Hey guys so I'm back and I'm reeeeeeaaaaaallllly sorry it's late, but on the plus side I got all my work done ^0^ (This is what happens when you think it's a good idea to do a double honours degree) On a positive note I'm all finished with deadlines for the near furture which is awesome and for you wonderful people, you can ignore any estimates of length of this fic as I'm pretty sure it's gonna be a lot longer than what I thought. Onto le story...
############### Another childhood flashback dream thingy##############
(Lukas POV) or rather an 10yr old Lukas
"Lukas, my little prince, it's time to rise. Happy birthday my son." I wriggle around my bed and then open my eyes and rub the sleep dust out of them. At the bedroom door I see my mother with a huge smile on her face, she is in her formal dress and her blonde hair, the same colour as mine, is braided prettily with her crown placed neatly on top. I smile at her and climb out of bed when she embraces me tightly. My mother, the lady of our tribe doesn't at all act like one and I'm thankful that she is so loving compared to my father who gives nothing but grunted words of praise and a hard slap on the back for a job well done. Though I suppose it is all about appearances, he must show no signs of weakness, nor affection, he barely does to mother. But he does love her, that's why he took her and she loves him back. As my mother pulls out of the hug, I hear my father's voice and the house door slam.
"Thora? Lukas? Come into the main hall, I have a couple of things for my son for his right of passage to manhood." He sounds happy and we leave my bedroom to find the Jarl in his formal clothes too standing in front of the table that has the things upon it hidden by a blanket. My father smiles when we walk in and motions for me to stand in front of him.
"My son, ten years old and today, you become a man! So I will give you what a man needs." He then pulls me into a hug. I stiffen, he's never done this before, he then starts laughing loudly.
"Well done my son first test over. If you had hugged me back that would have been a beating." He let's go and puts his hands on my shoulders to look me up and down.
"Just like your mother, you have the intelligence of a good leader, but not quite the build yet Lukas. You'll grow, after all you are my son and I have every faith in you. We will see what the gods say later in the ceremony. Now I bring you the items you will need." In a theatrical manner he whips off the blanket from the table and reveals, a new set of clothes that practically copy my fathers. A gold band for my arm, one that marks me as loyal to the tribe and the Jarl. And finally a set of bow and arrows with a dagger to accompany them. The surprise and confusion on my face must be clear because my father laughs and hits my back.
"Ah Lukas, you were expecting a sword, but I have seen your training and you have an archers aim and skill. Get changed son and then there is one more gift outside. Thora help him my love." He says and walks out our home once more.
"Come on Lukas, we'll get you ready and then I have a little something to give you as well. Something our Jarl doesn't know of." I nod and walk into my chambers as my mother takes the gifts from the table.
Once I am dressed and have my dagger attached to my belt, my mother shows me myself in the mirror in my parents room. I look like a mini version of all the other men in the village. The new clothes were practically leather armour and I have a deep blue cloak that is pinned by a broach of my family's mark on it. It is odd how much a change of clothes and a different day can change a person. This is also evident when my mother goes to hug me, but stops herself suddenly.
"Now you are a man Lukas, I suppose I shouldn't hug you any more." Instead she places her hand on my shoulder and squeezes it. My heart sinks a little, but I keep it from my face. I become a man today. My mother gasps suddenly and rummages around the pocket of her dress.
"Whoops I had almost forgot. This is for you Lukas, it will help you keep control of you magic ability and keep you hair out your face." She laughs slightly and places a small leather pouch in my hand. I open the draw strings and pull out the cool, metal object inside which turns out to be a silver hair clip in the shape of a cross. My mother then put it in place and then hugs me quickly.
"You didn't see anything." She laughs then winks. I laugh too, she really is the best lady for the village, she's kind and compassionate and the perfect counter balance for my father. We then leave the room and open the front door my mouth drops open. My father stands there with a horse next to him. It is perfect, white, clean and already saddled.
