Vikings Amoung Us-Closed

[Perplexia]

Lady Emma Acley stood about five foot four inches, her long brownish red hair and light blue eyes made her one of the most beautiful women in England. The village Acley, named after her forefathers, had been a small fishing village off the coast of southwest England.

Her mother had passed about five years earlier, leaving her father to abandon the idea he had been pondering of marrying her off. Instead he lost himself in the bottle. Which left Emma to pick up the pieces. It had been common practice for him to pass out in the streets. Not only had Emma lost all respect for him, the town did as well. With the amount of alcohol consumption, it came as no surprise when he was found dead on the street.

England was in several kingdoms. Acley although technically in the kingdom of Kent.
It was one of the few villages that was entirely self-sufficient. Their main food source was fish, but they had also mastered farming. It was a great combination of all walks of life from blacksmiths, to horsemen. They were often approached with requests to trade from neighboring villages. But Emma found that as they didn’t require anything from as a whole from outside, the parties affected should simply trade themselves.

Her job was to entitle their safety and ensure the rules were followed. If a family was having a hard time, she would find ways to help resolve it. All for one and one for all was their motto. They were stronger as a unit.

The village looked at her for vision and protection, just as they had since her mothers passing. In return she had to take it upon herself to become skilled in all aspects of village life. That gave her the opportunity to lend a hand when needed. She also encouraged others to do the same. Not only could she shoe a horse, but she could also wield a sword better than most.

There had been rumors of viking invasions throughout the neighboring kingdoms. Being a coastal town that was a little worrying, but they were on a steep cliff that wasn’t easy to climb. It did help to provide some protection. But further down which is where their fishing boats came in and out of, was a worry.

They did create a stone wall, gate and watch towers. She had personally assisted with the training of their little army. It wasn’t quite as large as other villages. She knew that a land invasion was more probable. But thus far they hadn’t had any issues. Of course in this timeframe violence and raids were common occurrences. However due to their location, it was less likely. There were some farms that were outside the village that would be hit first.

It was unusual in this era that women were allowed to be in a position of power. With her father gone, she continually received offers of marriage from neighboring villages wanting to merge their towns with hers. She disregarded them however, because it wasn’t that they were interested in her. They simply wanted more land. If she got married she wouldn’t be allowed the freedom or opinions that she currently enjoyed. She would be no more than property. What was the point of that? It wasn’t that she was against marriage. It was simply that most of the men she incurred were simply barbarians with a title. She had a title, so she didn’t need to marry to have one. It wasn’t as if she wanted to be kept as no more than a prize cow.

Emma was going about her daily task when a rider came in through the gate.. “Lady Acley, Lady Acley “ he yelled, jumping from his horse. “VIKINGS” he yelled. The town suddenly came alive with people gathering around her. “They attacked the Logan farm, and are heading this way.”

“Mr. Brown Ring the bell” she called. The man took off toward the church in a hurry. “Collins Gather the troops” she Yelled. “EVERYONE NOW PREPARE”. Emma had been smart enough to hold monthly drills to keep everyone sharp. “Everyone to their Stations” she cried. The order was repeated in haste amongst the town and everyone fell into place. Emma’s stable boy ran to her with her armor and sword. It wasn’t exactly preferred that someone dress her up in the public square. But in this case an exception was made.

“Everyone quickly” she cried once dressed, and made her way up to the top of the wall where she could await the invasion.

 

[ERedBoyd]

Erik The Black stood at the bow of his newly built Viking longship, called 'Loki', as his crew of 30 berserkers sat and rowed with ferocity towards the English shore. For nearly 30 years now, this particular piece of English coast had been a nuisance in his side thanks to a variety of defenses the English had erected thanks to the local regent. This regent, this Lord Acley had set up a series of tall ... for lack of better term... fire towers every 250 paces or so which would quickly allow archers to mount and launch hundreds... even thousands of flaming arrows at any oncoming ship. To Erik's dismay, his last encounter with this group had nearly cost him his leadership rights over his people. Many had strongly suggested just looking for richer shores along France or Southern England... Lands were people didn't even know they existed yet.

However, despite the perfectly logical reason of his warriors, Erik's pride had been wounded in the last assault. They had only been able to successfully gain shoreline a few times in those thirty years... and even those for a few weeks or months before they were pushed back out into the oceans. This last time... however, in the haste of retreat, one woman who had stood up in those towers, one he had met eye to eye who sported brownish red hair and some of the fairest eyes he had ever seen... had raised a bow with a flaming arrow... and fired it. The arrow didn't head to his ship, but that of one of his sister ships... and pierced her Captain in the back... her Captain... who had been his wife... She had shot down his wife in the back as they had retreated.... the pain of his loss was devastating and through the rage and pain, faced this woman on the tower once more... and swore... before he went to Valhalla... he would see her dead....

That had been nearly 2 years ago. Erik had never waivered on that promise even as he watched his wife's body slip into the deep... even as they tried to take his seat... even as he forged new ships, raised new warriors... prepared new plans... and he had a plan indeed... shortly after he had returned to his Viking shores he had encountered a strange trader with slanted eyes who sold to him a form of magical weapon... A weapon of black powder that had been stuffed into small metal balls....with what the man called a 'wick' stuffed into it that when lit and tossed, would cause a huge explosion. His men knew this was the work of the gods... It had been a sign... his longship had been named Loki... and this man was given to him as a gift... by Loki... the God of mischief and fire.

The first part of his plan was ready to occur when he sent a single ship loaded with these balls of metal, not to East England, but south England. These men had lost their seat in Valhalla and prayed the Gods would allow them in if they completed this one mission for their Viking King Erik the Black. His men shaved off their beards and used stealth to head towards those fire towers once more. They split up a few men per each of the 10 towers... and had prepared for the main forces to return.

Erik then launched his new forces which included 12 new ships they had fast tracked to completion... along with nearly 300 Vikings to prepare for invasion. He split his forces up three ships moving further north and further south to help flanking... while the main group... 6 ships would attack on the front. His men already on the English shore had kept watch for his assault party... then as they. The plan was far from flawless though as far to the north, one of the northernmost towers seemed to explode in a giant ball of fire. His northern flank was out of sync with his own ships and already started the assault landing nearly a place the English called 'Logan Farm'

Erik knew there would be issues but had not expected a wall built between the towards on the coast... men stood on the top of the wall, bows ready... He could see he had stirred the pot a great deal... and he kept a flag in the air signalling to his other ships to remain just out of range of the bows... that would be certain death....

He was depending on now... were the stealth crew to do their magic and destroy the towers... should they fall... the day would be theirs.... behind them... lightning flashed in an ominous looking sky... storms would also hit the shores and with those storms, the fierce power of Thor!

