#ask: the saxon rose and the ouroboros

[ceridwenofwales]

1. Of the fics you’ve written, which is your favorite and why? 2. Which scene was your favorite to write in The Fox and The Maiden Fair?3. Which part of The Sea Wolves was hardest to write?

1. Of the fics you’ve written, which is your favorite and why? 

It’s impossible to pick just one. I would say that I love The Saxon Rose and The Ouroboros because it’s one of my first stories for Vikings fandom and also because I wanted to write Blaeja and Sigurd since he was born in season 2. 

The Fox and The Maiden Fair is my first for Ivar’s Heathen Army and my interpretation of what could have happened in Ireland during Ivar’s life. I really need to go back to this one when I have free time.

Ebb Tide is special because I love Selkies and I knew I would write about them one day. Then History Channel released that promo video of Ivar washing his bloody face in that lake and @goldentailedmermaids wrote Lurking In The Abyss and inspired me as usual.

I would say The Enemy’s Daughter is the realization I betrayed Sigurd for Ivar, being capable to write his Blaeja as Ivar’s wife instead, muahahaha. Another story that I need to go back soon. The way I intend to finish this one is another explanation for Ivar’s nickname. *evil laughter*

Last but never least… The Sea Wolves/Alpha and Omega: I believe the characters changed through their journey and it’s a topic I wanted to explore, but was afraid to be disrespectful with rape victims. 

2. Which scene was your favorite to write in The Fox and The Maiden Fair?

When the slow burn was over, muahahahaha. 

3. Which part of The Sea Wolves was hardest to write?

The first chapter was one of the hardest because it was the first time I wrote about sexual violence and I wanted to be sensitive, considering the victim’s perspective, without making it unbearable for those who enjoy rape fantasy stories.

The childbirth scene was painful as well. Even though, I started the story with this ending in mind, when I sat to write it, I cried and had to stop many times because I was afraid it was too much for Moyra to endure in both endings.

[goldentailedmermaids]

What are your top five fanfic recommendations? I love your writing and am looking for something else to read. Any fandom is fine

Only five? Well... I’ll try😊 So, there are:

Disney High by @alayne-stonecoldfox (the first fanfic I ever read!)

The Fate the Gods Wove Us  by @amkatepet (the LEVEL of realism in that fanfic I swEAR!)

Nightfall by @seersaw (THE Nightfall!)

Between Heaven and Valhalla by @althaea1989 (If you like smut, this is for you!)

The Saxon Rose and The Ouroboros by @ceridwenofwales (also if you like Ivar, from Vikings, she also writes marvelous stories about him)

The Princess and the Bear by @zoesongs (it is a marvelous story!)

Turn the Tide by @anniemar (an amazing fanfic that leaves me in awe)

The Land of Eternal Winter by @wintermoonqueen (a frozen viking au)

The Things that Bind Us by @seersaw (I am waiting for your next update with impatience!)

So I believe that this is more than 5, but I could not help, those fanfics and their writers are all so wonderful! Thank you so much for the ask and the compliment. I really needed it today.❤️❤️❤️❤️

[ceridwenofwales]

What's the best advice you have for writers/ what inspires you to write?

Awwww. I’m not sure if I’m the best writer to give these pieces of advice. But, as my sister by heart entrusted me this question, I can’t disappoint, right? I’ll write about what works for me.

I think we can’t write without a base. So, find something that you want to talk about, that makes you happy. If it’s not your first language, don’t be afraid. I started learning English a little more than a year ago. In January of 2016. I’m so lucky and grateful that I only found gentle and supportive people here on Tumblr.

Looking right at you @zoesongs, @laure-demontety, @daizydoe. My first friends here. It would be unfair not to mention my sisters from Ivar’s heathen army. I will tag some of you, but we all know this army is huge, and always increasing. If I forget someone, don’t be upset. Please. @pokeasleepingsmaug, @whenimaunicorn, @mizzvengenz6661, @shesafreesoul, @underthenorthstar, @anniemar, @pagan-raider, @ivartheboneme, @ivartheheathen, @devilrydaily, @rosepetaldream-blog, @thenorns-themoirai.

I was never bullied by my spelling, grammar or punctuation mistakes. And I can assure you all, that I have made, and still make, a lot of them. If someone is putting you down for your flaws, insecurities or mistakes, instead of helping you gently, stay away. It’s better to avoid toxic people.

I love researching almost as much as I love writing. So, when I feel like I’m running out of ideas, I start reading articles, searching for pictures and historical curiosities.

Reading - Reading books, fanfics and writing material of others might be a way to trigger your own ideas.

Watch something related to your theme. It’s another way to increase your creativity and overcome writer’s block. As I’m writing about Vikings, I usually rewatch my favorite episodes from the show, or the ones that the character I want to write about appears the most. Another movies with the theme help me as well.

