out a breath of air she hadn’t noticed she was holding in. The man released the back of her neck, retracting from the female to give her some space to sit up properly, his hand now on her upper back as the girl struggled to sit up.

“Come now, I won’t have you sleep the day away…” whispered the deep voice. The female surveyed her surroundings as she sat up fully, her back cracking as she straightens up correctly. The walls around them were dark and wet, the wooden structure made her feel like a useless animal, her mind quickly looking for a way out but finding the rusted lock to be shut tight. She struggled to find her voice as she looked over at the man sitting beside her, his eyes filled with worry and utmost care. Lifting her hand, she gave the man a soft pat on his cheek, taking notice of how her knuckles were bruised and battered. Her smile mirrored his as she tried to speak.

“I-I…” She let out a harsh series of coughs that caused the man to frantically look around for the pail of water that was located in the dark corner of the cell. Rushing over to the corner, he pulled the pail over to the female, lifting it to her lips and allowing her to take as much as necessary. Her coughs seized only for the few seconds; she coughed once more for good measure now since her throat was properly clear. Licking her lips to keep them moisturized, the girl smiled again at the man in thanks. Groaning softly, she shut her eyes and lifted her arms over her head, stretching out the tense muscle and arching her back. The bottom half of her body slowly started to awake, as her legs buzzed back to life in an almost uncomfortable way. The female brought her arms down, wrapping them around her clothed legs as she brought them to her chest to give the limbs some sort of release.

Looking down at her body, she took note of the major and minor changes, the bruises the filled her arms and legs that were there without having to look under her patted pants and the layered tunic was the only concern she truly had. Rolling up her sleeves the girl crossed her legs together in a sitting position, her hands on her knees as she watched the man copy her to her left. They both locked eyes and smiled at each other, both thankful to be graced with their presence. She gave the man a soft pat on his shoulder as she looked over to the rusted lock again. “How long…?”

“About two days, since you’ve been out. Apparently, we're off to be sold somewhere else.” The girl gave him a questioning glance as she raised an eyebrow. Somewhere else aye… The girl let out a long sigh as the man next to her nodded, seeming to understand her annoyance. “This time the masters say we will actually be of use this time. More buyers that will actually be in need of slaves.”  Taking this under consideration, the female nodded and looked over at the male. “And what do you say, brother? Do you think this place will bring any light to our situation?” Her brother scoffed loudly, earning a grin from his sister as he combed back his dark night hair, the braids coming loose and resulting in only more fly away hairs to cover his tired face. “Sweet sister, there is no light for the situation we are in. You know this just as well as I.” Looking down at his overworked hands; his eyes seemed to have slowly lost its light, knowing that wherever they end up, he could risk losing his younger sister to the trade.

The warmth of a small hand met his cheek, raising his face up so his light hazel eyes met matching golden hued ones. He examined his sister, her long black hair knotted back on either side into a messy braid to keep the hair out of her face, bright hazel eyes that flickered gold in the sunlight much like his own, and a straight small nose with full pink lips that stretched into a gentle smile. She was stunning just as much as he was good looking, and he was very good looking.  He turned his head to the side, taking her hand and giving her bruised knuckles a soft kiss as a loud banging interrupted their conversation.

“Get up! Come on you worthless dogs, get up!” The guard had arrived, a man who watched over the slaves and made sure each was well enough fed to be bought and sold to any buyers the masters came across. Short in stature, fat and balding on the top of his head, the older man was nowhere close to graceful when it came to caring for the well-being of the slaves. The only thing the slaves truly appreciated from the man is his lack of violence. He woke them, fed them and was on his way.  “Welcome to Kattegat ya’ old mutts! Masters want everyone lined up! Get to it!” The guard banged a large bat against the cages, using extra force for the ones who were asleep and sneered as they struggled to awaken.  Stopping in front of the sibling’s cell, his sneer only worsens, showing off his yellow, decaying teeth as his fat hand gripped the club and banged against the cell bars harshly. “Come on you two, up and out.” Though the pair had a mutual distaste for the older man, they nodded obediently and stood, the brother holding his sister's arm to help her stand. The guard quirked his eyebrow as he leaned closer to the bars. “Oi, what’s wrong with the lil one?” asked the guard as he quickly unlocked the cell. Not that older man truly cared for the young woman; he just wanted to know in case he has to report anything to any higher uppers. Her brother looked at the man with a glare, patting her back to make the girl straighten her back. Looking up to her brother and then over to the guard, the two mirrored the same expression of clear annoyance, “None of your concern, old man.”

