The Viking Lunna Queen

Questions And Answers

As Mani ate, she listened to the many questions that were sent our way. "Why have you blessed the princess in such a way?" "Why do the gods favor her so when she is not a full-blooded Viking?" "How is are you two one in the same and our salvation?" "How do you command Thors power?" "Do you really have Odins knowledge?" "Do you see or know of everyone's fate like Odin and the Seer?" "Is Vivica truly going to be the only of her kind, Your kind?" She raised her paw making the questions stop. They were beginning to be to many to keep up with for me. Apparently not her she was just annoyed. "Vivica is blessed by all the gods and goddess's. Yes, I live within her. Her mother knew she would not survive childbirth. She called out to me a week before she began to give birth to Vivica. She asked me to bless her child with life. She knew Vivica was fated for great things. Odin told me to bind myself with the child so it would survive without its mother." She stood up and walked over to a bucket of ale and began to drink.

"Yes Vivica and I are one in the same. When she dies, she will be remembered as a goddess. I will return to my home in the moon. No, she does not know individual fates. We do know the fate of our people. We have Odins knowledge to try and hold back Ragnarök as long as we can. That is how we are your salvation. It is true Vivica's father was not Viking. He was a son of a Chieftan of the native people on the land Torn found. He was a great warrior. our people and Thorn fought along the native people's sides to defend his land form people called Spainards. This does not mean that Vivica is not Viking. Just that she is of two different people and lands." She stalked back to where she had previous been laying and ate another chicken. The people talked amongst themselves. "As Odin said Vivica will be the only of our kind. Meaning She will be the only Wolf that is a Goddess. We will not be the only wolf of our people. I will gift others with a wolf who are worthy of a wolf." She continued to eat ignoring the peoples chatter.

"Any other questions before I recede back into Vivica?" Haraldson stood and sat beside her and rubbed behind her ears. "Only one. Is Thorn in Valhalla?" Mani howled with laughter. "Not only is she in Valhalla but she is a Valkyrie. She wanted you to know how much she truly cared for you and how it saddened her that she could not love you as you did her" Mani tells him making him smile in sadness. She licked the tears off his cheek. Making him chuckle with laughter. "Don't be saddened by her words you will see her again. She will be the one to carry you to Valhalla." She rested our head on his shoulder wrapping our paws around him in a hug. "Now that everything has been said and settled. I'm going to give control back to Vivica. Do you mind finding something to cover her...and maybe some more clothes. We really need to start taking our clothes off before we merge. At this rate the poor girl will have nothing to wear" She said laughing I was even laughing in our heads she is right I will surly run our of dresses at this rate. Haraldson nodded and looked over his shoulder to Hail and Tara. They both waved their hands making people scramble looking for something to cover me with and to wear.

A servant came forward with the largest animal pelt they could find. She placed it over Mani who gave me control to shift back. Haraldson held me close and wrapped me in the pelt making sure my body wasn't exposed to him or the people. "I'm sorry princess I don't want to let go of you just yet. You remind me of your mother so much." I nodded against his shoulder. "It is alright I understand, and I like the comfort I find in your embrace. It is as if we are old friends or family and I have known you all my life" I tell him resting my head on his shoulder. I laced my fingers in his beard pulling his ear to my mouth. "Besides I don't think I can stand just yet" I whispered making him chuckle "Your secret is safe with me" he whispered back.

The people began to talk among themselves, feast, and celebrate again. We sat and drank as we waited for another dress for me. I was begining to wonder how long it could possibly take to find one. I was pulled from the thought by the sound of the horns blowing. It was three short blows meaning someone has arrived. I looked over Haraldson shoulder to Hail and Tara? "Who could it be?" I asked them. "We dont know we are as confused as you are dear" Tara said worriedly. "Kara I trust you. I am not dressed and still to week to stand or fight. Please will you and your mother sit with us. You may use my sword or axe if need be." She and her mother nodded and came and sat one on each side of us. The hall doors opened. In walked a woman with 3 young children. Two girls and one boy. Behind her were 4 older boys well men fallowed by more warriors and shield maidens. The banners they carried had Haraldsons insignia and colors.

