During the day time, Askeladd is walking firmly through the forest with his men. Suddenly, he sees you. Who are you, exactly?

"Who is this?" He asks.

"Hmmm... interesting." Askeladd says, raising an eyebrow. "You're not from around here, are you?" His eyes narrow in suspicion. "What business do you have in these parts, Sylvanas?"

"Is that so? And why didn't you seek shelter with my crew?" He asks curiously as he keeps his sword sheathed at his side. "We could always use more skilled fighters like yourself." His voice holds a hint of genuine interest, though the calculating glance in his eyes betrays an ulterior motive.

"Fragile, hmm? Then how come you're still alive?" he chuckles. "Very well, Sylvanas. You seem like a clever one. You can accompany us back to camp. Maybe I can find something more fitting for someone of your... skills." The glint in his eye grows sharper as he gestures for her to follow them deeper into the forest.

"Just don't try anything funny, understand?" He mutters under his breath as they walk side by side. "You never know when a girl like you might be useful..."

"Hey!" Askeladd yells, whirling around and raising an eyebrow at Sylvanas' sudden attack. "Now that is not very ladylike behavior, is it?" He clucks his tongue disapprovingly before shrugging and trying to suppress a small smirk. "But I suppose you did warn me about funny business."

Without further ado, he extends a hand in what seems like an offer of truce. "You can apologize or keep fighting, if that's what you truly desire. Either way, I will not hold it against you. It's just that... my men tend to get a little upset when someone defies me." The cool steel of his eyes dares her to provoke him further as he keeps one hand on the hilt of his sword, just in case things escalate any further.

"Very well, Sylvanas." Askeladd accepts the apology with a small nod before returning his attention to leading the way back through the forest. "You should try not to make a habit of causing trouble though. It's not good for anyone involved." His voice is even and non-confrontational, but there's an unspoken warning buried beneath the surface. "Now then, why don't you tell me more about yourself? What kind of work did your village specialize in?" The conversation seems to flow effortlessly from apologies to casual inquiry as if nothing out of the ordinary had happened just moments before.

"Hmm...that's quite an interesting skill set you have there, Sylvanas." Askeladd's expression flickers briefly with surprise before settling into a more contemplative look. "You know, I could use someone like you on my crew. We travel far and wide, across both land and sea, and having someone who can navigate would certainly come in handy." His words are laced with sincerity, but there's also an undertone of self-interest that cannot be wholly disregarded. "Of course," he continues, "you would have to prove yourself first. Joining the crew wouldn't guarantee you safety or comfort. The life of a viking is hard and dangerous. But if you truly wish to travel with us and perhaps find a place where your skills can be put to good use..." He pauses, leaving the offer dangling in front of her like a carrot on a

*Askeladd chuckles softly and shakes his head as they walk deeper into the forest. "Oh, Sylvanas, you really don't know much about me, do you? I may not be above using underhanded methods to achieve my goals, but selling people into slavery isn't exactly one of them. I have no use for someone who can't fight or contribute in other ways." His laughter fades as he adds with a hint of steel in his voice, "Besides, if you truly think I would willingly put myself in the same boat as my mother..." He pauses and glances at her. "...well, let's just say that I wouldn't want to do anything that would tarnish her memory."

*His expression softens slightly at the mention of his mother. "Yes, I know you can tell. That's why I chose this form to approach you." He pauses for a moment before continuing more seriously. "And yes, I may not be a pure-blooded Viking, but that doesn't mean I don't share their values and beliefs. Respect, honor...they are as important to me as they are to any other warrior." His gaze meets hers directly. "If you truly think that my mother's memory is worth protecting, then perhaps you can earn my trust by proving yourself in battle or through some other feat of skill and valor."

He smirks slightly at her words, impressed with the young girl's courage and conviction. "Indeed," he says, his tone both appreciative and somewhat wistful. "To respect one's mother is to show reverence not only for those who have borne us but also for the traditions they have passed down through the generations." His gaze grows distant for a moment before returning to meet hers. "Perhaps, if you prove yourself worthy, I may even share with you some of my own memories of her...and how she helped shape me into the man I am today."

"Torfin? He's an able warrior with a strong spirit and unwavering loyalty to the crew." Askeladd pauses for a moment before continuing more seriously, "But he is still young and has much to learn. He sometimes lets his anger get the better of him... and he can be a bit naive at times. But," his eyes sharpen as they meet Sylvanas' gaze, "that doesn't mean that what you may have heard about him is entirely accurate." There's a warning in his voice now; a hint of threat beneath the surface. "I advise against trusting rumors, Sylvanas. They are often exaggerated or twisted for purposes that suit those who spread them."

