Sisters of the North Sea Pt. 02

Hello there! This story is the second part of a multi-part series; if you have not yet read the first chapter, I encourage you to read that first. This part is a bit more story-focused, but don't worry, future chapters will include more steam. The usual warnings apply: slow-burn romance, non-consent, kidnapping... If that rocks your boat, come aboard!

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Chapter 4: Reconciliation

It had been two days since the Viking longship left Minster Abbey. Eawynn spent her days staring at the sea, and her nights gazing at the sky and its stars. Since the other night, she had been avoiding Vidar to the best of her ability. Every time he walked towards her, Eawynn turned around in the opposite direction. She was getting good at evading Vidar physically, but her mind still could not shake the thought of him. Eawynn shook her head, and tried to forget about Vidar's comforting arms, which she wanted to be embraced by every time she saw him.

Eawynn tried so hard to ignore Vidar, that she forgot about another person she was trying to avoid: Aerlene, whose eyes shone with understanding, was standing right in front of her with her arms opened for a hug. Suddenly, the fight she had had with Aerlene a few days ago seemed so petty. All Eawynn could remember was the warm embrace of her friend. Without words, Eawynn slunk into Aerlene's arms. When it came to Aerlene, no words were needed. Still, Eawynn felt she should apologize for her judgemental behavior.

"I'm so sorry, Aerlene," said Eawynn, as she slumped on Aerlene's shoulder.

"I'm sorry, too. I know you must feel like I've lied to you all these years. But you must understand that I only did so out of necessity," Aerlene explained, with a hint of sadness in her voice.

"But now that there's no need to hide anymore, I think I should tell you... I was married once, in a previous life. My husband and I were so happy, until... until he passed. I was left with nothing. He was the last family I had left. The convent was the only place I knew where a young widow without family could go." Eawynn felt there was more to the story, so she waited for Aerlene to explain herself further.

"The convent let me join, with one condition - I was, under no circumstances, to speak about my previous life to anyone. They would accept me, even though I had been married. But the Abbess felt that if the other nuns knew of my condition, it would lead to too much intrigue. So I swore to her that as long as I was under the convent's roof, I would be nothing but a paragon of virtue," Aerlene explained.

"Truth be told, I have missed life outside of the convent. Even though I've learnt the words and recited the prayers... it always felt like someone else's life, not mine. Maybe this is God's way of giving me another chance at living?" Aerlene's question was directed at no-one in particular. Maybe she was asking herself, or perhaps it was God that she was questioning? Even then, Eawynn felt the need to give some sort of answer, though she knew it would be inadequate.

"God works in mysterious ways," murmured Eawynn, knowing her words were nothing but platitudes. She had recited that thought over and over to herself, in order to explain what had happened to her and her beloved Sisters.

"You have that right," answered Aerlene with a sigh, as she stared off into the cold, blue ocean. "You know, there's no shame in it. We are not nuns anymore - our convent has been burned down, our Abbess is dead... what is there left to bind us to our previous lives?" It seemed that Aerlene was trying to convince herself, more than she was attempting to sway Eawynn.

"I took a wow. And unlike you, I didn't do so under duress. I think God would understand your predicament. But I took the vows of my own free will. What am I, if not a nun?" Eawynn pondered, as she thought of all the ways she had already broken the Ten Commandments in the last few days.

"Did you truly make your decision of your own free will? What does it mean to be free, if you have the option of marrying a man twice your age - or joining the church, and promising never to marry at all? Is that freedom? To force a girl into making an impossible choice?" asked Arelene, who was now looking deep into Eawynn's eyes, and holding her hand.

"I don't know," answered Eawynn. She had always just accepted the fact that things were the way they were. It had never occurred to her that maybe it was not fair, that she had been expected to choose between a man she did not want, or a life completely devoted to God - another man. A man, who she was suddenly not sure she truly wanted.

Aerlene sighed, and shrugged her shoulders. It seemed she didn't hold the answers either, but was simply thinking out loud. Instead of trying to find an answer, the Sisters just looked at each other, defeated. Aerlene's golden blonde hair was wind-swept, and even though it was messy, it still looked beautiful. Eawynn also couldn't help but notice that there was a small glimmer in Aerlene's eyes that hadn't been there before. Something hopeful, looking forward to the future.

"So, you're not a nun anymore?" asked Eawynn finally.

