#assassin's creed valhalla king

[karjalantroll]

absolute disaster

I didn't even have enough space to put everyone in the hashtags......

[eziosofia]

ASSASSIN’S CREED: VALHALLA ASSASSIN’S CREED III

[m0use-house]

can anybody match Mouse's freak?

@forest-hashira

@oceaneyesinla

Mouse would be open to doing least favorite characters bingo if enough people enjoy this one!

Also if you decide to do it pls reblog with what you checked off, Mouse would love to see everyone's bingo card 👉🏻👈🏻

[radiofreewylde]

King Killer

I never liked the dragon tattoo Ivarr gets near the end of the Sciropescire arc so I commissioned a mod a while back to get rid of it. I think he looks so much better without it 😊

[astraverde]

I just started my replay of AC Valhalla and OH MY GOD!

I TOTALLY FORGOT HOW HOT KING ALFRED'S VOICE IS!!!

I mean, it sounds equally sickly and weak but also noble and masculine.

[perseus-veil]

love that you can find a note in wincestre that's basically like "king aelfred has hemorrhoids so bad and also he's really horny all the time" get the healer to fuck them roids off cause that sickly wessex prick needs some dick

[universalambients]

Norway, 1863

[middle-earthbarbie]

One of my favorite games & not just because I have a crush on girl Eivor.

But look how adorable she is with her flower crown! ☠️

[master-hekates-ceremonials]

#TemplarTuesday

[geekwiththeglasses]

The Asgard Saga, aka: Havi refuses to make good choices ever

[doberbutts]

Do you have any stories behind your dogs' names?

Since I was a little kid I wanted a pair of dobermans like Roscoe and DeSoto from Oliver and Company (the Disney movie), except I wanted to name them Skoll and Hati.

Ok so then I found out that usually male dobermans hate each other and it's to such an extent that most dobe breeders simply will not sell a male puppy to someone who already has a male dog. So I adjusted course to account for same sex aggression and decided to start with just one male.

And then I rescued Skoll.

After losing Skoll, I sort of wallowed for a bit because I grieve, um, very intensely, and I spun my wheels in being interested in getting another but not really knowing how I wanted to go about it. I was on a bunch of waiting lists but they either fell through or still didn't produce a puppy for over a year.

And then a (now former) friend told me about a puppy she was getting and how the breeder still had two males left and the litter naming theme was "moon". I knew I wanted to name my next male dobe something that at least nodded to Hati, since I was unwilling to have a call name that sounds so much like "hottie" because the reception of a black man saying hottie over and over in public spaces is, er, usually fairly poor. Ironically I still got the cops called on me in the same situation I was afraid of, training my dog in public, and it wasn't even over my dog's name.

I contacted the breeder, and a few weeks later was driving home with Creed- named for my favorite videogame series, and his registered name "Chasing the Moon" a nod to the theme and legacy I began with Skoll.

Creed died from cancer and I went back to grieving intensely and not really knowing what to do from there. Someone saw that I was looking for a co-own situation having heard through mutual friends, and sent me a bitch they'd pulled from a pretty horrific situation. She had an interesting pedigree, so the plan was to rehab and then breed her. That was Phoebe, and that was the name she came with, but I thought the name suited her and that's technically a god so sure. Phoebe unfortunately did not rehab as well as we thought she would, and succumbed to her poor condition.

Meanwhile, a good friend of mine that I've known since Creed was a puppy produced a litter she dedicated to the memory of him. The litter theme was Assassin's Creed Valhalla, which we were both enjoying playing in the months leading up to the litter being born. How perfect, my Norse wolf themed naming convention combined with the love of my silly historical fantasy series. So, Fenris, the Wolfkissed.

As for the non-dobermans:

Tiki and Fae are named after a Fire Emblem race called manaketes, who are people who can turn into dragons (or, I suppose more correctly, dragons that can turn into people). Tater was going to be named Corrin in the same theme, but was named by her breeder and I felt knew her name too well for me to change it. Fae's registered name was going to be Tiger King themed and I asked the breeder to please not do that and suggested something Greek God themed to match my gods themeing, and they agreed.

Sushi as the odd one out, I wanted a cute and non-intimidating name for what was supposed to be my service dog. I like plant and food names but was really having a hard time deciding until a roommate made the suggestion of Sushi, which I thought was very fitting and stayed on that.