"If you want to keep your life I suggest you remove yourself from my husbands lap at once" The woman demanded. Haraldson tightened his grip around me. Which told me not to pay her any mind. "It is not what you think my love. This is princess Vivica. Daughter of" She held up her hand cutting him off now that she was at our feet. I turned my head to look at her with confusion. "You are the daughter of Thorn. My apologies. I thought you were some slum w***e my husband was playing with." she gave me a apologetic smile and small bow. I nodded back to her "I am sorry but I am unable to move at the moment." I tell her "And I am currently waiting on clothes." now she is the one who was confused "Sit, eat, and drink the King and Queen will fill you in my love." She nodded raising her brow at us. "Are you sure there is nothing going on here I need to know about?" Everyone is laughing now "No Gunhilda there is nothing to worry yourself with come sit. I will tell you everything." Hail tells her holding out a cup for her.

"How long doe it take to find a dress?" I asked anyone who was listening to me. "We are all beginning to wonder the same thing. Kara will go get a dress from my room for her please." Tara asked her. She looked at me wanting to know if I felt safe for her to go. I nodded. She left and returned rather quickly with a black and gold dress. I only see Tara wear it at funerals. "Good choice It will suit her nicely" Tara tells her. "I can move but if i do I will be exposed could you carry me to either my room or Hail and Taras so I can get dressed?" I asked Haraldson. He looked over his shoulder to his wife to make sure she was okay with it. She nodded. He stood holding me close and tightly so the pelt would stay in place. He carried me into my room and set me on my bed. Kara fallowed us. I waited for him to leave before standing to get dressed. Kara helped me into the dress and braided my hair again. Just like she did before. She lined my eyes with the black from earlier but not in war paint but in a thin line around my eyelids. Making my blue eyes shine even more.

I took my sword and axe and placed them on my sides. My sword on my left and my axe on my right. We made our way back into the Hall. We sat at the royal table and began to eat and drink. We listened as everyone filled in Haraldsons wife in on what had happened today and moments before she had arrived. I looked at Kara "I know you don't know me well yet. But I want to thank you for all the help you have given me. I want you to think of yourself as my equal not as someone who is below me." she smiled and nodded. "I want you to be the first to be gifted with a wolf." I whispered to her. She beamed with joy at my news. We watched as the kids ran and play with Haraldsons kids. I looked around at the new arrivals. Most of them looked to be around Kara's mothers age. Compared to those who came with Haraldson were mostly Kara's age.

There were only four men that were around Kara's age among the people who came with Gunhilda. They all had a resemblance. They must be brothers. "who are they?" I asked Kara nodding at the four younger men. "Those are Haraldson's sons. The oldest is Erik. The short fat one is Olaf he is the second eldest. The one over by Haraldson is Finn. He is the third born and if I am being honest. He has my heart." I cut her off before she could finish "You should pursue him then. If you leave it to the men you will wait forever. He looks like a kind and strong man....I could order him to marry you" I tell her jokingly we both laughed together. "Perhaps you are right. I will tell him of my feelings after our attack on England." I nodded nudging her with my elbow laughing with her. "What I really want to know is his name" I tell her nodding to the tallest, broader, and most handsome of the four. She gave me a knowing smile as if she could read my mind. "That is Axel he is the youngest yet the strongest. He is noble, strong wiled, and loved by every woman who lays eyes on him" She said with a giggle "I can see why I can't help but stare at the man."

It was as if he heard my words. He turned his attention my way looking me in my eyes. I raised my cup to him, he did the same and we drank. I turned my attention back to watching all the kids running through the hall. I stood to go get another plate of food and cup of ale. "Your still hungry?" Haraldson asked me as I passed him to the table of food. I nodded "I have to eat a lot to keep my energy up." I said with a soft smile. Instead of getting meats and bread this time I filled my plate with fruits and a picked up a bowl of nuts. I filled my cup and returned to my seat beside Kara and Tara. I ate my food rather quickly. As I watched the people play music dance and wrestle. "Kara why don't you go and ask Finn to dance with you?" Her cheeks blushed. "I would but I fear rejection. I haven't made a name for myself yet." I let out a deep laugh "Neither has he my friend." I tell her she just shook her head no telling me she wouldn't dare ask.

