Training in the wood [open]

Waking up for Sassa had always been one of her favorite things. It meant she got to spend the time making sure her hair and outfit looked nice and presentable. All her life all she had ever been told was how beautiful she was. Her name sake was even divine beauty. Sure she loved hearing it every time she was told how good looking she was because she knew it was true, but Sassa wanted to be known for something more than being a beautiful villager born from an ex shield maiden who had no father. She wanted to be know for how strong she was, how smart she was, and many other things.She wanted to be a shield maiden like her mother had been, but that wasn't quite possible yet. Maybe she would be one someday, maybe she wouldn't. Even if she never was Sassa planed to find a way to prove herself.

However she made sure that she looked her very best at all times, even if she was just spending the day training. If she didn’t her mother would complain anyways. She was so set on Sassa finding a husband and staring a family as soon as possible. Sasha wasn't against finding someone and falling in love, but she wanted the person she married to want to be with her for something other than looks. She wanted to be a strong women to be at their side who could defend him if needed.That he would feel that she was strong enough to take with him with in his travels, or into battle. Not that she was just some prize he had to leave at home because she was just a useless beauty. So because of that, Sassa made sure to train on all her free days.That way when the time came for her to be able to prove herself she would be ready.

Pushing the furs off herself Sassa got up and made quick work of making herself presentable. Making sure to grab her mothers sword before heading talk to her mother “I’ll be back later tonight mother” she said before giving her a kiss on the cheek and waking outside. Sassa didn’t have any chores to do today so she headed right to the forest to get training. Maybe she should have asked someone to come with her, but she wasn't sure if anyone was also free today. She had been busy all day yesterday and hadn't got been to town to see anyone as well. Sassa wanted to get even faster on her feet with the sword. She was extremely fast with her knifes, but she still needed improvement with the sword. Maybe it was because the sword had been made for her mothers body type, but Sassa always felt she wasn't good enough with it yet. Getting into position she struck the tree in front of her, and moved around quickly. Doing it again and again until she felt she was swinging fast enough. This wasn't as good as having a partner, but it would work.

The sky had been black with some clouds floating around and the moon shining as an open eye to all that laid under it, when he went out for a hunt. Bow and arrow in hand and a small sword on his side together with some knifes. After all you never know what you might catch and it was handy to have some kind of protection. Most people would call him stupid to go out hunting at night. After all he as a human being couldn’t see as much as he would like. It was true, and he only had the light of the moon to see. So he had to trust in his senses more than in his sight. But the fact was that by now after 7 years he knew this forest quite well and he didn’t need much light to know where he was going. He had been trained since he was a young boy to listen to his surroundings and trust in his own senses. So hunting at night or by day wasn’t a problem for him. But he had a reason to go out by night. In the night more animals went around and his chances to get a good catch and so a good dinner for some days went up as well. As a farmer he could easily just  cut down one of his farm animals. But the fact was he rather spare those for when they were needed. Really needed and not only because he was craving some fresh meat.
At night there were animals roaming around that you wouldn’t see at day. But this night everything seemed to be very quiet and it wasn’t till close to dawn that Argneir was able to actually shoot some prey. Two rabbits and a water rat. He couldn’t complain about his hunt. They were small prey but they would do for him alone. Even if someone would come and join him he still would have enough. Not that he got many visitors. But he couldn’t complain he liked the quiet life on the farm. Though he hoped they would go raiding again soon. He missed the thrill of the journey and the trill of the kill.

His footsteps were soft as the sun had already risen above the horizon. Morning had come quicker than he had thought and now he was making his way out of the forest to get back home. His bow and arrows on his shoulder and his catches warped up handing from one of his sides. His blue eyes were staring at the pat ahead of him as he tried to avoid stepping on any branch. He wanted to be as quiet as he could. It was still early and you could never know if he would have a chance to catch another prey. Maybe then he could sell or tread his catch for something else he needed. Easier than having to buy everything and in the trading centre there was always someone to find.
His footsteps stopped as he saw a  pheasant from the corner of his eyes. His movements froze up as he slowly took his bow and placed the arrow. Pulling the string back and slowly aiming on the animal. His breathing had become light, almost unnoticeable. The point of the arrow was set on the body of the poor animal that would soon be his next victim. Just as he was about to shoot…
The sound of metal hitting the hard wood of a tree filled the place and the Pheasant jumped up and started to run before flying away. Argneir narrowed his eyes. Lowering his arrow and putting it back as he moved the bow back over his shoulders. So much for his next prey. He slowly moved his eyes towards the place where the sound was coming from. He wondered who would start hacking wood this early in the morning.

His steps soon brought him to a sight he had not expected to see. A beautiful young girl, with sword at hand was hacking into the tree with fast sweet movements. He stared at her for a while and kneeled down slowly. Keeping himself hidden as he watched the almost dancing movements. It was clear she was skilled with the sword. Jet it seemed she was still not quite used to it. He took a slow breath. Before he stood and stepped out from his ‘hiding spot.’ ”Not bad.” He crossed his arms and stared at her. ”But if you keep hacking into the tree like that, there won’t be much left of your sword. after all a sword wasn’t made to hack into a tree. So the blade would be sure to get damaged faster this way. Not that it was a problem as she could always sharpen it again. Though even so if she kept hacking at trees, even sharpening it wouldn’t protect it any longer and soon the sword would be useless, even in battle. What would be a shame as it was a beautiful piece of iron. Made for battle, made to see blood. He looked back at the girl, his blue eyes locking with hers. ”I am sorry, I didn’t mean to disturb you. But he also couldn’t help and come out to make the comment.

@Angel: I think it's a beautiful first post. ^.^

Sassa was was finally feeling like the was getting fast enough. Her hits were becoming more precise as well. Every spot she aimed at she was hitting dead center. However her arms were starting to get swore and tired from the repetitive motions of swinging and hitting. She was just about to stop to take a small break when she heard someone talk behind her "Not bad" the voice had said. Jumping Sassa swung the sword around and pointed it at the person behind her. The person turned out to be a man she had seen around the village many times. She wasn't sure she knew his name, and if she did she couldn't remember it for the live of her. "But if you keep hacking into the tree like that, there won’t be much left of your sword" He spoke to her again. The fact that he said that kind of annoyed her, She knew he was right. That she was just going to have to get her sword sharpened soon, but she just wanted to get stronger and to be a better warrior.

Taking a deep breath she lowered her sword and stuck it into the ground. He hadn't tired to hurt her and she didn't think he was going to try. If he planed to he would have already. "Well it was the tree or nothing. I had no partner today" she said to him before crossing her own arms. Sassa didn't want to come off as rude, she knew the man was just trying to give helpful points to her. Maybe she hadn't known that it was going to damage her sword. "I am sorry, I didn’t mean to disturb you" he said to her and Sassa just smiled. He was just being kind and she should be kind back. He could have been like others and asked what she was doing with a sword in the first place.

Looking at the man in front of her for a moment before answering "It's okay, if anything you just helped me out. I didn't hear you come up at all. So I need to work on paying attention to my surroundings" And it was true, she had not heard him come towards her, and if he had been someone who would have wished harm on her she would have been dead already. This was just another sign that she just wasn't ready to go out and fight with everyone like she wanted to. If she can snuck up upon in her own village, the gods only know what would happen on a battle field. " Besides, I needed a break anyways" she said to him next before walking a bit closer to him. He was quite handsome, it was something she had noticed before when seeing him around. He had somewhat of a different look than a good amount of the men, he kept his hair short where as most men in Kattegat had long braided hair. His beard was also kept short, and he looks to be very strong too.

He also had some game on him, meaning he had been hunting as well. Sassa also realized if she had no idea what his name was, than most likely he didn't know hers as well. Or maybe he had not even seen her before this moment. Plus she had been silently staring at him for a few minutes too. Now embarrassed Sassa of her actions with him. First he was able to sneak up on her, and now she had just very clearly checked him out without saying anything. Sticking her hand out she said " I'm sorry, I don't believe we have met officially. I am Sassa, what is your name?" If she had in fact met him before then she would feel even more embarrassed with herself. Maybe she could make a new friend in this man, maybe even a new training partner. Or if the Gods had plans he could be something else entirely. She would just have to wait and see.

The moment the girl turned to him and pointed the shiny sword at him, he couldn’t help but let out a light smile. Had he surprised her so much? Well he guessed he had made a habit out of sneaking up to people in silence. Most of them were very unaware of that. He liked that way. However he didn’t mean to surprise the girl. He only recognised the young girl. It would be hard not to recognise her. After all it was hard not to see such a beauty around the village. That and the fact that most men looked at her like they wanted to jump right on her and do whatever they wanted to do with her. Oh there was a lot of talk if you listened well enough and so he had heard a lot about her too. Not only from the men, but it seemed a lot of women were jealous as well. Saying the girl here in front of him was blessed by the gods and that she could have such a bright future ahead of her. All because of the looks. He guessed they had a point, after all. He was pretty sure she could get any man she wanted. So if she went for an earl, or even maybe a king. Then her life would be set for her.
His mind stopped when she moved, sticking her sword into the ground. His eyes moved over her, before they connected back to her own blue eyes. Listening to her words he looked back at the tree and gave a nod. He guessed that was true. A tree was better than hitting into nothing but air. But she could have gone for another maybe older sword. Though who was he to tell her what to do? Maybe he should have stayed out of this. The lady had quite the fighting spirit. He could tell just by the way she spoke, the way she moved.

But then she smiled and something seemed to lift. She had as expected a most beautiful light smile. He looked back at the tree for a second to see all the dents in it. Seemed she had been at it for a while. He let out a hum when she said she needed to pay better attention to her surroundings. He soon looked back at her and smiled. ”Takes years of practice.” Not only to pay attention to your own surroundings, but also to sneak up to people as silent as he did. He learned from his brother and hunting. Those two had been quite a great combination to make him into an almost perfect hunter. Or so many said. Though he realised there was still much he needed to learn. He watched her stare at him in silent. Maybe he should have looked away, but he just stared back at her. He took a slow breath when she finally moved and came up to him sticking her hand out. His eyes moved to her hand as she spoke ”I'm sorry, I don't believe we have met officially. I am Sassa, what is your name?" He looked back up at her and smiled. ”We haven’t.” Not officially anyways. ”The name is Argneir Mordson, It’s a pleasure to meet you Sassa.” A special name for a special lady. He took her hand in a quite ferm manner. Before holding it for a while, even though it was clear she trained a lot, her hands were still quite soft.

he let out another hum before letting her hand go and letting his arms fall back to his sides before he nodded to the tree. ”If you don’t have a partner, I don’t mind jumping in.” Not as if he had planned much for today, and some training couldn’t hurt. ”After the break of course.” He said in a slight teasing manner. And another very important point to that. ”If you want.” With that said he moved past her and went to the tree, placing his bow and arrows down against it, together with the prey he had caught. He didn’t need to have those animals dangle around his hip if they were going to do this.

@ Angel, Loved it. ;)

Though still embarrassed of her outright starring at him, she had noticed he had done the same right back at her. She still had her hand out when he said ”We haven’t.” which meant she was right that they had never spoken before, at least that was one least thing she had to feel bad about. He then told her his name and that is was nice to meet her before taking her hand. His hand was firm and strong around her small one. She could feel the many callouses all over, from years of hard work. He also held her hand a little bit longer than most do when first meeting. Which made a light blush appear onto Sassa's face causing her to look away. She had just met him officially and here she was blushing like a fool. Sneaking another look at his face she smiled before saying " It's nice to meet you as well, Argneir" to him right before he let go of her hand.