 

[Perplexia]

Emma had no room for error. Her village was her troops. Each had a role to play, each from the elderly to the 7 year old stood with the men and woman that took up their spots. The only people excluded were mothers with children 6 and under. Even then they would alternate between the others. One adult per five children. "Ships aren't moving" called one of the men facing the sea. Walking around she took a look. They were indeed not advancing. "If they move past arrow rock light them up" Emma commanded. Only once had they been attempted to be attacked by viking before. They had attacked and been defeated. Since then she had the wall built all the way around. "Double up on the three land walls." she commanded. "Sea Wall let us know if they advance".

Hold those arrows until they are within distance. Don't waste them. Make them count." She took her position on the top wall. "Get the water ready, they will fight fire with fire."

What she didn't anticipate when they attacked was the hard ball that hit the tower and burst into flames. The fire was quickly put out, it gave her a thought to build another stonewall around it at the next opportunity. "Keep them off that ball machine" she ordered taking the first shot to hit the man getting ready to light the fire. Tight and together they held them back and taking out as many as they could before they fell back. Watching them retreat wasn't a victory. At any point they could regather and return. "Get the injured and dead to the center" she ordered. "Replacements take over, stay alert while those that were on rest and get ready for a potential next shift."

As the rain started to fall she advised them to mind the fires. "Don't create a dark spot, it will give them easy access. If they get over the walls, we're done for" she yelled. Just because they were considered barbarians, she knew better then to underestimate them. Just because they were considered uncivilized, only meant they didn't follow the same structure that this country did. They weren't stupid, they were warriors, even their women swung axes and shot arrows, just as fierce as the men. They were a force to be reckoned with. In some ways their civilization was more advanced than the country she lived in.
Due to the rain, and the doubling up of her men on three of her walls, this battle had seemed to be victorious. Though soon she would facing another battle that couldn't be fought with arrows. Something that would require sacrifice and outwitting.

"Jasper, what was that thing you were telling me about that you were told about that flung fire?" He looked at her for a moment and racked his brain. "Oh, the guy from Greece that i met on my travels, they had something that translate to catapult." he said. "Do you still have the sketch he made you?" "Yes Mi Lady, I'll get on it first thing." "Good, I have a feeling we may need it one day. If these are the same Vikings that tried before, they will try again."

 

[ERedBoyd]

"Mi'Lord! The norther towers have fallen!!!" One of his men said as he looked north to see not just one... but three towers in a fiery inferno. His men cheered as the one in the middle seemed to fall into the ocean!!!

Erik turned his eyes to the south and could see the towers afar seemed to hold. They were supposed to all fall entirely! The northern shores were exposed now but the southern shores and further, the towers of this village seemed to hold too! His eyes moved across the top wall and that is where he saw her once more... the woman who had slaughtered his wife as they had retreated!

"Sir... look!!" another man pointed north... a fourth tower was going up in flames.... That was nice but he wanted the center towers down. If he drew his ships any closer, they would decimate his forces with arrows. He said, "Hold here!!! Hold!!! Go no closer!!! Signal the northern ships to land. Hold the beaches till the southern forces arrive!! Send my southern ships north to reinforce... now!!"

The orders were given and his ships moved as he stared on the wall and studied her. She would look his way, then scan the field and issue commands. He could see her pointing to the north and issuing orders as well. He then caught her turn to stare at him and he smiled at her... pointing his sword at her.... she seemed to freeze... there were several hundred yards apart safely out of each other's defenses... staring att each other.... he too his sword to his throat and mimicked him slicing her throat! She was too far to see how she reacted but she turned and continued issuing orders....

Another of his brothers said, "Do we wait here... or attack?"

An explosion echoed afar to the south and he and his men turned to see a second tower explode and fall into the sea.... He smiled and said, "Nay... we go south..."

"South lord?" His man said.

"Yes... south.... Fire a volley of arrows... " He snapped.

"The range is too far away!" The viking yelled....

"Aye it is... but they don't want to take their eye off me... I buy time and thin their lines while the Northern forces plant their boots on their soil..." HE said as his ships turned south... towards the second fallen tower and away from the village.... He said, "Send in the reinforcements too... " He smiled as he watched the female commander trying to figure out his play....

 

[Perplexia]

What the Vikings didn't know was that they marked the crossing point in each direction to where the arrows could reach them. The soldiers were aware of those points as well. "Out of range" the commander advised her as she watched their leader. "Keep at your posts , they're taunting. Keep eyes peeled, they're going to attack again". "Jasper, hows that catapult coming along?" "Working as fast as we can" he replied.

"Douce all remaining towers with water. Do it now. Keep them wet."

The loss of her towers irritated her. But they had beaten them before when there were none. "Replacements take your posts. Those coming down Reenforce the gates and the walls, drench them with water as well. The main thing we need to worry about is the fire. So lets keep that under wraps.

She heard the swooshing of arrows that were shot in vein. The soldiers laughed and turned around mooning and shaking their bare asses at them in retaliation. "Save the taunting for when we win" she scolded them.

"yes Mi Lady" they responded pulling up their pants and going back to watching. The Archers taking their posts. "Light the line" She commanded. The Archers on all sides except the one on the cliff, Dipped their bows in fire. The first shot hit the line closest to the Vikings, sending the ground on fire, a raging wall of flame broke out in front of them. They did this all three sides, then a second line and then a third. Wood was throw over feeding the lines of fire.


"Keep the Fires going, we need them to know we aren't going easy." Her eyes searched for the leader, when she didn't see him. she issued another command. "Watch for movement, they're going to attempt again"

 

[ERedBoyd]

Erik studies his prize on the shores as she looks to give commands and the village is clearly listening to her. Her eyes would pass over his as she barked order to order.... as he turns to give his commands to turn south, one of his men yell, "M'Lord! Look!!!"

Erik spins his head to the north to see two fiery arrows launched into the air. He waits a minute for the third. Two arrows meant his men were taking the beach... but the third meant... the beach was taken. He then smiled when a few minutes later, a third fiery arrow launched into the air. His men had taken the beach. He knew a little of this land. Between these little towns which had been build with wood walls to guard churches and shops and the local lord's home, was lots of woods and fields where farmers grew crop and animals. His men had told him of a rather rich fertile lands... in between her village the English called, 'Brixham' There was a town to the north called Grimsby which was less defended... they had invaded numerous times in the past. His men would take the farmland and beach, and then take Grimsby.

He smiled as he said, "Turn our boats... north. We will not take this town yet... let us take this Grimsby... we can then begin to lay siege to this Brixham... starve them out if we must....."

His ships slowly made their turn to the north... giving Brixham their victory... and headed to Grimsby...