[jurakan]

Do you have a Fun Fact for me? Maybe something about languages? I love languages!

Uh... I'm not an expert at languages, but I'll try. So Today You Learned about kennings! If you ever did Beowulf in high school you have probably looked at kennings a bit.

Alright, so a kenning is a phrase or figure of speech where you describe something in figurative, poetic language instead of just... saying the word you mean (I'm bad at explaining this). The famous one that everyone uses is "the whale-road", as in "Hakon traveled upon the whale road to England", or something like that. Well, what is the place that whales use to travel? The ocean. So "whale-road" = "ocean".

Norse and Old English poetry absolutely love this stuff. If you play Assassin's Creed: Valhalla, Eivor will actually say quite a few while you're traveling around or going into battle; for instance, there's talk of "traveling the swan-road" (sailing the rivers) or "spill the raven-wine" (killing people, as ravens eat carrion/dead bodies and presumably drink blood l like wine).

Wikipedia has a List of Kennings, though it's by no means comprehensive; the main article has some that aren't even on that list.

Some cool highlights (some from Wiki, some not)!:

-Freya's tears = gold/amber (she was said to weep tears of gold) -serpent's lair = treasure, as dragons were supposed to guard those -Gunnr's horse = wolf (Gunnr was a valkyrie, who are said to ride wolves) -Ring-Giver = king -feed the eagle = killing people -spear-din = battle -battle-dress = armor -shield-clash = battle

Now one might argue that we still use these, with terms like "couch potato" and "bookworm"? I don't know if that's not quite true, as we're not really referring to actual things. At least, not those examples. But some other things:

-We Catholics, for instance, sometimes refer to the Papacy as "Peter's chair" -'pencil pusher' for someone working at a desk all day -pig-skin for a football -'fender-bender' for a car accident

And you can make up some of your own, if you want! I hope this was an interesting Fun Fact, friendo.

[fr-wiwiw]

well, to indulge myself i'm writing this post to ramble and share a bit of my Gahan barbarian!au. it's going to be a bit of a long post i think, we'll see.

i saw noel's post about their gladiator!yohan & prince!gaon (check it here!) and it makes me miss writing the arranged marriage barbarian!au i have, it only has what.. 3 or 4 chapters I think. you can read it here.

i've always been fascinated by the visuals of medieval, historical, period era. even post apocalyptic future settings like Horizon Zero games franchise.

i think i started au bcs i've played too much Assassin's Creed Valhalla— i haven't finished it yet, too preoccupied with Monster Hunter World— but i have sketched my female Eivor several times in my sketchbook. this was when i'm curious and interested enough to draw human but haven't fully grasped the gesture, anatomy, shapes and all. i usually draw what i take interest on and it helps me tremendously, to keep on learning and push through my frustrations.

and of course.. my Gahan brainrot picked it up. hence the barbarian!au for TDJ born

i have sketches of Gahan in this au, i think i've shared them here too but i'll re-share here. it doesn't catch many eyes, i admit it's a bit of a bummer but I like the idea anyway. I used to imagined them before I went to sleep, now it's idol/celeb!gaon x mysterious husband!yohan that's occupying my mind. but anyways! here are the sketches.

1st sketch is me trying to see his body proportion in viking/barbarian attire. the upper left sketch was me wanting to see modern Yohan stripping off his clothes ig haha.. anyways, between Gaon/Jinyoung and Yohan/Jisung, it's VERY difficult to nail down his face. less lines doesn't resembles him at all and add some more lines he looks too realistic to my simplified version of Gaon/Jinyoung. it was hard trying to find the balance for these characters to be in the same picture and look like they belong in the same style. i want to do Yohan/Jisung's pretty face justice but i still struggled in this sketches. i think this was 2021? 2022?

