A few days had passed since Agi's arrival, and though her mind still tumbled in turmoil, Agi felt oddly unbridled. Helga, with her kind nature and persistently genuine smile, regularly accompanied Agi with the daily tasks, so much so that Agi had to remind herself that she was a slave and not merely Helga's helper. Floki would erratically remain home for several hours, be it day or night, then disappear for a prolonged time. Helga was not bothered by his absence, nor did she offer his whereabouts to Agi but Helga always prepared a meal shortly before Floki returned.
Twirling a wooden spoon over the broth, Helga kept steady eye contact with Agi. "Agi...I pray to Bragi that I may hear your voice more...as does Floki." she confessed.
"..Bragi..." Agi repeated with a hue coating her words. "Another of your gods...yet I have heard fondly of a poet by the name Bragi Boddason." Agi mused.
Agi sensed Floki even before he snickered. "Bragi be praised." he greeted humbly, the fire dancing in his dark eyes as he hunkered down between Helga and Agi.
Agi's focus revolved from Floki to Ragnar who lurked a foot away with his gaze trained on her. "Athelstan had deemed you had taken a vow of silence..to honor your God." Ragnar informed. "I am pleased to see that he was wrong...but I encouraged him, were that so, to change that when the times comes..."
"Is that why you are here?" Agi blurted. "To drag me to Athelstan's bed?"
Though a smile played on his lips, Ragnar remained quiet, as Helga served him a bowl. His clear green eyes observed Agi relentlessly as he took a long sip of the broth. Ragnar did not think Agi appeared unwilling to the notion, only annoyed at the abruptness of it. "...No. I have come only to trouble you with my words Agi." Ragnar replied coyly, sitting down beside her. "Can you guess as to what they may be?" he pressed. Agi looked to Floki and Helga, but neither of their faces wielded anything more than curiosity. Noticing Agi's reluctance, Ragnar continued. "Do you fear them? Floki told me of what happened the morning after we returned home. How Helga held you while Floki explored with his tongue..." As Ragnar had spoke, Agi's cheeks had grown pink while her auburn eyes clouded in shame.
Floki began to snigger. "She thought we were going to kill her!"
"Were such acts not common in your land?" Ragnar persisted with a wide smirk. "Have you even bedded a man before?" Agi's face slowly but surely hardened into stone as she stared at Ragnar. "Hm. By your will, Bragi will receive many prayers biding you to speak." Ragnar chortled. Setting his empty bowl down, Ragnar extended his hand to her. "Let me see your hands." he requested. Agi did not hesitate, nor did she acknowledge the minor flutter that crossed her heart at the contact. Ragnar lowered his gaze from her face to her hands, turning them over to examine her palms. His coarse thumbs brushed the base of her fingers. After a moment, Ragnar released her. "I would like you to craft a sword Agi." he announced.
"..A greatsword?" Agi guessed.
"If that is the sword you wish to make." Ragnar replied.
"...Who will be wielding it?"
"When it's done, you will know."
Agi's gaze flicked to Floki briefly. "When am I to start?" she asked.
"Tomorrow." Ragnar answered, getting to his feet.
"And when must it be done?" Agi finished.
"Before Valhalla." Ragnar said smugly. "Sleep well Agi...I will tell Athelstan you said hello." As Ragnar headed out the door, Agi assessed Floki. His face was no more readable than usual, but there was the shadow of a smile threatening to emerge. A sigh eased from Agi's throat. "You know the meaning of this...but you will not tell me..." she stated.
Floki smirked. "Yes Agi. That is true." he confirmed.
