Naturally you felt out of place. You didn’t even understand them when they spoke. They didn’t understand your language either. The situation did not surprise you either, closing deals marrying daughters to unknown men was common. Arranged marriages made up 90 percent of the population.

That didn’t stop you from being uncomfortable around Erik. You were a little scared of how big and rude he looked. Your brother had warned you (although now you did not know if his intention was to frighten you even more) that Erik was a warrior recognized for the facility he has of ripping the head off the body of his opponents. So when Erik took your little hands in his big hands, you shook a little.

The wedding was fine, better than expected considering the clash between cultures. Erik briefly guided you between gestures so you could follow the ceremony, you thanked him quietly because you did not understand his language. Viking weddings were not very different from other weddings.

Except for the sexual celebrations. You were quite horrified to see men and women freely intimate. Erik seemed to notice, because he stroked your shoulder to comfort you.

Erik gave you a silver mare and some perfumes, which you suspected you should wear later. You thought you and Erik were having your wedding night in a cabin, in private. But when he took you on horseback to a meadow, at night, you turned pale.

"Here?" You questioned, even though you knew he wouldn’t answer.

Erik frowned slightly and tilted his head gently. He let the meek mare graze away.

"Lawn." He pointed and it was all Erik said.

You looked at the flower-covered lawn. It was summer, but the thought of consummating the act in nature...

"Do you speak my language?" A ray of hope shone in your face.

"No." replied Erik. That disappointed you.

"But do you understand me?"

"Yes."

"Can you just say yes and no?" You asked disappointed.

"Lawn." He repeated, as if he justified that he knew how to say three words in your language.