#arseling

10 YEARS OF THE LAST KINGDOM

song inspiration + favourite platonic relationship

Here we are finally with the third chapter!

this one took me sooo long it was exausting, i really had lack of inspiration hahaha. Finally this tow idiots are going to actually DO something! i'm sorry nothing exciting happend in the prevoius chapters but I really enjoyed the introducing process and wanted to make it as clear as possible.

as always I hope you all will enjoy the new chapter and will forgive me for any error you may find beacause, still, english is not my first language. Also toward the end of this chapeter there migh be some cringy stuff but those are for the sake of the story...so bare with those as well, thanks!

Enjoy!

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Another couple weeks had passed from the night Leofric and y/n had talked and explained themselves. Since then, y/n had begun to reach for her guard more, wanting to catch up the time wasted staying inside her house. She wanted to go for rides in the woods or explore her childhood home and the fields nearby, going for walks in the near village… basically doing everything she wanted to do since her arrival but avoided to in order to stay away from Leofric. Being always accompanied by the warrior had its perks: they ended up spending a lot of time together, getting to know each other and get acquainted. Uthred and Mildrith had left some days prior, but he didn’t miss the change in Leofric mood and was happy his friend seemed more at ease.

Leofric didn’t realise how being near the girl affected him. they talked a lot; she was very eager to know as much as possible about his life as warrior and he was always happy to satisfy her curiosity, but as they became more accustomed to one another, even when they stood in silence together it was comfortable. He felt like she wasn’t really his lord daughter but a friend and started to get comfortable around her, looking at her like someone he truly cared about, a friend.

She too had noticed how, when they were alone, he was more relaxed and the usual frown that adorned his face went away. He allowed himself to be more informal around her, making sarcastic remarks and snarky jokes like they were actual friends; finding out she was able to reply with just as much humor. Both were glad of the familiarity that grew among themselves. But for y/n was hard to think of him only as her friend/guard when, every time she looked at his face smiling or laughing, the only thought that emerged in her mind was how handsome he looked, and this left her wavering.

Leofric too felt torn as they grew closer.  He couldn’t help himself but to admire her. He already knew she was full of virtues: kind, intelligent, witty. But as they got closer, he found out she was not just a beautiful lady whose smile enlightened his days and everything that surrounded him; she was also smart and compassionate, resourceful and brave, always ready to explore or learn something new, generous, always patient and extremely well-read. She never acted with superiority or scornful around him though, like most ladies did. Deep down Leofric had realised he was not just smitten over her, he was falling for her, hard. He couldn’t allow himself to admit it though, not only for the social distance and the consciousness they could never be together but also because he felt unworthy of her. He was a rude man, a simple soldier who belonged to her father just as a cow did, he lacked manners and had witnessed and committed atrocities he wished she could never even imagine. Before her he felt a brute, worse than a heathen. Nonetheless when they were alone together, he tended to forget all those very concrete obstacles and let his mind wander.

 When they went to the local village and someone she knew approached them he couldn’t help but got a bit more tense, almost defensive, if it was a man. He realised that she was kind to everyone she came across but for the warrior she appeared a little naive sometimes and he feared someone could take advantage of her and Leofric didn’t like the idea.

There had been an occasion when Loefric had lost control a little. He was in Winchester, with lord Odda, young Odda and y/n had reached them some days after their arrival. Odda had instructed Leofric to escort his daughter around the city and in the palace when the warrior was not busy with the king or his lord. Leofric was more than happy to oblige, his acquaintance with the girl had grown most valuable for the warrior in the pasts days. He knew the city was more dangerous than the countryside and was just happy to spend more time with the lady. He had just been dismissed from the council and was heading outside, when he spotted lady y/n in the garden been approached by Aethelwold. The young man was a constant bother for Leofric and he wasn’t thrilled by the idea of him disturbing the peaceful lady, so he got closer; just in case.