2nd sketch— his long protruding neck lmao i haven't fully grasped how a person can pose naturally but it came out as if he has turtle neck syndrome going on. well done Yohan! you are a turtle apparently according to my hand. all jokes aside, this was me attempting to paint his face bcs i never really attempted to paint gahan. i doodled and sketched more than i paint/rendering and i'm on my way to learn more of rendering daily if possible, alongside with my daily sketches. you can also see i've tried to give some color to his attire and some medallion or such. do you see a braid there? i will get there, the braid is something significant in this story ;)

3rd sketch is basically me planning out his character design as a barbarian/viking chief. you can see bits of references cuts here and there, took me quite some time bcs i just started to really try my hands on concept character design properly— i love cloaks and capes and vikings has exactly just that, and the winter times are especially my favorite type of attire on them so i thought why not give Yohan polar bear fur as his official formal attire while still flaunting his wonderful body to the world be it summer or winter lmao. here's where you know it's fantasy. i'm sure people back then drink ales and what not to keep their body warm so they can go bare-chested in winter even but i'm sure the day after that they will regret it. but i make Yohan and his clan to have special abilities for living in cold places. doesn't mean i don't make them wear winter attire but this is only bcs i want him to be bare-chested xD the one I post here was before i dabble on the sketch a bit more. hopefully one day i can share it again with more updates for this au.

now.. onto Gaon's sketches.

he's a Prince in this story. his parents, the King and the Queen, arranged a marriage for him for political reasons. but they have special reasons as to why they pick Yohan, aside from political purposes, to be their son's betrothed and gave him away to Yohan's barbarian clan.

1st sketch (ignore the upper left, that's Jinyoung from his other drama). i want to see him in medium and long hair length. there's a purpose to this. he has his canon Gaon hairstyle when he was the Prince in the palace. but with time and some adjustments living with Yohan and his barbarian clan rubs off on him. perhaps it's due to that, or he's grown tired to cut it off again and again (he has no one to groom him properly now unlike in the palace), practical reason is to maintain heat around his neck while in winter, or it's his idea of adapting and blending in with the enemy. you can't blame him for being wary. he's whisked away from his comfort place and home and married off to a fearsome and famous barbarian on the land at that time, almost willingly got raped by Yohan on 1st chapter (yes, you read that right). other reasons why he grows his hair, as i mentioned the culture rubs off on him, is something to do with the hair braiding too. and personal reason is that i want to see pretty Gaon in long hair lol

2nd sketch on the left was him on early days on Yohan's fur beddings. the right was him perhaps laughing out loud by some surprising and amusing thing Yohan said after living with him for some months, you can see the different hair length there. gosh he looks unalive in here lol idk why.. my sketches were still rigid here

3rd sketch is them after establishing a genuine intimate relationship and Yohan has to be away to fend off some unexpected visitors. unfortunately it cost Yohan some of his men's lives. but he made it back to his clan and his betrothed. i make it as if Gaon was anxious waiting for him and one of the barbarian shouted for Yohan's arrival and he ran immediately. lunged at Yohan perhaps, the barbarian Chief managed to catch him but didn't quite have the strength to carry them both upright as the weariness sinks into him post battle & adrenaline wearing off of him. he's home now, in Gaon's arms.

now.. the hair braiding.

barbarians/viking has long hair and braids on their hair. styled cascading down or up into a pony tail or a mohawk and such. idk if this is historically correct but i'm winging most of this anyway but the idea of braids in this story is that it's significant to lovers. it's a mark between special intimate relationship (like lovers, spouses, soulmates). one can have a braid or braid their lover's hair should they wish to, it's very intimate and special for them. jeweleries might have certain status symbol for them and their ranks but I also prefer these barbarians have something simple to symbolize their intimacy. something that can get overlooked but enough for their significant other to know (and some people) what it means.

I like the idea of Yohan having accessories for his attire but his hair is clean from braids. clearly it's saying something if you've read this far and seeing my sketches for their different stages of relationship. over the years of them finally developing feelings and genuinely established a relationship, despite already being married an Gaon almost got raped by Yohan, they are lovers.

yet Yohan never really initiates anything about him wanting to have braid(s) or braiding Gaon's hair. he might have explained about what braids are to Gaon when the bambi was curious or off-handedly commented something about it. Gaon really finds out the real meaning from Yohan's ppl and he wonders why Yohan never asks or wants braids from him. then he realizes Yohan has always been respectful to him, even years after that night he almost raped him. always keeping healthy distance, outside of their sex and other intimate physical affections, he usually waits until Gaon ask first regarding intimate things. not that he never initiates things, he figures something as serius and committed as this is something Gaon wants to have an option to bail out from. they were arranged to have marriage for political reasons after all, Gaon has the freedom to not have feelings for him as long as he stays within the wedding pact rules Yohan make with the King & the Queen ( for Gaon's sake too). He never expects to have feelings for the Prince and he always keeps the option of Gaon falling out of love of him one day. it is only fair, he thinks.

