#halfdan fic

I was stomping my way through Kattegat, people would jump out of my way, but one man kept following me without me even noticing. The brother of King Harald Finehair, Halfdan the Black, a man that has worked with my father and eldest brother, a man I've heard so many stories of, and admired since I began my own stories. I've heard he's been asking questions about me, and since the first stories that are told are my torture stories then I'd say it's good he wants to hear more. I'm opening my cabin's windows when I see a shoulder poking from behind a tree. I quickly grab my bow and arrow, shooting the tree in warning, and to my shock Halfdan jumps from behind with his hand up with a sly smirk on his face. I watch his every step as he walks across the field getting closer to the window.

"Why are you here?" I ask imitately.

"I heard of this cabin, and saw you coming out here. I thought I would get a look at your weapons." He seems to be speaking truthfully.

"Behind a tree?" I smirk at him as I lean on the window.

He seems to stagger a bit, but when I point to the door he walks inside. He eyes all the weapons I have hanging on the walls, but stops at my baskets of snakes.

"I tend to collect different snakes I see on my walks." I honestly tell him.

We get comfortable talking about the different weapons I have made or in the middle of making. He helps me finish the arrow shooter and advance another weapon I had. We tell stories as we work, mostly raiding stories, his England times, and I give him my details of my nickname sake. The way we move together is like we've been with each other for years. Once the sun starts to set I roast some meat and potatoes as we sit on the palette I have made of blankets and pillows.

"I still don't understand why Galco is your name. Why would a mother name a gorgeous girl like that?" He waves around the bone he has in his hand.

"My name is (y/n) Halfdan." I laugh. "People just call me that since I started torturing people." I take the plates away as I laugh.

"(Y/n) is much better." He compliments, standing up. "I'd much rather call you that." He's standing against my back now.

"Halfdan, you know my brothers will kill you if you continue to try this." I informed him.

"Love, do you think.." he runs his hands on my waist to connect them on my stomach. "I care about your brothers when I have a goddess like you in front of me." He softly kisses my shoulder, causing me to lean my head back. "I want you as mine (y/n)." He whispers to me as he moves his hands along my body. "I need someone who thinks like I do, who can handle my ways." He turns me around to face him.

"Halfdan, I take words seriously. If this happens then you are mine." I grab his arms so I can lean into him.

He deeply kisses me while he pulls me against his chest, and all I could do was move my hands to hold onto the back of his shoulders. Everything moves so fast as he pulls my dress off to me pulling his clothes apart. He slowly lays me onto the palette with a hand behind my head, and his arm around my waist. His lips move around my neck, shoulder, down my chest, and once to my breast he licks my nipple in circles. I hold onto the back of his head not really feeling anything in my body other than heat, and shaking.

"Halfdan please." I moan out as he kisses down.

His head goes in between my legs using his shoulders to keep them out of his way. I've never had a man do this to me before, and I'm angry at every man I've been with for not doing this amazing thing. I couldn't stop moaning his name loud, and having my back shoot up into an arch. He keeps moving his tongue around, but he adds his finger into me. With his finger curling up, his tongue circling around I tighten my legs around his head and cum so hard making him groan as he gets everything. As he stands on his knees he wipes his mouth, but his eyes stop me. They were almost black with a primal look, like he was claiming me completely just for him. I let my legs rest on his hips as he leans over me with his hard cock slowly entering making me gasp, but he kisses me as he bottoms out. I hold the back of his head with one hand, his side with the other as he starts moving. He rests his forehead against mine with a groan while I moan out. He grips my hip as he goes harder.

"Halfdan!" I yell from the stretch I've never felt.

"Mine" He groans, his head falling into my neck.

He starts pounding away like he lost all self power, and is letting everything go. I can't even begin to think of how good he feels from the non stop cumming. He lifts my legs higher to his shoulders making him go so much deeper than before. He's holding onto my hips using them to help him pound into me. My body arches as I let out a loud moan, but as I feel my body shake he groans loud.

"Fuck!" Halfdan finishes deep inside me with a tight grip on my hips.

He lets my legs fall as he slowly pulls out of me causing a surprise gasp to leave my mouth. He gives me a smirk as he leans back down to kiss me, and lay down next to me. I'm so relaxed my eyes won't open, and his body is so warm I don't want to move.

-Next Morning-

"Love, I have to get going." I'm woken up by Halfdan whispering into my ear.

"Then leave, why must I get up." I smirk at him.

He rolls his eyes before kissing me, rolling over me as his hands cage me to the pallet. He kisses around my face, neck, and down to my chest. He gives me a soft smirk as he stands.

"You have to get up, because I know your brothers will be looking for you if you aren't at breakfast." He holds his hand out to me.

"Ugh. I wish they'd let me be." I grumble as he helps me stand, but pulls me to his chest.

My naked body against his clothed body just makes him feel so much warmer than mine. He holds me by my lower back.

"I could always just take you with me. You'd be left alone… for the most part." He grabs me tighter causing me to laugh.

He gives me a last hug before leaving. I smile to myself as I lift my dress from the floor, but I almost lose my heart when an angry Ivar comes crutching his way into my cabin.

"Halfdan?! Have you…no no I know you've lost your mind!'' He yells pointing at his finger in my face.

"Ivar I'm a grown woman I don't need your approval. Now leave so I can get dressed in peace." I move to the small wall I have off to the side.

"Grown woman who's stupid enough to pick a man that won't actually care for you." He leaves once he realizes I'm not going to respond.

Not long after I'm about to reach the great hall when a body is thrown from the doors. Ubbe, Ivar, and Sigurd are glaring at the slowly moving body.

"You can beat me all you want, but (y/n) do as she wishes." I hear Halfdan tell my angry brothers.

"Well let's ask her ourselves." Hvitserk decides now to come outside, making everyone turn to me.

I can't move. I just look at my family, and then to the man I've actually felt normal with even before yesterday. He would always made me feel like a normal girl that liked a man. My brothers eye me like I'm some villain. Ivar shakes his head at me, because he knows what I'm going to do. He just doesn't know where. I give Halfdan one last look before bolting away from the great hall to the stables. I mount my horse, and push my poor girl as fast as she can until I reach the past the small river. I dismount to guide her into the water, going up the river, and getting out at the waterfall. I then ride my horse only a few miles til my father's cabin comes into view. This is the cabin he stayed in while he went into hiding. He only told me about this cabin, and I only come here for my moons.

It's only three days until we leave early for England. I'm glad I keep supplies up here. I know this seems cowardly, and Halfdan probably feels betrayed by me just leaving him there beaten up. I don't even understand why I ran. I just can't believe everything just flipped over night. One night my brothers, except Ivar, would eye me like I'm an angry dog that's one movement away from attacking, but now I'm their fragile little sister.

