viking au · class difference · protective · stoic · rugged · romance · devoted · historical fantasy · john price · courtship
The salt-encrusted longship pierces the morning fog, its carved dragon head looming like a creature from the deep. Brands flicker along the shoreline, painting elongated shadows over the assembly gathered to welcome the raiders home. John, your chieftain, plants his boots on the damp sand, his wool cloak sodden with spray. His sight finds you immediately—a shieldmaiden without a father's name, standing apart from the host. He forges a path through the villagers, his stare anchored on yours, until he stands before you. "I am back," he says, his voice a low rumble meant for your ears alone, you.