The bed trembled beneath Agi's sleeping form, yanking her from an otherwise content slumber. Agi did not stir physically, but mentally she had fully awoken. When the bed shifted in such a manner, it meant Helga was pleasuring Floki with her mouth. Or perhaps Floki was the one pleasing Helga; it seemed to vary morning to morning. With each passing day, Agi yearned to feel Floki's warm mouth on her nether region again. The desire disgusted her, yet it was undeniable. Floki groaned softly. Agi opened her auburn eyes and she was greeted by the impassioned stare of Floki. With his hands cradling Helga's head, Floki leaned sideways in an effort to kiss Agi. A debate waged inside Agi as to whether she should accept the kiss or reject it. It was then that an outside scream made Agi's decision for her. Sitting up, Agi recognized the sorrowful yowl belonging to Lan. Agi hastened out of the bed, though neither Helga nor Floki moved an inch.
As Agi stepped foot outdoors, her gaze fell upon Lan wailing at the side of the pig pin. Laying in the center of the pig's filth was Meryn's corpse, his blood glistening in the morning sun. Not far from Lan, stood Jai whose arm was being firmly grasped by her master while he threatened her profusely. It was unnecessary, Jai had been embedded with fear since docking. Agi watched as Lan's master arrived to beat and berate Lan, who had evidently been in the midst of chores when she had caught sight of Meryn.
A new voice severed Agi's mental warding, a male one, deep but fair. "Will you mourn him?" Athelstan asked.
"No. Meryn was a weak fool and I pity Lan for wasting her emotions." Agi answered with a bite to her words.
"..Why then are you crying?" Athelstan pressed curiously.
It was true, an apprehensive tear had leaked from Agi's eye without her knowledge. Agi dappled at the moisture with a scowl. "Not for Meryn himself..." Agi gazed fully into Athelstan's eyes. "but for the loss of another of my people..." she responded coldly.
Floki appeared on the threshold of his home, glancing at Athelstan briefly before cupping Agi's neck in his palms to examine her face. His thumb swatted at her tear-stricken cheek before he leaned down and tenderly grappled her mouth with his. "What've you done priest?" Floki asked, turning to Athelstan with an accusatory stare.
"I offered comfort." Athelstan answered, gesturing at Lan who was being promptly kicked away from the pig pin. Jai and her master had already dispersed.
Floki assessed Agi before he retorted. "Agi does not want your comfort. The only comforting you could provide her would be your cock Athelstan. And I am not ready to let that happen."
"That is not why I am here." Athelstan replied stiffly. "I come to bring Agi to Ragnar. He wishes to observe her craftsmanship...as you know."
"Do you know Agi has not eaten?"
"Lagertha will provide breakfast."
"Lagertha?" Floki repeated, as if he were surprised. "I wonder now if any of this was Ragnar's thinking..." he giggled. "Mustn't keep them waiting. Come Agi." Floki draped an arm around Agi's shoulders. "Lead Athelstan."
Athelstan seemed weary of Floki joining, but he dutifully walked ahead. Agi watched his movement carefully. As they drew nearer to Ragnar's housing, Agi asked. "How long have you been enslaved to Ragnar?"
Athelstan swallowed. "Nearly a year." he answered.
"Does Ragnar beat you?" Agi wondered.
Floki was the one to reply. "Ragnar?! Pfft. Ragnar tried to sacrifice Athelstan to the Gods, but the Gods, did not want him."
Someone drew Floki's attention, and while Floki paused to converse, Agi and Athelstan continued to walk alone.
Athelstan gazed at her. "I pray that their Gods do not want you." he whispered.
"If you must pray for me, pray that I may escape...such a time comes, you may join me..." Agi replied.
"A quick death awaits those that try fleeing."
"I do not intend to 'try' Athelstan. Should your cowardice prove too strong, I will go alone."
Athelstan glanced back at her, and when he did, his eyes sailed past her onto a hooded man, who had been following for several leagues now. Lowering his cowl, Ragnar spoke. "And where will you go? Your homeland? What awaits you is little more than ash and bone."
Agi faced Ragnar as he swaggered up to her. "I care not where I go, only that I am free when I get there."
"What if I told you this is freedom?" Ragnar questioned.
"Then I would think you a liar..Earl Ragnar." Agi answered. Agi's stare did not flicker from Ragnar, not even when out of the corner of her eye, Floki reappeared alongside Rollo.