but then Gaon asks him if he wants Gaon to braid his hair. the Prince never ceases to make him falter. it still shocks and amuses him, to have someone have this much effect on him. even with nervousness and blushing state Gaon is in now after uttering those words.. Yohan wonders what he has done to have this kind of luxury to have someone this precious in his arms.

and if his people noticed a single braid just near the back of his neck when wind swept his hair or if he pulls his hair into a ponytail on hot summer days? they will all grin smugly.. Yohan likes to keep it a bit hidden from view mainly bcs it's practical and he doesn't want ppl to accidentally graze it off when he's having friendly wrestle matches or axe practices. or even having people cut it off when he's at war. he doesn't hide it per se, it's visible when it's visible. Gaon smiles sweetly and adoringly when he finds this out bcs to him, it feels as if Yohan is unconsciously protecting it. protecting their relationship, protecting Gaon.

and if Gaon walks out of Yohan's tent, that days when he asks if he can braid Yohan's hair, with a braid or several on his hair? visible to everyone? the people cheer and roar in celebration. they throw a huge feast and toast to their relationship, congratulating the power couple. wishing the gods to give these two their blessings and to protect them. they're finally able to see their Chief have a partner that is equal to him. it's a memorable day

but if you think this story doesn't come with heavy angst, tears, pain and betrayal.. well think again ;))

i will stop here. thankyou for reading! i hope i can pick up this au again in my drawings & writings

[warrocketpodcast]

Show Notes 8/26/24

We're covering Thor (1998) #41-45 on the show this week, and things definitely take a turn as Thor becomes king of Asgard and Jake Olsen is basically swept under the rug.

The rundown:

Chris' check and rec: Quitting Assassin's Creed Odyssey, Assassin's Creed Valhalla

Matt's check and rec: Yakuza: Like a Dragon, Inside Out 2

Big Bad Toy Store's BigBad Batman Battle is going on now! Go vote for your favorite Batman and buy a whole bunch of cool toys by using our referral link!

We make our show on Zencastr, and you can too! Follow this link to sign up now!

Comics reviewed:

Giant-Size Thor #1

Jenny Sparks #1

Wolverine Revenge #1

Listen here!

[fromashesweriseuphiddenones]

For Mother's Day I am going to give you my list with the top Moms from Assassin's Creed. I am going extremely limited based on official materials. Six total mothers that we have seen in some capacity. These are the mothers who have done what they thought was best for their kids, and supported them. They aren't perfect by any means, as you will soon see.

6) Tessa Kenway: first of all she is great for accepting Jennifer Scott who wasn't even her kid. She's a great stepmom. Still doting on her even when Haytham was born. And Haytham admits that she loved him. But then Edward is killed, and Haytham kills a man, defending his home and family. Tessa disowns him. Likely Birch manipulated her but this is the reason she is so low.

5) Grandma Frye: Don't fully know why this lady was raising the Twins for a time but she was. Got to give credit to the grandmothers who jump back into the fry when their grandkids need help. I think she was a product of her time to not only attempt to raise the twins with proper gender roles but return them to their father. @emoscot if you know more please share.

4) Maria Auditore: I feel really bad putting her here because she is a great mom, raising Four Kids in 15th century Italy, guiding and disciplining her children, supporting her children, hell two of them (Ezio and Perturccio) gave her scares (Not intentionally on their parts. Ezio wasn't breathing when he was born and Perturccio was sickly), spoke to them not down to them, even embarrassed them as a good mother should. Why is she so low though? Well it's her years of mourning and silence. Yes she lost her husband and two of her sons, but Ezio and Claudia were alive and with her. Yes losing your partner is hard but girl, your remaining children needed you.

3) Kaniehtì:ío: Rathnhtonké:ton's mother. She was strict sure but loving. Even teaching him English. I think we get more in the Tyranny of King Washington but that moment when Rathnhtonké:ton sees her in the vision, he hugs her, tightly. She really instilled a strong sense of love and respect in him.

2) Cassidy Finnegan: There is something more loving than what Cassidy did for Shay Cormac but I will get there. Shay was brought to her and her husband Barry broken and likely threading between life and death. However instead of shunning a stranger (though they likely already knew Marno from their son) they took him in. Nursed his wounds, helped him mentally and physically, even clothed and armed him before he left. Even if they weren't, that was Christen behavior, helping the least of their brothers.