Sassa hasn't had to much contact with men, at least not this kind of contact anyways, alone in the woods like she was right now. Maybe that was why she felt all weird and girlish around Argneir. Sure his good looks had something to do with it she knew, but she would talk to the Ragnarson brothers on and off and not feel this way.  Though,again she had never been alone with them. People were always around her or at least her mother was. Her mother would freak if she were to find out she was alone with a man right now, but Sassa had no plans of telling her. ”If you don’t have a partner, I don’t mind jumping in.” Argneir had said shortly after letting go of her hand. Sassa bit her lip as she looked over at him. It would be nice to have a partner instead of a tree. Plus she knew from the looks of him he was a skilled and strong warrior. ”After the break of course.” he had said next, and she had to smile back at him for that. He was still being nothing but kind to her. It didn't feel like he was making fun of her, but making a joke instead.

Before she could answer him he made sure to add that it was only if she wanted. "I would like that, thank you" She said as she decided that she would not give this opportunity up. Most of the men wouldn't train with her, and if they did they would hold back a lot. Maybe if she asked him too, he wouldn't hold back on her like everyone else. She wanted to be a real warrior and if people kept holding back on her she would never be one. " But you must promise not to hold back because I am a women" she said to him as she made her way to him by the tree. Stopping to grab her sword from the ground where she had stuck it. " I'll never get stronger if you hold back" she took a breath "Besides everyone holds back with me, be the man that doesn't" She said to him next as she tried to convince him that he shouldn't hold back and that she could handle it. Maybe saying that would make him want to give her his all. It was at least worth a try.

She made sure to stretch her arms a bit before getting into position and raising her sword at him. Her entire body was filled with excitement for what was about to happen. She loved training so very much. Sassa liked to sometimes pretend that she was in a real battle in the middle of a raid. She never told her partners that, but it was still fun to think in her head. Maybe if things went well with this fight Argneir would want to train with her more. Just the thought of spending more time with him shot another blush onto her face that she quickly fought off and got ready to see what his next move would be. She wanted to prove to him she was strong, and then maybe she could continue proving more and more people until everyone knew it.

He could say he was actually glad when she agreed to his offer. You could say he was curious to see what the girl had in store. The scars she had given the tree and the way she had moved her sword made sure he knew she was already a skilled warrior. But he had not seen her jet in any raids. Or maybe he had not paid attention to it. Though as he had thought before, someone like her stood out and he would have heard the talk go around if she had been on any of the raids. Maybe someone didn’t let her go. That was possible too. He let out a hum, not that it mattered, now he would see for himself just how much she got. And he was happy to be able to train again too. It had been a while and he was starting to worry that his movements would get rusty if he kept it up like this. He took of some of the knifes he carried with him too, placing them next to his bow as he kneeled down and looked back at her when he heard her sweet voice.
" But you must promise not to hold back because I am a women.” He stared at her in silence as she made her way to him, she only stopped to take her sword. He looked into her eyes and narrowed his a bit. "I'll never get stronger if you hold back." Where her next words before she took a clear breath. "Besides everyone holds back with me, be the man that doesn't.” She said after. He stayed quiet for some time and stared into her eyes. Watching her getting in position. He let out a hum and looked back at the ground, a very small smile forming on his lips.

He could imagen that most men would hold back against her, or maybe even wouldn’t want to fight her. Even though there were more than enough shield maidens around, most men still thought women were weak, couldn’t fight and better stayed home. And Sassa was one of those rare beauties, naturally men wouldn’t want to harm her, or wouldn’t want any harm to come to her. Could also be a natural reaction. But it seemed Sassa was set determined to get stronger. The smile on his lips came from the fact that he recognised the determined look, she did remind him of someone else. That someone was him as a child. He too had been determined to get stronger, to make sure to prove to his father that he was someone. To make his father look at him. To make his father proud and so he had trained many years, making himself into a perfect warrior. Killing over and over again to just get his father to look at him and jet the man never thought him worthy enough. He guessed he should be thankful for it, after all it made him in the man he was today. But… he still felt anger towards that man even when he was miles away. Who knew if his father was even alive anymore.

He was still looking at the ground as he answered. ”Then by the gods I swear, I will not hold anything back towards you.” if that was what she wished for. He let his fingers run over the ground, before he took some earth and stood up, He rubbed his hands together, most of the earth falling back to the ground, but it’s still leaving a small bit of dust on his hands. He looked back at her and took his sword. Starting to walk towards her. He could see the light blush on her cheek, this was the second time wasn’t it. Was she embarrassed? She did seem to fight of the blush very soon. He wondered what she was thinking off… Maybe being alone her with him… and what could happen. But she could rest assure, he wouldn’t do anything. At least nothing she didn’t want him to do.

He stopped not too far away from her and went into position as well. He wouldn’t hold anything back as she wanted. ”I do hope, I do not disappoint you. with that said he charged towards her, without any warning. In quick steps he was in front of her, his sword connecting with hers and he hit it to the side with full force. His other hand grabbed her arm as he pulled her into him. One of his arms going around her to hold her on her place, as he moved his blade to her neck. He looked down at her. ”I will give you some more free advice, start off with your blade in a high position. So you can attack and defend as an eagly.” If you held your swords above your head, most would say you were venerable. But the fact was, you could easily attack and defend, to the sides, to the front and the enemy wouldn’t be able to hit the sword out of your hands. He soon let her go and stepped back, turning his sword in his hand and getting in his own position. ”Now, lady first.”

To simply say Sassa was happy he had just swore to her he wouldn't hold back would be an understatement. She was absolutely thrilled. She was going to have her very first training that would be like a real fight. Where she would be able to see if she could truly handle going on raids with everyone when they started to go again. Sassa knew if she proved enough people that she was strong enough to go, then maybe someone higher ranked would demand she went, and then her mother couldn't tell her no or try to keep her safe at home. Like she had been trying to do to her from the moment she was born. Like she was sure she would do her entire life. How was Sassa to ever be a true viking with a mother who always babied her or protected her.

However she would most likely have to get married before her mother would stop trying to control her life. For it would be her husbands responsiblity if she was to be able to go on raids or not. Sassa would make sure whoever it was it would be someone who would let her. She cared not for their title or what they did in life. As long as they would love her and treat her as an equal.Not like her mother, she wanted Sassa to marry up. To marry someone in power that would take care of her every need. Sassa just never thought that was important. She could take care of her needs when they went raiding. They could earn some of the treasures together! They could take care of each other not just a one way thing. None the less she hadn't met a man that had tried anything with her. So who knew when she would marry.

She watched as Arngeir grabbed some dirt into his hands and rubbed it all around. That was something very cleaver that she would need to remember to do next time as well. That way his hands wouldn't be nearly as sweaty. She tired to ready herself even more as she watched him walk a little closer to her. Being prepared for him to strike at any second. When she stopped and got into position Sassa got ready to swing, but then he spoke and threw her off. ”I do hope, I do not disappoint you." he had said to her, she was going to reply to him too the second he charged. He took her by such surprise that she didn't even have a moment to try and defend herself. She had been so stupid to let her guard down for even a moment. He almost knocked her sword from her hands with his sheer force, but she used all her power to keep.She would not lose and embarrass herself within the first two seconds. She would never find a partner like him ever again, that she was sure of. He would tell everyone how weak she was and she would be trapped her forever. Well maybe he wouldn't, but all the same.

Then he grabbed her and pulled her body into himself. Taking her even more by surprise and shock. He had her snug against his chest with his sword at her throat. Sassa knew her face was bright red, and she could feel her heart pounding in every place on her body. Not only was she a little mad at him for this, she was also frazzled. She had never been held like his by a man, His strong arms were wrapped around her and she could feel them flexing. She could smell his sent as well. Arngeir smelled good, like a mixture of earth and clean water. When he looked down at her she couldn't help but look into his eyes as he spoke. ”I will give you some more free advice, start off with your blade in a high position. So you can attack and defend as an eagly.” He said to her. "Good to know" was all she said back to him before he let her go and moved away.

Sassa watched him move away from her, her face was still bright red and her heart was still pounding. He then told her ladies first as he waited for her to attack."You took me by surprise, I won't make the same mistake twice" she said to him as she did what he had instructed her to do before charging with all her might, just for him to easily block her at every turn.Every strike she threw at him he blocked and hit back with great force. Sassa felt herself getting frustrated, and excited at the same time. This was the hardest fight she had ever been in, in her entire life. She started to strike even harder, so hard that she felt her arms shake with every hit. Arngeir however just hit back with even more force then she did it seemed. She was sweating all over, and her arms felt like they were on fire as she jumped away from him to get a moments rest. " You are by far the strongest partner I have ever had" she said to him as she gasped for deeper breathes. " Or the only one to ever truly fight me" she said before she charged again. Making sure to raise her sword like he said again, yet when she went to hit her arms were already so sore that when he hit back her sword flew from her hands and onto the ground next to her. Sassa was now staring at his face as she waited to see what he did next. He had easily defeated her, she wondered what he was going to say about that.

Was it bad of him that he had trouble holding in the light laugh that wanted to come out when he saw her flustered face? He did have to say the pink colour suited her pretty face very well and he guessed he could have hold her in a different less close position. But that wouldn’t have been as much fun and it wouldn’t have as much effect ether. Maybe just maybe he had done it because he knew that her cheeks would colour pink again. He held his sword in a slight lose manner as she spoke. He only smiled. It was the meaning to surprise her and he guessed he had done the job well. And he had a feeling he wouldn’t be able to surprise her like that a second time. She looked smart enough and probably was a fast learner. So he would have to find other ways to surprise her if he wanted to. But that would be fun, because there were so many tricks he could use.
He took a slow breath and instantly held his sword in a tight manner when she started to move. Charging at him with what seemed all her mind. His expression got more serious. As promised he would not hold back. In fact he even promised by the gods and so he could not break that promise. Though it seemed it could happen very easily. He wouldn’t. His eyes followed her movements as he blocked and returned the attack. His eyes going to her feet to see how she would move and then back at her arms to see how she would move the sword. He only took a few steps once in a while. Always using one leg as a pillar to make sure not to lose his own balance. Though… Even if she was a clearly skilled fighter to him her attacks weren’t ‘hard’ to block or to hit her sword back to the side and stabilise himself for the next attack. He could clearly feel when she started to hit harder and a light chuckle did escape his lips then. Not that he was laughing at her, no. It came out because he was actually enjoying himself. It felt good to be able to move his arms back in the ways he had to because of her attacks and she did had good aim and went for the more open unguarded spots. In return to her more forceful hits, he naturally blocked them and parred them with more force as well. He could have kept fighting like he had been. But if he did that it wouldn’t be fair to her and then he would have broken his promise. Why was it that he paid so much attention to one promise suddenly? Especially to this almost strange girl he had just met officially. Was it because she reminded him so much of himself in the past?

He narrowed his eyes a bit as she jumped away, however he wouldn’t let his guard down. After all it could be a smart trick of the pretty girl. Just like he had used talking to make her let her guard down. He took a slow calming breath, trying to keep his breathing on a rather normal pace. Though he could feel that he needed more oxygen then when he was calm. Just the feeling he wanted, it actually got him excited. Especially listening to her words. ” You are by far the strongest partner I have ever had" He was somewhere glad to hear those words coming out of her mouth. [i] " Or the only one to ever truly fight me"[i] He would have answered if she didn’t come and charge at him directly after. But he was determined to give her an answer and so maybe he should finish this little training session for now. After a break seemed to be calling.

His eyes moved back over her body and he smiled noticing she was keeping her sword up just as he had told her. It would have been more effective if they hadn’t been at it for so long. Seemed Sassa her body had enough for it. He quickly blocked her sword and swung his own to the side. It resulting in her sword getting hit out of her hand and landing next to her in the ground. He pointed his swords towards her and stared into her eyes. In a real battle he would know how cut her throat open without thinking about it. But now, he took a slow breath and then lowered his sword, putting it back on his side as he walked over to her sword and picked it up. Looking over it and turning it in his hand before he turned to her and held it out to her. ”You fight well.” And that wasn’t a lie, her movements were solid and quick. She was smart and looked for the most venerable spots. Something most people when they fought didn’t think about, or most men didn’t. They just hacked through whatever they were encountering.

