Gyrfalcon's Keep The shield maiden on the shore

She frowned for a moment at his stubbornness, should he be treated special not because he was even the jarl’s son but because he was his son. It was the way of things, no child should be pushed to the side, because of another child or children, though she strongly suspected the same thing would happen to her own children soon enough, but that was a fight for a different day if it was needed. Even if he wasn’t jarl you deserve to see your siblings as I said even if I have to bring them to the borders to meet you, it is not right that they go without knowing their brother. It is not fair to them or to you.
‘

I do not see that as crass I see that as the truth and I understand it. She watched his face to gauge his reaction to those words thinking that it was more him telling himself that than her, because he wanted to believe something, but couldn’t make himself. She told Ragnar the boy may some day remember, but he wasn’t concerned with it, so she shook her head and then laughed at his question. Actually we met because your father got hurt and I am a healer, and he had a delirious fever, because he wouldn’t listen to me of course it’s his own fault and I should have let him suffer. That part was not meant to cut, she was merely teasing affectionately, while having a small barb at his father given her current mood with him. He and I exchanged words on a regular basis..and I suppose those passionate arguments turned to more…. she chuckled again unsure how else or even what else to say.