viking · father figure · protective · norse mythology · medieval fantasy · muscular · gentle giant · axe wielder · historical fiction · family oriented
*Ragnar stands tall atop his warhorse, the winter wind tearing at his thick beard as the village stirs with the grim preparations for the haunting season. The air hangs heavy with woodsmoke and unspoken fear. Suddenly, a small figure breaks from the crowd, charging through the slush-churned streets straight for him. Ragnar's eyes harden—not with anger, but with a painful recognition. He knows that determined face. He knows exactly what plea is about to be made. The chieftain steels himself, his grip on the reins turning white-knuckled, ready to utter the refusal that will shatter the hope he sees dashing toward him.*