The Prancing Pony

[Judah Lesan]

Eddval had been happy that [member="Saga Björk"] had stopped and allowed him to lead her away from her duties at Mead Hall. There would likely be repercussions for him from his father later, but Edd could deal with those. The cold air and snow had chilled Eddval a bit. The cape which usually kept him warm was around the shoulders of the woman whose hand he continued to hold as they wound around the streets toward The Prancing Pony, an Inn and eatery just on the outskirts of the Capitol. With all the activity in Mead Hall the Inn was near lifeless. Not a soul would recognize the pair from Reykjaa, nor would they know Saga to be a slave.

The interior was mostly wood. Hand carved columns boasted of fine workmanship, and the fireplace in the center provided warmth. There was a bar on the far wall from the door, and a few tables with benches for the patrons to enjoy some food before heading to bed in the rooms above on the second story. Eddval helped Saga find her seat before requesting a pitcher of mead and two mugs. It had been cold and the mead would help warm them. As Eddval had said, he sat the mugs down and poured the contents of the pitcher into the mug. He nodded to Saga before returning to get her a meal.

Eddval had eaten in the hall, but he was unsure of when the slave had eaten last. The plate was stacked with a roast bird leg, roasted potatoes, mushrooms, and roast beast. A meal fit for a warrior. There was more food than Saga could eat for sure, but it was all for her.

"For milady. If there is anything else you need, or want just tell me and I will get it for you."

Eddval sat down and took a drink of his mead before speaking again.

"You know everytime you look at me across the hall, I see you. Maybe you have noticed, but I am looking as well."

 

[Alleycat]

As [member="Eddval Ragnarson"] led her through the winding snowy streets to the inn and eatery at the edge of Tháinbroek, her hand securely in his, Saga felt almost like a normal girl, almost. The slave had physical reminders of what had happened earlier to her in the evening at Mead Hall, though they had been diminished greatly by the noble son's kindness and thoughtfulness, not to mention his admission of his affection for her also. Was the blonde slave girl being a fool to accept his generosity or was this all part of a bigger destiny for her? Time would only tell.

After being seated at a table in the Prancing Pony, Eddval had gone to get food and drink, and when he came back it was a feast fit for a princess. "Thank you, M'lord. I am sure this will be more than plentiful," she replied with a soft smile upon her face, then eagerly began to eat for the small bowl of day old porridge in the morning had not gone very far in quelling her hunger. Generally slaves were only given one meal per day and the leftovers from the main feast divided between them.

Saga took a sip of the honey wine. She rarely if ever got a chance to drink it, but it tasted good to her and went down well with the food. When Eddval mentioned noticing her noticing him, the blonde blushed, then lowered her blue gaze only to raise it again to meet his demurely.

"Yes, I have... Please forgive me my grace for I cannot help myself. You are so different from the others. It speaks well of you and… If you must know, it comforts me to know you are there."

 

[Judah Lesan]

"Edd, Saga, call me Edd, unless others are around that doing so would cause trouble for you. We both entered this world the same way, and will leave it the same. That makes us equals as far as I care."

When [member="Saga Björk"] said she could not help but look at the noble's son, his own lips curled into a smile. So she did like him, or at least the thought of him. He wanted to know her story. They had been in the palace together for three years, or near that, and. Eddval only knew of how she had been acquired. The blonde noble wanted to hear of past, her childhood, the family she had been taken from. He wanted to know of her dreams, her wants, desires, and hopes. Perhaps he could fulfill some of them. Edd wanted to think he could anyway.

"Don't stop, I like it when you steal a glance from across the room. It's always good to know that an attractive woman is looking my way."

He found himself reaching to the plate he had given her and tearing a piece of the roast beast and throwing into his mouth. Edd didn't mean to, but he was eighteen, and when food was in front of him it was to long before it found its way into his mouth.

"Tell me about you. When were you born, how many siblings do you have? What are your dreams? If there was one thing you could have right now, what would it be?"

 

[Alleycat]

The blonde Valkyr really was different as far as a noble went in his thinking and the way he acted. It made it even more difficult not to like [member="Eddval Ragnarson"] in ways the slave girl shouldn't.

"As you wish… Edd."

That had been the first time she'd ever addressed her master's son by his first name, and it felt natural rolling off her lips. It brought a smile to her face, that was in-between bites of food. When Eddval had helped himself to some of the roast beast, Saga pushed the plate towards him a bit so that he could have more if hunger prompted him to. THe blonde slave took another sip of mead, then wiped her mouth on a napkin.