 

[Perplexia]

Emma continued to watch and observe. The boats were turning and heading up the coast. That didn't mean they were in the clear, but for now they could repair while his men were heading north. They would be back, if it had been her, she wouldn't give up either. Waiting till his men were out of site, she ordered the stone masons to rebuild the towers that fell. She continued her revolving of the guards and everyone on alert.

Within an hour they could see the smoke rising from the farms that were on the outskirts. Emma felt sorry for those she couldn't help, but knew that she couldn't risk losing anymore people. Each person in her village had a purpose and a role in the running and maintaining the self functioning of the village. It was something that the other Lords hadn't figured out. Their lands were fertile, they worked as one.

A couple weeks later the towers were rebuilt the walls were reenforced. The fishing boats went south away from the Vikings to continue to feed the village. "Lady Emma, We have visitors."
Emma washed her hands and her face and changed out of her simple clothes to her more 'Lady' attire.

Taking a seat in her chair she motioned to her buttler. "I present Lord Jermon Of Dorchestor and the solicitor Mr. Carl Martin". The men walked in and bowed. "Lord Jermon, how can I assist you." Lady Emma said with a monotone voice.

"I'm here to present you with this declaration that was signed by the King." She rolled her eyes slightly and took the declaration from Mr. Martin. "In short Lady Acley, If you don't marry with in Two weeks, you will forfeit your land and title, and it will all be mine. I warned you that you'd pay for the rejection of my marriage proposal, and in the end I'm going to get what i wanted. It states that no woman may rule their own village or land." Lord Jermon let out a laugh after his statement.

"Jenkins, please show these two out." Yes mi Lady "Also please send in Perkins" Yes Mi Lady. A few minutes later Perkins came in and gave his bow. "How may i assist you lady Acley?" he asked. "Please review this declaration and look for any loop holes." she said handing him the declaration. "yes Maam". he answered unrolling the scroll and looking over it. "The way that they worded it was that to retain your title you must marry any noble Christian male." he stated. She thought for a few minutes and gave a crooked smile. "The term noble Perkins, does it declare they must be from this continent?" "no Milady, according the the wording, any man of any nobility would do. As long as they are Christen. So as long as they have been baptized and in front of witness' ?" Emma relayed. "Yes MiLady". "Thank you, you may go" She said with a smile. "Jenkins please have Milo prepare my horse."

Emma went to her room and changed into her riding war gear with assistance from her ladies maid. Once done summoned the town priest advising him to carry with him whatever he needed for a baptism. "Jenkins, summon Henry" she knew that Henry had picked up some of the Scandinavian language from his travels, which would be required for her plan.

With all in tow, they left their village and headed toward Grimsby. They stopped out of arrow reach and she dismounted waving a white cloth signifying a parlay was requested. Henry relay that i wish to speak to their leader. Henry yelled in their language that the Lady Acley wished to speak to their leader/king/Earl.

 

[ERedBoyd]

Erik did not want to set up a colony here in England. He hadn't planned on this. He had only wanted to raid the coast, gain much wealth from his raids and return home as a hero to his people. Now... thanks to those towers, he was stuck at Grimsby trying to get into Brixham. Once had had taken the Grimsby itself, he had basically forced the locals into working the land and bringing in crops. He had also sent a portion of his ships even further north to the unprotected coasts and raided at least 3 more villages. None of them had much wealth, but what they did have now belonged to his men.

His men grew restless, he grew restless... and his scouts towards Brixham had all returned as nearly impossible to get in without great loss to his forces. Valhalla waited for his men but he wasn't quite ready to go ... just yet. His presence had not gone unnoticed though as English patrols had been spotted and most of the time handled with surprise ambushes. However, as many scouts and patrols they had killed, some did make it back... which meant the rulers of this land... the kings and nobles would soon be raising their forces in order to push his people back out into the sea.

Those towers and walls of that town had been formidable... very formidable.... yet he still wanted the woman who had commanded those forces. He wanted to see her on bended knee before him... for killing his wife. He did not know whether he wanted to run a dagger through her... or fuck her... or both... but he had refused to leaves these lands till he had her.

As evening fell on the 14th day, Erik had just about given up on his quest for this woman. He had heard rumblings of a relatively large force starting to gather inland. He knew his time on this land was coming to a close and suspected that he would not have this ... woman. As he chewed on a large cut of pork from one of the English swine that had been sacrificed for the meal in the main nobles dining halls he now controlled, one of his scouts burst into the chamber saying, "Erik!! It.... It is her!"

It took him a minute of blank staring at him to say, "Who?"

"The... woman. The one you seek. She approached with a priest. She raised a white flag... whatever that means.... she wishes to speak with you." He said nearly excitedly. The white flag was an English thing... not Viking.

He said, "The wench wishes to speak... to me?" he gnawed on the pork a moment thinking about this. He said, "Did she bring anyone else?"

" Not that we can see... just her and one of their... priests." The scout said.

He nodded and said, "Keep your men watching. If this is a surprise attack, we need our men ready. Send her in..."

The scout nodded and turned and headed back to the south gate where the two waited. He continued with his meal, drinking a mug of honey mead which seemed to be a local thing... when her and the priest was guided into the main chamber. He had nearly 20 men sitting in the dining chambers eating with a number of english lasses running about the room ensuring cups were filled and food served. The smells of pork, potatoes, mead, wine, and vegetables waffed through the air... all which had been initially set aside to help the citizens of Grimsby to make it through the upcoming sure to be harsh winter....

As she was led in, one of her escort guards pointed to the table where he was... and he let his eyes gaze up and down her shapely form as she walked his way....

 

[Perplexia]

Henry and the priest followed behind her as she was led into the hall of Vikings. One of his men pointed to the table. Pulling out the chair she took a seat along with the translator and the priest. "King Erik The Black, I am Lady Acley of Acley, village in which you attempted to attack. I have a proposition for you which would benefit us all." She waited for Henry to relay in their language before she continued.

"Unlike your culture, the English have a conception of women that we are only meant to be silent and bear offspring, preferably male." she waited again for Henry to relay what she said. "I have led my Village to be independent from the rest of the country. However, they are stating i must marry to keep my title. Which has created a bit of problem for me. Which comes to the reason i am here." she waited for Henry to relay what she said.

"I admire your culture, the strength that you possess, I admire that you allow your women to fight like a man. That they are free to express their opinions and thoughts. The respect that you show them." she waited for Henry to relay. "The King has issued a declaration that women that we are not allowed to rule. As i have already proven that it is possible." She waited for Henry to relay.

"So I am asking for your hand in marriage, I am asking to integrate your people and traditions with ours. It will give your people a foothold in England. The collaboration between cultures could make us the strongest self sufficient village in England. The only stipulation would be that you would have to be baptized in our religion. That does not mean you must practice it. You and your people would be free to maintain your beliefs." She waited for Henry to relay what she said. "It is merely a stipulation of the law in order for the marriage to be legitimate. As you would already be referred to as being noble as you are the leader of your people." She waited for Henry to relay what she said before continuing. "I do realize that this is an odd request. But it would also mean that you and your people would be considered citizens and protected under our laws. But it also means that you must follow them. It also means if you have more people in your homeland, you could bring them here and integrate them as well." She allowed Henry to translate again.