-Three days later-

I ride slowly into Kattegat with my head high as people point, and whisper about me, gods only know about what this time. I give my horse to the stable boy, and walk into the great hall as everyone is giving one last cheers to the gods for safe travels. I speak to no one as we load the boats, and set sail. I do keep looking over to King Finehair's boat to see Halfdan look over from time to time. I wish I actually talked to him, but I know he wouldn't want to speak with me.

As we get to England we start to build camp immediately. I'm helping with my tent as I looked over to see Halfdan move trunks of weapons to tents. I roll my eyes at my little girl act, and get to work. That night I swear I hear walking near my tent opening.

As I wake up, and get ready I find a new piece of armor that goes over my shoulders on the ground. I quickly strap them on as I walk to the front of lines with my brothers. Ubbe hugs me like always, giving me a quick nod, Hvitserk smirks at me from his spot, Sigurd touches axes with me, and as I step to Ivar's horse wagon he rolls his eyes at me.

"Don't die with those off-made weapons." He says as he ties his gloves.

"Don't worry I'll be close to protect you little brother." I laugh as he snaps his head to me.

"Ten minutes you awful…" He grumbles to himself. Cursing the Gods for giving him a twin.

Northumbria is an English kingdom my father spoke highly about, and since King Aelle is the one who killed our father we thought it'd be better to kill him first. The closer we march the faster my heart pounds the more I want to run ahead. The moment my axe makes contact with the Saxon's sword I get hit with my childhood of my father teaching me. The faces my father would make at my strength, at the precise strikes I'd make. I catch myself laughing at certain points in battle, and then laugh harder at myself.

Everything seems to stop once I hear my Viking family cheer I'm victory. I smile around catching my breath, but I'm spun around. Halfdan pulls me into a Saxon home, throwing everything on the ground, and putting me on the table. I grab hold of the table as he rips every strap in his way until he can finally push himself inside of me making me moan loud. I could only hold onto the table as Halfdan grip my hips in a bruising grip.

"You are mine." He grunts in my ear. "Think you can run from me, and act like I'm not here." He pulls out of me to quickly turn me around.

He enters me roughly again making the table scratch against the floor. He grips the ends of my hair to pull me up to have him bite my neck.

"HALFDAN!" I scream out as I shake against his body.

"What is it, love?" He mocks.

I keep moaning out as he grips my body in rough, tight grips. I can't gather any part of myself, but when he deeply groans with a final push so deep I get a sharp amazing feeling as he finishes inside me. He leans against me as we take deep breaths, and just cling to each other.

"I'm sorry I ran. I got scared with everyone looking at me." I tell him honestly.

"I know. I was going to wait until later, but I know your family's plans. I couldn't wait." We laugh at his last statement.

(Actual detail blood eagle)

He helps me tie everything in place in time for my brother's to collect King Aelle. My brothers Ubbe and Hvitserk tie him up as Ivar and I sharpen the tools we will use. Sigurd takes the first as Bjorn opens the great King open for me to crack his rib off. Ivar completes the rest, so Hvitserk can raise his arms to spread open more. We left him on the spot they dropped our father. We are joking like old times as we ride back to town where we set our new camp.

"So you and Halfdan?" Bjorn asks.

"Yea (y/n) him of all people." Hvitserk mocks.

"I don't think I could ever explain to you how I feel or how things are. However the Gods gave me a strong man, and I'm not going to question it." I laugh as we get to camp, and I go to my tent to bathe.

I have some of the girls help me with the water as I try to get as much of the blood off as I can before getting into the tub. I use some of the oils I found, and groan from the hot water. I can actually feel the knots untie along my back, some of the scars I have sting a little. My mind races from how battle went, what is to come, but I'm stopped with thoughts of Halfdan. I feel the water start cool, so I get out. As I wrap a linen around me Halfdan sneaks his way inside, making me stop in motion. He stops once he gets a look at me, and just falls to his knees.

"Goddess." He grumbles looking from my feet up to my eyes.

"Halfdan, get up." I laugh, but I'm stopped when he grabs the linen.

"I can't believe you are mine." He moves the linen over me to dry me off.

He helps me dry my whole body leaving soft kisses from my ankles as he rises to leave a long kiss on my lips. I smile at him, but when we hear my maids coming he tells me he'll see me at the celebration before running out.

I smile to myself as I walk into the celebration dinner in the town center. I'm about to sit next to Ubbe at the table when I hear Sigurd tormenting Ivar again, but something makes me snap my head at Ivar. He quickly grabs his axe, and throws it at Sigurd. I somehow grab it before it hits Sigurd. Everyone is quiet until Ivar crawls away with a shocked look on his face.

"Sigurd, I swear you never stop you torment. Next time I'll let him kill you if you don't learn to keep your mouth shut." I tell throwing the axe on the table.

He stands with a scowl as he steps closer.

"You're just defending him, because you know I'm right. No one, but other cares for him." That did it.

"Step back." I warn.

He comes closer with his hands reaching for his sword, but I stop him by putting Ivar's axe to his throat. Ubbe stands, but I give him one look making him sit back down with his eyes on his plate. I slowly feel a warm hand slide around my waist, and the other grab my wrist.

"Breath, love. He is your brother." Halfdan whispers to me as he takes the axe from my hand.

He slowly moves me from my brother's tables, and puts me in between him and King Finehair. I glare at Sigurd as Halfdan places a plate of food in front of me.

The rest of our time in England Sigurd stays away from me even though he and Ivar have made up. I will not tolerate him disrespecting me like he thinks he can with Ivar. I catch myself glaring at him as I help Halfdan pack up.

3rd pov

Ubbe watches his sister grow more and more dark toward Sigurd as he keeps being Sigurd. Even at her wedding to Halfdan. She doesn't even acknowledge her brother, Sigurd as he makes jokes on her life. She just whispers to Ivar, Halfdan, and her new King brother in law. It wasn't until (y/n) became pregnant that Ubbe understood what they whispered about. As (y/n) told her brothers of her new gift from the Gods Sigurd tried attacking her in her sleep the night before she was supposed to leave Kattegat to go to her new home in Norway. Ivar was waiting in her room to protect her, and (y/n) and Ivar killed Sigurd.

(Y/n) gives birth to two boys of perfect health, naming them Eirk and Egil. Once she is back raiding Ivar is king of Kattegat and tries to set up an attack on her, and her husband while they are planning to raid England with him. She ends up killing Ivar late at night, becoming Queen of Kattegat. Only to give birth shortly after to a girl, named Helga. She ends up giving Kattegat to Bjorn, so she can go home to Norway. Over time King Harald gives his kingdom to Halfdan when he gets too old, and still doesn't have sons. She dies with her pet owl watching over her howling as she goes to Valhalla to see her husband who died in the battle of Norway to keep our land from the Irish.