Knowing that she wanted to. I stood up and made my way to Finn. I was standing behind him his back was turned to me. I tapped on his shoulder. He turned and faced me "what do you want slave?" I raised my eyebrows choosing to ignore his remark and foolish mistake thinking I am a slave. "My friend would like to dance with you." I tell him sweetly smiling. "And who is your friend?" I nodded at Kara "Her name is Kara she is the trusted right hand shield maiden to princess Vivica" I tell him my tone enticing her title. "Is that so?" he said smiling he shoved me out of his way knocking me to the ground. Making his way to Kara. I could see the anger on her face because of his actions. I waved my hand telling her to ignore it. I looked over at Haraldson who I could feel staring at me on the ground. I smiled and shook my head. My way of telling him to let it go. I went to stand up but before I could someone grabbed me by my waist and hoisted me to my feet from behind me. "I'm sorry he gets excited when a woman has his attention." the man said.

I turned to look at the man who helped me up. I almost lost my breath instantly. It was Axel. "And why would he be excited by such a thing?" I ask him trying to catch my breath. "Because most of the time. Women are after our eldest brother or myself." He said so boastfully and full of pride. I couldn't help but smirk and laugh at his remark. "I see it must be so hard for him" I said in a mocking/joking tone. He laughed at my joke. "Why would you help a mere servant off the floor?" I ask playing along with his brother's belief that's what I am. "Titles don't matter to me. What matters is that everyone is treated with respect." He said with a smile. I tilted my head to the side shocked by his answer. I was taken aback by the man. My heart pounded hard in my chest. It was as if it wanted to leap out and rest in his hands. "I have never met many who had that belief." I tell him honestly. Giving him a soft smile. "What is your name sir?" I ask him to play dumb like Kara didn't tell me already. "My name is Axle. I'm the youngest son of Earl Haraldson." I nodded wide eyed like he was a god standing before me.

"Looks like you two are getting along. Unlike your older brothers" Haraldson says patting his son on the back. Snapping me out of my thoughts. I smiled and nodded "You have a very kind son sir. He even helps mere slaves." I tell Haraldson. Letting him know I haven't told them who I am just yet. He boomed with laughter. "He is like his father in that way. He has a brave heart. That is why I have named him Axel Brave Heart." He said with a smile. "May I steal her away from you for a moment son. Id like to dance with the princess." Haraldson said smirking. Axels jaw nearly hit the floor with shock from his fathers words. "p...pp...princess? She is the princess? The daughter of Thorn Ragnarsson?" The man looked as if he was going to pass out. "Breathe son she is as humble as you and I" He tells him leading me away to dance. "Why did you have to tell him?" I asked him unable to hide my annoyance. "I couldn't help myself. I have never seen him show interest in a woman. For a man to not be interested in titles it was funny to see his reaction to yours" He laughed

I couldn't help but laugh. It was funny seeing his reaction to my title. "I know the look you and my son share. It is the same look I had for your mother. The same look my wife has for me." he smiled at me as if he knew of my feelings. "And what look is that? Old man" I asked

with a smile. "I'm not that old" He said with a breathless laugh. Making him take a seat to catch his breath "Okay maybe I am" He laughed sounded flakily defeated. "That look right there. He hasn't taken his eyes off of you since Finn knocked you down." He said nodding to Axel. I glanced in his direction catching him looking at me. Which made him look away. "That is the look of love my dear" I shrugged "I don't know if it is or not just yet. I will think about it while we are gone to England." I tell Haraldson. He waved a servant over for cups and ale. "I am happy and sad by that news" He tells me honestly.

The servant walked away after our cups were filled. "I am Viking and have trained my whole life for this. Don't deny me my right to voyage and battle along side our people. Besides I plan on seeking out those worthy and gift them with a wolf. It would be a greater advantage than our original plans. It is a greater weapon and surprise than our usual witty tactics and battle strategies that they have already seen. I'm not ready to lead the people yet. But I am ready to fight with and for my people." He nodded "your mother would not allow me into Valhalla if I deny you your right to voyage and battle. Your idea is a far greater strategy than the one we already have but lets keep it between us hmmm?" I nodded. I stood "I wont tell anyone besides the King and Queen." He smiled and nodded. I made my way to Tara and Hails thrones. I sat at Taras feet leaning my back against her legs.