"I would like to bury any hostility that may exist between our people and join as one and become a force to be reckoned with. I would like to integrate both of cultures and traditions and learn from each other, including both of our languages. There are many single men and women that would be inspired by our union and form healthy unions between both of our people. It would however mean that there would be no more raiding" Henry translated that and tried to read King Erik's facial expressions. She maintained her calm exterior despite the fact she was surrounded by Vikings. If one thing could describe Emma, it would be that she had balls. It was true that she didn't bring guards with her. That did not mean that if she didn't return they would have a hell of a fight brought to aid to rescue her. Providing she was still alive. But she was relying on his acknowledgment of her strength and boldness.

 

[ERedBoyd]

Erik had expected many things.... many things indeed... but not this. She was beautiful this was true... but she was also the woman who killed his wife a few years back. He had focused his entire last two years planning on returning to these lands and driving a sword through her breast! Now... she was before him, with only herself and a priest. How easy it would be....

He tossed down the large half eaten bread roll onto the plate as his eyes remained locked on this woman. He had not seen her this close before, just from afar and during battle conditions. Seeing her this close did stir something in himself. She was indeed lovely. He stepped around the large feast table where his men all sat and ate on the winter stores of this poor town. He had no intentions of staying here for the winter... he had his own home to tend to and yet... this idea... this concept... intrigued him.

Every warrior fell silent as they eyed teh woman and their lord...

Erik walked towards her and pushed the priest off to one side. The pathetic looking man had been standing way to close to this woman. The push wasn't too hard, but not gentle. Erik locked eyes on her and he slowly circled her. His breath smell faintly of meat and mead.... his hair brown and somewhat matted with the grease of the meat he had been eating on. He was not in his ... as the English would say... his Sunday finest. He wiped his beard with the leather gauntlet on his right hand and stopped directly in front of her....

His eyes moved down to her toes and back up to her eyes and face... her hair. She was a fair English woman for sure, but there was a fire in her he had not seen in any of the other women of this village or in any other coastal village of England. He turned his head to the side and said, "ᛋᚹᛟᚱᛞᛋ." (swords).
The priest repeated his word to the Lady with a tone of hesitance if not fear. One of his men pulled two long viking swords, walked to Erik and started to hand both swords to him. Erik took one of them and pointed to the Lady. The other viking smiled, turned his hungry eyes on her and pushed the sword to her. She reached for the grip and took it in her hand that suggested she was quite familiar with using one.

Erik then turned to face her and in nearly perfect English, said, "You slayed my wife..." The priest gasped in shock which drew Erik's eye and he smirked saying, "Your services ... are no longer... required..." He looked to the Viking who had brought him the swords and the man grabbed the priest and pushed him rather aggressively out of the tent. His eyes returned to her and said, "As... I was... saying... you slay my wife... she was ... with child... and you killed both. I watched you shoot the arrow ... that killed them both."

He said, "Now... you wish marriage with me... to save your land. The way I see it... you are... the smart one of your village... so if I were to just kill you now... I could much more easily take your village now... or burn it down. Take your women and children... kill the men..."

"I give you this one chance... You fight me... If you can mark me with the sword... I will accept your offer. We treat our women with honor... but they are obedient to the man they marry. If you make a mark on me, you will prove you are capable of being a Viking wife... however... know this... if you can not make that mark, you will die by my hand... and my vengeance will be complete..." He heard his men give their sounds of approval...

He was a master sword fighter trained his entire life in how to fight with sword, axe, and bow. He would be no easy meat to mark.... He stared at her and said, "Well? Are you ready?"

 

[Perplexia]

Emma had heard most of her life how unexpectable it was for a woman to lead, not to mention fight in men's wars. It was simply considered unladylike. She'd been lucky that after her mothers death, her father had been too self-consumed to entertain the idea of marrying her off. But now it was down to this. The only chance she had to live her life and care for her people would be to marry what they claimed was a heathen.

Taking the sword she felt the balance of it and wielded it with ease back and forth as if hugging and old friend. "I am sorry for your loss" she said with empathy. "During times of war, we lose those closest and dearest. Many fall on both sides. I suppose if no blood were shed, then there would be no winners or triumphs. I don't enjoy it. But as any good leader does, I will do what must be done to ensure the welfare and survival of my people. It is because of this that I accept your conditions. For without your cooperation, I'm dead anyway. Even if its not literal, it would be like caging a bird that has flown high and experienced that freedom." smiling softly she added. "I am ready."

With that she took her stance and waited for his first move. The though he was much taller and stronger then her. She learned to use the benefit of being small to her advantage. It also made her quicker than most. Watching how their weight would change, helped her to anticipate their moves. Emma had been given a gift for war and battle. Strategies and planning ahead had served her well. It was the reason that the people followed her lead. It was why they trusted her plan of bringing in the Vikings. After all, who better to protect them against other attacks withe same fierceness, than their own kind.
The clanking of the swords against each other caused a eerie silence as his men watched an English Woman went head to head with their leader with unprecedented skill and fearlessness. Waiting for the right moment, she made her move nicking his arm. She pulled back waiting to ensure he lowered his weapon before putting down her sword. His men were in silence that she'd actually completed what they estimated wasn't in her favor to pull off.

 

[ERedBoyd]

Erik had to admit, the fight he had in the main hall had not been as climatic as he had hoped for. A part of him really wanted this woman dead for her actions against his first wife, Elli. Elli had been pledged to him back when the both of them had been but children by their parents. Elli had been a gift to his clan in exchange for a permanent alliance back home. He had not loved her initially but over time, they had proven to be a powerful love... even going so far as minor songs of their exploits making it to the campfires....

So, when he watched Elli getting pierced in the back with the arrow that had been launched from bow that Emma had been holding, it had been his sole focus the last two years to come back to these lands, slay the woman now before him and bring peace to himself and his soul... perhaps freeing his troubled mind to go to Valhalla when he died. Now... he stood, sword in one hand and his other hand, covering a nick on his left arm. It wasn't deep and it surely could have become much much worse. His extensive experience in swords and axes as well as bucklers, had given him the foresight to know the strike could have been much MUCH worse had she desired it. She had intentionally withheld.

Another thing about this woman before him was she didn't gloat. She didn't antagonize, she didn't taunt. She had simply taken her sword and done the job she was tasked to do. Had she attempted to gloat at all, he would have kept going with her till she wore his sword through her stomach. He respected that. His eyes shifted from the cut on his arm, nothing that a few stitches could not fix to the woman before him.