He handed her sword back and crossed his arms smiling lightly. ”You’re a quick learner and fast on your feet. Just keep training and eventually you will be as strong as you wish to be.” he gave her a wink and turned around as he walked back to the tree and lowered himself to sit down. Though that might take some more years, he believed she could do it. She was determined to, that was clear enough so if the gods wanted it she would eventually get there. His hand moved to his drinking bottle and took out the top with his teeth, before taking a few sips. The cold water was welcome in his dry throat especially after such a training. He looked back at Sassa and then held out the bottle to her. He didn’t mind sharing it with her. ”I enjoyed our little training session.” It was really good to have his muscles works in that manner again. They felt more relaxed now and it was a good feeling. But that also made him think… ”If you don’t mind me asking… But why do you want to become stronger?”

@ Angel: Oh I'm loving it too, it's such a good fun thread. ;)

Sassa kept her eyes on him as he has his sword at her face before he took a deep breath and lowered it back to his side. She felt herself telling go of a breath that she hadn't been aware she was holding. She watched as he walked over to her own sword and picked it up before handing it back to her saying ”You fight well.” to her. A large smile took over her face as she reached forward and grabbed her sword back from him " Thank you, you fight better" she said to him as she stuck her sword into the ground once more. Arngeir crossed her arms before giving her another compliment. ”You’re a quick learner and fast on your feet. Just keep training and eventually you will be as strong as you wish to be.” he said with a wink. Sassa felt her heart warm up at that and she smiled even bigger if it were at all possible. " Thank you, that means a lot to me to hear that" she said next, and it did. More than he could ever imagine. Not only had be fought her with all his might, he was a strong warrior and she respected him as well now.

She followed after him as he walked over to the tree and sat down, she too sat down in front of him. Watching as he drank from his water bottle before offering it to her as well. Thank you" she said reaching out and taking it from him. She had been telling him that a lot in the last few minutes. Arngeir was something completely new for her. She was having so many firsts today, and she found herself happy about all of them. He seemed so friendly and he was very easy to talk to.Taking a drink from his water bottle felt amazing, it cooled her very warm body and helped her relax more. Just as she was handing him back his water he told her he enjoyed their training session. Which only made her beam at him more. " I did too, we should do this again. That is if you want too!" she said vey enthusiastically.

This training session had been the best one she had ever had, and she didn't want to go back to trying with people who was hold back now! No, she wanted to train with him and other people who would respect her wishes of giving it their all. What he said next gave her pause, and made her think. ”If you don’t mind me asking… But why do you want to become stronger?” It was a normal question to ask anyone, but did she want to give him her true answer? She felt like she did, but would he judge her when he heard it was the problem. Taking a deep breath she looked at him."There are many reasons I am so determined to get stronger." she said at first before looking away. " I want to be respected, and viewed as something other than the beautiful village girl" Sassa then took her hands into her lap before looking to him again. " I want to be able to travel, to go on raids, to see the world" she signed bit her lip before continuing. She felt herself telling him everything. Saying things she hadn't even told Thora, one of her best friends. " But my mother wont let me, she treats me like a child and tries to control every part of my life! she said next. " She wants me to marry someone in a higher rank, someone who will treat me like some prize because of my looks! She felt herself starting to get very worked up, but she just kept talking. Most likely saying far to much to her new friend.

" I don't care about any of that, I never have. I just want someone who wants me for more than my stupid face. Someone who will love me for more than looks, and will allow me to see the world. Allow me to fight and go on raids, not be some stupid prize they come home to when they are done doing all the hard work. she looked away from him again, tears were desperate to escape her eyes. " So If I get stronger, maybe I can prove to everyone that I am not some weak prize that will sit at home and look pretty for them" she said finally as she rubbed her face to force the tears away.She would not cry in front of him, crying was weak and she was not weak.

Taking deep breath she looked at him again." I'm so sorry" Sassa said, after she realized how much she had just said to him. He surely didn't want this type of answer from such a simple question. " I didn't mean to get so carried away like that and unload my problems onto you. You didn't ask for my life story" she said as she hung her head low for a moment. Here she was embarrassing herself some more. She would have normally never shared that much information with anyone, let alone someone she had just gotten to know a bit. However for some reason she just spewed all her garbage on him. " I hope I didn't just scare you away.." she said a little more quietly and waited to see what he was going to say back, if he was even going to say anything back to her at all.

The clear smile on Sassa her lips made him smile as well. Could he say that he had never seen a woman that happy with a simple training and compliment before? Not that he got involved much with women. Not that he minded their company and not like he didn’t wish to find the right one and start a family of his own. But work on the farm took a lot of time from him and you could say he rather was on his own then in the village were most people stayed.
He looked back at her when she said they should do it again. He could do nothing more than agree to it. So he gave her a nod as he took his water bottle again and closed it up with the top.
It also didn’t went unnoticed that she had to think about the question he had asked. Could it be that for her it was a difficult question to answer? It could be that her reasons for becoming stronger laid deep and that it wasn’t easy to speak about the feelings connected with it. He was just about to say that she didn’t have to answer if she didn’t wanted to. After all it was none of his business, he was just a stranger still after all.

But just as he wanted to say that he could see her lips move and soon enough her sweet voice reached his ears. "There are many reasons I am so determined to get stronger." He looked into her eyes just as she looked away. But his own blue eyes did not move from her figure. " I want to be respected, and viewed as something other than the beautiful village girl" he frowned lightly at those words, but soon his expression was back to natural as she looked back at him. No one could deny that she was a beautiful village girl. She might even match up to the gods in her own little way. " I want to be able to travel, to go on raids, to see the world" And who didn’t want to see the wide world with all its magical places and great adventures hidden? The way she bid her lip made sure that he knew that this subject seemed to be indeed a heavy one on the young girls shoulder. Should he feel guilty for ever asking her such a question? “But my mother won’t let me, she treats me like a child and tries to control every part of my life! She wants me to marry someone in a higher rank, someone who will treat me like some prize because of my looks!” He let out a light smile at that and sat back a little bit more.
He never had the honour of knowing a mothers love, so he couldn’t say much about it. But he could imagen that having too much attention and being so protected by one you loved… That it seemed as if Sassa was getting suffocated by it, was troublesome. So in her own way she was right to want to be able to prove not to be the weak beautiful girl everyone seemed to think she was in her eyes. But on the other hand as someone who didn’t know what a mothers love was like, he also would say she should be thankful that her mother cared so much. After all if she did marry with someone of a high status, she would be set for life and wouldn’t have to worry about unnecessary small things anymore. She would have money and a safe home, being protected. But her words made it clear that she did absolutely didn’t want that. "I don't care about any of that, I never have. I just want someone who wants me for more than my stupid face. Someone who will love me for more than looks, and will allow me to see the world. Allow me to fight and go on raids, not be some stupid prize they come home to when they are done doing all the hard work.”
His eyes still hadn’t moved away from her as she looked away from him. He could see the gleam of tears in her eyes just from the corner of his eyes. As a man he could say… That looks on a woman was something they looked for first. It was after all the first thing they noticed and most men only wanted that and the pleasure that beautiful woman could bring them. But as a man and a Viking, he could say that he personally rather have a badass shield maiden next to him on the battle field then someone at home that would have to miss him every time he was away. And he would have to miss her every time as well. But there were many risk bound to that as well. " So If I get stronger, maybe I can prove to everyone that I am not some weak prize that will sit at home and look pretty for them." He smiled lightly at her next words as she whipped of her face.
It was then that he finally looked away from her and let his gaze slide over the trees, trying to see what they hid in the shadows. It seemed she had a very good reason to want to become strong. Maybe not the reason he had expected. After all she wanted to prove herself because she got the wrong attention on her. He had wanted to prove himself because he did not get attention at all. And eventually he had become strong and jet he had let go of that what he wanted to be strong for in the first place. "I'm so sorry." He heard her say and his blue eyes moved back to her. " I didn't mean to get so carried away like that and unload my problems onto you. You didn't ask for my life story" She hang her head low. Would she not look at him again? Was she regretting what she just had told him. He could assure her he would not tell anyone else. " I hope I didn't just scare you away.." He stared at her and he couldn’t help but let out a light chuckle on her last words.
”I don’t get scared that easily.” And he surely wouldn’t run away from her just because of what she had just told him. ”I am glad you spoke so truthfully.” He rather have that then having to hear a lie, even though he wouldn’t have known if it was a lie or not. Then again he could say it was brave to open up so much to a stranger like him. And once again there was so much unwanted advice that he could give her, but then she might get annoyed with him telling her that much. Still it was uncomfortable to see her ‘upset’ like that. He rather saw her sweet beautiful smile on those pink lips of her. He slowly looked up at the sky. ”The fact that you are beautiful, you cannot change. That is how the gods have made you.” If it was their will then she would always be as beautiful as she was now. ”That is why you should use it as an armour, so no one can use it ever against you.”
Men were weak against a beauty like her and there were many ways which  she could use it to her ability. ”How strong you become is up to you to decide.” If she kept training and growing then one day she would surely have the respect of those people. ”That beauty and such strength combined… Imagen how deadly you will be.” It could be absolutely amazing and terrifying at the same time. ”It is up to you to choose how you will use both.” But she was smart and he was sure that whatever her decision would be, it would be the right one. She would surely get the respect she wanted. He looked back at her and smiled. ”Today you have at least already earned the respect of one fool.” He stared into her eyes. ”Mine.” He did respect her, not for her beauty as that wasn’t something she could change. But the will she had to fight for that what her heart desired

Sassa was still looking down when she heard a soft laugh come from him. She would have been upset that he was laughing at her if it wasn't for what he said to her.”I don’t get scared that easily.” Well that was good to know. She didn't want him to stop taking to her because she got a little to into a topic and over shared. She was starting to quite like him. More than she normally would like a stranger that she just met. He was kind, and honest with her. He hadn't tried to make any advances at her even though they were alone. Something she was sure any other man, aside from the Ragnarsson brothers, would have jumped at the chance to do. To take advantage of her and the fact that most likely no one would hear them all the way out here. Sassa raised her head and looked at him finally when she spoke again. ”I am glad you spoke so truthfully.” he said to her, and to be honest she was too. It felt good to get it all out there. To tell someone what was always on her mind, and to get it out there. So someone other than herself knew why she worked herself to the bone every free chance she got.

She was going to speak again, but stop when she saw his lips moving. She had just spewed at him, she could sit in silence until her was done talking to her. ”The fact that you are beautiful, you cannot change. That is how the gods have made you.” She simply nodded her head at him, it was true. She would never be able to change the way she looked, not that she entirely wanted too even if the thought had crossed her mind.”That is why you should use it as an armour, so no one can use it ever against you.” She straighten up at that comment. To use her beauty as an armor was an interesting thought. That would mean to use it again men. To make them distracted by herself, and then take them down that way. It certainly was something she did without even meaning too, so if she actually tried to use it to her advantage she could get a lot farther, but could she really do that?

She was pretty sure she could, she was sick of the way most men looked at her. So if she could control some of it and work it into her will it would be nice. Sassa just wasn't sure why she hadn't thought of doing that herself. ”How strong you become is up to you to decide.” was what he said to her next. Something that was also very true, it was up to her to get stronger and better. If they kept training together she knew that she would definitely get stronger faster. He could help her train like she was in a real fight, he wouldn't hold back. ”That beauty and such strength combined… Imagen how deadly you will be.” His next comment made her face warm up and a smile reaper onto her face again. Arngeir believed in her, and he was voicing this to her face right here and now. It also hadn't gone unnoticed that he had called her beautiful twice as well. For some reason hearing him say it meant more to her then she had ever heard in her life. More than all the random men combined and her mother. Why was a man she had just met making her feel this way. Did he even know, most likely not.

