Fighting, Honour and Valhalla || Vikings x Originals x TVD Fic

As the feast began to die down, the raucous laughter and boisterous conversations slowly quieted, leaving behind a more subdued atmosphere. Thorfinn took a deep breath, glancing at Ragnar and the others before standing up. "I need to speak with the Mikaelsons," he said, his tone resolute. Ragnar gave him a nod of understanding, and Thorfinn made his way across the hall. The Mikaelson table was still lively, but the tension was palpable as he approached. Thorfinn made eye contact with Niklaus who smiled at his approach, the rest of the family though seemed rather apathetic or in Mikaels case downright hostile.

As Thorfinn approached the Mikaelson table, Niklaus stood up with a broad smile. "Thorfinn! It is good to see you, my friend," he said warmly, extending his hand. Kol gave a nod of acknowledgement, his eyes flickering with curiosity. Finn remained stoic, his gaze distant and unreadable. Mikael, however, sat motionless, his eyes boring into Thorfinn with a cold intensity. Thorfinn grasped Niklaus's hand firmly, a small smile on his lips. "Niklaus, Kol," he greeted them, then turned to include Finn and Mikael with a respectful nod, though the tension between him and Mikael was palpable.

"Why don't you take a seat, Thorfinn?" Mikael said in a cold voice, gesturing with a dagger he had been using to cut his meat. The tension in his tone was unmistakable, and Thorfinn felt the weight of Mikael's gaze as he pulled out a chair and sat down.

Thorfinn sat down, but his hand remained on the dagger at his belt, instincts screaming danger. Niklaus, oblivious or indifferent to the tension, sat next to him and shoved a drink in front of him. "Drink up, Thorfinn!" Niklaus said cheerfully. Thorfinn nodded slightly, eyes never leaving Mikael. Finn remained stoic, while Kol watched with mild interest. Mikael's cold gaze bore into him, and Thorfinn's grip tightened on his weapon, the air was thick with unspoken threats.

...

Mikael's eyes narrowed as he saw Thorfinn stand up and approach their table. Rage boiled within him, a fury so intense he almost flipped the table aside and snapped the boy's neck like a twig. Every fibre of his being demanded vengeance for the dishonour Thorfinn had brought upon his family. The sight of him walking so confidently, so boldly, stoked the fires of Mikael's hatred.

Yet, he held himself back. The impending civil war weighed on his mind. Thorfinn's close ties to Ragnar meant that any rash move against him would undoubtedly spark the battle before they were fully prepared. He couldn't afford such a misstep, not with so much at stake. Mikael didn't reach his position by being a mindless brute. He was ruthless, yes, but his cunning rivalled that of the trickster god, Loki. As Thorfinn drew nearer, Mikael's anger morphed into a cold, calculating resolve. A plan began to take shape, and he had to suppress the smile threatening to spread across his face.

"Why don't you take a seat, Thorfinn?" Mikael said in a cold, even voice, gesturing with a dagger he had used to cut his meat. The invitation was deceptively cordial, masking the malevolence behind his eyes. He watched Thorfinn sit, noting the boy's hand resting on his dagger. Good, let him feel the tension. Let him sense the danger.

Thorfinn took a deep drink from the mug Niklaus had shoved in front of him, feeling the liquid burn down his throat. Forcing a smile, he looked at Mikael. "It's good to see you again, Mikael," he said, his voice steady despite the tension crackling in the air.

Mikael's eyes remained cold and hard as Thorfinn spoke. Instead of replying, he grabbed his dagger and drove it into a thick piece of roasted meat on his plate. The blade sliced through the flesh with ease, juices spilling out and pooling on the wooden platter. With deliberate, almost menacing slowness, Mikael lifted the piece to his mouth, tearing into it with his teeth. The crunch of the charred skin and the squelch of the meat filled the silence, every bite increasing the tension.

Niklaus, seemingly oblivious to the dark mood at the table, leaned closer to Thorfinn with a bright smile. "Thorfinn, it has been too long! How have things been at the farm? I hear you've been making quite a name for yourself," he said, his enthusiasm almost childlike.

Thorfinn forced a smile, though his eyes never left Mikael. "Yes, Niklaus, things have been busy. The farm is doing well, and we have managed to make some improvements." His tone was light, but his gaze was sharp, watching Mikael's every move. Niklaus continued to chatter, recounting tales of his own exploits and plans, filling the tense air with his voice. Thorfinn nodded and responded when necessary, but his mind was focused on Mikael. The older man's presence was like a coiled snake, ready to strike at any moment. Each deliberate movement of Mikael's knife, each bite of meat, seemed to be in an attempt to intimidate Thorfinn.