Him. Again. Plain and simple, your boyfriend had finally done it this time. This time you meant it when you left with a swelling right eye. This bar just happened to be the darkest one you had come across and by God, you needed a drink and fast.

"What'll it be?" A napkin in place of a fancy coaster is slid in front of you and you look up. A deep pair of inquiring honey-brown eyes are searching your face, waiting for both an answer and explanation.

"Oh, uhm, strongest thing you have. Top shelf, please." You're already beginning to gather the money needed to pay for this liquid therapy. A snort of a laugh makes you look up suddenly though, frowning already at the attitude.

"Lady, top shelf here doesn't exist, but I know just what you need. Tequila, straight up with a splash of lime. Trust me."

He wasn't condescending in tone but in your fragile state it still made you both frustrated and teary eyed. You quickly wipe at your eyes and flinch at the contact. "And a raw steak as well..." you mutter under your breath and put a $50 on the bar counter.

"You wouldn't want that either. Again, trust me." He laughs from his belly this time and nods towards the lame kitchen doors. "Food here'll give you poisoning faster than the drinks."

This gets you to smile small and thank him for the drink, "keep 'em coming. I'd rather not feel this tonight."

Taking the money from you, the man pauses for a better glimpse under the dim lights. They're enough to hide from but he knew better. "You runnin' from this guy?"

Shaking your head you take a gulp of the harsh liquor and hiss, "I wouldn't say running, exactly..."

"But?" He holds up a finger to an already drunk man down the way, signaling that he'd have to wait just a minute longer.

Another gulp, another hiss and you look into his eyes, "I need to get away. I need to hide and this place seemed the perfect fit for that. No offense meant, by the way."

He shakes his head with a large grin forming on his lips. "None taken. I'm Halfdan, by the way."

"Interesting name." you begin with your own introduction to the strange man behind the bar. You take another gander and only then do you see that his face is covered in an intricate and intriguing tattoo. The ink was slightly faded and looked to be a shade of blue... or was it black? In these lights the details were easily blurred into obscurity so you just shrug off the color and continue with your drink, noting that Halfdan had left the bottle on the bar. He'd left to help another patron with his needs.

With him helping the drunk male you take it upon yourself to grab the bottle and fill your glass up, smiling to yourself as the liquid courses through your system. Your eye would hurt like hell in the morning, but for now you were content.

"Mark, I told you, you're at your limit." Halfdan swears under his breath as he walks back to where you're sitting and raises an eyebrow at the bottle plopped in front of you. "And you..." He begins slyly, playfully taking it back and grabbing another, stronger tequila. "This is what you'd rather have, I'm guessing."

You finally omit a laugh and nod with enthusiasm, "what happened to no top shelf?"

"That's mostly for people like him," he points with his head, the hair that sits to only one side oglf his head swaying with the movement. "Mark! Go on, get!"

The two men have words and as Halfdan jumps the bar to escort drunk Mark out you watch his build. Slim was the first thing you notice, his tight black t-shirt clinging to his sweating body. Dark blue jeans cling to his hips legs. You stare a moment longer at his ass before raising your brows in appreciation, turning back to the alcohol in front of you.

-------‐---------

"So you've been with this guy 6 months, think it's true love, he's jealous and finally he beats you?" Plopping a peanut into his mouth, Halfdan blows out a breath and shakes the hair from his eyes. "Shit."

The bar is empty now and the time is late. You both have been sharing the bottle of tequila and have moved to a booth. It's shabby, torn and red in color but it's much more comfortable than the stool you'd been sitting on before. A small bowl of peanuts sits in front of you that's being shared and you snort out a laugh now.

"In a nutshell," a peanut is held up with a smile, "that's what happened." And into your mouth it goes. Halfdan watches the movement with wry fascination before he talks again.

"You deserve better than a raw steak on your eye, ya know." He motions with a finger the the very piece of raw meat that he'd gotten out for you. Noting how brown and out of date the steak had been though, you politely had rejected.

You both take a shot and wash it down with the juice of half a lime, licking salt off of the opposite hand and laugh together at the synchronization of your actions.

The old jukebox plays a slower song and you sigh, closing your eyes and letting your head fall down and you groan.

"Ahh, nope. I don't think so, not on my watch." Halfdan slams his hands on the booth table and stands up, swaying slightly. "C'mon then, darling, let's dance the pain away. I'm not good at it but I'll try."

You take his outstretched hand and stand as well, walking with the taller man to the so-called dance floor, laughing at the scuffed linoleum. "I'm sure you dance fine." Your words slur and he wraps his arms around your waist, bringing you close.

Your own arms wrap around Halfdan and his chin comes to rest on your head. The room sways with both your movements and the alcohol. A tear or two slides down your cheeks as you think of how nice this strange man is, far more kind than your ex-boyfriend.

"Halfdan..." you begin and as you move to look up, his glossy eyes catch your own. He looks from your eyes to your mouth and back again. The though crosses your mind as well and with so much of the liquid courage flowing through you both, you take the first move and kiss him.

He breaks away first, standing away from you now with both hands up in surrender, "I don't know..." He mutters your name and shakes his head before you take full control. Lightning courage has you in its hold as you close the distance.

"For some strange reason, Halfdan the Bartender... I trust you. Make me feel good. Better than I already do. Please."

He heaves a sigh and takes your hands in his, leading you to the door at the front, where he locks up, turns back and motions to you to follow him now, dropping your hands.

There's an upstairs to the bar hidden in the kitchen with slim, creaking stairs. A door stands in front of you as Halfdan works the locks, opening the stained door to a rather lovely living room.

"So," Halfdan admits sheepishly as he scratches the shaved side of his head, "Welcome to my place. Let's get comfortable."

-----------

Time feels like it rushing on by. Feels like the gods are rushing time just so the wedding is sooner than I want it to be. It’s been a week since we arrived in Tamdrup. Nothing seem to happen. Trained with Edda. I have not seen Halfdan nor King Harald, they are busy getting ready for another scouting trip. 

While making a simple soup for dinner, I turned to the sound of someone entering through the door. Leif heavily steps made their way to the table. He started to discuss multiple topics about his home and his father. Soon the soup was finally done. 

We sat down and as I took the first bite. I felt Leif’s hand on my right shoulder. I stopped eating. I looked up to him and smile, “Are you both enjoying the soup?” Asking hoping that would make Leif stop. But I was wrong. 

His hands slowly went up to my neck. I could feel daggers stabbing my skin, I look at Aesa as her eyes sharpened. “It’s delicious y/n.”

His hands went from the front of me and down my back. As he wanted to pull me closer, but he was interrupted when someone knocked on the door. Leif pulled his hands away from me and went to open the door. A man stood outside stating that he needs to speak with Leif. Leif nodded and stepped outside.  I begin to eat again without an distraction but before the spoon could hit my lips. Aesa scoffed, “Y/N...” We looked at each other, “I was Leif’s first wife.”

