What does it mean to be a Drengr?
If you'd listen to any number of Skalds, Houscarls, or the common warrior they'd tell you the same thing: A mightily courageous warrior allowing the waves to smash against them and remain undaunted. These waves are figurative but their meaning, of course, is well received by my people. Any raider worth their axe sees themselves as the Drengr. Some are slain thinking so, some realize they never could or will be and turn to the drink. A few achieve it though, and one I knew, albeit briefly, has left us. Good luck to her and Tempus guide her steps.
As I continue to exist and, dare I say, thrive, in these lands many such reflections like the Drengr or the weavers of fate strike at me. Friends and allies fade away or are taken too soon. Those left behind are left as well to pick up the pieces and consider the worth of it all. One such friend and I spoke just last night on such matters. Unusually sullen he said something that very few consider asking themselves. He asked "Do you forge your own way, Ljot? Do you see value in your existence here, or are you enslaved to the land you came from?"
I answered him truthfully as I do with any who have my respect. This place, "The Core", has given me more value and life than I had the right to expect from my previous life. A lost daughter, withered marriage to my Jarl, and my torture led me here. That here is where my real life began. He seemed to value my answer and I feel our bond of brotherhood strengthened after our talk.
As he trundled away to contemplate our shared words I contemplated more of his. We can't guarantee our future and the value it will have. Nor, as he said, should we cling so desperately to the past we see no value in any else. Instead, we should see the gift of the present. That gift which we are given the chance to take with every breath, that frjálsi, is what matters. So stand strong, Drengr, stand and let those waves crash amongst us. Where others fall we will remain.
It is our duty, our gift, and we mustn't squander it.