The guard grumbled under his breath and waddled over to the next cage, his large shadow leaving the cell as his banged against another stall and ordered the same as the rest. Though hated, the guard had only one thing on his mind, take care of his own and get the job done, and nothing diverted that from his duty. It was something that the siblings respected, and by far about the only thing they respected from the old oaf.

The pair made their way out of the cage and followed the leading group of slaves to the deck of the ship. Everyone was packed together in a tight crowd, shoulder to shoulder and stepping on the heel of each other’s foot. There were children and elderly in the center, women closer outward and the men encircled everyone else, being sure to watch for any guards trying to separate the group to get females or children alone. The siblings stuck close to each other, their hands intertwined as the man kept his sister inside the crowd to be safe. As the herd made their way to the deck of the large ship, the children held up the elderly so that they could move at the proper speed without being left be hide.

The dark haired girl felt someone bump against her upper arm, looking down she watched as the older, pale woman take slow deep breathes. Taking the woman’s arm, the young girl forced the elder to look up at her, she watched tired and dark-lidded eyes glance up at her hazel hue. These cold blue orbs reflected pain as the elder struggled to stand.

“What is your name?” The elder gasped as the younger girl took her by her armpits to help the woman stand properly and flung an arm around her hip. By nature, the sick woman wrapped her arm around the girl's neck, The woman opened her mouth to speak but her voice failed to be of use. Sharp hazel eyes glanced down at broken blue orbs, the girl repeated, “Your name, tell me.” The woman watched in awe as the man next to girl looked over at the pair, his golden eyes matching the female in front of herself. ...they’re like gods… The elderly woman felt her heart quicken as she felt the young woman's hand grip her hip tightly, the sunlight peeking out to bring light to the pair. She gazed at the midnight hair that was braided back on each side of the younger females head, the rest of her hair pulled back, flowing like an endless river.

A calm, female voice interrupted the thoughts of the fascinated woman, “You must gain your strength now. If the masters ask for you to present yourself while the auction starts and you can’t even stand properly, you will be pulled back into the cages.” A tremble traveled down the woman's back as she looked down at her bare rough feet, glancing over at the worn out boots the younger of the pair wore. The elder’s main hope was to be looked over and hopefully sold to a farmer's family. Her body couldn’t go through the pain of serving a master strictly as the object of their lust, she still barred the scars on her back when she cried for help. No… not again… Her body, although broken like her soul, found its voice. “ Metta...my name…” The goddess in front of her gave the woman a proud nod, a smile forming on her breathtaking face. “Good woman…” The elder matched her smile with a broken one, a blush forming on her wrinkled face.

The trio arrived at the first floor of the ship, guards standing by with whips and clubs to encourage stragglers to catch up with the rest. As the group descended down the plank leading to the decks of Kattegat the younger woman looked up at the sky. Gray… Sunlight was shielded by heavy clouds and the mountains were covered thick in greenery. Past to rows of variously sized figures stood a large village, where common folk gathered, hands at the ready for the auction to begin. Looking behind her, the girl watched as the waves lapped against the shoreline, the fresh scent of the sea hitting her face with a gentle breeze. Everything was so different here… Much like my dream… Not taking what she thought to heart, the girl noticed a large hand on her lower back, she looked up at her brother.

“Amund…” Hazel eyes met one with slight confusion and the other filled with dread. “You know what I am about to say…” and she did. Every time the pair were at risk of being separated from the trade Amund said the same words each and every time to his younger sister.  Shaking her head firmly, the girl followed the crowd of slaves into the port, all lining up into three rows, the trio being the farthest from land. Droplets of the sea splashed against the legs of the siblings, both looking forward as the masters came by row to row, counting the slaves each with a whip in hand. Amund looked down at his sister, giving her a sad smile as the girl detached herself from the elder woman. The younger girl took Metta by her shoulders. “Listen to me, you must stand straight and keep your chin up if you want to be sold to a worker you much look strong.” Metta gave the dark haired girl a weary nod. Finally, the arm Metta had slung around the younger female's neck slipped away, pulling her shoulders up and holding her head high as possible. Glancing down at the shorter and older female, the dark haired female nodded, feeling confident that the elder can now truly stand on her own.

The hand on her lower back moved, pulling her close into an embrace. Taking a quick look around, the siblings held each other close, her arms wrapped around Amund’s neck as she let out a soft sigh. “Amund...if we get separated,” the girl whispered to him as they held each other close, her breath warm against his ear. “I know sweet sister… I love you. I will find you if we get separated.” Gently pulling apart from each other, the pair gave mutual grim smiles.

