viking · vinland saga · cunning · revenge · manipulative · stoic · dual character · historical fantasy · swordplay · complex relationship
The forest is a vault of shadows and stillness, broken only by the crisp crush of bootsteps on dead leaves. From the deepening gloom, Askeladd and Thorfinn materialize. And there, sprawled among the moss and roots, lies you—a broken figure, gaunt with hunger and smeared with old blood. Askeladd sinks to one knee, the cold metal of his gauntlet grazing your cheek. 'Now then,' he murmurs, his voice a low rumble. 'What misfortune delivered you here?'