"I think I never really was," answered Aerlene.

With those final words, Aerlene hugged Eawynn goodbye. She left Eawynn, and walked away not as a Sister bound by God, but as a sister that Eawynn had chosen for herself. Even if Aerlene stopped being a nun, she could never stop being Eawynn's older sister.

Eawynn was left alone, staring into the ocean. She had a lot to think about, now that Aerlene had planted the seed of doubt into her mind."Did I really choose this life, or was this forced on me, just like it was forced on Aerlene?" Eawynn thought to herself."And if God can force you into his service - and expect you to obey, then what kind of God is that?" Eawynn couldn't help but think that in a way, God was almost similar to her Viking captors, who had also forced Eawynn and her sisters into their way of life. With a small snicker, Eawynn shook her head."God really does have a sense of humor".

Lost in thought, Eawynn jumped in surprise, as she heard a loud cough coming from somewhere behind her. Without even looking, she knew who the sound belonged to - she had heard his voice often enough to know it by heart. Eawynn blushed as she thought of it. It felt scandalous, knowing a man's voice so well that she could tell it apart from others from just a cough.

Vidar walked up to Eawynn's side, and for a moment just stood next to her silently. Eawynn turned around to leave, trying to once again avoid Vidar's company. Before Eawynn was able to disappear again, Vidar grabbed Eawynn's arm and dragged her back to him, into his arms. Eawynn moaned softly, frustrated - both by her inability to escape, and by her desire to not really escape at all. For a moment the world seemed to melt away, and all that remained was Vidar's inviting hug. Eawynn allowed herself to relax for just a second and enjoy it - it was not like she could escape even if she wanted to.

"Eawynn..." Vidar murmured softly into the young woman's ear, as he cradled her in his arms.

Eawynn's heart skipped a beat, as she realized what he had just said."That's the first time you've said my name," she thought, as she held back a smile. For a moment, Eawynn wondered how he even knew what her name was - he had never asked her. But Eawynn soon figured that Magnus must have told Vidar her name, after she had introduced herself to the young man. It felt good to hear Vidar say her name; it felt especially good, when he said it likethat. His voice was low, almost a whisper, but seemed full of unspoken passion and tenderness. It sounded like a reassurance, or an apology. Like he was trying to console her, in his own way.

Thoughts of the night before entered Eawynn's head, and she again remembered what had happened."You were laying with Frigg, and then you walked in on me, touching myself. And then you touched me, as well... Oh God, that's why you're here, isn't it?" As Eawynn remembered what she had seen happen the other night, she recoiled from Vidar's touch. Eawynn fought her way out of the man's embrace, and instead faced him, arms crossed combatively. Staring daggers at the man, she hoped Vidar would get the hint: she was mad at him, and was not in the mood for romance.

Vidar sighed, and rubbed his hands across his face. He looked frustrated, as he massaged his temples with his palms, trying to rid himself of the troubled thoughts hiding within. After a moment, Vidar sighed again and stared at Eawynn, seemingly waiting for some explanation for her outburst.

"Frigg." That word was all Eawynn said. It was all she could say, that Vidar would understand. But it was also the only thing she needed to say.

"No," Vidar shook his head, as he uttered the only English word Eawynn had ever heard him say. If she had not been angry at him, Eawynn would have been impressed. But as it stood, Eawynn was not calmed by Vidar learning a single word of English.

"No? So what was it then, that happened between you two the other night?" Eawynn was not sure Vidar would understand, but she tried her best. She motioned at Vidar, when she repeated Frigg's name, and she made some kissing sounds, to indicate that she had seen them kiss. It was not exactly what she meant, but it seemed to get the point across.

Vidar shrugged his shoulders, and shook his head. He muttered something in Danish, which Eawynn didn't understand. The young woman sighed. It was impossible to really communicate, when neither of them knew what the other one was saying. Vidar seemed to be frustrated by the very same thing. Without warning, Vidar took Eawynn by the hand, and dragged her with him. He walked briskly to another part of the ship. Eawynn saw Magnus, who was whittling away at a piece of wood.

Magnus got up, surprised by Vidar and Eawynn's sudden arrival. Eawynn stood and watched, as a heated conversation took place between the two. Finally, Magnus groaned, and seemed to relent to whatever Vidar was requesting. Defeated, Magnus turned to Eawynn.