He continued to speak and as he did her smile got bigger and bigger. ”It is up to you to choose how you will use both.” She would use it to make her the strangest most respected women she could be. She would make sure that she was feared, loved, and that her husband would love her so much he would kills whole villages for her. Arngeir had inspired more in her heart and life then anyone else before. His simple words were something that she felt she had needed to hear for so long, but nothing he had said before would compare to the feelings he got from his last statement.Today you have at least already earned the respect of one fool, Me" he said to her, and she felt her face hurting from how much she was smiling at him. She felt so ungodly happy to hear those words, even more so from a men so strong. " Thank you, I'll make sure that I never lose that respect! That I'll be come strong and prove the world that I am more then my beauty! You have inspired me more than anyone in my entire life! Hell, your one of the first men to talk to me like a person and not meat! You could have just tried to take advantage of me being alone, most of the other men would have. Instead you were noting but kind and taught me many things. Your respect means more than you will ever understand!" she said to him in one long winded breath before lunging at him and giving him a hug. Sassa was just so happy, so empowered by his words that she acted without thinking.

She must have moved far to fast for him because she ended up knocking him down with her body now on top of him. One of her arms was pushing herself up from the ground, and the other was slightly trapped under him. Sassa froze as she looked down into his eyes. She had just acted very foolishly for someone who had just earned his respect. knocking him down was not a way to make sure she kept it. She knew she should try to move quickly off him, but she couldn't get her muscles to work. Her heart was pounding and she was breathing heavily looking at him. It felt like hours had passed,but she knew once a few moments had truly. She tried to form words, to at least apologies to him, but noting came out as she looked from his eyes to his lips. She was once again experiencing something new with him today. She thought back to the one time a drunk viking had forced a kiss on her face before Ubbe pulled him off and almost killed him telling him to never touch he again. That was the most intimate she had been with a man before this moment. Now she was on top of a man in the middle on the woods staring at his lips,she hadn't ever realized he hadn't moved an inch. The reality of the moment helped her body spring into action, she tried to move away "I'm so so sorry" Sassa said to him as she tried to pull her arm out from under him.When she couldn't get it lose she just repeated herself "I'm so sorry" as she kept trying to get off him. Face bright red from shame refusing to look at him as she tried to free herself with no success.

It would be an understatement to say he was just happy to see that smile on her lips again. He was actually more than pleased with it, especially because it seemed to be even bigger than before. Especially after he had said that she had his respect. You could say he was glad that she didn’t look so down anymore after his question and her answer that had turned out to be a deeper story then he had thought. But he was somewhere glad she had trusted him with it.
What he had told her wasn’t a lie ether. He actually meant the words that he had said and he would never take those words back.
If she hadn’t reacted to his words the way she had, then he might even have been prepared to tell her about himself. Even though she probably wouldn’t be interested in that. After all.. Who would be interested in a story of a strange man who wasn’t even officially from Kattegat. And not like his story was that interesting ether. Some might say it was tragic, that his own father blamed him for the death of his mother… Not being able to look at him. That was the whole reason he had become what he was now. The whole reason he had fought through every fight they threw at him. Not just to survive, no. Death was nothing to him. But he wanted to live, feel alive and he had thought that he could get that feeling when his father would accept him. When he was a full grown warrior… How wrong he had been. The day he had left his family behind… Had actually been the day he actually felt more dead than any other day. Somewhere he still felt anger against his father. But after seven years being away from that man and have taken a second chance to live… he could see things differently now.

He now thought he knew the reason why his father had treated him the way he had. After all even if it had been unwillingly and out of his control. He had taken away the woman his father had loved most in life. Maybe his mother would even be the only woman his father would ever love in his life. And he as her child and the one she had given her life for. Would of course always remember the man at that painful moment. But also every other moment in their relationship. At least that was what he know thought the reason the man had treated him as… a stranger. But by now as he was living his own life, slowly he also stated to forgive those things. Though he never would forget and slowly he was starting to regret that he actually had left. At least he regretted leaving his brother behind. If the gods had plans for them to meet again someday. Then he hoped his brother could forgive him.

His trail of thought stopped when Sassa spoke again and once again she had his full attention. " Thank you, I'll make sure that I never lose that respect! That I'll be come strong and prove the world that I am more than my beauty! He smiled at that. After all it would be hard to lose his respect. She would have to do something ungodly stupid for that to ever fade. ”You have inspired me more than anyone in my entire life! Hell, your one of the first men to talk to me like a person and not meat! You could have just tried to take advantage of me being alone, most of the other men would have. Instead you were noting but kind and taught me many things. He could see the truth in those words. Though if he was honest even his mind hadn’t been completely… Well he was maybe a nice man, but a man all the same and he couldn’t say that some more dirty thoughts had crossed his mind. But… She could rest assure that he still wouldn’t take advantage of her. And his thoughts he would keep to himself as well. He after all had grown up with the thought that you should respect women all the same. ”Your respect means more than you will ever understand!"

Her words had come in one long breath and he expected somewhere that she now would have to take a deep breath. But to his surprise and unprepared she lung at him in an attempt to give him a hug. His own body tensed up and at the force she had come at him and at how unprepared he was, he could feel his own body lose balance and fall down to the ground. But in addition to that…
He now had this beautiful woman on top of him… Trapped as one of her arms was clearly caught under him. His body was slightly tense at this sudden contact they had and his blue eyes stared back at hers as she stared at him. His breath seemed to get stuck in his throat.

The situation was so unexpected that his brain didn’t seem to fully consume what just had happened. She was so close… he could feel the warmth of her body through his clothes. Almost feel her breath.
He knew he probably should move and get the pretty lady of him. But then another part of him… Was good with the way they were at the moment. Not wanting to move away from her. Not wanting to look away from those blue eyes…  And then another part of him was maybe afraid of the reaction she would give as he did move. After all the way they were laying wasn’t exactly the way strangers should be. So his body stayed still as hers seemed unable to move as well. It felt as if they were stuck in time and he slowly caught his breath back. But he soon held it again as he could clearly see her eyes move from his eyes to his lips.

It was safe to say that in that moment his mind jumped on many different conclusion to that action and they weren’t all to sane… They surely weren’t thoughts for a saint. He slowly swallowed and kind of got lost in the magic of the moment. Till Sassa pulled him back in reality when she jumped and tried to move away. Trying to pull her hand from under him as she apologised to him. She now also wasn’t looking at him anymore. He swallowed one more time before he moved one of his arms around her and slightly pulled her closer as he moved his body up to a sitting position.

His action had made sure that she know was sitting on his lap, he looked back at her for a second and then stood up in a smooth motion. Still having his arm around her. Her feet were now not touching the ground at the way he held her up. She was light, easy to carry. But he soon enough put her down and took a step back. One of his hands gong to the back of his head as he let his hand run over his skull. Taking a slow breath. The reason why he had pulled her closer before sitting up and then standing was because he didn’t want her to fall down on the ground. ”There’s nothing to apologise for…” he said as he let his hand fall back to his side and turned to look at her again. Even if she didn’t look at him he could see how flustered she was. He bit his lip slightly for a second. Before he smiled. ”I simply wasn’t prepared…” After all how could he have expected that to happen? ”You could say that this time it was me who let my guard down.” He said in a bit of a joking manner.

He was just as much to blame for what had happened. But… Could he say he wasn’t unhappy about the fact that it did. … The man who would get her as a wife would be a very lucky man… He took another breath. And slightly looked away up to the sky. He had been up almost all night hunting. Maybe these thoughts were because he was getting tired? And his brain was playing tricks? But then there was this feeling just biting into him. He looked back at Sassa an without realising he repeated himself. ”There’s nothing to apologise for.”

[Yes poor Sassa, but damn this thread is great. XP]

Sassa was still trying to get her arm free from under his body when she felt him move, more than move she felt him wrap his arms around her and pull her closer to his body. Her eyes shot back to his face as she felt him sit them both up, her onto his lap. If her heart was pounding before, it was close to exploding out of her chest at what was happening. Sassa felt herself trying to say something, but stopped as he stood up with her still in his arms. She could feel every muscle in his arms move around her as he held her close to his body. Her feet couldn't touch because he was much taller than her. During all of this Sassa never looked away from his face. Arngeir didn't look angry with her, something she was fearing the entire time. She didn't want to upset him because she had acted on emotion and forgot herself. It had to be because she felt so comfortable around him. This complete stranger made her feel things she hadn't felt before, things she couldn't put words to in her mind. Maybe theses were normal feelings when you were in this type of situation with a man, however she was sure most women wouldn't have been in the type of situation she just found herself in. She was also very aware that she had almost kissed him, she had really wanted to before she realized what she had been doing.

She was brought back to everything when he set her down on the ground. Sassa watched him take a few steps back from her before he told her ”There’s nothing to apologise for… which she knew was not true. She had just thrown her body on him. Did he even know she was trying to give him a hug? Not act like some wanton girl who was trying to get something from him. He spoke again before she had the chance ”I simply wasn’t prepared…” Well of course he wasn't, how would he have known she was going to act so foolishly as she just had. She should be so angry with herself for doing it, but deep down she was a little excited it happened. Okay she was a lot excited, but she couldn't tell him that. Heck, she couldn't tell anyone this happened. The women would make fun of her, and the men would be mad at him. Her mother would never let her near him, or she would corner him and ask what his intentions were.Sassa didn't want that to happen, not when she wasn't sure how she felt about him. She didn't want him to stay away from her and not train with her ever again.

She also worried what Ubbe would do, he had always been protective. Like when he made the viking that kissed her stop. He had looked so angry at the man, but she didn't think he liked her romantically. She had heard he slept with slaves and he hadn't tried to make a move on her, or at least not to her knowledge. She wouldn't know how to feel even if he did, she had known him for so long that she didn't know if she could like him more than a friend or big brother anyways. No matter how much her mother wanted her to be with him or Hvitserk. Sassa wanted herself with someone like Arngeir. Her face got redder at the thought. She needed to get home so she could think on why she was feeling this way, so strongly about a stranger. ”You could say that this time it was me who let my guard down.” He told her next, bringing her back to him. Sassa let a small smile out at that.

She still hadn't said anything as she watched him look around a bit before he repeated himself. Telling her yet again that she had nothing to say sorry about. Taking a deep breath she took a step closer to him. " Well I am still sorry none the less, I just let my emotions take control. I was just trying to hug you because I was so happy... She said before looking at him. He looked tired, she then remembered that he had game with him. He had been hunting, the gods only knew how long the poor man had been awake. He had been so kind to train and listen to her, it would be rude for her to keep him here with her all day. He had already been with her for a few hours. " I'll try to keep my emotions in check and not attack you like that again. She said to him before mindlessly adding " Not unless you want that type of attention from me anyways" before blowing out air and her face getting red again. She really needed to leave before she made an even bigger full of herself with him.

Moving forward she grabbed his things and started handing them to him one by one. "Look I'm going to keep embarrassing myself, and you look tired... she said with a pause " How about we call it a day and we meet here again tomorrow night. I don't have anything going on, and my mother is busy with a friend. she said to him and moved a few steps back after he had taken all his things. "I would like to hear more about you, and train again...I'll bring you food too.. she said before grabbing her sword and moving a few more steps away. " I like you"  she said before grunting at herself. "Spending time with you I mean....alot..for someone I've just met" she said before pausing once more. It was to easy to be honest with him. To easy to just say her mind and make a fool of herself. " So if you have time, and you want to see me again I'll see you here before dusk. If you aren't here then I'll understand. At least I'll know I have your respect." she said to him before tuning and running away toward home. She hoped her would meet he tomorrow.