"I am a daughter of the hottest day of the summer sun. My father is a farmer, and a beekeeper or was until all his bees died in the deep freeze, which caused our family's debt to that we could not pay in coins when called upon to do so. My mother is a seamstress. I am eldest of six and the only girl. Three of my brothers have already passed on," Saga said with a bit of a sadness noted about her face, then blonde continued.

"Dreams, I have many, but my main dream is to become a shield maiden like the great Freydis was of her time, and as far as wants go right now…. to soak in a hot bath."

It was a simple thing to want yet something that was denied of her.

"And you, Edd… Share your story with me. What kind of dreams does a noble son have, and if there was something you could have right now, what would it be?"

 

[Judah Lesan]

A hot bath, [member="Saga Björk"] wanted a hot bath? Edd's cheeks turned red at the admission of that want. Though he quickly regained his composure and nodded. Being a shield maiden was something his father would never allow from any of his slaves, but it wasn't impossible. In fact, Edd could help her with that. He just had to figure out when.

"I no longer dream for much. Since my mother died, before you came, I have devoted my time to being the best warrior I can be. She should not have died in that raid if the warriors of our village would have been better."

Edd tore more meat from the plate Saga had pushed his way. It was ironic that he had gotten the meal for her and now the pair was sharing it. The warrior accident my grazed her hand when they had both reached for the same mushroom. This made Edd smile.

"Are slaves not allowed to enjoy a bath," he finally asked. "I'll get you a room here and then draw one for you. I promise not to look."

What did the noble want? That he would not admit, not now. It would he too forward and improper of him as a gentleman. Though he was a Valkyr, so the term of gentleman was loosely applied. Edd should just stick to his own history.

"As far as my background, I am a son of the winter moon. Born on the coldest day of the year. You know of my two brother and two sisters. Father is the chieftain, and if mother were still alive, you would be a shield maiden. She was the best Reykjaa could offer. She would have taken you under her wing and trained you."

Eddval looked a way a bit embarrassed as the one question he was avoiding was the last one to answer.

"What do I want now? I want... it may be a bit forward... but I want... I wish... I have what I want now. I am with you, away from peering eyes that would keep me from looking at you the way I want to, and from holding your hand, maybe even steal a kiss."

Edd stood and put some distance from the table. He didn't even want to see if what he said had been too forward.

"I shall go and see about that room for your bath, milady."

 

[Alleycat]

"I would have liked that very much and more so honored, Edd. And no, not a true bath. We may use the wash tubs, but only when the laundry is finished."

Saga smiled at what [member="Eddval Ragnarson"] said about wanting to be with her more than they were right now, though he would not of seen the reaction as his back was to her while the noble son walked away to obtain a room. Thoughts raced through the slave's head, some pure some not so pure of what may come of Eddval drawing a bath for her. No man had ever been this kind to Saga. Would he expect something in return this night?

When the Eddval returned to the table, Saga finished the last of the mead in her mug, then stood feeling the affects of the honey wine though not enough to make her sway, just make her feel giddy.

"I look much forward to your kindness, M'lord."

 

[Judah Lesan]

Edd could not believe what he had heard [member="Saga Björk"] tell him about the slaves bathing arrangements. Christer was truely a cruel master. The son of the chieftain was determined to make up for that cruelty. His first act would be to ensure Saga received the bath she desired. Of course the entire situation did seem slightly awkward. An eighteen year old young man taking and seventeen year old young woman to room insinuated all sorts of things. Eddval was pure in his motives though. He was not going to demand anything from Saga. Galvanized determination kept his mind on one thing, to make Saga feel valuable.

A frustrated sigh escape Eddval as the innkeeper winked at the son of the winter moon. He shrugged it off as he made his way to the table and led Saga by the hand up the stairs. Three doors to the left Edd had been told. Quietly the ivory hued man opened the door to reveal the interior.

It was a small room, near what Eddval had expected of the small in. A bed large enough for two faced the fire place. A white tub was against the far wall on the other side of the bed. Edd's cheeks turned red when he realized there was I privacy for Saga. Swallowing a bit hard, he went to work in fulfilling his promise. He drew the bath, heating the water so it was hot, but not painfully so. The type of water which was perfect for a long soak in the deep soaker tub. Turning with a smile, Eddval presented the bath to Saga.

"Your bath, Milady. I shall wait for you in the hall if you would like some privacy."

 

[Alleycat]

Saga's blue orbs went wide and her mouth opened in an "oh my" when she saw the room [member="Eddval Ragnarson"] had gotten. It was a little piece of heaven as far as the slave girl was concerned. A fire was already burning in the fireplace so the room was warm and inviting; the company even more so as the dirty blonde watched the noble son walk over to the tub and draw her a bath, pouring oils in it as he did.

