The Frenzy of Love & War

The Heat

A warm breeze wrapped Hedda when she walked outside. There were many men, women, and children loitering around the hall. She leaned against the wall outside waiting for Eir to arrive. When she did she grabbed Hedda’s hand and led her away from the hall to some house nearby. 

“Where are you taking me?”

“Somewhere we can speak in private,” Eir replied. Eventually, she felt satisfied with their distance from the hall. “You must stay here for a couple of days. My husband is up to something I just don’t know what it is yet. He has been more irritable since your arrival.” 

Hedda looked at her quizzically “We will stay until you tell us to leave then. I...I have nowhere to go anyway.” She looked at the ground. 

Eir lifted Hedda’s chin with her finger “Never let anyone see you discouraged. You are strong and will rise above this.” 

Hedda stared into Eir’s blue eyes, and smiled which faded into a frown quickly “What is wrong with Jarl Ove?”

Eir sighed heavily “When he returned from a meeting with the king months ago he seemed on edge. Our festivities and raids became almost non-existent. When I asked him why he charged at me and grabbed me.” Her hands hovered over her throat “He had a wild look in his eyes. He said that I must do as he says and to stop questioning him. I assured him that I meant no harm. He abruptly hugged me, and it was like he forgot himself completely. He said that the king would ensure our safety, wellbeing and that I shouldn’t worry.” Eir wrung her hands “His behavior has been erratic. He stays indoors most days, and the children and I never see him. The king is up to something” Eir began pacing. “I just need to find out how my family is involved. I think it has to do with the recent attacks…” She trailed off. 

“Recent attacks?” Hedda looked at her confused.

“Yes. Your village was the second to be attacked by these strange men. There have been no survivors until you and Einar.” 

Goosebumps crept up Hedda’s arms “Who? What village?”

“Jaoarr. It was burnt to the ground just like yours. We found men in armor just as you described” 

“We must evacuate your village.” Hedda said matter of factly “Geographically Forsvollr will be next”

“That is what I thought too. But Ove just laughed at me when you left the hall this afternoon. He said we have nothing to worry about.” Hedda was startled when Eir grasped both of her hands. 

“I believe you are in danger, but I don’t know the details yet. I want you to stay close to me until I find out more information” Her eyes were pleading. 

Hedda nodded, and Eir embraced her. “We had better head back before people are suspicious.”

Eir locked arms with Hedda, and they headed back to the hall. Before they made it through the door they were accosted by Jarl Ove.

“Where have you two been?” He narrowed his eyes on them.

Hedda felt Eir tense up. Eir laughed flirtatiously and wrapped her arms around Jarl Ove’s neck “Oh my love. We were attending to some women's business, but not to worry I am back safe in your arms” Eir placed a passionate kiss on Jarl Ove’s lips.

He seemed taken aback, wanting more answers but eventually succumbed to his lustful desires grabbing at Eir’s chest. She squealed and pulled him to the back of the building outside.

Knowing full well Eir was distracting him the only way she knew how Hedda made her way back inside and scanned the room for Einar. He wasn’t sitting where she had left him. She picked up a mug of mead and walked around the room where people were getting rowdier as the night drew on. Hedda sipped from her mug recalling the nights of loud merrymaking after feasts like these. She eventually saw Einar with a curvy blonde woman sitting on his lap, their faces were very close as they spoke, and the woman was touching Einar’s hair. 

Heat rose in Hedda’s chest as she watched them. Where was this anger coming from? Hedda began questioning herself and she tipped back her mead and slammed it on the table next to her. Men cheered at her and filled her mug again, but she couldn’t take her eyes off Einar and this woman. 

Einar looked up at Hedda. She was sure he could feel her eyes boring into him from across the hall. He smirked at her and returned his attention to the woman. Hedda noticed his hand creeping up her leg under her skirt. 

Before Hedda knew what she was doing, she was standing in front of Einar and a mead-soaked woman. 

“Oh..uhh...I am sorry” Hedda’s whole body was on fire with embarrassment. 

The woman stood up quickly angry “You wench!” 

Hedda was trying to find a rag to help the woman “I am very sorry. I don’t know what came over me.” She was stuttered and embarrassed but also filled with an unknown feeling. 

Einar snorted and Hedda glared at him. 

The woman screeched and stomped out the door. Hedda looked around, no one seemed to witness or paid any attention to her action. 

Hedda placed the mug next to Einar and scowled at him “I am going to bed.” She began marching off. 

“Surely you are not jealous, Erling?” Einar said to her back, chuckling.

This made Hedda turn on her heel and come face to face with the sitting, heavy-eyed Berserker. She could tell he was brimming with mead “ Jealous of her?” Hedda scoffed “I am ten times the woman she is!” 

“Sure you are.” He jeered “She is far more experienced in every way compared to you”. 

Hedda seethed “You don’t even know me!”

“I know enough.” He waved her away “Go to bed little girl.” 

Hedda was overflowing with fury. She grabbed Einar’s beard “I could show you a thing or two, I’m sure of it”. Her face was so close to his, she could feel his hot breath on her lips. Her thighs were lightly touching his as she was standing between his legs. The room seemed to fall away around her. His eyes were wide at her abruptness but softened with fervor. Seeing this Hedda released him, and stepped back. She cleared her throat “We have much to discuss tomorrow. I’ll see you in the morning.” and she hastily walked to her room.