Ubbe made his way through the woods. He had been to seen Floki, explaining what had happened between (Y/n) and his brother, and enquiring if the foundling had made her way home. The boat builder advising him that if his child was upset, she would have made her way to speak to Odin. That she would be back at the ancient carving under which he found her so many years before. So, here he was, dodging twigs and fallen branches, in order to find (Y/n).

Ubbe had never seen where (Y/n) had been found, in fact, not many had. The only ones that the foundling allowed to go there with her, were Floki and Ivar. Ubbe knowing that when his mother would take Ivar to spend time with (Y/n) and her father, Floki would carry Ivar through the woods to the special place, so that he could tell the children the stories of the gods under the watchful eye of the allfather.

Ivar had always refused to tell his brothers of the location of the carving. Hating the idea of sharing it, just like Ubbe knew he hated the notion of sharing (Y/n). Even Floki had never said anything to anyone about the spot, apart from that it was a place sacred to Odin; but given what the oldest son of Aslaug had explained had happened, the boat builder had told him where to go. Ubbe promising that he wouldn't tell Hvitserk and especially not Sigurd about it.

Ubbe knew that he had to do something. He hated to think what Ivar would be like if (Y/n) did as she had said and stayed away from his brother. Not many could cope with Ivar's anger. His violent outbursts. The cruel and callous side of his nature; but the foundling could. She had a way of soothing Ivar. A way of calming him. Ubbe sure that if (Y/n) wasn't there whenever there was an argument between his two younger siblings, Sigurd would probably have been dead a long time ago. Sometimes not sure who Sigurd annoyed the most with his cruel jibes, Ivar, or (Y/n). The older prince just glad that the shieldmaiden had a better control of her temper, than his brother.

Finally, he saw it, a little brightness in the middle of the dark woods. A tiny clearing that allowed some sun to come through from the sky above. Ubbe stopping as he got to the tree line, his eyes falling on a prone figure that lay beneath a large rock. A smile coming to his lips, as he recognised the foundling.

Ubbe had no idea why Ivar had said what he had said..........no, that was a lie. Ivar had said it all out of jealousy. It was obvious even to one that could not see, that his youngest brother cared for (Y/n) as more than just a friend. It was just that Sigurd's words would always ring in his ears, despite how much Ivar said that he didn't listen. Sure, that the notion of him being a cripple had always stopped Ivar from telling (Y/n) what he truly wanted.

Slowly he moved into the clearing, watching the apparently slumbering (Y/n). He had to admit that he was a little envious of Ivar. The foundling really was beautiful and being a shieldmaiden made her even more desirable. Ubbe only able to imagine what it would be like to have her in his bed. Well aware that Hvitserk had thought about it too.

"(Y/n)................" Ubbe said quietly, not wanting to startle her.

"How did you know to find me here? Did he tell you? He swore............"

"Floki told me.............." Ubbe quickly interjected, as (Y/n) sat bolt upright and stared at him.

"I told your father what had happened, what Ivar had said; and he told me where you were. Told me that you would be with Odin." Ubbe continued, as he looked at the carving above where the shieldmaiden sat, before slowly taking a seat next to her.

"Did Ivar ask you to follow me................." (Y/n) asked; her heart dropping all the more as an apologetic looking Ubbe shock his head.

"I came to make sure that you're alright. I'm sorry he said what he said.........."

"It doesn't matter. Its not like it's the first time that he has said something like that. But it will be the last time............" The shieldmaiden replied, as she reached over and grabbed her sword.

"I think it's worse because I know he's right. That everything he said was true. He's right that Hvitserk isn't interested in me. That no one is interested in me. That there are so many better looking girls in town................"

"Don't say that. Its not true at all." Ubbe interjected, as he grabbed the foundling's free hand. (Y/n) turning to look at him.

"Please Ubbe..........I don't need you teasing me too............."

"I'm not teasing you, (Y/n). You're beautiful; and any man would be proud to call you his. I think so, and so does Hvitserk. I've even heard Sigurd mention it. Deep down, you know that Ivar didn't mean what he said................"

"It doesn't matter whether he means it or not, Ubbe. I'm not going to let him say those things to me again. Ivar can go and find someone else to insult. Someone else that will put up with him. Perhaps one of that imaginary throng of women that follow after him, as he drags himself through the dirt, because I'm not going to do it anymore. Maybe it would be best if I go somewhere else. Take a boat and just sail away from here.........." (Y/n) continued harshly, as she got to her feet and picked up her shield. Ubbe jumping up to join her and taking hold of her arms.

"Don't say that (Y/n)................Come to the feast tonight. Sit with me and we can talk. I promise that you will have a good time. And Hvitserk and I will show Ivar that what he said, couldn't be further from the truth." The prince said, a smile pulling at the corner of his lips, as (Y/n) reluctantly agreed. Ubbe taking her shield and throwing it over his shoulder, before offering the foundling his arm and leading her back towards town.