Olivier de Bretagne

"It's important to look to the future, always," Ragnar nods. "And not just take what is there."

As the less thoughtful Vikings will do. Not so Ragnar, if he can help it, after that first time.

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"Just so. Else what is there will not be there next year."

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"It's a very different discipline from that I leant as a soldier."

Ermina laughs. "And yet it's exactly what I was raised to do."

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"So it is excellent that you are here to teach Olivier the wisdom of farmers and hunters," Ragnar says.

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Athelstan smiles a little.

"You both have a lot to teach each other."

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Olivier reaches out to hold Ermina's hand, squeezing softly. "I am very fortunate to have such a noble and wise love in my life." There's nothing but love in his eyes.

Ermina smiles back then reaches for Athelstan's hand and then Ragnar's. "And as an orphan, I'm very grateful to have my husband bring his brothers into the family."

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"As we are glad to be accepted into it, just the way we are," Ragnar says.

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"It's more than we had a right to expect."

He holds her hand.

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Ermina leans forward to kiss their cheeks. "You're family, both of you. And I love you for who you are."

She is about to say something else but from up the stairs, Mary starts to cry.

Olivier reaches out to still her. "I'll go."

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"If she is very restless, bring her down, and I will sing to her," Ragnar promises.

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"Will it just be waking to find herself alone?" Athelstan asks.

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Olivier nods and accepts the offer, heading up to collect Mary.

Ermina pours some more ale. "She fusses if she wakes up alone but I'm told many children do. She doesn't grizzle long but she does like to be picked up and hugged when she does."

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"She needs to know that grown-ups are close and will protect and love her," Ragnar says softly.

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"The greatest need of all children", Athelstan agrees.

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Olivier comes down with a grizzly toddler clinging to his neck. She makes grabby hands at Ragnar, hazel eyes heavy. "Sing." She demands.

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Ragnar takes her, expertly, settles her on himself, and starts singing verses from the havamál, picking those about hospitality.

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He's a good singer, and Athelstan enjoys listening as well.

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Mary snuggles up against Ragnar's chest and listens, her eyes drooping again.

Olivier chuckles. "It seems you are comfortable to sleep on."

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"I am," Ragnar says, made certain by long experience. "Could somebody please cut up my meat and break my bread so I can eat with one hand, once she sleeps?"

Then, he carries on singing.

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Athelstan is nearest and sets about it.

"The least we can do for a peaceful meal."

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Ermina smiles, in contented awe to see her baby so happily snuggled in Ragnar's lap. "I may beg you to stay the night if she'll sleep through it with you."

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Ragnar keeps singing, and looks at Athelstan in question.

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He shrugs.

"Yes, we could. Time here is like time in the bar."

But better.

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