She struck him as being very aware of her situation. She struck the warlord and he could order his men to slay her down but there was no honor in that. She stood there, sword at the ready... light on her feet... ready to do what she had to do. He flipped his own sword and drove it into the wood floor of the hall... letting it wobble to the vibration of the strike. He pointed to the sword in her hand and she mirrored the action and drove the tip into the floor as well.

The audience all grew quiet, holding their goblets of drink or shanks of meat they had been chewing on... watching to see what he would do. They had fought alongside King Erick for nearly a decade now and knew the man was one of the fiercest fighters they had followed. Now, he studied the woman before him... the killer of his wife and considered the proposal she had offered him. She studied him right back.. proud and strong... she carried the strength, not of a puny Englishman... but of a Viking!

He slowly let a smile grow on his face and said, "So... you wish to marry me... You wish me to baptize into your ... Christianity... You wish my people to live in peace with yours.... live in your villages... live in your lands... fight with you in your wars.... all the while we would not be allowed to raid your coasts."

He walked to the table he had been sitting at and lifted up a large pitcher of wine and poured two goblets, before setting the vase down, taking the glasses and walking to her offering her both... she selected the one on her left and he said, "By being ... baptized... in your your Christianity... I would be forever... blocked from Valhalla... I would never see my family and friends in the afterlife... you ask no small thing of me with this... baptism. Let me put it to you another way... if I took you back to my homeland and made you accept the Norse faith... when you die, would you go to your version of... hell... or live with my people in Valhalla?" He watched her as she contemplated this... she was intelligent, very intelligent.

He began to walk slowly around her and said, "And... not being able to raid is not possible. It is our way of life... " The audience watching the scene play out agree, slamming their goblets on the table and slapping backs of other men. Erik stopped once more in front of her saying, "The raids would continue... though... I would make assurances it would not be along these coastal lands... we will raid in France and along the northern European coasts. We do have... some... who prefer a more peaceful life of farming.... I am sure they would be pleased to take home on the warmer coasts of this land."

He looked to his men and many of them were not pleased with this development... one of my men, a warrior known as Loki stood up and said, "You cannot be baptized... you would deny Valhalla of an powerful warrior!" He glared at her... for making such an outrageous offer!

Erik raised a hand to silence him and the others who grumbled their agreements. He walked close to her, face to face. he could smell her perfumes and sweat... her breath... she looked up at him showing a strength that truly intrigued him. He said, "He is right... I would not go to Valhalla when I die... but... if you can show me why being baptized is so much more better for me... than an eternal afterlife of song and fighting, I might... consider your offer...." He let his eyes move up and down her body before locking to her eyes... waiting on her response.

 

[Perplexia]

"I apologize, I was under the impression that you raided to gain wealth to feed your people, not for the pure love of killing. But I do not wish to change who you or your people are at heart. If anything I would hope my people would learn from and accept your ways of life. Maybe even finding some values in them, and adapting them to their own. Those that wish to farm may learn to adopt some of our ways, where as others that wish to raid may join yours to do so. As long as it isn't the English I have no thoughts on it." a soft smile came to her lips as it mulled over the religion question he so eloquently placed at her feet.

"Religion isn't about public ceremony. It is about what you believe in your heart and mind. For example there are wars fought under the same gods name because they believe their version of Christianity is better. I don't believe that either will go to hell because they misunderstood something. There is nothing saying you cannot believe in all gods old an new or one over the other. As for land and riches, if you were to choose to marry me. It will offend a great number of my countrymen. This will cause war, my village isn't large as some of these more in favor of particular kings might be. We are...self sufficient, so as to not have to depend upon the charity of another. The reason for the baptism isn't' so you have to stop believing what you believe in. Think of it merely as a log blocking a road. By marrying me , you gain an English title. As you are the Earl or King of your people, that means I've married nobility.

That means they cannot forfeit my lands to a man with title. There are many flaws in all mankind. Our kings believe they were chosen by god. That their decision is their version of gods will. It doesn't make them wrong , but it doesn't make them right either. Just as their law that a woman cannot own property is wrong. They feel that women are the lesser gender than men, that we are incapable of ruling, or fighting, or thinking, or even learning. Yet my village is never starving during the winter, they are not in need of depending on trade, and as you saw we are capable of defending what is ours. But what we cannot do is fight the law. The words in the law say I must marry nobility, or forfeit my lands. It didn't think any other nobility could be possible. Or that I would reject one of my kinsman to marry an outsider.

So no, I would not say my god is better than your gods or vice versa. I believe that each person has a right to believe in what they wish. Religion is a belief in something bigger than yourself. Who is to say that because you get dipped in water that would make your gods angry? Especially if you feel this is what could be a future for your people. If not, you are in all rights to slice my throat. I would prefer to die by the sword of my enemy then forced to marry one of my kinsman that will try to break my spirit, because he believes that is his divine right as born a male.

If anything I believe both of our people could learn and thrive by the melding of our knowledge and our ways of life. Perhaps one of mine may find your gods to make more sense to them or vice versa. Who is to say with certainty what the gods or god want? We can only find what the interpretations mean to us as individuals. Until I die i shan't know with complete certainty anything. But my faith, what I hold in my heart, i believe the god or gods will recognize.

 

[ERedBoyd]

Erik took in all she had to say to him in quiet contemplation. His eyes slid to the priest who had escorted her and said, "Sit down... eat."

He looked hesitant till one of his men grabbed the priest by the shoulder and pushed him onto a bench and shoved a plate of meat and cheese to him. He nearly gasped as he was also given a large goblet of wine. When the man hesitated, Erik said, "You never know... when you will have your last meal... so treat them all as your last... Do not insult your hosts by not eating."

The priest glanced to Emma and waited for her to nod before he hesitated once more and picked up a chunk of roast and nibbled on it. Erik just glanced at the woman once more and said, "You offer a most intriguing proposal. You will understand I am hesitant to accept this. You and I have ... fought much. Your defenses are some of the most fortified up or down this coast. I feel my people could learn from that as well for our own villages. You fight as if you were born with a sword in your hand... my people could learn from that too... but... there is still one question you have yet to answer me so I will ask you again.... one last time."

He picked up a goblet and drank down the contents before smashing the glass into the ground causing it to shatter... You suggest if I marry you, I get your lands through your Christian laws without fighting and killing. You ask me to pay certain prices in order to make this happen for you... lest you lose your lands to a man through marriage or through death. Your laws are... strange to me. Let us follow through with this course... we marry and join forces and let us say that we do manage to defeat those forces... then what is to stop your own King from bringing a legion of his finest here to try and slaughter us all? This could mean death for your and my people... we are a raiding party, not an invasion force. I could send a ship back calling for more reinforcements but that would take time for them to arrive. It seems like a risky move to me long term."

