Re: A history lesson "But if the Emperor wills it... we can not disobey. We are his sons. Loyal to the end."
Thor shuddered visibly at that statement; every time in the past when he noted his many resemblances to Ragnar now became tainted by this one likeness. 'Tis as if I removed a malignant growth from my body and now the excised flesh talks to me.
"The Wolves of Fenris may not massacre humanity, indeed you hath shown yourselves to be its only true protectors," the Asgardian stated. And in that you show you need not accept the cowed servitude you hath embraced. The parallels with his own situation were too obvious at that moment.
Tears ceased to fall from his eyes now; the shiny trails began to dry in the heat of the blaze. "You seem proud to bear the blood of the Allfather within you, Ragnar," he began quietly; the Asgardian did not rasp or shout nor was his facial expression one of anger. "Tell me how you'd feel if your veins were filled with the blood of a man who committed unspeakable atrocities?"
Thor's voice grew less tentative as he asked that question; the inquiry seemed to fade into a platform to tell a saga. Yet the thunderer paused and waited for Ragnar to give assent. The last thing I wish to do is bring him to more rage.