Ivar likewise has come to rely on Alfred's company. Now that he knows what having a friend is like, a great fear is losing him, or doing something to alienate him so far that Alfred wants nothing to do with him.
Fortunately, Alfred seems to have the patience of a saint, so even going as far as Ivar tends to do hasn't managed to push him away just yet.
He tries to read the expression on Alfred's face, but the English king has turned away from him, preventing Ivar from seeing what he's thinking. He doesn't want to hurt Alfred by worrying him more than necessary. When his pacing brings him close to Ivar again, the Viking's fingers close gently around his friend's wrist to make him stop. "I don't want to leave you, Alfred. But fighting is in my blood and I cannot deny it."
His thumb rests lightly on Alfred's pulse point. He can feel the heartbeat present there just under the skin. "Pain is something I deal with every day. A little more or less doesn't bother me anymore."
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Fortunately, Alfred seems to have the patience of a saint, so even going as far as Ivar tends to do hasn't managed to push him away just yet.
He tries to read the expression on Alfred's face, but the English king has turned away from him, preventing Ivar from seeing what he's thinking. He doesn't want to hurt Alfred by worrying him more than necessary. When his pacing brings him close to Ivar again, the Viking's fingers close gently around his friend's wrist to make him stop. "I don't want to leave you, Alfred. But fighting is in my blood and I cannot deny it."
His thumb rests lightly on Alfred's pulse point. He can feel the heartbeat present there just under the skin. "Pain is something I deal with every day. A little more or less doesn't bother me anymore."