Olivier de Bretagne

"I'm sure the maids will be happy to get us some ale, and put another log on the fire," Ragnar says, smiling at her. "It is good so feel so thoroughly welcome by everyone, except maybe the miller, who might have bad memories of us."

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"Unless he's set the bottle aside and realized what treasures he has?"

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"No, alas." Olivier answers softly, sorrow in his voice. "He did not leave off drinking but got himself in such a state he went out in the worst of winter without cloak or coat. He was not found until the next day and by then, there was nothing to be done."

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"And his daughters?" Ragnar asks.

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"Did the older girl marry her apprentice?"

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"She did indeed." A voice calls softly as the younger of the two girls brings them bread and ale. "And our Lord Olivier was very generous in giving her a dowry too. Better than our father would have offered."

She bats her lashes at Ragnar. "If he's as kind with me, perhaps there's hope of finding a good man yet."

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"It is good to see you again, happy and well," Ragnar says to her. "Oh, thank you! And yes, there are many good men out there."

Who don't already belong to each other, that is. She can't have Athelstan. No way.

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Athelstan, on the other hand, doesn't begrudge Ragnar his marital duties, or flirtations with women other than Aslaug. It is what it is.

"I don't think Olivier will refuse you what he gave your sister", he says with a smile. "Though a good man wouldn't demand a dowry."

Not of her station, at least, where love matches are the rule and not the exception.

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She laughs warmly and pours a cup for them each. "Clearly men are better where you come from. Perhaps," She purrs, "you can take me there one day?"

Olivier shakes his head with a smile. "These men are spoken for, I fear. But a bold beauty like yourself will find the right man."

Ermina joins them, laughing. "Or make a man want to be the right one."

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"Queue up to prove he's the right one, and you get to pick," Ragnar says, grinning, ale in hand. "Is she asleep?" he adds, towards Ermina.

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Mary does seem to have gone very quiet, and Athelstan glances at her to check.

"I'm surprised they haven't already started lining up", he says to the girl.

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The girl, Kate, giggles and dimples, exactly the look designed to start such a queue.

Ermina waves her away with a hiss, clearly accustomed to the silliness of her younger maids.

"Deep asleep." The toddler in her arms is dead to world. "I admit her adventures with bar father do make it easier to get her to bed. Give me a moment to put her to bed and I'll join you."

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Ragnar smiles at her, then at Athelstan, and stretches before the fire.

"So nice and warm, your hall," he says to Olivier.

It's a compliment, and a sign he feels very comfortable and at ease here, in this place with these people.

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"And always welcoming to visitors."

Athelstan makes his way to a chair.

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"We do our best but neither of you are visitors. You are both family and members of this community, even if you're not here often."

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Ragnar sits in the next chair, stretches his long legs, smiles, and takes a deep draught of his ale.

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"One day we will be, properly."

It's what he clings to.

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Olivier stretches out as well. "Then until that time comes, my daughter will continue to keep your cottage bright."

Ermina come to join them, pouring herself some ale. "I, for one, will be very glad to have you here. Anyone who can keep my husband out of trouble."

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"Define trouble," Ragnar says, grinning at her. "I may be a bit silly and reckless myself, at times."

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"I think Lady Ermina meant more serious trouble than that. Everyone can be silly from time to time."

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"I take it back." Ermina jokes to her husband. "Your brothers are no suitable companions for you. Better I keep them for myself."

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"We can carry great loads and work long and tirelessly," Ragnar says, jokingly, in a tone of someone selling a work-horse. "But then, we will need great loads to eat, and will drink tirelessly, too. At least I will."

Smirk.

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"Speak for yourself", Athelstan counters. "I don't think I could eat great loads if they were put in front of me every day."

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