"My son this is for you and for the rest of the day until sundown I want you to ride him wherever you please outside the village, take your new bow and hunt. Have breakfast and then leave, enjoy the freedom my son, as a man it is something you may no longer have." I nod to my father and make my way back into the house for food.
~~~~~~~~ I'm a psychotic time skip, you smell really nice (and I know where you live)~~~~~~~~
If this is what it is like to be a man, I can't believe I was nervous about today. Since I left this morning on MY horse Aslak I have been riding round the near by forests and around the base of the mountain, so far that we ended up by the valley river. It's mid afternoon and I decide it's best to take a break. I dismount Aslak and tie him to a tree after letting him drink from the river. After sitting for a while, I decide to try out my new bow, so with the quiver of arrows I walk silently into the woods. In an clearing a see a couple of hares, they're very fast and father would be proud if I could catch one. I move around the other side of the clearing so they don't smell me on the wind and after a few calculations I slide the arrow back and it pings forward. I catch the larger hare in the head. I grin triumphantly and take my prize. Suddenly I see a deer out the corner of my eye. Father would be really proud if I could get that. So I follow it, however just as I am ready to shoot I hear a loud voice behind me and the deer flees. I spin around and am met with a boy a few years older than me with an axe on his back.
"Wait! I know you, you're the Jarl's son. Everyone's making a big fuss about you in the village." He yells as I start to walk away from him, but he follows me back to Aslak.
"Hey wait for me, if this is about scaring off your prey I'm sorry.. woah nice horse." He says as I stop next to the colt.
"It's really gonna please the gods when you sacrifice it." I freeze in position. Sacrifice? But it was a gift from father, I turn to face the spikey haired boy and when our eyes meet he laughs.
"Guess you weren't aware of that part of the ritual huh?"
"You're lying, father wouldn't give him to me for him to just be a sacrifice." I almost yell at the boy, who simply smiles.
"He would and he has, like my father did to me. When you kill it, it will be explained that you can mask emotions around death, because emotions make you weak and if you cry or refuse to you fail the rite of passage. And what would the villagers say about a Jarl's son that couldn't kill a horse." I glare at him as he laughs and leave him behind as I make my way back to the village.
When I ride back into the village the sun is just setting and I marvel at the decorations that hang on every hut. My father and a few other men come to greet me at the gates.
"My son, perfect timing as usual. It is time for the ceremonies to start." I jump down from Aslak and one of the men leads him a way. See? the rational part of my mind says, they're going in the direction of the stables. The boy from earlier was winding you up. I relax a little and follow my father into the meeting hall in the centre of the village, he walks up to the front and motions for me to stand in front of him. Though I don't turn around I can hear all the villagers shuffle in and two figures walk up to join my father. One is my mother who smiles down fondly, the other is the wise woman Margot.
"Friends it is that time again when our proud clan gains another strong warrior in it's ranks." The Jarl's voice echoes around the large hut and it brings order to chatting villagers.
"On this particular occasion I am even more ecstatic as the soon to be man is my son Lukas and one day Jarl that will take my place. Let the ceremony begin!" He yells and everyone cheers. My father moves to sit at the large throne at the top of the hall while my mother lights a fire using her magic. It's because of her I can use it and control my trolls. As Margot begins chanting incantations and waving around various items my mother begins to wave incense around me and just as she finishes in time with Margot she whispers in my ear.
"Don't let this change who you are or how you treat people." My mother then leaves my side and gives Margot the incense, then she sits next to my father.
"Before the rite of passage is complete we must consults the wise Gods on this child's future, whether he be noble and just or a burden to us all." Margot screeches in her croaky voice as she hobbles towards me.
"Take the runes Lukas and throw them high." I cup my hands and she places the polished stones into my hands and then closes them with her wrinkled ones. I close my eyes and take a deep breathe before throwing the stones up towards the ceiling then step back when they fall back down. Margot is upon them like a fox to a chicken.
"Well, interesting. A step back shows brains, the runes would have landed upon a fool." She leans down closer still, her wiry hair touching the ground.
