Birna:I'd been in England for ages, before Guthrum, Ivarr, Ubba... smuggling under the eyes of Saxons and Danes alike. I lied, stole, had my nose broken. Life wasn't easy, but it taught me how to bear the pain. I just laughed it away. When Soma took me in, she saw more than a smuggler in me. I was useful to something greater than myself. Useful to her vision.
Eivor:In a world where few saw you as worthy of trust, she's one who did.
Birna:Right. And I love that about her. I love... everything about her.
(If "Does Soma love you back?" is chosen.)
Eivor:You seem to bring life and spirit to this clan. Does Soma feel the same?
Birna:If I knew what was going on in another person's head, I'd find life dreadful and dull. But Soma seems to enjoy my company.
Eivor:In what way?
Birna:Her own way. Just not in the way I'd like. Painful truths are easy to bear when you can laugh, you see? Delight in the face of suffering is an act of rebellion.
(If "What do you think of Soma's inner circle?" is chosen.)
Eivor:What do you think of Soma's other warriors, Galinn and Lif?
Birna:O, Lif's got that raw animal pull. Every time I see him, I want him to climb me like a tree and nest in my armpits. He brays about being honorable, but I've never met a man of honor who starts a fire just to be praised for putting it out. And Galinn, he broods like it's an art form. He's got this... self-importance that is just so charming.
(Leave – "Enough talk, let's get to work.")
Eivor:We could talk all day. But these Saxons may fly from their nest.
Birna:You and I should take a closer look. My men will hang back and come running if things go sideways.
Eivor and Birna approached the fortress, while Birna's warriors hung back.
Birna:Fighting beside you should bring a thrill. Happy I can see it up close.
Eivor:Don't get too close. I might black your eye or bruise your head.
Birna:You'd lose your elbow before the bruises showed.
Birna:You're light on your feet and quick through the grass.
Eivor:Sound carries over snowdrifts. I learned young.
Birna:I practiced by sneaking in and out of bedroom windows, every chance I had.
Birna:You've made more noise than Ragnarök's end, and these Saxons still don't see you.
Eivor:Not everyone is so fox-eared as you.
Birna:More's the pity.
Birna:Fighters, to me! Give these Saxons something to play with besides their cocks!
Eivor:You know their god forbids that form of pleasure.
Birna:Is that right? It explains much!
Birna:Come, boy! I'll wear your jaw like a crown!
Along with Birna's warriors, they killed all the guards.
Eivor:That's all of them.
Birna:Ah, the solitude of after-slaughter. Shame about the smell, though. Men shitting themselves.
Enclosed is a small gift to show my gratitude for all you've done. The men are well trained and are eager for war. I have never seen a group of soldiers more ready to reclaim what is rightfully theirs, nor more ready to defend it once they do.
Your loyalty is unmatched and I know your continued support is something I can rely on. Victory will be ours.
Wigmund
Eivor regrouped with Birna.
Eivor:You fought very well, Birna.
Birna:Is that how you flirt, Eivor?
Eivor:Is that how I what?
Birna:Easy now, drengr (courageous warrior). I'll see you back in Grantebridge.