Of course, the peace could not last long.
The next day, America began his attack on Norway.
Denmark watched as Norway read reports, signed orders, and made preparations to set up a provisional capital in Normandy.
"You don't think we can hold off the American forces, Norge?"
"He is family, Danmark. You know how our family is," he replied without looking up.
"How is he family?" Denmark asked, curious.
"Two ways," Norway said, sounding mildly annoyed, but still not looking up. "First of all, his brother was Vinland, Canada now, and that was one of my children before…well. Second, he is related to England, who is Scotland's brother, who, as you know, was my paramour of old. You know this already. Why are you bothering me?"
Denmark shrugged. "Keeping you company, I guess." He paused. "How are you holding up now that Iceland's house has been taken?"
Norway sighed. "It is hard to see him like that. I am happy that his people still fight, but I wish I had been able to help more."
"We all do, Nor."
Norway's mouth twitched up in…well, not quite a smile, but close. "We shall do better here."
"Practice makes perfect."
"Don't quote my own proverbs back to me. Go find something useful to do."
With a barely concealed smirk, Denmark left.
He was back in barely an hour, this time waving a report from the eastern front.
"What. Is. It?"
"Russia's moving on Finland!"
"Faen. Are you sure?"
"The latest report verifies it, Nor. Look here," Denmark said as he handed the report to Norway. As Norway read it, Finland burst into the room.
"Norja! I heard about the report!"
Norway took a second to glare at Denmark, then he turned to Finland. "And?"
"I am wanting to fight Russia."
"I can't let you do that."
"Why not, Norja?!"
"We barely have enough men on this front. We don't have the resources or the manpower for a two-front war. I'm sorry."
A messenger ran into the tent, holding four new reports.
"What are these?"
"Commander, sir, these just came in from Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland, Prussia, and Hungary. They want an alliance."
Denmark watched as the wheels turned in Norway's head. Finally, he turned back to Finland. "Looks like I can let you go fight Russia. Sweden, Prussia, and Hungary will join you."
"Thank you, Norja!" Finland shouted happily as he ran from the room.
"Old hatreds do not die easily," Denmark muttered.
"It's the way of the world."
A/N: Eric the Red was the first European to set foot in North America. He was Norwegian (sort of; it's a long story. He was born in Iceland, but Iceland was part of Norway at that time, so...).
And the phrase "Scandinavian Scotland."