"The placement, yes there is order and they are together shows composure and wit. But something is not right. Here." She yells pointing to a flipped rune who's symbol is face down. She pulls me down to her level and places it in my hand.
"Laguz, the rune of love. Your potential will not be complete until this is found." She peers up to my father.
"This boy is destined for greatness my lord, but his love, his companion will make him greater still." She looks down and lets her hand hover over the small pile of runes. She pauses over another rune whose symbol is unseen and picks it up with a triumphant look.
"The Gods don't wish for it to be easy my child. To find this love there will be travel, see? Raidho, the chariot rune will send you far from home." The old woman leans down once more to the stones in the dirt and murmurs to herself.
"Oh Ehwaz pops up here, be careful who you trust boy, but make yourself trustworthy. Lastly my Jarl your son has the same central rune you did, Odin's rune Ansuz. The rune every leader should hope to receive. May the Gods shine upon your soul until it enters Valhalla." She yells the last part and this part of the ritual ends. The next is the part I have been dreading in the back of my mind. The sacrifice. My father yells loudly that the crowd behind me part and as he climbs down the steps with my mother and hands me the ritual blade made of cool, hard onyx, but is just as sharp as steel.
"My son outside a sacrifice must be made to thank the gods for you reaching this stage of life and giving you such positivity for the future. The sacrifice may seem high Lukas, but for your future's sake and that of everyone you will one day lead it needs to be done." He pats my back and then uses the contact to usher me outside. As I adjust to the change in light, my heart bursts when I see Aslak by the alter in the centre of the village.
"Lukas you will cut the animals throat, but this is a lesson in itself. Life is cruel, fragile and to the gods a game. It doesn't matter who much something is loved it can be taken. Mask your emotions from this point onwards and try to get a clean cut." I nod slowly and avoid eye contact, my hands are shaking as a reach the horse and I raise the dagger...
################ Ending of dream whatsy- doofer memory thing################
(Lukas POV)
With a strangled gasp I wake up, thankful for not having to do the deed once more. I sit up slightly and focus on my surroundings, I'm still in the stables from the night before. I look around but don't see (Name) however I do note I have a blanket on me and smile softly at her kindness. I feel the rock of the boat on the waves and lie back down for a little while longer. I remember the events of last night with the vates girl and hope we are in a much better relationship than previously. Then I think of my dream, my past. Until now I had forgotten parts of the rune reading I had, but now I can't get it out of my head. Could it be about (Name)? My mood lifts as I think it must be and decide it would be wise for me to speak with her once more. Up on deck I can hear the children yell in happiness and then call the (H/C) haired woman's name. However as I pull myself up and remove straw from my hair (Name)'s mare starts making noises and a approach to see if there is something wrong.
"Pip, Sif get down you will I've told you enough times I have to leave the horse's mane." I can't help but smile when I recognise the voice of one of the brownies from before and as I get close I see there are more than two on the horse. I count seven of them, four adults and three small children. When they notice me the male adults approach me and the shorter round one waves up to me.
"Hiiiiii Human man, um we're on your boat we are. We need to follow the nice human girl, still in debt we are." He explains and the more serious of the two nods.
"Ask permission we would have, but there was no time."
"Don't worry, you are most welcome here brownie folk. I will keep some food aside for you and your families." I say as I turn to leave them.
(Your POV)
After you feel another sharp tug on your hair from behind, you decide that volunteering to watch half a dozen of so children at the same time was not one of your best ideas. Currently there are two little girls 'styling' you hair with various ribbons and bows. The chibi inner (Name) is quietly sobbing about how you will get the knots out. On your lap there is another little girl who is wearing your circlet and pretending she is a princess while you gently braid her hair. In front of you Emil is playing with some wooden building blocks and the concentration on his face is adorable. Such a good child you think as a wave hitting the boat causes his tower to fall, but instead of crying he starts again. Tino on the other hand is very loud and with another small boy they run around the top deck chasing each other. Around the outside of the kitchen cabin you see a few woman having a small break from children watching and they smile over to you gratefully. With the small breeze from the ocean, the atmosphere is light and happy. That is ruined though when Tino and his little friend come over to you crying. You gently ease your hair out of the girls grip and move the would be princess from your lap then motion for the boys to sit on your lap.
