Ivar sat there.......just sat there and looked at Nótt, as she stood on the back of the chair and looked back at him. What was he to say, what could he say? She was an owl, so there seemed little point in asking her all the questions that he wanted to ask her. But after so long of just sitting in his cabin looking at the feathered creature, there was one thing that he needed to know.

"Can you take me back to (Y/n) tonight...........?" The dark prince enquired. A broad smile spreading across his face, as the owl moved its head in a way that would suggest to Ivar, that Nótt not only knew what he was saying; but was also saying yes to his question. The notion of being able to see the exquisite woman again; of being whole and strong, making the youngest son of Ragnar laugh. Nótt letting out an equally cheery sounding noise, as the feathered creature jumped from the back of the chair and covered the short distance between her and the prince with a few small hops. Ivar chuckling again, as she nuzzled her head into the palm of the hand.

"Maybe I should take you to see Flóki. You made quite the impression on my brothers, so maybe we should see what the old man thinks........?" Ivar half mused to himself for a moment. The decision seeming to be made for him, as Nótt jumped up onto his shoulder. Ivar continuing to smile, as he reached for his crutch and made his way out of the door. More than one head turning, as the prince and his feathered friend made their way to find the boatbuilder.

                                                     >>-----------------------------------<<

"Well................" Flóki mused. Rubbing his chin, as he looked at the owl that was looking back at him. The feathered creature seeming to be smiling, before ruffling her feathers.

Flóki knew of all the myths and legends that surrounded such creatures. Owls were symbols of hope and good fortune. Some saying that they had infinite wisdom, and an ability to perceive things others could not; both good and bad. They served as messengers and were the envoys between the gods and those of Midgard. And this particular owl, he was sure was the one that had come to see him on more than one occasion. Had watched him while he built the boats for Ragnar. When he had built the boat that would take his dear friend to England. But even he was amazed that she had not only come out in the daylight hours, something that suggested to Flóki, that the youngest prince was on the right path towards his destiny; but had flown to Ivar's defense. Attacking Sigurd for teasing his brother.

"She is quite the most beautiful of creatures.........." The older man continued with a chuckle, as he hesitantly reached to touch the bird's head. Nótt seeming to quite enjoy it, as the boatbuilder let his fingers caress her feathers.

"She is............" Ivar agreed proudly. Flóki's words and the looks the people of Kattegat had given him, as he made his to the boatbuilder's cabin, making him feel as though the owl had been sent by the gods, just for him. That he had been rewarded. Nótt a sign that he was meant for something great.

Despite having told Flóki of Nótt flying into the great hall and attacking Sigurd, he had not said anything about (Y/n); even though the exquisite woman in his dreams had said that she and the owl were connected. Even though Nótt had seemed to agree to take him back to see the lady, that night; he had still said nothing. Ivar not fearing the ridicule that he was sure would come from his brother's if he had mentioned his dream, where he had been able to stand on his own two feet, without the help of brace or crutch. Where he had been able to prove that he was a man, just like they were; but with a woman that had not shared the beds of all the other sons of Aslaug. No, he feared that if he were to share his dream, to speak of the woman that had shown him what it was to love and be loved, then he might never see (Y/n) again. And after last night, he could not have that.

"But do you think that she was sent by Odin..............?" Ivar continued, as he rested his head on his hands, and watched as Nótt happily preened her feathers. The youngest prince sure that the allfather was the only one do something like this. That could enable him to know what it was like to be a man.

"I would say..........." Flóki began with a cheery lilt, as Nótt turned her attention back to him. His smile growing, as the bird appeared to wink at him.

"That the allfather has sent her to Kattegat, and her eye has fallen on you. Though what she sees in someone as ugly as you, I don't know.........." The boatbuilder continued. The smile not leaving his lips, as he looked at the prince. The pair continuing to swap their usual insults into the night, until Ivar felt his eyes begin to grow heavy. Nótt taking her place on his shoulder, as the dark-haired man bid the boatbuilder, goodnight; quickly making his way through the quiet streets, until he got to his own cabin. Ivar throwing open the door, before pulling his shirt off over his head. The owl flying over to the head of his bed, as the prince dropped onto the mattress, pulling off his boots and his leg brace, before climbing under the furs.

"Take me to (Y/n).......please....." Ivar said, looking up at Nótt, before he closed his eyes and let sleep take him.