“I know that Aesa. I can tell you’re upset at me, but I am just following what my father wanted.”

Aesa face turns around. Her face went from a frown to a disgusted and snarked back, “Why don’t you want to marry Leif, my husband. He is a great Viking.” 

My eyes widen and mouth fell open. I am confused by this woman. 

I left abruptly. I felt so much pressure when Aesa stares daggers at me. As if she wanted to cut me down right then and there. I found Edda in the market 

We took a stroll through the woods away from any ears. I explain to Edda about what occurred with Aesa not so long ago. “I am confused and concerned. She does not make sense. Her mood changed in an moment, it was difficult to keep up with it.”

“I over heard that Aesa used to live in Tamdrup. Her personality is off settling and can snap at any moment. Jealous of most to all woman that are close to her lovers. You heard of Aesa threw an axe at Halfdan.”

I nodded. Edda continued, “Guess they had something before she married that oaf, Leif. Clearly it did not end well... but y/n.” Edda smiles, “You’re happy about that.” 

I sigh, “Edda, please stop.”

“I can not...” Edda smiled disappear and her eyes filled with symptom, “You have a different look when he’s around. Nothing I’ve seen before. I just...maybe after sometime after your divorce with the earl. You can get with a better Viking. One that doesn’t already have a crazy wife.”

We walked in silence as we headed deeper into the wilderness. I do not know how long that will be...before the end. It’s to strengthen the bond of the two. King Siverr has no children yet and is not willing to marry another, so the duty was past to the Earl whom is willing to take another bride.

The moon begun to rise higher and higher. I and Edda went our separate ways. I headed to Leif and Aesa lodge. Right after I entered. I feel a pain spread across my cheek. What just happened?

I whine quietly, inhaling a deep breathe. My eyes look up to Aesa with her hand readying once more. Another smack, whacks me on my other cheek. I grab and pull Aesa’s hair back hard. As she leaned back, closing her fist ready for a punch. She struggle to reach me with it, but she grabbed me and drove her elbow into my nose. I push her back a good distance away.

We both breathe heavily. I feel the blow that hit my nose, the pain finally reveals itself and I feel droplets leaking from my nose.

Aesa begins to state, “I do not like you, not even an piece of you. How can you call yourself Norse but you can’t even defend yourself. Everything handed to you! Right Y/n.”

I grab a rag off the table before I rush out the door. I held it to my nose. Feel the blood gush from it. Pain slowly fades but only a little. But my whole body hurts. I have no where to go. If I went to Edda. She would ask questions, and if she found out what happened...there would be a fight between Edda and Aesa and then everything would be a mess.

Edda did say once mead helps pain go away. I bought a few jugs of mead, I found my away from Tamdrup, not too far though, upon a hill. I begin chugging the mead. I’m loosing my ability to walk straight but I still found a place to sit down in the dirt. 

I am a good distance where I can drank away the pain but still see the people below as I lay more into the ground.

Time slowly passed back, I hear distance voice. I turn my head to see a group of men walking out of the woods and down the hill that I am currently on. My vision is blurry due to how much alcohol I consumed, but I make out that one familiar Viking. That I wish to not see me like this. Why are the gods playing with her life?

I grab the rag that is mostly covered in almost dried blood and I attempt to rub the dried blood that is under my nose and lips. I whine, it still hurts.

 I glance upwards to the men, we lock eyes for a brief moment. Halfdan steers his direction over to me. I turn my head away, I am embarrassed and wish to not explain what happened earlier on. 

I hear his voice speak in a stern tone, telling them to go ahead. I hear the dirt shuffle beneath his boots. “What happened Y/N?”

“Ah well...” I thought I was hiding well. I try to think but who can think quickly in a drunken haze. “I... fell against something. I thought drinking away the pain, but it still hurts.”

He shakes his head. He takes the rag and spits on it. Wiping the dried blood away. “There none anymore, it’s all gone. You shouldn’t be out here alone when it’s getting dark.”

“You are right! Why don’t you sit with me Halfdan. I won’t be alone.”  I can not think clearly at the moment. I speak the first thing that I thought of.  My mind has became foggy.

I open my eyes to see Edda sitting in the bath. I push myself off the bed, “Oh, look. You’re awake.” Edda laughs as she head leans back. 

I rubbed my eyes, “What happened.” My head feels heavy and my body is aching. 

“A few things. Stop drinking so much you are a fool when you are drunk. Found you pulling Halfdan. You’re lucky I saved him from you. You never acted like this with anyone. Even when you drinking. You desire him! Sexually”

My widen my mouth open, I am puzzled. “I do not Edda!”

“You can deny that Y/n.”

I sit up and sat quiet. When we first meet I felt a bit drawn to him. I don’t believe it. I can’t believe it.

Edda smirked, “If you looked at Halfdan...he has a reputation of being wild and cruel, but his face when seeing you drunkenly pull him. It looked like he had not idea what to do. It was a sight to see.” Edda left out a hardly laugh. 

I bury my face into my palms, “No, no, no don’t say that. How am I suppose to show my face to him now.”

Edda’s laugher quickly died and the room got tense. “Y/N... you have to be careful. Some people take advantage of weaker people. Us, Vikings take advantage of weaker people. You should not show weakness against anyone. I can continue to train you in combat again.” 

I nodded agreeing with her. I think it would be best to learn to fight. I only know the basics but I need to know more. The world is too dangerous.

A day later. I was awakened by Leif stating that his brother just arrived at the docks. I push myself off the bed and rub my face awake. Earl Leif’s younger brother, Narfi, is in Tamdrup. I didn’t know he was coming. This actually will be my first time meeting Narfi. 

I got up and dressed, quickly doing my braids, before Leif, Aesa, and me head to the docks. As we walked Edda comes up next to me, she gave me a look as if she was reinsuring me. 

We watched as Narfi helped others unload the boats. I could clearly point which one he was. Being the tallest and looked much like Leif. He’s much taller and mightier than Leif. His blonde hair shaved at the sides and his braid long. Longer than Harald’s braid. I can tell that Narfi carries himself highly.  

Narfi grinned coming up to his brother. Pulling him into a brotherly hug. 

Leif smiles, “Come, allow the thralls to do that. Meet King Harald.” 

Narfi looked over to me. Our eyes meet, I quickly look away from his gaze. His presents seems different from Leif’s but wasn’t good. 

Walking into the mead hall after them I see Halfdan leaning against the pillar, drinking and speaking his brother. I just want to flee instead of letting him see me. I feel myself cowering behind everyone. No I shouldn’t...I going to be brave. While Leif introduced Narfi to Harald. I took a few deep breathes and walked over to where he now stood.

“Halfdan...I just wanted to apologize to what happened. I feel so embarrassed ” 

Halfdan begins to laugh. The delightful sound hits my ears. My heart heats up almost like a fire. 