Mikael chewed the last bite of meat with slow, deliberate movements, savouring each morsel. He wiped his mouth with the back of his hand before picking up his dagger again. With a sudden, sharp motion, he stabbed the dagger into the table, the blade sinking deep into the wood. The room went silent as the sound echoed.

"Be quiet, boy!" Mikael growled, his eyes locked onto Niklaus. The tension in the air thickened, and Niklaus immediately fell silent, his enthusiasm extinguished by the cold command of his father. Thorfinn remained still, his eyes narrowing slightly at the display. The table was silent for a while, the tension thick in the air. Mikael pointed his dagger at Thorfinn and said, "You. I've been hearing disturbing rumours about you. Ones I hope are not true."

Thorfinn remained stoic, his grip on his dagger tightening. "It depends on what is being said," he replied evenly.

Niklaus tried to intercede, "Father, Thorfinn is an honourable man—"

"Silence, boy," Mikael snapped, glaring at Niklaus until he fell quiet. Turning back to Thorfinn, Mikael continued, "I've heard that your eyes have been wandering and gazing upon my daughter. A place they should not."

Kol, sitting off to the side and reading a book, chuckled. "Everyone's eyes gaze upon Rebekah."

Mikael didn't find this humorous. When Kol went to take a drink from his cup, Mikael threw his dagger, sinking it into the wood and knocking the cup from his hand. "If I want your opinion, I will ask for it," he growled.

Mikael turned his attention back to Thorfinn, who remained unfazed. "Do you deny your lustful gaze?" Mikael asked.

"I do deny it," Thorfinn stated. After a moment, he added, "My gaze is nothing but the purest of love."

Mikael's anger built, but he pushed it down. "You do not convince me of your love when you've hidden it for so long. Not once did you come to ask for her hand. This makes me believe you only lust after my precious daughter."

Thorfinn felt his own anger rising. He abruptly pulled out his dagger, causing everyone at the table to flinch. But Thorfinn did nothing but stab his dagger into the meat in front of him, carving it up and eating it. "There were rumours that Rebekah would be married to Magnus," Thorfinn commented. "I knew I could not compare to him as I was, so I did not want to ask until I knew I could provide everything he could and more."

"You are right. I would not have considered you a match for my daughter—a poor farmhand with no future," Mikael replied.

Thorfinn stopped eating and stabbed his dagger into the table. "I love Rebekah, and I wish to marry her," he said bluntly.

Niklaus looked shocked at the revelation, while Kol didn't seem surprised. Many had fallen for his sister, though he didn't much understand why.

"Why should I even consider you when there are more promising prospects?" Mikael asked, referring to Magnus.

"I am wealthy. I own desirable land, and I am a warrior more skilled than most," Thorfinn commented.

Mikael took a moment, drinking from his cup to hide the smile forming on his face. By the time he brought it down, his face returned to its perpetual scowl. "What are you willing to do to prove your love for my daughter?" Mikael asked.

"Based on how much I've changed, I would have thought that would be clear," Thorfinn said.

"Then, if you wish to marry my daughter, you must complete a task," Mikael stated.

"What task?" Thorfinn asked, noticing a brief smile on the older man's face before it disappeared.

"I want you to slay the Leviathan and bring its heart back as an offering," Mikael said, shocking everyone at the table. This was Mikael's plan. He couldn't kill Thorfinn directly without consequence, but sending him on a foolish quest that would lead to his death was well within his ability.

Niklaus, scared of his father but finding his courage, spoke up, "Father, you can't mean this."

Before Mikael could chastise his son, Thorfinn spoke. "I accept, on the condition you announce it at this moment and provide the ship."

"You doubt my word?" Mikael growled.

Thorfinn retorted, "I do not know you well enough not to doubt it."

Mikael relented, not caring either way as he was certain Thorfinn would die. He stood up, slamming his cup against the table. The room quieted down, and everyone looked to Mikael as he stated the terms of their arrangement. "Thorfinn wishes to marry my daughter, Rebekah. To prove his worth, he will slay the Leviathan and bring its heart as an offering," Mikael announced.

When Mikael sat back down, he looked over at Thorfinn. "If you fail this task, I do not want to see you near my family or Kattegat again," he growled.

"Agreed," Thorfinn replied before standing up and leaving the table, heading back to his own. As Thorfinn walked away, the tension at the Mikaelson table lingered. Mikael's eyes followed Thorfinn's retreating form, a cold, calculating expression on his face. This was not over.

Thorfinn returned to his table, his face as stoic as it was before he sat at the Mikaelson table. As he sat down, Ragnar and the others immediately began to chastise him.