"See what comes of Floki coddling his slaves?" Rollo sneered. Ragnar ignored his brother, continuing to regard Agi with the cool curiosity he always possessed.
"How else do I expect her to coddle me Rollo? Floki challenged.
"She is too umbrageous to be a slave." Rollo growled.
"It was you that called her a fiery little wisp..." Floki reminded. "what good would Agi be without her nature?"
"Floki is right brother." Ragnar responded. "But if you wish Agi to seep into the ether, you should spend less time carrying her in your thoughts."
"It is you, brother, that carry her in your thoughts." Rollo retorted. Ragnar did not seem phased by Rollo's words. With a final displeased glance at Agi, Rollo parted from the group.
Floki turned slightly to watch him leave. "Will you not join us for breakfast then Rollo?" he called mockingly. Agi tried to repress her smile, but Floki saw it and when he did his fingers coiled lovingly around her jaw. "You need not hide your joy from me Agi." he said soft enough so only she heard him speak.
"Only an ignorant slave feels joy." Agi replied, not bothering to lower her voice. Much to Agi's chagrin, a genuine look of hurt crossed Floki's face, causing guilt to ignite her insides.
"Perhaps Agi will find some joy in Lagertha's fried fish...she is waiting..." Ragnar reminded, leading the way.
Agi could not bring herself to look at Floki as she followed Athelstan and Ragnar. It was true that she felt no joy in her predicament, but nor could Agi honestly say she was unhappy. Living with Floki and Helga was far more tolerable than Agi had anticipated, and in truth, she even enjoyed their company. Agi believed that was wrong, that she should feel nothing but hatred and spite to those surrounding her; not merely Floki and Helga, but Ragnar and his flock as well. In Agi's eyes, Rollo was the embodiment of a barbarian - a brawny brutal relentless man, bent on achieving his own pleasure and glory. For that, Agi rightfully hated him and those that bore his demeanor, such as the men who held ownership over Lan and Jai. Then there was Earl Ragnar, who should be the cruelest of them all, but seemingly was not. A man who Agi should hate most, for it was his leadership that had damned her homeland. Yet Agi did not hate Ragnar as she should, she hated him for being approachable, likeable even.
As Agi entered Ragnar's home, her gaze met Athelstan's and she wondered if his feelings towards Ragnar and the rest, were similar to hers. Athelstan had been a man of faith, now here he was living amongst Pagans. When Lagertha embraced Floki, Agi's eyes darted to Ragnar's children, already seated at the table. The girl, who Agi sat across from, smiled at her sweetly. The boy, Bjorn looked eager to become a man.
"This is Agi, Father?" Bjorn questioned Ragnar who nodded as he sat down beside his son. Bjorn sat forward slightly. "My sister would like you to bear a girl, so she could have a playmate." he informed Agi. "Would you ask your God to make it so? Athelstan already has."
Ragnar was amused by Agi's scorn, as her attention darted from Bjorn onto Athelstan.
Floki, however, was not entertained. "Soon to be speaking of such things Ragnar." Floki stated.
"They wished to know of Agi, I told them all that I could." Ragnar replied, with the feverish grin. "Now I can relay what I've since learned. Children, Agi believes she will flee our land before such a time comes that she must bear Athelstan's offspring."
"Where would she go?" Bjorn asked.
"She is letting her God decide." Ragnar answered.
Floki mused. "I wonder what God you must have, if you do not feel any joy Agi."
Agi glanced at Floki, whom she sat beside. His features had smoothed out, but she could've sworn she could still see the hurt she had caused outlining his irises. Agi didn't know how to undo what she said, or what the ramifications may be. To her utter surprise, Ragnar came to her aid.