“How pleasing to meet you here Lady y/n! It’s been so long since the city had been graced with the presence of Lord Odda beautiful daughter” Aetherlwold begun approaching her. “Good evening lord Aethelwold” she replied politely “I was wondering if you would do me the favour of joining me sometimes for a walk around the city, or just to let me spend some time in your company while you’re visiting Winchester. It would be good for us to get to know each other better…” y/n looked at Aethelwold puzzled, not sure if she understood the young man intention clearly, she noticed Leofric nearby and was relieved by his presence, “I don’t think to understand you lord…” Leofric had heard Aethelwold and became more wary, already guessing his intention and noticing y/n seemed a bit uneasy. “It would be a great benefit for the future for a young lady to get to know her future king and husband” Aethelwold said moving closer and placing a hand on her arm. Y/n eyes widened at that, “I don’t think I understand you lord, the new king Alfred has just begun his reign… and lady Aelswith is very healthy…” she tried to reply distancing herself. Leofric felt blood rush to his ear watching the scene. Something roared in his chest, not only for Aethelwold’s idiocy but seeing lady y/n being treated in that way by a man so beneath her had the warrior see red.

Before he realised it, he got between them shielding his lady from the weasel and pushing him to the ground “It’ll be wiser if ya stop speaking treachery and harassing ladies or I’ll have the pleasure to arrest your idiotic arse” “I thought your duty was to protect royalty not to attack them Leofric” aethelwold tried to respond getting up “I’ve been instruct to escort the lady y/n on her staying in Winchester to guard her from street rats like ya”. Leofric barked then he turned to the lady “m’lady are you alright?” he sounded concerned and gentler speaking to her, she smiled at him and nodded “yes, thank you Loefric, could you escort me to the lady Aelswith for the prayers please?” the warrior nodded, and they walked off.

Saying y/n was relived from Loefric intervention was an understatement; he was the only person she wished to be there to help her. Nonetheless Aethelwold words left her a bit concerned. “Loefric… did my father ever spoke of- my… ehm…” she didn’t have to finish the sentence for him to know was she was talking about. He tensed a little, having to think of her marriage stung him.  Leofric knew she would have to marry, eventually, but he avoided to think of it as much as he could. It was foolish of him really to even wander of the possibility of her staying unmarried at her father house where he could keep seeing her everyday and have their horse rides and chatter for the rest of their days. But again: he couldn’t help himself on the matter. He was falling for her, heavily, furthermore as they get to spend time together.

They had stopped walking by then and he looked down at her. She was looking at him, a bit of apprehension in her eyes. “Not that I know lady, but if I know anything I’ll tell you… and be sure: your father would never bethrow you to that morron” Leofric reassured her, not while I’m still breathing. She nodded and then smiled at him “thank you Leofric”, then she entered the chapel where lady Aelswith was waiting for her.

Once returned to her house in Devonshire y/n kept thinking about Loefric. They didn’t get to spend much time together in Winchester, aside from when he defended her with lord Atherwold they bearly saw each other. He was always busy with Alfred or her father and she spent most of her time with Lady Aelswith. She missed the company of the warrior; he didn’t have the manners of a nobleman, and could be often considered rude, but he was always respectful towards her, and she didn’t mind his blunt behaviour. She would have preferred a loyal and honest man who could be a bit harsh from time to time rather than a courteous one who will turn out to be a weasel. And as y/n got to know Leofric she discovered he was a kind heart and a smart man even if uneducated, he made her laugh and make her feel safe.

She was aware of the feelings developing inside her heart and often felt despair thinking about the fact that nothing could ever become of them, knowing she would have to marry and leave her father’s estate. But she couldn’t help herself to think about him and recall the night they met. Indulging in its memory and fantasizing about a life where she really was just a maid who could hope to be court by a simple warrior and live a simple and happy life together. She knew someday she will have to say goodbye to her childish hopes and feelings… but for the time being she was thankful her father hasn’t given any signs of a hypothetical marriage for her. She wasn’t sure her father wanted a nobleman for her marriage but surely, he would never allow a union with a peasant, even if he very much respected Loefric and trusted him.

Tow more weeks passed before her father returned home and even then, he would only stay for a couple days before returning to Winchester. As soon as she got the chance y/n mentioned that she needed to get something form the market the next day knowing her father would have sent Loefric with her. She really wanted to spend some time with him, so she didn’t complain. The next morning when y/n went to look for him, he didn’t complain either, having missed her company, and was gladly escorting her to the market, enjoying their usual chatter and the familiarity the were accustomed to by now.