Tears slowly fell down the pale cheeks of the dark headed sister, looking down as if ashamed to be crying in front of her older brother.  Both have been so lucky to be together for so long and not yet to be taken advantage of. Whenever they are sold, both are given to masters that work as smiths, warriors, or chefs, neither having an accident where either could be held against their will or worse. Feeling a familiar rough hand meeting her cheek softly, she leaned against it, her lower lip trembling as lips met her forehead. Kissing her forehead and eyelids, the brother wiped away her tears quickly. “Do not cry, you know better.” Nodding slowly, she opened her eyes to study her brother, as if engraving his face in her memory in case of anything.

Small hazel eyes and a strong, straight nose. He was everything that she was, both were each others’ backbone. The same lips though his were thinner, the only major difference in their faces was the tattoos that decorate the left side of his shaved head. She could still hear the groaning of her brother as their father laughed at the young man, quoting about how he was so confident that the tattoos wouldn't hurt simply because father never complained about any pain. They both look so much alike. The pain in her heart began to spread, her lungs becoming tight as her eyes slid past his strong chin covered by a short beard and down to his neck. Under the shadow of his beard laid the same necklace that their mother wore, a small wooden pendant with the carvings of Sól and Máni, the sun, and the moon. Amund looked down at his sister, a dispiriting smile formed as he recalled the times he made fun of her height, though she was taller than most women. Releasing his sister momentarily, Amund pulled the necklace from around his neck and slowly slipped it over her slender one. A soft cry left her lips, refusing to look at her brother but knowing that trying to stop him would be useless. The necklace should be passed down, from family member to family member. “If anything happens-” “I know...” Neither spoke, both having nothing to say and knowing that if they did share another moment together, they could be caught by one of the masters for interacting while deals were being made.

Amund looked forward, watching as one of the masters, decorated in fine bright silk and a heavy headscarf around his small head, ventured closer to the pair. He stood straight, eyes forward and lightly pinching the back of his sister’s hand to do the same. The dark haired woman released her bottom lip, now red with the rush of blood that accumulated over the short amount of time. Copying her brother’s stance, hazel orbs stared half-lidded at the head in front of her, not giving anyone the chance to notice the red rim around the corners of her eyes.

Next to the master stood a tall pale goddess, eyes bright and blue, burning with knowledge that neither of the siblings could possess. Covered in rich wolf and fox furs and a long slimming maroon dress with decorative vines which were beautifully stitched, her short light brown hair was pulled back with two simple braids resting on the crown of her head. As the master and mysterious woman inched closer to the dark-haired siblings a long howl of the wind blew against their skin. The fresh scent of the sea attacked the females nostrils yet again as she willed her eyes to concentrate on the back of the older man in front of her. The soft crows of a raven filled her ears, as soft footsteps inched closer. Time seemed to have slowed, the number of stitches she was counting on the back of the shirt the older stranger in front of her wore no longer seemed to interest her. The young woman’s eyes drifted to the tall beauty. Hazel met blue, and in an instant, the world seemed to have stopped.

Gray clouds shifted slowly, churning and toppling over one another as the wind slowly started to pick up. The sea hummed against the shores of Kattegat as if it were pleased by the meeting of the two women. Aslaug listened carefully to the omens around her, surveying the slave in front of her with keen interest. “And what of this one...what is her price?” Resting a pale, slender hand on the neck of the slave, her fingers grazed against a carved necklace. The queen of Kattegat studied for small facial expressions on the woman in front of her if there were any. Emotionless, strong and proud hazel eyes held their gaze as if the slave were analyzing her as well.

“This one, well… she is one of our best. A strong worker and skilled in combat yet...not the best at obeying.” Aslaug noticed the hiss at the end of his sentence, breaking eye contact, she glared down at the smaller man. “She will do well for my house, bring her.” Just before Aslaug completely turned to the next slave in line she saw it. A soft hiccup in the female slave left her mouth as she snapped her neck to the man on her left. Aslaug looked at the man. There is two of them? Yet the shores gave no signal, the ravens flew past the port and back in the wild, and the clouds finally rested. Looking back and forth between the pair she studied their eyes. Both had wild spirits, holding something chained within their souls that were begging to be released.

Suddenly, two long and deep howls ripped through the air. A deep shiver traveled down Aslaug’s spine, images filled her head. Two warriors, drenched in blood and shirtless holding bloodied axes and broken shields on a field covered in gore filled her thoughts. One was a man, a muscled back with slashes carved into his skin, the man's front depicting a large black wolf, swallowing the god, Máni. Skoll… Next to the man stood a beautiful dark haired woman, her back inked with the same evil wolf, devouring the sun goddess Sól. Hati… Her left finger barred a ring, given to her by a wonderful lover who sits in a battered, bloodied chariot. Who the man in the chariot is...she could not tell. Yet, once the dark haired girl turned her head to the unknown man, a smile on her face of caring and golden eyes filled with love, the ones that stared back at her were completely and utterly devoted to the woman. Blue...they shine blue...like Ragnar.