He looked to his other men who all nodded and then he said, "So my question is this... I could just take you captive... or kill you... then go raid your village, take what we want and leave without alerting your King's men. Your problem would be solved with your own death and life moves on."

Erik walked in front of Emma once more and said, "You see... we don't have marriages for convenience as this would be. We marry for life and we marry for love. Your Christian ways are odd to us. I will not marry for convenience... my men understand and accepted the risks of raiding... they did not accept to be an ... occupying force. They need assurances as much as I would. If you and I marry, it must be for more than convenience to you or me... Does this make ... sense? Again, your Christian ways confuse us....."

 

[Perplexia]

Emma took the glass of wine he had given her and chugged it like he did slamming it down on the table and using the back of her hand to wipe her mouth. "Fair point" she said lightly. "I do believe in the vows that will be given upon marriage. Well perhaps not always the obey one." She laughed lightly smiling and continued. "If we marry, it is till death do us part. As my husband I will honor and support your decisions as such. I will not deny you your rights to my bed if you wish to be there. As for the king" she smiled again. "These laws that have been comprised, cannot be undone. He cannot change his mind and decide to attack. Just because they failed to specify the laws words, doesn't make them revocable. You would be baptized, therefore made a Christian in the eyes of the church and the law. You are a king, there fore you are noble."

"The King knows that if he caters to one noble above others there will be a war. He can't afford that. The country has been in strife for sometime. Some believe that it should be under one King, he won't do anything to be seen as unfair or unjust. The worse thing would be for us to gain support of another King. I may be a woman, but i have played their politics long enough to wield them to my advantage. You are also correct, you could kill me, you could capture me. I would rather take that risk then watch all I've worked for be gutted and spit upon by a man that things he knows better because of the prick between his thighs."

"You're are also right we've fought fiercely against each other. but there is also a lot we can learn from each other. You and your force are strong opponents. You could simply kill me, and attempt to raid my village again. Do you not think I've prepared for the safety of my people if I fail? You don't understand the Christian ways, and we do not understand yours. But that doesn't mean we can't learn. I would rather marry a man that accepts who he's marrying, then one that believes he owns me like common piece of livestock." Closing her eyes for a moment she rubbed her temple then opened them once more to look into his again.

"I swear on my life, on my peoples lives, that if we join in marriage. I will be your wife in all ways that matter, as you will be my husband as well. I don't know about love. But i can tell you that i have a deep respect for what i do know of you, and your culture. You don't treat your women as second hand citizens. That to me is forward thinking. Something this country could use a lot more of. You have women among you now that wield a sword with as much veracity as the men, and not thought of less because of it. That as well is forward thinking. I have given all i am to my people, and if it means that you say no and slit my throat. At least i will die knowing that i tried the only thing that made sense to save us. Because without you by myside as my husband, i have no hope."

 

[ERedBoyd]

Erik looks to Emma listening to her plead her case. He could see the desperation in her eyes... not desperation... that was too extreme... no.... a determination. She wasn't doing this out of desperation, just because she lacked alternatives. What kind of land did such things to women? Did they not know eliminate half their fighters by doing that to women?

His eyes shifted to his men for their reaction... some clearly didn't like the idea of him becoming Christian. They knew once that happened, he would be forever lost to Valhalla. Others, did like the idea of setting more permanent roots. He finally turned his eyes back to her and said, "Your neck is too pretty ... to slit." He walked to her, face to face and leaned to her ear and whisper, "Women are treated better than your Christian women are... but... a wife obeys her husband in all cultures...."

He let his eyes shift to hers and waited for her... till she nodded. Finally, he said, "I will... accept your offer. Now... " He reached to her sword that still wobbled slightly in the wood floor and pulled it from the ground. He watched her eyes shift to it and then back to him. He smiled and said, "You will teach your fighting technique to my men... you will also assist in fortifying not only your village but this one as well. But before we do this... "

He pushed the hilt of the sword into her hand and said, "Are you hungry?"

3 hours after the initial meeting, Erik had feasted with Emma and found himself growing increasingly more amused at the priest who had come with her... as his goblet continued to secretly get topped of with more wine and he grew increasingly more drunk. He sat next to Emma and said, "Tell me more about these forces that you are pitted against. I think of an issue that could cause problems... beyond those we already set... if this issue you face is a matter of legal or spiritual, then using force... would that not make you... a ... what is the word... what you call us... ..."

He sipped his wine as he tried to think of the word he had only heard a few times... and then it hit as he said, "Heretic...?"

 

[Perplexia]

Emma knew there would be some things she had to get use to. it had been quite some time since she ever obeyed a man. But his culture seemed to accept that a woman had value in more places then his bed. So she nodded to his whisper. A wave of relief came over her as he said he accepted her offer. It had been a long day, so he when he pressed the hilt of her sword into her palm, she needed to ascertain the reasoning by looking at him up and down and ensuring he didn't wish to go another round.

"I will be happy to help in both areas" She responded to his telling her that she would teach his men her fighting technique and help fortify this town as well as hers.

"Famished" she replied to his invitation to eat. There was a lot of chatter around the table. It seemed to be a mixed reaction of his peoples opinions about the offer Erik had just accepted. They loved and respected their king, so they went back and forth with each other regarding it. "Providing that the king responds as i predict, then there won't be any need for fighting. It isn't like I'm the first to ever see this as a solution. Didn't Ragnar's brother marry a French princess?" she asked letting him know she knew some of the history of Vikings. I believe at some point there was an English queen that married a Viking King as well.

"I am doing as the law requires. Just not necessarily in the way they think i will." she pondered for a moment before replying to his last question. "In the broader sense of the definition of the word heretic, i already am one. Although I have proven myself as a just and fair leader, able to provide for and defend my people. It is simply my gender that causes them issue. Women in their eyes are simply animals they can own and breed. None of this would have ever come about if they had simply let us be. But a Lord had taken a particular fancy to the idea that he possesses what it took to break me. He for some reason thinks he's owed my hand, simply because he wants it. I have no doubt that it was him that went to the King." She shrugged.

"I'm not trying to do anything but live my life for me and my people. I don't hold the believe that women are inferior the way that most do. Because I've already proven that I'm not."

 

[ERedBoyd]

Listening to her talk, it made him wonder what was wrong with these Christians... and yet, she wanted him to become one, if only by as a ruse. He said, "Let us walk...." He got up and offered his hand to her... she looked up at him and accepted it.

It was getting late now and many of the women of the town, who had grown full of drink themselves were finding themselves with less and less clothing on... Erik knew the orgy was to occur soon enough so it was time to depart. Couples would pair off and give each other... comforts.

