(Arne POV)
- Frida, don't you think Lagertha has been spending a lot of time with Ulf lately?
- She likes him so she spends more time with him. At least Ulf is inventive, not like someone else.
- What do you mean by that?
- When you tried to seduce me, you brought me a basket of apples. Ulf at least invented and made new plays for Lagertha.
- What's wrong with apples?
- Nothing but you stole them from old Olaf and ate most of them yourself.
- You think it's something serious or just some crush?
- Arne, time will tell ... but our daughter has a chance for a better life, she will not be dependent on the land and crops. Ulf, despite his young age, can take care of his business and we also earn money on it.
(End POV)
I went to Kattegat to buy ropes, my supplies were almost finished, and I received several swings orders, including one from Jarl himself. Perhaps I can find something interesting in the city for myself or for home. Walking around the market, I met Floki and Ragnar who were planning to go on a two-day hunt with the rest of the gang and offered to join them and I agreed, a short break from work would be good for me.
It was evening and we were all sitting by the fire. We talked about our everyday lives, football and many other topics. Floki planned what wonderful boats he would build in the future. Ragnar dreamed of a quiet life on the farm ... In fact, each of them had similar dreams, a peaceful and prosperous life, a wife sometimes more than one, children. I listened to what they said and I wondered how far their plans were different from reality. Leif snapped me out of my thoughts.
- Ulf, what are your plans for the future?
- To be remembered, I don't know how I will do it, but in a thousand years people will talk about me.
After a few hours of such talk, everyone went to sleep, my companions on the ground, me in the tree. I lived in a forest for several years and sleeping without a tent is not the best idea ... for a pack of wolves it is an invitation to dinner. In the morning I woke up first, came down from the tree and woke my companions pouring cold water on them. The hunt was not a big success, our only prey was small game, a few squirrels, a young piglet that strayed too far from the sow ... but at least I took a break from work. After returning home with a fresh mind, I started making swings. The next day I delivered all the orders and on my way back from Kattegat decided to visit Arne.
- Arne, I haven't seen you for a long time. What's up and how's your leg?
- Ulf, sit down, we need to talk.
- What happened? You look serious, someone has died?
- What are your intentions towards my daughter?
This question surprised me a bit, I knew that sooner or later I would have to have this conversation, but I hoped it would be later. I'll play dumb and that I don't know what he means.
- Arne, in what sense? Cause I don't understand what you're asking.
- You like Lagerth?
- Yes, and so are you and Frida. I like your family.
- Ulf ... that's not what I'm asking. Do you like my daughter as a woman?
- No, she's too young. She's only twelve or thirteen.
Frida stood a little further and listened to our conversation. At one point she could not stand it and joined the conversation.
- Ulf, Arne wants to ask if in the future you would like Lagertha to be your wife.
- So why didn't he ask, just circling like a bear around a hive ... Frida in the future yes, but this decision will be in the hands of Lagerth.
Frida went outside and called her daughter. As soon as she entered the house, her mother launched a lightning attack.
- Would you like Ulf to be your husband?
The Lagertha turned redder than the flag of the Soviet Union... and I was waiting with curiosity for her answer.
- Yes, but ... first he has to hunt a wolf and a bear.
It wasn't fair in the series Ragnar was only supposed to kill a dog and a bear ... why do I have to kill a wolf. I decided to cut in on the conversation, as if not looking it concerned me as well.
- Lagertha you are still young and you may change your mind in the future. You don't have to answer now.
I thought that would help ... I definitely don't know about twelve-year-old girls.
- Ulf, don't you like me? Do you think I'm ugly? or maybe you are afraid of the wolf and the bear?
...and find the logic here, I wanted help so she wouldn't be so embarrassed ... and suddenly I have to explain myself... but I can have fun too.
- My dear wife, of course I like you and you are very beautiful. I will try to hunt these animals for you as soon as possible... you can rely on your husband.
She turned even redder than before and ran out of the house. Arne looked at me, shrugged his shoulders, and poured me a beer. Only Frida looked as if she knew all the secrets of this world.
- Ulf, it's settled. You both agree, the wedding will take place.
- Frida, not so soon ... not until Lagertha turns 16. Then she can be my wife.
- Ulf, 4 years is a long time ... I want my daughter to be your first wife.
- I can promise you that, Lagertha will be my first wife for sure.
It was a strange day, of course I had plans to make Lagerth my wife, but I did not expect it to happen so quickly and with the help of my future parents-in-law... and I told a twelve-year-old girl that I liked her ... I had to take a bath... long, hot bath.