“You’re fine, It was interesting. Was surprise that you acted like that when you have so much mead in you.”

“I do not usually drink like that.”

“You drank because of something. I saw blood on you...are you clumsy drank?” 

I sigh deeply turning to look back at the room. Seeing Aesa hanging onto her husband. “Yes I guess I can be a little clumsy at times.”

For the pass two weeks. Nothing happened, trained with Edda, worked on getting stronger to wield my sword, but we mostly focused on blocking. 

Leif caught up with his brother. Leif stated that he hasn’t seen his brother in a few years. He been traveling around Norway. While Narfi has been here, he been making friends and acquaintance with Tamdrup’s citizens. Which is nice, seem he can become friends with others easily. He seem to make Tamdrup like his home. 

Narfi seems to respect others. Take others intakes and helps others when they need it. Even yesterday he helped me cook and clean, he is truly a kind gentleman. Narfi is the better half of their father’s sons. 

It’s middle day and the outside air was breezing through my hair as me and Edda headed to the market. We need more spices and herbs for tonight’s supper.

As I was looking through the different herbs at one of the venders and discussed more ways to train with Edda. We heard shouts and cries coming from a distance away. Before I could process what was happening. I see people running and screaming. A angry group comes into the market area covered in blood. Slicing anyone who is in their way.

Edda grabbed my hand. I dropped everything I had and she pulled me away from the chaos. Twist and turning. She yanked me in many directions. I don’t know where we are at the moment. I turn around to see if we were being followed but I was not being pulled anymore and my body pushed against Edda’s a little.

I face forward once again to see why we stopped. My skipped a few beats seeing a group of the raiders. They inched forward at us. We stepped back. Edda held her sword wary of each of the 4 men that was backing us up into a dead end.

Edda slowly removed her other sword from its holster and gave it to me. “It’s going to be alright Y/N. But only if we give it are all. We live or we die here Y/N.”

I take one last deep breathe, before the men start rushing at us.

Two ran at Edda. While a shorter one lifted his sword at me, and brought it quickly towards me. I do my best to dodge his sharp looking sword. I swing my sword to the right then to the left. The man blocked both of my attacks.

I need to focus. Either we make it out alive or we die here on this dirt ground...I think what they would do with us if they capture us alive. Edda told me many times before...if I am captured alive. Find something sharp and end it.

I will not be be defeated. I am not weak! I wipe my sword at the man’s leg, he blocks it. I use my dominant leg to kick the man’s right leg. Before aim my sword the leg I kicked.

He blocked it once again but my tip of my blade pierced his knee cap. He yelps out in pain. Before grabbing my hair and easily tossing me onto the ground.

My sword lands in front of me. I try my best to get off the ground.

The man grabs my hair again. He’s words fall off his tongue like venom, “You are Leif’s to be. You haven’t been fucked either. You are a pure woman. I can change that, I would glad be to take you right here and right now. I’ll make it last so you enjoy every moment of it.” His tongue found its way onto my ear. 

He pulled me up closer to the front of his face. I looked into his eyes. My hands quickly fiddled with my belt before I pulled out my small knife and lodged it into the man’s neck. I watched as his eyes widened in pure shock.

I fell as he let go of my hair and I push myself up quickly. I see Edda has finished one of the two men she faces and she quickly stabbed the last one...where is the fourth man.

I see the man behind waiting for Edda. His sword ready to strike.

I shout, “Behind.”

Edda jumped slightly to the right. But the blade went straight through her right abdomen. Edda grunted but I know she held her pain in. Not to give the enemy their glory. Edda turned around and quickly turned her sword backwards and shoved it into the man’s stomach. Edda pushed it upwards until the man’s life left his eyes. She let go of her sword and the man fell onto his knees. Edda pulled her sword out of his chest. Before she fell to her knees.

I rush towards her holding her up. I examine the blade, “Edda, it’s okay. Stay away Edda. Please stay away. I am going to bring you to the healer.”

I grab her sword. I lift my friend’s body and have her lean onto me. I wrap her arm around me. I talk to her. Attempting to keep her wake as we make our way slowly to the healer.

Walking through Tamdrup seems the chaos has died down and nobody is around. I see a few dead lying there. Edda can’t die. I need her. Please gods please. Don’t do this to me. Don’t do this to Edda!

We reach the healer. One takes her from me. Another one helps her take the blade from Edda’s body. I cringe at the sight of the blood leaking out of her. I bite my lip, tears wish to fall. I need to stay strong for Edda. She is going to live. The healers begin working.

I step out of the hut. I walk to the side of the structure and slide down the wall. Edda’s sword dropped next to me. My body, my heart, everything is aching. It feels like my world is coming apart! I pull my knees up to my sitting body and cover my eyes. My tears begin to fall.

A few moments a thrall comes up to me. Telling me to come with her Lord Leif told her to find me. To see if I am safe and to bring me to him. I nod and picking up Edda’s sword. I walk into the healer hut and places her sword next to the bed she is current lying in. As the healers still working on her. I grab Edda’s limp hand, “You are too stubborn to die. You are a fighter Edda. Fight through this!”

The thrall brings me to the to the hall. The female thrall leads me in and parts away from me once I lock eyes with Leif. He rushes towards me, pulling me into a hug here. He bends down to my kiss my forehead. I shivered. 

Leif brings me more closer to the front of the hall where everyone’s attention was on. Whispers and shouts were scattered amongst the room. Harald was sitting on his throne while Halfdan was a few steps away from him. I see he had blood stained on his tunic. He look to be deep in though, while Harald spoke to Halfdan. I turn my focus on the man kneeling in front of the throne. He seems to have no reaction, just a simple blank expression. 

Leif breath hits my ear, “That is the leader of the outlaws.” 

Harald shouts everyone to quiet down. I watch as the man kneel soon starts to shake...and begins to plead to Harald. “Please! This was not my doing. I did not plan to over throw you. It was the Viking, Narfi. He wanted to take over Tamdrup and become Earl here.” His cries die down. 

I sense Leif next to me tense upwards. He won’t take this newly information about his own brother well.

Harald shifts a little, he speaks clearly, to a group of men and woman “Go find Narfi and bring him here!”

The group leaves, and the tension begins to rise. Just by being in the same room as the lord he isn’t happy. He is angry for blood, but he knows he can not kill his brother.

He begun to grind his teeth together. I decide to mention Edda’s condition. “Edda was wounded during the raid. We were cornered and she protected me, even after she got wounded, she did her job. The healers are working on her now.” 

Leif eyes widen, “My love...” Bringing me into his body. “I will pray to the gods for a good outcome. She is a strong warrior. You look to be unscathed, only but a small bruises, but you are still beautiful.” Leif grabbed my hand squishing it into his. 