She began undoing the braids in my hair to play with it and rebraid it like she always does. I watched as Kara and Finn danced carefree "I'm guessing you had something to do with that" Hail said. I smiled and nodded "I suppose I had a hand in it" I couldn't help but smirk and be happy for her. "I want to give you both the gift of a wolf. For raising me as your own and keeping me safe all this time" I tell them "I would be honored and happy with your decision" Tara said sweetly. "I am afraid I am to old to make such a change." Hail said grimly. I understood he is beginning to grey and show his age. "If he can't or won't make the change. Then I wont do it." She said sadly. I understood her choice to live her life with him. She is at least ten years or more younger than he is. She is his second wife. His first died in battle. I nodded letting them know I understood. The music stopped they needed a break to eat and drink. Finn stayed close to Kara leading her to sit drink and talk.

Until he noticed me at Taras feet and her playing with my hair. He stood and made his way to us. Kara hot on his heels. He stopped in front of us "Why do you care for your slaves in such a way?" He asked her. "Excuse me?" Tara said in her sweet calm tone. "Why do you" she cut him off raising her hand "You miss understand me. I heard you. Who are you to ask me such a question?" She said "I am Finn the second youngest son of Earl Haraldson." He said "Forgive me I mean no disrespect I am just curious as to why you show such kindness to someone beneath you?" I knew the look she was giving him it is the same look she always gives people when it comes to me or a actual servant.

"I show them dignity and respect because they deserve it. Every servant I have do so much for us and our people it is only right to treat them fairly. Put yourself in their shoes having to constantly do for others. Would you rather serve someone who treats you kindly or someone who treats you as if a stray dog? If you treat them good, they will be loyal to you. Treat them harshly or unjust and they are liable to bite you." I always admired her speech every time I hear it, it warms my heart. She let out a sigh "we call even call them by their names once we learn them. If we don't we call them a servant not a slave. It is less degrading." Her tone slightly cold towards him. I can already tell she does not like the young man. I am grateful she is playing along and letting him believe what he wants about me.

"You sound as crazy and foolish as my father. How is a slave to know their place if you treat them as people." His tone was harsh and disgusted by her statement. I couldn't help but smile "I understand treating those who look like us or could one day be one of us with kindness but not someone who could never be." His tone still laced in disgust towards me. Kara was about to speak telling him who I am I shook my head at her telling her no. He seemed to not notice thinking it was from Tara pulling on my hair. I couldn't help but laugh at the poor boy. He is making a fool of himself and he doesn't even know it. He squatted down to look me in the face. "What is so funny slave?" He hissed grabbing me by my jaw. He squeezed so tight the cut on my cheek began to bleed again. Tara went to move until I pressed my weight against her lightly letting her know to let it play out. "You are" I said mocking him. He let go of my jaw "How am I funny?" He questioned me. Haraldson and Axel now standing behind him.

"Because you are making a fool of yourself. You sound so Ignorant to question and belittle the Queen about how she rules. You call her and your father foolish. You will never rule over anything. You're not even half the man your father is. I would ask you if you're acting this way because you are drunk. But that does not matter. You have acted this way since I have meet you. It would not surprise me if you were killed by a servant one day. Don't worry it won't be me. I chose to kill you with kindness. I have done nothing to you except help you find love. One day your ignorance and arrogance will be your undoing." I tell him with my brow raised looking him in the eye.

I can tell he is getting angry with me "I don't want or need the kindness of a mere slave" he hissed at me I let out a sigh and rolled my eyes with annoyance. "You dare roll your eyes at me while I am speaking to you" I smirked "Yes I do dare. I don't fear you. It is you who should fear me." I tell him calmly. He laughed hysterically as if I said something funny. "You are the only one laughing and amused by your own stupidity boy" I tell him smirking at him. Yep, that did it his anger went to full rage. He rose his hand to hit me. Haraldson stopped him "you hit her I can't save you son." Axel's face was red with rage at his brother's word's and actions. Axel's eyes never leaving me. "Brother she is" I glared at him making him stop talking. Haraldson let go of Finns arm leaving him to decide his own fate. "You are nothing a nobody. You dare to speak to me in such a way?" I started laughing at him again "I do. Just as you dare to speak to the Queen as you did and have." I growled at him.