"Are you mad?" Rollo hissed, leaning in close. "Mikael is clearly sending you to your death. The Leviathan is not just some tale to scare children. It's a real monster."

Floki giggled, but there was no humour in it. "Thorfinn, this task is impossible. No one has ever returned from trying to slay the Leviathan. Even seasoned warriors have failed."

Lagertha, her eyes full of concern, placed a hand on Thorfinn's arm. "Why would you agree to such a thing? You know what Mikael is trying to do. He wants you dead, and this is the easiest way to achieve that without drawing the wrath of Ragnar's supporters."

Thorfinn took a deep breath, his eyes scanning the worried faces of his companions. "I know what Mikael is doing, he must've found out about Rebekah and the babe she carries," he said, his voice calm but firm. "But I cannot back down. This is about more than just me. It's about Rebekah, and it's about showing them that I am not afraid. If I succeed, then I will be able to marry her."

Ragnar, who had been silent, finally spoke up. "Thorfinn, I understand your reasons, but this is a high-risk endeavour. We need you here, alive and strong. Not on some fool's errand in the middle of the sea."

Thorfinn met Ragnar's gaze. "I appreciate your concern, Ragnar, but this is something I have to do. For Rebekah, for our future, Mikael will be forced to accept me if I complete this task."

Rollo shook his head, frustration evident in his expression. "You always were stubborn, Thorfinn. But this... this is madness."

Lagertha squeezed Thorfinn's arm tighter. "Please, think about this. There must be another way."

Thorfinn placed his hand over Lagertha's, giving it a reassuring squeeze. "I have thought about it, and this is the best way forward. If I don't come back then speak with Hild, she will continue to support you."

The group fell into a sombre silence, each lost in their thoughts. They knew Thorfinn was determined, and trying to dissuade him would be futile. "We will support you, no matter what," Ragnar finally said, breaking the silence. "But know this: we need you alive. Don't take unnecessary risks."

———————————————————-

The next day, Thorfinn sat on the beach, the salty breeze tugging at his hair as he prepared various harpoons for his hunt. He carefully sharpened the tips, making sure they were razor-sharp and capable of piercing even the toughest of hides. The rhythmic sound of the waves crashing against the shore provided a stark contrast to the storm brewing in his mind.

As he worked, his thoughts drifted back to the conversation with Mikael the previous night. It had become abundantly clear that Mikael knew about Rebekah carrying his child. 'They must have spies,' Thorfinn thought, frustration gnawing at him. He knew he had to be careful; any slip could put Rebekah and their unborn child in grave danger.

Thorfinn paused for a moment, his gaze fixed on the horizon. He felt a pang of worry for Rebekah and the others back on the farm. Elijah was strong and capable, but even he might struggle against the full force of Mikael's wrath. 'I hope Elijah can protect them all,' he thought, his jaw tightening with determination.

He picked up another harpoon, testing its balance before beginning to sharpen it. Thorfinn looked toward the boat not far from where he sat, a chuckle escaping his lips as he took in the sight of the old, rickety vessel. It was small, clearly designed for a crew of maybe ten at most. The worn planks and weather-beaten sails spoke of countless voyages and battles with the sea. Despite its appearance, Thorfinn found some solace in the fact that at least he could sail it himself if needed.

On the ship, Floki was hard at work, cursing loudly as he tinkered with the boat's various parts. "This piece of driftwood doesn't even deserve to be on the sea!" Floki shouted, his voice carrying across the beach. He hammered, patched, and muttered to himself, doing everything he could to improve the vessel's condition. It was clear that he was determined to make it as seaworthy as possible, despite its many flaws. As Thorfinn watched Floki's efforts, he never noticed Thyri approaching until she took a seat next to him. He glanced over, slightly startled but quickly recovering. Thyri's presence was unexpected, but not unwelcome.

"You seem deep in thought," she remarked, her eyes following his gaze to the boat.

Thorfinn sighed, staring out at the sea. "I'm thinking about the Leviathan," he admitted. "I won't lie, I'm afraid. The Leviathan is why we Vikings hug the coast when we travel. Everyone knows if you venture too far north, it will drag you beneath the waves." It was why many called Ragnar foolish when he said he'd travel West across open water, people believed nothing was out there, nothing but death and creatures of old.

Thyri's expression grew serious. "I've heard the stories since I was a child. They say it has eyes like burning coals and a mouth big enough to swallow a ship whole."

Thorfinn nodded. "Aye, the tales are enough to put fear into any man. It's said to lurk in the deep waters, waiting for those foolish enough to stray into its territory. Many ships have vanished without a trace."