Sassa kept running until she made it to her hut. she looked around to see if her mother was home, and she saw she wasn't she dropped her sword and sunk down to the floor to just sit. She couldn't believe herself, she had never been so flustered or embarrassed in her whole damn life.

He probably should go home and get some rest. Or at least go to sleep after he took care of his game and had it all prepared so it wouldn’t rot before he could actually eat it. And… he had a feeling if he stayed longer and with his thoughts… And here with her. You could say that he might not trust himself fully anymore. Bit who could blame him for that?
His eyes had ones again locked with hers as she took a step closer. At the very least she hadn’t become scared of him or she wasn’t to shocked of what happened. Because he had somewhere expected her to run away. Especially seeing how flustered her cheeks had been. ” " Well I am still sorry none the less, I just let my emotions take control. I was just trying to hug you because I was so happy...” He gave her a nod after that words. That he could fully understand. He had to say that it was… Surprisingly refreshing to meet someone who would actually act on their feelings and not with their head. More people should do that, at least in moments like these. Free moments… ‘Happy’ ones. Even with a total stranger. But somewhere he didn’t feel like he could call Sassa a stranger anymore. After spending these few hours with her… Could he at least say they had become friends? That seemed more fitting at the moment then a stranger.

”I'll try to keep my emotions in check and not attack you like that again.” Her words made a small smile appear on his lips. But soon her other words gave him stuff to think about. "Not unless you want that type of attention from me anyways." They were slightly surprising but he kept his face straight and tried to hide that surprise. But it made him question himself. Did he want that kind of attention? From a woman? From Sassa? He couldn’t say he wasn’t attracted to her. Because he was and he knew very well he was. It wasn’t the first time he felt attracted to a woman or would… But still it was different from other times. As his mind was going back and forth on this he kept his mouth shut. Thinking it was best not to answer those words of her she had so mindlessly spoken out.

He watched her as she grabbed his things and was just going to ask what she was planning to do with them as she started to hand them to him. "Look I'm going to keep embarrassing myself, and you look tired... How about we call it a day and we meet here again tomorrow night. I don't have anything going on, and my mother is busy with a friend.” She said as he put his bow over his shoulder and his arrows on one side. The game on the other side. It was kind of cute how she was admitting she was embarrassed. He looked back at her and thought about it. Tomorrow at night.
He did not more as she took a few steps back and took her sword. "I would like to hear more about you, and train again...I'll bring you food too..” He smiled, he didn’t think she would be that interested in hearing more about him. He himself at least didn’t think he was that interesting to talk about. Or maybe it had become a habit to keep most things to himself. He also would have said that she didn’t have to bring the food. But the words she spoke after that sentence made him stop. " I like you"His eyes had instantly moved to hers but she soon enough added. "Spending time with you I mean....alot..for someone I've just met" Smart, however the light grunt before hadn’t escaped his attention. "So if you have time, and you want to see me again I'll see you here before dusk. If you aren't here then I'll understand. At least I'll know I have your respect."

With those words out the young maiden spun around and started to run away. Leaving him by himself in this open spot in the forest. He stood there for a while, looking at the spot where she had disappeared from his view. Soon enough a smile formed on his lips and a hum came out. He laughed lightly and shook his head, before he started to walk. Walking back home to his farm, where he put his things away and sat down to work on the dead animals he had caught. The thought of her and what had happened still clear in his mind. ”Tomorrow at night. I'll see you here before dusk.”
It was safe to say she had gotten his interest. And tomorrow night at dusk he would be back on that spot to meet the fair maiden again. Not only because he had respect for her and wanted to help her get stronger so she could achieve  her dream. Not only because he had liked the training and it would be good for him too. He had enjoyed himself and it had been fun to be able to forget about work and other things that had to be done. But because he did like Sassa. She was a special young lady and spending more time with her did not seem like a bad idea.

[It's impressive that you wrote such a good post on your Phone. XD]

Sassa had spent most of the night tossing and tuning. Her stomach was in nots and she was very nervous about meeting him the next day. She had spent the rest of the day after running away from him deciding what her actual feeling toward him were. She was very attracted to him, in every way she could imagine. He was kind, strong, gentle, and handsome. She felt things toward him she had never felt before, so she knew that she liked him. He was her first real crush, the first time she had more feeling then simple attraction. However she knew very little about him. She needed to get to know him, to hear his past before she would allow herself to like him fully. She didn’t even know small things like how old he was. She knew it was only a few years older than herself, but it was still something she wasn’t aware of.

Sassa had decided that if their time together went well, and she felt that he might like her as well she was going to kiss him. It was something she decided in before trying to go to sleep.That if he, a new friend could make her feel this way, then as along as she still felt this way after learning more about him she would act upon it. She had already wanted to kiss him anyways, when she had fallen on top of him. Vikings were not cowards as well, and Sassa wasn’t going to be a coward. It just was one of the many reasons she was having a hard time sleeping. So many more things could come from kissing, and Sassa knew nothing of what came after. She wasn’t even sure if she was good at kissing, she had never kissed anyone willingly so she could be very bad and then she could make him not like her from one kiss. She would just have to be brave and see what happened. At least thinking that way helped her finally get some sleep.

Her mother had left early that morning “I’ll be gone until tomorrow morning Sassa, if you need anything go to Thora or Ubbe. ” her mother had told her. "I'll be fine mother" Was all she had said before she watched her leave. She was meeting with someone, but she didn’t tell her who. Sassa just assumed it was a man and that was why her mother had been so secretive about it. Not that she really wanted to know or cared. As long as her mother was happy and not on her case as much she was happy. Plus her being gone all day and night helped Sassa out greatly. She was able to take more time on getting ready without any questions from her mother. She spent much more time on her hair, making sure it was perfect. Sassa also picked one of her nicer dresses to wear as well. Maybe it was silly and a waste of time, but she wanted to look as nice as she could for him without drawing attention from the other villagers when she went to meet him. She felt a little childish as well, what if she did all this and he didn’t show up? Sassa would pretend it didn’t bother her, and act normal around him if she saw him. However she would be so disappointed and sad.

She spent most of the day cooking the meal she was going to bring to him, roasted rabbit and vegetables stew. When she wasn’t tending to that she was trying to do small chores that wouldn’t make her dirty to keep her mind off their meeting.Plus if she got stuff done around the hut her mother would be happy too. She took the time to fill two drinking bottles full of ale before putting them into a bag for her to carry what she was bringing with her. They wouldn’t be as good as cup, but it would do the job. She also laid a fur info the bag to put the pot onto. So when she went to transfer it to the woods it would keep it warm and also not burn her body on the way. It wasn’t going to be a big pot of food, but it would be more then enough for the two of them. She just hoped he would like her cooking. Seeing as she promised him food if he came. It would be horrible if he came hungry and didn’t like her cooking.

Once the food was done she gently placed it onto the fur and made sure that the top was very tight and it wouldn’t spill on her walk to the woods. She then put some things they could eat on in the bag as well a long piece of deer fur that they could sit on before closing it up and putting it on her arm. Grabbing her sword she took a deep breath before making her way out of the hut and into the village towards the woods. Not many people were out because of the hour it was, and luckily no one payed her any mind. She was able to walk the whole way without anyone speaking to her or looking at her. Upon finding the tree she had hacked up the day before,Sassa set down the heavy bag and started to look for some things to start a small fire for them with. She gathered dried grass, leaves, and branches into a pile before she looked for two rocks to hit together for a spark. One of the many skills she was happy her mother had showed her.

Hitting them together a few times Sassa blew on the embers that were starting to forum from the sparks until a small flame appeared. She then carried on to feeding sticks into it until it was stable enough on its own. They would have to keep adding wood here and there, but it was going. He still hadn’t arrived, but Sassa reminded herself she had come early with the intention of having everything ready when he got there. So she wasn't going to give up hope just yet. Going over to the bag she pulled the long fur out and put it on the ground for them. She then set her sword down before she herself sat down in front of her fire and pulled her knees to her chest as she waited to see if he would come. She would be very embarrassed if he didn’t after she spent all this time and effort preparing for him, but at least she would be embarrassed alone. Sending a silent prayer to the gods he would come and that they wanted this as much as she did she kept her eyes on her fire." Please come." she whispered to herself, eyes still on the fire

After skinning the game and feeding everything he didn’t need to the dogs. He made sure to cook the meat before laying it in salt to dry. So he was sure to keep it for a while. After doing that he finally could get a well-deserved rest. He fell asleep pretty quickly and only woke up some hours after later in the day to the sound of the dogs barking. It turned out that they had woken him up because some people were passing by. At one end he wasn’t that happy to have been woken in such a manner. On the other hand he was happy to be up again so he could do some work. The harvest had been done and there was enough food for coming winter. But even if the harvest had been collected there were still other things to do on the fields and inside the home. Especially because the weather would soon be changing. He had to make sure to plough the fields, even though he wouldn’t be doing that on his own. It would be could to turn the earth before winter so that it could rest and be ready for when they would sow again.

For the rest there wasn’t much more to do on the fields. But take care of the animals and make sure they were well. In home he had to make sure to stack up some dried meat for winter. Prey would be low and even if he would go hunting he wouldn’t be sure that he could catch something. Of course he could always kill one of the chickens, cows, horses, sheep. But they weren’t just for his own use. Fishing was also an option but to sit in the cold, waiting for fish to come and bite… He rather have something inside the house already then. And wood. Wood was something he needed to pile up too. Especially because they would be dry now. So he had enough firewood for the winter.

That was exactly what he did the rest of the day. He couldn’t help it that his mind did wander at what had happened that morning. The sudden meeting with the beautiful stranger. Who in fact turned out to be a strong willed fair maiden. That was promised to soon become a fierce shield maiden. But mostly he thought back at the moment she had tried to hug him and every time it popped up in his mind he had to laugh at the hilarity in it. He could laugh at it, but he also saw what could have been if she just had come a little bit closer… or if he wouldn’t have been able to control his manliness. What made him think he was a fool to even think that a woman like her would be interested in him in that way. He feared somewhere that she would only see him now because he was able to help her achieve what she wanted… But what would happen after that? And she could definitely get better then a farmer like him. But who knew what the gods would have in store?

It hadn’t be long till night came and he hadn’t stayed up much longer after the sun had set. Thinking about what might come and if she would even be there. After all if her mother was as controlling as she had made be… Then it could be that she even wouldn’t be able to get away that late. Even if her mother was not there, wasn’t it possible that she would have asked someone to take an eye on her daughter? But who could blame the woman for protecting something that precious. While his mind had been running he fell asleep while staring at the fire.

The next day he had done his normal chores. Take care of the animals, preparing things, fire woods. Time went by quickly and it was already close to dusk when he finished up. It was then that reality hit him. But as the man he was he did not panic and cleaned himself up quickly. Also putting on fresh clothes as the ones he had been wearing were full of dirt. He then took his bow and arrow and some knifes out of habit. He then took his sword, making sure not to forget it as she might want to train again.
With everything ready he left his house and walked though the village. Most people seemed to retreat in their own houses as it was getting dark. They were going to drink and eat, laugh and make love. He moved quickly and not many people payed attention to him as it wasn’t unusual to see him go to the forest with his bow this late. He quest that people had gotten used to the habit he had at hunting at night and so they paid him no mind anymore after these 7 years.

With soft steps he walked once again over the forest ground, following the path to the place they had met the day before. As it was getting dark it was harder to see, but a light shone out from out the trees. And soon he could see Sassa sit in front of a fire. He knees to her chest. The light of the fire was dancing on her face. Had he come late or was she simply early? It did not matter, he was glad for the fire as it had made it easier to find the place again, as a beckon calling out to him. It seemed as if she had made a small place for them. Fur on the ground and if he saw well it seemed she had kept her promise to bring food. Ones again he would be able to kneel down and just watch her from afar.
But this time he did not, instead he made sure to step on a stick so she knew he was coming. Soon enough he stepped from between the trees into the more open space and smiled at her as he walked closer. ”Am I late?” He asked as he stopped and looked at the fire and the place before back at her.