"Boys, can we please stop crying, so you can tell me what's wrong." You say as you rub both of their backs in a circular motion, out the corner of your eye you notice Lukas walk on deck.
"H-Heath pushed me over and I banged my elbow a-and it's b-bleeding." Tino cries as he puts his elbow in your face which has a small scratch on it.
"Ah okay love, it's not too bad. Now why are you crying?" You ask the little, brown haired child.
"W-when I-I pushed him I fell over too and hit m-my knee." You sigh as he shows you his knee and it goes un-noticed by you the other women on deck watch along with Lukas and the children. As you reach into your pocket for your handkerchief you talk to the boys is a kind but firm voice.
"Okay, here's what we need to do to make you better. Tino, we need to clean the scratch and then give it a kiss better and Heath for your bumped knee we need to apologise form pushing Tino over, because that's why the Gods made you fall and then we need to kiss your knee better too. But before we do all that we need to dry our eyes because I thought you were both brave warriors and warriors don't cry." Almost simultaneously they both announce they weren't crying and quickly wipe their eyes. When wounds have been cleaned and kissed you suggest that they should have a quiet game so they will heal quicker. Then you marvel at you ability to restore peace within five short minutes.
When the children are settled again and your hair is at the mercy of six year olds, Lukas comes and sits by you.
"Have a nice lie in did we?" you ask with a smile on your face.
"That was quite impressive what you did there with the children. I believe you are a natural." You blush slightly at the compliment and then wince as your hair is pulled quite harshly.
"Well I'm making myself useful, the woman this morning looked like they needed a break and I rather foolishly said I would watch them for a little while. But if you want to take over that would be great." You laugh and he smiles. Or at least a Lukas equivalent to a smile, but before he answers one of you hair-dressers replies.
"No! Lukas can't replace you, he isn't a princess and his hair isn't pretty enough for us to play with." You smirk openly to this, but then think for a second.
"But I'm not a princess." You say and the girls behind you let go of your hair. The seemingly older one let's out a sigh.
"Not yet (Name), but you're really pretty and that means you HAVE to marry a prince or a king. And when you marry Lukas who is Jarl or in other words a prince, you will be a princess and then I will be your royal hair-dresser." She explains matter of factly and you feel a heavy blush creep up you face. You look at Lukas and now he is the one who smirks. You glare at him but then smile.
"But I want a handsome prince, perhaps if you help Lukas with his hair then I shall consider it." The girls are on him in a second and was that a flash of fear you saw in his blue eyes.
"Have fun girls, Lukas. I'm going to see if Erik needs any help with any illy people." You announce as you stand up and walk across the deck, gently patting Emil's head on the way past.
~~~~~ I'm a pirate time skip. Why has the rum gone?~~~~~~
(Lukas POV)
A whole day has passed and I have only seen (Name) once to speak with properly, but I keep stealing glances whenever I am near her. i have noticed the villagers all get along with her well and the children in particular adore her. I suppose it is hard not to when you are that age and in the afternoon today she called a school of dolphins to the boat. It is safe to say many of the woman had a light day's work because of her. Even the men respect her to a high degree and her witty comebacks when they tried to mess with her keep them on their toes. There is one thing that bothers me though and that is how long she spends with Erik. I know she said she would help him with her medical knowledge and it is a good thing. Yet I feel that he will always say or do something that will make her stay longer, like earlier before lunch he 'accidentally' knocked over a pile of clean, linen bandages and she helped him pick them up. (Name) is too nice for her own good and I want to keep her safe from Erik. Tonight is very calm and while most have gone to bed I lay on my cloak on top deck looking at all the stars, finding the constellations my mother taught me as a child. Just then the door to the medical ward opens and I hear Erik and (Name) talking.