Music - Some people prefer silence. But, I have a playlist that makes me think about my characters. Sometimes, a whole chapter can be inspired by one word or sentence.

And finally, write. If it’s not in your first language, and you are not sure about some words, write some of them in your own language, then search for the appropriate word later. I keep a notebook with notes and ideas for chapters, or I type them on my cell phone. If you have an idea, write it down as soon as possible, even if it’s not for your next chapter. You can fill the gaps later on. I have three chapters “in the future” of The Fox and The Maiden Fair.

I think that’s all. Anyone else has a piece of advice? Sisters?

[ceridwenofwales]

I have to know what your scene was for The Saxon Rose and the Ouroboros (because Hirst ROBBED US OF ALL THAT POTENTIAL)

Oh, Morgan. I’m nostalgic now. I definitely need to go back to that story and edit. It was one of the first fanfics I wrote and way before I went to a language school. The grammar is cringeworthy. Hahahaha! 

I think the scene I had that I wanted to include in the plot even if it made zero sense was:

When he turned his head to follow his other brothers in retreat, he saw something that made his heart skip a beat. A woman with long and dark hair and wearing a green cloak, she was looking at the battlefield as she was a Valkyrie ready to choose the most valuable men to take to Valhalla. Or maybe she was Freyja, taking her amount among the slain to join her in Fólkvangr. Their eyes met, and Sigurd was paralyzed. Ubbe called him, waking him from his daydream. He followed them, not wanting to attract attention and expose her to danger.

I mean, it’s not accurate, to say the least, that a Christian Princess who has been locked away from the world would be roaming around a battlefield, but I wanted to have that “fairytale-like” (or in this case saga-like) scene.

Thanks for the ask! <3

[ceridwenofwales]

Zenobia: Hello again, Ceridwen! I just wondered since you've wrote love stories for Sigurd/Blaeja and Ivar/Emer, will you write Ubbe and Hvitserk getting their own girls? We've talked before about what kind of ladies would suite them. I think the both need women who are the opposite of Margrethe. Girl just doesn't have a personality, and I really don't like the whole "sharing her" thing. I see Ubbe with a mature woman who's knows who she is. As for Hvitserk, he needs a fiery, sassy, woman.

Hi, Zenobia. I love seeing you in my inbox. ♡Unfortunately, I won’t have time enough to write fanfictions for the other boys. At least not now.

It takes me a lot of time to research historical and cultural aspects before, and while, I’m writing. Of course I may be able to finish the fics faster than I thought, so I could write about Ubbe and Hvitserk.

Although I can’t write their own fics, it doesn’t mean that they can’t have love interests in The Saxon Rose and The Ouroboros or in The Fox and The Maiden Fair, right? ;)

I know I’m a tease. Hahaha.

[ceridwenofwales]

Zenobia: Ceridwen, what do you think about 'Blaeja' being a name that Sigurd gave her? I'm not surprised since women's names often were changed when they married into different cultures. The meaning of her name, "Dark Eye," is certainly pretty, and I wonder will Vikings call her Heluna at first, and how she'll feel about her new name?

Our names carry our identity. Our parents often spend a lot of time to choose a suitable name, to honor an ancestor, or a name which meaning has something to do with our desires to the upcoming child.

Blaeja is entering in a different culture trough marriage. She needs an identity which will fit in her new status. Her feelings about this it’s a complicated matter. She might feel confused about what is expected from her in the Norse culture as the wife of such an important man. She might feel outraged also, due the request to discard all her past. Or she might feel honored and cared due the emotions and meaning behind the name. Or everything mixed.

What makes me remember of that amazing fanfic you recommended me: “As Sirens Call the Sailors”, in which Julnar only opened her mouth to speak in order to name her son. She wanted to have an important role in her son’s life. What better way to start than naming him?

We can also take the example of the Sultanate of women, that we both love. ^^

The concubines of the Ottoman Sultan were often foreigners slaves of Christian origin.  Some notable examples were Kösem Sultan (Anastasia), daughter of a Greek Christian priest; Safiye Sultan, who according to some sources was of Albanian origin; Nurbanu Sultan; Hürrem Sultan (Roxelana, Aleksandra Ruslana Lisowska, or Anastasja Lisowska).

[ceridwenofwales]

Who is your favorite OC of yours? (tell us why)

It’s impossible to choose. I’m sorry. Hahahaha. I try to write them in a way that they look different from one another. I’m not sure if I’m succeeding. :(

I’m talking about my female characters. I’ll write more about the male characters later. Thanks for your asks. I love you. ^^

I like that Blaeja from The Saxon Rose and The Ouroboros speak her mind to her father, trying to make Aella see his mistakes and the possibilities to handle the conflicts in a different way. The way she tries to act like her mother should, especially to protect her brother, is what I try to emphasize.