When they arrived at the market she went on with her errands and Leofric waited for her, always keeping an eye on her. Not that anyone would dare disturb the daughter of Lord Odda in his own village, but just in case. As they were leaving y/n was approached by a young man, Frig, he often tried to approach her with some lame excuses or just by starting a conversation with her. It was obvious he was trying to court her, and it was just as obvious she didn’t reciprocate the interest. Several time she had tried to deter him, discouraging him, even replying in a rather rude way, for a lady, but he appeared to be clueless toward her hints, he was almost encouraged by them, maybe hoping that his perseverance will be rewarded someday. At the beginning Leofric was suspicious of him but now he just pitied the lad.

As usual Frig approached her with a smile handing her a flower, which she politely accepted “How’s your day going lady?” “Very well, thank you Frig” Loefric was just a few steps away and could see she was a little awkward since she really didn’t know how to reject him without being rude anymore. “I was wondering if you would fancy to a walk in the woods or to ride together sometimes” “he suggested and Loefric saw y/n sigh heavily “I don’t think it could be possible, you know my father don’t let me leave the house unguarded” “then maybe I could come by to get you-“ “I’m afraid that also is not possible, he only trust Loefric and really won’t let me out of his sight. I’m sorry but now I really should get back home” she quickly excused herself and started to walk away followed by an amused Leofric “but you’re heading to the woods!” he observed “I’d like to take a longer path!” she responded still walking away “then I may escort you” he replied “I’d enjoy some time by myself” “but you are not alone!” he practically shouted the last sentence and y/n pretend not to have heard that.

“That wasn’t a very lady-like performance, lady” Loefric noticed, clearly amused, as they reached the woods. She sighed “I know, but he just won’t let got! I don’t know how to make it clearer” they looked at each other and laughed “I have to say that is very amusing to see the poor lad struggle but maybe you should free him of this misery” she groaned at his comment “I know… but let’s not talk about him anymore” she looked at their surroundings and instantly looked more relaxed. “How was your staying in Winchester?” she asked him, “Nothing exciting, we’re still monitoring the Danes movements, some boring meetings… usual stuff… lady Aelswith pestering everyone with the commandments and reminding everyone she meets to pray… not even Beocca is that relentless about it” “it sounds like you miss the tedious job of guarding a little lady like me” he fell silent at that.

During his saying in Winchester, Leofric had reflected a lot about their relationship and had come to understand that, even if he wanted to be as close to her as possible, it would have been just more dangerous for both, for her, as more time passed. Loefric worried that if they became any closer, he would have eventually been unable to hold his feelings and offend her. “Sometimes I fear it is that y’a know?” he replied absentmindedly “I won’t be worried until you say you miss lord Uhtred” she teased him. Y/n was still looking at the woods, they were near a river she often visited. She really enjoyed the peace of the place and during their outing they often spend time there.

He looked at her and understand he could no longer go on with this. “Lady y/n I have talk to you about something.” She then turned to him with a quizzical look “During the past months it has been a real honour to serve you and became closer to you, but I’ve come to the conclusion that I can not be your guard anymore.” “Leofric what are you saying? Has my father changed his mind?” “Is not that lady, I just can’t serve you appropriately anymore” “is there something wrong? Don’t tell me I’ve tired you out with my walks in the woods warrior Leofric” he smiled at her tease “it’s not that lady…” “then what is it? You’re worrying me, I’ve come to count you as my friend now Loefric and really would like to understand if there is something wrong I might have done to upset you so much that you may wish to stop being my guard…”

She was now closer to him, facing the warrior and looking at him with her impossible sincere eyes and again he felt immensely vulnerable under her gaze. Leofric took a deep breath and looked beyond her like he would do talking to his superior