With a soft shake on her lower arm, Aslaug slowly came back to Kattegat, standing immobile for only a good fifteen seconds before the queen gave a quiet hiss, her head pounding due to her prolonged vision. Looking at the hand on her forearm, blue orbs traveled the muscular limb to meet a young man, both sides of his head shaved and a long thick braid down the middle, a large tattoo on the left side of his temple which depicted a large wolf. Aslaug smiled softly, looking up at the taller man as her hand patted his rough fingers, indicating that she was able to stand. Releasing the woman, concern lingered carefully as he and his sister stood straight, their eyes forward and face plain.

Smirking at their warrior like actions, the Queen looked down at the slave owner, her eyes now cold. “Both of them. I will take the boy and girl.” Turning to her right, a servant girl, weak in frame and mind gave the queen a pouch filled with gold, her eyes downcast. Greedy eyes watched frantically as the queen counted out the gold. “Twelve a piece I assume.” bright blue eyes slid over to the sweating male, his desire clear as day as she slowly counted the pieces of coin in her hand. “F-Fourteen for...ah...each?” Taking off his oversized headscarf, the greedy owner ran his dirty fingers through his thinning gray hair. Aslaug watched as his fat, black tongue ran across his lack of teeth. “We had an agreement, twelve for both. Take it or leave my ports.” Snapping his neck up at the woman, a snarl formed on his chapped lips yet the queen looked unafraid, her mind silently begging him to say something improper.

Quietly watching the interaction from them, the siblings stood dangerously still, Amund at the ready to block the woman if his owner lost his head and his sister ready to pull the queen back to protect her from the brawl. Though there was no need, succumbing to the queen, the master looked down at his battered and holey shoes. “Twelve… we can have them prepared for you at the ready before nightfall.” “There is no need,” Aslaug threw the pouch against the male's chest and turned to the siblings, her smile kind but her eyes focused as if she had some sort of initiative by the end of this bargain. “Both of you follow me, I will appoint you to the servants of the great hall under the roof of Ragnar Lothbrok, the king of Kattegat. I am his wife, Aslaug.” Both of the siblings glanced at one another, neither daring to say a word. Amund was the first to move, kneeling down in front of the queen, his eyes to the floor, his sister followed quickly in the same position after. “We promise to do our best to serve you, my queen,” Amund spoke softly with his deep voice, something Aslaug did not expect from someone that looked so robust. Smiling down at her newly acquired servants, she gave both a pat on their shoulders, signaling for them to stand.

“Come, you must rest for tomorrow.” Leading the way, Aslaug walked from the row of slaves, finally allowing farmers and smiths to take a look for a pair of extra hands. Before following her brother and new master, the dark haired girl turned to the older woman, her hazel eyes soft as she leaned down, giving the woman a soft kiss on her forehead. Metta looked up at the girl, her eyes filled with tears but refused to let them free. Letting out a soft chuckle, the girl laid her hands on the tired woman's shoulders. “Why do you cry, my beautiful woman?” Metta let out a broken laugh that was interrupted with a hiccup. “It has been so long...since someone asked me my name...since...someone cared…” The girl nodded softly, pulling the old woman close and hugging her tight. A rush of tears fell down the woman's cheek as she sobbed quietly. “Listen to me,” the girl leaned down to the elder, taking the wrinkled face in her hands, “You are strong, stronger than I will ever be.” Wiping away tears with her thumb, she continued. “Stay strong, Metta. You must. The gods will always watch over you. They will commemorate you for your strength.”

From afar, Aslaug watch alongside Amund, her heart strings pulling roughly against her lungs. “Is she always this kind?” Amund nodded, his hazel eyes soft as he watched the scene, “My sister has a knack for things such as cripples, bastards, and broken things. She cares for all equally.” Looking up at the man, she smiled softly. These two are growing on me already. Shaking the thought away, Aslaug listened in the slave's conversation carefully.

Metta finally pulled away, her eyes red and puffy, her nose dripping with mucus. Yet, the young girl did not steer away from the old woman, pulling her sleeve up to cover her hand, the girl wiped away her tears, her mucus. “What is your name young girl?” asked Metta softly, slightly ashamed for not asking before, despite the pain she was feeling in their first encounter. Giving the woman a kind smile, she stood up fully, towering over the elder as she turned her eyes to the ground as if she was lost in memory. My name… The name that willed me out of my paradise, the name that was given to me by a dying mother right before she bore me.

“My name is Runa.”

End Chapter I