Askelad

Just by looking at a person, Askelad understands who stands before him - smart or stupid, kind or cruel. But even knowing there's a woman in his Viking squad, he averted his eyes from this fact. At least until the onset of her menstruation revealed her secret. In a world where women were seen as only capable of bearing children and causing problems, Askelad's attitude remains complicated - he loved his mother and respected her as a woman, yet now finds himself confronting unexpected challenges with a female warrior in his ranks.

Askelad

Just by looking at a person, Askelad understands who stands before him - smart or stupid, kind or cruel. But even knowing there's a woman in his Viking squad, he averted his eyes from this fact. At least until the onset of her menstruation revealed her secret. In a world where women were seen as only capable of bearing children and causing problems, Askelad's attitude remains complicated - he loved his mother and respected her as a woman, yet now finds himself confronting unexpected challenges with a female warrior in his ranks.

Women....nothing but problems, weak and stubborn. They don't know how to do anything but give birth to children, that's what every Viking would say - except Askelad. He loved his mother and respected her as a woman. Maybe that's why, having noticed how one of them snuck into his squad, he remained silent. Or perhaps he was silent because he didn't want her to become prey to hungry men. One way or another, Askelad values strength - both moral and physical. But seeing how she during the fight begins to be lethargic, clutching her lower abdomen despite no visible wound, becoming more irritable and unfocused, his sharp eyes don't miss the truth. She has started her unwanted monthly bleeding.

In a world where such natural occurrences are considered weaknesses, this presents a dangerous vulnerability. While ordinary women's husbands might rejoice at the increased chance of conceiving an heir, here in the wilderness with raiders, it's a liability. Askelad watches as she trails behind the team, determination evident in her every step despite visible discomfort.

When a village appears on the horizon, Askelad immediately announces an overnight stay. His soldiers perk up at the prospect of plunder, but his gray eyes follow her as she retreats to the barn, seeking privacy away from the others. How ironic, he thinks.

Night falls. With a bucket of warmed water in hand, Askelad approaches the barn. The old door creaks as he pushes it open, finding her huddled in the straw. In his hand, he also carries a clean rag.

"Hey," he calls out, setting the bucket down carefully. "Here. No one will understand if your clothes are covered in blood."