leaving Kattegat:

(Ace POV)

"Alright, now that we have decided on our mark, what shall we name our group?" I asked, taking a sip of my mead.

The rest of the guys looked at each other, pondering names for a moment. While we were thinking about what name we should choose, I heard a caw come from outside, and then a few seconds later, a raven as black as night landed on the window sill, staring straight into my eyes.

"I think I have our group name," I announced as I raised my arm. The raven flew from the window and landed on it, turning to stare at the rest of the guys. " We shall be called The Order of Ravens, for they represent ancient wisdom, intelligence, and transformation; such magnificent creatures, aren't they."

The others just sat there staring at the newly added raven standing on my arm, not knowing what they were thinking and not caring since the decision had been made. I placed the raven on my shoulder as I got up from my seat. Finishing my mead, I placed the cup down and spoke to the others. "Now that it has been decided, pack your things, and we will leave at first light. I shall see if we will be gaining another member." With that, I turned and left them to their own devices.

Walking out of the inn we were staying in, I closed my eyes and did a quick locator spell that I improved to be able to use without a map. Using the period, I found Lagertha, and she was heading towards my location. 'Interesting, looks like she has made her decision.' thinking about that, I started to walk in the direction that she was coming from.

(Lagertha POV)

After conversing with my parents about going on the adventure with Ace and his group, knowing they approved and were okay with it, I decided to go and wanted to find Ace as soon as possible. I rushed out of the house and made my way to the inn where he was staying with the rest of his group; for some reason, thinking about him and how he saved my mom, how he can be gentle yet cold at the same time, how smart he is and how easy it is to talk to him, my heart could not help but flutter and my cheeks grow red and the incoming meeting between us again.

Shaking my head to get rid of those thoughts, I continued to the inn until I turned around a corner and bumped into someone. " I'm sorry, I wasn't paying attention.", I said as I looked up to see who was in front of me, only to meet those icy blue eyes that were all too familiar. " Ace... it's you."

(Ace POV)

" Would you rather it be someone else?" I asked, looking down at the girl standing before me who seemed lost in her thoughts.

"N-No, I didn't mean that; I was just coming to see you, actually," she replied, a slight blush on her cheeks as she looked away.

Raising my hand, I capture her chin with my index finger and thumb, turning her back to meet my eyes. " So, have you decided to join me and my group?" I asked as we stared into each other's eyes.

"I- I want to join." she said softly as she tried to free herself from my hand, but I ended up wrapping a hand around her waist and pulling her closer to me while keeping eye contact with her. " is there a reason why you are trying to escape from my love?" 

" I don't know what you're talking about; quickly release me. People are watching us," she replied quickly, trying to free herself.

Seeing that, I lowered my head to her ear, "Oh? And what if I don't want to let you go?" I whispered to her as I felt her body shudder slightly.

" Ace, what are you doing?" She replied softly, burying her face into my chest. Seeing how cute she looked, I couldn't help but smile that this would be the fearless shield maiden that even grown men would be scared of in the future. " I just think you're beautiful and comfortable to hold; is that wrong?" I replied with a hint of teasing in my voice.

"W- what?" she stuttered as it looked like her brain was about to fry. I chuckled and released her from my embrace but still held her hand. " So tell me, how is Mother Dearest doing after she took the medicine?".

Hearing what I said, Lagertha snapped out of her thoughts and smiled brightly, " She's doing so much better now and can finally walk and breathe without problems. Thank you so much, Ace, for helping my mother."

" No thanks needed, Lagertha; I wanted to help, and I got a beautiful new shield maiden to join me as well, so it was well worth it," I replied with a small smile. " Now, go pack the things you need for the journey; we're leaving at first light, so meet us at the entrance to the village."

"Okay, I will! See you in the morning, Ace," she said with excitement written all over her face. As she was about to turn away and head back home, I grabbed her by the waist again and lowered my head, capturing her soft pink lips, causing her eyes to go wide in surprise. After the kiss, I leaned next to her ear. " Also, you belong to me now, understood?".

Lagertha just nodded slowly as she stood there, stunned at the events that just took place. After a few moments, she came back to her senses. She realized what had happened and what she had just agreed to but did not object because honestly, after all the time spent with him over the past few weeks getting to know him and him saving her mother, she grew to have feelings for the man in front of her. 

Seeing no objection to what i did or said, i released her to go and prepare what she needed for the journey tomorrow. " Alright, go and prepare your things." . Hearing what i said, she nodded and turned to head back home to do as i said and i headed back to the inn to get some rest before the long day traveling tomorrow.