His blue eyes going to hers before he placed his things down and then sat down on the fur next to her. He wasn’t sure what to say, as there were many things he could say. And… Was it just him or did she look even more beautiful then yesterday? Maybe it was just because of the light of the fire, after all fire make everything. ‘At least to him’ seem magical.

[Yeah that's really handy. XP And this is going to become very interesting. ;)]

Sassa was still looking at the fire when she heard a stick cracking from behind her. She smiled before tuning her head to see he had decided to come tonight. She was so happy to see him, to know that he had chose of his free will to come and see her again. He had a smile on his own face as he walked closer to her.  “Am I late?” She heard him ask as he looked around her and the place she had set up for them. “ no, I came early” she said to him as she watched him sit down on the fur next to her. ”I wanted to make sure we could find this place again” she said next. Sassa smiled at him even bigger before saying “ I’m really glad you came.” To him. She was so very glad that he was here. That everything she had spent her time doing was not for nothing. She was going to get a chance to get to know him like she wanted to. To learn more about him and his past, things like why he had come to Kattegat in the first place. Or like how old he was, what his family was like. Anything he was willing to share with her she would be happy to know.

Looking at him now she realized she still very much wanted to kiss him as well. He looked even more handsome in the fire light. It lite up his features differently then the sun had. She could see the light dancing in his eyes and it made her want to lean in and kiss him right now. The hell with getting to know him. The thought made her blush, and it accrued to her that they had been silently staring at each other. That seemed to be a pattern with her when it came to him. That she could just sit in silence and get lost in thought about him. That she would lose herself, and make a fool of herself again and again. She was starting to stop caring, this was just something that happened when he was around. If she wanted to be around him like she did, then she would have to get over her pride and be ready to make mistakes. Seeing as this was all so very new to her anyways.

Reaching over to the side she grabbed the bag she had brought with her and pulled it in front of her.  Slowly she reached in and stared pulling things out one by one. “I hope you are hungry, because I brought food like I said I would” she said to him as she pulled out the water bottles filled with ale and handed him that first. “It’s ale, not water. I would have brought cups, but this was less messy” she said with a smile before turnings back to the food. She gently pulled the pot out so she wouldn’t burn herself and set it down. Grabbing the plates she dished it up and handed him a plate next. “ I hope you like it “ said before bitting her lip. She prayed he did, she had spent all afternoon trying to make sure it would be cooked perfectly and that everything would take amazing. She wasn’t going to tell him that though, she would look silly to him she was sure.Her mother liked her cooking, so hopefully he would too. She had been the one cooking all the meals for herself and her mother from the time she was ten. So it wasn’t like she was new to it anymore, but she was still nervous anyways.

After making her own plate she turned and moved her body closer to him on the fur before looking at him fully. “I meant what I said before..I want to get to know you.” She told him before taking a deep breath. “Don’t share anything you don’t want to, but if you let me get to know you I’ll let answer any question you want in return.” She said before taking a bite of food.Taking a large drink of her own ale to also clam herself and her nerves as well. She hoped that telling him that would make him feel more comfortable about talking to her. Make him want to tell her about himself. She wasn’t lying either, she would tell him anything he wanted if he asked.  Even if he were to ask something super embarrassing like if she has ever laid with anyone. Just the thought of that made her wonder if he had ever laid with anyone, making her turn red again, but she didn’t look away from him. She wanted him to see what being around him did to her.  Depending on how this night went he would know one hundred percent that she liked him and she would know if he returned those feelings. “ And don’t feel rushed. My mother will be gone all night…so you have me until you want to go home or are sick of me” she added to him, not even thinking what kind of double meaning that could give off. Far to innocent to even realize that he could take that dirty.

Sassa stayed quiet while she waited to see if he would tell her about himself. She hoped he felt comfortable enough, but if he didn’t she would understand. She had just met him really, had just learnt his name. Most people might not want to trust a stranger like her so quickly with their pasts. Sassa herself was normally pretty guarded, but not with him. She just felt to comfortable with him for some reason. Taking another large drink of her ale for good measure. She would have to be careful with that however or she would get drunk.

Making sure they could find this place again had been a good idea. It was a random spot in the woods, that had a slightly open space. So you could say it was perfect for meetings like this, or training like they had done before. It was random so the chance that someone else would pass by was low too. And somewhere Argneir was glad for that fact. He at least didn’t want to be disturbed… He didn’t want anyone to but in on this. As it was so relaxing to be with her again. He smiled when she said she was happy he came. ”So am I.”

After all there was nothing wrong with a meeting like this and he did like the lady in many different ways. If it had been anyone else he might have thought twice about it. But after spending a few hours with her and after her actions before. He could tell that she had a strong and true soul. That she was someone he could trust. Something that was a rare trait in this world. Once again it seemed they both were stuck in each-other’s eyes. But the fact that it didn’t feel unnatural to stare at her and the fact that she was staring right back at him made sure he didn’t look away or apologised for it. Though soon enough Sassa moved and took a bag. She reached out and put things down one by one. “I hope you are hungry, because I brought food like I said I would” That reminded him that he didn’t have the chance to tell her that she didn’t have to do that. After all she had run away so quickly. But the fact that he hadn’t eaten today after waking up made him glad that she did bring some food. The smell of it reached his nose and he could feel his stomach begging for some. He looked at her and smiled as she handed him a water bag.
“It’s ale, not water. I would have brought cups, but this was less messy” He laughed at her words as he looked over the water bottle. ”Works just as well.” And the taste of the ale wouldn’t change ether so it did not matter. He placed the bag down next to him and watched her as she pulled out the pot and filled up a plate for him before handing it over to him. He gratefully took it from her as she said she hoped he would like it. The way she bit her lip did not go past him.

He waited for her to get her own plate and he was going to take some of the food. But her words got his attention again. “I meant what I said before.. I want to get to know you. “Don’t share anything you don’t want to, but if you let me get to know you I’ll let answer any question you want in return.” He chuckled a bit at her words. He didn’t see how a man like him could interest her, but somewhere he was thankful that she did. And what she said… he could be mean and use that against her. He could ask so many tricky things. But then he knew he wouldn’t as he did respect her. And people he respected and cared for he wouldn’t hurt or harm in anyway. “ And don’t feel rushed. My mother will be gone all night…so you have me until you want to go home or are sick of me” Those words caused him to bite his lip lightly. He watched her take a bite of the food and drink some more of the ale. He stayed quiet for a while and took a sip from the ae as well. Before taking some food and chewing on it. He licked his lips at the taste of it. It tasted very good, better than his own cooking skills that was for sure and he quickly took another bite from it while saying between the bites. ”This is good!” And his stomach welcomed it as well.
He swallowed the bite down with another bit of ale. Before he placed the plate down in front of him. Well if he was going to do this he was going to get more comfortable. So he laid down on his side next to her, leaning on one of his arms, keeping his upper body up. He wondered what she wanted to know.

”Well where should I start.” There were many things he could tell her, but also many things he could keep hidden. Then again there were no secrets he had. He looked back into her eyes. ”I’m originally from Skagerrak.” He guessed the best way to start was from the start. ”I grew up with my father and older brother.” He said as he looked into the fire and took another bite. ”My mother died giving birth to me, and my father has always blamed me for her death. So much he couldn’t even look at me.” He was determined to tell her the truth and what was to tell about him. ”I as a young boy wanted my father to look at me and recognise me as his son. So I started training with my brother to become a Viking from a young age.” he smiled at the thought of those moments; He still remembered those well. The long summer days chasing each other with sticks. Pretending to be a Viking already, hunting fishing. Everything you could think about. ”I went on raids from a young age and I tried to bring as much treasure from it back home. Kill as many people. You could say I was making a name for myself as Viking.” But it all had been for nothing. He looked back at Sassa. ”Even so it seemed like my efforts haven’t paid off. My father told my one day how he thought of me and I thought it better to leave.” He took another sip of the ale and smiled. ”So I did.” He said and looked back at the fire. ”I roamed around for a while till I stumbled upon this place and thought it had something about it. So I bought myself a farm to make a living for myself and haven’t left this place since.”

He would say his life story wasn’t really an interesting one. He could interest her more with stories about raids. At least he would think that was more interesting. [color#ff6600]”Is there anything else you would like to know?”[/color] He asked while taking another bite of the food. His plate already almost being empty. It really was good and the company he was with made it all the better.

To say Sassa was happy to hear him say he liked her food would be an understatement. Just hearing those words help her calm down so much more that she knew she needed. He was eating a lot of it too, so she knew he wasn’t lying to her. He really liked her food. “I’m so glad you like it”  she told him with a bright smile. She watched him talk a few more bites and a drink before he set his plate down and leaned on to his side.  Setting her own plate down she made sure she was facing him better so she could give him all of her attention. She didn’t want to miss anything he had to say to her about himself. Being as she was so excited that it looked like he planed to share with her.

She listened to him intently as he tried to find out where to start. "I’m originally from Skagerrak.” He said first. Well that was good to know. She knew he wasn’t from Kattegat, but she didn’t know where he had come from before that. "I grew up with my father and older brother.” He said next fallowed by “My mother died giving birth to me, and my father has always blamed me for her death. So much he couldn’t even look at me.”this made Sassa frown. What kind of a father would blame his child for that. It is never the child’s fault. Women are taught from a young age that there was a risk of death when having children and yet they still do it for their husbands. She would make sure he knew that when he was done talking. She would not interrupt him to say so however.

What he said next made her heart sad as she pictured a little boy trying to get their parents love.  ”I as a young boy wanted my father to look at me and recognise me as his son. So I started training with my brother to become a Viking from a young age.” It also made her respect him more than before. He and herself were similar in some ways. . ”I went on raids from a young age and I tried to bring as much treasure from it back home. Kill as many people. You could say I was making a name for myself as Viking.”  He said next, which made her even more respectfully of him. He really was as strong as she thought he was, but her heart still hurt for him when he said “Even so it seemed like my efforts haven’t paid off. My father told my one day how he thought of me and I thought it better to leave, so I did” to her.

How could a father not be proud of his son and all his hard work, she is proud of him and she was just being told all of this. She was proud to have met someone so strong and determined as him. ”I roamed around for a while till I stumbled upon this place and thought it had something about it. So I bought myself a farm to make a living for myself and haven’t left this place since.” He had said to her next. She was very glad he had decided to stay here. That she was able to meet him because of it. He finished wish asking if there was anything else she wanted to know. Of corse there was, but she felt it was more important to tell him something first.

Taking a deep breath she reached a hand out and touched his arm. “There are many other things I would like to know. Like how old you are, your favorite things to do, your future dreams ,your goals, and anything else like that , but first I have to say something..I hope I don't cross a line here..” she said before trying to find a way to word it “ I’m sorry your father was that way to you. It wasn’t right and I’m sure your mother wouldn’t have wanted that” she said before pausing “women know from a young age that we could die in child birth, and yet we still try to bring children into the world” she squeezed his arm a bit before continuing “ He shouldn’t have blamed you for that. It was the gods doing not your own” she said before Pulling her hand away and looking to the side for a moment. She didn’t want to cross lines and upset him. “ I would be so mad if my husband blamed my child if that happened to me” she said before looking back at him. “I’m glad you were brought here though I am sorry for the reason, but I am not sure we would have met other wise. And I am proud to know such a strong person as you.Someone who worked so hard for something he wanted and who never gave up. . like I am trying to do myself.” She said with a smile “Thank you for sharing so much with me. It helped me decide something I have been struggling with all day." she said vaguely to him. She just liked him more than before after hearing more about him and his past.

