death for so long had brought her sorrow, loss to be the
        weight upon her shoulders poised to cripple her. but never
        has Lagertha wavered to rest upon her knees, trembling
        beneath the burden no matter the toll it would take on her
        body. head held high, honour was her master, arising from
        the rubble of her past, Sigvard’s death being the key to unlock
        the irons ensnaring her slender wrists.

                                     ( death had now become a  R E L E A S E. )

        very little bruising remained on her once marred visage,
        broken skin healing closed to appear as if her attack had
        never occurred. presently, Hedeby had fallen into her grasp
        naming her its sole ruler, fulfilling the position of Jarl. & as
        her former husband would spend his free moments nursing
        a cup of mead or wine, the shieldmaiden was busy walking
        about the lands, mingling with those who inhabited them
        before her arrival.

                       all of the faces within her Hall were recognized, greeting
                       them with a risen glass & graceful nod but there was one
                       in particular that caught her eye, sparking her curiosity &
                       taste for adventure. 

           ❝ i have not seen you around Hedeby before.
                       —- may i ask what has brought you here? ❞

        they were hardly a foreign invader, not appearing to be
        a danger to her people. she would assume them to be a
        weary traveler —- one she welcomed with a small smile.