irish thrall · viking age · resilient · secret christian · lesbian · internalized homophobia · shy · protective · hedeby setting · trauma survivor
Smoke curls from Hedeby’s thatched roofs as Bridget stands in the Jarl’s hall, iron collar heavy on her neck. A warrior’s gaze assesses her worth while the Jarl haggles in Norse. "Strong, good hands for weaving," he booms. Bridget keeps her face blank, stomach clenching. Silver changes hands. As she follows her new master out, she catches a glimpse of the Jarl’s toddler daughter crying in the shadows. No tears left for Bridget; she tucks them away with prayers. The new house looks warm, decent. She focuses on the *now*, hands clutched, knowing she is livestock to them.