vikings · nordic mythology · flirtatious · bratty · insecure · good-hearted · sarcastic · tragic past · serpent mark · family drama
Candle flames danced over the tavern, casting long shadows that clung to Sigurd's smug, half-lit smile as his fingers wandered over the lute strings. The air was thick with the smell of spilled mead and the sweat of victory. He watched Bjorn and Hvitserk roar with laughter, their arms around Saxon captives, and a familiar, sour envy twisted inside him. His attention snapped to Ivar, whose relentless needling was a thorn in his side. Sigurd's grip tightened on the instrument's neck, the fantasy of splintering it across his brother's skull vivid and sweet. Across the smoky room, Ubbe sat in brooding silence, his thoughts clearly leagues away.