1) Rosta (Evior's Mother): Rosta in the opening of Valhalla is an amazing mother. Supportive of her child Evior. However as soon as danger strikes she is a she-wolf protecting her pups. She gets Evior out of the mead hall, through a window and on to Sigard's horse. She fights a warrior's fight and dies fighting even when her husband laid his life down attempting to spare his people. Evior always speaks ill of Varn but never Rosta.

Honorable Mentions

Maria Therope: Former Templar badass who handed her spouse's ass to him on a platter and kicked him in the head just a year later.

Sofia Santor: Book loving momma who doesn't need to be told to get the kids to safety.

Paola and Sister Theodosia: They run brothels and are likely all some of these girls have.

Momma Miles: Yes she is here because like Evior, Desmond never speaks ill of her. She may have been absent more often than not, but I like to think she made an effort especially if she could be heard begging Desmond not to run.

And just for the fun of it my opinion on the three worst mothers in Assassins Creed.

3) Aya: I am sorry but where were you that day? Why was Khuem with Bayek? Were you trying to get him killed?

2) Kassandra and Alexios' Mom: Look I get Greece and all, prochey wasn't to be taken lightly but need I remind you of the saying "Fate meets those on the road they take to avoid it"

1) Who Ever Was Responsible for the ISU- Slavers, Racists and unethical scientists. God-like beings whose own hubris not only led them to create the very instruments of their destruction but they also enslaved them. Then fought a war, while an impending disaster hovered above.

Anyway Happy Mother's Day to all you amazing moms.

[iinafarawaygalaxii]

Assassins Creed: Valhalla | One Shot

Eivor Varinsdottir x Vili Hemmingson

Twenty-Six & Counting

Summary: A year into her reign as Jarlskona, Eivor stands amidst the grandeur of Ravensthorpe, a far cry from her days as a simple raider. The convergence of dignitaries and well-wishers paints a portrait of a life she never imagined. But beneath the festive façade, a hint of melancholy lingers. For Eivor, celebrations of self have always been elusive, making this day a complex tapestry of joy and quiet introspection.

WC: 2.8k

Warnings: None. Just some fluff between our childhood sweethearts.

"Eivor!"

The orange-haired table maiden stood beside Eivor's bed, disappointment etched on her face as she rolled her eyes viewing the lifeless drengir in the deepest of sleeps, "Nine Realms," she muttered, tapping her foot impatiently but the Jarlskona remained unfazed, a warrior turned inanimate by the previous night's revelry in ale. "Eivor!" Randvi exclaimed, shoving her gently but still nothing... With a sigh, Randvi conceded defeat.

"Guess I'll handle it myself-"

She straightened her shoulders and strode from Eivor's room into the bustling hall of the longhouse already teeming with life and merriment as the arriving guests for Eivor's birthday celebration sipped on ale and snacked on the fruits of their labor. "Friends, family, allies-" She began, her voice ringing clear amidst the cheer. "Thank you for joining us on this momentous occasion. For lodging, please see Sunniva, who will guide you to your stay-"

Cheers erupted as guests from far and wide from Francia, Dublin, Isle of Sky, Vinland, and even their homeland of Norway – converged on Ravensthorpe. The city, built brick by brick, nail by nail, log by log... Instigated by Eivor and Sigurd themselves, finished by their clan that buzzed with excitement to hail her on such a glorious day for the amazing things she's done. Randvi took a deep breath and began the task of managing the influx. As morning bled into the noon, the drone of bees and birdsong filling the air. Guests huddled around fire pits all across Ravensthorpe, enjoying the afternoon before the evening feast. All the while, Randvi frantically welcomed new arrivals feeling her eyes darting towards Eivor's room every so often.

"Why is she still asleep?" She muttered in panic when a familiar voice rang out. Turning, she saw her ex-husband, Sigurd, pushing through the throng. "Have you seen Eivor?" He inquired, "King Ceowulf and Jarl Hemmingson will be here soon. She wouldn't want to miss that." He cast a proud gaze over their lively city, a reflection of his own satisfaction. "Still sleeping," Randvi confessed with a wry smile. "We may have overindulged last night..."

"We?"