I wanted to wince out in pain. Maybe he doesn’t realize what he’s doing. Due to finding out what his own blood brother did. Leif finally loosed his grip of my left hand. I wiggled my fingers back to life. 

A man came rushing in, shouting for King Finehair, “Narfi has fled from Tamdrup!”

Harald rises, clearly pissed off. 

Leif takes out his hatchet and walks up to the kneeling man, he rose his arm high in the arm before bearing it into the leader of the outlaws neck. The man shouts to Harald, “Narfi is heading to. I can take you there, just-” The man never saw it coming. Leif wipes the blood off onto his tunic.

I lean into Leif, “I am going to check on Edda, I’ll be back soon.”

Leif nods slightly. I hesitate before leaving his side. My gaze rests upon the blonde brother, his eyes were set upon me. I halts in my action of leaving, before my senses are back. I rush away and out of the hall as they discuss their plan.

After I go see Edda, the healer said she did all she could do. She stopped the bleeding. It’s the gods decision to keep her alive. We just have to wait to see if she awakes.

I stand at the hall entrance waiting to walk in. I turn around and watch the sunset.  I want to just start shouting my lungs off. Who knows how long she will be asleep. Only the gods will tell if she will wake up. I trust them. I want to trust them to choose the right decision. 

I sigh out loud and before I take another step, I am yanked backwards and feel a fabric stuffed into my mouth. The person hand held it in position. I yelp as I’m stilling being pulled into an area that empty of passing people. 

I thrash my body in every direction. I reached around for the man’s lengthy braid. I yank it hard, six times. Until I yanked the last time my hand come forwards and noticed a clump of hair between my fingers. The man grunted in pain and loosed his grip onto me. Go now! Run to the hall! I shouted to myself. Getting some sense into me. My legs starts to run, but the man is right behind me.

I shout for help and before I could enter once more the man grabbed me my hair . I yell out in pain as I slowed down, and the man stood behind me, holding a sword to my neck. 

I open my eyes to see Leif, Halfdan, Harald, and Aesa. The three men eyes widen open and watching the man hold me in place. “I have her and come any closer, this sword slices her neck right open. I was only here to bring her to Narfi.” 

Leif draws his sword. Slowly approaching us. My senses are going all over the place. I feel only the cold blade against my neck. Can this day get any better?

I feel the man behind me go limp. Once again his arms around me go limp. I heard the sword drop from his hands and onto the floor. I start to feel something flow onto me, something wet. My vision blurs slightly. I reach up and touches the substance, Bringing it forward to studied it. It’s blood. I wobble and loose my footing. Slipping backwards. 

I land into someone. I slowly tint my head to see the familiar face. “Halfdan.” My vision return to normal. He helps me up and brings me over to sit. Leif brings me a drink. I quickly chug it down, it doesn’t matter what it is. It bringing my senses back. 

 Leif kneeled down to me, whispering sweet things to me, but I didn’t pay attention. I noticed Halfdan wiping the blood of his sword. He was the one who punctured the man through his neck. He’s the one who saved me. This feeling as I watched Halfdan dominated my whole body. I even like this feeling, the feeling of being protected by another someone who I now desire to get to know. 

I turn my focus back to Leif when he states to the two brothers that they need to find Narfi and the rest of his group.

“We’ll leave tomorrow with a group and well hunt him down. Y/N is in danger as well, she should be with someone trusted while we are gone.”

Halfdan placed his sword back into his holster, “I’ll watch over her. Keep her safe for you Earl Leif.” 

Leif nodded agreeing but his grip on my thigh tights, before stands up, “Let’s get ready.” 

Leif helps me walks me out of the hall. “I want to be with Edda for the night. To pray to the gods for her well being.”

The Viking male inhales deeply, “I’ll take you there, but see me away tomorrow.”

I nodding to Leif as I bid him a good name night. Before I enter the structure where my friend is current condition is iffy. I kneel down to her, using my hand to brush away her face that covered her face. When we were kids she always used to watch over when I would get ill. This is my first time seeing her like this...so vulnerable. 

I hardly got any rest last night but I step foot behind the large group who was sending off King Finehair and his men to find the one who was going to take over Tamdrup and defiled their fine king and his brother.

Through the crowd, I see Halfdan standing with Harald. His hair gently being pushed aside by the breeze. My heart begins to flutter. I watch as Harald brings Halfdan into a brotherly hug. I can see they deeply care one another. 

While Aesa comes up next to me. Almost scaring me half to death, ruining the moment. She spat out, “Come let’s see Leif off.”

We made our way through the crowd. Leif sees us and his grin widens. He bringing Aesa into a deep kiss. I turn awkwardly away from the scene. I look over at the two brothers as they were heading over to us.

Leif clears his throat, drawing my attention back to him. “Looking at something you aren’t suppose to.”

My eyes widen and I begin to stutter to find the right words. Leif bursts out laughing, before Leif bringing me into a long hug. I stand there shocked at what is happening. This man is hard to read, but than some days he’s upfront with what he is thinking.

We pulled away as Harald spoke that they are ready to leave. “My brother will keep your wife to be safe. She’s in good hands.” Harald turned from up and up at the crowd and begins his speech to his people of Tamdrup. Stating that they will find him and bring him to justice. He will not live after humiliating Tamdrup. The people cheered and Halfdan stood next to me as his brother hopped aboard the ships. 

Leif was about to step upon the floating device, before he turned back to me. He looks down at me. Before I knew what was happening, his hands grabbed the back on my head and he leaned down. Bringing me to his own lips. My eyes widen at his actions. I stood still, not attempting to make the Earl angry but as his lips moved again my unmoving lips. He pulled away, but before he whisper into my ear, “A farewell present until I see you next.” 

Leif enter the ship and waved to Aesa and me. As I stood shocked and in discomfort. 

“Yes, father,” The boy giggled, now settled on the Kings hip. Yasmin reached out a hand and brushed his dirty blonde hair out his eyes. She would need to cut it again when he was asleep - he wanted his hair long like his father’s but it was growing unruly.

As the ships neared Yasmin’s excitement grew. Halfdan had been away for almost four summers in the Mediterranean. The time had passed fairly quickly, mainly thanks to her son taking up all her free time. He had grown quickly, too quickly, as it seemed like only last week he was still a baby and not yet able to walk.She was excited for the little boy to meet his Uncle.

The blonde viking was easy to spot; On the first boat he stood at the front, his hair lightened by his time in the sun. It had grown, and now he’d styled it into a mohawk braid that ran down the middle of his head, sides totally shaven to reveal his ink.

As the wooden boat came to dock Harald passed his heir to his wife to embrace his brother. Their reunion was much like Yasmin remembered their parting to be - low voices and foreheads pressed to each other.

“I cannot tell you how good it is to see you, brother,” Harald pressed his forehead against his brothers.