"I'm really sorry I made you stay later again, but I just didn't quite understand that last potion." Erik laughs and I strain to listen to their conversation.
"Don't worry about it. I'd rather you know what you're doing and miss out a bit on sleep than have you do it wrong and clear up the after effects." She laughs. I then hear small movement and then (Name) speak.
"Um Erik. What are you doing?" she says in a less than happy voice.
"It was goodnight kiss (Name). Why? Did you want something more?" Erik laughs and by the sounds of it takes a step forward. I then grin when the distinct sound of a palm on a face echoes of the walls.
"Whoops sorry, I thought there was a bug. No I don't want something more thank you. I will see you in the morning." (Name) then slams the door in his face and quickly walks on deck and gasps when she sees me.
"Gods Lukas, don't try to give anyone a heart attack. With your hair so pale I though you were a ghost." She half yells at me as she sits down on my left.
"So a goodnight kiss from Erik?" I murmur as she lies back and looks up.
"Yes, Jealous for not getting a kiss from me? Oh wait that's right you've already done that three times if I'm correct." She says and then chuckles as I frown at her. After a moment or two I lie down next to her and continue my star gazing. I see (Name) shift a bit and then she speaks.
"You know sometimes I wish I were a star, just think how easy it would be floating around at night giving insomniac people something to look at. See the big odd shaped one over there by Orion's belt? My mother said that was father when he passed over." She says in hushed tones and seems somewhat detached from reality. I don't know what to say to her, but she doesn't push for an answer and the comfortable silence continues. I don't know how much time passes before she speaks again, but this time she turns to face me.
"I have a question and I would like an honest answer. Why don't you show emotions?" I move my position to face her, no one has ever bothered asking this before.
"As a future leader of my village I must let nothing get in the way of making decisions, no emotions. From a young age to be emotional is to be weak was drummed into my thoughts and hence why I don't show them." I say amazingly with a blank face.
"Lukas, I mean it I want a real answer. Something happened and I would like to know." She retorts quietly, resting her head on her palms.
How is it she can see through me when all I aim to do is keep emotions hidden? I glance over to her and she sits there patiently waiting for my reply.
"It comes in two parts." I start slowly.
"When you reach manhood in our tribe a sacrifice is made to the gods. My sacrifice was a horse my father gave me in the morning. But he didn't tell me what the horse would be and I got attached to it so when it came to kill it." I take a break at the memory.
"I was told not to show emotions as they cloud judgement and as a man it is unacceptable. So I did it and waited until I got to my room to cry. I was ten." I feel her hand on my shoulder.
"But that is silly, no offence all leaders show emotion it is okay at times. And as a child that was cruel to ask you to do so." (Name) murmurs as I lay down properly once more and she strokes my hair.
"That is what my mother said when she found me crying and she said that if ever I felt need to be emotional to do it and not tell my father. But not long after Emil was born our village was attacked by a rival clan and my mother was killed protecting him." The girl beside moves our position so my head rests on her lap. It has been so long since I have allowed myself to acknowledge these feelings whenever my mind wanders to my mother and I feel a lump form in my throat.
"My mother's death was the last time I cried, showed any emotion. After her death, my father lost it. He broke my arm when I had a tear at her funeral. He made it clear that he thought it was because he and I showed emotions that we couldn't protect her and I guess that's why I am like this today." The lump in my throat is no unbearable and I swallow in attempt to rid myself of it, but I closed my eyes and that allowed a lone tear to escape, which causes more to follow. But (Name) doesn't judge she just sits there and strokes my hair while they silently run down my face.
"Emotions are not bad Lukas. They divide us from monsters, they strengthen bonds with one another and help us through things, keep us together." She says soothingly and waits for me to calm myself.
"Does that mean I am broken then without them?" I say back as I sit up and look her in the eye, her (E/C) orbs full of compassion and warmth.