Blaeja from The Enemy’s Daughter is a little bit different. She is protective of her people and brother as well, sending him away before the Ragnarssons can do something against him. But I feel like she is darker and bolder. I mean, she challenged Ivar, hahaha. *wink

===

The Fox and The Maiden Fair

Emer: The Irish princess is smart and taught a trick Ivar was famous for, hahahaha. Yeah, the ox’s hide. Hahahaha. She will face many internal conflicts because differently from Blaeja, her father is still alive and causing problems in her marriage and daily life. Not to mention the religious aspect.

Sorcha: She is suspicious of Emer at first because Ivar’s wife is part of the society enslaving her. But when Sorcha gets to know that she is also a woman with her own struggles doing her best to help those around her, she starts to bond with Emer. Especially after her sister, Rhona, tries to change her slave status by throwing herself at Ivar.

Rhona: I know some people hate the girl because of what she tried to do. But I don’t blame her, she tried to do what she could to change her situation and she was not wrong to rebel against slavery.

Borghild: Sigvards’s first wife is a thoughtful, humble and supportive person. I’ll try to write more about her and the dynamic of her marriage, since Sigvard has a second wife. I don’t want to give spoilers, but she had suffered for not being able to have children. Now she feels like Harald is her son as well as Thora. They work together like sisters, not that I think there is no jealousy. 

Thora: She has a playful nature and a more free approach to her sexuality. 

====

A Grumpy Customer

Emer: She is a little shyer than Helena/Blaeja. But as it’s a modern setting, she is more independent and free about her sexuality.

Helena. Do you know that one friend that put you in embarassing situations? It’s Helena. She feels like Emer’s big sister. Always trying to protect and push her to take risks. She is my modern version of Blaeja in this fic as I’ve read that in some versions it is said to have been known as Heluna. So, be aware that she will date Sigurd. ^^

====

The Sea Wolves

Moyra: I want to protect her, even though I have made her suffer a lot, but I needed to tell the story as accurate as possible, and I tried not to be too graphic. I don’t know if it makes sense. What I wanted to show is that she was a fighter in her own way. She could have “accepted” Ivar the way he came to her. But she knows she deserves better. Saying he loved her is not that easy because he didn’t know Moyra. He was not making efforts to approach her. I can’t say more without spoiling you all. Hahahahaha. 

Màiri: She is living among the Norsemen for too long that she developed coping strategies to deal with the trauma. I intend to explore her background story in the sequel. As she is experienced, she tries to protect Moyra the way she thinks it’s the best. But it happens that what she is trying to do is to make Moyra complacent with Ivar’s treatment. Something Moyra shouldn’t do.

[ceridwenofwales]

9, 16, 22 :-D

Thanks for sending your ask. I miss you. ^^

9- What, if anything, do you do for inspiration?

Research. While I’m reading about the topic I want to write, is easier to find new ideas to support my initial  thoughts. For example, while I was visiting Jorvik Viking Centre, I saw two skeletons that could be inspiring. One of them reminded me of Moyra. The remains were of a woman approximately 25 to 30 years old, who endured a harsh early life. I also saw the remains of a man buried in Viking fashion that was of African origin. Maybe the fruit from an interracial relationship?!

16- Are there any characters who haunt you?

Sigurd. I still have to get back to The Saxon Rose and The Ouroboros.

22- Are there any subjects that make you uncomfortable to write?

Violence against children.

[ceridwenofwales]

I want to ask ALL the questions, but I will restrain myself to 5, 22, and 23.

Awww. Thanks for asking, love! ^^

5- Character you were most surprised to end up writing.

Ivar as the main character. I started writing in Rolisla fandom and then I wrote about Sigurd and Blaeja. When I started writing the Saxon Rose and The Ouroboros Ivar was my least favorite of Ragnar’s sons. How things changed, hahahaha. 

22- Are there any subjects that make you uncomfortable to write about?

At first rape. That’s why I was afraid to post The Sea Wolves. I try to be careful not to romanticize it. Violence against children is something that I think I’ll never be able to write.

23- Any obscure life experiences that you feel have helped your writing?

I think we write a lot about us while playing with fiction. But I don’t recall any obscure experience at the moment. 

[ceridwenofwales]

12, 5, 10, 3 for the Saxon rose and the Ouroboros and 16, 17 and 11 for the Sea Wolves (oh and 9 for the Fox and the Maiden fair) for the writer ask

Trick questions here, my little scorpion. Hahahaha. Thanks. ^^

The Saxon Rose and The Ouroboros

3: What's your favorite line of narration?

Blaeja feared her father’s words. It would be easy to put Ragnar down. But the consequences would come next. Ragnar was not the only one of his kind and it would be a matter of pride for his people to avenge him. 

5: What part was hardest to write?

Aella. I wanted to write him not as a completely idiot or agressive man, but as man blinded by power and easily fooled by flattery. I don’t want him to be shallow.