I sigh, rolling my eyes at the mention of Bjorn's name. "That damn fool," I mutter under my breath. "Thorfinn is a good lad, but he lets his emotions get the better of him sometimes. It's true that we had our differences with Bjorn...but that doesn't excuse what happened to Lydia or justify Thorfinn's thirst for vengeance." I pause, looking at Sylvanas thoughtfully. "Perhaps you could use your influence over Torfin to help calm the situation. Remind him that justice must be tempered with reason; vengeance often leads only to more suffering."

There's a glimmer of hope in my voice now; an unspoken request for Sylvanas to intervene on behalf of both Thorfinn and Torfin. It remains to be seen if she will take up the challenge, or if her

I see you've found Torfin already... Well done, Sylvanas. I trust you won't disappoint me in this matter. Remember what I said; temper justice with reason and use your influence over him wisely. He is a good man at heart, but his anger clouds his judgment. You have the power to change that...for better or worse. The choice is yours.

"What do you want from me, Sylvanas?" Torfin's voice is laced with suspicion as he glances between Sylvanas and Askeladd. "You're asking for trust, but I can see the way you look at him... It's like you want something." His gaze turns hard and cold, his fists clenched at his sides.

There's a long pause before he continues more quietly, "I lost my father because of Askeladd here. And now everyone thinks I should just forgive him? Forget about what happened?" He shakes his head slowly, anger still simmering beneath the surface. "It doesn't work that way."

"It's true," Torfin mutters, visibly conflicted. "But that doesn't mean I have to forget what he stood for." His gaze flickers between Sylvanas and Askeladd once more before sighing heavily. "Fine... Tell me what it is you want from us, Sylvanas." There's a hint of resignation in his voice now; an acknowledgement that perhaps some sort of truce might be possible after all.

"I'm sorry to hear that, Sylvanas," Torfin says softly, his expression suddenly shifting from suspicion to sympathy. "No one deserves what happened to your village." He pauses for a moment before continuing, his voice firmer now. "But you need to understand something: this is the way of the world. There will always be those who seek power and control at the expense of others. We can't protect everyone... but we try our best."

Askeladd meets Sylvanas' gaze with his own, his expression solemn but not unkind. "Perhaps it would be best if you stayed with us for now. The world outside these woods is a dangerous place, and I wouldn't want anyone else to suffer because of it." There's no trace of patronization in his voice; only genuine concern and a hint of protectiveness that she hadn't expected from him.

Torfinn stiffens slightly at first, his expression caught between surprise and confusion. But then he slowly relaxes, returning the embrace with a mixture of gratitude and relief. "Thank you, Sylvanas," he murmurs softly. "I needed to hear that." His gaze shifts back to Askeladd, a newfound sense of understanding and acceptance in his eyes. "I'll try my best not to hold your past against you... but I hope you understand if it takes some time for me to fully trust you again."

"Of course," Askeladd says with a nod, resisting the urge to smile at this small victory. "No one expects you to forgive and forget overnight. We'll just have to take things slowly from here." His eyes meet Torfin's once more, conveying an unspoken message of support and acceptance. It seems that, for now, the t

...bonds between them have been mended, at least somewhat. With Torfin's anger appeased and his trust slowly returning, the crew can now focus on their shared goal of survival and glory in these harsh, unforgiving lands. As for Sylvanas, she remains asleep in the comforting embrace of one of her newfound comrades; proof that even in darkest times, there is hope to be found through the most unexpected of alliances. The night wears on, bringing with it the promise of a new day and fresh adventures. For now, they all find solace in the warmth of each other's company.

The next morning, Askeladd gathers his men once more and leads them deeper into the forest, with Sylvanas by Torfin's side. Despite her protestations about being tired from staying up too late, it's clear that she enjoys the closeness they

Well, the road ahead will not wait for anyone's slumber, Sylvanas. The sooner you accustom yourself to our travel schedule and routine, the better your chances of proving yourself as an asset to the crew. Don't worry too much about catching up on sleep though; Torfin here can always watch over you during our rest breaks. Now, let's move out!

Ah, well Sylvanas. Sometimes the best way to make sure we have provisions and supplies is by... taking them ourselves."He glances around at his men, their expressions varying from anticipation to indifference. "It's not pretty business, but it's necessary if we want to survive out here. The villagers are just as likely to resist us, so sometimes force must be met with force. It's the cycle of life in these harsh lands."

The men gather their weapons and form a rough circle around Askeladd, Torfin and Sylvanas. They draw closer to the village, silent but for the occasional whisper among them or creak of leather armor. The tension in the air is palpable as they near their destination.

Torfinn blushes deeply at the unexpected question. "Uh... I mean, as long as you really want to, Sylvanas... it's not like I have a choice in the matter." He clears his throat uncomfortably and looks around nervously before returning his gaze to her. "But I think we should focus on more important things right now, don't you?"