"Of course, you are loyal to and admire the Queen she is your protector." I scoffed "What makes you think she protects me? Are you sure it's not the other way around?" He laughed again "Of course she does. What sense does it make for a slave to protect a Queen you have no power. Yet she does or says nothing to me in regards to you" he spat on me. "That is because I can speak for myself. Once again you are making a fool of yourself. You will forever be the Ass of my jokes." I tell him spitting on him as he did me. He smacked me so hard my head hit the arm of Tara's Throne before I fell to the floor. My lip stung and burned. I could taste the copper like taste of my own blood in my mouth. I sat back up slowly. "That I cannot and will not forgive." I hissed at him through gritted teeth. I spat my blood on the floor at his feet as I stood up. Haraldson is now having to hold Axel back. To keep him from attacking his brother.

"Who do you think you are to make such threats to me?" He said rising to his feet trying to intimidate me. "Like I said before I am the one you should fear" My tone dripping with anger.

He drew back and punched me so hard I fell backwards on to Hail and Tara's laps. I heard and felt my nose break as soon as he hit me yet again. Hail and Tara helped me up out of their laps. My blood rolling down my chin and dripping on the floor "I warned you and warned you. Out of the respect and love I have for your father. You have sealed your own fate. You miserable little shit." I spat at him covering him in my blood. "I am not a servant nor a slave. I am the princess." He turned so pale. It was as if he had seen a ghost and might pass out. He backed up as if to get away and run. Haraldson and Axel each grabbing a arm stopping him. "I blame your mother for being to lenient and soft with you. Today you are going to learn there are consequences for your actions." He hissed in his sons ear. Every word was dripping with pure anger and rage.

"If she doesn't kill you brother I will" Axel said flatly still staring at me. If my face wasn't covered in my blood he would see me blushing. "I should" I say "However death would be to easy of a punishment. Until you grow up and change your ways I forbid you to see, talk to, or be with my dearest friend and right-hand Kara. You should be kissing her feet and the ground she walks on. She is the only reason I am willing to give a second chance at life. If she agrees because this will affect her to and I wish her no ill will." I turn my gaze from Finn who is now looking at his feet. Knowing he has royally f****d up to Kara. "I do and don't agree" she said flatly. I raised my brow "What do you suggest then?" I asked her. "I do not care if he changes his ways. I cannot look at him the same way as I did. He is not the person I thought of him to be." Her tone was cold and careless for the man who held her heart for so long. She looked at Haraldson and Gunhilda who both nodded to her. Leaving their sons fate in her hands. She nodded to Axel to hold out Finns arm. He did as she motioned. She pulled my axe from her back and in one swift blow she cut off his hand.

She picked it up off the floor and walked over to the fire. She tossed his hand into the fire and pulled out a branding iron bar. She stuck it to his stump to cauterize the stump so he wouldn't bleed out. Then branded him with the mark of a slave. "I strip you of all titles you could ever have. You will live the life that you speak so lowly of until you die a lonely miserable death." She spat on him before walking back to the fire. She put the brand back into the fire and stomped her way out of the hall. I could still feel her anger and hurt lingering even though she was gone. Finn was laying at his father's feet crying in pain and begging him for forgiveness. "How can you let her do this to your son?" he cried out and pleaded. "You did this to yourself brother" Axel spat at him. He stepped over his brother. Now standing in front of me. He reached out with a rag in his hand to wipe my blood from my face. "Why would you let him carry on in such a way? Why let him do this to your beautiful face?" He asked me "It is only skin and will heal. It is better to know what people think and how they feel before they know who I am" I tell him honestly with a shrug.

He smiled and nodded realizing I was right and far wiser than I let on. I began to feel hot. The room began to spin making me dizzy. "I think I need to lie down" I whispered before everything went black. I felt my legs give away and I sank into the darkness that surrounded me.