Pulling back more she grabbed her ale bottle and took a giant drink. The way he was looking at her and that he had been so truthful with her had made her make up her mind. She was going to kiss him and right now. Was this the wrong moment, she wasn’t sure. However she wanted to, and she wasn’t going to think about anything else until she did it. Maybe all the ale had helped her get more comfortable as well. Clouding her mind to think this was the right time. Her heart was pounding as she set the bottle back down and looked at him before slowly leaning in to his face as she reached a shaky hand to his face. She noticed he hadn’t moved and it made her nervous, but she didn’t stop. Closing her eyes Sassa placed her lips onto his very gently. Seeing as she hadn’t done this before she wasn’t sure what to do next so she just moved back a bit and pushed her lips to his again. Leaving them there for a little bit longer the second time. She had seen other people kiss before, with great force. However Sassa was to nervous to kiss any way but soft and gentle. If he kissed back with force then that would be what happened next.

When it seemed like he hadn’t moved, or at least she was pretty sure he hadn’t moved she pulled back to look at his face. Her own face red with embarrassment. She must have picked the wrong moment or maybe he didn’t even like her at all that way. He just liked her as a friend and she once again had made a fool of herself. “I..I..sorry..I” was all she was able to get out as she slowly moved away from him. Looking to the side to keep from seeing his face and how upset he must have been with her. She would wait to see if he spoke if he did anything, and if he didn't she would try her best to mend the situation or runaway. Which she was going to do, she hadn't made up her mind yet.

Even though he had spoken and said the truth to Sassa about his past. Where he was from what had happened in a short way. Or at least what had been the most important part.. and even though he thought he was past it. It did felt heavy on his heart. Well it made one thing very clear and that was that he did miss his family in some ways. So maybe it was good to have let it out, so he knew for certain how he felt about it. Maybe it was time for him to return. Or at least visit his family… if they wanted to see him that was. Maybe it really was something that he should do, so that he finally would have a peaceful mind again and didn’t have to worry about all that what was burdening him at the moment, because of what he did. Though for the most part he did not regret it at all.
Sassa ones again snapped him out of his thoughts by the soft touch on his arm. His eyes moved to her hand on his arm, before they moved back to her beautiful eyes. Who seemed to look at him in such a soft manner.
“There are many other things I would like to know. Like how old you are, your favourite things to do, your future dreams ,your goals, and anything else like that , but first I have to say something… I hope I don't cross a line here..” Her words made a small smile appear on his lips. He would tell her those things as well. After she was finished talking. And she hoped she wouldn’t cross a line? She had barley nothing to worry about, it would take a lot to cross one of his borders. He was a patient man after all. But she had made him curious off what she was about to say.

“I’m sorry your father was that way to you. It wasn’t right and I’m sure your mother wouldn’t have wanted that. Women know from a young age that we could die in child birth, and yet we still try to bring children into the world.” What she said was probably true, but it were to woman who were told it was dangerous. Of course men knew it, but he was sure his father had not expect it to happen and after all, if he hadn’t come then his mother would still have been here. So if you looked like it in that light, his father was right to blame him. Though it was kind of Sassa to think of it in such an other way. It did make him feel better about it, especially when she squeezed his arm lightly. It was a simple manner but it held much meaning. ”He shouldn’t have blamed you for that. It was the gods doing not your own.” After that she pulled her hand away and he could honestly say that even though her hand had not been placed long on his arm, he could feel how he missed the warmth of it now it was gone. ”I would be so mad if my husband blamed my child if that happened to me.” He looked back at the fire, he was sure she would have many children, strong ones. As strong as she was. ”I’m glad you were brought here though I am sorry for the reason, but I am not sure we would have met otherwise. And I am proud to know such a strong person as you. Someone who worked so hard for something he wanted and who never gave up. like I am trying to do myself.” And again her words held the truth. And for that reason, even if it was just for today. He was glad to be here as well, with her now. ”Thank you for sharing so much with me. It helped me decide something I have been struggling with all day”

Those words made him look back at her. Something she had been struggling with all day? He stared at her. Had it to do something with him? If it had to do something with him he rather have her tell what she had been struggling with. As she took another sip of the ale, he took his chance to do so as well. Licking his lips lightly after and putting the water bottle down again. His blue eyes moved back to hers as she looked back at him. He didn’t look away even when she reached a shaking hand towards him and placed it on his cheek as she slowly moved her face closer to his. He felt his own stomach tighten a bit as he knew for certain what was about to come and the moment her soft lips on his own. So gentle, caring. He closed his eyes when she moved back a bit but placed her lips back soon after, pressing slightly against his own. He was more than a little bit surprised and the tingling feeling it gave him on his lip and in his stomach made his body freeze in a way. As if it wanted to say: Don’t ruin it. Don’t move away from it. But before he could move Sassa moved away.

He opened his eyes and looked into hers as her face coloured bright red again. Maybe he should have moved. She apologised and even moved away looking off to the side. He was sure she must feel terrible at that moment and doubt herself. So as the man he was he should make it up to her should he not? He bit his lip slightly before sitting up. ”I am 27, My future dreams is to go raiding again, make a family I can be proud off. My favourite thing to do is hunting, especially at night.” He spoke while he moved closer to her. Reaching his hand towards her cheek and making her look at him again as he pressed his forehead against hers and smiled. ”And it seems I have to put a new thing on that list because of you.” His fingers moved slightly into her hair as this time it was him to kiss her. A bit more passionately then she had. But none the less gently. It seemed that another favourite thing he would have to put on the list was to kiss her. The beautiful woman every man had his eyes on. And he liked it very much.
He held the kiss for a while, before pulling back and looking into her eyes. He did hope this made up for what he had done by not moving into the kiss she had given him earlier.

[Yes~ It's as the gods want it to be. Hahaha. XD]

Sassa was still slowly moving away from him when she felt him move next to her causing her to stop, but she still didn't look at him. She was waiting to see what was going to happen, was he going to yell at her, tell her what she already knew that he didn't like her that way.It was taking everything in her not to cry at this moment. However all thoughts like that stopped when she heard his voice. ”I am 27, My future dreams is to go raiding again, make a family I can be proud off. My favourite thing to do is hunting, especially at night.”He told her. He was answering what she had said she wanted to know about him. She also noticed her was moving closer to her body as well, but she still wouldn't look at him. Not until she felt his hand on her face, turning her so she was looking at him as he pressed his forehead onto her own. Sassa felt her breath freeze in her throat, and her heart start to pound once again. He smiled at her before saying ”And it seems I have to put a new thing on that list because of you.” to her.

She felt his hands move into her hair and she closed her eyes as she felt his lips touch hers. Sassa didn't hold back and met his kiss. Moving her lips against his own, and reaching her hand to his face like she had done before. He moved a little more that she had done, but he was still gentle like she had been. She was loving every second of kissing him, and was so happy that he was kissing her back. It meant he did like her, and maybe she had just misunderstood the situation before. She had kissed him with no warning at all. So she could have maybe just really surprised him like when she tried to hug him the day before. She also understood why people were always kissing there loved ones.This kiss was so much better than the one that had been forced on her all that time ago. She found herself wanting to kiss him again and again. It was something she was sure she would never get sick of. It also made her feel warm inside, a feeling she wasn't quite sure how to explain to herself. She liked it none the less. This kiss lasted much longer than her silly kiss, and she found herself somewhat disappointed when he finally did pull away to look at her face.

Sassa smiled at him before leaning in to kiss his lips once more. A short fast kiss before she pulled back to look at him and removed her hand "I wanted to do that since I fell on you yesterday" she told him before leaning her forehead on his. She was trying to get her heart to calm down, but at the same time all she wanted to do was keep kissing him. " That...that was my first real kiss..One that I wanted and wasn't forced on me." she said as she pulled back to look into his eyes. bitting her lip before shyly adding " I know why people like it so much now." giving him a bright smile after. She found herself wanting to give him all her first things, and that thought alone made her stomach tighten. She had never had these kinds of thoughts before this moment, never thought to much about anything else but training and getting stronger. Now here she was thinking about wanting more that his face, and letting him touch her.

Leting out a nervous laugh she said " I find myself wanting to do more with you, but I wouldn't have any idea what to do next. I wouldn't want to disappoint you, and I don't want to move too fast. Plus I'm sure the ale is helping those feelings. her face went red before she added "I've never liked a man like I like you. Ive never had feelings like this and Its all so new and confusing, but I'm glad for them. She took a deep breath before moving to sit even closer to him. " I want spend more time with you." she said to him before looking away for a moment. Nervous and unsure how to word things. "I want to do whatever you want to do, go as far as you want to go. I trust you." she said to him and looked into his eyes. She did trust him, he had earned that the day before. Sassa just didn't know what to do. She knew all the ale was helping her be so open, so raw. However she didn't want to scare him away as well. She felt herself liking him so strongly and was so confused by her feeling. " I promised I would answer anything you wanted if you told me about yourself. That still stands as well." she added to him as she took his hand.

The way she had kissed back made sure he knew he had made the right choice in kissing her back. After all he was allowed too because she had made her move on him first. He opened his eyes when he felt her soft hand on his cheek again. But soon ha closed it again enjoying the feeling of the kiss. And the way her eyes met his after it made it all the better. They had a true glint to them a happy one in a way, and he could also tell from the smile on her sweet lips. He let his hand slip through her hair as she gave him another quick is and somewhere he did want to return it again too. But her words stopped him. He would get another chance for it right? "I wanted to do that since I fell on you yesterday" He let out a chuckle, so that was the reason why she had been looking at his lips. That seemed to make sense now and he couldn’t say he was unhappy about that fact, how could he. If a beautiful woman like her wanted to kiss him she was welcome too. Though he felt more about it than just a onetime thing. He stared into her eyes as she rested her forehead against his like he had done. "That...that was my first real kiss. One that I wanted and wasn't forced on me." He frowned a bit at the word forced. The thought of any men forcing himself on her did make him feel… Somewhat angry. After all women were no toys for men to play with. No matter how beautiful they were, they were still human beings with a mind of their own. "I know why people like it so much now." He smiled at that. Yes he knew why they liked it as well. It did feel good, if it was with the right person.

" I find myself wanting to do more with you, but I wouldn't have any idea what to do next. I wouldn't want to disappoint you, and I don't want to move too fast. Plus I'm sure the ale is helping those feelings.” Those words made him bite his lip. It made his mind go to the things she probably was speaking of and he had to say how appealing it was to turn her over and… But he was sure the ale did play part in it. Not as much for him as for her. He could hold his drink pretty good and the bit he head wouldn’t make his mind go crazy. Though he had to say it made him feel lighter, what could help the things he was feeling and thinking off now because of her words. "I've never liked a man like I like you. I’ve never had feelings like this and It’s all so new and confusing, but I'm glad for them.” He knew what she was saying. She wouldn’t be the first woman he had laid with. But this was the first time he did feel more than just the need for realise. What was new for him too. But he didn’t find it confusing. He liked it and wanted to explore it.

He looked back at the fire as she came closer and smiled. "I want spend more time with you." And he would like to spend more time with her, not only for training. "I want to do whatever you want to do, go as far as you want to go. I trust you." He smiled at those words and stared back at her, before giving her a quick kiss. He was great full for the trust. "I promised I would answer anything you wanted if you told me about yourself. That still stands as well." She aid before taking his hand. He smiled and mover her hand up to look at their hands tangled together. He soon looked back at her face. There were many things he wanted to know but. ”We have more than enough time to get to know eachother.” He said as he made his tumb rub the back of her hand lightly. ”And I will not force myself on you.” even if he wanted too. He knew that the ale was probably helping a lot and he didn’t want her to do something she might regret later. He also wanted to give them both the time to figure out this new feelings this new adventure they were engaging in. Give it time. He looked back at the fire and then warped an arm around her shoulder pulling her closer. He didn’t mind going slow, he was patient and with what he was feeling he didn’t feel like he wanted to lose this… Chance. It seemed as if their meeting had been arranged by the gods and he was thankful for that. ”I do have one question.” A very important one at that. ”When will we be meeting again after this night.” Not that he minded looking for her in the village if that was what she wanted him to do. He would, even if it was just to get another glance at her.