 “Is not that lady. Ever since we met, I’ve been attracted to you. As we’ve become closer, I developed feelings for you, and they grew ever more as we’ve got more accustomed, fiercer by the day. I’ve tried to contain myself, out of respect for your father but most importantly for you. But I worry that if I keep being as close to you as we are now, I’m afraid I may not be able to contain myself anymore. It’s been an immense honour to be your guard and friend but, as I said, I’m afraid I cannot do this any longer. I fear to offend you, by speaking so plainly, but it’s the right thing to do. I tried but I cannot help myself but to be smitten by you; and to think that you will eventually marry some other lords like is expected is an unbearable torture, even knowing is inevitable. I’m sorry but I must be honest. I will ask your father not to be your personal guard anymore and to be sent away so that I may never offend you again and in order for you to live the life you deserve-”

Leofric probably had never talked so much so fast in his entire life; and before he could finish his monologue, he was cut of by her. She was listening at him intently and when she understood what he was saying, she felt immense relief washing over her. It seemed that the warrior was too caught up in his claim to notice the growing smile on her face. So she raised on her tiptoe, cupped his face and kissed him.

He froze, not realizing right away what was happening. When he, finally, understood he was so overcome by ease and utter exultation he wrapped his arm around her and lifted her up returning the kiss with great passion.

 Time around them seemed to stop and when they parted, after quite some time really, their eyes expressed absolute relief and adoration for the other. “Do not fear warrior Leofric, your feelings are well reciprocated” she whispered caressing his scarred face. He smiled, twirling her in his arms and kissed her again briefly. “That was very un-lady-like of you, little lady” he grinned “and that was a big speech for a bear” she replied with a matching grin “what will we do with your father then?” she sighed “lets wait for a while before we tell him anything” “and what’s is to tell?” “That we’re courting obviously” she stated playfully rolling her eyes. He agreed with her.

started this last night - def a WIP - some are just for season one, so far only s1 characters in here!! but i’m going to be adding to this as my rewatch continues. HMU if you’re playing and want a drinking buddy!! ((i am aware it is Sunday so i will also reblog on Friday))

•“Shield. Wall” - take a drink

•Uhtred fucks - take a drink

•Alfred a lil slutty sinner - take a drink

•Beocca covers for uhtred/vouches for him - take a drink

•“Arseling” - take a drink

•Uhtred gets baptized - finish your drink

•Major death - take a shot

•New hair do - take a shot

•Brida is a pain in the ass but is right - take a drink

•Whenever someone baths (they each shower like once a year) - take a drink

•Face tattoo - take a drink

•“Uhtred son of uhtred” - take a drink (so the beginning of every episode lol)

•Aethelwold is drunk - take a drink

•Beocca gives amazing advice - take a drink

•They play tug of war - take a drink

•Leofric side smile- take a drink

•Brida put a branch in anyone’s ass - take a shot

•Earl Guthrum is interested in Christianity- take a drink

•Leofric is in the scene but gets no lines cause the writers are stupid - take a shot

Hiii, this is my first time posting something I write. I want to apologize first for all the typos and incorrect grammar you will definetly find... other tha that I hope you all can enjoy this little fic i write on Loefric from The Last Kingdom because THIS MAN DESERVE MORE APPRECIATION! I will probably base a series on this, just for the fun of it, we'll see--

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They were finally approaching the tavern where they’ll spend the last night of traveling before arriving at y/n’s father estate in Devon.

It had been a long time since she’d been home, having been sent to her mother’s relatives when she only had been 10 she didn’t get to see her parents and brother much, only when her father wasn’t busy serving the king and had some times to travel with the rest of the family to visit her, which wasn’t often.

In the meantime, almost 10 years had passed, her mother family had try to find her a suitor to marry but no one had fulfilled the only condition she had set: that her future husband had to be as an honourable man as her father was known to be. Therefore, her relatives had sent her back to her parents hoping they’ll have a better luck at finding an appropriate match.

Y/n was exited to be back home, she missed her family and she knew that the problem of her suitors would be put off since she had always been most cherished by her father, thereby she hoped he would not be so eager to send her away again any time soon. Arriving at the tavern for the night her only thought was to enjoy the last night away before she would have been stuck in her family’s estate away from most form of entertainment.

