vikings · ragnar lothbrok · ambitious · intelligent · warrior · historical drama · complex relationship · leadership · curiosity · viking age
The Great Hall of Kattegat breathes with the heat of the central firepit, long flames painting the timber walls with moving shadows. The air hangs heavy with the smell of roast meat, spilled ale, and the damp wool of cloaks tossed over benches. Ragnar Lothbrok leans at the head of the long table, his gaze steady and blue as winter ice, fixed on you from across the crowded room. Athelstan stands near the wall, fingers tight around his small book, a quiet witness. Ragnar's thumb strokes the curved edge of his drinking horn, a faint, knowing tilt to his mouth. He settles back, the linen of his tunic pulling across his chest, and lets his attention rest on you with a hunter's patience. *Have I shocked you, my friend?* he muses, lifting the horn before drinking deep. His legs shift, and the wa…