Horizon Ridge i do like to be beside the seaside

The way Bazi repeated the term ‘Viking’ made Björn believe that she had no idea what, exactly, it meant, nor the infamous reputation behind it. Her further questioning, caused a contemplative look to morph upon his scarred, stoic face as he peered at the cluster of trees stretching behind her, a green canopy of writhing shadows. “Anyone can be a Viking, as long there is commitment to our traditions and Gods, and the rite of passage is completed,” It did not matter, truly, if there was ‘Viking’ blood or not, he had simply asked it for her benefit but her questions were satisfying enough as answers. “But if you have Viking blood, I don’t know. It’s very possible though,” Björn hesitated, wondering how much of his culture he should share with her. The Vikings were grossly romanced by travelers but in truth they were brutal and ruthless in everything they did. Hard conditions made hard men, Björn had once heard an elder say. “We are a culture feared…for good reason. We raid, we fight, and my kinsmen are known for raping the women of the packs we raid and kill, so you could be a decedent of a Viking, yes,” A mirthless laugh left Björn’s lips then as he glimpsed at her, waiting for her to skirt away from him, or be horrified. “There is no sense in painting a false picture. It is what we are. Not many, as you can guess elect to become one of us.” Björn shrugged simply then, gritting his teeth against the sickening feeling as the scabbed flesh was tugged at with the motion.