Thyri shivered slightly, wrapping her arms around herself. "Do you really believe it's out there?"

Thorfinn looked at her, his eyes solemn. "Whether it's real or not, the ships that have ventured there never returned."

Thyri gazed at Thorfinn, her eyes reflecting a mix of admiration and sadness. "You must love Rebekah deeply to take on such a task. Facing the Leviathan... it's something out of a saga. Not many men would be willing to do that for a woman."

Thorfinn smiled softly, his thoughts drifting to Rebekah. "I do love her, more than anything. She's given me strength I didn't know I had."

Thyri sighed, looking down at her hands. "I envy her, you know. To have someone who would go to such lengths for her... it must be a wonderful feeling."

Thorfinn looked at Thyri with genuine sympathy in his eyes. "I can't imagine how difficult it must be, Thyri. An arranged marriage, especially to someone you despise... it's a heavy burden to bear." He

Thyri nodded, her eyes downcast. "It is. I've always dreamt of marrying for love, not to add to my father's power. But my father's decision is final, I should be grateful there are those who have it worse. At the end of the day, this is a woman's lot."

Thyri chuckled humorlessly, shaking her head. "You know, Thorfinn, I'm half tempted to join you on your hunt for the Leviathan. Facing a sea monster sounds better than marrying Jarl Bjarni."

Thorfinn raised an eyebrow, a hint of a smile playing at his lips. "You'd rather face certain death than marry the Jarl?"

She sighed, looking out at the sea. "At least with the Leviathan, there's a chance of a quick end. With Jarl Bjarni, it's a lifetime of misery."

Thorfinn's expression softened. "You shouldn't have to live with this, everyone deserves to follow their own path."

Thyri nodded, a glimmer of sadness in her eyes. "If only the gods agreed."

Thorfinn paused, looking thoughtfully at Thyri. "You know, Thyri, the gods may guide us, but they also gave us strength and will for a reason."

Thyri looked at him, puzzled. "What do you mean?"

He shrugged, continuing to carve a harpoon. "Sometimes, waiting for the gods to act means we're not using the gifts they've given us. Strength, courage, and the ability to make our own choices. Perhaps the gods help those who help themselves."

Thyri's eyes narrowed slightly as she processed his words. "Are you saying I should... defy my father?"

Thorfinn shook his head subtly, a small smile on his lips. "I'm just saying that if you truly want something, sometimes you have to be willing to reach out and take it." He met her gaze steadily. "The gods might just support you more than you think."

Thyri nodded slowly understanding what he meant. Thorfinn smiled at her before standing up "I have much to do before I leave, I hope I can see you again before that happens," he said.

Thyri sent back a genuine smile before nodding. "I do as well."

———————————————————

The Jarl's longhouse was filled with the murmur of voices and the flicker of torchlight. The Jarl sat on his throne, his expression one of barely contained irritation. Around him were his closest supporters: Mikael, Svein, Magnus, and a few others who had sworn their loyalty. The Jarl's patience was wearing thin as he addressed the group.

"Mikael, why send the boy on this foolish quest? I thought I made it clear not to make any more overt moves against Ragnar's supporters" the Jarl asked, his tone sharp.

Mikael, ever composed, leaned back in his chair. "Thorfinn will perish. The Leviathan is no mere tale; it's a death sentence. We need not concern ourselves with his return."

Magnus, frowning, interjected, "And what if by some miracle he survives? Will you then honour your word and let him marry Rebekah? The implications—"

"Enough!" Mikael's voice cut through Magnus's words. "You fret over a whelp. Thorfinn's chances of success are nonexistent. Cease worrying about things that will never come to pass."

The Jarl, though still visibly annoyed, seemed to accept Mikael's reasoning. "Very well. We have more pressing matters than a fool's errand." He shifted the conversation. "The hunt. It will take place in the Darkmoon Forests to the east."

The mention of the Darkmoon Forests caused a stir among the men. Svein voiced the unease many felt. "The Darkmoon Forests? That place is said to be the home of the Ulfhednar. Men who shift into wolves. It's—"

"I know full well what the Darkmoon Forests hold," the Jarl snapped, his eyes blazing with determination. "That is precisely why we will hunt there. We shall eliminate Ragnar and his main supporters in one decisive blow. They will not expect an ambush in such a place." The room fell silent as the weight of the Jarl's words sank in. The men exchanged uneasy glances but dared not voice further objections.

"This plan will succeed," the Jarl continued, his tone brooking no argument. "And I expect absolute loyalty from each of you. Fail me, and you will find yourselves the next sacrifice to Odin."