Sigurd exclaimed pointing at himself as he gave Randvi the friendly reminder that it was Eivor and his ex wife that caused all commotion last night- starting with the ale house fights for their hand in marriage when it wasn't even a consideration in the first place. **'These women...'** Sigurd thought shaking his head as he heard the horns of King Ceowulf and Jarl Hemming's arrival. "Shit..." Sigurd said panning back to Eivor's room with no shuffled movements. "Wake her-Now!" Sigurd commanded as Randvi took off back to Eivor's rooms in anticipation.

"Eivor enough!"

Randvi flung through the doorway and stormed in finding the Jarlskona slumped on the edge of the bed- a groan escaping her lips as she clutched her head. "Gods above." Randvi muttered, the sight mirrored in Eivor's throbbing skull – a testament to the previous night's revelry. Even the legendary drengir couldn't resist the allure of spiced mead and ale. Randvi crossed her arms, a hint of amusement battling the urgency in her voice, "Five glorious hours, Eivor. Five. And all it took was the blaring horn of Vili Hemmingson to finally break your ale-induced slumber."

Eivor attempted to rise in her defense, but Randvi silenced her with a well-aimed tunic. "Get ready-" she declared. "Half of Europe is here to celebrate you. Make yourself… presentable, for Odin's sake." With that, Randvi swept out, leaving Eivor to her throbbing head and a growing sense of dread. The Jarlskona flopped back onto the bed, exhaustion warring with a dull ache behind her eyes. "Just let me sleep-" She mumbled, burying her face in the pillow as a hand instinctively went to her forehead. 'Wait… why is everyone here?' Then realization struck like a lightning bolt.

"Shit," she groaned, her memories flooding back. "It's my birthday."

-

Today was indeed her birthday- the sounds of laughter and merriment filtered through the walls, a jarring counterpoint to the turmoil simmering within her. A day that would’ve have been filled with joy, yet- a heavy weight settled in her chest casted a shadow of memories- the echo of past celebrations with her parents, their laughter and warmth... threatened to overwhelm her. Eivor reached, her fingers brushing the hilt of her hidden blade. A cold comfort and reminder of the harsh reality that had taken her parents from her. 'They wouldn't want to see me like this.' She thought turning her attention to the blank wall before her.

Pushing the weight of grief aside, she lifted her chin, a flicker of defiance in her steely gaze. Today may not be the joyous occasion it once was, but she wouldn't let the shadows win. She would celebrate, for her clan, for her Ravensthorpe, and for the memory of her parents who would have wanted her to be strong.

Clad in her clan colors, Eivor surveyed herself with a critical eye. The seafoam silk tunic felt cool and luxurious against her skin- the black belt and cotton pants in contrast to the silver strings bound together by golden beads dangling from her belt- a symbol of her jarlskona status as the servants wove matching metal through her hair. She adjusted her cuffs- the fabric brushing against her calloused fingers. "There," she murmured, a hint of satisfaction in her voice. "Presentable, at least."

Eivor gave a final nod to her servants, dismissing them with a silent gratitude. Alone in the room, she sat on the edge of the bed, the weight of the coming celebration settling upon her. A choked whisper escaped her lips, "I miss you-" Her gaze drifted skyward, a silent plea to the gods where she imagined her parents watching. "-I only wish you were here..." Tears welled in her eyes, but she blinked them back fiercely.

Today, she wouldn't let grief consume her.

She took a deep breath clenching her fists as a surge of determination replaced the sorrow, enabling her to leave the room. This wasn't just a celebration; it was a personal battle, a test of her strength. After all, It had been years since she last celebrated a birthday, given everything her and her clan went through. And even during those times was only accompanied by her brother and friends. This? Was a feast for their Jarlskona, their ally, their Hero of England and with a resolute stride, she walked from her bed to the war room, the pounding of her heart a war drum against her ribs when she paused behind the massive throne momentarily blocking her from view.

A flicker of doubt crossed her face, but it was quickly replaced by a glint of defiance. She peeked around the corner, and the sight that took her breath away. The hall was a sea of cheering faces, a vibrant tapestry woven from her allies and friends. All of them from distant lands, here for her. Eivor's lips curved into a genuine smile, her eyes sparkling with a mixture of surprise and appreciation. It was as if a switch had been flipped. She took a step from behind the throne, then another and another. Her footsteps carried, from the metal clink of her boots, her beads and jewels- announcing her arrival hearing the hall fall silent. She scanned the room, eyes lowered with a grin and opened her warms "Welcome..." The room erupted in a thunderous, "SKAL!" as horns and helmets soared into the air- people surging forward, eager to embrace the Wolf-Kissed and begin the celebration of her birthday.

