Shield Maiden (for Bombay)

[drrnchambai241]

Estrid could feel the wind on her face as she and the other made their way down to the coast. She had been a veteran of many raids, but she never lost her excitement for a new raid. Most of the time, the villagers would have fled their villages at rumor's of their arrival.

Making land, they found their arrival completely unopposed by anyone. Nothing to be surprised about really. The villages were empty as they all expected. In the rush to escape they left most of their belongings behind, and soon most of it was being looted by her companions.

Finding what looked like the nicest house in the village, Estrid deduced that it would have the nicest things to take. Looking inside, it had a few golden items here-and-there which she started putting into a sack. As she continued looking around, she soon heard a small noise coming from the corner of the room. Making her way to the spot she found that the noise was getting louder. She pushed aside a few items and found a girl crying as she curled up in the corner.

[Bombay]

Everyone knows the horrors called Vikings. Savages that come by sea, ravagers in the dead of night. You hope, and pray, you never cross their paths because there's a good feeling that'll be the last thing you see. At least, that's what Helga's papa told her as a bedtime story.

Helga was finally old enough to start trading by herself. After years of begging and persuading, the 14 year old was given the responsibility to help her family out. Luckily, she was out because of what was about to happen. Walking down the path to get to the village, she can see the large masts contrasting the bright sun. Frozen with fear, she had a choice to make. Does she run and hide and worry about her family, or does she go back and try to save them? Nibbling on her bottom lip, her mind felt like it was doing somersaults.

In a moment of bravery, she rushed to her house before the vikings boarded. Running through the house, she peaked her head in each room making sure she's alone. Luckily, her family managed to escape, but she's not out of the woods yet. The front door was kicked open, and she'd have to be face to face with her greatest fear. Swiping a kitchen knife, the girl rushed to her room and covered herself with clothes and blankets in the corner.

Hopefully, the Viking won't notice her and just move along. She tried to stay silent, tried to hold her breath, but hearing those heavy footsteps enter the room caused a small sob to come from the girl. Her protection was ripped off, and with a shaky hold and tear stained eyes, she held the knife up "G-Go away...I-I know how to use this! J-Just leave" Helga managed to get out through the sobs

[drrnchambai241]

When Estrid saw the girl point that knife at her, she would have laugh in amusement if the whole situation had been a little different. The girl obviously had no idea how to wield the knife she was holding, and she looked far to frail to do any real damage even if she did.

Estrid wasn’t sure how long the child had been hiding the pile, and she hoped that the others in her raiding party would come in, especially Tormod. She hated him but had to work with him.

She stared at the girl a little more before, assessing the situation, then grabbing the knife in a quick grab while the girl’s grip was slack.

“You shouldn’t be playing with knives, especially if you don’t know how to use it properly,” she said, unsure if the girl heard it or even understood anything she said. Throwing the knife to the other side of the room, and knelt down to offer her hand to the girl.

“Come girl,” Estrid said in her poor approximation of French.

[Bombay]

Gulping when with one grip of her wrist, the knife fell out of her hand. Luckily, the Viking let go of her wrist after that, but even feeling the rough and dirty hand touch her, it made the girl panic. Helga’s heart felt like it was going to beat out of her chest any second from now! She had no idea what the Viking was saying, but it couldn’t be good. Although…the Viking’s tone was softer than expected. Estrid wasn’t screaming, and was having a calm conversation with her.

Flinching when she saw the hand get closer, she expected a nice smack across her face, but she was pleasantly surprised to see Estrid offering her hand. Every fiber of Helga was screaming at her and telling her it’s some trap, but Helga didn’t have much of a choice on the matter. Either she listens and goes calmly, or she goes kicking and screaming. Closing her eyes, she squeezed the Viking’s hand. “Y-Yes Ma’am” she said back in French. Clearly, she can’t fight her way out of this, but maybe she can talk her way out of it if she gets on their good side? Do Vikings have a good side? She’s about to find out.

[drrnchambai241]

Estrid felt the girl’s soft hands touch hers, and she help pull the kid up to her feet. As she continued looking around a little she wondered where the child’s parents were. Did they abandon her to save themselves? Was she left behind on accident? Maybe she’s an orphan. Estrid could not guess, but it didn’t matter at that moment.

Walking outside with the girl, she saw the others in her party, going through everything they took. The village didn’t have much. Some gold from the local church and a few odd items like silverware from the richer families.

“Who’s the kid?” a voice asked.

“A child I found. I am taking her with me.”

[Bombay]

Squeaking as she saw the other barbarians, she hid behind Estrid like a child being introduced to their scary uncle. She couldn’t understand a word they were saying, but if they had to guess, it was probably how to prepare little girls for soup! Or what island they’re going to leave her on. Shivering, she clutched the hand even tighter.

[drrnchambai241]

"Come child, we are leaving," she told the girl, pulling her hand with her. Most likely news of the raid had gotten out and soldier were being sent to chase them off. The boats were not to far off, and soon they where on their way home.

Estrid looked at the girl, she seemed scared at everything that everything that was happening around her. But Estrid was sure the kid would fit in just fine back at the village.

[Bombay]

“Hmmm? Oh, okay” she whispered under her breath as she was dragged onto the boat. When she was on, and the crew set sail, she leaned against the rail. She didn’t really speak to anyone, or move. Helga only occasionally flinched when she felt one of the vikings brush up against her.

But still, she sang a lullaby her mum used to sing under her breath. “Beware the Vikings of the deep sea, their swords are sharp and so are their teeth. Beast from the waves from here to far, the dreaded viking king. Fire follows their path, they fight with vigor and also with wrath. I’ve heard they’ve never taken a bath, the dreaded Viking king. But rest my dear, for they shall not harm. Your mother here has far too much charm. And if that fails and they get past, I’ll kick them right in the” and then she boops her own nose just like her mum would do. “So sleep my dear, just close your eyes. Let your dreams lift you and fly. Just make sure to land to see the vikings and monsters your mother disband”