As the men filed out of the longhouse, Mikael remained, his brow furrowed in thought. Once the others had gone, he approached the Jarl. "Perhaps you should reconsider, Jarl. The Ulfhednar are not to be underestimated. We could be placing ourselves in grave danger." The Jarl's eyes narrowed. "Have faith in the plan, Mikael. The Ulfhednar will be dealt with, just as Ragnar and his men will be. We cannot show fear now."

Mikael studied the Jarl's face, searching for any sign of doubt but found none. Reluctantly, he nodded. "Very well, I shall prepare our men. May the gods favour our endeavour."

The Jarl watched as Mikael left the longhouse, the flickering torchlight casting long shadows on the walls. He leaned back in his throne, a grim smile playing on his lips. The plan was set. Soon, his enemies would be no more, and his grip on Kattegat would be unchallenged.

———————————————————

A beautiful man with golden hair rode a majestic boar through a vast, sunlit meadow. The golden rays bathed the landscape, making the lush grass shimmer as if sprinkled with tiny diamonds. Flowers of every hue dotted the rolling hills, their sweet fragrance carried on a gentle breeze. Streams meandered through the fields, adding to the serene beauty of the place. As he passed through the meadow, he saw people relaxing and enjoying themselves. People chased each other through the flowers, couples whispered sweet nothings by the streams, and friends shared stories under the shade of ancient trees. Not a single weapon was in sight; it was a realm of peace and joy.

He muttered to himself, "Hún er mjúk systir mín." (She is soft, my sister.) His words were tinged with both affection and exasperation.

Continuing on his journey, he approached a magnificent hall that stood at the centre of the meadow. The hall was grand and beautiful, its walls shimmering with an inner light and its roof reaching for the heavens. Carvings of mythical creatures adorned its exterior, and colourful banners fluttered in the breeze. He dismounted his boar and walked towards the entrance. As he neared the doorway, he spotted a woman pacing back and forth. Her hair was a striking red, cascading down her back like a fiery waterfall. Her beauty was undeniable, but her expression was one of anger and frustration.

She ranted, "Þeir eru dýr! Ég ætti að slátra þeim öllum og bölva fjölskyldulínunni að eilífu!" (They are animals! I should slaughter them all and curse their family line forever!)

The man smiled as he made his presence known, "Það er skrýtið að sjá þig svona reiða." (It is strange to see you so angry.)

The woman turned to him, her eyes flashing with a mix of surprise and relief. "Þeir eru að reyna að drepa drenginn minn!" (They are trying to kill my kin!)

Knowing exactly who she was referring to, the man replied calmly, "Margir hafa reynt." (Many people have tried.)

She shook her head, her worry evident. "Þú munt ekki geta varið hann að þessu sinni. Hann veiðir Leviathan, afkvæmi Jörmungands." (I won't be able to protect him this time. He hunts the Leviathan, the spawn of Jörmungandr.)

The man raised an eyebrow, considering her words. He watched as she devolved into another worried rant, speaking of curses and divine interventions. "Ég veit ekki hvað ég á að gera lengur. Ég mun brjóta allar reglur ef ég þarf að bjarga honum!" (I don't know what to do. I will break all the rules if I have to in order to save him!)

He sighed and stepped forward, placing his hands on her shoulders. "Þú getur ekki gert það." (You can't do that.)

Her eyes narrowed, filled with a stubborn fire. "Ég mun, og enginn mun stöðva mig." (I will, and no one will stop me.)

He held her gaze firmly. "Ég mun hjálpa honum." (I will help him.)

She looked at him sceptically, unsure of his intentions. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small boat, no bigger than the palm of his hand. "Ég hef ekki notað þetta í langan tíma. Ég er viss um að hann getur notað það vel." (I haven't used this in a while. I'm sure he can put it to good use.)

The woman's eyes lit up with hope and gratitude. She smiled brightly at her brother, her anger melting away. She threw her arms around him, hugging him tightly. "Takk, bróðir minn." (Thank you, my brother.)

The man returned her embrace, feeling a warmth spread through his heart. He had come to visit his sister because she had never been the same since her son had died. Seeing her smile again, even if only for a moment, was worth any sacrifice.

(AN: So Mikael makes a move, sending Thorfinn on a quest he can't possibly complete and the Jarl plans to have everyone killed. Pretty wild eh? Who were the people at the end of the chapter and what is the man going to do to help Thorfinn. Will he be able to kill the Leviathan and will they all survive the Darkmoon Forest. I hope you guys are enjoying this, I always thought the conflict between Ragnar and the Jarl ended kinda abruptly and wasn't that interesting. I'm trying to make it a bit better while merging in supernatural elements. Anyway I hope you enjoyed the chapter.)

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