"It might do. But one day you will find someone that will mean more to you than some façade and that person will hug you so tightly that all your broken pieces with stick back together." I think about what she has just said as (Name) pulls herself to her feet and walks over to the medical ward then returns with some blankets. She then throws a couple at me and arranges her own.
"It's a nice night, might as well enjoy the view." She explains as she lies down and I follow soon after.
~~~~~~~ I'm a kitty time skip, I'm reaaaaalllly fluffeh and sleep all the time.~~~~~~~~
(Your POV)
You are coaxed from your slumber when a rather cold wind hits your face and when you enter the world of the living you notice Lukas is no longer next to you and only blankets remain. You sit up in confusion and listen carefully for any sound that may hint to his location. Suddenly you hear laughter, woman's laughter and for some strange reason this annoys you slightly so you quickly move towards it wrapping yourself up in a blanket on the way. The shrill, woman's giggle is coming from the front of the ship and as you approach you try to make as little noise as possible so you may see what is going on. now you are nearer you can see Lukas, but can't see who is producing the laughter. Lukas then moves over to the side of the deck, very very close to the ships railings. His movement seems off, almost like he's in a trance and then it hits you. It must be a mermaid! You quickly make your way over to the Jarl and make it just in time to grab the back of his cloak as he starts to climb the railing. You look at his face and his eyes are glazed over accompanied with a goofy smile on his mouth. It takes most of the strength you've got to push Lukas away from the edge and then hook his belt to once of the ropes tied to the mast. When he is secure you peer over the edge to see the mermaid. Who rather rudely splashes you when you lean over the railings.
"Stupid human girl, he was really cute too. I really want a new play thing." She says maliciously. You never have liked mermaids and have always been irritated by how they are portrayed as kind creatures when in reality they are bare chested women with tails that wish to drown sailors in the ocean. You wipe yourself off with the blanket.
"Begone fish. The man is staying on board go find food somewhere else." You say in a tone full of venom and this takes the mermaid by surprise.
"How dare you speak to me in such a manner, you plain human. Maybe I should drown you instead." She screeches and then makes a lunge for you. You smirk and use a fire spell on your own hand so when she reaches for you you burn her greenish skin.
"Sorry not a plain human, are you going to leave or shall I show you what I can really do?" You hiss down at her which causes her to dive under water.
Now she is gone you turn around to Lukas who still is completely out of it and try to remember how to get him out of the trance. A blush warms your face when it clicks and you remember the only way to break it is a kiss from the opposite sex. You compose yourself and gently hold the Viking's face in your hands and give him a soft peck on the cheeks. After a moment his eyes refocus and you release him.
(Lukas POV)
What a wonderful thing to be woken up with (Name)'s lips on my own, though admittedly I am confused how I got to the other deck and why she would do something in the first place. I look her in the face and she looks angry.
"You are a fool, do you know that? A very foolish fool who nearly jumped off the boat to be drowned by a mermaid with huge breasts. Do you have no self control? She must have kissed you to put you in the trance. I don't even want to know how she persuaded you. Filthy sea urchin." It is really odd to hear such mean things to come from (Name)'s mouth after how kind she was before and then I think I know the reason why.
"Are you jealous that she kissed me (Name) and that's why you kissed me after she left." I ask with a small smirk on my face and when she blushes I conclude I'm right. She stutters before she speaks.
"Idiot, to break a mermaid trance you need to be kissed by a human member of the opposite sex. Why would I be jealous of someone who eats where she pees?" She half yells at me.
"Get yourself unattached from the mask it's not safe to sleep outside and I don't want to leave you out here considering your lack of self control." She continues while she opens the door to the medical ward. I pick up my blanket and follow her inside, knowing I will sleep happy now she has kissed be back.
Another chapter for you wonderful people who have the patience of saints. Once more I'm sorry it took so long and if I don't say so myself about bloomin' time. It's half two here in the morning and I'm going to sleeps. Please review, favourite or whatever it makes me happy. I'm sorry if this chapter seems like a filler but there's only so much one can do on a boat in the 10th century.
Disclaimer- I own nothing but the plot.