Privacy…. What was that? Saga hadn't ever really had any being the eldest and the only girl amongst five brothers. And now, slaves weren't accorded privacy either.

"Perhaps if you would just wait outside until I am in the tub, then you could join me….. I mean you could sit on the edge of the bed facing away from me so we may talk more. I do enjoy your company, if that would be acceptable with you, Edd?"

 

[Judah Lesan]

Edd nodded.

"Okay when you're in the tub I'll join you, I mean come in, er... um... sit on the bed."

Red cheeked and fully embarrassed, Edd ran out of the room. His heart was pounding inside his chest at the mere thought of what both their slip ups implied. First of all the thought of seeing any beautiful woman naked was enough to get the young man excited. Secondly Eddval, if he were to be honest, wanted to join her. The noble's son shouldn't want that. After all, [member="Saga Björk"] was a slave. Their stations made them a poor match, but Saga was not like the other young women of Reykjaa. She was different, special even.

When Edd heard the sound of the water shifting in the tub, he counted to fifteen to himself before he knocked on the door and came into the room. He was careful not to look as he sat on the edge of the bed and faced away from the slave girl. A hand searched for her dress until he found it and pulled it into his lap.

As a warrior there were times in battle when leather armor needed to be repaired. You repaired your own. This was not much different. Edd pulled a small seeing kit from a pouch which was fastened to his belt. With sinew and a needle, the blonde man began to sew the tear in the girl's only dress for the trip to the city.

"I enjoy when you are around as well. The gods have smiled on me. I have been praying to them for a chance to be with you away from the peering eyes of everyone else. It seems they have heard this one."

Edd had broken the silence.

"So you wish to be a shield maiden? I know my mother is no longer alive, so maybe I could help you learn?"

 

[Alleycat]

After Eddval had left her alone, Saga stripped of her dress and laid the torn garment upon the bed, then slipped into the perfectly temped water; the oil perfumes assaulting her nose and bringing a smile to her face. When the noble son came back in, she covered herself though always the consummate gentleman the young Valkyr did not peak as far as the blonde could tell.

"I enjoy when you are around as well. The gods have smiled on me. I have been praying to them for a chance to be with you away from the peering eyes of everyone else. It seems they have heard this one."

[member="Eddval Ragnarson"] had been praying to their gods about her? That took her breath away, but to be honest she had also made a prayer of the same though Saga's beliefs had been tested time and time again since becoming a slave and did not believe she was heard anymore. There were times when the slave girl felt like the gods had forgotten about her and those like herself. The way they were treated at times…. But tonight, she had indeed been blessed with a gift, and for that Saga was thankful.

Saga was astonished and embarrassed that Eddval had picked up her torn work dress and began mending it with his own two hands as if it was common for him to do so, then he asked about her wanting to be a shield maiden. She dipped her head back into the bath and let the loose blonde locks soak for a moment, then rose back up and pressed the hair back with her hands to wring out the excess water.

"Yes… My dream has always been to become a shield maiden of Midviinter, though I do not see how you can help me, Edd. For I am a slave, and that will not come to be for me…. Nor can we be more than this. It is but a fool's thought if we try. I do appreciate your kindness greatly, and if need will repay you in what ever manner you deem."

 

[Judah Lesan]

So [member="Saga Björk"] thought this was kindness in exchange for services. Did she really think that Edd was going to ask her to repay him with what the other men would have just taken from her? He understood why she may think that, but he was disappointed that she would at the same time. Did Eddval want to have her in a physical way? Yes, he did. Saga was beautiful. She was always kind to him. The slave part didn't matter. Eddval wanted more than just a toss about in the sheets, however, he wanted something his father would never accept.

"Don't tell me we can't be more. Who says we cannot? My father? If you haven't noticed I do not always regard what he says or thinks."

Eddval nearly turned around, but he caught himself. He was simply passionate about what he felt about the issue.

"If you let me teach you, train you, at night when everyone else is asleep, you could win your freedom and a place as a shield maiden. My father hosts a tournament every year, you know this. If you could only find someone of his house that would sponsor you, you could compete. There is no rule that says a slave cannot, and I can teach you to win."

This time Eddval did forget himself and turned around. Most of Saga's details were covered by the water and suds forming at the surface. He had seen nothing but his cheeks were turning red. Still he continued to speak, an intense passion in his voice.

