Raven's Watch [m] α

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what was this? skorpa had never seen dramatics of such nature over a woman, let alone one already compromised by inflicted hurt. his expression remained a study in mocking grin, continuing to bait the man who meant to keep his prize here in the mountains.

above their heads, ravens shattered cold air with raucous cawing. the gods watched such a pathetic scene with black eyes, for skorpa had realized that regnvand was more than a slave. this pleading, these commands, the anger. exiled grin broadening to show the extent of red-daubed teeth, he kept his eyes upon the man.

upon the husband.

this must be his wife then. no drengr put such investment into a thrall. for all his dire bulk, the warrior gave himself away too often. too easily, pouring the silver coins of himself out where skorpa might see. his second step did not dislodge the exile, only broadened him with a breath. it was he who held overhead gambit in this foolish game of hnefatafl. it was he behind whom the woman crouched. did not his opponent comprehend that the battle was already won? 

what was i-oh-vee? twice had it been said, in a tone one might take with a stupid creature who had forgotten the proper hierarchy.

only to those deemed fit did the gods give their plunder. but if regnvand was not tribute, if she was indeed bound in marriage to the drengr, then Frigg had given her all the rights of any other woman.

did she comprehend her own power?

skorpa found himself fascinated. Odin was here among the blackfeathered messengers, and his exiled worshipper remained rooted, though his smiling eyes said he would move to crush the warrior's skull in the gloom cast by that tall shadow.

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