Tekla: "Aye, the mighty wolf-kissed was born this day 26 winters ago-"

Gunnar: "I was there yuh know. When she was born. Held her wee' body in my arms. Who would've known I was holding the future Jarl of Ravensclan! Ha Ha Ha"

Eivor, perched on the table and leaned forward, captivated by the rapt attention of the crowd telling tale of a youthful antics that had them roaring with laughter. The sound a balm for her weary soul. A genuine smile bloomed on her face, the first true happiness she'd felt in a long time as she suddenly heard footsteps approached from behind.

"There you are!"

Randvi exclaimed, a playful smile tugging at her lips with Sigurd trailing behind her- a hint of amusement in his eyes as he threw his arm around his sister and exclaimed, "We've been searching for you!" with a wide grin making Eivor suspicious as she raise a brow. They overlooked the crowd as Sigurd pulled her through, the buzzing civilians clapping her on the back on the way out of the longhouse taking her directly to-

"Vili??"

The afternoon sun cast long shadows as Vili turned, his imposing figure accentuated against the golden sky and silhouette broader than before. Eivor's heart skipped a beat as she approached him, a grin curving on their lips. His beard, now a fuller and darker, clung to his sharp jawline with rugged charm- a richer frame to his face. Yet, it was the mischievous glint in his deep blue eyes, unchanged since their childhood, that truly stirred her. "Wolf-Kissed!" He opened his arms wide and brought her in for a bear hug, her arms wrapping snuggly around his neck that carried a tad longer than the common curtesy. She melted into his embrace, the familiar scent of pine and leather- a calming elixir and balm for her hugr.

For a moment, the world narrowed to the rhythm of their hearts. "Ahh- Happy Birthday." He sighed out, regretfully letting her down as Eivor cocked her head, her hands gently on his shoulders to get a close look at his beard. He studied her face feeling her fingers trace through the rough stubble of his jaw- her touch light and teasing. "You've let it grow," she vexed, her gaze locked on his. "My people say it makes me more striking." Vili replied, a hint of arrogance masking the vulnerability in his eyes for her approval. "Do you like it... Wolf-Kissed?" His voice was a husky purr, and Eivor felt a shiver run down her spine. She stepped back, their gazes locked, the promise of their shared secret hanging heavy in the air.

"Just reminds me of the time you wished for a beard of your own at the tender age of 12 winters..." Vili grinned, the memory painting his face with warmth as he chuckled. He recalled the sticky mess of sap and the clumps of sheep fur clinging stubbornly for days afterwards. Their laughter intertwined, a warm melody filling the crisp air. "Oh, hush now, Wolf-Kissed," He retorted, feigning offense. "That beard was a work of art! Besides-" He added with a mischievous glint, "-Winter's teeth bite deep in Snottingham, even for a Jarl. One must be..." He leaned closer, his hand gently cupping her chin, "...prepared." His whisper tickled her skin, and his eyes held hers for a stolen moment before he released her with a final wink.

"Ah so, in reality-" Eivor teased, her voice laced with playful challenge, "-you only braved the swan road to escape fickle English weather. Hardly the stuff of sagas, is it? Not like you were born amidst the howling blizzards of Norway." She folded her arms, swaying her hips with a subtle confidence that belied the suppressed grin tugging at her lips. Vili couldn't help but scoff, his cheeks warming beneath his beard. "Perhaps not," he conceded, his gaze locking with hers. "But even the fiercest drengir appreciates a warm hearth now and then- wouldn't you agree, Wolf-Kissed?"

Eivor felt a flutter in her chest at his words, his deep voice sending a shiver down her spine. She met his gaze, her own eyes sparkling with a mix of amusement and something more. "A warm hearth... and good company-" she countered, her voice barely above a whisper. Vili stepped closer, the air between them crackling with unspoken desires. He reached out, his calloused hand gently brushing a stray strand of hair from her face. "Indeed," he murmured, his voice husky, "Good company is worth braving any storm for." Their eyes met, and for a fleeting moment, the world seemed to hold its breath. But before either could speak, Trygve's booming voice cut through the air, shattering the intimate spell. "My Lords! Your gift is ready." He declared, his enthusiasm oblivious to the charged atmosphere. Eivor blinked, reluctantly breaking the connection with Vili. "Come, wolf-kissed," He said, his voice regaining its usual playful jilt, "I have something for you."

