Jail Bird {ANY}

[magnus]

you and I both know that the house is haunted
and you and I both know that the ghost is me

He laughs at Lagertha’s comment, opening his mouth to say something and then just shaking his head. It was a hard sentiment to deny. Of course, it was also something that stuck like a burr and always would. In his soul, he was a man of the Jungle—not the Gates. But he supposes his choices are what shape you, and he had ultimately chosen to force the situation. He was not a Gates man because he was born there or because he belonged there. He was because time and time again he chose to raise the sword in her honor.

Finally, he just rolls his shoulders, chuckling. “It’s nice to still be alive.”
And they’d stay that way—as long as he had something to say about it.

His attention is diverted as Teak snakes her way around the trio, and he gives her the attention she seeks, his gold-flecked eyes watching her carefully. For a moment, he thinks about warning her about getting too close to Lagertha, he knew how little some sisters liked to be touched, but the Amazonian looks like the type to defend herself just fine and so he lets the warning slide from his tongue. Instead he tilts his golden head to the side, considering her question for a moment, the silence stretching on between them.

Finally: “All those I lost.” What he thinks is all those he let down, but that goes unsaid—the subject a little too heavy for a brief meeting in the meadow. “If I had my say, it’d be a haven for those I love and those who simply wanted a peaceful place to rest their head.” One corner of his lips lift into a crooked, roguish grin, “Although, if we are being truly honest, I’d like to balance that with just a little war.”

Just a little bloodshed to soothe his suppressed warmonger heart.

As Teak moved from her resting spot, she leaned against him and Magnus obliged, side-stepping closer to Lagertha, dipping his head slightly in apology for intruding her personal space. He turned back toward Teak in her continual game, laughing huskily. “The Amazons are indeed a tempting choice.” His gaze flicked to Lagertha again before returning to the striped mare. “I promise to stay until you choose.”

MAGNUS

once general. once lord. once king.