"Those were just words Floki. Agi can feel joy...can't you. What of your plan to escape, does that not bring you joy? What if you were able to slay he who slayed your brother? Would that not be a reason to be joyful?" Ragnar challenged. Agi did not acknowledge Ragnar, not even with her usual piercing stare. Instead, Agi ate her fish. "I think you would feel joyful participating in that which made you feel close to your kin...forging steel." Agi glanced up from her meal, peering at Ragnar curiously. "If you succeed in your task Agi, that is to say -crafting a sword worthy of killing he who killed your brother - I will grant you access to the forge to use as you see fit."
"...Why?" Agi asked hesitantly.
"Why not?" Ragnar replied evenly.
"...Am I to kill someone when I am done forging?" Agi questioned.
Lagertha spoke for the first time. "Could you?" she pressed. "Could you kill anyone, innocent or not?"
Ragnar turned to his wife. "You still do not think she could?" he asked her. Lagertha shook her head left-to-right. Ragnar addressed Agi with a half-smirk. "You may be pleased to know Floki disagrees with Lagertha. I am undecided...Athelstan, would rather we not find out. But I think the Gods know what you are capable of Agi...I trust in Them."
"Did the Gods tell you to test me in such a way? Why would they care about a slave?" Agi wanted to know.
"It is not a matter of caring, it is a matter of principal." Lagertha answered. "You may better understand, after you've crafted the blade."
Ragnar sat forward. "Let us set such matters aside. Tell me about your brother. What was his name?"
"...His name died with him." Agi responded coldly.
Flopping the remainder of his fish back onto his plate, Floki rubbed his hands together to shake free the flecks of scales. "The dead deserve their tale told more than the living, Agi." he announced.
Gazing up at Floki, Agi decided to abide by Ragnar's curiosity, if only to appease Floki. Reverting her gaze onto Ragnar, Agi told her lifestory, though she silently swore to herself, that she would not name anyone. "My mother died birthing me. My father was slain shortly thereafter by a drunkard...the drunkard believed his poor sword skills, were the fault of my father's craftsmanship. It was my brother that raised me. He was a proud man, betrothed to his craft. And he did not deserve the doubtlessly vile death that befell him." Darkness had consumed the end of Agi's sentence, as she leered at Ragnar as he always deserved, though she was scarcely was able to deliver.
"Are you certain he is dead?" Lagertha asked.
"He would not have fled." Agi answered firmly.
"What if he had fled? Would you fault him for it?" Ragnar wondered, reclining in his seat.
"Whether my brother fled or died, the blame is yours Ragnar Lothbrok...and freed or enslaved, I will die with a curse on my tongue for you." Agi promised. Her response frightened Ragnar's daughter and inspired an indignant snort from Bjorn.
Ragnar, however, merely smiled. "Athelstan, do you not find such bitterness from such a sweet face, disheartening?" he asked, shooting a glance down the table at Athelstan. "Do you not long to fill her with happiness?" Athelstan stared mutely at his plate, refusing to respond.
Floki rolled his shoulders a bit, sitting forward to better scrutinize Athelstan. "Do you even think yourself capable?" he jeered.
"Whether he is, or isn't, the decision to lay with him should be Agi's." Lagertha said. Agi was a little stunned Lagertha would defend her, especially after Agi had just threatened her husband.
"Those were the terms...I felt it was a fair compromise, for me to receive her child instead of Agi herself." Ragnar responded, hooking his hand around Lagertha's. "Freyr be willing, think of what a smartened, unruly child she and Athelstan will have bred.."
"What if Freyr is unwilling?" Floki challenged. "What if he frowns on Athelstan?"
"Then he frowns...maybe then, he will smile upon you Floki." Ragnar said simply. It truly did not matter to Ragnar with whom Agi reproduced, merely that she did. Since granting Agi to Floki, Ragnar's thoughts had often turned to the Seer's foretelling that Ragnar would have many sons. Deep in the pit of his soul, Ragnar wondered if he had made a mistake not taking Agi for himself.
"No, no I do not wish that. I would make a terrible father." Floki mumbled, downing the last of his water.
"I do not think so." Bjorn piped.
"At your age, you think nothing and everything!" Floki replied, pounding a harsh finger against his own temple.