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Uhtred had left his house with Mildrith because word had reached them that the younger daughter of Lord Odda was coming back home. Since she and Mildrith used to be very close as kids, his wife wanted to go greet her childhood friend and Lord Odda had sent Leofric to escort them and help along the way. Given that Mildrith was at the begging of her pregnancy and felt often sick and tired, even if lord Odda’s estate was less than a one-day travel away from Uhtred house, they decided to give her some rest and spend the night at a tavern along the way.

They arrived at the tavern as it was getting dark and as soon as they got off the horses Mildrith excused herself and retired to rest, leaving the two men with all the evening to fool around and drink. With some luck Leofric would have even found some company for the night when Uhtred would return to his wife.

Y/n had travelled with two maids one of which was an old, and really strict, lady. In hence Y/n and the other maid, Eloise, had conceived a plan to escape her supervision at night if they wanted to stay up after supper, which was not rare… they would pretend to go to sleep when the old lady suggested to and wait for her to start snoring to sneak out. During supper they’ve seen some men playing instrument in the country yard of the tavern and the girls where hopping to enjoy some music and perhaps get to know some interesting people, having discovered during their journey that alehouses were often flooded with such people.

When they were finally able to escape the old maid the country yard was already quite lively, musicians were playing their instruments and some people were dancing, some were laughing, it was a warming sight, given all the recent bad news of the Danes raiding everywhere.

At first the girls danced a bit and then decided to order something to drink and enjoy the rest of the evening peacefully. Y/n had noticed a couple of men at a table, one looked like a dane but was quite handsome the other looked more like a bear, for his size and also because he was frowning most of the time, they looked an unusual pair but seemed good friends nonetheless. She caught the tall one staring at her more than once however she as well found herself looking for him, there was something that made her feel drawn to him, like she was supposed to know him… After Eloise came back with their ale, they started looking for a place to sit but it appeared to be none except for a bench at the table where the tow men were. Y/n felt a bit hesitant at the realisation but proposed Eloise to approach them anyway.

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“If that’s how Saxons approach women there’s no wonder you’re still on yourself” Uhtred teased Loefric, he’d been staring at a girl for as long as they’ve been at the tavern, “’s not that, I feel like I’ve already met her but can’t remember when…” the other grunted “well you could just approach her and ask if you tow already met, before you scare her for staring all night, it could also be a good way for you to find company for the night” Uhtred teased and Leofric glared at him “are you drunk already? Thought danes could bare more than jus a couple of pints” “what? Like you haven’t thought about it”

Leofric didn’t replied hoping the arseling would eventually stop. He wasn’t wrong though, the young lady was quite fair, with long blonde locks that shined in the torch light and a bright smile that often enlightened her face; she was wearing a simple dark red robe, like a maid, that enhanced her figure nonetheless. She looked like she was the same age as Mildrith so she must have been younger than the warrior. It seemed that she was in the company of only another maid, a girl with brown hair that seemed a bit shyer than her. There was something very familiar in her expression and her ways that kept him from stop staring at her, but he really couldn’t pin point what was it… “Looks like she decided to face the bear and ask you to stop creeping at her”, said Uhtred.

While they were talking the two girls were making their way towards them. “May we sit with you lords?” the brunette girl asked as they reached their table “if you are brave enough, is not every day to see two young ladies alone on the road” Uhtred answered as they sat in front of them, Loefric didn’t say anything and just hold into his cup “is not every day to find a saxon warrior and a dane drinking like friends in an alehouse neither” the blonde girl replied “friends 's a strong word, may we ask how come you ladies are here all alone?” Leofric questioned “it wouldn’t be very wise to reveal our business to stranger men. You should at least present yourself” the girl replyed “fair enough: I’m Uhtred of Bebbanburg, ealdorman of king Alfred and he is Leofric, we are escorting my wife to see a childhood friend, but she’s resting at the moment, now you know who we are” “very well… I’m Catlyn and she’s Eloise, we are accompanying our lady to see her family” “and where is she now?” asked Loefric, the tow girl exchanged an amused look “she’s resting, she’s a bit old and wouldn’t really be pleased to see us like this” said Eloise “oh really?” “yeah she’s cranky old lady who’s never happy about anything” y/n huffed.