He took his sword and ensured she had her own as well as well as a mug of mead. Her priest was passed out on the floor, a mug still in hand with it's contents spilled on the ground. The night was cool, the moon was out full. He could hear his men starting to coax the women onto the tables to dance and show their ankles and knees.

As they went away, he said, "You have proven to me ... to be a most challenging opponent. Do you know why I worked to hard to get back here... to you?"

As she walked beside him, he waited for her to speak but when she said nothing, he said, "The last trip we were here... when your watchtowers fended us off, I watched you take aim with a bow and arrow and fire a single shot at one of my boats... just one. At least 200 meters... it was an incredible shot... a perfect shot... except... the arrow pierced the heart of my wife. I could do nothing because she was so far away from me in another boat but I knew the shot killed her. My rage at my loss is what drove me back here.... but something else... "

He walked a bit towards the main gates ... checking his men on the towers watching out. He said, "I had to meet you... look you in the eyes... I wanted to kill you. This offer made me pause."

He looked to the men who waved at him and the two walked on along the wall... and he said, "My wife... is in Valhalla now... I grieved her loss... and she is gone. But... now..." He turned to face her and look her in the eyes and said, "That is why I am here... To look the killer of my wife in the eyes...." He could see for a moment... a bit of fear in there... he had her alone... her sword harnessed... and his hand on the dagger he wore on his chest.... it would take so little to pull the dagger and slice her throat... a part of him hated her with all his might....

She surprised him once more by lifting her chin... exposing more of her neck as a temptation. Instead.... he reached his hand into her hair, tightening his grip in it... and pulled her into a kiss... a hard deep open full kiss.

 

[Perplexia]

Emma didn't know it was his wife. But she did hear his cry of anger and pain. So when he had hand on the dagger, she lifted her chin up to give him a clear access to her throat. It was her way of saying kill me, i would expect no less. However the kiss he gave her took her by surprise. She'd never been with a man, much less kissed by one. But instead of fighting, she leaned pushed forward returning the gesture by placing her hand on the back of his head. Her body was pressed tightly against this giant man. Her tongue danced with his until she found the rhythm. She'd dropped her mug of mead to grab ahold of him. As they're kiss broke she gasped for air with a smile across her lips. Of course she'd seen people kiss before, but nothing like that.

"One more thing, which you may find an annoying inconvenience. Because of the unconventionality of our marriage, they may try to say you forced me into it. One of those ways would be to take my virtue...my maiden hood, ..my virginity." she tried a few different words to be sure she had been clear. "I will have to get it documented that I was not a ruined woman when you wed me. So that they can't say it was to save my honor and cover up that I was a whore with Vikings. It wouldn't matter whether it was consensual or if I was taken by force. They would take my title, and my lands." she sighed. "I know this country is backwards compared to yours. My hope is that we can find a way to integrate our two people. Like yours some don't like the idea and others are all for it. But those that don't have a choice to go elsewhere, or swallow their pride. But on the other hand it does mean you will be my first and only lover." she laughed a little. Her hand went up slowly and stroked his beard covered face. "I am dedicated in making this" she motioned her hand between the two of them "work"

"Of course the other option is to pack everyone up in boats and go back to your country." She gave a smile at that as well. Of course she new nothing of where he was from or the conditions of living. Vikings came came from Norway, Denmark, Scandinavia etc. "What is your country and kingdom like?"

 

[ERedBoyd]

He listened to her as she tried to explain the other... annoying inconvenience and to be honest, it made NO sense to him at all.` It was so... strange that... he thought she was jesting him. He smirked as if he was getting the joke... till she explained it a little more and it slowly sank in that she wasn't entirely joking... if at all.

He was completely floored by this statement. Christianity required their women to be... virgins before marriage? How would a man know just how good his soon to be wife would be otherwise? It was... perverse. It was... backwards. He was still stunned about this proclamation when she asked about his country. He sipped on his drink in order to buy himself a moment to think. Finally, he said, "It is cold. Very cold."

That was a stupid thing to say. His was flummoxed as he turned to walk along the wall once more in silence, then hesitated and stopped. He turned to her and said, "Wait. Wait a moment. I know a thing or two about women and their ... virtues. You must have not been with a man before you marry? If you are with a man before you marry, they can take your lands? So this means, you have not been with a man? You say, it must be, how you say... documented? How does this work, exactly?"

Seeing her blush deep red, he gasped and said, "Do they have the same requirement of men? I have been with my late wife. Does that disqualify me? Your Christian ways are so barbarian to me."

He studied her curious as to her response, because he did not understand.

 

[Perplexia]

Emma couldn't help but laugh at his comment about the ways of the Christians being barbarian. "I was not laughing at you, as i tend to agree that we are a bit condescending with our ways. Yet many would call Vikings barbarians. We are told what is proper, or not proper our entire lives. I am not proper, i fight, i swear, i lead my people, i work with my hands. Why should i ask them to do something that I would not do myself? Just because I hold a title? I think that's wrong." She shook her head and referred back to his previous question.

"Mind you I know very little about the inner workings of a woman, it is custom for us to be kept in the dark. It is a midwife or doctors duty to check inside the woman to be sure she's intact. They then create a document for the husband, generally only for nobles, unless there are rumors of her having been serviced and the husband wants proof his bride is fresh and not soiled. Though I can't exactly tell you what that means. The idea is the man can train the woman like a horse to be ridden how he chooses. The only time a woman can marry with having been with a man is if she was married and her husband died, and she needs to remarry. The only life for a woman who has been forced, is to be placed for sale in brothels', um.. sex houses you pay women to mount. Men do not have any requirements such as women. A man can even commit adulatory, um.. have sex with other women than his wife. She has no recourse, though it is frowned upon. He can repent. But his wife can be hanged for such an offence against him.

The open display of affection or sex is frowned upon in most places. We have no rules such as that. Although we maintain the church for those that wish to worship, we do not shun people that chose not to go. I myself tend only to attend for town holidays and such. Once married, it will be my husbands choice when we do. In the eyes of the law, i am simply his property. So what you chose to do with or to me, i have no recourse." She looked up at him with a serious face. "I will honor most of your wishes, but i shan't be hit or meek. Although something tells me you would expect me to hit back." she gave a light laugh. "How is your arm by the way?" The look upon her face was sincere concern, she wasn't boasting that she won their fight.

 

[ERedBoyd]

Erik found his way out of that terrible thing.... he said, "I... see. Well...."

The question about his arm threw him. He looked over at it and saw the blood had already dried up. He shrugged and said, "It was a well placed cut. Should make for a nice scar.... like these others...."

He pulled his tunic open to show off his tight male physique, not to impress her, but to show her the several scars he bore across his chest and abs, then closed it to show her two more scars on the other arm. He then showed her the one scar that went from under his right ear down to the side of his neck. He said, "You don't grow to be a powerful fighter without fair number of scars." He could see her looking a bit... stand offish and wondered if she had ever seen naked man flesh before? She was a virgin after all...