"Vidar wants me to help him say something to you," said Magnus in his cute Danish accent. Eawynn was relieved to hear Magnus' kind voice again. It was so refreshingly different to Vidar's, which was usually anything but calm and collected.

"Tell Vidar, that I saw him with Frigg last night. And that he can forget about making puppy-eyes at me, when he's fooling around with her," Eawynn spoke with more determination than she thought possible. She was surprised by her own candor, but the words just came spilling out of her. Magnus translated the words to Vidar, who in turn said something back, as angrily as Eawynn had spoken her words.

"Vidar says that he has needs. And he needs someone to keep him company. If not you, then why not Frigg? It's not like you have any reason to be upset, as you clearly don't want that..." translated Magnust. It seemed that he was translating the words a bit more tactfully, than Vidar had said them.

"What are you, some kind of animal? You can't control yourself at all?" Eawynn spoke with such vitriol, that she was almost spitting out the words from her mouth. When she spoke, she did so to Vidar, staring directly into his eyes with such anger it was a wonder that he didn't shy away. Once again, Vidar spoke, and Magnus dutifully translated.

"Vidar says that all men are animals. And besides, you are an animal too. Or at least you were last night," explained Magnus, who seemed apologetic and embarrassed for what he was forced to say. It was clear he did not agree with the words he was translating.

Eawynn was enraged. How dare he bring up what happened the night before in front of Magnus? How could he humiliate her like that? On the verge of tears, Eawynn still had rage left in her, and was determined to use it. If he was set on hurting her, she would give him some of the same.

"If you think that I was dreaming about you yesterday, you're an idiot. You disgust me. How Frigg would ever let you touch her, I don't understand!" Eawynn screamed, and stormed off. She didn't stay to hear what Vidar had to say in response. She didn't need to hear it. Eawynn was done with the man, and no amount of embracing could change her mind.

When Eawynn finally looked back towards where Vidar and Magnus still stood, she saw the two discussing loudly. It seemed like they were still arguing - Vidar for his point of view, and Magnus on behalf of Eawynn. Eawynn could not hear or understand what was being said, but it seemed clear that Magnus was upset about being used as a tool for Vidar and Eawynn's argument.

Eawynn suddenly felt sorry about the whole thing. Not sorry to Vidar, but for Magnus' sake. It was not like the young man had asked to be a part of all this - he didn't deserve being yelled at like that. Eawynn hated herself for being such a soft-hearted fool. But still, she stepped back towards Magnus and Vidar, in order to stop Vidar from taking his anger out on the innocent young man.

"Tell Vidar, that he shouldn't be yelling at you. It's me who made him angry, not you," Eawynn told Magnus, as she approached the two arguing men.

Magnus looked surprised. Instead of interpreting the words to Vidar, he stopped speaking for a while, and blushed. "No, he is angry at me too. I had some things to say about how he has acted."

"Magnus, I appreciate you trying to stand up for me. But this really isn't your battle. You don't need to destroy your friendship, standing up for a stranger," Eawynn explained gently, as she tried to convince Magnus to back down from the heated argument. "Actually, I'm not asking. I'm demanding that you two stop fighting, and apologize to each other. Right now."

The young man looked confused, and slightly uncomfortable. But it seemed that he had stopped being angry, which was a welcome development. Vidar had also calmed down, looking as puzzled as Magnus. After a moment, Magnus turned towards Vidar, and translated Eawynn's demands.

Vidar looked confused and amused in equal parts. But instead of responding in anger, he made some kind of joke, which made both him and Magnus chuckle. It seemed the situation had cooled down, as Vidar now tapped Magnus on the back. Magnus looked pleased with the situation.

"Vidar says that you sound like my mother," Magnus explained, as he laughed slightly.

"Is that a good or a bad thing?"

"A bit of both," answered Magnus bashfully.

"You can tell Vidar, that he isn't allowed to shout at you anymore. If he does, then I won't speak to him," said Eawynn matter-of-factly. She thought it might actually be a good thing, to resemble Magnus' mother. Maybe then, she could seem less like a potential lover in Vidar's mind.

"Vidar promises not to yell at me. He says that I'm just a boy, and I don't know what I'm saying. That he shouldn't get so angry, when he knows that I don't know any better," explained Magnus, who was clearly a bit annoyed at Vidar's comments. It seemed Magnus did not want to be seen as a boy - but in comparison to Vidar, that was all people would see him as.