“And you. You have been busy.” Halfdan commented, glancing around and noticing how the dock of Vestfold had doubled in size. Halfdan told Harald of his journey there and remarking how cold it was. He was wrapped in fur, his colourful clothes peeking from beneath the bear furs, but it was almost summer in Vestfold.

Halfdan’s eyes caught Yasmin’s, then flicked to the small boy by her feet. She smiled warmly at him as he wrapped his arms around her. They stood in the same spot as years before where’d she cried uncontrollably into his tunic and then for a further three days when he’d left. She felt the tears return to her eyes.

“You look as beautiful as ever.” he breathed in her ear.

“It is so good to have you back, where you belong.” 

“And who might you be?” Halfdan softened his tone, bending one knee to be equal height to the dirty blonde haired boy trying to hide in Yasmin’s dress. His eyes were dark green and almond like hers, and they flicked up to Harald before looking back to the stranger in front of him.

“Erick,” he spoke softly.

“Ah, that is most fortunate then, as I have a present right here, especially for Erick Haraldsson.” Halfdan bought out a small item wrapped in hessian from his furs.

“For me?” the boy asked, forgetting the safety of Yasmin and now standing in front of Halfdan palms opened. Halfdan unwrapped the hessian revealing a wooden carved camel painted in bright colours.

“It is a camel.” Halfdan explained, placing it in the boys tiny hands.

“Car-mel?” The boy tried out the foregin word on his tongue.

“It’s like a horse that only lives in the desert and has two humps, here, see?”

Yasmin looked on fondly as Erick listened intently at Halfdan’s explanation of the desert. He took everything in like a sponge, and was intelligent for his young age. He grasped new concepts very quickly and never forgot anything he saw or heard. 

Erick laughed as Halfdan stood, picking his nephew up with him, following Harald to the Hall. Yasmin trailed behind looking at the three most important men in her life. Her heart soared and her stomach fluttered with excitement. 

The record player sat on a small table with records neatly stacked next to it. A few bottles of already opened liquor rest next to the records and Halfdan reaches for one, half filled with an amber brown liquid and two glasses. He takes his time in filling them as you take a seat on the couch.

It was made in a cheap leather but at least this piece of furniture was well kept with no holes or tears. A glass oval coffee table sits in front of you and you take notice of the bed just off the way of the kitchen. A supreme bachelor studio pad, you note, but clean and you appreciate this.

Before he turns back to you, Halfdan takes an older looking record and puts it onto the player, the needle going down and after a moment; you note the music. Older, a little rock 'n roll and a little classic all at once. The song is happier than what you had danced to and you smile, relaxing.

"I thought we'd switch to a nice single barrel bourbon instead of tequila." He chuckles and hands you the glass, your fingers grazing his as you accept the drink with a nod. He knew his drinks and despite the state of the bar, you could acknowledge, well, his knowledge of things you simply didn't care about.

Small sips are taken as you lean back into the couch, crossing your legs in front of you as Halfdan lets his legs spread with relaxation. One of his hands rest behind his head and with the other he holds the glass steadily.

Watching him from the corner of your eye you take in Halfdan's slim frame, long legs and tight shirt. A stirring in your stomach travels down to your abdomen, a tingling sensation begins in your most intimate parts and you clear your throat to shake it off. Being here now was exactly what you wanted but nerves still made you unsteady.

"Plenty more where this came from," Halfdan sighs as his eyes close, taking a generous sip. "Responsible Lee makes the best bourbon."

You smile at his easiness and knowledge of the liquor and note the caramel taste of the beverage. You continue to watch as Halfdan moves his free hand to straighten out his beard slowly, a sudden, subtle sexiness that makes you squirm in your spot.

He's so sure of himself but lacks the cocky attitude you're so used to. He finally sighs and opens his eyes, turning his head to meet your stare.

"What?" He whispers with a slow grin and leans towards you, "I won't bite..." the sentence hangs in the air with innuendo and you gulp with anticipation.

"Halfdan..." you lean forward, place your glass gently on the table and face him again, "I want you... To make me feel good, for me to make you feel good. I want you, all of you. Now."

He mimicks your glass setting and takes your face into his hands, apologizing softly when he squeezes too hard on the right side. Halfdan's lips whisper over your own before you groan and close your eyes. His teeth nip at your bottom lip in a tease before you take his head into your hands, closing any gap that was there before in a kiss.

Halfdan immediately takes his hands away from your face and grabs your hips, pulling you onto his lap as his fingers trace blank patterns onto your back over your shirt. Your hips roll into his groin, feeling his jeans begin to tighten around his growing erection. His inhale is sharp against your co tinied grinding and he deepens the kiss further, tongue meeting yours in frenzied haste.

The friction and stiffness from Halfdan's jeans causes a small moan to come from your lips and your head drops from the kiss, breathing in a shaking breath. Meanwhile, Halfdan moves his hands under your shirt, calloused fingertips running up and down your back.

You can feel his nose nuzzle at the side of your head, "You wanna feel good? Let me show you what good is." Halfdan grips the bottom of your ass, leans up and scoots forward on the couch. He grunts with the strain of standing up while holding you, your legs wrapping around his waist as you lean down to bite and suck on the tender skin of his neck.

Cursing your name under his breath, Halfdan slowly moves towards the queen sized bed. The sheets are a deep blue and a simple beige comforter adorns the top. It's not neatly made but for the damage you plan on doing it really doesn't matter.

Using only one hand now, Halfdan lowers your body to the bed, standing up slowly after to look you over up and down with animalistic intentions. He kneels down before you on the floor and grabs your legs, sliding your lower hand towards his face.

You begin to undo the button and zipper on your own jeans but instantly feel Halfdan slapping your hands away with a frown on his face. "No, sweetheart, let me."

Your head falls to the bed at the instruction and lift your hips up as the materiel is slid away and off of your legs, Halfdan letting out an almost inaudible groan at the sight of your skin. Your pants are thrown to the side quickly before he tickles his fingers up your thighs causing a heavy breath to escape you.

"Please..." you whimper and sit up for a moment just to take and throw your shirt off.

Underwear come off next and as you relax on the bed you spread your legs slowly, shyly. Beard is the first thing you feel as Halfdan nuzzles your inner thigh, his head traveling further up your legs with small, short kisses placed on your skin.

Halfdan takes his time with teasing you. A nip here and there to extract a back arch and moan, silently pleading with a roll of your hips to meet his touch more. You're almost to the point of begging for his tongue before you let out a loud, animalistic moan.

His tongue finds your swollen clit just in time as Halfdan wraps his hands around your legs, moving each one up to his shoulders as he gets comfortable to eat your dripping pussy.

Your eyes close and fingers grip the comforter, toes spreading in pleasure as you arch your back and plead for him to continue exploring you and he does just that.