"If you truly wish to repay me then try. Dare to think we could be more. I want you. I have wanted you for sometime, but not in the sense that you are slave simply trying to please her master's son. I would have you as a friend and lover, but only if you want the same thing, and only if you will try. It may have to be kept secret, but it is a secret I am willing to carry if you are."

Edd turned his back once more. His breath was slightly heavy from the exertion of his passion, his heart rate elevated. When he calmed down he went back to mending Saga's dress til it was complete.

"I'm sorry for turning around," he said quietly, "I got a bit into what I was saying, but you should know, I meant every word."

 

[Alleycat]

The blonde slave's cheeks were as red as [member="Eddval Ragnarson"] as his blue orbs looked upon her mostly covered body by the water and few bubbles lingering at the top of the bath, but Saga didn't look away as he spoke from the heart. She liked his idea of teaching her to fight and perhaps when her own freedom with honor. Saga also liked it when Eddval said he wanted her, but not because she was his father's slave and could. No rather because he sought her as a friend... and lover, if she were to have him. That thought made her tingle all over and heart race.

As the noble son turned back around and was lost in his thoughts while finishing the repair of her torn dress, Saga got out of the tub quietly and wrapped the waiting towel around her slender though shapely body, then she padded around the end of the bed and stood beside him as he sat on the edge of the bed and reached out with her hand to gently turn his head towards her.

"You are most forgiven, Edd, and you already have me as a friend ever since you helped me with the water when the well was frozen and your father was on a rampage…. If you truly want to take me as your lover, I would freely give myself onto you and carry that secret," Saga said with a soft smile gracing her lips and a definite fondness for him twinkling in her eyes, then after a moment the slave girl lowered her blue gaze as if ashamed. "Though... you must know that I am not pure anymore."

 

[Judah Lesan]

Edd had been so lost in his embarrassment that he did not hear the sound of [member="Saga Björk"] exiting the tub, nor did he hear the pads of her feet as the padded along the wooden floor of the room they occupied. His heart jumped as the warmth of her calloused hand touched his stubbled cheek.

Her words made him smile. The memory he had of that day was truly the beginning of his desire for her. Christer was going to have her beaten severely he was so angry, but no one could have drawn water from a frozen well. The younger son had helped chip away at the ice in order to get enough to get the water Christer wanted. It had been their secret to this day, and unspoken of until Saga mentioned it.

Eddval felt her shame as she turned away from him. Though her revelation would not diminish his desire for her in any way. Slaves were often forced into things by men, as had almost happened that night. It was his turn to act. Drawing her gaze back to his, the blonde stood. With his hand cupping her jaw he gently pulled her lips to meet his, a gentle, lingering kiss.

"You could say nothing that would make me desire you any less."

Eddval looked into her eyes, searching.

"You were forced?"

 

[Alleycat]

The young woman had never been kissed like that before. The touch of [member="Eddval Ragnarson"] warm lips upon hers in such a gentle yet desiring fashion left Saga feeling as though she was floating on a cloud effortlessly in a beautiful blue sky over the wondrous mountains of Midvinter. Her heart was still pitter-pattering when the noble son asked about her being forced.

Saga did not have the heart to tell Eddval his own father had been the first one, but the young man said it didn't matter, that he would not desire her any less so no need to bring it to light, right? It would only enrage him, and that is not what she wanted to come of this stolen moment with him.

She just nodded yes and awaited Edd's next move for this was new territory for her; being cared for in a tender way.

 

[Judah Lesan]

[member="Saga Björk"] confirmed his suspicion with a nod. Eddval's hand still held Saga's chin to keep her gaze locked on his.

"Then you are still pure to me. Your innocence may have been taken in regards to how cruel Valkyri men can be, but you are still innocent in regards to the ways of love, and how one is loved versus how one is taken," Edd said as he wrapped Saga in his arms.

He could feel the warmth of the towel, his body still a bit chilled from having given Saga his fur cape for warmth. The blonde Valkyr was warming rather quickly between the fire burning in the room, and the one within himself. He kissed her again, this time his hand coming up to where the towel was folded under itself, fastening it to cover the intimate details of Saga's slender body. In one movement, Edd released the fold causing the towel to drop from its resting place to the floor. It fell around Saga's ankles, exposing the beauty of her nakedness to Eddval.

Progress continued at a pace Saga was comfortable with. Eddval was certain to not force her to do anything she was unwilling to do. His blue eyes never left hers as his own clothes had found their way to the floor, and the two young lovers gave themselves over to one another in a moment of gentle passion. For his own part, Eddval could only describe the moment as magical, a gift. How he had loved her from a distance for so long, but tonight, he loved her as intimately as one could love another.

