make a citizen out of you

Víðarr is deceptively soft, and rather squishy. A man who likes to eat, and who is proud to be well fed. To be a bit chubby is to be wealthy, a display of the fact that he hasn't skipped meals. There's also the protection that the cover of fat brings, anything to keep the teeth of predators and foes alike away from his vital bits. A robust, chunky man-- dad bods are very in, from where he stands. That, and there is plenty for the girl to sink into and hold onto, and he can keep those he loves warm.

"You have no need to prove anything, my lamb." He murmurs, the words gentle as he speaks. "Do not accept judgement or criticism from anyone you would not go to for advice." Víðarr doesn't stop rocking the child, listening as she continues. He stays quiet while she cries, though he leans down to brush away some of her tears with a gentle dab of his paw. Ah, this was Strai she was speaking about. Víðarr does his best to withhold judgement, feeling like he may know where this is headed. What catches in the viking king's mind, too, is the idea that she would like to fight.

"If you would like to fight, then we will turn you into a warrior that will make the valkyries proud." There is pride in Víðarr's gaze as he looks down on his granddaughter. Though her pronunciation is shaky, the viking king knows exactly what she means. The confidential nature of his mother tongue... and for good reason. It's a long moment before he speaks on the matter of the boy, trying to arrange his words carefully. "Du är för värdefull för att bli illa behandlad." It's with finality that he speaks. The words are firm, weighted as a warning and a promise, but a reassurance as well.

"When I need guidance, I look to the gods. Would you like to come pray with me?" The offer is gentle, and he doesn't loosen his grip on the pup. Perhaps getting up and moving would be helpful, after getting a clearer picture of what the girl was feeling. Though Víðarr isn't the best with emotions, he hoped that offering his coping mechanisms would prove useful. Best he could do was try, right?

"Víðarr"