He said, "Our wives... Viking wives...mostly tend to home duties, cleaning, cooking, bearing children. It is not forced upon them, but many prefer that lifestyle. Some wives who desire and have the talent for battle, can train in the ways of war and fight alongside us. Many of our women are powerful archers too. On occasion, a woman may become chief like me. We don't care about if the woman was virgin or not. It doesn't hurt that they are, but we don't take away their lives and homes and fields if they lay with a man. That is ridiculous to believe."

Erik looked to her and said, "I must make one thing abundantly clear. Marrying me means your loyalties change... to mine. You go where I tell you, do what I say, fight where I say fight. Once these titles are secure, this will cause many to be ... upset with you. You understand.. yes? Right now, one is upset with you and wants your title. Only one though. Marrying me, may give this one man many allies to push the Vikings off the shores of this country. Many of those you consider Ally, may turn their backs on you too. You could find yourself alone on this island with only me as your only ally. It cost the lives of many of your... Englishmen. You will be seen as a traitor by aligning with me. Are you sure you have thought this through to the end. If you marry me, I will send my ship back for the rest of my forces and they would come... and we would have war."

He studied her as she contemplated what he had said to her.

 

[Perplexia]

Emma's eyes went wide as she saw his naked chest. Men often worked without their shirts in the swell of the summer, but none had caused a stir in her as seeing her future husbands. She wanted to reach out and touch. But propriety forbid it. She thought about his comment of scars and smiled. I guess then that i must be a poor fighter as i have only a couple." she laughed a little teasing him.

"I absolutely agree with your thoughts on all you have said. Many of the traditions my people hold are ridiculous. I encourage free thinking, and i have no problem training even the woman of my village to be warriors. I think it has even changed the dynamic a bit in the village. More of the men respect the women and give their support to them learning and trying new things. There are a few that still hold on to the old ways, but they are not vocal or troublesome about it, because they enjoy the life they have in our village. We often get people coming from other places to experience it."

"I am your wife till my last breath" Emma said without hesitation. "By your sacrifice of marrying me, I have no hesitation in supporting you as my husband, and that means if people are that ignorant to turn against us. That is there problem. Though, I would hope that those that know and respect me, can see the value in my decision. If not, then that is their problem." she walked by his side before speaking again. "I hope as the leader that you will also take my opinion into consideration, and allow me to rule by your side. I'm also hoping to have a ceremony where our people can interact, we will have lessons in your language as well as our own."

Stopping she placed her hand on his chest it created a spark with in her that had laid dormant her whole life. "I told you, worse case we move to your country. But my hope, is that those who have an open mind will join with us. It is a war of its own. I will fight to defend what is ours, and what is yours. There are no questions about my loyalty, or knowing where it would lie."

 

[ERedBoyd]

Erik watched her and felt something as well. This had been a woman he had wanted to kill for years. He had fantasized about slitting her throat in front of all... even throwing her naked body to my men to have their way till she died... he had wanted nothing more than pain and suffering for her... till now. Now, he saw opportunity. By having this claim on the English lands, this could open many powerful doors for him. By controlling these lands, he could use them as a springboard for further conquests, perhaps not inland, but up and down these shores and into the European country. The problem was, he had intended on taking her lands away from her by force... and then using these lands in his further plans. He had NOT expected her to freely give him these lands.

As she touched his chest, he said, "I have no intention on stopping my raids... so going back home is only a last ditch emergency effort." He watched her nod. He reached to her hand and covered it with his own. You will not only be my wife, but my advisor as well. My men will not give this territory up that we captured and so we add it to yours... it is either that or we start pushing people out of their homes... We have much to discuss on this but for now, let us walk."

He turned and let his hand slide off hers, moving up her arm a moment as she lowered hers. He then said, "I have see your Englishmen do this..." He offered his arm to her and waited for her to take it. They continued to walk around the outer walls of the town... the town itself didn't hold much and was a bit smaller than Emmas... but together, they could be substantial.

They reached one of the back darker corners of the town, a spot he had discovered purely by chance the night before. It was between two buildings and out of sight of most if not all townsfolk. As they got there, he looked to her and make her yelp as he pulled her into the darkness and pressed her back to the wall of one of the houses. He noticed her reaching for the sword as a warrior instinctively would do.. and gently put a hand on her wrist and said, "You will not need this..."

He felt her grip loosen and he guided her hands back behind her back. He could see the uncertainty of the situation as he took both her wrists in one of his hands. He pressed into her closely and said, "I must admit, I do hate your Christian the virgin thing... His free hand gently slid from her back along her hip, then up her side, along the side of her chest and finally her shoulder and neck. He watched her watching him and said, "It really is... a shame."

He smirked at her gently, then lowered his mouth onto her mouth once more... cupping the back of her head so she couldn't pull back and he kissed her once more. Their bodies rubbing on each other... his desires evident by the bulge growing in his pants...

 

[Perplexia]

"You mentioned that you'd continue raiding other places than England. I support your choices and as long as its not here, theres nothing they cans say. I do have an idea though that may give the King a reason to keep us in high standing. You will be the lord of two villages, you are a warrior, and once we've trained everyone with both styles of fighting and strategies, it might behoove us to grace him at court and offer your allegiance to his causes. With our fighting force combined, We very well may be one of the largest armies. I wouldn't offer training to the men he has however, because that could leave us at a disadvantage if we were to choose to change allegiances. However he would likely be more willing to dismiss someone who brought a grievance against us."

Emma smiled. "yes, often men will walk their ladies as such. In case she trips they can catch her, or remove her from harms way. You know us women are fragile creatures" she giggled and patted his arm and walked with him. She let out a yelp as he pulled her into a dark ally and pressed her against the wall of a house. Her first instinct was to go for her sword. The gentleness he showed in letting her know that it wouldn't be needed, was reassuring. She was starting to realize that there may be some benefit in sharing her burdens with someone who understood and agreed with her methodology. Someone who didn't want to change her, but appreciated the values she brought to the table.

Placing her hands behind her back and holding them there did give her some concern. But he knew the benefits and the risk involved. She just had to trust that he would go along with them.. "I must admit, I do hate your Christian the virgin thing." As his hand slid from her back and over her body she inhaled deeply "It's really is... a shame" She couldn't help but smile as her heart started to race faster. "If we marry tomorrow, then you'll never have the issue again."

Her mouth was happy to accept his as he kissed her. He was causing reactions in her body she never knew were possible, If it wasn't for that document needed a few more kisses like this might very well leave her not caring. "do you know if there's a doctor in town?" she asked gasping for breath as their lips parted. He'd left her lightheaded and wobbly.