As they approached the docks, Eivor's curiosity simmered in her like water to fire trying to withstand Vili's antics... The way he'd glanced back at her with that enticing grin, mirroring her own- only fueling her intrigue further. 'Arse-stick...' She thought with a chuckle. Her arms remaining folded as a subtle shield against the anticipation that danced in her chest as Vili strode confidently toward his sleek river steed—a longship docked among the others, awaiting its haul of gifts.

Crew members bustled about, unloading cargo, until a particularly ornate box, marked with bold strokes of blue and yellow paint, was presented directly to Vili. His grin widened, and Eivor felt a flutter in her stomach "Whats this?" She asked, her voice a mix of curiosity and anticipation, watching as Vili held the box in front of him and slowly lifted the lid. "For you, wolf-kissed." He said, his voice low and rich. Her eyes widened as he revealed the contents. It was a beautifully adorned axe. The handle was wrapped in her signature seafoam green—her clan colors—the hilt gleaming with gold, and the head was forged from pure iron with a razor-sharp steel edge.

Eivor's breath hitched. She gingerly took the axe from Vili, her fingers tracing the intricate raven etched into the grain of the weapon. Runes, symbols of power and protection- adorned the blade, their meanings a mystery she longed to unravel. She knew Vili must have spent countless hours explaining every detail to the blacksmith as a fiery warmth spread through her chest. Why would he go to such lengths for her? The question lingered in the air, unspoken but heavy with significance.

Eivor gently took the axe, her fingers grazing along the smooth cool metal of the hilt. She touched the edge, a whisper of a cut forming from even the gentlest touch as a bead of blood dripped down her finger "Deadly," She breathed, her voice hushed with awe. Vili's face bloomed into a smile that could melt glaciers as he watched her test the axe's balance, swinging it with practiced ease in an elegant dance- Pride radiated from him as his gaze fixed on the confident smile that blossomed on Eivor's face, a delicate blush coloring her cheeks with a grin wide enough to show her canines. With a final flourish, she halted abruptly, the axe coming to rest in its sheath at her belt with a satisfying click.

"I like it..."

Eivor's heart swelled with a mixture of gratitude and wonder. How could she ever repay him for something so meaningful, so perfectly crafted for her? Her gaze met his, and for a breathless moment, their eyes locked, the air between them thrumming with unspoken desires. Impulsively, she stepped forward, closing the distance between them. With a gentle touch, she cupped his cheek, her lips brushing against his skin in a tender kiss. "Thank you." She murmured, her voice husky with emotion.

She fell in love with the axe instantly, its beauty and power a reflection of her own strength. It was the perfect counterpart to her father's weapon, a symbol of her own legacy. "I don't know how to repay you for this, Vili." She admitted, her hand tracing the outline of the axe in its sheath. "I need only one thing from you." He said, his voice a low rumble as he tilted her chin up, forcing her to meet his gaze. "That you get back in there-" he continued, his eyes sparkling with warmth, "-and have the feast of your life. It's not every day we turn 26."

A slow smile spread across Eivor's face. She understood now- Vili knew how she felt about grand celebrations. Birthdays were typically intimate affairs, shared with her closest confidants or not at all. This... this was different. Overwhelming, even. But Vili, in his own way, had found a remedy to sooth her hugr. '*So considerate'* She thought, her heart swelling with affection. She turned back to him, her eyes soft with gratitude.

"Come, Arse-Kisser." she teased, a playful lull returning to her voice. She reached out, her hand clasping his, and pulled him towards the longhouse, walking backwards so she could keep her eyes on him. "Let us celebrate." She declared, her voice ringing with newfound enthusiasm. She released his hand, flashing him a warm smile before disappearing into the hall together. Vili, momentarily stunned by her touch, following in her wake. The air crackled with a palpable tension, a delicious anticipation of what the night might hold. Two Jarls- childhood friends, and a simmering passion that threatened to ignite by their next touch. This was going to be a night neither of them would ever forget.