Ingrid embraced her father and Brynjar took the opportunity look down at Elska who kept her gaze forward. She was refusing to acknowledge him and a subtle grin rose on his face. It was interesting watching the exchanges between Jorvik and his two surviving children. Their relationship was far different than the one he had with his father and brother.
"You seem awfully concentrated on a point in the distance." He murmured barely moving his lips. Elska watched as Jorvik pulled away from Ingrid and mounted his horse.
"I'm trying to determine that if I ignore you, would you simply disappear?" her words were sharp despite their low volume and Brynjar began to chuckle. Her face was impassive and smooth and he had to admit he was impressed by her self control. He had to give her more credit than he originally had. If his plans succeeded then perhaps she wouldn't be a dull companion.
Elska's eyes darted to Tyr and Ingrid as they stood close to each other. It was a bittersweet sight. Without Ull the two looked off balance. The two were comfortable with each other as was indicated by the jab to Tyr's gut. She saw as Ingrid pulled Tyr's hand to her own and was tracing his hand. To anyone looking it was random and a sign of affection between the brother and sister. Elska knew it was a private way they communicated and it made her wonder what Ingrid was thinking.
Brynjar hardly noticed the pair as his posture stiffened with the departure of his late father's guests. Now he no longer had them depleting the stores or tainting the blood of his people. A part of him knew it was a bit hypocritical to think as now Lelinus was tied to their own, and if Brynjar had any say in it he would be tied to Elska. It didn't matter though. Right now it was all about causing discomfort and inflicting pain with as much subtly as he could.
"Lady Elska," he turned to her and she reluctantly took her eyes from her closest friends to look at Brynjar. She felt dwarfed next to his bulk and prayed he never got her completely on her own.
"What can I do for you, your Majesty?" the snip of her words prompted him to step forward and invade her personal space. The look of alarm that crossed her face achieved his goal.
"Would you join me later today, perhaps this evening, for a ride? I want to show you parts of my kingdom. I have a well mannered horse I think that will fit you perfectly." It was almost laughable since they both knew it wasn't really a request but rather a demand.
Elska pursed her lips tightly. "It would be my honor, but don't even think of saddling me with a palfrey mare." She challenged him and he gazed down at her approvingly.
"No?" Elska was a gently bred woman despite her Fjellborg blood. She wasn't the fighter like Ingrid was. Yet there was a hot burning fire beneath her cool facade that Brynjar wanted to tap into. "Then perhaps I can show you the stables now, and then you can pick out a mount suitable for your needs." He suggested.
The thought of extra time spent with him that wasn't necessary made her feel sick. However, if they were riding later in the day she needed to have a horse with spirit and hopefully strong legs incase she had to escape Brynjar. She thought back to the horse she had left at home and suddenly wished she had him there. Byrdain was famous for their warhorses. She had heard stories of the beast--rather, the demon--that Brynjar took into battle. Would that be the same horse he would ride later?
"What do you think?" he prompted when she had been lost in her thoughts.
There was not much for Elska to do at the moment and she didn't want to risk any extra time with Tyr--though her reasons for that were vastly different.
"Very well, let's go." She submitted. He offered his arm and she reluctantly accepted it.