[ The growl of disapproval was noted, though it might not have seemed so, Floki meant no disrespect to the boy. He just had to be sure, after all, Ivar was still a young child when he'd last seen him! The boy who had changed the minds of Norsemen, he had not only survived but strived in the face of adversity. Their culture was unkind to the deformed or weak, no help was given, it was do it yourself or die and here Ivar was, strong and healthy, Floki felt so much pride to witness him like this.

At the crushing hug and warm welcome, Floki returned the gesture with a hard clap on Ivar's back and a kiss right in the middle of his forehead! ]

I knew you would grow up to be strong, Ivar. You were after all blessed by the Gods, a gift to Ragnar and to us all! Tee-heh!

[ Fingers twitching and wriggling, his arms erratic in their movements, hardly able to contain his happiness. Floki felt down Ivar's arm, feeling his muscles before sliding a palm over the boy's bow. ]

And such a clean shot too. The eyes of a hawk, the strength of the Allfather and looks of Balder! Oh you wonderful little cripple, you!

[The dramatics were in full effect as he spoke of all of Ivar's favourable qualities. From his body language to his facial expression. Then, tipping his head down, brow arched and angled, a sly look in his foxlike eyes. ]

It's obvious what we have to do. We have to sacrifice this serpent, in celebration of our reunion and your health... Ivar, the boneless.