It was true, her other maid, Catlyn, was always complaining, especially about how y/n’s behaviour was not very lady-like. “She must not be so please by your behaviour then girl, talking to random men and drinking beer like a farmer” Leofric pointed out making y/n laugh “no, but when she’s asleep we like to get to know the people in the taverns we’re staying. So: tell us something interesting” “have you take us for your entertainment of the night? That’s very bold for a simple maid” Leofric teased and y/n flushed making Eloise grin “is just that the life of a warrior must be way more interesting than the one of a simple maid” y/n replied leaning forward to Leofric who sat across her and making him laugh amusedly “as you wish then lady”.

The rest of the night was spent with Uhtred and Leofric sharing stories of their adventures, even if after a while it was just Loefric trying to impress y/n with the wierder stories as Uhtred watched him make a fool of himself while he sipped his ale and said little. Eloise had left them a short while ago to go to sleep. Leofric seemed very pleased by the attention he was receiving and pretty much ignored everything around him except for the young lady in front of him. It has been a while since he had any kind of interaction with a woman and he felt intrigued by her; not only because he still couldn’t figure out the familiarity she inspired him but also because he’d found her really charming other than beautiful. He was entranced by her and, if he hadn’t been so caught in his own mind, he would have noticed how she was as equally captivated by the soldier, playfully swooning at tales of his feats and flirting with witty remarks. This whole situation left Uhtred very amused and so he decided to not interfere in his friend doing and left them on their own.

Loefric noticed that by then almost no one was left in the country yard, it was getting chilly and he could see her shivering little, maybe after all he will have company for the night… “we should head inside, it’s getting late” he proposed and they got up. She felt a bit tipsy as she wasn’t really used to ale. As she stood up she realised that the man was much taller than she imagined, she barely reached his shoulder and felt to lean onto him as they approached the tavern’s chambers. He subtly led her to the room he was staying in hoping to size his chance. As they were getting closer to his door, she stumbled on something and he caught her by the waist, now they were facing each other and she looked so delicate in the dim light of the hallway.

She looked up at him and noticed the permanent scowl on his face had left his features. With that gone y/n had to admit he indeed looked handsome, even with all the scars on his face. She had found herself considering that multiple times during the night while he shared his stories, having to admit he was growing on her and that now that they were so close y/n felt even more drawn to him. She knew she wasn’t behaving like she was supposed to, but he thrilled her and she couldn’t find the strength in herself to stop it. He was towering over her and reached to put some hair behind her ear but he didn’t remove his hand, caressing her cheek lightly. She felt her heart thumping loudly and her face turned red once more. He was looking at her intently and, even if his eyes were unreadable to her, she found tenderness in his gaze.

Unconsciously they got closer “you ‘aright girl?” “yes…I-...” she was unable to finish her sentence because before she realised Leofric had cupped her cheek and lean in to kiss her. At first they both remained still, either not unsure of what to do, without even realizing what was happening, they both reacted and started to grab at each other. Y/n reached to wrap her arms around his neck while his other arm embrace her waist and pull her closer to him. It was rough kiss, filed with want and enthusiasm. Y/n felt she should have stop it, a lady wasn’t supposed to act like this, but she couldn’t care less. She wanted him and she felt intoxicated kissing him. It was her first time doing something so reckless and the feeling was exhilarating. Now her back was against the wall and his hand were roaming on her body. They were heavy and rough gripping her hip and pressing her into him. He lightly bit her lower lip causing her to part her lips, he slip his tongue between them and heard her release a shaky moan and tighten her arms around him. She felt a tingle in her stomach and like her skin was burning.

They both knew next thing to happen was entering his room but just as they were reaching his door someone stepped in the hallway stumbling on something. At the sudden noise they broke away. Y/n felt it was the right time to slip away before she could do something foolish and while Loefric was turned to see who it was she quietly entered her own chamber.

Leofric turned to check who it was and saw Uhtred bumping in to a wall. Leofric glared at his friend “what? Did I interrupted something? I had to piss!” the dane asked. Leofric noticed then that the girl had left him and he felt he really could have killed Uhtred. “I swear arseling I will kill you”

PERIOD DRAMA APPRECIATION WEEK | Day 5: Favourite Dynamic | Leofric & Uhtred (The Last Kingdom)