[This is cuteness at it's best. XD]

Sassa watched as he brought there hands up to look at them tangled together. She really liked the feel of his strong hands on her own. He made her feel safe, and that was something not many men could do. Most men made her feel nervous, because they all wanted something from her. Mostly they wanted her, herself. They wanted her in their bed. Arngeir hadn't made her feel that way once. He had made her feel equal, and so many other wonderful things. She smiled at his face as she heard him say ”We have more than enough time to get to know eachother.” to her. He was right, they would have more than enough time to get to know each other. She would make sure of it. Even if it meant seeking out behind her mothers back to see him. She liked him so much that she would maybe even leave her mothers house all together to get out of her control if it had to come to that. She was an adult and could make up her own mind.

He was gently rubbing his thumb on her hand when he added ”And I will not force myself on you.” She bit her lip at that comment and looked away. It wouldn't have been force, her body was feeling all kinds of different and she knew she wanted him. However she also knew it was the ale helping her feel those things even more strongly then she normally would. She mumbled " I wouldn't have called it forced" very quietly to herself before he put his arm around her and pulled her closer to himself. Sassa smiled a large smile as she leaned her head onto his shoulder. This was so nice, just being held by someone you liked. She never wanted to lose these feelings, she didn't want to leave this magical moment. She thanked the Gods for brining him to her yesterday in the woods. It had to be there doing, they wanted them to meet and like each other like this. She wanted to know what else they had in store for them, she hoped it was all good things.

Sassa turned to look at Arngeir when he spoke again ”I do have one question.” he said at first fallowed shortly after by ”When will we be meeting again after this night.” he asked him. Sassa took a deep breath and turned to look at him better, but making sure he could keep his arm around her. She didn't want to lose his warmth. "If I had my way I would see you all the time, everywhere and anywhere. she said before pausing. "But my mother is crazy, I already told that to you. She would corner you and demand to know your intentions with me. she said before looking away. Her mother would try to scare him away from her or make him court her right away. She wouldn't be happy about his ranking as well. Something her mother seemed to care far to much about. " If she didn't like them..she would try to keep me away from you" she said looking back at him. " I won't let her do that, this I promise you. Even if I had to try and find another place to stay..maybe I should start to find somewhere anyways..." she said before taking his face into her hands  " But until you know what you want with this. What you want with me, I don't want you to feel pressured by her. I want us to get to know each other more without someone interfering. So we will meet here or your farm. Every day we are both able and want too. I'll tell my mother I'm training, she won't ask questions. She knows I train the the woods all the time, and your farm is away from the village isn't it? No one would know I am there right?" she said as she leaned into him more she didn't want to keep him a secret, she hoped it wouldn't hurt him.

She just didn't want her mother to get involved, at least not yet. Not until she knew what if he wanted her as a wife or something like that. That way she could just tell her mother she was getting married and then there would be nothing she could do about it."I'll be free again tomorrow afternoon, we could meet at your farm then. I'd love to see it." she leaned her forehead on his she hoped he would be okay with this. " I'm sorry things have to be complicated, but I really like you and I don't want her to interfere." she said she before she kissed him again with so much more passion then the first time.She then pulled away and waited and waited for his reply. Sassa worried he would think it was more trouble then it was worth, and if he did decide that she would be devastated, but part of her would understand.

The fire in front of them was starting to dim out. They would have to put extra wood on it if they wanted it to live for much longer. But then again the dark of the night wouldn’t be a bad thing and they could keep each other warm. Maybe stare at the stars for a while, silence wasn’t bad ether. But maybe that was because when they had been silent they had been silently staring at each other. Not that any silence had been an uncomfortable one. He looked back at her feeling her move. "If I had my way I would see you all the time, everywhere and anywhere. But my mother is crazy, I already told that to you. She would corner you and demand to know your intentions with me. “ Be together everywhere and anywhere. Right now that didn’t sound like a bad idea. But that wasn’t possible because of the crazy mother. But somewhere he didn’t mind. After all in some way it made it a bit more exciting. Also if he met her mother… What were his intentions with her? He wasn’t sure of that jet at the moment, but he did know there were no bad attentions at least. ”If she didn't like you.. she would try to keep me away from you.” Well that didn’t sound promising as he already knew her mother rather wanted her daughter with someone from a high rang. He might be a Viking, but he was still just a farmer. Though it had been his own choice to be one. He was content with the farming life, it was simple. Hard work but rewarding at the least. He looked away slightly from her to think about it. But if he wanted to see Sassa really then he wouldn’t let her mother stand in the way ether. He guessed he would have to find a way to assure her he was a right one? It sounded complicated at the moment to say the least.

”I won't let her do that, this I promise you. Even if I had to try and find another place to stay… Maybe I should start to find somewhere anyways..." He looked into her as she took his head between her hands. His eyes staring at hers. He could see the truth behind those words. She was thinking of moving away from her mother? But then were would she go? Did she have a place where she could go? Well he.. Might have a solution for that. ” But until you know what you want with this. What you want with me, I don't want you to feel pressured by her. I want us to get to know each other more without someone interfering. So we will meet here or your farm. Every day we are both able and want too. I'll tell my mother I'm training, she won't ask questions. She knows I train the woods all the time, and your farm is away from the village isn't it? No one would know I am there right?" She went on to say. He smiled lightly. Here was a good place, seemed it would be there secret spot. His farm, of course she was welcome to come and as long as no one saw her go to there or followed her then yes no one would know she was there at all.

"I'll be free again tomorrow afternoon, we could meet at your farm then. I'd love to see it." And he would be happy to show it to her, even if it was nothing special. It was like any old farm. He closed his eyes when she pressed her forehead against his. "I'm sorry things have to be complicated, but I really like you and I don't want her to interfere." She said before kissing him. There was a lot more passion behind it then the first one and this time he didn’t just sit there like a stoned statue. No he kissed back as If it had become an automatic reaction. He took a slow breath as she pulled away, opening his eyes and staring at her. She was going to be a lot of trouble wasn’t she. It would be a lot of trouble, he would be a secret and that might get hard as time went on. But then... Looking at her.. He did think it was worth the trouble, worth the wait. He wanted to see what would come from it. And… ”Sounds exciting.”
It would at least be an adventure something new to explore and he had no idea where it would lead. But he was willing to find out. He also wasn’t afraid to see what would happen. He was sure that he could handle her mother and anyone else who might find out. If it did come to the point that they would be together officially, then he was sure that he would get a lot of men come to him because they were jealous, get dirty looks. But even that he wouldn’t mind, in fact he would laugh at them at how pathetic they were for being jealous. Weren’t they also men? Then they had to be able to find someone of their own no? So that they didn’t have to go after his woman. Because he surely wouldn’t give her away.

He took her hands in his and squeezed them slightly. He had another thing to tell her. ”And then I will see you tomorrow at the farm.” Maybe then they could train some, or other things. After all there was a lot of space and a lot of things to do. ”And if you decide to leave your mother and need another place to stay, you’re welcome too.” If she needed that escape he could give her that one. It was a place where she would be safe and would be able to relax. ”If you want.” He would think that a girl like her would like the life on a farm. Maybe, because what did he really know about her? Still so much to find out. But that was the fun of it wasn’t it? To discover more and more each time and he was sure she would keep surprising him. As the little trouble some woman he might already consider his own.

[Arngeir will make sure to reasure her. ;D]

Sassa was staring into his eyes from the end of their kiss waiting to hear what he was going to say.  She knew it was a lot of trouble for a stupid girl, but she hoped he would want to go through it for it would only be a short while until her decided if he wanted to claim her as his women. Then she would tell her mother and they would figure it out together. When he finally spoke Sassa smiled largely at him “sounds exciting”  he had said. In a way she could agree, seeking around to see her secret lover. Doing anything and everything she wanted with him without anyone knowing. However at the same time she wanted people to know. She wanted to be claimed by him so that every man other than him would finally leave her alone. Maybe they wouldn’t stare at her as much. Plus she could hug and kiss him all over the place, among other things. The idea of doing other things made her excited and nervous, but she tried not to think about that right now. It wasn’t time, and she realized she wanted her first time to be in a house on a bed, so she was glad he had decided to not take her up on her offer of her body.

He took her hands into his and spoke again “and then I will see you tomorrow at the farm” that made her happy, That he wouldn’t mind she coming to see it and see him at his home. She has always wanted to go check out all the animals on farms. See what they were like, and if he was going to claim her then she would be a farmer herself someday. What he said next made her heart so warm and she stomach tighten at the same time. “And if you decided to leave your mother and need another place to stay you are welcome too, “ adding shortly after “if you want”  to her. He could be her escape, he was slowly becoming so much more then he realized she was sure. If she moved in with him she would be free to make her own decisions. To see him morning and night, to wake up next to him everyday. Those thoughts made her so excited, but she knew it was too soon. He had to decide he wanted her first. She knew she wanted him. He had told her much about himself, and she had liked all of it. She was sure she was going to like the rest as well. The only thing she was sure she wouldn’t like, but would never say to him was that he’s been with other women. Not that she is controlling, but that she would worry she wasn’t his best. That he had, had better in the past.

Sassa hasn’t told him much about herself however, he knows she has a controlling mother. That he was her first kiss, and that she wants to become stronger and raid someday. What else did he know about her? She wasn’t sure, but she would tell him whatever he asked and wanted to know. She squeezed his hands Thad she was still holding before speaking. “I’m glad you think it would be exciting, and are willing to wait a bit. Only until you decide if you want me as your women. Then I’ll tell my mother and figure out the rest.” She said before pausing “ I’m excited to see your farm. I’ve always wanted to visit one, but never really had the opportunity!” She told him with a big smile. She wanted to see how he made his living, what he did daily and how much work the farm would be.

Letting go of his hands she gave his chest a push, until he was laying on his back. Then she laid her head down onto his chest in a way she could still see the stars before addressing his offer of his home to her. “ Thank you, for a chance to escape. I’ll take you up on that when we are officially together. That way she can’t try to stop us, but don’t rush that decision. Once you claim me, I’m your forever.” She told him and then snuggled into his side. She meant what she said. Once they were officially out she would make sure they stayed together. If they ever had problems they would work them out, and not separate. She would not end up like other couples that ended things over stupid fights. Things could be worked out with enough effort, at least Sassa thought so.

She had only been laying on him for a moment like this, but it was her new favorite way to lay down. It was so comfortable and warm. His smell was something she liked as well, a mixture of so many things. “I don’t think I’m able to train tonight. I drank to much, but we will train tomorrow among other things” she said after a second or two of enjoying his side. She could lay like this for hours if he would let her. If she still wanted to sleep with him with no ale in her system at all then maybe she would with him tomorrow. She wasn’t completely sure on that part yet because it made her nervous just to think it, but she liked him. She cared for him a lot for the two days they had known each other. If he wanted to move to that step she would. She already told him she would do what he wanted to do. Go as far as he wanted. She wasn’t lying even if she had some ale. Drinking made her more bold, say things she wouldn’t normally say so easily. Snuggling him even closer she felt herself starting to relax more as well. He was just so warm and comfortable. “Now are there anythings you want to know about me before we end this night?” She asked him with a yawn as she tilted she head up to look at him on his chest.