War Games:
noun
• A military exercise carried out to test or improve tactical expertise.
• A simulated military conflict carried out as a game, leisure activity, or exercise in personal development.
Verb
[With object] (War-game) North American
• Engage in (a campaign or course of action) using the strategies of a military exercise: there seemed to be no point war-gaming an election 15 months away.
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Alexandra sat in the middle of her bed, her eyes closed as if lost in some deep meditation. She soon heard the conversations on the beach near her. Knowing she had been transported to another time. She kept her eyes closed, listening to the earth around her. Soon a hand rested on her shoulder.

“It’s time for the ritual sister.”

She opened her eyes, seeing the land as it once was. She looked to the long haired man standing beside her, his hand extended to her. She took it, clasping her hand onto his wrist. Ragnar pulled her to her feet, smiling. She nodded and followed behind him, down to where the other warriors stood. A woman walked to each of them, carrying a large wooden bowl. They would wash their face in it, then spit into the water, before blowing out each of their nostrils. And so on and so on, until every Viking warrior had done so. It was “sharing” the salt of each brother and sister at arms. Alexandra looked around, noticing she was the only woman. She took her turn, before handing the bowl back to the woman and nodded. Then was brought the bowl of blood, the men ran it in the hair over their ears and down into their beards. Alexandra dipped her fingers in, drawing lines on her face much like Native Americans did their ‘war paint’. This was the Viking way.

Each warrior had done so, and many rituals continued on through the night, the battle was coming at dawn. Much reveling was to be had before the dawn was come. Alexandra however did not partake. She followed the winds to the edge of the water on the beach, where the fires raged on. She could hear the others festivities and still, did her heart not want to partake. Ragnar Lodbrok and Rollo Lothbrok came to stand on either side of her staring out over the water.

"Up onto the overturned keel. Clamber, with a heart of steel. Cold is the ocean's spray. And your death is on its way. With maidens you have had your way.” Rollo spoke into the night

“Each must die some day!"

Ragnar and Alexandra spoke in agreement with him. The three spoke out the war cry, it was a hymn of their heart. Their brothers and sisters who reveled in the night, let out a loud cry in agreement with their words. She would hear those words for the rest of her life, during every great battle she would fight. They were words of power, Vikings fought with their heart and it was their strength.

“Without a woman at our side, we are sure to lose.” Ragnar spoke to them, mostly to Alexandra.

“Many do not believe a woman is fit to fight at the side of the bravest warriors of our time.” She spoke back to Ragnar, who laughed at her words.

“No finer woman to fight with my brothers and I than you.” Ragnar nodded as he spoke, pointing to the crowd who revel in the night under the moon. “They believe in you, child of the moon.”

Alexandra nodded understanding his words more than anyone elses. Ragnar was her brother in battle, Rollo as well, those sitting on the hill above, lost in the joy of reveling believed that she would lead them into the greatness they deserved. Rollo embraced her and spoke.

“Sister, tomorrow we walk onto these sands and face an enemy, one who’s strength we do not know. But I believe in us all, and I know, we can be victorious.”

Alexandra nodded to Rollo and they clasped hands, his hand on her wrist, hers on his. They nodded and he soon left Ragnar and Alexandra alone, still standing on the beach. Her eyes still scanned the horizon, as if she was the watch, however she wasn’t. She stood, ready to fight. Ragnar placed his hand on her shoulder and turned her to him.

“Sister of the moon, you need rest. Let the others watch, and before we march down here, I shall wake you.”

Alexandra nodded, looking him in the eyes. They turned and walked away towards the hill.

~Scene fades~
OOC: To be continued in Solo part 2