10: Why did you choose this pairing for this particular story?

I love Sigurd from the sagas and I find this kind of story so interesting. I mean the woman marrying her people’s enemy. Like Emma of Normandy and many more.

12: What do you like least about this fic?

I have to go back and edit everything because I’m sure I’ll find a lot of mistakes. It was one of my first fics. After what Hirst did to Rollo x Gisla and Sigurd, I don’t feel like going back to writing about them soon. It makes me sad.

The Sea Wolves

11: What do you like best about this fic?

The support is amazing. I was so afraid to share this story and it turned out to be more popular than the others. I love how Moyra is conflicted about fighting Ivar in little things, such as refusing to learn his language, to accept his demonstrations of affection and, at the same time, she wants to protect the child she didn’t ask for. I also love how we want Ivar to conquer her, but we know their relationship is not fated to be an usual love story. It started with violence.  

16: If you were to try and continue this fic in a sequel, what would you do with it?

I’m sorry, I’m not going to answer this until I update the two final chapters and the epilogue. I want to torture you all a little more. Just kidding. I’m thinking about asking the opinion of my followers about which path I should follow. I mean, start writing after the events following the epilogue or before the time jump between the last chapter and the epilogue. See? I revealed about a time jump. Hahahahaha.

17: What was your favorite piece of feedback for this fic and why?

It’s impossible to choose only one piece of feedback. Every word kept me writing this. I think you remember me saying it would be only two chapters, and here we are. It’s my most popular work. I was so afraid to post it and that prompt you sent me was the final push. Thanks a million. I love you, my little scorpion.

The Fox and The Maiden Fair

9: Were there any alternate versions of this fic?

Yes, I wanted to write a modern AU and I started A Grumpy Customer a few weeks ago. I’m almost finishing the next chapter with some surprises and funny lines (at least they were funny to write). And we have a modern Blaeja there. Helena, Emer’s friend from the coffee shop, is my modern verson of Blaeja.

[ceridwenofwales]

Osred was worried about Osberth’s safety, since the agreement was proposed by Aella, receiving a letter in the middle of the night telling him to protect his cousin didn’t help to ease his mind. He had never trusted Aella nor Osric. He was riding near Osberth, who was looking confident.

Osberth said. “After our victory, we will celebrate a marriage. Can you believe that after a long time, we will have something to be happy about?”

Osred was not so excited, watching Aella and Osric with attention. In fact, he hadn’t listen at all.

“So, what do you think?”, Osberth asked him.

Osred was lost. “About what?”

Osberth became angry. “You’re so distracted. What is happening? It seems this is your first battle.”

“I don’t trust Aella and Osric. They are planning something.”

Osberth laughed. “I don’t trust them either. When we defeat the invaders, I’ll marry Blaeja and take her with me. Away from her terrible father. He doesn’t deserve her.”

Osred nodded affirmatively. “I agree. She is a smart and kind woman. But, don’t be so distracted by dreams about the future. We must pay attention to Aella and the devil on his shoulder.”

After some hours of riding, they found a hill and decided to wait there to face the invaders. They had the advantage and didn't have to wait much. As soon as they organized the defenses, it was possible to hear horses approaching. The Vikings were coming.

[ceridwenofwales]

Zenobia: Ceridwen, sorry that I've been blogging you so much this week. I hope that I haven't been a pest? I'm curious what you think about Blaeja becoming a real character on Vikings? I'm pretty sure she's the black haired girl sitting on Aella's left during the family dinner. Judith is on his right and Queen Eadhwith is at the other head of the table. She definitely looks the right age to marry Sigurd (16-18). How do you think they'll meet?

Don’t worry! I just love receiving your messages. ^^

Please don’t stop! You can’t be a pest, you’re precious.

I’ve been worried about how Blaeja would be portrayed if she was going to be a real character. And after the latest episode, I’m really concerned. I just answered your last message, (*sorry about that) and we are going to see, once again, a discussion about if the Vikings should change or not.

It’s basically the same dialogue that Rollo and Floki had back in season 3.

Harald and Halfdan are waiting for a supernatural sign that they should overthrow Ragnar’s sons, to conquer all Norway. I think that Blaeja and Sigurd could be their reason. I mean, the beginning of Viking culture’s decline was the Christianism.

What would they think to have a Christian queen? They could use this to put people against Ragnar’s heirs.

[ceridwenofwales]

Ivar had another idea. “Why kill him if we can use him in our favor?”

The brothers were confused with his suggestion.

“We could pretend that our forces are not so considerable.” Ivar said.

Sigurd asked him. “How are we going to elude him?”

Ivar smiled. “Well, we could pretend a fight and make the man think our army splitted.”

Ubbe laughed. “It seems that you thought about it all the way.”

Ivar replied. “It’s my only way to be where I am.”