Aelfwyn
Aelfwyn Haemundsdottir (a.k.a. Aelfwyn of Torheim)
Aelfwyn is the daughter and only surviving child of Haemund and Fynnda, and thus claims primogeniture for the throne of Torness. This claim is of course disputed by her siblings.
Born in 641, she was the younger sister of Storri and always assumed that he would become King. This matter was considered settled, as her father blamed Aelfwyn for her mother’s death (Fynnda died in childbirth). The relationship was a difficult one, but it taught young Aelfwyn from an early age the importance of concealing her feelings, biding her time and becoming strong-willed.
Two important events shaped the trajectory of the young Princess’ life: the discovery of her latent magical power during puberty, and her arranged marriage in 658 to Tostig Bearkiller, then Jarl of Heortland. She delighted in the former and detested the latter, but bore her fury in silence.
Aelfwyn had been a plain and ungainly child, but once womanhood came upon her she blossomed into a remarkably beautiful and poised lady. Perhaps unsurprisingly, rumors of infidelity circulated throughout the jarldom, causing great consternation in her father and husband. The matter was settled quietly, but rumors of the legitimacy of her children remain to this day.
Following Tostig’s death in battle in 671 Aelwyn assumed the jarldom, and with Storri’s death in 674 she assumed the title of heir apparent. Both infuriated King Haemund, who denounced her for arrogantly claiming them without royal leave. Family business was largely reduced to shouting matches, and a fleet of royal huscarles was sent to remove Aelfwyn from her stronghold at Axefield. The royal forces were repulsed, and Haemund grudgingly acknowledged her claim to Heortland.
Social
Contacts & Relations
Relationships
Legal Status
Widowed