It was not until the lovers laid together, Eddval holding Saga in his arms, that the youngest of the Earl's sons felt the raised marks on her back. Reminders of her station, but not of who she was as a person. Saga was strong to endure what she had these past three years, and Eddval was determined to make up for it in the ways he could. She would be a shield maiden, and when freedom was won, they could openly be lovers. Until that day, the moments they could steal together would be their secret to share.

His lips pressed against her forehead as his hand continued to caress her back.

"I love you Saga Björk, you do know that, do you not?"

 

[Alleycat]

So this was what it was like to have someone make love to you, giving themselves fully and truly over to you? There were not enough words to describe how wonderful Saga felt in mind, body, and spirit in that moment as she lay in the strong and loving arms of [member="Eddval Ragnarson"]. He had been so kind and gentle with her making their first coupling magical, a gift.

"I love you Saga Björk, you do know that, do you not?"

Blue orbs found his and and a smile graced her face.

"I do, and I love you as well. I am truly blessed to have you in my life."

 

[Judah Lesan]

Love, the reason a noble would go below his station for the warmth and affection of woman who was by all rights and tradition property. Were Edd to treat [member="Saga Björk"] the way her station deemed, he would have simply taken her, had his fun, and left her to deal with what just happened. This was different. Eddval just wanted to hold her, be with her. His mind could not escape the thoughts his father would be searching for them soon if they did not return when he was ready to leave, or he was simply passed out in a drunken stupor with some wench who would do anything for a man of the Earl's status.

Saga's response warmed Edd's heart. This was the moment the pair would have to remember when it was difficult for them to continue on, as keeping a secret they had agreed to keep would make it difficult at times. Stolen glances from across the way would have knew meaning now and would come with a wanting for more stolen moments. Noble and slave, winter and summer, moon and sun, coming together because of a force more powerful than any regulation anyone could place upon them. Perhaps the gods had destined this. Edd would see it as such. Had Ragnarson the Elder never taken Húsavik, Saga would have never found herself a slave in the palace of Reykjaa.

"Daughter of the summer sun, my sun. I promise you will be a Shieldmaiden of Midvinter," Edd said as he adjusted the sheets, pulling them over their bare bodies. "Father will be passed out with a woman, or two, by now. The night is ours, but at day break we must leave. Tonight I can promise you that your bed will not be cold."

 

[Alleycat]

And cold it wasn't with the heat of passion between them… but too soon daylight came for the young secret lovers.

After washing up and redressing for the new day, Saga felt strangely different. How she did not know, but just did; maybe because there was hope once alive again within that the slave girl's dreams would come to fruition thanks to the love and generosity of one [member="Eddval Ragnarson"].

"Thank you for mending my dress… My mother would approve of your handiwork for the stitches are perfect. One would never know it had been torn," Saga said with a heartfelt smile, then took his hands into hers. "But most of all thank you for last night, Edd. I will always cherish this time with you. You have given me hope and shown me what love is."

 

[Judah Lesan]

If [member="Saga Björk"] was so appreciative then why did her words make it sound like she was breaking up with him already? She must not have understood what he meant the night before. Edd had not only showed his love, but he told her as well. Saga had seemed to reciprocate, both physically and mentally. The Valkyr knew she loved him, wanted him. There had been a genuine quality about they way she spoke to him, and received his affections. As confusing as this was, deep down Eddval knew the truth.

"This does not have to be the only time we are together like this. With all eyes of Reykjaa on us, it will be difficult, but not impossible."

Edd got out of the bed, as he was more prone to linger in bed, not having to be up by a certain time everyday as Saga had to in order to serve. The noble had been sitting up when Saga took his hands, but he broke them for a moment. He quickly found his pants, not that there was any secret about his appearance to Saga anymore, it was just cold.

"We will train, I promise, and I have never broken a promise yet. Meet me at our well one hour after lights out. I know a place where can train just outside of Reykjaa where the night watch will not see."

He took her hands back in his, and pressed a kiss to her lips.

"I am yours Saga, until you decide otherwise. Now go, before you're missed. I will be along shortly after I arrange the silence of the innkeeper."

 

[Alleycat]

"I do not doubt your promise or your words of affection, nor should you mine for I do truly love you, [member="Eddval Ragnarson"]… I am just being realistic is all. If the gods see fit for us to continue being as one and for you to grace me with your warring knowledge and skills, then I will be very humbled and grateful of thy efforts."

With that said Saga kissed the noble son one last time, then exited the room and hurried herself back into the real world of a Valkyr slave with her heart full and body blessed.