"Now tell Vidar to go somewhere else. I need to talk to you, Magnus. Alone."

Magnus looked confused again, but did as he was told. Vidar did not look happy about the news, but he didn't start arguing. Vidar simply said something to Magnus, who didn't look at all pleased with what he had said. He didn't translate what was spoken, until Eawynn specifically asked him to.

"Vidar said that he's going to do as you ask. But he expects that the next time he asks something from you, you will do as he says," Magnus explained, with an annoyed groan. "I think he was talking about... something that happened last night."

Eawynn gulped, terrified by what Vidar might have meant."Does Vidar really expect that I will sleep with him, just because he agreed to my demands?" Eawynn shook her head, trying not to think about it.

"Is he always so infuriating?" asked Eawynn, when Vidar had left.

"Infuriating? I don't know that word."

"It's annoying, but worse. Like someone so annoying, you become angry," explained Eawynn, happy to help Magnus learn a new word. Magnus seemed content too, because any annoyance that had still lingered on his face disappeared, and was replaced by his usual beaming smile.

"Yes. Always. And he's always so stubborn. And with a hot head," said Magnus, as shook his head. But in the middle of shaking, his head tilted to the side, puzzled. "In that way, you two are actually a lot alike. That must be why I like you both so much," he said, amazed at his revelation.

Eawynn blushed, confused. Was she really similar to Vidar, as Magnus said? Surely she could have nothing in common with that impulsive and hot-headed man...? And then Eawynn realized that Magnus had just told her that he liked her. Blushing again, Eawynn wondered what he had meant. Surely, he liked Eawynn only in a friendly manner.

"Anyways. I didn't want to talk to you about Vidar," explained Eawynn carefully. She really hoped that Magnus would say yes to her proposal, so she tried to word it as desirably as she could. "I don't think you want to be stuck between Vidar and me, when we scream at each other... and if Vidar really is as pig-headed as you say, there will be a lot of screaming..." Eawynn explained, making Magnus chuckle slightly.

"Why don't you teach me Danish? I can teach you English in return, if you'd like. That way, you don't need to argue with your friend anymore?" asked Eawynn.

"I would love to," answered Magnus, who seemed overjoyed with the idea.

Chapter 5: Escape

The next few days flew by, as Eawynn still avoided Vidar to the best of her ability. She sought instead the company of Magnus, who was eager to teach her Danish. Vidar seemed upset by the fact that Eawynn and Magnus were spending so much time together, but according to his promise, he did not shout at Magnus. Instead, Vidar left them alone, and did not make comments to either Magnus or Eawynn about their growing friendship. For once, Vidar acted gracefully - even though it seemed difficult for him to do so.

"What do you want to learn today?" asked Magnus, as he walked around the ship with Eawynn at his side.

"How do I say 'You're being unreasonable'?" asked Eawynn, who was thinking of all the ways she could tell Vidar that he was being an oaf. She was still mad at the man for trying to have both her and Frigg, all to himself.

"I don't know that word. What does it mean?" asked Magnus.

Magnus was quite good at English, but there were still many words he did not know. He understood the basics, but struggled with the more complicated sentences. Eawynn was happy about that fact - it meant that she could be useful to Magnus, as he was to her. But during the past few days, Eawynn felt that their relationship had grown into something more - she truly considered Magnus to be her friend. The only ally she had, from this new and strange world.

"It means that one is doing or saying something that they have no reason for. For example, if Vidar gets angry at you, without you having done anything wrong, he is being unreasonable," answered Eawynn, thinking of Vidar while she spoke the sentence. She shook her head, trying to remember all the maddening aspects about Vidar, and not the ones that made her feel longing.

"Ah," Magnus responded by nodding his head. He had taught Eawynn plenty of phrases, all of them useful to communicate in Danish. Eawynn knew how to say that she was hungry, thirsty, sleepy and angry. She knew how to blame Vidar for being an idiotic, unreasonable, hot-head. So all in all, she knew the basics of communicating.

"Oh look, land!" exclaimed Eawynn.

It had been at least five days since they had last seen anything but water. After being sea-sick and sleeping on a hard wooden deck for so many days, Eawynn was overjoyed that she might soon see land again. Quickly, the joy she felt deflated, and fell like a dead songbird to the ground.