His tongue circles your clit a few times before he moves to your inner lips, slowly going down further until you can feel his tongue actually enter you, going in and out as he tastes you fully. It's a brilliant sensation that sends a tingle down your spine as you move your head to look down and meet his brown eyes.

He watches you watch him as he eats you out and you're sure you can see a small smirk on his face. He groans and moans softly as he watches you lay your head back down on the bed, sucking your clit gently.

"Fuck me... now, Halfdan. Fill me." You beg now without abandon. You need this strange bartender in the most physical and intimate sense.

Halfdan immediately stands up and you watch him undress quickly, sensing his desperation to be inside of you as well. Shirt off and it reveals a slim and pale stomach. Pants off and you see the erection fighting his boxer-briefs. Your hand goes down to rub your swollen and aching clit, watching him undress completely until Halfdan is on top of you, looking you straight in the eyes.

"Tell me again... how you need me." He whispers, the scent of you all over his beard and mouth and you roll your hips up once more to his leaking dick.

"Halfdan," you mewl, "I need you. To fuck me right now, so bad baby. So bad."

Immediately he thrusts inside of you, pain at first but pleasure overtakes the stretching around him. His head falls to your collarbone and Halfdan moans.

"Holy shit.... God you're warm. Such a good girl." He growls and bites the skin on your neck, beginning to fuck you roughly without a certain pace.

You have to smile at the comical nickname and decide to scratch your nails up his smooth back and your name is emitted from his mouth followed by a series of "Fuck"s. His hand holds your hip while the other rests above your head as Halfdan looks up and into your eyes.

"Say my name... Please." He whimpers and the sudden vulnerability from this man makes you breathe in deeply.

Your ex only fucked you as a piece of meat, a toy to which his own dick could use and toss away once he came.

Halfdan, though, Halfdan wanted you and you could feel it. You wrap your legs around his ass and drive him balls deep into your pussy, holding him there for a second before he swivels his hips to hit the most precious spot inside of you.

"Halfdan!" The word he wanted and your legs slam down to the bed, head thrown back as he drives into you deep again and again.

"Wanted you all night long," he confesses between grunts, "so fucking pretty. So wet. I want you to cum for me."

You lick your lips in a frenzy before gripping your nails into the skin on Halfdan's back, sighing out a huffing moan. You can feel you're close, you'd never felt like this before with him... the ex.

Walls clenching, sweating from both of you and Halfdan swearing your name like Christ's, you feel a tightening in your pussy, hands gripping his back with the life of you. "Halfdan.... I can't, I'm gonna-"

"Good girl. Pretty woman, cum for me. All over me."

His silly pet names drive you crazy and you do. You cum with intensity all around his penetrating dick, clit swollen with pleasure as your fingers rub over it to ride out your high.

But what about him?

"Halfdan... fill me up. Cum inside me, now." And your teeth find his neck again, biting and sucking to leave a pretty purple mark. You wouldn't be opposed to swallowing his load but tonight you want to feel every last drop this man can do to you.

"Oh, fuck.... gonna cum.... right into your sweet pussy." Halfdans voice is raspy with fuck and you can feel him cum inside you. With a final thrust he buries himself balls deep into your pussy, letting his cum fill you up and leak out around his dick.

He stays there for a moment, pumping in and out in shallow, feverish thrusts. Your name spills from his lips before he pulls out and rolls off of you, settling beside you.

Panting breaths are all that fill the empty space above your heads and Halfdan struggles with the comforter. He rips it out from under your body, throws the blanket over both of you and nestles in beside you.

"Stay or leave. It's up to you, but, I want you to know that I'd love to see you again. And again. And again." He laughs and kisses you gently.

The last thing you hear before drifting off into the safety of sleep is Halfdan snoring quietly into your ear, his arm slung across your side.

-------------

Woman

Still his favorite name for you, when angry or annoyed, after being together for the better half of a year. You had gotten used to that almost instantly, your pride took a lot to break and as harsh as his words bit sometimes, you didn't falter. Of course he wasn't nervous, he was viking, battle flowed through his veins. He was never happier than when he was covered in the blood of his enemies. Never did his laughter ring louder than at the end, victorious again, waving his sword -or axe- above his head. Nervous was the last thing he was but you had to break the unbearable silence.

"So tell me, Halfdan." Pleading, you sit up fully and take his face into your hands. Thumbs rubbing over both cheeks you look into his eyes, searching, willing an answer. You knew it was a stretch to ask about his feelings, but something heavy weighed his mind and you knew it. "Please talk to me."

"Y/N," he grunts, shaking your hands from him, sighing deeply with annoyance. A quick lick of his lips is all the answer you get for right now and it frustrates you to your core. Halfdan was a man of few words, he was an action man, so trying to get him to admit to anything was absurd in thought. He reaches to his mustache, the blonde whiskers smoothing down over his touch and he shakes you off of him completely, standing in a hurry.

"I must take a walk." And there he leaves you. Biting your lip, you take his horn and finish what little liquid is left, savoring the bitter taste. "Bitter. Just like you, Halfdan." You sneer with a small resentful laugh.

The weeks before tonight were a whirlwind of lovemaking, arguing and making love again. Passion was the word you'd often used for him. Passion and fury. When he made love to you, if that's what you could call it, it was filled with an almost animalistic force. Slow and steady didn't register most times in his mind. He would take you anywhere and everywhere, privately or publicly. A crowd never bothered Halfdan, what's his was his and he never got over the thrill of a crowd possibly watching him or hearing you. Only when he was in you away from the company of others was he ever so vocal; claiming you, praising you and for once, loving you.

Ah, love. You lie back and wonder of loving Halfdan. He had said so to you in hopefully sincere words only a few times and each time that's the Halfdan you clung to. You think back to the first time he had said so- "I do love you, ya know"- and the wild night that happened after, with you proclaiming loudly your love back. Putty, that's what you became under his touch, and you still kept coming back for more. He held you deep in his grasp, pulling you back in time after time whenever he felt you slipping. That was Halfdan.

For all the love of power his brother Harald had, Halfdan held so much more. Only his power was not one of kingdoms or riches, it was a power for people, namely, for women. Especially you. Yet you had no power over him it seemed. Words never sunk in and even a slap across the face never registered as anger in his eyes. Did he ever really see you?

Another sigh escapes your lips, tired already even though the sun had just begun to set. To go after him or leave him be was where you were mentally. Too many times had you let Halfdan go away, too often much was left unsaid. Tears had long ago stopped working, even for yourself, so now it was an almost numbing anger you felt towards his moods. Except tonight it wasn't numbing, you actually had quite the headache and felt it in full force. It could be from the mead you had been drinking, draining your body of its moisture needed to stay quenched. That wasn't it and you knew it. No, tonight your headache was bordering on done. Done with his moods, done with his so called romance. Halfdan, again unlike his brother, didn't seem to possess a romantic trait.